New book ready for the weekend

So pleased to see that one of my most favourite writers has a new book out.  If you haven't read any of Liz Byrski's novels then you are missing a treat.  I have written about her before on the blog and I was lucky enough to go to an evening event where she was speaking about 18 months ago. 
Last Chance Cafe was due out in Australia on April 1st - lucky for me I found it early - in Target and at a good price.  Just in time to pack for our weekend in Byron Bay - leaving this Thursday afternoon.
Can't wait.

 P.S. New blog lay out courtesy of Darling Daughter - with some input and direction from me!

Immeasurable happiness...

My 20 year old 'baby' is back....

She flew into Melbourne yesterday evening and I cannot tell you the feeling of joy I experienced on waking this morning just knowing she was under the same roof as me after nearly 6 months apart.

I have a few days off from work - we spent today chatting, catching up on lots of things; really luxuriating in not having to do anything in particular. No essay deadlines for her and nothing for me to worry about. A sushi lunch and then giggling this afternoon having pedicures together.

All in all a perfect day....

Two 'Thank Yous' and a question to Australian readers

You are such a lovely lot. But then again why am I surprised? - I already knew that. Thank you for all your kind and enquiring comments about my friend Celia in Japan and I am really happy to say that she is back safely in England..... I am so relieved that she is ok but the situation in Japan worsens daily and is so very worrying. Will Japan ever be the same again? Just hope and pray so but it will take years and years I'd imagine.

Also, on a more frivolous matter thank you again to all those who went over to my work blog to comment on the article I guest posted for them. You are so kind and Head Office were delighted - it was even mentioned in the work newsletter that the blog had received many comments after my article there!!

And thirdly a favour to ask of Australian readers.....

We'd really like to go away for a long weekend at the beginning of April to Byron Bay and stay in an apartment or cottage rather than a hotel. Does anyone know of anywhere they'd recommend? I remember seeing a gorgeous white weatherboarded cottage on somebody's blog ages back and I am sure it was near Byron Bay... I'm so very excited as on Tuesday my daughter comes out to Australia again for 3 weeks or so (just typing those words makes the old eyes fill up with tears at the thought - am so happy!). We thought a short break in Byron Bay would be lovely. Daughter is keen to learn to surf properly - we've been told this is the place to go. If you think we'd be better elsewhere then please chip in your views too.... Many, many thanks.

A lovely weekend to one and all....

News from Japan

This is my dear friend Celia; the photograph was taken in happier times last October when she and I met up for dinner. Yesterday she was caught up in the earthquake that hit Japan as she is on business in Tokyo setting up an Art exhibition there in the city. When I got back from work last night and saw what had happened I was so worried and thankfully was able to skype her and we conversed via skype for the whole evening - she was really happy to be able to 'talk' and feel connected over the internet with me - nothing else was working - no mobile phone networks or of course no ordinary telephone systems.... As she couldn't reach anyone from there I got her to send me the telephone numbers in England that she wanted to contact and I rang them from here to let them know she was unharmed.... Very frightened but alright and today she was able to send this email out to all of her friends from Tokyo. I know she won't mind me copying it and putting it on the blog as it does give a first hand account of what it was like there :


Hi all
Thanks for your concern for my safety. I know many of you have called the office so just to let you know that I am OK but a bit freaked out by what has happened. It was very scary and the earth was literally rolling beneath our feet for about 2 minutes. Everything was shaking, the cars, buildings etc. I was doing an exhibition at the time and we all had to rush out onto the street so that we had a better chance if the buildings collapsed. Some glass was broken but apart from that we were OK and sat on the ground until it passed, but at the time we didn't know how bad it was or where it was coming from so we just had to wait with the feeling that we could be swallowed up or crushed at any minute. It was a truly humbling experience. There were aftershocks all day and we are still feeling small movements every now and then.
The chaos that followed was inevitable and all the mobile networks were jammed and all transport stopped throughout the city. Traffic was gridlocked so people took to the streets and tried to walk home. People were panic buying in the convenience stores and there was nothing left on the shelves. I couldn't get back to my hotel so I walked for an hour or so to my friends house and camped out there like a tramp. I think that many people were worse off and had no-where to go.
Today things are getting back to normal but people here are just beginning to realise the extent of the disaster. Apparently it is the biggest earthquake in Japan's history but we are relieved it struck at sea otherwise the devastation could have been far worse. As it is, the resulting tsunamis that hit the east coast yesterday and last night have killed many people and swept away houses, cars bridges etc.
I hope it's over now but everyone is a bit apprehensive about the next few days. I am scheduled to fly home on Monday so hopefully this will still be possible. I am looking forward to being back in the relative safety of the UK. Its been a long and busy week and the last couple of days have left me feeling a bit depleted.
Will catch up with you all when I get back. Look after yourselves and your loved ones and concentrate on what's important in life.


So very true. Sometimes we do lose the bigger picture and forget what is important in life. I just thank God she is ok and my heart goes out to the many who have not been so lucky.

(L)Arking Around!

I am 'guest posting' today over at the blog, "Behind the Seams" which is our work blog. As some of you know I work for a wonderful Melbourne based fashion company called The Ark and I am very proud to do so. The above photo shows the two owners, Chris and Jen who started by making and selling children's clothing (OzArk) just over 20 years ago but then moved into clothing for women. The Ark is a boutique sized company that really packs a punch and I have to add it is entirely run by women... No men in the company at all. Not even at Head Office! The fact that it is still going 20 years later really shows that they really have a winning combination....

If you have a spare few minutes please pop over by clicking HERE. And if you would care to leave a comment well, that would be really marvellous. The work blog does not get very many comments and Head Office would be delighted too.

Enjoy.

http://www.theark.com.au/

Beautiful day

After quite a miserable Summer weather wise here in Melbourne we were very happy to wake to such a beautiful Saturday morning. Mr SE and I went to our local shopping strip and gathered in food from the market for the week. This is a view towards the city of Melbourne (7kms away)..... We had breakfast at one of our most favourite cafes. They serve very superior coffee. Melbourne has a proud coffee heritage and Melburnians take their coffee extremely seriously. I bought this book today - it comes out every year and showcases the best of the best!

We were delighted to see that our favourite cafe made it (they have only been going around a year or so) so full marks to them. Only it won't be so secret any more. Ah well, never mind. Daughter loves this place too and she and I call it "Robbie William's cafe" - don't get too excited - it's just that the owner bears a strong resemblance to Mr Williams! Reason enough to go there, I say.

And as it was so beautiful weatherwise Mr SE and I went for a few hours at the beach... Here he is returning to the car after our relaxing time, 'packhorse stylie' with all our beachy paraphernalia!

We walked along the edge of the sand but the water was a little too cool to go swimming I felt. Some did though and this lone seagull thought it was just grand!

Happy weekend to one and all

Joining in with Jane (and showing you the table)

I am joining in with Jane, dear Flower Jane from the lovely blog that is Small but Charming today as we are showing our flowers in the house. And from me, some flowers/produce from the garden too.... Ok... tah-dah... this is the main photograph for you - my little recycled mini milk bottles with their arrangements artfully stuffed into each bottle for you....
White daisy type chrysanthemums.

Here above another view and showing off the table in all its rustic glory. Remember our friend Chris made this table - I am still impressed. We picked out the old floor boards together for the table from a Salvage yard remember... ? If not, click HERE... What I love about it is the fact there are still old paint splodges on the boards from their former life.

This is how we decided to finish off the table... To go modern with deliciously chunky painted legs. And they will (when I get round to it, promise, Mr SE) be slightly distressed with the aid of wire wool and wax later on. We have also married the table with modern chairs as you can see - I love the whole mixture thing. (Sorry about the TV being on as a back drop to the photograph)

Now back to the flowery theme of the post..

This is outside and these flowers tumble over from next door. I just know you are going to tell me they are weeds. Never mind. I like them!!

And look we have grown something this year - chillies. Our tomatoes were a dead loss though. And the cat (Button) had to get in the photo so I took a second photograph....

Lots of lovely hot chillies !!

Be sure to go on over to Jane's blog to see the other flowery offerings that are joining in too...or just go on over to check out her blog; you won't be disappointed, I'm sure.

A happy week to all.

Favourite Accessories (better late than never!)

I have arrived rather late to the party - many apologies. Janet from the wonderful blog that is The Gardener's Cottage asked us about our favourite accessories a while ago and I meant to email mine to add to the great post that she has done on the subject. However, I did not get my act together in sufficient time (story of my life I think!) so am doing a post about them now......

First off, and the one that I wear every day, is my Hermes Cape Cod watch. I can't tell you how much I love this - everything about it pleases me especially the 'double tour' strap and the gorgeous taupe colour of the leather. It was a present from Mr SE for a 'milestone birthday' 2 years ago.



Secondly this one. A horn bracelet. This is the accessory that I always reach for and would be devastated if I lost. I once took it off in a shop to sample some hand cream and left it on the counter. When I realised about 15 minutes later I retraced my steps and found it exactly where I had put it down - the relief that it hadn't gone was huge. I bought it in Lewes, in England about 7 years ago when I was shopping with my friend Stuart from FONTAINE antiques.

And then these gorgeous grey pearl earrings. Again, a present from Mr SE and perhaps these should have been second on the list - I wear them most days.

The next three photographs show my Valentine gift from yes, you guessed it, Mr SE. So whilst they are not yet on the 'most favourite accessory' list they certainly have the potential to be. An orange box... Exciting!

And look what was inside - these lovely classic tan leather sandals (and they each have their own little drawstring bag too!)

This is what they look like on. Comfortable as well as stylish too. A really lovely Valentine's gift and such a surprise!! We normally just exchange cards....

My niece will say that I am too spoilt, I know! And very lucky. Love them.....

Hope you are all enjoying a wonderful weekend.

Embracing a bit of inner 'rock chick'

It may or may not surprise you that I am a little bit partial to a little bit of rock chick....

Must have been something to do with being heavily influenced by Fleetwood Mac whilst in my late teens / early twenties and wanting desperately to waft around looking like Stevie Nicks. Still love their music and Stevie. This scarf above below really ticks all the boxes and am happy to say was given to me for my birthday... (dear Mr SE)

A modern classic. Gorgeous. Have worn it with white floppy linen trousers and white tee and grey cotton vee neck sweater.

And, talking of rock chick the apple does not fall far from the tree.... This skulls silver 'friendship bracelet' from Links of London is currently on darling daughter's wish list. Rather lovely. For her of course. Me being ever mindful of the mutton and lamb scenario.

However, I do think that my new Chanel nail polish (Black Pearl) is also a teensy bit rock chick. The colour is most unusual. Sort of grey, sort of blue and a little bit green too. Slatey would be a good description.

Yup. I love it. And in the words of Stevie and friends - "You can go your own way" (and I will, if I so choose!).

Wednesday I am going to use it for a pedicure I have booked. Did my own nails last night just to show you the colour but I am rather loving being a little daring (for me) - usually I just wear very neutral colours on my fingernails.

Hope you all had/are having, a lovely weekend.

Back from France

No, no I said - I really don't need anything this time from Paris. Especially after you brought me the Chanel ballerinas last time. Honestly..... but if you see something, well, that's another matter......
Unfortunately though as soon as Mr SE had sent that last photograph of the view from his hotel bedroom window (previous post) he really started to go downhill fast health wise and so could not do much at all during his day in Paris. Let alone lots of shopping for moi. He really did have something more than just a cold and struggled back on his flight to Australia that evening. On landing he went straight to the doctors and was diagnosed with a chronic chest infection and fever. (Now I feel guilty about the man flu comment!) . However, I was lucky and I did receive two very petite cadeaux. From Fauchon in the lovely bright pink box in the photograph above - some gorgeous dark chocolate (very good for you of course, dark chocolate)...... And, this below :

The newest nail polish from Chanel. Black Pearl. This makes me a very happy Semi Expat as it is not yet out here in Australia (yes, yes, I know we are very behind but that is the way it goes sometimes, last in line to receive goodies from Europe!) I think it hits our shores in the next couple of weeks but at the moment I feel quite exclusive ..... Its sort of a gorgeous dark grey petrol colour - will show you on my nails later on.

Now, I really, really need to go next time he has to go to France - I would have a field day hitting the shops I know!

Early morning in Paris (3rd arrondissement)

Look what Mr SE has sent me... a photograph....!!

This is the view from his hotel window... Hot off the press..

Saturday morning early in Paris... Yes, lucky Mr SE is there again. Well, maybe not quite so lucky as it sounds. He has spent the whole week in an industrial area near Lyon in France and worked very hard and also has an illness (man flu = a cold!!)... Ahhemmm.... However today (before he leaves to fly back to Australia this evening) he has the WHOLE DAY en Paris. Le sigh.... Le double sigh....

Yes, PARIS...

Readers who were with me this time last year know that he was there again at around the same time. .... Check out again about it HERE and mainly HERE you will see that he came back bearing a wonderful gift. My Chanel black ballerina shoes. (Janet from the Gardeners Cottage's favourite post from my blog!) To see a picture of my shoes scroll down to the end of THIS post....

I have said that I DO NOT NEED (different from want, of course) anything from Paris this year, dear Mr. SE...

However, he did send me these yesterday to my work as he had been away all week.... to wish me a happy weekend... They are beautiful and smell so lovely too.

And I hope your weekend, wherever you are and whatever you may be doing, is going really well...

Titfer: A hat (cockney rhyming slang: `tit for tat' rhymes with `hat').

Or, what do they say.... ? "If you want to get ahead, get a hat" or something like that but am not quite so sure how they work that one out!! Anyway, what I was sure about was that my old trusty hat (the very one that I am wearing in my profile pic on the blog) has started to look a little worse for wear and a little bit squished up to say the least... (see brim especially, in the photo above)





So, around a couple of weeks ago, I spied this lovely NEW panama hat when I was out and about on my travels and snapped it up without a seconds hesitation.....

Nice isn't it? And I rather like the colour too.

My old one was much "whiter" ( UK residents will know the quality when I say I picked up my old hat in, wait for it -Primark of all places. For those who don't know of Primark or Primarche as daughter has dubbed it, it's very inexpensive to say the least!!) However, it has served me well under the Australian sun. My new one was a little more expensive, but more than justified I feel.

Fashion experts must think the same as whilst reading the colour supplement from the newspaper here on Saturday, I turned the page and there was "my" hat !! Starring in a line up about the "Urban Safari" trend. How exciting.

Nice to be in first for once!

Australia Day

Today is a national holiday - a patriotic holiday and a day when family and friends get together to celebrate all that is great about Australia - Australia Day....

There will be many a barbecue fired up (ours will be on later) and quite a lot of lamb will be eaten (sort of a tradition I gather to have lamb on Australia Day) although I am sure a fair amount of "Shrimps will be thrown on the Barbee" too!

So I got to thinking about this fair land which I love and is my adopted home and in particular about the beautiful city of Melbourne (see photo above) .....

These are things that I love about living in Melbourne, though in no specific order:

• The architecture (the great variety - from the wonderful majestic, modern skyscrapers to the period weather boarded homes).
• The green spaces within the city - the parks and in particular the Royal Botanic Gardens.
• The laneways and arcades.
• The cafes (and especially the lovely breakfasts available).
• The people - Meburnians are wonderful almost without exception - friendly, open and welcoming and almost all with a 'can do' attitude, as are I hasten to add most Australians I have met.
• The art galleries and theatres, especially the open air concerts.
• The beaches and coast line in general including the docklands area.
• The coffee (consistently good). Melbourne has a great coffee heritage.
• The markets - from fresh food to 'flea' and vintage.
• The trams (and the transport system in general in the city).
• The River Yarra
• The sport on offer - both to go and watch and to join in with too if you feel so inclined.
• The fact that there are distinct seasons in Melbourne - in fact, a common saying is that you can get all 4 in one day... Or "If you don't like the weather, wait a couple of hours"..... At least in winter it's cold enough to wear tights here!
• The food - again, almost always of a good standard and what variety too!

A very Happy Australia Day to all my fellow country dwellers... and a "G'day" to you all wherever you call 'home'.

The Most Perfect Cottage (with promised photographs)

First of all I warn you - there are quite a few photographs in this post - more than I have ever put on in one go....!So this is the gorgeous cottage where we spent two days this week - around an hour or so drive from the city of Melbourne in a small town called Daylesford. It's known as WHITE HOUSE and I am sure it won't come as a complete surprise if I tell you that it is owned by an Antique dealer and has been restored to feature as much of the past as possible.

The house is an original 1850's miner's cottage and all of the collections - the furniture, art etc. has been sourced from around country Victoria.

So.... welcome to what was our home for just a little time. Well, we could dream..... The view above looking down the corridor through the house from the front door.

On the right the first room was this bedroom featuring black and white toile wallpaper.

And to the left this one. Gorgeous French vintage linen.

Lovely small touches like the fresh flowers next to the bed.

And comfortable cushions. We chose this room as our bedroom for the stay.





Next room on the right was this petite library.......

The wall on the left features wallpaper printed with old books..... Real books adorn the wall straight ahead. There was also an open fireplace - a wonderful place for snuggling up in the winter I'd imagine.

In the library - this little white hare under a glass cloche. Could not resist a photograph - I love hares.







Next room down on the left the bathroom with a huge claw footed iron bath.

More fresh flowers ....

Cute medicine cupboard.








Then at the end of the corridor there was one large open plan room - again with an open fireplace. The doors at then end of the room lead to the garden where there was another studio - the garden room with another bedroom.... As we were only a party of two we could not get to this room but peeked through the window! Of course, as lovely as the rest of the house.

Cosy seating area with squishy linen covered sofas....

The painted dining table - decorated with globes....

And a close up - especially for you TNMA !!

And now...... the best till last - THE KITCHEN area (part of the large room)

Yes, that wall straight ahead is totally painted in black board paint - a really clever idea. I want to copy this kitchen next time I renovate a house (hmmm and I said we were not going to do any more renovations, ever!)

Mr SE above in mid-preparation of our dinner. We did not want to go out to a restaurant as we wanted to experience the kitchen and didn't want to leave the house for the evening!

A little corner of the kitchen next to the sink - photo below....

Well, there was one more photograph here - but in my heavy handedness I have deleted it -(sorry) it was a bowl of fresh oranges left for us to juice for our breakfast... We were also given a loaf of local bread, fresh eggs, butter and milk.

All in all we had the most wonderful time and if you wish to find out more about this lovely gem of a place then please click HERE.