mais oui

I've been starting to get excited about our upcoming holiday - it's really coming upon us quickly. So can you imagine my excitement when I spied these two photos in my in-box this morning? It's the Mas, or farmhouse, that we're staying in for a week in Provence. I know - shut UP! Picture perfect non?

what's cooking wednesday

School holidays huh. Yep, again. Only consolation is that there's no rushing around to after-school activities to take into consideration when plotting the meals. So here's what we'll be noshing on this week:

Wednesday: chicken and lemon risotto. I'm going to poach some chicken breasts in herb-laden chicken stock and cut them into chunks. Then I'll use that stock to cook the risotto. I'll stir in the chunks of cooked chicken at the end, make a paste with an egg yolk, parmesan and lemon, and stir that in before serving. Hello.

Thursday: We're having friends over for 'duck night'. Duck confit, and I'm going to make a caramelised pear, potato and crispy pancetta to serve it with. I'll also do peas and lettuce cooked in chicken stock. Yum.

Friday: It's my father-in-law's birthday so we're headed up to Maitland to help celebrate.

Saturday: we're sleeping over at my in-laws then heading off to Hunter Valley Gardens to check out their easter options. Bless. We'll be home late so I'll just have a couple of steaks in the fridge and buy a baguette on the way home and serve up steak sandwiches.

Sunday: I haven't done a lamb roast for yonks. Best. Shall do my seven hour lamb - on the bed of lentils, with roasted carrots - purple and orange {my coles has the purple carrots - they are awesome. My gal took some to school in sticks for fruit break - big success!}

Monday: Orichette with broccoli, anchovies and crispy pancetta. Mmmmm.

Tuesday: No french lessons during holidays so I'll finally be able to watch Survivor live rather than sitting up till 1am watching the replay on Saturday nights {our DVD doesn't record HD programmes - that sucks}. I'll do a fish dish, with rice, and lotsa greens.

And that'll do.

the king and queen of camp

I desperately need to get myself to England at Panto time. Honestly, I think I would explode at the fabulousness that is Joan Collins and Julien Clary on stage beclothed in much feathers, fur and sequins.

Bless.

I found this on Julien Clary's twitter feed - which made me realise how much I miss him...

And Joan - bless her - would you have a look at how well she's carrying off wearing a gigantic fluffy animal on her head? Legend.

vive la france

Tonight's the end of the first term of my second year of French lessons. I'd love to say that I'm becoming more fluent in French, but, seriously, it's a damned difficult language to learn. And my brain is ridiculously resistant to learning new stuff.

But as tonight's the final night of the term we always have a wee party - with food, and champagne. Fingers crossed that the bubbles will loosen my tongue and help engage my brain!

i ♥ kate spade

There are some designers that I have an ineffable affection for. Kate Spade is one. I ♥ her so. Look at these pretty purple patent pumps - so pretty.

Love.

in short

I find the concept of formal shorts amusing.

However, these silk, Gucci harem shorts are HYSTERICAL.

So hysterical that they totally distracted me from finding my shoe of the week. Selfish.

an organised linen closet

This is not my linen closet - oh, but I wish it was. My linen closet is a black hole, a very large walk-in cupboard, probably the size of most house's second toilet - if not slightly bigger. It's got shelves around three sides that go way up to the ceiling - over 12 feet. Sound like a dream? Well welcome to my nightmare.

Of course the larger the linen closet, the more crap you store in it. Ideally it'd be stored in lovingly organised piles, tied with pretty ribbons if I had my way. But no, it's horrendous.

See, my linen closet gets a clean out three to four times per year: when the summer school uniforms are due, when the winter school uniforms are due, and when I need to find the Santa Sack for Christmas Eve.

Every. Single. Time I swear that "THIS IS IT" I am going to get that closet organised and sort things out. And I do. Currently I have lovely piles of pale bath towels, dark bath towels and beach towels. On the shelf above I have pillow slips, single sheets, double sheets and queen sheets. Then blankets. Sounds v Martha doesn't it? Well, sadly, that's where the organisation ends and the hell begins. Oh, no, hold on, I do also have the two shoeboxes - one with cards and one with gift-wrapping ribbon. That's good.

Now, for the bad. There are bags, and bags of clothes in there. Small bags. Bags with snow gear, bags with outgrown, sentimental clothing {I just found my gal's first pair of Mary Janes - bless!}, out-of-season clothing - and, apparently, out-of-season uniforms {and two limited edition Barbie dolls still in their boxes - I need a pool room for those...}

After two hours the floor of the closet's tidy. Picnic baskets and punch bowls on one side, overnight bags, three cricket bats {there were four, I whittled him down to four. How long since he's played cricket you ask? Well, let's put it this way, our daughter's never seen him play. Our 11 year old daughter...} camping chairs and sewing machines around the others. I've also dragged out bags of photos - now I have a scanner that's a new to-do task. I found heaps of stuff - just not my gal's winter uniform. Thankfully tonight's the first official night of the school holidays - and I've got two and a half weeks to pop on a miner's hat and find* the damned thing. Wish me luck - lots of it...

* Found it. In a bag, on a shelf with ALL the other bags of clothes. Right next to the door, in a bright red bag I'd obviously decided to overlook earlier. I know... Next stop, buying lots of clear plastic containers for the clothes. With labels. I know...

sweet, sweet sunday

Oh wow, it's one of those spectacular autumn days here today. Crisp morning, blue sky and a bit of heat in the afternoon. Parfait. I survived yesterday with my gal's solo trip with friends to the movies. She enjoyed it, although she had a 3D headache - seriously, what IS it with the fact that every damned kids' movie has to be in 3D - deserved or not. I can't bear it, they always give me a headache, and I hate sitting there with those glasses on waiting for one dodgy thing to come out the screen at me. Big whoop. {sorry, had an accidental rant there...}

Anyway, today we're off to the Farmer's Markets. My favourite baker in Newcastle, Alice from Baked Uprising, has a stall so I shall be stocking up. Yum. I also need gozleme for lunch - and some farm fresh fruit and veg.

Late yesterday afternoon I took off on a solo bike ride. It was nothing like my husband's lycra-clad 70km extravaganzas, nope, it was slow, meandering and just glorious. This afternoon I'll be taking the gal for a pedal around the streets of our suburb - and a few neighbouring ones. Only the tree-lined and gorgeous ones of course.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend. xx

sunny saturday!

Oh, there's a blue sky outside, birds are singing away and I've got a BIG day planned. Netball first, with two of my girls umpiring. Now, I don't know if you've ever been anywhere near a netball game, but let me tell you - there are times when umpires aren't treated with the utmost of respect. Mine will be. I'll be there, and my co-coach will be there, to make sure these 11-year-olds who are umpiring a game of 9-year-olds receive nothing but encouragement and respect from those on the court and the sideline. It's something I've drummed into my girls when I first started coaching - and should be the first thing ever coach insists on.

Then it's our second game of the season before the school holiday break {oh, school holidays... so long...}

This afternoon I'm attempting not to be a helicopter parent, and am letting my gal fly. She's off to see the new Justin B**ber movie with 15 girls from her school - and they're going in alone. Yep. I'm nervous, but the parents who are driving will be right beside the theatre, in a café - and there are a lot of responsible girls there - my own included. I think the only problem will be the assault to the ears of the patrons in the cinema when the Beebs walks on screen, cue to much squealing.

Wow, they grow up so fast. Parenting's such a fine balance of knowing when to hold them back, when to hold them, and when to let them go. Wish me luck - and remind me to breathe...

and ahhhhhhhhhhh

The fact that it's FINALLY the weekend deserves a fabulous frock. A fabulous VINTAGE DIOR frock nonetheless. I found this over at Greige and am utterly besotted. Besotted.

Hey, you know how on Monday I found my ideal renewal of the wedding vow shoes? Well, hello, how's this for a frock to match? {Why yes I will have to have a few ribs removed to fit that wasp waist, but pshaw, ribs, what have they done for me lately?}

Now, if you'll excuse me there's some wine in the fridge that has been shouting out my name since, oh, I don't know, 10am... {I know, at least I've ignored it till official drinking hour}

flowers for friday

My heart stopped beating for more than a moment when I spied with my little eyes, something beginning with fabulous! Red and pink - my two favourite colour-combinations - peonies - my favourite flower. I know - get OUT.

If this resided in my humble abode there's a damned fine chance I'd weep tears of joy whenever I spotted them. {And my husband would weep tears of "How on earth could you possibly spend over $100 on flowers...} C'mon, how can you put a price on perfection?

oh arthur

I'm not normally a fan of remakes - unless the casting's genius. Which is why I'm dead keen to check out Arthur. Nobody else could play the role of Arthur as well as Russell Brand, and I'm loving the concept of Helen Mirren as his 'butler' {damn, that's brought on my butler cravings again. Explain to me why I don't have a butler?}

I love Helen Mirren. And this photo, where she's looking fabulous as always, cracks me up - don't you love how she's pointing to her teeny tiny head in the poster? Cute. Apparently she and Russell Brand have incredible chemistry too, so I'm keen to see how that plays out in celluloid.

Bless.

easter hat parade

It's our Easter Hat parade at school today. Bless. And I can say "bless" rather than "dammit" because only the kinders take part in this parade, and they make the hats with their Year 6 buddy's help. As my gal's a Year 6 buddy my only role in this effort was a quick trip to Spotlight last weekend for fluffy chicks, a glitter hat, lotsa pom poms, glittery easter eggs and ribbon.

So today I'm taking my lunchbreak late and going to watch my gal hold her buddy's hand and check out the glittery, pom-pom-ridden creation.

And cry... just a little bit...

what's cooking wednesday

It's that time again, that time when I plot out all my meals, hopefully to follow them for the next week. Last week I finally managed to cook up something that's been sitting in my mind, and unmade in my meal plans for weeks: prawn and chorizo risotto. Perfection. I made a simple risotto base {garlic, white wine, arborio rice and lotsa chicken stock} and then fried up slices of chorizo. Then, in the same pan, I cooked up 250g raw prawns till they were pink and plump. These were tossed through the risotto before serving. Now, for the genius bit. I said to my gal, who was helping cook, "Should we add parmesan?" and mini masterchef said, "No, you can't have parmesan with seafood..." so instead, she made a gremolata - lemon zest, parsley and garlic all mushed together and sprinkled over the bowls of risotto. Heaven.

This week this is what we're eating:

Wednesday: Steak, pumpkin mash and broccoli with almonds and anchovies.

Thursday: Chicken sausages, wilted garlic spinach, sweet potato chips and mashed potato.

Friday: Glazed salmon, potato rosti and asian greens.

Saturday: Pork and noodle stirfry.

Sunday: Standing rib roast and vegies.

Monday: Chicken pot pies, mash and peas.

Tuesday: Beef and barley soup.

Sounds okay by me...

concentrating on the sweet stuff

It's easy to focus on all that niggly, annoying or downright horrid stuff - but instead, I now chose to focus on the sweet stuff. Instead of moaning or groaning that I have to put away freshly washed clothes or dishes, I'm going to smile about the fact that they're clean. I'm going to look for the good in every option - and celebrate it.

In fact, I might celebrate it so much that I might make a lemon chiffon cake {um, hello, yumminess!}

monday i have friday on my mind...

Oh weekends, why do you fly by so, so, so quickly? Honestly, just another day would do me the world of good - particularly with school holidays advancing on us so rapidly {eek!}

But, I'm not thinking about this. Instead, I'm thinking about pretty shoes - these pretty shoes. Exactly what I'd wear on my feet if I had my wedding all over again. Ahhhhhhh.

sweet, sweet saturday

I'm sorry, did I nearly deafen you with my sigh of relief that it's the weekend? Sorry about that. Ahhhhh, but it's the weekend. Today is the first day of the netball season, and luckily my girls play at the very respectable time of 10.45am - that makes me happy. So we've got a bit of time to potter around before leaving today.

Only a few things on the planner today. My gal and her bestie need to have a shopping trip to buy Easter bonnet materials to make bonnets for their kinder buddies next week. So we're off to Spotlight and the $2 for lots of sequins, sparkles and feather boas. I think I'll show her Mrs Woog's efforts with Jack's hat - now that was an easter hat {I do so covet a hat complete with miniature disco ball - genius}.

Then there's the usual stuff: housework, gardening, a bit of work...

You?

flowers for friday

The simple things in life really are so so spectacular aren't they? I can't imagine anything prettier than lovely flowers in jars, jugs, teapots or bowls. In fact, I find it hard to put a bunch of flowers in a vase these days - it seems a bit like putting a fabulous hat on while you're wearing tracky daks.

Now, hands up who can believe it's the end of the week? Do you know that in just three months I'll be flying to the UK, then to Paris, and then to Provence? I know - shut up. It's zooming up on me so quickly I'm fearful that it'll fly by just as fast. I want to suck in every moment, I don't want to spend any second stressing or worrying - I just want to enjoy.

Same with life really. Why not enjoy it?

scent-sational

Apparently I'm going through a "oooh, I need that" period in my life. And you know what I need? This. To celebrate the one year anniversary of Balenciaga Paris come these adorable purse-sized parfums.

Did I mention the scent is chypre violet? I do believe that it has PPMJ written all over it.

Available at David Jones, which is where I'll be headed on the double.

covetous moments

There is just so much to love about this image. That utterly magnificent red frock, an ice green Smeg Fridge {seriously, before I die I just do need one of those} and the perfection that is Sophie Dahl. Isn't she just exquisite?

Ps: those sundaes? Rocking my world. I so need to make a pink pudding...

what's cooking wednesday

Oh lordy, seriously? Wednesday again? Already? Okay then. Well, my gal's recovered from her illness that saw half the school felled in one swoop - honestly, these gastro bugs sure do know how to take hold don't they? And of course, just as her fever abated mine began. Of course. But I've been good and rested up so hopefully I'll get through today okay...

Here's what we're eating this week:

Tonight: netball training so there will be a beef and red wine casserole bubbling in the slow cooker. Served with mash. I need some comfort.

Thursday: I've got a craving for chicken noodle soup - heavy on the garlic.

Friday: Now, so far as I know we've got NOTHING planned this weekend. This makes me happy. After last weekend when the gal and I weeded the front yard I'd love for us to get out and do something in the side yard. So to sustain us, I might have to cook up a seven hour leg of lamb*. Yep, I think that'll do.

Saturday: steak and vegies.

Sunday: Roast chicken. Last Sunday we couldn't find a freerange chook, so we had pork rib roast instead {mmmmm}. So this week I'm determined to roast me some chicken.

Monday: Prawn and chorizo risotto. Would you believe that the other week The Essential Ingredient were all out of risotto rice? Well, except for these enormous sacks that would take us years to plough through. So this is back on the menu again. With a lemony rocket salad on the side.

Tuesday: French lessons. Think I'll make beef kebabs, a rice pilaf and honeyed carrots.

And that'll do us for the week I think.

Seven hour leg of lamb recipe*

1 leg of lamb, including bone, and preferably shank

Garlic cloves

Anchovies {I know, but wait...}

1 cup french lentils

1 onion

1 carrot

bay leaves

white wine

With a knife, pierce the lamb's skin all over, to a depth of around 3cm. Wiggle the knife around a little to make the pockets a little bigger. Now, peel and slice your garlic cloves lengthwise, and cut your anchovies in half. Place a garlic sliver and a piece of anchovy in each of the pockets. I like to do plenty - probably around 20 on the average leg. Push them right into the skin - if they peek out they burn.

Cover the lamb with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Now, I like to cook this in my cast iron Le Crueset oven - but if you don't have one, use a baking dish and cover firmly with foil. Place the chopped onions and carrots in the bottom of the dish and then sprinkle the lentils over the top. Toss in a few bay leaves and then cover this with white wine {probably only around a cup}. Place leg of lamb on top, cover with a lid, or two layers of foil - you want to keep the steam in.

Place lamb in an oven on its lowest setting - around 130 degrees to 150 degrees and leave it to cook for seven hours. That's it. After seven hours the lamb will fall from the bone, and the anchovies will have melted to provide the most incredible flavour. You'll also have a yummy side-dish with the lamb-infused lentils.

Serve with mash.

my little ray of sunshine

I have my poor little poorly lass home with me again today. She's much better, after the raging temperatures she experienced yesterday, but she just needs a recovery day on the couch I think. She also needs lots and lots of mumma cuddles - so I can't complain about that.

I think her body was just telling her it's time to have a rest. Fair enough...

pretty purses

A black wallet inside a black handbag is quite possibly the most frustration-inducing fashion choice. Every day I'd nearly drive myself insane trying to find a black hole, within a black hole. I'm intending on treating myself to a new handbag in Paris, and thought I'd buy a wallet there too, but when I spied this pretty vintage-style purse on Saturday how could I resist? It's got loads of space for all my cards {loyalty - not credit!} and plenty of hidey holes for things like stamps and receipts. Plus, it's a vibrant lipstick red {verging on orange - prettiness!}

And look, it even stands out when it's tossed on my bed! And it was on sale - win, win and WIN!

rosy hue

I'm a rose gold gal. It's the hue of my wedding band, and any rings I've owned since I turned 21. I love its unique shades that does something special for every skintone too. So, hello, as if I could skip past these Brian Attwood pumps. C'mon, rose gold patent leather? That'd be tip to toe perfection.

It's a drizzly day here today: appropriate as I have a sick little lass home from school. She came over terribly ill last night, so we both had a sleepover in the living room. She's improved this morning, but with those hideous bugs I think it's always best to err on the side of caution and give a day for recovery.

How was your weekend? Mine was surprisingly successful. Would you believe that I went shopping both on Saturday and Sunday? At both of the major shopping malls in my town? And I quite enjoyed it. Perhaps because it was limited, and I found some pretty stuff. A new, vintage-esque red wallet for me, cute pjs covered in Eiffel Towers for the gal and lots of salivating over iPad2... Mmmmm.

You?

sweet, sweet saturday

Ahhhhh Saturday... After a killer migraine last night that decided to come on just as I walked into the school disco {oh yeah} I headed to bed at 7.30 and awoke at 9.30 this morning. I KNOW! My gal made chorizo omlettes for breaky {bless her socks} and we've just returned from voting in the state election.

Hubster's off playing golf, so the gal and I will do a bit of relaxing, a spot of cleaning and just hanging out. I'd also like to get out into the front yard and weed a garden bed or two. It's been raining heavily every night lately so the soil's bound to yield up those weeds easier than normal.

Now, if you'll excuse me I'm off to have my coffee with a chocolate crackle purchased at the school's cake stall when I went to vote. I know where I'll be headed next time I vote!

woo hoooo it's friday

I'm so excited that it's the weekend that not only am I offering up flowers - but a whole darned party! It's been quite the week in this neck of the woods, so I'm sooooooooo looking forward to a relax and unwind on the weekend. Maybe even baking a cupcake perhaps...

For those of you who have something special on {I don't know, like a wedding, or a wedding anniversary...} enjoy - delve deep into bliss. And for those of you with nothing particular planned, take at least one moment and hug it closely to you.

Let's step into the weekend with a smile shall we?

rest in peace

Very sad news this morning about Elizabeth Taylor's passing. She was a true movie star and a woman with great passion. That was one life very well lived.

"I don't think death is the final challenge. I don't think the soul just disappears."

what's cooking wednesday

Hey all, how's tricks? I'm sad this morning as hubby tried to record Survivor last night on stupid channel GO while I was at French lessons - and couldn't get it to work. Apparently our DVD player isn't paired with some of these new free-to-air channels. Must get that happening before next week - I need a Boston Rob fix!

So, for now, I'll placate myself with thoughts of cooking:

Tonight: chorizo and prawn risotto

Thursday: I think I might make a chicken and pistachio meatloaf. Served with roasted vegies that'll go down a treat.

Friday: School Disco at the local club: sausage sangers...

Saturday: Maybe the last bbq of the season? I'm trying those Donna Hay burgers she cooked on the show last night - beef burgers with a slice of pancetta cooked onto either side. YUM>

Sunday: Roast chicken and vegies.

Monday: Pork cutlets, mashed pumpkin, wilted spinach and corn on the cob.

Tuesday: {busy day: French lessons at 7pm, gal has hours of ballet} Bring out the slow cooker for a beef and barley soup.

And that's all folks...

pink of perfection

Do you know what I don't love about this setting? Yep, you guessed it - absolutely nothing. From the Tiffany Blue tablecloth, to the spotty setting {Kate Spade?} to the peonies and macarons it's just my idea of bliss.

I can see a spot of macaron baking happening this weekend...

back on the bike...

Well, you'll be pleased to know that I've stuck with this exercise malarky very well over the past week. So well in fact that I've exercised every single day. The minimum has been a 15 minute walk one day {a rest day} and lots of 30 to 45 minute walks on the other days. I've also actually gone for a ride on my poor neglected bike {sadly my bike does NOT have a french bulldog on a basket - if it did I'd be riding every five minutes!}

I'm already feeling much better within myself after just one week. I'm less stressed, more energetic and feel the muscles slowly making claim over my body again.

Honestly, why on earth would I give this a miss? Whether it's early morning or late evening exercise, it's quite possibly the best thing I'm doing for myself don't you think?

blue by you

Oh me oh my oh YES! These cerulean blue lovelies have set my heart-a-racing this morning. So. Damned. Pretty. They're by Brian Atwood - that impossibly gorgeous shoe designer and I am utterly besotted. I can't think of an outfit these shoes wouldn't enhance.

Need.

happy sunday

How's everyone feeling this morning? I imagine there are a few sore heads and feet after the bloggers conference - can you tell me all about it? Kicked myself all day yesterday for not attending. But, I did have a good day. Did some cleaning, took my gal to the show and got through my french homework with Mme A. Got to be happy with that.

Today hubster's out doing a warm-up ride. He's taking part in his first triathlon today, doing the cycle leg. So the gal and I will head off to a local café to watch him whizz by - several times. Then I think we'll fit in a spot of gardening - it poured last night so it's the ideal time to get in a bit of weeding, feeding and mulching. Then off to the local pub for dinner with friends {with the husband who's doing the running leg}.

So - those who attended the conference - I want extensive posts, as will everyone else who attended. And those who didn't, let's sit in a corner together and plot how we're going to be first in line for tickets next year.

the only way is up, baby

Despite the fact that the film's heartbreaking montage had me heaving great big snotty sobs, I do adore the film UP. And you know what I love even more? The fact that the National Geographic channel have filmed someone recreating such an amazing voyage. V jealous of the dude I can spy hanging out the window - what an awesome experience.

I hope you have at least one awesome experience this weekend.

flowers for friday

Hello! Lilacs!! And what looks like rosé in the glasses - sold. This pretty image is helping me get through a drizzly day - the second pupil-free day this week. Oh yes, on Monday our gal's school had one of its thousand pupil-free days, and today's our regional Show Holiday. The day in which school kids, and some businesses {but not many} get the day off to attend the show. Of course it always rains on show holiday so most kids will be doing what mine is - going to the movies. Luckily my husband works at one of the few businesses to take Show Holiday so he'll be taking our gal and her pal to see Gnomeo and Juliet {I'll be working, and jealous cos I really want to see that movie...}

I'm also in the doldrums as I'm virtually the only Australian blogger not going to THAT conference tomorrow. I know! I didn't think about it, and then the tickets were sold out and now I'm just kicking myself. Have fun for me everyone. Dance for me, drink for me, say "Hi" to some of the bloggers I really, really wanted to meet...

Next year for sure!

constant cravings

Tonight I am having these for dinner.

Oh.

Yes.

I.

AM!

what's cooking wednesday

Heya, wednesday again - the day I get my head in order and share my meal plan for the week with you. Ready?

Wednesday: today's our first day of netball training so I'd best get the slow cooker out and prepped. But tonight we're having Provencal chicken - same as last night, but I have another pack of chicken thighs to throw in along with the sauce and potatoes left over from last night {which I didn't get to eat as I had to rush off to French before it was ready...}

Thursday: my pal, The Divine Ms M {a redhead: not to be confused with Mrs Woog's friend The Divine Ms M} is up again and we're off to Charlestown Square to check out some shops. While we're there we might just have to fall into New Shanghai for some dumplings...

Friday: I need a good steak. Steak, wilted, garlic spinach and some roasted pumpkin and beetroot I think.

Saturday: Hubster's competing in a triathlon, in the cycling leg, best carb-load him with a prawn, lemon and linguine pasta don't you think?

Sunday: To celebrate the husbands' achievements in the triathlon {they'll smash it} we're off with another participating family {husband who's in the run leg} to our local pub for dinner. It's undergone renovations and has apparently finally stepped out of the 80s menu-wise. Hurrah.

Monday: Caramelised pork stir-fry with singapore noodles and lots of greens.

Tuesday: Big long ballet day, let's say salmon, soba noodles, wilted asian greens.

And that'll do...

move it

I've had enough. Enough of being sedentary - of grumbling, groaning and aching. I'm back into exercise - for good. Since busting up my knee last year and giving up netball I've gained weight and lost fitness and it's driving me nuts. But no more. I'm asking for help, and making time for myself. My husband's now a lycra-lad. Three or more times a week he rises before 6am and rides for 50 to 60 kilometres. No matter what. Me, well, there's always something I 'should' be doing.

Not anymore. On the days hubby's not rising I'll be waking at 7am and going for a walk. And on the days he does ride I'll go for a walk when he's home from work. My gal's stepping up and making her own breakfast and lunch - and hubby's cooking on the nights I'm exercising.

I've started off well: a bike ride followed by laps in the pool on Sunday. A 30 min walk {in the rain!} last night - and a long, fast 45 minute walk this morning.

I really want to be fit for France - and beyond. From now on I'm choosing my health first.

wedge of reality

Hello Halston Heritage, haven't seen YOU before, but boy, do I like what I see... These wedges are so simply stunning that I do believe I had a few hairs stand up on the back of my neck. Imagine these with a gorgeous pair of jeans?

Yep, so can I. So can I...

parfait picnique

Oh, it's a beautiful day for a picnic. So my friend A and I are taking the kidlets along to the Alliance Francais Picnique and Petanque day. Bliss. Madeleines are about to be cooked, baguettes to be bought - and french cheese shopped-for en-route.

And there shall be no indulging in pastis thanks to a wee bit of overindulgence in the champagne last night {although it was all french so no hangover!}

I'm a wee bit scared about having to converse with anyone a la francaise - but I'll give it a shot. C'est bonne...

and relax...

All this picture needs is some pink champagne, bubbles - and me...

flowers for friday

Hi, sorry for the lack of posts yesterday - crazy busy. Eek!

But look, to make up for it here are some parrot tulips - cute!

what's cooking wednesday

You know what? I'm pretty sure that the one thing that keeps me sane is menu planning. Sure, I don't always follow it to the letter, but it stops the panicked "Oh my god, what are we going to have for dinner?" at 5pm. Here's what we'll be eating this week.

Wednesday: My gal has a netball clinic and shall be starvational upon return. I'm going to cook up a beef and cashew stir-fry with lots of noodles.

Thursday: My pal, the Divine Ms M, is up for the night. Best cook up something good. Provencal chicken always goes down a treat.

Friday: Off to my in-laws for dinner. My mother-in-law always cooks up something yummy.

Saturday: We're going to friends' for 'duck night'. They'll be cooking up duck confit, we'll be bringing matching champagne and a pudding. We do it french-style and buy something from a good patisserie.

Sunday: There shall be roast and it should be pork.

Monday: Lamb backstrap warm salad - with feta, mint, peas and a caramelised balsamic dressing.

Tuesday: French lessons {with the scariest task ever - and one we're getting marked on - sacré bleu!} Chicken curry in the slow cooker is the best option.

And that's it. Two cheaty meals out and lots of fun.

my little pile of awesome

To go with our new couches we've changed our living room around - tv on other side of room and everything. So that meant we had to move hundreds of CDs from tv in order to be able to lift it. And you know what that means - rediscovering old loves.

I was lucky enough to be a reviewer for a Music mag years ago - and oh, the CDs I have as a result... But we've barely made a dint in them when it comes to downloading them onto iTunes. So I've decided to pop a little pile of awesome onto my desk and when I have a second, I'll download a CD. Easy peasy. And oh yes, I'm rediscovering some fabulosity {including a Depeche Mode tribute featuring bands such as The Cure and Rammstein - awesome incorporated}.

Say ahhhhhhh.

all grown-up

I've spent quite a few years wondering when I'd hit that mythical moment that I'd feel like a 'grown-up'. It wasn't with my first mortgage, baby, or even marriage. Even my first brand-new grown-up car didn't help. A thumping great backyard renovation didn't nudge me into grown-up territory - nor did my 40th birthday! But now, I think I've cracked it.

In the past week we've finally succumbed to family health insurance, we have Foxtel IQ and two matching proper grown-up lounges. With a matching new rug and everything.

Mmmhm, all grown up now.

it's pancake day

It's pancake day so we'll be firing up the KitchenAid for breakfast this morning - and using my new crepe pan that I bought at Aldi the other day {I have ALWAYS wanted a crepe pan - and for $6 who wouldn't snap one up?}.

It's a big day in our house today. We're getting the new couches delivered {hurrah!} and also we're finally having Foxtel IQ installed {finally!}. I can't wait to show you some photos, of the couches, probably not the IQ...

* Those pale macaron pink pancakes are ours - pretty non? And probably more sensible for a before-school breakfast than those fabulous rainbow numbers!

a shoe story

The only thing I love more than finding a cute pair of shoes is when the discovery of said shoes comes about fortuitously. Take my newest find for example. Yep, that's them, in the dodgy phone pic {with a bit of my study carpet underneath}. But even though the quality of the image is poor their attributes shine out. They are the wedge of the kitten heel world, something that I thought was a myth - a shoe with the height of the kitten heel, but the ease of walking that the wedge provides. Lovely! And have you ever seen a more Chanel-esque combination of black straps and white leather camelia? I know! So, the shoe, already perfection non?

Now, here's the story. Driving back from Beth's the weekend before last we had to stop off in Bowral so I could buy my gal a wee pressie. But, while we were there I quickly swerved into a park right outside my fave story in the Southern Highlands - Dirty Jane's Emorium {what's not to love with a name like that right?} This shop is awesome, well worth a day trip from Sydney - or even Newcastle actually... Anywhooo. Dirty Janes now has a whole separate shop, filled with different stalls all selling the most covetable goodies. In one I bought a gorgeous fabric loveheart in a frame for my gal, and in another, I spied my pretty shoes. Yep, one pair, in a vintage store, in my size, after a kick-ass memorable weekend.

They were mine in a moment.

And now, every time I wear them I'll think of my fab gal's weekend and smile.

ouch

The lateness of today's post is proudly brought to you by my hangover...

Yes, one too many champagnes may have been consumed. However, there was a spectacular win on a horsey who just happened to be wearing hot pink legwarmers {or ankle-strapping - whatevs...}. Much fun was had, and now, a nap must be had.

Hope you've enjoyed your weekend.

and they're racing

So, I'm off to the races today. It's a deliciously mild day, with an expected high of 21 degrees. Nice. I still haven't quite decided what I'm wearing - but I do have fabulous red nails {Chanel: Pirate} and I'm having a good hair day. Perfect start.

Wish me luck!