every day...

I plan on taking 30 minutes each day to just sit, in silence, with a book and a cup of tea. Just to be... No laptop, no television, just words and the warmth of a good cuppa.

Sound like a plan?

red hot shoes

Oh red patent, you do set my heart a-flutter. I neglected to feature a shoe last week, mainly because nothing seemed to inspire me. But oh, I made up for it this week. Look at these Miu Miu lovelies. EVERYTHING I love, everything. The colour, the shape, the peep-toe, the bow - and oh, the patent.... J'adore...

sunday suppers

My meal-plan flew out the window a few times last week, so we'll see how we go this week. Although I'm pleased I ran out of time last night and had to make pizza - otherwise I wouldn't have discovered that my local Coles has authentic Italian parma ham - the real soft, delicious stuff. I'm going back to stock up today. Here's what we're eating this week:

Today: My in-laws are coming for lunch so I'm buying some crusty bread and poaching up a few chicken breasts to slice. Then I'll just put out platters with salad leaves, sliced tomatoes, strips of cucumber, avocado with lime and a few other bits and bobs. For dinner we're having slow roasted butterflied leg of lamb on french lentils.

Monday: Salmon patties, green beans with almonds, roasted pumpkin and sweet potato.

Tuesday: Late night ballet lesson. Pork chops with garlic wilted spinach, mashed pumpkin and steamed broccolini.

Wednesday: Netball training. I didn't get around to pea and ham soup in the slow cooker last week - forgot to soak the split peas. This week for sure.

Thursday: Late ballet again. Chicken and parma ham meatballs with buttered pasta with brocolli and garlic breadcrumbs.

Friday: Hubby and I off to dinner with friends - my in-laws babysitting the gal at our house. I'll make them up a pot of chicken noodle soup.

Saturday: I'm out with my uni friends again - woo, hoo, HOOO. I'm so glad to have rediscovered these guys again - thank you Facebook. Hubby and child can make themselves pizzas.

Sunday: Oooh, roast chicken don't you think? Lots of roasted vegies including a few different seasonal ones - have you tried purple carrots yet? They're AWESOME!

Now, to make a shopping list and get ready!

ah sweet, sweet saturday

So, we're all still here... and how glad I am. It's an utterly glorious day today - superb. We've been at the netball courts since 9am as two of my girls were umpiring, and did a sterling job in-spite of the usual problems. Sigh. I consider sport of some description an important part of childhood for most children. It's where you can learn teamwork, increase self-esteem, build friendships and increase confidence. If it's handled correctly.

I want my team to play their best every game. To improve every time they take the court. To be the best team player they can be. And they are. I expect it, so they expect it. Each week we'll build on their skills and you can see their pride when something they've learned and practiced is put into action.

If only all parents and coaches would do the same. The coach of one of the teams we umpired this morning was enthusiastic, loud, and unfortunately, spent a lot of time calling out loudly. Not encouragement, more "Laura - move it!" And "No, not like that..." Sigh. He also moaned and groaned loudly whenever one of the umpires would pull up his players - or missed something the other players did. Now mind, these aren't professional umpires, just 11-year-old girls umpiring for the first time. They need encouragement and support - and it should never be expected that they're going to pick up everything - even the most experienced umpires will miss or make a wrong call.

Luckily a gentle word in his ear during quarter time quietened him down, but gee, wouldn't it be nice if people stopped and thought? I've always taught my teams to always respect the umpire's decision, and that it's final. If you don't agree, then maybe you need to get off the court...

Now this was mild and my girls were strong enough to cope with it - and they had myself and my co-coach by their side for support. Hopefully these younger girls will have similar support when it's their turn to umpire in two-years-time.

In better news, my team played the team who flogged us in the first game - and we scored more goals this time AND the other team scored less. Our aim was achieved and my girls played with excitement, energy, improving skills and smiles on their faces. That's why I coach. Love my team...

end of the world?

I'm quite sad about the world supposedly ending tomorrow - on a few levels, but the one that's really biting at me is that I'm supposed to be here in eight weeks time. I know, a Villa in Provence - pinch me. I only paid for it in full today! This is the first villa we're staying in. It's near the alps and a lovely French village called Tourtour. We're staying here with two other families and for a few of the days the husbands are tootling off in a motor home to follow the Tour de France.

I know, it's a hard life for some.

flowers for friday

Today's flowers, to add a touch of pretty to your day, are lilacs. Can you smell them from here? Yet another cold-area flower I adore {sometimes I think I'm living in the wrong climate - but perhaps I live here so I can appreciate them more?}. Lilacs remind me of walking down the main street of Berrima in the Southern Highlands, and excitedly reaching over to sniff every blossom on every tree. They come in such an amazing range of colours, but my favourite's this one - a purple with a tinge of pink that just whispers lilac.

Do you have a list of fave fleurs? Here's mine:

♥ Peonies

♥ Roses {scented only need apply}

♥ Violets

♥ Lilacs

♥ Lavender

♥ Violas

♥ Pansies

♥ Love in a mist

♥ Scabiosa {ugly name - pretty flower}

♥ Wisteria

♥ Lily of the Valley

♥ Stocks

♥ Snapdragons

♥ Parrot tulips

♥ Gardenias

♥ Hyacinths...

And I'm sure there are a few others I've forgotten. Many of these are growing in our garden, making my heart sing every time I step out the front. How about you? Tell me yours...

the great gatsby

In news that makes my day, Joel Edgerton, fresh from his awesome turn as Kerry Packer - is set to play Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby.

Oh yeah, I can see that...

ooooh frock treatment

This is it: the life-changing frock. You know, that one dress that can take you anywhere? Oh Kiki, you've done well.

Of course, on me, I'd need a different shade: as much as I'm loving this mustard on such pale skin. But my non-tanned olive skin calls for maybe a murky moss green.... Or navy.... Oh, yes please.

dangerously {beautiful} curves

The new Peter Alexander catalogue just popped into my in-box and I do believe that I broke into a round of applause after spying the gorgeous Tahnee from ANTM in its pages. She looks so utterly delightful in every shot that I feel like buying every single item featured. {And oh, the baby pink mohair jumper - to DIE for}

i want to ride my bicycle

We went on a family bike ride on the weekend, 32 kilometres of the magnifent Fernleigh Track. This is an old rail line in Newcastle that's been re-created for bike riders and walkers, and oh, is it magnificent.

We must have been quite the sight: husband in his lycra and fancy road bike, daughter in her fancy hybrid and bike clothes, then me on my 'should-be-cycling-in-provence' cruiser with a basket. Oh, and then my mum and step-dad with our old rusty reject mountain bikes.

Despite being such a motley crew we had a blast, right down to the world's most enormous lunch at a cafe/takeaway in Redhead {yes, we may have been desperately asking everyone along the way - 'where's the nearest café?}

It's amazing what secrets your town can uncover, and what a lovely way to spend a weekend.

on the shelf

One of the best things about doubling the size of our pantry was being able to remove the door to the weird little teeny room off the study and move in the bookshelf that's been in our kitchen for about 12 months.

Now it's sitting in the living room at the end of the study and is pleasing me very much indeed. And before you say anything, yes, I do have a rather ridiculous collection of glasses for alcoholic beverages of all kinds... a gal has to collect something!

holiday wardrobe

Finding the right travel wardrobe really is a matter of trial and error. I'm not a gal who can throw a sparkly sarong over a one piece swimsuit and slip into a pair of heels and take that out to dinner. So imagine how I felt before our last holiday when I found the PERFECT travelling frock. Honestly, in nearly every photo of me, there I was, in that frock. See, I took some hangers with me and every night I'd wash the dress, hang it on the hanger and it was ready to go.

Of course, after a few years heavy wear and tear it fell to pieces. Which made me fall to pieces. Every time I walked past a Tree of Life store I'd search in vain for this Peace Angel magical frock. Alas, with no success. I thought I found it once, but it was merely a poor, ill-fitting imitation of its successor.

So with our holiday approaching, and my seamstress-talented mother visiting I took advantage - and see what I have. Not one, but TWO of the magic frocks. Time consuming and horrendously difficult to make, but oh so magical. The green frock is more of a daywear number, but with the right accessories the floral number will take me almost anywhere in Paris, Provence or London.

Thank you mummy xxx

sunday suppers

Okay, new week, new plan. I'm now doing my meal-planning on a Sunday. And hey, see this pic? It's just a small peek at my new, utterly massive walk-in pantry. Oh, I do love it so. Room for everything - including a bit of a soft-shoe shuffle if I feel so inclined. It's around about the size of our first-ever kitchen, so I'm just reveling in the space. So much so it's got me all inspired. And here's what I'll be cooking:

Monday: my parents are leaving in the morning {insert sad face} so after a week's worth of vegetarian dinners, we'll be back to our usual. I'm going to make a chicken and chorizo risotto I think.

Tuesday: it's French lessons, so I'll be taking some panko-crumbed chicken schnitzel from the freezer, cooking it up and serving it with mash and wilted spinach and kale.

Wednesday: Netball training- and if the weather remains true it'll be frosty. Pea and ham soup in the slow cooker.

Thursday: Late night ballet for the gal. I think I'll do a pork dish in the le crueset: pork, potatoes and some pancetta {too much pork? Ain't no such thing}

Friday: Off to the French Film Festival with my gorgeous french study buddy Ms A. Wine and cheese are served before the film, so I think I'll whip up a quick steak and salad before the event.

Saturday: What's that? Another French film? Oui! Best make chicken provencale to get in the mood hadn't I?

Sunday: Back to the roast dinners. Lamb I think - it's been a while...

And that's it for me. If you'll excuse me I'm off to gaze adoringly around my pantry - and to contemplate buying a camera so I can take more than just an iPhone shot of it!

my rehearsal

We fly out in a little over 6 weeks, so to get in practise for our time in Paris and Provence I've been partaking in a wee spot of Pastis on ice.

C'est parfait!

hello: cute!

I know how we're decorating at our next party! What a fabulous way to display blooms. Now, to find the wine that comes in clear or pale blue bottles...

cinderella moment

Do you think that Cinderella was secretly rather pleased to leave that glass slipper behind? Must have been even more uncomfortable than my sky-high mary janes I wore on Monday night...

Sorry for the lack of posts. Seriously, they will pick up. Soon.

In good news, my stepfather's doubled the size of my butler's pantry {woo hoo}. Bad news - oh the plaster dust... Even my charcoal study carpet is now a pale french grey...

Hope you're all having a fabulous week. xx

my new shoes

What you cannot really see in this photo is that my new mother's day shoes are the most spectacularly shiny red patent leather - with a wee one inch red heel. Have you ever seen a better pair of shoes for wandering the streets of Paris and Provence {counting down the days now... end of June I'm flying out!}

Gotta love it when you not only find a sensible pair of shoes, but they're stylish - and red! Squeeeeeee!

happy mother's day

I hope you're all having a lovely day. My mum's visiting from Melbourne at the moment, so it was a double mother's day this morning. My gal made us scrambled eggs, with avocado and lime on toasted muffins - yum. We all sat up in the pavillion by the pool and enjoyed the glorious autumn sunshine.

And there were pressies: lots of books, shoes for Paris {photos tomorrow}, a cute skirt from cute Renew Newcastle shop, French champagne {oui, OUI!} and a gorgeous bracelet, home-made card, gift bag and Cath Kidston hand creme from my gal.

Bless.

You?

laser tag? why don't mind if i do...

Nothing makes me happier than being able to say, "Hell YEAH" to something new, something different, something unusual. So, imagine, just imagine my delight when a friend sent out the call that for her birthday today she wants to play laser tag! Squeeeeeeee!

Now, I haven't quite worked out yet exactly how I'm going to 'suit-up' - but we are having cocktails first so this should be rather interesting...

I do know that I'm totally channelling Barney Stinson. It'll be awe - wait for it - some!

flowers for friday

These little pretties are on my desk at the moment. I bought them at the markets on Sunday, and they're the most richly-scented bunch of red, pink and purple lovelies. Divine!

mmmm mumm

Some may say that I have an inordinate obsession with alcohol and to that I say, um, why yes I do... So when a Vintage Cellars letter arrived informing me that the perfect mother's day pressie was two bottles of Mumm for $99 - well, who was I to argue? I may have left that voucher prominently around various locations where my husband would see it.

Well, wouldn't you?

what's cooking wednesday

Sorry, late again. Frantically busy - sorry! Here's what we're eating this week.

Tonight: it's my darling husband's birthday (bless) so we're off to our favourite French spot - Bistro Tartine. Apparently cassoulet is on the menu - and oh, this is cassoulet weather!

Thursday: We're trialling a new home-delivery service and have ordered barramundi as part of the deal. Let's have that with roasted potatoes, green beans and perhaps some roasted carrots too.

Friday: It's a friend's birthday so we're off to play laser tag {ha!} then we're going back to their place for curries and champagne {champagne goes with everything...}

Saturday: my vegetarian parents will be here for a week. Tonight I'll make a roasted red capsicum and potato tortilla and a big green salad.

Sunday: We'll find something fabbo at the farmer's markets - and someone else will cook as it's mother's day!

Monday: orichette pasta with roasted broccoli, pinenut and blue cheese.

Tuesday: Whatever my step-father cooks - I have French lessons to attend {and it'll be eight weeks till we fly out - mon dieu!}

You?

things that make you go squeeeeee

Quite possibly the most awesome delivery my postman has ever made.

Can you hear me squeeing from your house?

Yeah baby, I'm going to a performance at the Paris Opera House. I know, I'm jealous of me too...

oy tupperware

Pretty please bring out a pastel range again.

fiercly fabulous

Okay, lots and lots and lots and lots to do this week. Lots. So I need some shoes to stomp all over these pesky tasks. These Miu Miu will do {do}. Have a look at that leather will you? Strokeable, seriously strokeable {why yes, I am making up a helluva lot of words tonight aren't I?} Well, it's late, but there's no time for a post in the morning, and heaven forbid I should neglect our weekly spot of shoe candy. So here, from me, to you, enjoy x

no excuse for bad manners

I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking good manners are vital social lubrication. But I've realised today that there are two types of ill-mannered beings: those who are born into it {not taught good manners as a child} and those who grow into it. I met one of those who grew into it this morning.

As I was standing in line to buy milk at the service station the man in front of me was huffing, shuffling and generally having that air of very-important-person-with-very-important-things-to-do. When it was his turn he burst straight out with "You didn't give me my receipt. I need my receipt." Nice. So the girl asked him how much his petrol was, so she could go out the back and print it out - the registers only save two transactions in a row apparently. He huffed, he puffed, he flustered - and didn't say a word. So the girl asked him which bowser he was at. He huffed, he puffed, he blustered - and waved toward the company car out front.

She went out, printed out his receipt and handed it to him. He snatched it and walked out. No thank you - not a word. Just more huffing - he's-very-busy-and-important you see. Girl on checkout one turned to girl on checkout two and said "If he'd stopped talking on his phone for a second while I served him he might have noticed he didn't have a receipt."

How rude. Apparently he didn't pay the person serving him one ounce of respect. Didn't look her in the eye, say thank you {or even mouth thank you} or even nod his head. That's outrageous behaviour. Imagine what that would do to the self-esteem of the people working behind the counter. They're there, on a Sunday, working for your convenience and you don't even acknowledge it. That's just awful.

Manners cost nothing. Even if you are Very Important. Probably especially if you're very important.

stop it!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

oh bless

I make no secret of my love of the Beckhams. I love Posh, and after reading her biography fell for her even more. Combine that with her mini-documentary and cute comments on Twitter and I kid you not I will not hear a bad word against her. Love.

Love this look, that beautiful deep navy frock. And bless her socks will you look at those heels!

And Becks. Whew baby - that is one man who can carry off any look to perfection.

holy royal wedding batman

Now that's what I call a wedding frock. Absolutely flawless. And it was Sarah Burton for McQueen. Bliss. There is no detail that I'm not in love with - from the modestly pretty neckline, the row of covered buttons, the glorious weight of the fabric, the pretty bustle. Divine.

And the bouquet is just so pretty. Is it Lilly of the Valley do you think? Whatever, it's just lovely - a simple posy that doesn't overwhelm the outfit.

Oh, and the TREES in Westminster Abbey - I loved that. Now please, head over to GoFugYourself and immerse yourself in all their fabulous photos and usual genius commentary.

Sigh.

wedding fever

Now, of course my eyes will be keenly focussed on Kate - mainly to check out her frock {which, so far, on Twitter, has been confirmed as being made by one of six designers - fingers crossed its McQueen...}. But I'm sure I won't be alone in having one eye turned toward this one as he frocks up in a tux. Two of my fave gossip bloggers {Lainey and Michael K over at Dlisted} have the cutest and most apt names for my fave Prince - hot Prince Ginge or Hot Harry on a Horse.

Bring it.

{royal wedding-esque} flowers for friday

I hope Kate's carrying something fabulous like this down the aisle today! Hands up who's watching the Royal Wedding tonight? Hands up who's going to a party and frocking up to watch? Have fun, I'll raise a glass of my Royal Sapphire Martini {recipe a few posts below in case you missed it} to you all.

paris opera garnier

So, I'm doing my research for our trip to Paris in July when I thought I'd research tours of the Paris Opera House. I've seen it from the outside on previous trips, and thought that checking out the inside was a must this time. While on their website I thought I'd just see if there was anything playing while we were there. Oh yes there was. A ballet, Les enfants du paradise. So tickets were hastily bought and my husband, my gal and I are off to the Opera in Paris.

Considering that I like to frock up for the Sydney Opera House can you imagine the wardrobe dilemmas I'm having? At least the shoes are easy - my Manolos totally deserve an outing here.

I'm swooning at the thought already guys.

what's cooking wednesday

Back to school - woo hoooo!

Tonight my parents are popping in for a night on their way from Melbourne to Nimbin so I'll make up a big pot of pumpkin soup - served with crusty sourdough.

Thursday: Steak and salad.

Friday: Royal wedding party - we're taking red velvet cupcakes and making Royal Sapphire martinis.

Saturday: I'm catching up with friends for dinner.

Sunday: Roast chicken and vegies.

Monday: Crispy pancetta and spinach risotto.

Tuesday: Back to french lessons - lamb and bean casserole.

Enjoy your week.

a bun in the oven

My gal loves a finger bun - loves 'em. So when I heard that Baker's Delight were donating 100 per cent of the profits from the sales of their pink finger buns to raise funds for breast cancer - well, hello, time to buy up big. From tomorrow, for a whole week, pink buns will help fund the breast cancer network.

C'mon, pink's always tasty - why not get sweet for a good cause.

spotty shoes make me smile

I think it's been about 400 years since I've posted a pair of Marc Jacobs shoes - how remiss of me. So to make up for it, I present you not only with Marc Jacobs, not only wedges, not only t-bar but SPOTTY!

You're welcome.

hydrangea cupcakes

How clever and beautiful are these cupcakes? Check them out over here.

easter egg hunting

Happy Easter! We're off to the Hunter Valley Gardens this morning so our gal can do a spot more egg hunting. It's a glorious day today so quite the day to visit the gardens.

Hope the Easter Bunny brought you some yummy chocolate {luckily our Easter Bunny seems fond of Lindt easter chocolate - yum}. Enjoy x

come fly with me

Obviously I need no encouragement to fly to Paris, but for those who do, don't you think these fabulous posters by David Klein would help the travel bug hit hard? There's a gorgeous range of his work over at Flavorwire - check it out.

PS: my other faves are Los Vegas and Spain {ole!}

flowers for friday {night}

Whoops - late! But it's my third post for the day so surely I'm forgiven - and they're PEONIES. A pretty mixed pastel bunch of peonies no less.

Sigh, I need to move to a colder climate so I can grow these things...

sweetie, darling!

So apparently I'm also going to spend this Easter catching up on my blogging. But GUESS WHAT? There are going to be three new Ab Fab episodes hitting our screens. Lord knows when we'll get them in Aus, but they're on-screen in the US in their summer.

Anyone with friends at the ABC? Do some hassling will you?

Oh, and bring out the Bolly darling.

happy easter

Oliver, the winner of the Easter Pets competition over at Martha Stewart would like to join me in wishing you a happy, happy easter. I know that I'm going to spend the next five days sleeping, resting and spending some time with my man and my gal.

You?

helen mirren: style guru

THIS!

This is why I love Helen Mirren. This woman defies any conservative conventions about how women should dress over 40. Honestly, if someone said to you "Yeah, an over 60-year-old can totally rock a leopard print maxi dress and a leather biker jacket!" you'd look at them like they were insane. And here she is, not just rocking the look, but totally and utterly owning it.

I don't know who her stylist is but they're some kind of genius. Which probably isn't too hard when you consider what they've got to work with. But I'm in love with so many aspects of this outfit - including the hair, the make-up and accessories.

No wonder Russell keeps on finding opportunities to snog her. Lord knows that given any kind of a chance I'd be doing the same.

LOVE!

nail file

Sure, my basket of nailpolishes might be seriously overflowing - but I'd make space for these. Sweet Peacock is my absolute favourite, but I'm also loving on Sea Girl and Lucky Duck {oh, and Fowl Play - which really only leaves the coral and the beige - which are also kinda fabulous...} I think I deserve these.

what's cooking wednesday

Do you have any idea how much I need a pale green, retro Smeg Fridge? A. Lot. Crazy beautiful. But I don't. I have a rather ordinary Fisher&Paykel, which does the job - just not very attractively. Sigh. But I have planned the next week's meals. That's good.

Wednesday: I have a hankering so deep, so wide and so strong for lamb shanks - so I'm going to make them.*

Thursday: I'm making pea and ham soup. I have yellow split peas and bacon bones. All I need now is the world's most amazing sourdough. Luckily I live not a five minute drive from Sourdough Baker in Newcastle. Mmmmm.

Friday: well, c'mon, it's got to be fish. I have bought the world's most enormous tin of tuna and shall be making spicy thai fish cakes. With some noodles strewn with vegies. And sweet chilli sauce. Oh yeah.

Saturday: Nigella makes this amazing lamb casserole with green beens. That's what I'll be making too - just need to find the recipe.

Sunday: Okay, today's the day we're going on an egg hunt at the Hunter Valley Gardens. I really should organise something for the slow cooker. Minestrone?

Monday: I didn't make the orichette with broccoli and anchovies last week - that's a crime. So I'd best make it tonight. And grate some lemon zest over it as penance.

Tuesday: Best give my husband a simple steak and vegie night. As you can see, I like my fancy schmancy and so does he, but he does crave a bit of simple. Best offer it up.

*Okay, the slow roasted lamb shanks with lentils recipe was so good, it deserves writing down. Coat frenched lamb shanks in a liberal dose of seasoned flour {plenty of salt and pepper}. Then, in a heavy bottom pan, brown them in a little olive oil. Really brown them. Next, add one litre of beef stock, 1 cup of red wine, one whole anchovy {trust: it'll melt}, two cloves of crushed garlic and three bay leaves. Add one cup of french lentils du puy. Add loads of freshly ground pepper. Stir and then bring to the boil. Cover tightly {I cooked this in my le crueset french oven} and pop in a low oven {140 celcius} for at least 3 hours. Serve with creamy french mash and green beans. So good. My husband said it's as good as duck confit and in my house there is no higher praise.

a royal sapphire

Hey, you know how I'm going to a Royal Wedding party at the end of the month? Well, I've created a cocktail in its honour. A Royal Sapphire. First of all I'll dip the martini glass in egg white and then put a sparkling rim of caster sugar around the edge {you know, like diamonds}. Then I'll combine this deep blue liqueur I saw the other day {deeper than curacao - not sure what it's called}, some Gin {probably Hendricks - that's royal}, a splash of lemon and top it up with champagne.

It's just like Kate's engagement ring! I KNOW!

Seriously, I should take a patent out on that - how freakin' awesome does it sound? Feel free to make one yourself. Cheers.

lessons learnt

Wow, this has been a big month on the learning scale. Now, allow me to tell you something. I'm not really one of those astrological people {if I was, hey, as a Leo would I really have married a Taurean? Probably not, but so far it's turned out pretty awesome!}. But, my point, and I do have one, is that there are two astrological events that I always listen out for: Saturn Return and Mercury Retrograde. When it's the Saturn Return period I'm extra, super-dooper careful around electrical appliance because if they're going to cark it - this is when. I lost a TV, a computer and a dishwasher in two days in one Saturn Return {bastard}.

The other phase is when Mercury is Retrograde. You know those arguments that go "That's not what I said!" - "Well it's what you meant!" {!!!!!} well I can pretty much guarantee you that they'll have taken place while Mercury is retrograde. See, Mercury rules communication - so when he's going backwards, well, strange things are afoot at the Circle K {see, I'll even thrown in an obscure Bill and Ted's reference - random}

So, if you've been feeling misunderstand, misrepresented and just plain misheard - come and stand in line behind me. If an argument starts brewing, bite your tongue and run in the opposite direction. And don't worry - it's nearly over. Phew.

take my breath away

Guys, seriously, I'm going to need to be hooked up to an oxygen tank soon - there are only so many breathtaking moments a gal can take...

I just love how these Valentino beauties look like you've stepped into a bridal bouquet - honestly, what are shoes for if not to be utterly fabulous? {What's that? Protection from the elements, warmth, decorum? Pshaw.}

I'm going to take this image and hold it to my heart all day - oh hell, all week. I need me some pretty.

hand-sewn book covers

Excuse me for a second while I fan myself - have you seen the hand-sewn covers of Penguin classics? Beautiful. Just so beautiful. Three classics: Emma, Black Beauty and The Secret Garden will be released with these gorgeous limited edition covers designed by artist Jillian Tamaki. They're released in the US in fall 2011, and I plan on being first in-line, on-line to buy one. Go here to find out more.

Oh, if I owned one of these beauties I would pet it, I would love it, I would name it George {wait, that could be confusing for Emma - let's just say there'll be a lot of petting and loving...}

I would, once again, like to thank The Fug Girls for bringing such fabulousness to my attention - seriously, is there anything they can't do?