wee birdies

Some things just make everything better. Bows. Feathers, and, of course, the home of feathers - birds. Whack a bird on something and I'm going to love it {oh, but not Fabio's face - remember that? Damn!}

Anywhoodle, I'm loving this wallpaper - that cutie lil birdcage and absolutely everything about this image. Cuteness! I think it stems back to my fave Christmas decoration - a pretty pink metalic bird that clipped onto the branch of my Christmas tree. I loved it so much I squealed when I saw its doppleganger in David Jones a few years back and now she always goes front and centre on our tree.

I'm counting down the minutes till our degustation dinner tonight. Thankfully it starts at 6.30 so I don't have too long to wait. Five courses, matched with delicious Brokenwood wines in gorgeous surroundings. Mmmmmmmmm.

pink of perfection

If I had a fridge as pretty as this pink Smeg number I'd keep it ever so clean and only stocked with the finest Perrier Jouet champagne.

Probably a good thing I have an old, white Fisher & Paykel isn't it?

utterly essentials

Busy, yet calm, that's my mantra for today. The to-do list is long, but do-able. The roses are fertilised, the towels and a load of my husband's sport and garden clothes are washed {with a cup of white vinegar added to deal with the sweat - he's been working hard}, I've sent off one piece that was due and plan on starting the other at 1.30. I also need to tidy the living room and kitchen and fly to Coles for the makings of dinner.

Best get on with it then.

what is love?

My Sex and the City post inspired a little debate or even declarations on men, love, marriage and lust {well, internally it did}. See, I've watched every episode of SATC, quite a few times over, and seen the film a few times too. And despite this, I don't get the Big thing. Sure, he's sexy with the whole "Abso****lutely" thing, and I love his penchant for Moon River but I don't consider him a keeper.

I guess it's because my ideal man has changed over the years. Now that I've been with my ideal man for nearly 18 years, I've realised that my dream men always seem to share attributes with my husband {awwwwww}. See, I love, love, love, love Aiden. He's my ultimate fave - sexy, sweet and with a killer line of pet names. Harry also does it for me. His love for Charlotte is unquenchable. Steve {despite his dalliance in the movie} also has a sweet, cute side and a love for Miranda that defies all odds {seriously, apart from her hair, how could you love Miranda?} Smith also did it for me for a while, and no, it wasn't his looks {although they helped...} it was how smitten he was with Samantha that rocked my boat.

I also have a thing for Hugh Grant - but only in character. Real life Hugh Grant doesn't cut it - but his lovely characters {"In the words of David Cassidy..." le sigh} cause my knees to weaken and heart to melt.

Any remaining vestiges of affection I held for bad boys have been killed thanks to Sandra Bullock's husband.

I want a man who knows what he wants - his significant other. Give me a nice guy, a sweet guy, a smitten guy - and I'll return his love and double it.

You?

rain dance of joy

I'm not a patterned tights kinda gal, but these lil pretties from here could well change my mind. Hello, cuteness incorporated!

It's still raining here and while I'm sad that it means I'll have to cancel my gals netball training this afternoon, I'm attempting to accentuate the positive. I've already been out and sprinkled dynamic lifter under the roses and this afternoon I'll be slow-cooking up some lamb shanks. I'll serve them with Jamie Oliver's braised lentils du puy and some mash and all will be well with the world.

I also snuck a peek at the degustation menu we're being offered tomorrow night and am a little bit beside myself that we're being served venison. That's one of the few meats I've yet to try and knowing it'll be prepared by one of this town's best chefs has me squeeing with excitement.

teasing on a tuesday

Spoiler alert!

Now, you've probably already heard, but John Corbett has confirmed that he's filmed scenes for the new Sex and the City film. Of course nothing else has leaked but fingers crossed that the script writers spied my old blog post written before the first film.

A refresher, updated to bring in what I know of the current plot.

Aiden's wife has died in a tragic accident. He sadly soldiers on, bringing up his young son, Potato Head, as a single parent. Then, he jets off quickly to Abu Dhabi for a furniture expo where he bumps into Carrie who finally realises that she was a complete and utter nincompoop for letting this man go TWICE and they rekindle their love affair, marry, and live happily ever after.

C'mon - who wouldn't want to see her reunite with Aiden? Absofrickinlutely!

goody two shoes

I know that yesterday was officially Shoe of the Day but I couldn't help it - I fell in love. And when I'm in love I'm one of those share it with the world types. Yes, chances are there'd be public displays of affection, endearing {to us} pet names, lustful gazing, petting, stroking...

Ahem, I've calmed myself now.

However, these Louboutins I spied with my gleeful little eyes over at net-a-porter have set my heart aflutter. I also gazed adoringly at a delightful Alberta Ferretti lavender frock in the most exquisite chiffon - but I couldn't place both of them on here - it'd be sensory overload and I'd need smelling salts and a good lie down.

avoir soif

In cause for celebration we had the final french lesson last night and after one semester I'm starting to feel confident. It's taken a while, but things are finally starting to sink in and I'm learning to think french. Hurrah. I went to the Monday class last night instead of my usual Thursday, but luckily one of my fellow classmates also attended. It's amazing how quickly you can bond isn't it? After nine weeks I feel like I know these people - mainly because we have a love of all things French in common.

We were asked to bring along foods and drinks to share last night so I took a bottle of champagne and a bottle of cassis - along with a few glasses and was amazed that I was actually introducing a few people to the delicious aperatif Kir Royale. A splash of the blackcurrent liquer cassis in the bottom of a champagne glass not only makes it look ever-so-pretty it's a rather festive way to start off an evening. I think I created a few converts last night.

Tis pouring today. My towels are still on the clothes line from yesterday, so I'll need to bring them in and spin them before moving the clothes line undercover. The rain is giving the garden a much-needed drink though. If it holds off for a moment I'm going to dash out and throw some dynamic lifter under the roses - I'll give them precedence over the towels.

Enjoy your Tuesday! {oh, and translation of my title - I'm thirsty - which I am after looking at that piccy - however, 11.34am may be a teensy bit early for kir royales...}

ou est la piscine?

Summer seems to have decided to go out with a bit of a bang this year. This weekend we had temperatures in the 30s - and it's meant to be autumn! At least we're getting the most out of our swimming season. I am looking forward to a change in temperature and the shift to cozy flannelette sheets from crisp cotton. I'm also keen on ditching my 'jeez, I've worn this stuff to death' summer wardrobe.

This week's started out well. This morning started with some more work and responses to an email interview were exactly what I need to finish off an article. Thursday night we're out to dinner with friends for a degustation with Brokenwood Wines at Bacchus, that lovely restaurant we went to a month or so ago. This weekend's easter and we're just going to loll back and relax I think. Saturday we're heading up to Singleton to check out a gorgeous store, Worn Out Wares where I intend to buy a few choice items before we have a lovely lunch in their cafe. We'll collect my in-laws on the way - they like a day trip.

Sunday our gal will wake to her traditional easter egg hunt - must say that I'll be the Easter Bunny finds the options much more pleasurable since our backyard's been completed - and doesn't have to leave eggs hidden on verandas!

Okay, off to learn my french numbers to 100 - apparently we're playing bingo tonight - a game I've yet to master in English... Wish me luck - bonne chance!

tie me up

Doesn't everything look prettier with a bow? These Valentino shoes caught my fancy this morning and it wasn't just the crisp black and white patent that set my heart a'flutterin'. Adding something a little bit quirky to an item is essential as far as I'm concerned. And the bow detailing on this lover-licious pair of shoes really does it for me.

Busy day today. My lil' netball team has umpiring training this year so I'm going along to help bolster their confidence. My first ever umpiring episode ended in tears {my own!} so I don't want that for my girls. If they're confident and well-supported they'll do just fine. Then, tonight, I have my final french lesson for the term. We're all taking along some french food or drink and having an end of season celebration. Sante!

girl talk

Catching up with the gals really soothes the soul. I'm back from my weekend away refreshed and relaxed and in the mood to continue to effect positive changes in my life. It's nice to step outside of your usual zone and look at your life from a different perspective. After a few days away I'm feeling inordinately blessed with my life. Lovely hubby, gorgeous daughter, lovely home, fabulous friends, great working lifestyle. Bliss I tell you, bliss.

follow your bliss

See this? This is one of the three bedrooms in the house that my friends and I are staying at this weekend. Three rooms, three queen-sized beds, three gals. That's a triple treat my friends and I'll bet that we're each going to enjoy it. I'm leaving in an hour {squeeeeeee}. There's champagne chilling in the fridge and cheeses ready to go alongside it in the cooler. I've packed a range of frocks and my toes are a pretty shade of mauve thanks to Melissa's post.

I tried to work out how to schedule this post so it popped up tomorrow - but it just seemed like too much hard work and I'm in relaxation mode, not working mode.

Enjoy your weekend everyone, and for those of you raising a glass let's toast to a gorgeous love story posted by Beth. After reading about the poor behaviour of so many bad boys lately, it really makes you appreciate when you find a good one. I've found a good one in my husband - we're fast approaching 18 years together - so I'm hanging on tight and not letting go.

fresh breath

I love the town I live in. I grew up here and while we had a few glorious years in Sydney in Newtown and Bronte, moving back to Newcastle made me feel at home. In the years that we were away a lot of change occurred. The BHP closed down and the revitalisation started. Firstly Darby Street became an eating strip to be proud of, then the Foreshore took off as home to some seriously stunning eateries. Then, over a year ago, one of my friends from Uni, Marcus Westbury set off the most amazing project. Renew Newcastle has seen an abundance of artisians move into vacant buildings in the previously bereft Newcastle Mall. Not only have they injected life into the area and seen boarded up or vandalised shop fronts filled with colour, vitality and talent - it's had a knock-on effect with businesses moving into the area along with the crowds.

Now a farmers market has moved into the mall and rather than it being a desolate and somewhat scary place there's a vibrancy and optimism about the place that is contagious.

So imagine my delight when I heard my old Uni haunt, the Great Northern Hotel, was being brought back to life. This landmark was badly damaged in the earthquake and despite a range of owners, nobody seemed to have the vision, expertise or funding to allow it to shine. Now, some people have moved in with vision that is almost Six-Million-Dollar-Man like {really, really freakin' good}. For a start they've initiated Manicure and Martini nights - cuteness. I'm so grabbing a few girlfriends and having a go at that!

They're also slowly restoring the place to its original grandeur - including the east room - a faded beauty that was filled with flocked wallpaper, deep velvet couches {one of them must have had my butt implant permanently ensconced...}. Upstairs will be amazing accomodation -something this town could really deal with - and a roof garden. Oh my. Cocktails on a roof garden - could it get any better?

I love it when people don't just have grand ideas - but they act. These people have acted and are slowly making the gorgeous town I live in an even better place to be and I salute their vision and daring.

girls weekend

I'm headed off for a girls weekend this afternoon. I'm catching up with two dear friends who I don't see anywhere near enough of - which is why we decided we needed a whole weekend - rather than a dinner or lunch chat. So I'm sending off the article that's due today and then packing the car and heading off around 4.30pm. Woo hoo. I'll be taking champagne and because it's our first night we're simply having champagne and nibblies for dinner - the whole point of a weekend away is not cooking!

So I shan't be posting this weekend - but I'll be back late Sunday with an update. Enjoy your Friday and your weekend - hope it's as fabulous as you!

sweet dreams

Tis very grey and miserable outside today. So I thought I'd share this gorgeous image from a Grace Coddington shoot in US Vogue from nearly 10 years ago. A fluffy big poodle, a pastry-cabinet to sigh over, and a pair of mary janes on the model. Just luffley.

wee birdy

Should I be finishing off the article that's due on Friday? Yes. Should I be researching the other one due next Wednesday? Mmmhm. Perhaps I could wash my daughter's sheets before they walk out of her room and throw themselves in the washing machine? Well, yeah. Or I could be planning my netball training schedule for this afternoon. But, ah no.

See, I did just tidy up my actual desk and that inspired me to tidy up my computer desktop which is where I found this pretty Marc Jacobs purse that I'd happened upon on net-a-porter and it would be wrong of me not to share it with you.

Productive. For you x

belle fleurs

While peonies, violets and lavender all hold a special place in my heart, roses fill my front fence with beauty and my life with joy.

beddy byes

Bedtime is my favourite time of day. I love pulling back the covers, snuggling into my pillow reading a chapter or two and then drifting off. That's what I'm loving about the colder change {well, what we're getting of it}. Sleeping on a hot summer's night is never an appealing prospect, but in autumn and winter... oh my!

Last night I finally managed to remember to watch Survivor Heroes vs Villains and oh, my, word am I glad I did. I'm in love. Boston Rob is everything I remember and his comment about Russel being a 'hobbit on crack' had me squealing with glee and rushing to add it to my Facebook status {husband wasn't home and I really felt the need to share}.

I'm a bit sad about Rupert though. Remember how good he was when he premiered? And then he was on some kind of All-Stars series and built that dreadful hut by digging a massive pit, covering it, and then being surprised when it filled with water. On an Island... This time around Rupert's giving me the sads again. Surely if you have the opportunity to return you do everything better the second time around - like Boston Rob lighting fire without flint {and making witty quips that will fill me with joy for years to come}. But no, Rupert this time around flings Jerri face-first into a pole {apparently he didn't mean to - but seriously, what was his intention?}

Bring on next Tuesday night.

simple suppers

Don't you just love an easy meal? The other night my gal was at a sleepover, my husband wanted a man-sized t-bone and vegies and I didn't know what I was in the mood for. Luckily my fridge, garden and pantry offered up a tin of tuna, linguine, garlic, lemons, parsley, chillies and tomatoes. So I quickly sauteed the chilli and garlic in a touch of oil while the pasta boiled, then I added the tin of tuna {broken up with a fork}, next went the tomatoes, olives and a bit of lemon zest. All were quickly tossed together with a bit of chopped flat leaf parsley and lots of black pepper and washed down with a glass of rosé. Yummikins!

hedging our bets

What a difference a year makes. See that top photo? That was our lilly pillies not long after we'd planted them last February. See the bottom one? That's them now. Check out the growth. They've filled out to form a dense hedge and they're getting close to the top of the fence - all 2.4 metres of it! We're hoping they'll grow to around 4 metres, obscuring the house that's on the hill behind us. It's such lovely, lush growth on these lilly pillies. We have had issues with psyllids, but if you keep the water and the fertiliser up then they seem less affected. When we've been slack with the watering we've had to spray the new growth with Defender - but it seems to have calmed down now.

If you ever need a lush screening then this is a fabulous hedge. Interestingly, neighbours around the corner planted the small leafed form Goodbye Neighbours and they've had very little growth in a longer period. This form is lush, deep green and has the prettiest little pink berries {yes, of course one of the reasons I bought it!}. If you're interested, I'll find out the botanical name and let you know what it is. Just give me a yell. Okay, off to move the hose again after giving these beauties a deep soak!