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!

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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.