super looks

Quite possibly the only thing I love more than a shiny, sequinned silver frock is a cape - so, hold the presses what do we have here? Lana del Ray (with fabulous glossy locks btw) looking super awesome on the Met Gala red carpet in a silver frock AND A CAPE!

By jingo that's one super look.

I need a cape.

meal planning monday

Some weeks meal planning comes easily. Meals flow readily from my mind and everything's smooth.

Not today.

Today things aren't flowing. So I'm taking this as a sign and making this week's meals easy-as.

Monday: sausages, mash and peas. With gravy. Yummo.

Tuesday: My gal has late ballet, so I'll whip up my version of Nigella's spaghetti carbonara. It's so simple, and I don't add cream, just eggs and parmesan for a creamy texture.

Wednesday: Roasted pumpkin soup. Simply roast your pumpkin pieces with quartered onion, garlic cloves and sprigs of thyme. When cooked, blitz it with a blender and add stock (chicken or vege) to create desired thickness and season. That's it. Served with crusty rolls that's just about my fave winter dinner.

Thursday: We're off to the shopping centre to swap some of hubby's presents and shop for mother's day. We'll have dinner at the food court - Indian for my husband and child, Japanese for me.

Friday: Simple fish and chips. If I'm so inclined it will be so simple as to be bought from the fish and chip shop, if not, it'll be frozen beer battered fish and some regular frozen fries and sweet potato fries.

Saturday: BBQ. I have some garlic prawns with my name on it this week. I'll also cook up some potatoes and chorizo alongside. Serve it with a salad.

Sunday: Well, last week's lamb roast didn't eventuate as one of my friends on twitter had pork belly for dinner saturday night and that set off my cravings. So this week, seven hour lamb it is. Seriously.

What are you eating? Are you simple this week? Or cooking up a gourmet storm?

ps: how CUTE is that sign in the piccy above? Once again it's from Provence. I was obsessed with the cute metal signage and took snaps everywhere. I think this was my fave though.

mt washmore

All it takes is one busy week, and a couple of rainy days, and I start to feel defeated by Mount Washmore.  It's only 10.30 and I'm already onto my second load of darks, with a load of whites, and probably two loads of towels to go. Thankfully I've decided to switch back to Monday as clean sheet day - Sundays are too hectic.

See this piccy above? It's taken in the town of Tourtour in haute Provence when we visited last year. Many of the towns had these glorious "washing stations" {I've no idea what they're really called} where fresh spring water flows readily through old stone troughs. One day we saw a woman, dressed in beautiful white, flowing linen, bring a basket of clothing over to rinse here. I squealed in delight to witness such a glorious ritual, one that's probably taken place over centuries and generations.

And the view ain't half bad either. Check this out:

The only thing that I love more than an awesome view is one that's framed through something so beautiful. This glorious stone arch provided the picture-perfect frame for this shot. Can you just imagine living here? Can you?

Here's the town. Perched high on a cliff top. My husband chose the location purely for its proximity to the Tour de France route, and because he'd found a villa to perfectly accommodate three families. Not only was the villa spectacularly beautiful and absolutely perfect, this town is on my must-visit-again list.

See why?

Haute Provence is the road less travelled in this glorious area, but I've no idea why. It's just exquisite. So original and untouched. And look at the colours of that sky. I never tire of looking at them. It makes me want to pick up a paintbrush - no wonder it inspired so many artists.

Oh well, I'll keep washing with my lavender-scented wash pods and dream that I'm in Provence, and that my Fisher & Paykel is a washing trough with streaming Provencal water. Might help make tackling that pile a lot easier...

Enjoy your Sunday x

flowers for friday

I have a newfound love for carnations. I bought these the other day and they're just so pretty! And the scent! Oh my. As my first job was in a florist as a 13 year old, I grew tired of carnations very quickly as the most common request for for a bunch of mixed carnations, with one sprayed blue.

Nice.

No blue spray in this bunch - just a hyper-saturated pink {blame instagram - I had to mess with it}. I know that carnations have been heralded as making a comeback for years, but my prejudices blinded me. No more, I'm going to embrace these poor gal's peonies.

So, today it's my lovely husband's birthday. His 40th! {bless} He's having a sleep-in then I'm making him a bowl of coffee and bacon and eggs. Oh, and the pressies, let's not forget those.

Looks like Newy's turned on a nice day for it - hopefully he'll fit in a bike ride today too.

Enjoy your Friday x

le sigh

I know, two film reviews in two days... but I can't help it. Last night I went to an Alliance Francais screening with one of my fellow Francophile of the new Audrey Tautou film La Delicatesse. Oh my.

Before the screening we sipped on sparkling and nibbled petite croissants filled with ham and cheese. Bliss. And chatted about all things French {including my friend's DIVINE trench which she'd picked up in Paris. Oh my}.

The film itself was an absolute delight. Really sweet, with a lovely storyline and the ultimate shot of the Eiffel Tower {from a bridge, at night, in lights!} The soundtrack was provided by my favourite chanteuse Emilie Simon - and I shall be treating myself to that today. Oh yes I will.

Of course it's made me want to return to Paris. Everything makes me want to return to Paris. If you're a lover of all things French, Audrey Tautou or you just enjoy a really sweet story then I think you need to see this. There's some gorgeously understated acting - performed with just minimal facial expressions, or even with a bodily stance - very smart.

C'est tres jolie.

my night at the movies

I went to the movies with two friends last night and we caught the new Aussie film Wish You Were Here. Goodness. This psychological drama will sit with you for quite some time: it's harrowing, thought provoking and takes you on a very wild ride.

It's beautifully shot, paying homage to some gorgeous South East asian scenery, and Sydney's beautiful Tamarama - and so well cast. The plot's gripping, and causes your loyalties to waver throughout as the story weaves a magnetic web. There are some disturbing scenes, including one that brought out a phobia I thought I was well and truly over,  but I really enjoyed it.

It's raised so many issues that I'm keen to get together with my friends and discuss it again over coffee. Recommended viewing.

how sweet it is

Today I have a hankering for something sweet. This hankering began because I've been thinking about what kind of cake to bake for hubby's birthday on Friday and I can't get the delicate flavour of rose madeleines out of my head. Luckily I found this piccy of a batch I made for the school fair a few years back. Pretty sure that the only thing prettier than a plateful of madeleines is one decorated with rose petals and the odd pale pink rosebud.

meal planning monday

Hey, how was your weekend? Did it zoom by like mine did? Sheesh, seriously, time - slow down dude. We're pretty busy this week, and the weather's cooled considerably, so our meals this week reflect that.

Monday: a friend of mine mentioned Shephard's Pie on Twitter last night, and, as I'm the world's most suggestible person I knew I'd best make it for dinner tonight. Will serve it with roasted pumpkin - and peas cooked in chicken stock with some lettuce wilted through.

Tuesday: late night ballet for my gal. So I'll make spanish chicken. So easy. So good.

Wednesday: netball training. I think I'll make dukkah-crusted lamb fillets with roasted chickpea salad for dinner tonight.

Thursday: I have some last-minute shopping to do so I'd best make a hasty stir-fry. Chicken, cashew and noodles perhaps.

Friday: It's my hubby's birthday. Hurrah. We're off to dinner with all the family tonight so no cooking for moi!

Saturday: Something really light tonight. Let's say fritatta. Roasted vegies and chicken perhaps? With salad.

Sunday: It's got to be seven hour leg of lamb in this type of weather. Served with the lentils it's roasted on.

What's cooking in your house this week?

my new love

I fell in love last night.

With a cocktail.

See number four on the list? That's my idea of a heavenly mouthful. The sumptuous aroma of roses fills your mouth before the first sip. Oh my. My friends tried a Chanel No. 6 {dubbed new favourite drink} and French 75 {see a theme developing here?}. All went down very well indeed.

After writing about small bars we had to visit one.

So after dinner at the yacht club we moseyed on up to Bar Petite and snaffled a sofa with a wee marble side table. The place was filled with gorgeous peeps, and the most adorable girl was singing. Yet, we were still able to chat and hear each other.

Bliss.

Small bars. More please.

small bars in newcastle - one ace idea

When I was a wayward youth I loved nothing more than going out to noisy clubs where my friends and I would drink, dance and shout to be heard over the noise of the DJ. My knees and back were youthful in those days and I had no issue with standing for hours on end, only to race to the dancefloor when a New Order hit came over the sound system.

Now. Well, that's my idea of hell.

My idea of awesome is a small bar.

A nice place where you can buy wine by the glass, have a few tasty nibbles, sit around with other frocked-up or fabulous individuals and just enjoy the night.

Thankfully Newcastle finally has a small bar. It's called, appropriately enough, Bar Petite. And I'm happy it's here. I like it. I've found myself nestled in its French-style ambiance on a number of nights with a variety of friends. There's also Longworth House, which used to be The Airforce Club, where I used to mosh with my pals while the bands played on top of a pool table. Good times. Now it's classy, sophisticated, and the ideal spot to gather for a cocktail or nice glass of vino.

Would I like more of these places? Why yes. As a matter of fact I would. I'm greedy that way. I need variety.

So I was thrilled to see a petition calling for a rethink of our licensing laws, allowing more of these places to pop up. Sounds like the perfect way to help revitalise the city.

There's a petition here. Please sign it. They're aiming for 10 000 signatures by May 26, to take to council.

Of course, whenever there's a new idea there are always the naysayers. Those naysayers particularly like to raise the old furphy of new alcohol venues = more alcohol-fuelled violence. To those naysayers I like to say: have you seen the people meeting in small bars? They're not yobbos there to get drunk. They're nicely-dressed, nicely-spoken people who sometimes like to catch-up with friends over a drink. They're the type of people you WANT in your city.

So, if you live in Newy, know someone who lives here, like to visit here - or just think it's a damned good idea please sign the petition. And tell your friends. I'll buy you a drink in the next small bar if you do x

flowers for friday

We're in crazy cleaning mode in this neck of the woods. Next week a photographer's coming to shoot our house for the local weekend paper insert. Eep. Need to get it ready for its close up. So far the butler's pantry is ready... Guess what we're doing this weekend? Hubby's on outdoor duties, I'm on interior.

There shall be LOTS of flowers around the house. When in doubt, pop some flowers there.

Wish me luck. Lots of it.

on the rails

I'm feeling very clever today as I'm blogging ON THE TRAIN. I know. Clever.

I have a 2pm meeting in Sydney and as it was right in the centre of the city I thought it best to catch the train rather than drive and bother with parking. So I've packed my laptop, and my wi-fi dongle and I am SET. If I only had a portable coffee machine I'd be in heaven.

I painted my nails for this meeting last night. They're a kinda candy apple red and are making me happy. Much like all these beautiful Kate Spade nail polishes make me happy. And hello, talk about name dropping; they're Kate Spade, chosen by Poppy King inspired by Florence Broadhurst. Sheesh.

I do need them though - don't you think? Oh, and they're a travel set. Best plan a trip to accompany them...

for all the diggers

It's Anzac Day today and it's lovely to see so many people out supporting the diggers and their families. Lest we forget.

meal planning monday

School holidays are OVA. Oh yeah. I love my gal, but let me tell you how nice is it for life to return to normal. It's very nice indeed. So to celebrate, here's my week of meals that say "Hurrah - school's in".

Monday: there is chilli con carne bubbling away in a le creuset pot on my stove. After four hours of cooking it will be served with rice, guacamole and corn on the cob. Hello.

Tuesday: Late ballet night tonight. I'll make salmon patties with a salad for dinner.

Wednesday: Anzac Day. I was Thrifty McStingy Pants shopping this week and it was two packs of mince for $12. As I'm in savings mode I bought two, and shall make a meatloaf for dinner tonight. With homemade onion gravy and champ (mashed potatoes with sliced green onions).

Thursday: I'm down to sydney for a meeting. As it's in the city I'm braving the train (lovingly known by locals as the Shitkansen). I will have my laptop which will hopefully distract me from everything except my fave Brooklyn view. For dinner? Hubby and daughter can make me some home-made pizza.

Friday: I'm off to a gallery opening. Before that I'll make up some simple ham and cheese omelettes. I love these. Simple, delish and crazy cheap. Perfect light supper when served with a salad.

Saturday: I'm out tonight (again, I know, dirty stop-out that I am) with some dear ol' uni friends. Hubby and the gal are off to hubby's parents for dinner. I shall be dining at the Yacht Club - I'm posh that way.

Sunday: I bought some corned beef. I've never cooked it before, but shall pop it in the slow cooker with herbs, onion, carrot, bayleaves, peppercorn, malt vinegar and water and cook it on low. I have a jungle of flat leaf parsley in the vegie garden. I should make some kind of white sauce with parsley to serve with it shouldn't I? And lotsa yummy veg?

So, what's on your plan for this week? Yummy stuff?

flowers for friday

On my desk and making me very happy today are these gorgeous roses. A heady mix of apricot champagne and deep pinky mauve. Nice huh?

do you like nana stuff?

I am a bit of a nana. I have a crazy amount of cardigans, love a floral print and LOVE nana flowers such as hydrangeas. Sadly, I've yet to be able to grow hydrangeas here. For some reason they just won't survive the first season. But I NEEEEEEED them. I love their hues, and how they fade away to the prettiest shades.

I'm thrilled that it's coming into winter and the season for my other nana fave - pansies. Oh, the pretty face of a pansy - is there anything more delightful? I'm sure there's more. Tell me more.

What are your fave nana flowers?

subo = sublime

When I first heard rumblings about a new Newy restaurant, I was excited. The pedigree of the owners was impeccible, and I loved their community involvement on twitter. The bistro was small and perfectly formed and I knew I had to get there. Last year, we managed to snaffle a table on our 10th wedding anniversary. Oh my, it was divine. You know how sometimes you have extraordinarily high expectations? Can you imagine them being surpassed? At Subo, mine were. So I thought I'd best write up my Subo review. 

Arriving through an awesome timber door you'll be greeted by the gorgeous smiling face of Suzie. This is what front of house should be like. Being greeted as if you're a welcome friend you're seated at one of 10 tables and you know you're in for a treat. After offering a choice of tap or mineral water, then it's time to dive in and explore the menu.

Oh my.

This is Beau. He's the creative mind behind some food combinations that just need to be tasted. This is food that's an experience, but that is also an absolute pleasure to eat. Every plate is a work of art, every morsel a tastebud's delight.

Last night we had a child-free night, so I thought I'd try for a last minute table. Upon calling, Suzie delighted me with the news that yes - there was a space - hurrah for last-minute cancellations. I may have deafened her with my OHMYGODs.

Sunday nights have a tasting menu at Subo, something I'm keen-as to try on my next visit. But, as we'd been out to lunch earlier, I knew there was no way I could fit in more than two courses. So we checked out the menu.

We started with some gorgeous sourdough from a bakery in Dungog, served with house-churned butter. Hello.

I'd heard mention somewhere earlier about a new dish: sugar-cured salmon gravlax, something I'd been keen to try - and I knew this would be worth tasting. Was it?

On a bed of creme fraiche were the most exquisite cubes of salmon I've tasted. Topped with fresh and crispy roasted beetroot, dill and finger lime {hello, taste sensation} here is a plate you need to meet. See that little sandy pile off to the right? English Mustard Sand. Quite possible one of the best things I've ever tasted. It had all the flavour of mustard, but with a completely different texture, so it worked beautifully with the beetroot, salmon, creme fraiche and dill. I nearly cried as I came to the end of this dish.

Sublime.

Vegetables can be amazing.

Five hour carrots wrapped in hay charcoal and served with crispy carrot tops and so many other taste sensations that my mouth just didn't know what to do with itself. This was incredible. An experiment that went very right indeed. I really wish I had a copy of the menu to tell you all about the delicious range of flavours on this plate but let me just say, every flavour and texture you'd dream of was all nestled on this plate. Amazing. Just amazing.

Now, you know I love pork - and oh, this dish was like the essence of pork distilled into incredible mouthfuls. An indescribably rich pork sausage was grilled to perfection, and served with crisp morsels of crackling, green grapes, roasted parsnip and the most amazing roasted brussell sprouts. T'was so damned good. Food like this makes you happy. Very happy indeed.

My hubby had the chicken wing confit with hay veloute and the most melt-in-your-mouth beef the world has ever seen. He was in love.

We washed it down with a bottle of delicious De Iulius wine - at a very reasonable price and groaned that we weren't able to fit in dessert.

Throughout the meal our glasses were topped up with wine and water in an attentive and unobtrusive manner and every portion of every meal was explained with quiet enthusiasm by Suzie.

If you ever come to Newcastle book in early as this 20-seater bistro fills up with people who love good food. I'll be back for the tasting plate - I can't wait to sample all of what this amazing place has to offer.

use your kind words

I choose to use my words to lift people up, to make them smile.

When I was a freelance journalist I was lucky enough to choose what I wrote about. I'd choose to write about things I loved, things I was enthusiastic about - things I wanted to share with others. I wanted to inspire others to help make their life a little better. If I made a change in one person's life that would make me happy.

I've worked on magazines for over 20 years. I was lucky that I started in mags and didn't have to do the awful newspaper cadet route of ambulance chasing and dealing with people in their darkest moments.

I've always chosen to walk on the light side. I try to do it in life, and I do it on this blog.

Sometimes I think my blog's too light, too low on words. But then I hear from others that they like my pretty pictures and that my posts help cheer them up.

I'm happy with that.

I don't read magazines anymore. If I feel the need for sitting down with a mag over a cuppa I'll choose a home-style mag. The others don't speak to me.

Blogs speak to me.

I've been blessed to meet some of the most talented, beautiful and all-round wonderful bloggers that this country has to offer. I feel greedy for all that they've given me. I see their new posts in my blog roll or reader and I leap joyfully over to read their beautiful words, see their glorious images and feel blessed that I share the world with them.

Some people don't get it.

They never will.

More pity to them.

meal planning monday

Hey, how's things? It's the final week of our much-needed school holidays here and I'm revelling in it. It's also {surprise} another busy week for me - with not one, but two movie nights with friends {I KNOW!}. Here's what we're eating this week, where the nights are getting chilly, and I'm bringing out the slow cooker.

Monday: last night my gal had a sleepover at her nana and pa's so hubby and I took advantage and headed off to the jewel in Newcastle's glittering crown of dining - Subo. OH. MY. GOD. So good. I asked my gal what meal she wanted for her welcome home and she's requested duck. Yes, she is totally my daughter. So tonight it's duck confit, potatoes roasted in duck fat - and a salad as big as my head alongside.

Tuesday: I'm off to an early movie night so I'm going to make spaghetti and meatballs in a tomato sauce in the slow cooker. Yep, I am totally going to taunt myself with delicious smells all day. But it'll be worth it. Oh, I'm off to see Salmon Fishing in the Yeman with Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt. Bliss.

Wednesday: Why yes, I am off to the movies again. Chicks at the Flicks to see The Lucky One. Very early night, I'll be eating popcorn for dinner. Husband and child won't settle for popcorn for dinner so they can make homemade pizza.

Thursday: I haven't made chicken pot pies for a while. Time to make them again I think. Served with loads of vegies - particularly glazed carrots and lotsa greens.

Friday: You know what I have a hankering for? Pork chops. Guess I should make some with a mustard sauce.

Saturday: BBQ night. Fish? Yes? With salad? Sounds good to me.

Sunday: Standing rib roast tonight. With yorkshire pudding! And loads of roasted vegies.

Tell me, what are you eating this week?

ah sweet saturday

I have a feeling I've used this pic before, if so, sorry - but I just had to go with this pink and red geranium arrangement. See, I've finally filled the planter boxes on our living room window with planter pots filled with alternating red and pink geraniums. At the moment they're just cuttings from my mother-in-law's garden, but once they fill out they'll be transporting me back to France every single time I look out the window.

Bliss.

We might need to do some gardening today. I wanted to head off on a roadtrip, but we might save that for next weekend. Tomorrow it's my father-in-law's birthday and we're off to Maitland to go out to lunch - that might have to sate my roadtrip urge for the moment.

What's on your agenda this weekend?

flowers for friday

Shut.

Up.

Is this ombre trail of petals just the most divine thing you've ever seen? I am in love and am desperately trying to think of a situation where this could come in handy.

Thinking.

Desperately.

double-cute

Excuse me, but could SJP's twins look any more adorable?

I'm thinking not.

girls just wanna have fun

I do love a night at the movies. I think it's my ultimate get away. Something about sitting in a darkened theatre, choc top in hand, with a story unfolding on the big screen really appeals. Luckily I've found a few like-minded friends who are keen to get out and see something on the screen too.

But I think my fave cinema expedition is the Chicks at the Flicks put on by Events Cinema. I've seen a few of these and the atmosphere is always ace. There's bubbles and gift bags on arrival, and, at the few I've been to - cute stalls of fun girly things to check out.

I'm off to see The Lucky One at Glendale next week {and I'm a bit excited}. I do love a good girly film, and this one is by the creator of The Notebook {which ignited my long-lasting Ryan Gosling crush}. I am a little concerned that this film may inspire cougar-esque inappropriate feelings for Zac Efron - but I shall try to restrain myself.

I'm going with my bestie from High School - how CUTE will that be?

Do you like movies? Do you like choc tops? Do you like girls nights out?

i presume...

I don't believe that I'll make it through this winter without a cape. Sure, there are obstacles in my path: I work from home and rarely have call for anything over a cardigan, plus I live in Newy where the temperature rarely drops below 15 degrees but still, I have a hankering.

I could totes fulfil all my Nancy Drew fantasies wearing a cape {sure, if you're going to be picky it's Sherlock Holmes who wore a cape and not Nancy, but still, she would if she could I'm sure}.

Mmmmm, capes.

meal planning monday

Ah, I'm coming at meal planning from a very relaxed perspective this week. I really do need a four weekend - at least once a month or so.... So, I'm sitting on my front veranda writing this - have discovered that my wi-fi stretches that far {hurrah} I'm busy this week, so here's what's on the menu:

Monday: I was v excited to find some really good looking Osso Bucco at Coles the other day. Shall be slow cooking that tonight and serving with soft polenta which will probably make my daughter do a wee dance of joy.

Tuesday: I'm off to Sydney tonight to stay with my pals The Divine Ms M and Mr A Grey Area. I know - how lucky am I? Don't care what we eat, I'll just gobble up the fab company. Shall organise some steaks for hubby and daughter to cook up and grab some salad from the vegie garden.

Wednesday: I'm in Sydney all day for a video shoot for work. Shall come home exhaustipated. Shall leave fixings for Spaghetti bol at home - that's always nice to come home to.

Thursday: There shall be homemade quiche lorraine for dinner tonight. With salad - you should see the leaves in our vegie garden!

Friday: Garlic and ginger poached chicken and thai fried rice. My thai basil is also going OFF and it needs pruning.

Saturday: BBQ - prawns perhaps? Yes? With salad and a roasted potato salad.

Sunday: Roast dinner night. We're probably due for a pork belly roast. Goodness knows that I have enough apples in my crisper to form a bed for them - nothing like caramelised apple sauce with your pork belly {well, maybe caramelised rhubarb sauce, but hey, I don't have an abundance of rhubarb in the fridge. Next time perhaps}.

And that's about it. What's cooking in your neck of the woods? PS: how CUTE are these lil mushroom shakers from ModCloth? Divine.

i'm finally on facebook

Well it took me nearly 11 months from when I first set up the page to publishing it last night - but my blog now has a facebook page. Hurrah - yet another piece of social media for me to blather about on. Hopefully it'll also inspire me to blog more regularly so I can fill it up.

Come play? The button's over there on the left.

my new favourite thing

While my parents were up my step dad moved some shelves in the butler's pantry to fit in our new fridge. See, it fitted, but because it's a double door number the doors wouldn't completely open. This meant he had to narrow the shelves in the pantry on the wall closest to the kitchen.

At first I though they were an almost unusable width, until I came up with this idea! I now have four shelves filled with some of my cookbook collection. Genius. And the shelves on the other side are just the perfect width for cereals, bread, crackers, condiments and tinned food. Win all around.

I'm also in love with the water filter and ice maker in the door. I didn't want one of them, but it seemed that all the fridges of the size we wanted had one. And now, oh I love it. My mum and step-dad also fell a bit in love with it while they were up and I wouldn't be at all surprised if something similar makes it into their new kitchen when it's finished.

So, tonight I have a lamb shoulder slowly roasting in the oven. A friend on twitter told me about a greek recipe involving copious amounts of olive oil, garlic, lemon and olive oil and I thought I'd best try it. It's baking for four hours on a low heat so should be yum. I'll serve it with lemon roasted potatoes and a green salad with persian feta. Hello.

happy easter

Why hello there. Don't you think I shouldn't work more often - look at how often I'm posting!

I was thrilled to spot this wee fuzzy bunny I photographed at Frankie's Place when going through my photos yesterday, he'd do excellent chameleon hiding while distributing easter eggs on the lawn don't you think?

How's your easter weekend going? Can you believe we've still got all of today AND all of tomorrow off? Working full time really makes you appreciate public holidays with a passion.

Hubby's been struck down with a cold so he'll be resting today, but my gal has a friend coming over later today for a sleepover. I'm cooking a slow roasted shoulder of lamb for dinner - and tomorrow we're off to see The Lorax. Hope they've done Seuss justice this time, even just a little bit.

Best go cook up some bacon and eggs - happy easter.

do you freecycle?

I am a big fan of Freecycle. We joined a few years ago when a charity rejected a two year old mattress with a coffee stain on it {not whinging, that's their policy - but I didn't want to waste it}. Over the years we've rehoused our old trampolene, old bikes, a lounge - loads of stuff. It gives me the happies seeing things not going to landfill but going to a home where people genuinely want and need an object and would prefer to reuse rather than buy new.

The other day we were tidying away and I found my husband's old bike seat. Almost brand new, he just needed something snazzier for the 100k rides he does. Then, not two days later a call comes across Freecycle asking if anyone had a spare bike seat. Bingo. We have a match.

It's surprising seeing what some people put on there - and what people take. We had a stack of old photo library books that I kept forgetting to take to my daughter's school - but I knew they'd be great for some kind of scrapbooking. Sure enough a counseller who works in welfare was so grateful for them as she'd ask clients to create memory books as therapy.

Everything's got a use somewhere doesn't it?

pretty!

Couldn't possibly decide between the pink and red roses at the market today.

Naturally I bought both.

Greedy guts aren't I?

belle fleurs

There are few things I adore more than gorgeous, multi-coloured roses in an old jug. We're off to the markets in a tic - guess I'd best buy a bunch while I'm there don't you think?

happy friday

Happy Good Friday everyone. What have you planned for today? I had a nice sleep-in as I had the house to myself last night {!} Yep, got back from my friend's house after some champagne and giggles, cooked myself up some chicken dumplings and finally watched A Single Man. As you'd expect from something directed by Tom Ford it was insanely beautiful. Colin Firth in a Tom Ford suit is something I'd be quite happy to watch for hours on end.

Today I'll be pottering around until my hubby and gal get back from my in-laws. It's such a glorious day today that I'm going to INSIST on a family bike ride. There might also be some baking don't you think? I need to make those bunny biscuits {I have the cutters} and just need teeny white marshmallows for the tails! Cuteness.

Have a beautiful day - and enjoy this extra long weekend. x

happy fake friday

A friend of mine introduced me to the term Fake Friday today and I like it. I like it a lot. Do you have any idea how much I am looking forward to this long, long weekend? So very much.

I did that job yesterday that scared me so. Pretty well according to an expert so that makes me happy. I wrote some scripts for some videos we're shooting next week - and once that shoot wraps next wednesday night I will be very happy indeed. So happy that I may require a wee champagne fountain in vintage bowls. And macarons. And this pretty pink ombre frock. Oh, and a wrist corsage - seriously, don't you think the world would be a better place with more wrist corsages?

After work today I am off to a friends for some champagne to celebrate the fact that we survived the first semester of High School. It's been a learning experience - for us and our gal. She's done exceptionally well bless her lil socks. I couldn't possibly be prouder of her or love her more. She deserves a pink ombre frock - and a wrist corsage - she would totes rock a wrist corsage.

Happy fake friday my lovelies and hope the easter bunny brings you some delish treats x

just dive in

I'm currently in the midst of doing something I've never done before and it's challenging me. It's not huge, or amazing, just something for work that's making me step out of my comfort zone. But it's enough to make that dizzying fear keep rising from my stomach, so I have to tamp it down.

Working remotely from home has so many benefits, but the one thing it lacks is being able to lean over to a colleague at the next desk and say "Hey, do you think this is okay?" Luckily I have a Skype meeting this morning with an expert in the field, so he should be able to guide me. I'm sure it'll be fine - but it's kind of like the first time I've ever written for a new publication times 1000.

To get me through I'm channelling a TEDxNewy talk from Gerry Bobsien about the joy, challenge and terror of being a novice - that's going to pump me up. Go check her out - she's bloody inspiring.

it's a pug, with a monocle

And the award for cutest April Fools ever goes to Warby Parker with their Warby Barker range. 

Love.

meal planning monday

After last week's crazy socialising and shenanigans, this week's on a bit of a go-slow. I need to chill, do some cooking, and say more than three words to my family. Here's what we're eating:

Monday: we're off to the library after school as my gal has homework that requires an actual paper atlas - how old school! So when we come home I think we'll be needing caramelised pork and my gal's new fave udon noodles. With lots of wilted, garlic-infused greens.

Tuesday: late night at ballet and I *may* be squeezing in some socialising by heading out to the cinema with some of my twitter pals. We're off to see A Dangerous Method which should be fabulous. Easy dinner of spaghetti bolognaise I'm thinking.

Wednesday: netball training for my gal. Her eyes lit up today when I mentioned it's almost lamb shank weather. Perhaps I could sneak some in early don't you think?

Thursday: I *may* be going to the SurfHouse with a friend to debrief about Duran Duran. She got to stroke and sing with Simon, so I'm guessing I'll just be saying "OH MY GOD" a lot. Hubby has a ride in Maitland the next morning so he's off with my gal to his parents house. They'll be eating there, I'll be having bar snacks with my cocktails.

Friday: gotta do fish really, haven't I? Salmon on the bbq with a salad.

Saturday: I'm hoping this gorgeous weather will stick around. We'll be painting this weekend - hopefully getting the new wardrobe in our kitchen from Italian Nonna to Parisian Chic. I'll have bbq items ready to throw on.

Sunday: Roast night. I'm really into roasting chickens at the moment, the stuffing and accompaniments make it such a varied dish. Tonight might be just a 'shove-a-lemon-and-some-proscuitto-in-the-cavity' kind of night, but that makes for a delish dish.

And that's it - not really as quiet as I'd made out was it? Well, there's a little downtime in there isn't there? What are you eating?

chicken dinner total winner

You know the only thing better than a chicken that's been stuffed with halved lemons, garlic cloves and Parma ham?




Hassleback potatoes stuffed with Parma ham and topped with a mix of rosemary, salt and garlic ground in a mortar and pestle. Oh and drizzled with olive oil.

Yum indeed.

put a bird on it

It took me yonks to *get* Twitter. I signed up, and then just sat back and watched it for a couple of months. I couldn't work out how to join in the conversation, what to say - or why to say it. But slowly, I worked it out. I dipped my toes into conversations, learned not to feel hurt if someone didn't respond {they're not ignoring you - the conversation's probably just moved on before your comment was noted} and learned to love it.

Now, I can't do without Twitter. I follow three bunches of people: bloggers, work-related contacts and Newy Tweeps. Oh, I love my Newy Tweeps. See, Newy Tweeps are a bunch of local tweeps who, between them, know just about everything there is to know about Newcastle. I started off following one person, trolled through her list and followed people she followed - then started following people whose conversation intrigued me.

Twitter's where I get all my news. I'd been discussing the winner of the Archibald Prize for two hours on Twitter before an email from the Art Gallery pinged in my in-box to tell me who'd won.

There are rules, and bits of etiquette. For example, my first call is to check my mentions to see who's responded to me, or tweeted me - and then I try to tweet them back. There's nothing sadder than feeling ignored on Twitter. I'm not fond of people who auto-post reams of tweets one after the other - it feels spammy and unless they offer something else of value, these are the people I tend to unfollow.

I love the parody accounts and ones set up purely for entertainment value. My favourite is a bus. Yes, a bus - the 100 Bus - a Newcastle institution. Last night I was involved in a chat with a bus, a goat, a pub and a midwife - how's that for bizarre. Actually, the pub's a good example of a business using twitter well to interact with the local community - it's all about engagement, not advertising.

If you're lucky you'll be like me and discover some fab friends that you have a ridiculous amount in common with. If not, well, enjoy just having fun.

Want to come say "hi" to me? I'm here.

une fleur for friday

Look at this glorious critter I found in my front garden today. Love the carmine against that exquisite blue sky. Don't you think autumn skies are the best?

Have a gorgeous friday. x

duran duran equal awesome

I was completely blown away by Duran Duran on Wednesday night. Completely and utterly blown away. See this set list? See that second song? Yes, that would be Planet Earth which quite nearly blew the roof off the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Damn. They were good.

Real good.

And they had fun. Simon pulled out his best rock god impressions, and damn, did he do it well. And see that smile on John's face? It barely left. You've got to be happy when a band seems glad to be there. They played non-stop, every hit I've ever hoped to hear. There was also real, genuine banter with the crowd. Nick took shots of the crowd and updated his Facebook page within moments of leaving the stage, and Roger shows that some drummers can age beautifully. My fave moment was John's heartfelt tribute to Molly Meldrum, the man they credit with introducing them to Australia.

Duran Duran opened the Sydney Entertainment 30 years ago - a concert I was overjoyed to attend as a teen, so watching them surpass that performance three decades later was kind of surreal. This time around we weren't in the nosebleed seats, but were in row 7 - yes SEVEN. So close we could almost touch them {which my friend Anne managed to do bless her socks. Pretty sure she's never washing her "Simon-hand" ever again}

We danced the night away, astonished that a band of this vintage could rock out better than bands a quarter of their age. They worked that stage and worked the crowd perfectly.

After a fab finale involving Girls on Film John Taylor thanked the crowd and said whenever Sydney wanted them, they'd be back to play.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to denude iTunes of all its Duran Duran. I've got me some catching up to do.

Please come back. And soon. I'm a Duranie again - and not ashamed to admit it.

Okay, if you're in NSW you MUST go to Lasttix. A reserve tickets for tomorrow night's show are 50% off. Go. Seriously. GO! I would SO be there but I have a much-looked-forward-to 40th tomorrow night.