deadset gorgeous

I've yet to succumb to Twilight fever, but I love this shot of the gals that's appearing in Vanity Fair. Delicious isn't it?

i heart it so

I went into the movie with trepidation last night. I was just planning on having a fun night with my friends and immersing myself in the fashion, but found myself falling in love. So many bad reviews and yet, I loved the new SATC movie. I felt it truer to the characters to the first film and with a lot of similar sensibilities to the series.

The first movie had that distracting sub-plot with Louise from St Louis, who, while gorgeous, wasn't what I was there to see. This time it was all about the girls, and most importantly their friendships. As Samantha says, "We're soulmates" and this is proven so many times throughout the film. They guide, they advise, they provide support, they sing, they drink and they laugh - all the things that good friends should do.

And oh, the frocks... DELICIOUS. I love the colour palate featured throughout the film, rich, jewelled hues in the most incredible fabrics.

I felt a little disturbed after watching the first film. I felt like the scriptwriter didn't actually like the characters he was writing about. But in this film the love showed though - and Liza? Legend. So many moments that I'm replaying and smiling - and one killer line from Samantha that will have me giggling on my deathbed {let's chat about that when you've seen it shall we}. If you're a fan strap on your highest of heels {otherwise you'll have heel envy - oh MY!} and run to go check it out. It's a fabulous celebration of women, friendships and fashion - what more can you ask for?

furious love

I am working! {Yes, I've also washed my hair and painted my fingernails Strawberry Electric to go with the Manhattan Cupcakes I've decided to make for sweets for tonight...} But I had to share the following:

This image.

That cape/cloak/gorgeousity!!

His suit!!!

The fact that Elizabeth Taylor is releasing a book of Love Letters between herself and Richard Burton. Bliss.

You know the only thing that would be better? An audio version - remember his voice? Mmmm.

Okay, back to work...

it's only words

Today I'm really hunkering down to work. There'll be no being distracted, just a full-on session dedicated to getting things done. My focus will be solely directed toward this here computer screen and nothing's going to make me swerve from my dedicated duties. Until tonight's girly fest of Sex and the City. Oh MY!

one more sleeeeeeeeeeep

I'm back! Had my zippy trip down and back to Sydney today and got back home in time to take my gal to ballet lessons and fit in a quick shop. I've bought a few items for tomorrow night's Sex and the City 2 pre-movie soiree here - cranberry juice for champagne/cosmo cocktails and pancetta and peas to make risotto {the parfait crowd-pleaser}. We'll be watching the first movie with a cocktail in one hand and risotto in the other, before heading out for a 9pm screening of the new movie. Squeeeeeeee! Now, I just have to decide on which colour nailpolish will go with my cranberry red cocktails - lilac perhaps? Then I once that's settled I can work out the outfit. Decisions, decisions...

outta here for a bit

I've got a working day in the big smoke tomorrow so I'll be up at 6am to be in Sydney by 9am. No posts from me until tomorrow night. Tragically I won't be driving this car, but I am in my new wheels, so that's something to look forward to.

Enjoy your Tuesday x

shark attack

It's always best to end a tv show on a high. Smart people end a show before it deteriorates into a parody of its former greatness. Fawlty Towers, twelve episodes of genius. Ricky Gervais's The Office - two series, a couple of Christmas specials and the best ending ever.

Those who neglect this simple rule, however, become objects of ridicule. Often this moment is called "Jumping the Shark" and now, for your viewing pleasure, YouTube and I are proud to present you with the original, and craptastic best. Go here - at your own risk.

PS: if you find this doll, I'd love one...

shoe boo be doo

Navy blue patent with a daring low side swoop that makes my heart dip and soar. Oh Lanvin, I think I love you. While these shoes are dangerously reminiscent of a pair of navy patent mary janes that were too large for moi and too small for my pal Beth, I just had to post them. I've never had a hankering for navy shoes before, but this season, navy's calling my name. Maybe I've finally been away from school for long enough to be able to consider the colour that made up the bulk of my school uniform. Or perhaps its deep hues are just slightly seductive. Whatever, I like these very much indeed.

Today's a pupil-free day. Again. I swear we've had, oh, I don't know, 200 of these this year {approx}. Today though, I don't really mind. I stayed in bed till 9.30am while the rain bucketed down and I'm pretty sure my gal will stay in her jammies all day. We'll make some lemon cupcakes later on - she's determined to make Julie's lemon diva cupcakes from her MasterChef cookbook.

Oh, and we shan't talk about MasterChef. So disappointed by that sickening high drama last night. I honestly felt ill for a whole ad break after Matt threw the plate on the floor. There've been calls on twitter and realityravings that MasterChef's jumped the shark with that moment - that and the mopping up the salmon roe with Handee wipes. C'mon - you can't show us all the meals but you can show us people mopping up spills with a sponsor's product?

Hopefully they've got counselling available to the contestants, poor Callum looks on the verge of a breakdown. This season the cooking's merely a prop to all the drama - which would be fine if the drama were interesting...

suds up

After yesterday's relentless downpours, today's bright and sunny - perfect car washing weather. So I'm off to detail my car and pop it on carsales. By the way, have you ever considered car washing an erotic activity? Well, judging by the google image search I just did car washing is waaaaay up there. Unusual sunday morning viewing I must say.

Most of the stuff we put out the front for council clean-up has gone - I'm pretty sure that by the time the scrap-metal merchants and junk finders scavange around the council will only need a ute for the pick up.

I've got a lovely leg of lamb with the bone in, and the shank, to cook in the slow cooker at lunchtime for our dinner tonight. Packed with garlic, rosemary and anchovies, mmmmm.

Okay, best put on my best cut-off denims and bikini top and get myself soaped up... Oh, that's right - I'm just washing my car.

happy weekend

Hey, it's the weekend! How's yours going? Mine started with an early morning confirmation that netball was cancelled due to the damned rain - then back to bed. Oh, yes, back to bed. I haven't had a sleep-in since, oh, I don't know, 2005? And even though it wasn't actual sleep it was lying in a cosy bed while the rain beat down on the tin roof. Bliss.

Council clean-up this weekend so we're taking out some stuff, and I'm averting my eyes when we drive past piles. I'm so determined to get rid of stuff and not bring anything new in, unless it's to replace something that's going out.

After a cozy start to the morning with porridge and a latte, I feel ready for anything.

What's on your to-do list this weekend?

happiness

I love a spot of nonsense. This here's cheered me up no end and now I've joined the throngs in love with Jake Gyllenhaal. Bless.

Three words: Hedgehog doing karate.

I'm working on something tough at the moment and needed a spot of inspiration. Thank you youtube for helping me find it.

When I grow up I want to have long, red hair and bangs...

work it, baby

Let me tell you how excited I am about the impending renovation of my study.

Very.

Yesterday we checked out a very pretty desk, not unlike this one and oh, I liked it very much indeed. The elegant clean lines will look perfect on my new charcoal carpet {I am very much leaning that way} and with my pretty iMac perched atop it.

Considering I spend such a huge chunk of my day in my study I need it to be pretty - and I need to shift out all these piles of magazines and books that are awaiting their bookcases. Can't I just wave a magic wand and have it all complete?

heads up

I'm loving SJP's headwear at the London premierre of SATC2. Not loving what's filtering through of the reviews... Oh well, it's a great girly get-together and if nothing else there's fashion porn and Aiden...

Not sure how many reviewers are looking at the film through a fan's eyes though. That's my biggest bugbear - reviewer's who do not take the target audience into consideration when reviewing a film. Sure, tell me that it's well/poorly shot, well/poorly cast/acted/directed etc - but does it hit the mark? Does it do what it's set out to do?

Check out all the rom-coms with huge box office takings and abysmal reviews - is everyone walking out of that film saying how much they hate it? Sometimes we just need a little fluffy escapism - particularly when our lives are hectic and filled with enough drama thank you very much. It's like reading. When I read it tends to be on the light side, preferably on the humorous side too. I spent all day researching articles, other times studying French, and also supervising homework - that's enough work for me thanks, I just want to relax.

So next week I'm frocking up and going into the film with an open mind. Chances are I'll love it...

slowly does it

Do you have a slow cooker? No, well, they're on sale at Audi for a ridonculously low price, it's okay I'll wait...

Got one? Excellent, prepare to have your best winter ever.

I succumbed to the slow cooker craze a few winters ago and have managed, through a lot of trial and error to learn to love this little critter. They take a bit of getting used to, but once you're used to them, beware, they'll make your life so much better you'll become addicted.

Now, firstly:

• You don't need to brown your onions, but you should. Quickly frying your onions in a little oil adds flavour to the dish, and some slow cooker dishes can lack flavour. So bang as much in as much flavour as you can I reckon. After frying off, consider browning your meat. Again, not necessary, but what's a few minutes preparation? If you're pressed for time in the morning, do this step the night before and then refrigerate. In the morning just toss everything in and go about your day.

• Deglaze your pan. Seriously, who would waste those delicious bits? After browning, throw in a little wine or stock {even water} stir all the sticky bits off the bottom and add this to your water.

• Cover your final dish with a layer of baking paper before adding the lid. This keeps the steam nice and close to your dish and stops your meat from drying out. Essential. Always do this.

• Slow cookers don't reduce sauces like oven-baked dishes do. Use less liquid, or toss your meat in flour and cook off for two minutes before adding. Another way to reduce is to remove the lid and turn up to high for 30 minutes before stirring. Sometimes I'll add a little cornflour paste if I'm so inclined.

• Season well. Adding bags of flavour is always a good idea. Meat will be lovely and tender, but I don't know if it's because it's cooked in crockery or what the story is, but sometimes stews cooked in the slow cooker can lack flavour - so always add extra.

• Brown roasts first. My fave slow cooker dish is a leg of lamb, bone in, studded with garlic and anchovies. I'll brown it first {on the bbq if it's too big for a frypan} and then place it in the slowcooker on a bed of very chunky potatoes, sweet potato and onions. Then I'll pour over 1/2 cup of white wine and cook it on low for 8 hours. Just before serving I'll gently remove the vegies {they'll be soft and smooshy} and pop them in a very hot oven for 15 minutes to brown. While this is happening the meat is resting and I'll make a gravy with the juices by adding a little stock, turning it to high and stirring. Mmmmmm.

• Choose cooking on low over high for best results.

• Stay home for your first few efforts - just to see how quickly your slow cooker works. Some of them are faster than others so 7 hours on low will cook a dish to perfection, but 8 hours is too long. Experiment and don't be afraid. Go with flavours and ingredients you love and use it for what it's good for. On a cold, dark wednesday when I get home from netball training at 5.30 I love being greeted by a steaming hot meal that only needs rice or potatoes to complete.

Enjoy!

scroll down

Okay, so this photo is taken at an unfortunate angle that makes SJP and Ferris look like wee tiny bobbleheads... but people THE SHOES. Can you see those shoes? Oh, they are far and away the prettiest shoes I've seen all day. Excuse me, I'm off to fan myself and have a cigarette...

abundance

Mmm, you know the only thing better than a baguette? A groovy old van filled with 'em. Yum. I love this image. It reminds me that even though it's STILL raining, and while I have a sinus headache that makes me want to slice off my forehead, things are good.

• My gal's gone to school with a lunchbox filled with chorizo mini quiche and a violette cupcake {oh, so good - Nigella's cupcakes are indescribably delicious} and a very wide smile.

• I have a challenging and interesting piece due tomorrow that I'm enjoying writing.

• I've finally been paid for the invoice I've been chasing since December {hurrah!}

• We're off to friends for dinner on Friday night for duck confit.

• Sitting back and thinking about the people I've been lucky enough to meet in my life, I know I've been blessed by meeting some of the world's finest.

• My French homework is complete and possibly correct!

• My fingernails are the prettiest shade of blue thanks to Orly Snowcone {from the Sweet Colour Collection - so good}.

• My skin's over its dryness and is now looking mighty fine after two weeks on Olay ProX.

• I'm having a good hairday.

Blessings? Oh I've got them in abundance and I'm very, very thankful for them.

real ark-weather

The rain is so heavy and unrelenting - I'm thinking this here is my best option for the school pick up this afternoon. I've already cancelled netball training again this afternoon - even if by some miracle the rain stops the courts will be under a metre of water.

What's not helping is that along with the poopy weather so many people seem to be going through tough times at the moment. My heart's with everyone - just as these skies have to clear sometime, so does the misery.

I think my gal and I will bake some cupcakes this afternoon. After all, baking makes everyone feel better doesn't it?

love is all you need

roll out the red carpet

Loving the looks all the gals sported on the red carpet for the New York premiere of Sex and the City 2. If I had to choose a fave I'd say that SJP's Valentino has won my heart.

literary love

I'll be needing a new light for my newly redecorated home office/study. This would be apt would it not?

best dressed

Now, THIS is a frock.

new sensation

After making my roasted pork on rhubarb on Sunday night I stewed an extra stick of rhubarb with vanilla paste and a little brown sugar. I simply stirred it for about 10 minutes from time-to-time until it was mooshy and cooked and then popped it in a container. This morning I had a steaming bowl of oats and stirred a spoonful of cold rhubarb through it.

That's it, I'm addicted.

hmmmmm

I can't say I'm overly enamored of rayban-esque sunglasses on a stick.

decorating dreams

We're looking to redecorate my home-office/study. I think I'll be needing a squishy couch or chair in front of my billions of bookshelves don't you? Can't wait for new carpet to be laid - charcoal wool perhaps... Walls to be painted, and maybe a feature wall of wallpaper to go up {Laura Ashley, I'm calling your name}. A new French-inspired desk and a few pretty pictures. I'll be working in style.

like mother...

My gal came to me yesterday with a meal plan that she'd devised for the week bless her socks. She might have blue eyes and blonde hair but boy, is she her mother's daughter...

dior-licious

Shoe of the week can only be Dior today darling. If one has to live in a gilded cage it might as well have come from the house of Dior don't you think?

shiver me timbers

Miss Marc by Marc Jacobs pirate watch. Cuteness non?

um, yum

Sorry, my camera had a flat battery {so this isn't my actual meal}, but I had to share the amazing meal we had tonight. Standing rib pork roast on a bed of rhubarb.

Oh, yes, it's as good as it sounds.

I cute two pieces of rhubarb into batons about 10cm long and lay them side-by-side in baking tray. Then I got the pork ready by scoring the crackling and rubbing in lots of olive oil and pink murray river sea salt. The oven was piping hot at 230 degrees celcius when I lay the pork on the bed of rhubarb and put it in the oven for 15 minutes. Then I turned the oven down to around 180 and cooked it for around 45 minutes till medium rare. It rested for 10 minutes then my dear one carved us a cutlet each and some crackle. The rhubarb? Caramelised and infused with a wee bit of pork flavour. The pork? Tender, succulent and the best pork roast I've ever made.

Thanks Jamie Oliver, what an idea. And thanks Farmer's Markets where I saw those lovely bunches of rhubarb that inspired my dinner. And thanks fellow pork lover Beth who also believes that too much pork is barely enough.

Oh, and I had one stick of rhubarb left over, so I stewed it with some vanilla extract and brown sugar. Guess what's gracing my porridge in the morning?

simply sunday

Don't you love a good weekend? The rain finally seems to have cleared so my friend and I are off to the Farmer's Market for breakfast {coffee, bacon and egg rolls. Mmmmm} and then off to check out Raid My Wardrobe - a vintage and pre-loved clothing market. Nice.

Dinner last night considered of perfectly crisp and melty pork belly, pate, puddings, wine and laughter. Nice combo huh?

soggy saturday

It might be pouring down rain at the moment - with no sign of it abating, but do I look like the type of person who lets a little precipitation stand in the way of a good time? Sure, plans might need to be altered, suede shoes left to the side while the patent leather comes out. But it's all about working out what's important isn't it? The sun mightn't be shining, but that doesn't mean we can't have a sunny time?

So, your weekend - what's in store?

in your dreams

I had a dream last night that my house was robbed - but not this house, a combination of our old house in Newtown and a house I saw last night on Property Ladder {you know how things are never as they seem}. In my dream I was thrilled they didn't take my KitchenAid, thrilled they'd stolen the couch I'd quite like replaced, and not even vaguely thrilled that they'd taken my computer. Even in my sleep I felt a cold shot of fear enter my heart when I saw my computer was missing and thought to myself "You know, I really should back up my documents" {this song? why yes I am playing it again...}

So, about 45 minutes ago I was ready to do a phone interview with the second-last subject I need to speak to for a feature. I went to open the document which has the transcriptions of the other interviews I'd done and all the research - and it wasn't there. Anywhere. I frantically searched through all the files, before eventually doing a search and finding them - somewhere. Now they're saved and I'm going to properly look into backing up. Losing something so important, for an article that's due on Monday is not a good idea. Now my heartrate's returned to normal I'm going to open up Google Docs and start moving stuff around.

Phew, sweet dreams...

woo hoo, weekend approaching

So, what excitement's in stall for you this weekend? I have a deliciously girly weekend planned and I just can't wait - from tomorrow afternoon it's all things girly and glorious. Le sigh.

Gal's gone to school today, a little apprehensive after a few days off. Luckily she has a slab of that marble cake to see her through the day. I'm sure she'll be welcomed back with open arms by her friends. Despite my heavy posting and baking yesterday I actually got a fair bit done - leaving only one task on the to-do list today {work-wise - house-wise is another matter, one I'm studiously ignoring...}

My coffee machine is back from the repairers, and oh, I love it so. Really nice, honest repairman over at the Sunbeam store - so much so that I'll consider Sunbeam appliances in the future {just as I swore off Sony after a hideous experience with a very, very rude woman at their repair store - which has now closed down...}.

Now, I've got a few blogs to catch up on, a couple of emails to send, and then I'm going to get showered, out of my jammies and get into work.

Have a fabulous weekend x

bake off

warm up

I know we barely have enough of a winter to justify it, but oh my, is this the most delicious coat you've ever seen in your life? I know I'm in love. Thank you Yves Saint Lauren for creating such a marvelous garment. Oh, the exquisite tailoring...

PS: Will somebody please keep me away from net-a-porter.com - it's a drug!

dita von wow

Love shoes? Love Dita? Love all things glamorous and gorgeous? Then quick, go over here and check out an achingly beautiful couple of minutes.

Need.

Want..

Must have...

j-crew - woo-hoo

It used to drive me crazy checking out cute little bits and bobs on US blogger's sites from J-Crew. Cute, affordable clothing seems to be the go. Now it's available on net-a-porter.com, making it just that little bit more available. These satin ballet flats? I like them very much indeed. Converted from pounds they're $112 Australian dollars, but I think I'd get at least 112 wears out of them - making the cost-per-wear factor a mere $1. Bargain! And the scoop neck jersey tee I spied? Oh, casual chic you're calling my name dude.

planning?

Oh, some weeks everything just flies out the window doesn't it? Today's the third day I've had my gal home from school. She only has a cold, but today's the sports carnival at the world's coldest and windiest sports ground so I'd prefer she stayed home to recover rather than developing a chest infection. So today, I think we'd best bake a cake. My articles are coming along nicely for my deadlines, I've finished tonight's French homework {AND I've done revision - thank you French Film Festival inspiration}.

The house, is a disaster. Floors are spattered with coffee and hot chocolate dribbles - I swear every hot drink this week has been spilt a little. Washing's slowly trying to dry in the pavillion, sheets are in need of washing - as are towels. But it's cold, and rainy, and these things just take time. My saviour is my meal planning. Even though last night I couldn't get to the butcher {bucketing rain} I had the makings for tonight's meal, chorizo pasta bake, so all was well.

It's easy to get all stressed and frantic when things don't go according to plan, but I'm just trying to chill, shrug my shoulders and get on with it. I'm going to wash my hair and let my gal play on the computer - then I'll give the floor a mop {little sickie gal vacuumed yesterday - bless her socks}. Clean hair and clean floors make everything look better don't they?

what's cooking wednesday?

Hello chilly weather and why, yes, I do believe I feel like some comfort food! Last night's meal planning went out the window when it was frosty cold and bucketing down rain. So instead of poor/always-picked-last-salmon we had chicken pot pie and mash. MMmmmmmm. (June last year - damned fine chicken pot pie recipe - easy and delish - try it!)

This week. Hmmmmm.

Tonight: steak and vegies

Thursday: chorizo pasta bake

Friday: Veal goulash with dumplings

Saturday: GIRLS' NIGHT OUT! Pork Belly for moi and my pal I'd imagine - and lotsa champers. Pizza for the boy and the girl left home alone.

Sunday: Roast beef and roasted veg

Monday: Salmon patties, wilted spinach, sweet potato chips and salad

Tuesday: chicken meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce on rice.

whatever wednesday

Oh, hi. How's things? I have my sick child home again today. Poor poppet has a cold that's gone down into her chest, so a day at home may help her recover. That's the best thing about working from home, I don't have to take the day off to look after a poorly child - hopefully I'll still get some work done.

Hey, are you watching MasterChef? There are a few things I just can't understand. Last night's challenge meal {which looked amazing and I'm dying to try} when the original was shown had extremely rare meat. So rare it just looked seared on the outside - which I'm fine with - I'll eat most meat rare, except chicken obviously. But then, in the tasting, the judges complained the contestant's meat was too rare - and it looked more well-done than the sample dish... Huh? I'm finding it hard to follow and really wish they'd show just a tad more cooking in the show.

And Survivor? Let's not even go into how damned STUPID the heroes have been this season. I'm now totally pulling for Sandra to win. Parvati's a genius, and Russell a master Machiavelli, but Sandra's quietly been playing this game all the way.

PS: Colby's poor brother last night? Colby, dude, don't blame others for your problems, be a man and accept responsibility. What happened to the player from Australia? I think he left his skills in the outback.

try a little kindness

I like to do something kind every day. Whether it's a small act like waving a car into the space in front of you, popping a few coins in a soon-to-be-expired metre, chatting and smiling with older people in the supermarket, or calling, emailing or texting a friend in need. I think kind deeds do a body good. My soul would break if I dodged in front of someone to get a carpark. I'll happily stand holding a door while a person walks slowly toward me, I can't imagine letting it swing in their face. But, apart from this blog post, I don't like to talk about my kind deeds. However, this is for Kakka a gorgeous soul who promotes kindness and optimism at her glass half full blog.

See, I used to think big. I'd hear about someone's misfortune and I'd say, "Oh, I'll have to bake them some scones and take to them to cheer them up," then, that'd be it. Grand intentions: zero action. That was a long time ago and now I ensure that no matter how small the deed - I'll act on it as soon as I think about it. This morning a friend's facebook status update said "rain, two sick children and no teabags" so I made up an emergency stock of tea bags: English Breakfast, White Tea and a special French Violette tea bag. I popped them in a zip lock bag and propped them in her screen door after the school drop off and felt much better for knowing that she didn't have to suffer through miserable weather, sick children and no caffeine.

But, apart from today, I don't like talking about good deeds. Did you ever see the episode of Friends where Phoebe swore that she did good just for the kindness and Joey told her she always got something in return - even if it was just that wonderful, warm feeling? Well I'm happy with that warm feeling. Doing something good spreads good feelings - and the good deeds spread too. So really, doing good is selfish - it makes my world a better place to live in!

pretty is

It's so rainy today, and so cold and gloomy, that I needed something pretty to cheer me up. No one does pretty like Dior. BellaMumma pointed me in their direction and it's cheered me no end. Perfectly pretty in pink non?

I was so tempted to go back to bed this morning after the school drop off. Luckily my gal's cold has recovered enough for me to send her back into the germy fray... So now that everything's nice and quiet I'm going to get on with work. I've got some website copy to finish off, two articles to write by Friday, and another that's due next Monday. So best not dillydally.