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. 
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?}
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.
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. 
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.
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!}
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.
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.
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.
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?
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... 
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. 
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!}
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.
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. 
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.
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!
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. 
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!}
