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.

meal planning monday

Hello, well, it’s our first full week back on board after our lovely holiday in the Southern Highlands – and the last week of the school holidays. I’ll be keeping things pretty simple this week, and trying out something new along the way. Here’s what we’re eating.

This week’s menu

Monday: Slow cooker lamb pilaf - omg, this is so good. I've added a tin of drained chickpeas to this, and decided to use beef stock. It's YUM (from the few spoonfuls I've tested)*

Tuesday: Chicken Schnitzel, mash, corn on the cob and green beans

Wednesday: Beef tacos with corn salad and guacamole

Thursday: Pistachio dukka crusted lamb fillets with roasted chick peas. I’ve got a yummy pistachio dukka from the supermarket that I like to roll lamb fillets in then I sear them in a hot pan and finish them off in the oven. While they’re in there I’ll throw in a tin of drained chick peas on an oven tray to crisp up and then pop them in a bowl with roasted capsicum, sliced green onion, garlic and a balsamic, lemon and olive oil dressing.

Friday: Pan-fried blue eye cod, crispy potatoes and salad

Saturday: Aussie Farmer’s Direct Lemongrass and garlic prawns with a rice salad

Sunday: Roast beef and roasted vegies plus green beans with almonds. I bought a roasting sirloin at Coles this week. I'm going to place it on a bed of slice onions, thyme and red wine in the Le Crueset (after first searing it till golden brown in a frypain) and slowly cook it with the lid on. My guess is that it'll be tender and I'll have made my own gravy in the pan. I might just need to reduce it on the hotplate while the beef's resting at the end of cooking.

What are you eating?

*Okay, will need to update the recipe on this - needs cooking on low and less stirring in my opinion. It was delish, but the rice went gluggy really quickly. Perhaps it'd be better as a non-slow-cooker dish? 

sweet saturday

How's your weekend panning out? Hope there's lots of good stuff interspersed with a wee spot of relaxation. I think I need this daybed - don't you?

flowers for friday

Can you IMAGINE being greeted with a breakfast tray as exuberant as this? Look at those lilacs!!! So pretty.

Well, it's Friday and to celebrate the end of the week I'm off to celebrate a gorgeous friend's birthday at the SurfHouse tonight. That's how I like to see out a week, especially a half-week after holidays.

No netball tomorrow morning, so no easy rising (ahhhhh). I think we need to get out into the garden: roses need pruning, gardens need weeding - sprouting purple garlic bulbs need planting...

Enjoy your Friday x

back in the swing of things

It feels weird getting back to normal after a holiday. I've done all the usual things: unpacked my bags once we arrived home, shopped for meals, washed all the holiday clothes and settled back into normalcy... But still...

It's hard to settle down after drinking champagne by the fireside every night. And eating out daily. Luckily I've got loads of work to do to take my mind off it all. And more exciting things planned for the year - balls, a wedding, fun events including tomorrow night's Winter Wander in the mall.

I think I also need to organise a girly get-together with a table like this one.

Nice huh?

meal planning monday

Well, we're back from hols and oh, what a holiday it was. We had the best time: ate too much, drank too much, relaxed too much... pretty much what a holiday should be. It was ace.

But now we're home and here's what we're eating.

Monday: I needed to cook up something cleansing tonight so I made a chicken, corn and udon noodle soup. I simply sliced a few green shallots, white and green and sauteed them in a little olive oil with a finely diced carrot and a couple of cloves of garlic. Then I diced three chicken breasts into 1cm cubes, added these and topped with 1 litre of chicken stock. I brought this to the boil, took it down to a simmer and simmered until the chicken was cooked. Then I added some corn and udon noodles and seasoned with pepper and soy sauce. Delish.

Tuesday: we're having glazed salmon on the bbq with sushi rice and salad. I think I'll make a glaze with lime, soy sauce, ginger and garlic.

Wednesday: a simple steak and salad is called for.

Thursday: my gal's having a pal over for a sleepover and a shopping expedition. Why fight it? I'll make spaghetti bolognaise and garlic bread.

Friday: I'm going to the SurfHouse to celebrate a lovely friend's birthday. So, beforehand I'll make up a prawn and quinoa salad. I've never used quinoa before (I know, late adaptor) so let's hope lots of pepper, parsley and lemon makes it delish.

Saturday: lamb tonight. With a chickpea and roasted capsicum salad. And some wilted spinach with garlic - some things are just meant to be together.

Sunday: roasted chicken. The simple things in life really are the best.

And that's how we're easing into this first week of the school holidays. How about you?

This is my view this morning. Pretty darned awesome isn't it?
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

on holidays

French blue in Berrima.





A rustic velo in the grounds of Hopewood Country House.





Locals' pizza night at the pub.




The fabulous dining table in our holiday house, with a view down to the fireplace and cosy couches.




Gorgeous veranda view from the sunroom. So sweet.




Much champagne consumption.




And undoubtedly the prettiest powder room in the world.

Yep, this just about sums up bliss.

where do we go now - film review

I was surprised by a film tonight. While I'm a huge fan of foreign films I must say that I rarely skip beyond the borders of France... sometimes I'll step over to Italy, but I'm pretty conservative in my viewing habits. However, I had the opportunity to attend a preview screening of Where Do We Go Now and decided to move outside of my comfort zone.

I'm pleased I did.

See that gorgeous woman in the apron above? She's not only one of the stars, she's also the writer and director of this powerful film. Set in a remote, seriously war-torn Lebanese village this film powerfully depicts what happens when a town's Muslim and Christian men start to get angered and antagonistic like the rest of their country.

Well, that's where the women of the town step up and the fun begins.

This film is in turns satirical, poignant and heart-wrenching. There's levity to relieve the pathos - thank goodness - but the film never veers into pantomime. The performances are stunning, and there are so many strong, likeable (or loathe-worthy) characters it's easy to become immersed in the plot.

Sometimes it pays to check out something unexpected. I walked out of the cinema with a smile on my face, and a lot to think about.

Bravo Tower Cinemas - you've brought another great film to this town.

holiday... celebrate...

So, in the morning we're off on a week's holiday. Hurray! I'm pretty much prepared. The beef bourguignon's cooked and in the fridge - it just needs to go in an esky tomorrow and we're set. I've also pulled up my One Week Holiday list from my files and got it printed out and ready to go. What's that you say? What is a one week holiday list? Well, I have a couple of lists saved on my computer dependent on the holiday. There's a three day holiday, a one week holiday and a long-term holiday (four to six weeks - so, you know, overseas). These are my master lists that I create so I don't have to faff around creating one before we head away, I simply print, pack and tick off.

Love it.

Now, before you say "Oh, PPMJ, you just do that because you're such an organised person..." allow me to retort. At heart I am a deeply disorganised person. Disorganisation runs deep in my veins and I have to fight very, very hard to overrule it. And, just like parenting, I have to choose my battles. For me, my battles are Meal Planning and Holiday Packing. The rest can sort itself out. If I plan these two events I know I can just breathe out a sigh of relief and enjoy myself.

My holiday lists look extensive. They're divided into toiletries (with every little thing on them, even headbands and body lotion), clothing, pantry (I normally take my pepper grinder and a decent small knife with me when staying in a holiday house - two essentials I can't live without). I also take the iPod dock so I can listen to the iPod on my phone - and we take the coffee machine if we're going away for longer than two days.

Sanity saviours people. Sanity saviours.

I also do my usual anally-retentive timed list, just like I do for birthday parties and dinner parties - with all events written down with reasonable times written next to them. Saves the last-minute flap. We're not having house-sitters this time, so at least the house cleaning's kept to a minimum - but our next-door-neighbour's coming in to cat sit (feed, entertain etc) so the house needs to be in reasonable order.

Anyway, I'll keep you updated when I'm away. I have my phone, which has BlogPress on it so there will be blogging from the bucolic Southern Highlands. Can. Not. Wait.

meal planning monday

Guess what? We’re off on holidays tomorrow – yay! A week in the Southern Highlands with some fabulous friends.  This is our third holiday in the same location, same house, same friends – so there’s some traditions that must be upheld. Cannot wait. So tonight’s our last night at home, but hey, I still meal plan on holidays – it’s just a lot looser.

I think it’s still important to consider your plans for the day, so while we mightn’t have late ballet lessons or netball training, we’ll be out sight-seeing or perhaps just feeling lazy and in the mood for something easy. Anyway, here’s our plan:

Monday: last night at home before hols. I’m cooking up the beef bourguignon that we’ll be having for dinner tomorrow night today so it just needs heating. So tonight will be something easy and light. I think I’ll make a chicken noodle soup.

Tuesday: we can check into our holiday house at 4pm so we’ll stop off at Bowral and buy a few baguettes, some salad greens and some potatoes. When we get there I’ll turn the oven on low and reheat the beef, make the salad and whip up a mash.

Wednesday: I cooked last night, our friends are cooking tonight. But we’ll muck in and help each other. My friend G will cook up some duck confit. They’re fellow Francophiles so we’ll have the duck with potatoes roasted in duck fat and other vegies.

Thursday: the town we’re staying in has a local’s pizza night at the pub. It’s a tradition we always follow.

Friday: There’s a restaurant in Berrima that’s also become a tradition, so we’ll dress up in our fancy pants outfits and head over there.

Saturday: we’re having lunch at our fave vineyard, Mt Ashby. They have the most amazing French-inspired menu. So we probably won’t need anything too huge for dinner. Perhaps a chicken pot pie?

Sunday: okay, we’re checking out as the next tenants are checking in but guess what? They’re also our friends! I know! So we’re going to spend the night at the pub and catch up with them at the house for a bbq and some champagne. We’ll organise to buy bbq meats from Spring Hill Beef – tastiest beef you’ll ever taste.

sweet, sweet sunday

It may be chilly outside, but the sky's so blue it's just begging me to get out in the garden this morning. There's a few bits and pieces I'd like to do before we head off on holiday on Tuesday for a week!

I'm also a bit excited about this afternoon. Champagne High Tea for a lovely friend's farewell at Bacchus one of my favourite places in Newcastle. This gorgeous restaurant is divine for dinner, lunch and cocktails so I imagine it'll be just as superb for a girly high tea. Can't wait to see what they come up with. Don't worry - I'll be Instagramming it.

Enjoy your sunday x

small bars in newy = ace

So, last night my friend S picked me up in a cab and we made our way to the middle of Hunter Street to the opening of Newcastle's newest small bar - Terrace Bar. We were both a wee bit excited, being fans of innovation and Newy. It didn't disappoint.

Now the bar's stood vacant for years, there were skip-loads of rubbish removed, but what I love is that the team have stripped back the place to a fabulously raw state - with layers of old paint revealed on the walls. Then they've simply decorated over the top.

Fab.

Retro-kitcsh-chic paintings adorn the walls, while cosy, conversational nooks are set up with a quirky mix of vintage armchairs or higher bars and stools. It's a place that breeds conversation.

I like that in a place.

The bar's filled with local wines, plenty of cider and some great beers. My friend and I started with a delish Tamburlaine sparkling wine, before we took it upon ourselves to drink the bar dry of tonic with our vodka tonic habits.

Someone had to do it.

This hallstand with a simple floral arrangement was one of my fave pieces. It stands opposite the doors as you enter and really helps set the scene. Candles in old jars continue to create ambiance.

Up the blackened stairs is the performance area, with the roof terrace just off it. Ah, memories, the roof terrace has barely changed since the old Gunfighter's Rest days. Even the furniture's original - just with a coat of sealer to help preserve their knocked-around fabulousness. They've done a bit of landscaping out here, there's trellis to grow vines and strings of fairy lights. It'll be THE coveted hotspot in summer.

Cheers to the proprietor Chris Hearn, Emma from Emma Soup next door who lent her sharp decorating eye, Renew Newcastle who helped get things moving through council to help get it off the ground and all the cool peeps who helped fundraise over $7000 on Pozible to get this venture happening. There's life spreading down Hunter Street, bringing with it enthusiasm, optimism - and hopefully more cool venues like this.

Why wouldn't you raise a glass to this?

flowers for friday

And le sigh, it's friday...

So happy. Such a busy week - to set off a busy weekend. Tonight I'm off with a friend to the opening of The Terrace Bar, Newcastle's newest small bar. A lot of thought, planning and passion's gone into this place, I cannot wait to see what they've done with it. The snippets I've seen look sensational! Don't worry, I'll be Instagramming it - it looks very Instagrammable.

Tonight's also my gal's first high school dance (eek!) so before I toddle off I'll be helping her frock up and be fabulous. Bless.

Tomorrow's a big morning of netball with lots of girls umpiring to supervise, then, in the afternoon my gal's off to a birthday party. It's a camping party where the girls will be sleeping out the back in the parent's caravan. Again, bless. We still need to buy the birthday gal something spesh, so we'll be headed to Blackbird Corner where if you can't find a teenage girl an ace present you obviously don't have your eyes open.

Saturday night hubby and I will wander down to check out Winter Heat in Civic Park. It's my favourite thing about winter in Newcastle. We might have to buy a bowl of paella to munch on while checking out the sights.

On Sunday I have a lovely friend's farewell High Tea at Bacchus (why yes, I am pulling out Newcastle's big guns in this post aren't I?) which will be fabulous, if a bit teary. And naturally I've opted for the option of champagne with my high tea - you knew it didn't you?

Monday's my last day of work before we head south to the glorious Southern Highlands for a week's holiday with fab friends. Can. Not. Wait.

So today, busy. Lots of work to do before holidays. I think I need some pretty fleurs for my desk like these. Don't you?

fluffy pink clouds

There are few sights as beautiful as fluffy pink sunset clouds. While I love the drama of a deep orange sunset, it's this pretty pastel type that really bring out my sighs.

Life's good isn't it?

why yes, yes it does

I'm off on holidays next week (yay!) so of course this week is filled with getting stuff done. And you know how sometimes when you need to get stuff done it all seems a little too hard? I need me some motivation - and found this on Instagram.

Thank you. I will just do that.

the duel movie review

Tonight a movie-loving friend and I went along to a preview screening of The Duel at The Tower Cinemas. This filmic adaptation was visually rather sumptuous, every frame of every shot was a visual delight. The colours were stunning, and the costuming positively sigh-worthy. Filmed on the stunning Croatian coast on the Black Sea and set in the 1890s, this film resembles a series of moving stills bringing to life one of Seurat's masterpieces. The stunning beach, with its glorious beach house, had me planning my next european trip with a side trip to this gorgeous place.

My knowledge of Chekhov dates back some time. But if memory serves this adaptation is classically correct - perhaps too much so as the era's strict social mores versus the characters' louche morality is near incomprehensible to a modern viewer. Sub-plot points seemed to veer off in many directions: some seeming without a point. There were more meaningful, moody glances than an episode of Bold and the Beautiful, and quite a few off-kilter moments that had me whispering to my viewing companion "Who? What? Why?"

The premise of the plot was interesting, if the pace was a little too limpid for my liking. As a visual feast it gets the tick of approval, but if you need a film where you can empathise, sympathise or at least like a character, this mayn't be your cup of tea. Rarely have I seen a cast so unsympathetic.

That said, I did covet the leading lady's lipstick, red shoes, hair and much of her wardrobe. Her paramour? Not so much - he had me calling for the duel, in the hope that we'd see his demise. Sure, we were meant to believe that he was driven to the brink of madness by heat, boredom and alcohol - but I think he was just an ass.

I do love how The Towers is bringing such a diverse range of films to an audience and taking a chance on art house films. Sure, not every film is your perfect match, but there's always something you can take away from them - which you can't say about your typical mainstream blockbuster.

meal planning monday

Monday: i'm off to the movies (again) tonight. It's not my fault, it's the cinemas for having so many awesome films screening. It'd be rude not to attend. So I'll whip up a spaghetti bolognaise early in the day in the slowcooker. Sure, I'll hate myself at lunch when I have to eat a boring sandwich while I smell simmering Italian delights, but it'll make life easier when it comes time to serve. 

Tuesday: it's a late ballet night for my gal so I need to have something I can serve up the second she walks in the door at 7pm - two hours of dance fuels a big hunger. I think I'll make lamb kofta with a parsley, tomato and red onion salad, tsatziki and pita bread. And I'll whip up a quick cheaty-hommos with a tin of chickpeas, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice (and tahini if I think to buy it). I'll whizz all the ingredients in a blender and add a little salt and pepper to taste. Yum.

Wednesday: netball training. I might have to make a curry in the slow cooker. Chicken curry perhaps. Served with rice, wilted greens and garlic naan.

Thursday: I've found I'm getting tired and lazy by the end of the week, so am thinking of really super-easy meals to serve. Steak, mash and steamed veg will do nicely I think.

Friday: simple salmon patties with salad, seriously, that's all I can cope with on a Friday. I'll make them in the morning and refrigerate so they're ready to cook when I knock off work that night. I might need to sip on a glass of white while they're cooking. Don't you think?

Saturday: I've made nary a soup this winter - what's wrong with me? I think I need to rectify this by making a chicken wonton soup - how amazing would that be? Shall blog the recipe next week after I've made it.

Sunday: seven hour leg of lamb is the roast du jour tonight. With loads and loads of veggies and lentils of course. Lamb and french lentils are a match made in heaven.

And that's it. How about you? Tell me what's on your meal plan this week - and hands up if I've managed to convert another of you to the meal-planning side!

ah sweet saturday

It's very wintery here today, grey, kinda drizzly and cold. We spent the morning at the netball courts from 9am to 12 - long morning. Two of the girls in my team were umpiring so I put on my official netball shirt and supervised them while they went on the sidelines. They were awesome, and luckily we had good parents and two lovely teams. Phew. Then we played, a red-hot match with the team who's currently number one with a speedy bullet. It was a great game to watch, lots of action (and giggles as the girls know each other).

Then it was soup time for lunch and I got on the bike for 15 minutes as part of my knee rehabilitation. Years of netball have seen the onset of osteo-arthritis so I have to be very careful and get up and stretch during the day and ride my bike to loosen the knee and tone the muscles around it.

Tonight I'm off to dinner with someone fabulous, somewhere fabulous. Apparently a cool cafe over Hamilton way, Rolador, offers mexican food of a weekend night. How awesome. I'm on an eternal search for good mexican food. When I was a teen there was a fabulous restaurant on Darby Street called Taco Bills and my memories of the mexican food served there are so strong. I've yet to find anything like it. Hopefully tonight's will be a strong competitor. Fingers crossed. If not, I at least have fabulous company.

I might also take a moment to sit down and relax with a cuppa and a magazine this afternoon. At Films for Foodies the other night my goodie bag contained a copy of MiNDFOOD magazine - and it's damned good. I've been seeking a good magazine, and I think I've found it.

Enjoy your weekend, do you have something lovely you're planning on doing?

flowers for friday

I do love a nice bunch of tulips. These were on the table at le petit deux when I breakfasted yesterday with mon amis C and K. Why yes, that is my third visit to LpD this week... Couldn't help it. Had to go on opening day with my family, then on Tuesday with my friend S because we're keen supporters of all things new in Newy, and hey, my friend C is French and K is a francophile like me - of COURSE we had to go in the first week.

We were also lucky to meet the chef/owner Lesley who asked us what we thought of the place and shared her passion behind this lovely french breakfast and lunch spot. How wonderful it must be to realise a dream. I'm keen to get there for lunch, there's a plat du jour special with a meal and a glass of wine for just under $20. Bargain. Today's steak and frites, and Lesley told me all about the meat, how it's chosen, how its carved and how it's cooked. I knew there was love and passion behind this place before I'd met Lesley, but now, wow, I'm in awe.

I love meeting inspirational people who make their dreams happen. And there are so many of them in this town that it can only serve to attract more. We just need to get the council and public behind this: get some great lighting in the city, more fab events like Red Lantern Markets and Livesites, increase public transport and we'll see this town become the thriving mecca it can be at night - just like it is in Europe.

Exciting times ahead. Enjoy your Friday - and your weekend.

le chef film review

I saw the sweetest movie last night. That's the poster above - looks very french non? I went in hopeful that I'd like it - after all, it was French and about food - and oh, it was such a delight. Funny, a really great plot, sweet and inspirational.

It's the story of two chefs: one is a three Michelen Star celebrity chef, {or trois etoille if you say it in French, which you should because it sounds heaps better} who's under pressure - lose a star, lose the restaurant. He's worried he's lost his touch. He needs inspiration, fast. Could he find it in the other chef?

I shan't give away any more of the plot, but it's an absolute delight. And there's enough shots of Paris to sate my appetite too. The performances are sublime, Jean Reno is fabulous as always, and I've a new fave in Michael Youn. Don't get me started on how absolutely gorgeous the women were in this film - le sigh...

I saw this at a special Films for Foodies night at The Tower Cinemas. Such an innovative idea. Upon arrival you're greeted with a glass of wine and a bag filled with food-goodies. Then former MasterChef contestant Peter Vickery came in and was really quite sweet chatting about the passion he's discovered for gardening and getting back to basics with his cooking. A rather fabulous sommelier then shared a few wine tips and then the movie began. Apparently they're hoping to introduce cooking demos at future screenings - how cool is that?

I'll be back for the next one - gotta support innovation like this don't you think?

PS: after writing this I tuned into David and Margaret At The Movies to find they were reviewing this film. Well, they said they were reviewing this film, but it appears they saw something else. They saw something unfunny that they hated. Me, my friends and every other person in the cinema who was laughing uproariously would disagree. Ignore them, it's funny and sweet.