New Happenings

Hello Melbourne !

This welcome above is from a very well known American store opening its first branch in Australia right here in my adopted home City of Melbourne next month!! Behind that poster above there is a hive of activity and great excitement as GAP is arriving at Chadstone shopping centre!! Hooray - lovely cotton basics and good khaki trousers as recommended by That's Not My Age. In fact, I will admit that she told ME first that GAP was opening in Australia way before I knew and she lives on the other side of the world in London - she definitely has her finger on the world- wide fashion pulse! Since she gave me the nod about GAP I have been keeping my ear to the ground and checking out the Internet and today saw for myself where they are to be. I will keep you posted about the opening in due course.



Talking of other bloggers, I met a fellow Mebourne blogger today at Chadstone (where this photograph was taken) for a coffee at Capital Kitchen - a great cafe and homewares/lifestyle shop I've posted about earlier (click HERE) as has the very charming and lovely Claire Jackson of the wonderful blog Haven Home and Style... We had a great chat and an hour and a half just whizzed by - it was great to meet her and we had lots in common enjoying so many of the same things. Such a nice morning - how lucky we are that within our blogging community we are able to meet new people and have loads to talk about. Really, a complete joy.



In the same sort of vein I also have another blog to tell you all about ... a new one - Peony Melbourne. As regular readers know I have blogged about Peony (boutique perfumery) several times and now Jill Timms, owner of Peony has begun her own blog...... So, if you want to be kept in the loop about all things beautiful and fragranced be sure to become one of her followers. Her last post tells of the new jewellery she has in store too - including THE necklace that SJP wears in the film SATC2 - hop on over to her blog to take a quick peek.


Wishing you all a wonderful weekend whatever you may be doing and wherever you are in this wonderful blogging world...

My news and what's new

On Monday my DDD went off to Indonesia with a backpack on her back (here she is at Heathrow airport) and not a backwards glance..... She is certainly making the most of her gap year before University in September but as her mother I cannot help but have a lump in my throat as she leaves again and worry whether she will be ok.

I know that she has reached the first stop safely (Bali) and is going to go on to 'Island hop' around Indonesia next week - apparently around the Gilli (sp?) Islands.



Meanwhile, I have been working each day at Indigo here in UK and back in Australia at PEONY I have heard that they have a very, very special range of new candles in from Laduree in Paris.....

How delicious !!! .... They come in quite a few 'flavours' / fragrances including - Brioche, Cafe Creme, Caramel Butter (mmmm), Marron Glace, Orange Blossom, and Wild Strawberry.... I cannot wait to get back there and smell them !

I am returning to Melbourne next week so more posts from my usual Semi Expat in Oz state soon.....

Weekend flowers at Peony

Took this photograph of these gorgeous white flowers at Peony where I have been working today - so pretty in their silvery container and can you see the black and white etching on the wall behind of Napoleon too? Very Gallic!

A busy day which seemed to fly by.... I also had the pleasure of meeting a fellow Melbourne blogger who came in to see me - from the wonderful blog SHE WORE IT WELL.... She is such a sweetheart and it was nice to meet her in 'real life' too so to speak. Needless to say she loved the shop!

When I got back from work dear Mr SE had prepared dinner too - a chicken dish which he is marinating in chilli and ginger - can't wait...

Hope you are all having a great weekend.

New displays at Peony

Yesterday I popped in to Peony ( boutique perfumery) where there is a gorgeous new window display... so very pretty and I particularly love the side table with its worn paint finish.... There is a little bit of a glare/reflection on the window in this photograph - many apologies- a bit difficult taking photographs through glass.

Wonderful old French sign... (sold, I believe!).

A shot looking out from the smaller window.. - look at the little canary bird cage light - cute!

A better photograph of the table in the bigger window - fresh and beautiful white flowers - my favourite. Cire Trudon candles in their green faceted glass containers.

Window display - photo taken from the side.......

The latest range of fragrances at Peony ... L'Artisan Parfumeur... A small niche company and my favourite was L'eau de L'artisan.... described as follows:

Citrus/Classical notes - A fusion of classic elegance and modern nonchalance....

Traditional notes of citruses, herbs and tree moss a fresh twist of marine accord and hay, creating an aroma as refreshing as a splash of icy cold water on a very hot day. Timelessly refined and loved by men and women alike.

I have to say that it was really gorgeous... very fresh - just the kind of fragrance I adore.

Oh, and just thought I would show you these - freeze dried box balls! You just spray them with water and they last quite a while, Jill- owner of Peony also had a box circle hanging up in the shop too....

I am going to be working at Peony looking after the shop on March 27th (when Jill is hosting a Perfume Workshop at a nearby hotel in South Yarra - the workshop is described on the website and is completely sold out/fully subscribed already!) and am also at Peony on April 1st too- can't wait!

Beach and Breakfast

Thought I would show you three photographs to illustrate two points in my list I wrote yesterday regarding my favourite things about Melbourne.

Above and below - a beach so close to the City. In the first photo you can see the city clearly in the background - the other photo is taken looking out towards the other way...

Just lovely isn't it ?... But not quite as lovely as the breakfast below... YUM! Perfection on a plate and served with a delicious coffee - what could be nicer?

Ed Note : Not that I was beach visiting and breakfasting today... (these are photographs from my 'archives'!) It was the first day back (after the long summer break) at Peony and it was Sale time too... busy, busy busy - we did not stop all day! If you live in Melbourne definitely worth a visit before all the bargains go!

Sunday - the last weekend shopping day before Christmas

Well, today was the last weekend trading day before Christmas .... Sunday was brisk and busy at Peony - we had Christmas carols playing as our customers enjoyed (yes, enjoyed!) completing their shopping..... Above - one of the flower arrangements in the shop this week... - pretty lilies and a little touch of red with the red roses...

Another little dash of red (above) in these gorgeous glass hand-blown containers for the Cire Trudon special Christmas candle - it's called 'Nazareth' and has been selling really well... The fragrance is very festive - a mixture of clove, cinnamon and orange.

Lastly above my personal favourite - Diptyque's 'coffret' for Christmas - 3 mini candles - Oranger, Feu De Bois and Pine Sylvestris.... The orange and woodsmoke (feu du bois) are just wonderful burned at the same time .

Just thought I would also share a little story with you from Friday..... We were so very busy that day - amazing really - we did not stop , but I digress...! First thing in the morning Jill (owner of Peony) had taken a call from a man in London who was looking for a Diptyque special limited edition Christmas candle - the Evergreen - Sapin one.. (actually you can just see the corner of it in the photograph above, far left of the photo).

Apparently he could not find it anywhere in London as they had all sold out completely and was asking us if we could ship him one from Australia!! Well, Jill said that we would but surely it would be better for him to try and get in from France (and obviously have a better chance of it getting to UK for Christmas day too!)... He replied that France was not keen on helping him - they did not have a website and he would rather buy it from us! I went to the local post office and got prices for him and then spoke with him when he rang back later in the morning. To send it Airmail Express Post was going to cost almost as much as the candle - did he definitely want us to send it? Well the answer was in the positive so that is just what we did- packing it ultra carefully and off it has gone and we have emailed him the 'tracking' number - again, all part of the service ! Now just hope that it arrives there in time.

And whoever the final recipient is appreciates the effort he has gone to!

Beautiful books - great Christmas gifts

Thought I would let you know about two of the many gorgeous books that are stocked in the shop (Peony) where I am helping out during the festive run up..... The first one (photograph above) arrived yesterday and it was lovely unpacking the pristine copies (which we then wrap individually in cellophane) so you receive an 'untouched by others' copy when you purchase at Peony - another lovely touch and all part of the service !



This gorgeous book features unique and timeless French-inspired interiors created by those who have a lifelong love affair with French style. In "Essentially French", antiques dealer and stylist Josephine Ryan offers a glimpse into the homes of antique dealers who have a passion for French style. The homes featured include farmhouses, townhouses and apartments, and their decorative styles may differ, but all have something in common - showing the beauty of traditional French furniture and accessories, and demonstrating the understated elegance of French life. I had a quick peek through (the 'demonstrating' copy only!) and noted several dealers that show their houses and I know that my dear antique guys - who live in France and trade as FONTAINE have supplied some of these people - to see more of Stuart and Kiel's beautiful antiques scroll down to my post of November 17th if you would like to .....

The second book is this beautiful one above...."Flowers for the Home " (Grayson Handy) presents over 100 simple and stylish floral arrangements for both everyday and special occasions. Floral designs are shown from all over the world inspired by different cultures and traditions including as far away as China, the tropical rain forest, to the English countryside, and the American South. Basic design principles are discussed from colour palettes to materials, and step-by-step instructions and tips for assembling many of these displays are shown. The book’ is full of stunning photography too - just beautiful.

Either of these books would make a wonderful gift I think!

The Full Circle (and a Feather one!)

Yesterday, (Sunday) I had the pleasure of being back at Peony, to help out again........ As some of you may know I began this blog back in August when I looked after this lovely business when the owner was away in Europe - hence the title of this post - Full Circle.....
Anyway, from now on Peony is going to be open every day till Christmas and for those of you who would like to have a look at the website of this beautiful boutique perfumery the link is http://www.peonymelbourne.com.au/ I promise you will NOT be disappointed. I took a few photographs whilst I was there - above is the feather circle / wreath - such a lovely taupe colour and so unusual - they've been selling well, nearly all gone now!

A general shot above of the tables in the middle of the shop- don't you just love the giant cloche with the huge Cire Trudon candle? And the poinsettias look particularly festive in their silvery huge buckets.

Diptyque's Christmas edition candles - they come in Benzoin (which is a kind of myrrh/ frankincense fragrance) - left, Marron (a toasted chestnuts smell) middle candle and on the right an Evergreen Pine fragrance... Just beautiful (and Peony carry the whole range of Diptyque candles too)

Above, Miller Harris fragrances and lotions too - from perfumer Lynn Harris of London - very popular especially the Citron Citron - so fresh ... we also sell Miller Harris fragrant candles too at Peony....

Above a little French corner - no doubt readers of her wonderful blog will recognise Vicki Archer's fantastic new book on the left - selling like hotcakes! (Its on my Christmas list for a definite!) ......

The last white peacock left in the shop and he is reserved for a customer to pick up this week... cute!

And how about this wrapping paper? Black and white 'Old map of Paris Paper' tied with black or red ribbon - all part of the service at Peony...

Finally, this is what I wore to work yesterday (hmmm, looks as though I need to apply a little more sun stuff moisture lotion on my legs - looking a little pale and serious too - don't know why the latter!) When I first began the blog I did 'catalogue' what I wore to work each day and did not know whether I would do it again but.... Mr SE was around and he took these two photographs so I thought I would include them! OK... so.... am wearing - plain white T. Shirt by Bonds of Australia, with cashmere asymmetric front cardigan (3/4 length sleeves) from Marilyn Moore (UK make), Dainy Sawatzky linen black 'paper lantern skirt' - Australian designer (this was the skirt my mother-in-law was so rude about if you remember, earlier followers, - see post dated September 6th for those of you who did not see first time round - think you can just scroll down!!) and finally new flat slingback shoes from Kate Spade bought in LA last week and greatly reduced in Sales!

And bargain brooch - cost next to nothing (one pound fifty pence!) from Primark (a.k.a by DDD and I as Primarche!) ( UK shop).

I have today off but will be back in the shop Tuesday..... Can't wait!

The Perfumery in Melbourne

Meanwhile, back in Melbourne they are GEARING UP for Christmas in a big way at Peony (see above - the boutique perfumery that started me on this blog journey originally!) with these lovely window displays......
Mr SE went in last weekend and took a few photographs for me - there is a Christmas tree full of little birds including owls - a rather 'Harry Potter' theme and I rather like this black and gold chair display in the other window too...
Jill at Peony has already been really busy and has asked for my help there when I return which of course I am only to happy to do.

Soon, I will have another change and be returning back to my Semi-Expat life - my time in UK seems to have flown by this time.
A demain....

Friday and tomorrow I am off to Sydney pour le weekend!

Wonderful feeling - Friday evening ..... have finished my stint (3 weeks and 1 day) working in Peony and although I have enjoyed every minute (well almost every minute - some were a bit nerve-wracking) I am pleased to hand back the reins to their rightful owner who is on her way back from Paris as I type! Phew! - Made it ! And this evening I have had such a lovely evening on the COMPUTER most of the evening as MIL and Mr SE are NOT IN .... They are their way (by car) to Sydney having left first thing this morning - they are taking the coast road and I am 'taking the high road' - literally - by plane tomorrow.

I do love Sydney (but not as much as my adopted home city of Melbourne) - and particularly love the harbour and going across to Watson's Bay on the ferry - hopefully we will have time to do that....

And...... roll of drums..... for my last photograph of 'what I wore in the shop......' - Black waisted scoop neck dress bought in Australia last year (no name on the label - sorry - just two little pink elephants on label holding trunks) but it has an 'up and down hem' - bit quirky - I love it - surprised MIL did not comment my hem wasn't straight actually!! And, black suede flat slouchy (sp?) boots from Zoe Wittner (Australian make too).... Bone circle necklace from Indigo in UK and horn bracelet bought AGES ago from a little shop in Lewes in Sussex.

Am back from Sydney on Monday evening - will take some photographs to post early next week - so I guess I have made up my mind - I will carry on blogging (thanks Struggler!).....

Great and happy weekend to ALL......

Busy, busy, busy........

Well today was really busy with quite a few telephone orders which have to be packed up (beautifully of course with scented tissue, ribbons etc.) and couriered all over Australia. The courier does a pick up early afternoon each day which is great and very convenient - he is such a happy and pleasant man - Faiyaiz is his name and it really makes a difference doesn't it when people you see each day are upbeat and seem to like their job.

Anyway, besides the orders I took over the telephone, I had a steady stream of customers into the shop including one of the ladies who came in for the first time last Friday (my first day at Peony). I gave her a couple of samples then of Costume Nationale perfume - the Scent Intense and also the Scent Gloss - well, today she came back and purchased (for her husband to give her tomorrow, her birthday- the Scent Gloss !!) - must admit it is a gorgeous fragrance - a very feminine, floral mix with notes of spiced rose, purple orchid and musk and also it comes in a gorgeous, opaque pale pink bottle too. I gift wrapped it for her husband to give her tomorrow and all he has to do now is to add a card or a message hopefully!!

Oh, and this is what I wore today - Mr SE was at home for the morning (working from home as we had guys here to install the air conditioning units for later on in the year - yes, I know it is only just going into Spring here but if we get anything like the heat we had last Summer we will definintely need it!) so.... sorry I digress - Mr SE was at home and took a photograph this morning - the cat wanted to be in the photo too so we let her.... (she was wearing her normal cream fur with darker tail and ears)..... I am wearing - dress from Zara (bought last year in Barcelona when out there for long weekend with DDD), striped top underneath from Lilith (French but purchased in Marlborough, UK) chocolate brown tights from Falke and chocolate brown suede wedge heel boots from Jaime Mascaro (Spanish but purchased in UK)....

Au revoir until tomorrow........

Introductions and hello

Ok... so here I am - I have pondered about doing a blog for a while now and having decided to give myself a go I though I would try with 3 weeks or so to see if all works out - so, .....why now?

Well, this Friday I am beginning a 3 week session 'caretaking' a beautiful business in Melbourne, Australia (my home for some of the time - hence the title of this blog - "Semi Expat "- more about that in a later post) ...... The business I am looking after and running on a temporary basis is a fantastic boutique perfumery called Peony www.peonymelbourne.com.au owned by a dear friend of mine who is going off to Europe (Paris and Florence - not that I am jealous at all of course!) - well she IS going on business (but I am sure she will enjoy herself and get a little shopping done too, and why not?)

I thought I would write about my time working there at the end of each day and make a record - really for me to look back on too as a sort of diary and to see how I get on ..... also, I thought I would post a photograph each day of what I wore to work as the owner of Peony - the lovely Miss J, wears beautiful clothing to work with a fair smattering of Chanel (not that I have much of that - a lovely and very treasured necklace from Mr SE given to me recently for a 'big' birthday which I will wear - probably at least once during the babysitting process of the shop) and I have got some ideas of outfits to put together to wear in such a lovely shop....... So here goes - tomorrow afternoon I go to Peony to get all my final instructions from the lovely Miss J and to pick up the keys ready for Friday morning... wish me luck!