flowers for friday

I think the thing that I love most about the end of winter is watching the red buds of jasmine start to appear. Of all the flowers, it's the scent of jasmine I find most intoxicating. I can't live in a house without jasmine. I need to pick a little bunch to pop in a teeny glass jar in my bedroom and breathe in the scents of spring before I go to sleep. Bliss.

Hey, guess what? It's friday! I know! Are you as excited as I am? I have a fun weekend planned. Tonight it's off to the opening of Good Rubber: an exhibition at Good Brother coffee shop planned by The Roost. It's all about cool works of art - designed for rubber stamps. How ace is that? I love this town!

Saturday's the girls' semi-final. They're pumped to win. Tomorrow they're spraying their hair red (the team's colours are red and white) and, if they get through to the finals - they're all dip-dying the ends of their hair red. Cute. They've worked really hard this year, they do deserve it.

Sunday my gal's going ice skating with a group of friends so hubby and I will probably potter in the garden. It's been a while as the weather's been so ghastly.

There shall also be champagne at some stage. After all, it's the weekend...

You?

things that are awesome

So, I'm on Facebook the other day when this pops up in my feed. Straight away I squealed and knew I had to go. Lookit! It's Mumford & Sons - AND Sarah Blasko (and lots of other cool others, but hey, those two will do me). It's a full day camping event in Dungog, a lovely town I'm keen to revisit. And, guess what? There's GLAMPING! (well, I'm not sure how glamorous it'll be, but there is a VIP tent set up with beds and a lamp, that'll do - I'll bring my own champagne...)

Now, because we have a wedding on the South Coast the following weekend (with a groom who's a HUGE M&S fan who will be rather sad to miss this I'd say) hubby thought it best if we didn't toddle off and leave our child with his parents for another two days on top of the four we're away for the wedding... SO, thank goodness for social media. One of my friends, who's on twitter, also mentioned this, I said "I wanna go", she said, "me too", then another friend joined in and BAM. We have a team of four in a VIP tent. We've already thought of hashtags.

So, anyway, if you see #CarryOnGlamping trending on Twitter you know who's responsible. And sorry, you'll probably hear us squealing too. We're an excitable bunch.

Gee, as my friend A said on Facebook today - I feel like I'm 21 again. Dungog, you ready? Bring it.

meal planning monday

Whew, what a weekend. Lots of good food and good friends. Love. And I got VERY spoiled for my birthday. But it's a new week, so here's what we're eating:

Monday: Netball was cancelled on Saturday due to rain, so we're playing the game tonight at 5pm. Fingers crossed for my girls as this determines their spot in the semis - bless their little socks. We'll come home to chicken burritos I think. I'll just buy a bbq chicken and shred that and have all the fixings in the fridge for when we get home (guacamole, grated cheese, diced tomato and onion, shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa).

Tuesday: Did I tell you I've started a new type of exercise? Well I have, it's Burlesque fitness and I am in luuuuuuuurve. It's so much fun, with great music and the moves are awesome for my poor old back. I haven't been able to make a tuesday class so far, but tonight I can, but it's from 7 - 8pm so I'll need food fixed and ready for hubby and daughter when they get back from ballet class at 7.15. Let's go simple shall we: spaghetti bolognaise.

Wednesday: I didn't end up cooking the lamb shoulder last week, so I'll serve it up tonight. I'm a bit worried, as hubby has slow-cooked lamb shoulder at the pub on Saturday night and said it was D.I.V.I.N.E. Mine will be better. Served with mash and warm lentil salad.

Thursday: Burlesque fitness class for me AGAIN. And ballet for my gal. So I need another simple meal. Chicken and chorizo pasta bake will do us. With salad. And crusty rolls.

Friday: There are some amazing fish in season. I saw mackerel on one of the local chef's Instagram feed the other day so I might try cooking that. How? No idea. I might look to Jamie Oliver or Rick Stein for inspiration. When we were in Cornwall last year we had lunch at Rick Stein's restaurant and the mackerel I ate was amazing. I'll serve it with a risoni salad.

Saturday: After rejoicing so long and so hard about buying my paella pan I've only used it once. Best rectify that and cook up a paella don't you think? With lots of prawns and mussels.

Sunday: A simple roast pork will be nice. Rhubarb's in season, so guess what the pork will be sitting on as it roasts? Yep, you guessed it, a bed of rhubarb - makes for a caramelised rhubarb sauce that is to-die-for.

And that's it for us. What are your plans?

flowers for friday

I thought I'd do a special flowers for friday today as it's my birthday tomorrow {squeeeeeee!}. So I went back to my fave store in Paris Au Nom de la Rose and feature these beauties again. I will never forget that store. We stumbled upon it in The Marais, and oh, it was magical. Nothing but items devoted to roses. Real roses, rose candles, rose liqueur... the sight and the scent was just magical.

Red and pink roses also remind me of my last big birthday party - where I had a red and pink colour scheme {a combo I will never tire of}. Tomorrow will involve breakfast in bed, pressies, then netball, then lunch at Le Petit Deux. I'll just relax and read in the afternoon, then we're off to an Archibald cocktail party at the Art Gallery with friends. Once that's over we'll wander up Darby Street to check out the Bohemia Festival before having dinner.

Sounds like the perfect day to me.

birthday wish list

Thank you Chanel for releasing this utterly glorious shade of blue nail polish just in time for my birthday. You really are too kind.

meal planning monday

Hey there, hello, and welcome to your monday. Hope all's well with you. I am coming down with a cold (insert sad face here) so am a bit snuffly and sorry for myself today - but I'll pick up. In the meantime, here's what we're eating this week:


Monday: A visit to the farmer's markets yesterday saw me come home with a rack of saltbush lamb. Have you ever tried saltbush lamb? Oh my it's good. It's fed mainly on saltbush and this gives the mea a unique, delicious flavour. I'll serve it with roasted baby blue potatoes (I found these at Coles the other day - and roasted some the other night tossed in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and rosemary) and some wilted Tuscan cabbage.

Tuesday: Time to whip up another dish from my Leggo's Italian Cookbook - it's proving quite the hit. This week I'll make chicken cacciatore, buttered noodles, and steamed broccoli and carrots

Wednesday: netball training. Slow roasted lamb shoulder with lemon-roasted potatoes and lentils.

Thursday: Ginger and sesame salmon with wilted greens and udon noodles. I'll quickly marinate the salmon in a mix of oil, fresh ginger, sesame seeds and sesame oil before bbqing it. Then I'll cook up the noodles and throw the greens in at the last minute till they wilt. I'll serve the salmon flaked into pieces on top of the noodles and greens. I might even sprinkle a little more toasted sesame seeds over the top.

Friday: Off to a pre-birthday dinner at the local pub. They do awesome steaks – so steak it is.

Saturday: It’s my birthday – and we’re off to a cocktail party at the local art gallery followed by dinner in Darby Street.

Sunday: Because it’s moving into spring, I’m going to start up my Sunday barbeques. I think we might have pork ribs tonight, with apple and almond slaw. This is my simple, cheaty slaw: a bag of 'gourmet' coleslaw mix, apple cheeks sliced thinly and chopped whole almonds. For a dressing I like a lemon-rich vinaigrette, but a mayonaise with lots of lime works just as well.

And that's it. How about you? Tell me what you're eating this week.

flowers for friday

Now I know it's frost-as outside, but can't you just see Spring around the corner? I can. My roses are mostly little spiky sticks, but I can just picture the buds ready to burst forth. My irises are popping up, and, underneath the geranium I have an abundance of nodding snowbells waving hello in the breeze.

So, tonight hubby and I are off with friends to a French cooking class and three course meal. Can't wait. Our gal's off to her cousins for a sleepover - so it'll be fun all around. Then it's a Saturday filled with netball in the lead-up to the finals. Wish us luck!

What do you have planned?

for me?

Look, Darby Street is throwing a Twilight Festival Bohemia for MY BIRTHDAY! How cool is that? Thanks Darby Street. Sure, ask them and they'll probably say "Wha?" "Whose birthday?" But I know... so thanks. And that's not all, there's also a cocktail party at the Art Gallery for the Archibald first - I know, Newy's just turning it on for my birthday. Best dress up all posh-like for it.

So should you.

Just sayin'.

mount washmore to molehill

Oh.

My.

Freaking.

God.

Do you see this?

This is a pink smeg washing machine with a wee sink on top.

I do not care about costs, practicality or the fact that I actually love my Fisher&Paykel machine.

This, I need.

Now.

meal planning monday

Well hey, how's things? Busy? Yep, here too. This week's shaping up to be crazy-busy so I shopped up a storm yesterday and our fridge and pantry are PACKED. Here's what we're eating:

Monday: My daughter's netball team have called for an extra day of training, bless their little socks. So this afternoon it's down to the beach for some balance and jumping work - with a bit of fun tossed in. Guess who'll be starvin' Marvin on her return? Yep, my gal. So I've bought her a crumbed flounder fillet and some oven fries for dinner tonight. Hubby and I shall have salt and pepper squid with a cucumber salad - and a lime and chilli dipping sauce {easy peasy - half sweet chilli sauce, half lime juice!).

Tuesday: Long, long ballet day today. And I'm off to a presentation at the pub! So I'll have the fixings for mexican ready so everyone can assemble their own beef burritos with guacamole, salad, cheese, sour cream and corn salsa.

Wednesday: Normal netball training today. I'm going to try to make French Onion Soup - I have such a hankering. I'll saute lots of sliced red onions in a little butter, and with lots of thyme till tender. Then I'll sloosh in some brandy and burn off the alcohol. I'll then top it up with beef stock and simmer for an hour or so. I'll serve it with slices of baguette topped with grilled gruyere cheese in the bowl with the soup poured over top. Yum.

Thursday: Late ballet tonight - so I'm just going to make this tuna and pasta bake. Served with salad.

Friday: Hubby and I are off with some fabulous friends to another cooking class and three course meal at SandBar Newcastle Beach. The theme is Paris - so hey, c'est magnifique! I'm sure the recipes will influence me in weeks to come.

Saturday: I haven't done a great deal of slow cooking this winter - terrible! So I'll make up for it with Osso Bucco served with soft polenta.

Sunday: Let's end the week simply shall we with a roast chicken and vegies.

flowers for friday

I do believe that red and pink geraniums are one of my favourite happy-making flowers. They remind me of window boxes in Paris, and all of France. Driving around France I noticed that even in the smallest of towns people would make the effort to pretty up their homes with window boxes or small gardens featuring brightly coloured blooms - often geraniums.

So, of course, I've had to install them myself. On our loungeroom windowsills are three planter boxes filled with alternating red and pink geraniums. I've grown them from cuttings from my mother-in-law's garden and they've finally taken off. It's too soggy out there to take a photo today - so, instead, here's a photo I snapped at Petersham Nurseries on our UK holiday last year. What a glorious place that was...

Hey, what are your plans for the weekend? My daughter has a pupil-free day today - and a headcold. So I'm feeding her up and dosing her with lots of water so she recovers quickly. Tomorrow's netball {head cold permitting} and then my gal has a friend over for a sleepover. We're going to try the new Mexican place in Hamilton - La Casita. It's had reviews from some pretty food-loving peeps so I have high hopes.

Sunday I'm spending the day at a netball coaching clinic. Even though I've been coaching for years I do like having the opportunity to brush up on my skills and learn new techniques. I'll just have to organise for a decent coffee delivery during the day. Anyone?

Enjoy your friday and your weekend. x

at the movies

It will come as no surprise to any regular reader that my favourite past-time is visiting the cinema. Nothing makes me happy than a night at the movies. And I've always had a soft spot for the Tower Cinemas in Newcastle. I feel quite certain that when my brother and I had the living daylights scared out of us by Jaws, it was at The Towers. It was also where I went on my first real date in High School - seeing Fame actually - ah yes, the original...

This grand old dame has been around since the early seventies, as the decor will most strongly attest. It's a real retro-gem. So I'm thrilled that the owners are sympathetically renovating with more than a nod to its vintage past. New carpet has gone down, and while it's stylish, it certainly wouldn't look out of place in a 1940s or 70s high end establishment. My fave features, the dramatic red curtains that roll back to reveal the film will hopefully be kept too. They're so Twin Peaks they make my heart ache.

It's in the screenings that things have changed.

In moving forward The Towers is moving toward screening limited release, Art House and other cinematic gems. And for that, I have nothing but applause.

I've just returned from the relaunch night. It was fab. There was champagne, canapes, loads of people with a passion for this cinema and the screening of the new Aussie flick The Sapphires.

What an absolutely joyous film this is. The performances are outstanding. Absolutely outstanding. Deborah Mailman takes custody of your gaze every time she enters the screen - what a charismatic actor she is. She is a singular talent, truly. But it's not just her film as every single character in this film has something very special to offer. Jessica Mauboy is exquisite. Her performance has pathos and vulnerability - and oh, that voice, that utterly magical voice...

Apparently the film wowed everyone at Cannes - little wonder. It really is a triumph. While it dealt with with some of the horrible aspects of our indigenous history, it did so with a light hand. Not sweeping it aside, but treating it with respect and dignity.

I walked out with a smile on my face, and many songs in my heart. This is one film soundtrack I'm keen to buy. My faith in Aussie films is totally restored.

Now, excuse me while I make a bit of an awkward segue but I need to talk about another film.

There's a bit of a goldmine in cinema at the moment, particularly Aussie-made. Last week I went to see Not Suitable For Children with two of my film-loving friends.

I had very moderate expectations for this film. I knew it starred Ryan Kwanton, but that was about it. I found myself quite delighted. What could have been a hideous, over-wrought cliché was actually a warm, funny and thought-provoking film.

The soundtrack kicks butt, there is a breakout performance by the exceptional Sarah Snook and the film raises some issues I'm still thinking about a week later. It's a very clever film, deftly directed and written - and the performances show why Aussie actors are the leading force in international cinema. We have some serious talent.

So thank you Tower Cinemas. Thank you for trying something different, for sympathetically restoring this iconic piece of Newcastle's history and bringing some very ace films into my life.

meal planning monday

Yikes, this day seems to come around so quickly! I have an extraordinarily busy week this week {I know, what's new?} so here's what we're eating.

Monday: It's got to be time for a meatloaf. Simply served with some boiled baby potatoes and green peas I think.

Tuesday: My daughter has an hour and a half of ballet today. Eep. So I'll make caramelised pork for our dinner tonight. Served with rice and wilted asian greens with garlic and soy sauce.

Wednesday: It's netball training and then I'm off to a screening of The Sapphires. Can't wait. So I have a window of an hour to serve dinner between getting home and going out again. Hello spaghetti bolognaise in the slowcooker.

Thursday: I have to go to Sydney for work, so I'll come home exhaustipated. Homemade pizzas made my husband and child I think. Chorizo, roasted capsicum and caramalised onion, bacon and cheese and a simple potato and rosemary will go down well.

Friday: We went to the BEST Christmas in July party last Saturday night. Not only was the company sublime, and the food and champagne absolutely fabulous, but I found out that all of my friends have as one of their family faves one of 'my' chicken recipes. I felt a bit crap that I don't cook enough of them myself. So it's time to revisit an old fave - Nigella's St Tropez chicken. Gorgeous chicken pieces marinated in rosé, honey and herbs including fresh lavender. This cooks to the most deliciously sticky glaze. Simply pop the chicken in a big zip-lock bag with a bottle of rosé, some honey, lime, garlic, olive oil and herbs de provence and marinated for 3 hours to overnight. Then it's taken out of the bag and tipped in a baking dish and baked slowly under alfoil for 1.5 hours, then the foil removed for the last 15 - 20 minutes to tan the skin deliciously. Mmmmm. Serve it with salad.

Saturday: We've decided that there are so many awesome restaurants in Newcastle we need to make an effort to get out and visit them regularly. So we shall on this night.

Sunday: Roast. And, especially for Little Miss Moi, it'll be slow-roasted lamb shoulder. With roasted vegies. I need to get my friends' Nat and Matt's recipe for the vegies served up at the Christmas In July dinner - they were delish (must also get the recipes for the turkey and our friend Pete's glazed ham. So Good!)

And that's it. Tell me what you're eating.

sunday... really?

I hope your weekend was super-sweet x

flowers for friday {barely}

Sorry, this is crazy, crazy late. But I've been laid up with the migraine from hell. It was a killer. Hopefully I've seen the back of it now - and the four-day headache that preceded it.

Onwards and upwards. We've got our Christmas in July celebration tomorrow night with the loveliest group of friends. That'll ease the pain. One more gift to buy, Christmas wrapping paper to dig up and desserts to make. Hurrah.

Have a lovely weekend.

meal planning monday (erm, tuesday)

Oh, I am sooooo sorry - how late am I? Very. But I have an excuse. I have been busy - in all caps, 64 point, fluro pink with exclamation points. Underlined.

Yep, that busy.

But busy doesn't stop meal planning. Oh no, it makes it MORE important. Here's what we're eating (and, cos I'm a day late, ate)


Monday: I had BIG day down in Sydney, so I wasn't home till late. Hubby and daughter prepared some spaghetti bolognaise - is there a more homely or welcoming meal? I think not.

Tuesday: School's back (yay!) which means after-school activities (um, yay?). So tonight's late ballet. I think I'll make a big pot of chicken minestrone soup.

Wednesday: Do you know what I haven't had for eight million years? (or thereabouts) lamb cutlets. Probably because they cost about eight million dollars (again, numbers are approximate). But hang the expense, I have a hankering. So tonight, after netball training, it'll be grilled lamb cutlets (or chops if I seriously baulk at the cost), mashed potatoes and smashed peas.

Thursday: Busy day today. I have to pick up my daughter and three of her friends from school for a netball clinic from 3.30 to 5pm. Best make a chicken curry in the slowcooker so it's ready for our return. I'll serve it with steamed rice (those cheaty microwaved bags), garlic naan and wilted spinach.

Friday: Panko crumbed fish fillets tonight. I've never tried this, but I think I'll just crumb these in the same way as chicken schnitzel and bake them in the oven. With some chunky sweet potato chips and a crispy green salad.

Saturday: Oooh, I nearly forgot - we're off to our friends' house for a Christmas In July dinner. I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO TO ONE OF THESE! We're all doing a dish. One family's bringing a baked ham, the hosts are doing turkey and veg, other friends are supplying the drinks and we're doing desserts. Yay. There are four families - so eight adults, and seven kids so I need two desserts. An adults one, and an awesome icecream with lollies, chocolates and popping candy chopped through and formed into a Christmassy shape for the kids.

Sunday: Roast chicken I think. With a warm lentil salad and roasted veg.

That's it. And you? Tell me, what are you eating?

bonne fete de bastille

So, last year on Bastille Day we were in Paris. Le sigh.

We lined up early on the Champs Elysee to watch the parade. It was incroiyable. Tanks, horses, jets flying over the Arc de Triomphe. Amazing.

Many of the streets were closed to traffic so we walked to this classic cafe where we had a typically Parisian lunch with friends. Bliss.

There's nothing more Parisian than a patisserie. See that little wild strawberry tart? I ate it.

Dinner that night was in the Musee D'Orsay.

Oh my.

Here's my gal looking tres francais in her beret and gorgeous Little Leona outfit.

We walked through this incredible sculptural exhibition to find the perfect spot in the Jardin Luxemboug to watch the fireworks. You know what's more spectacular than regular fireworks? Fireworks that incorporate the Eiffel Tower. Magical.

Amazing. A day and night I will never, ever forget.

Happy Bastille Day.

flowers for friday

You know what makes me happier than finding peonies at Coles? Nothing.

I bought these beauties the other day and they're still going strong. Love, love, LOVE!

snow white and the huntsman - girl power!

I think that going to the movies is one of my favourite things. Sure, you can watch them at home, in the comfort of your own loungeroom, but it's just not the same. I like getting a little dressed up and catching up with a friend over a movie. It makes me happy.

My gal's inherited my movie-loving-gene. So I took her and a pal to see Snow White and the Huntsman on Sunday. I was a bit unsure, it was rated M and they're only 12 and 13  - but we did our research and they were both fine about it. And I was there if need be.

I needn't have worried, there was nothing sleezy or too scary in this film.

Apart from Charlize Theron's character - wowzers!

Visually this is one damned sumptuous film. Charlize Theron's costumes are utterly brilliant, the fabric, the designs - and oh, the black raven cape? WANT!

This film hearkens back more to the original Grimm fairy tale than anything produced by Disney. And it's awesome. I really enjoyed it, and the girls did too. Snow White's a pretty kick-ass chick - and as for Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman... hello!

I found the narrative fascinating, the whole concept of beauty and youth as power still resonates today. Great performances, gorgeous special effects and an interesting storyline work together to create a film that's worthwhile viewing for teenage girls in particular. It's all about facing your fears, finding your strengths and generally being awesome.

What's not to love?

hysteria review

It seems almost inconceivable that just over 100 years ago, doctors were adamant that there were no such things as germs - but believed that more than half the women in the world suffered from a terribly debilitating condition known as Hysteria. This 'disease' was caused by a malfunctioning uterus, and while there were 'cures' such as radical hysterectomies and incarceration in mental institutions, one doctor found a more popular approach to help...

Young Doctor Mortimer Granville (Hugh Dancy) is an earnest, progressive young man - totally misunderstood by older, stuck in their ways medical professionals. He can't seem to hold down a job until he finds a position with Dr Dalyrymple. See, Dr Dalyrymple's found a method to help the uterus bounce back into shape, and it involves, um, well, stimulation of a most unusual kind. Pelvic massage in fact. But a very concentrated form of pelvic massage that really hits the spot. It's no wonder his waiting room is filled with expectant women.

So Dr Granville comes aboard, but finds that all the, well, treatment he's offering is giving him some form of RSI in his poor hand. Luckily he has a friend, Edmund St John Smythe (the unrecognisable Rupert Everett - seriously, what has he done to his face?). Edmund is an inventor. A rich, louche, dandy inventor - and he's awesome. It's when Granville picks up Edmund's latest invention, an electric feather duster, that inspiration strikes - and the vibrator is born.

This film is a giggle-fest, primarily thanks to some absolutely stellar supporting cast (including Molly in the shot above). What could have been tacky is instead rendered hilarious thanks to some fabulous performances. Maggie Gyllenhaal is stunning as the feisty suffragette daughter of Dr Dalrymple - the perfect contrast to her younger sister who's the poster child for demure young Victorian women.

Based on a true story, this film could almost be viewed as a documentary of the times - a time when women were meant to concentrate on running exemplary homes, raising their children - and being denied a jolly good time in bed. Great performances, an interesting storyline and lots of laughs - this ticks my box for a fun night at the movies.

I saw this last night at The Tower Cinemas, Newcastle as guest of a special preview screening, a long with lots of other laughing patrons. Need a giggle? I recommend this.