My Champagne Dreams

Best Coffee In Melbourne

2010-02-26T09:24:00.002+11:00

I've been home sick for about 3 weeks now with glandular fever but am on the road to recovery and am starting to crave my daily cup of coffee.
The best coffee I discovered late last year is Market Lane Cafe,near the back of Prahran Market.The cofee is strong but still smooth,the perfect combination,have never had a bad coffee here and they're so serious about making a great coffee that they only use organic unhomogenised milk and soy,no skim milk offered at all.
I love the interior as well with the farmhouse chairs,a large communal table to linger around while drinking and reading the paper or a magazine.

Kate Spade

2010-01-10T09:00:00.000+11:00

I've always admired the preppy style of Kate Spade and I love her range of accessories and even stationery,and how great do those books look,I need them,love pouring over those type of guides.Some stationery is even sold online now in Australia from Papier D'Amour out of Sydney.
I have beenlooking for some new coasters,how cool are these drinking ones?

Christmas 2009

2010-01-09T09:13:00.003+11:00

What a difference a year makes,last Christmas we had just moved into our apartment in a new city and sat down to lunch on fold out chairs and ate around a coffee table.
Recently it was much different sitting on on the dining table,a simple Christmas lunch for two,saved a nice bottle of champagne for the occasion as well.
I had plans to bake cookies for friends and so many other things but with parties and other things happening I simply didnt have the time.maybe next Christmas.

Hello again

2009-12-06T09:46:00.001+11:00

Thinking of coming back...

Taking a break

2009-02-13T17:26:00.002+11:00

I'm taking a break from blogging,I don't know how long it will be,I just don't have the time at the moment,I'm so busy at work(I used to previously blog at work and don't have those priveleges and my current employer) and once I get home there's so much I need to get done and would like to do, and sitting infront of the computer is not one of them.

Image from flickr here

Latest obsession

2009-02-13T17:15:00.001+11:00

This is my latest obsession,doing the big crossword in the newspaper,it started over the summer when The Age would publish one every day in the summer section.This one above was particularly hard,but it helps keep the mind active after a typical boring day at work.

My kitchen

2009-02-05T21:01:00.005+11:00

I think this is my favourite corner of the kitchen.I found some cheap salt and pepper grinders at Safeway,don't they look fancy.And my Bison milk jug made it in one piece while in transit from Sydney.

Chapel Street Bazaar

2009-01-08T07:36:00.000+11:00

I could spend hours in here searching for great vintage items.Was this close to purchasing this chair,the typewriter was cool too.

Fitzroy

2009-01-07T07:30:00.000+11:00

In the ladies cubicle at a local pub

Street art

Need to go back soon,love this part of town.

Chilling out...around melbourne

2009-01-06T19:25:00.003+11:00

Hopetoun Tea Room,Block Arcade

Federal Coffee Place,GPO

Laurent Patisserie,Little Collins Street

Christmas 2008

2009-01-01T14:29:00.002+11:00

My first Christmas in Melbourne was very casual,had just recently moved into our apartment and no dining table yet or even a sofa.It was also non traditional as we decided to make lamb since there were only 2 of us.I splurged on some Stollen from Phillipa's which was divine and totally worth it and enjoyed a few slices with a cup of tea on Christmas morning for breakfast.

Update

2008-11-05T12:53:00.002+11:00

Just checking in from my new hometown.
Have been here for about 1.5 weeks.Things have been slow in the beginning with finding a job but are starting to pickup.I'm slowly getting used to the weather,although shopping for a scarf in November sounds crazy.
Can't wait until I find a job and then find a place and settle in.And of course getting the internet connected again.
Celebrated my birthday on Monday,had loads of champagne,cake,some flowers and a nice lunch in Fitzroy followed by dinner and dancing in Prahran.
Getting used to the streets and have not lost my way yet.
More soon.

I LIke Lilac

2008-10-13T08:40:00.000+11:00

Photo from SFGirlByBay

This Is...My Current Reading Material

2008-10-12T10:18:00.002+11:00

And it's hosted by Me!

I recently decided I had to start reading some classics again,there are so many I haven't read yet and I needed some new books to read while going away and on my upcoming journey to Melbourne.
I've just stated reading On the Road by Jack Kerouac,it seems to jump from one scene to another without you realising and I have to keep re reading sections to get a better idea of what's happening.
Next on my list to read is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde,looking forward to reading this after a friend spoke highly of it.
I'm the type of person who can't read more than 1 book at a time but I always have a magazine I'm looking at the same time,I've cut down on the amount of magazines I buy but always get these 2 interior magazines,Inside Out and Real Living.

More participants of This Is at Three Buttons

Long Weekend

2008-10-11T11:23:00.002+11:00

It's taken me almost a week to post about last week.
Travelled to the far south coast for a friend's wedding,I missed my flight but eventually made it,a beautiful wedding and a quick getaway from the city.
So much effort was put in my the talented bride,who had the added pressue of making hr own dress.

Chic at the shows

2008-10-09T10:57:00.003+11:00

Via The Sartorialist on Style.com

This Is...My Turn!

2008-10-08T09:05:00.000+11:00

Wow,I finally have the opportunity to host the This Is meme this week,very exciting.
So..the topic is

This Is...My current reading material

Show us what you're currently reading and even what's next on the list.
Are you the type of person who can read multiple books at a time?
It can be anything,even if you just read magazines,or only make it to the take away menu on your fridge,show us what you're reading.

More Information on This Is at Three Buttons

Image from Superclever on flickr

Time to celebrate

2008-10-03T08:28:00.003+10:00

Image by Lara Ferroni on Flickr

Time for some cake and champagne to celebrate.Waiting for the arrival of 2 babies and off to the coast this long weekend to celebrate a friend's wedding.These are exciting times.

I myself may be sparse around here due to being so busy and due to work blocking access to Flickr.

Bentley Bar

2008-09-23T07:10:00.002+10:00

Ive been here for drinks before but have always wanted to sample the menu.You think you know alot about food until you go to a restaurant like this and they're so inventive and interesting.
Love the interiors as well,lots of mid 20th century pieces and I love this Eames fabric.

Marshmallow with warm banana milk

French Connection

2008-09-18T09:24:00.001+10:00

A few fave items from the latest range from French Connection.

At the Table

2008-09-17T06:30:00.000+10:00

Some of my favourite images on flickr are of people enjoying a meal or a drink,the setting they have created or the environment they're in,lots of different light.
Each image brings out a different feeling and you ask,are they with friends,maybe a quiet time alone to enjoy a treat and a cup of tea,or celebrating with friends over drinks.

Change of seasons

2008-09-16T17:45:00.002+10:00

Is it wrong that I want to buy a scarf now in spring to wear next year.
This is what happens due to the different seasons around the world,I find the most perfect blue wool scarf now.

I'm Sad

2008-09-16T17:40:00.002+10:00

The very cute turquoise and bow earrings I loved on Etsy has been sold.
See,that's what happens when you don't buy them on the spot.
Lesson learnt.

Little pouch

2008-09-15T08:20:00.000+10:00

I thought it was about time to make something new,to start sewing again,and since it was raining yesterday and I was sick(yet again) ,it was the perfect opportunity.

I found this tutorial for a little pouch on the Craft website,after a while I couldn't follow the instructions so just made a simple pouch,and since it's bigger than the one on the actual tutorial,i could fit in a few make up items,a great little pouch to keep in my handbag.

You'll have to excuse the not so great sewing,still trying to work out how to use the machine,and it was the first time attempting to insert a zipper.

This Is

2008-09-14T16:19:00.003+10:00

What I do with a spare 10 minutes

Firstly,lists,i need lists otherwise I will go out and not get half the things i want done.Also,spending some time just before bed jotting things down,helps me sleep,knowing I haven't forgotten anything.

I'm a recent convert to this speed cleaning,ok it's almost 10 minutes but what a great idea,just spend 15 minutes a day on those mundane tasks you just wish would go away after a long day at work,it helps everything run smoothly and you're not stuck at home spending most of the weekend cleaning.

Thanks to Hoppo Bumpo for hosting This Is this week

No Fights...Yet

2008-09-09T21:05:00.002+10:00

At Ikea

On Saturday my friend and I ventured out to Ikea to get some ideas for when we move in together soon,It was good to get an idea of each other's style and unlike others who go to Ikea,we didn't argue.Always a good start.

I've been starting to freak out recently about this move,not knowing which way to go first,do I try and find a job first,what If we can't find somewhere to live or stay while looking for something,I'm sure everything will turn out ok but I have these random mini panic attacks.

If anyone has any advise about moving interstate I would love to hear it.

I would also love to get some recommendations of second hand furniture stores in Melbourne if anyone can help.

Spring Is Almost Here

2008-08-31T21:21:00.002+10:00

Left the house yesterday without a scarf on,for the first time in months,haven't needed to put the heater on all weekend,spring is definitely around the corner,although it was miserable and raining today.

Decided to stay in today and start preparing for the big move very soon,started bubble wrapping things I'm not currently using or can do without.It's never too early to start and since I know I leave things until the last minute,I don't want to leave it until the end and find myself up all night packing before it's time for the removals truck to arrive.

Pendolino Restaurant

2008-08-27T22:05:00.004+10:00

My friend and I treated ourselves to a decadent lunch today at the fairly new Pendolino Restaurant in The Strand Arcade,it's an odd location for a restaurant,and the entrance hides what you find once inside,a massive room which fills up very quickly at lunch.
They were very quick,serving a corporate crowd at a busy time of day,and while waiting for our food,I could watch the action in the open kitchen,getting a preview of what was to arrive at our table very soon.
We will definitely be back soon one evening to try the desserts with more wine of course.

Madras for Summer

2008-08-26T08:41:00.000+10:00

It always feels weird trying on summer clothes when it's still cold.
I found this cute top while in Target on the weekend.It's a shame it makes me look pregnant,otherwise I would have bought it.
However,I think if you just took it in on the sides and shortened the hem it would work,might go back and have another look next time I'm near a store.

Lenotre Afternoon Tea

2008-08-25T20:16:00.002+10:00

After 3 days stuck at home I was happy to go out and had promised a friend to take her to the Lenotre afternoon tea at The Sofitel Wentworth Hotel.

Imagine our excitement as a massive object was placed between us,filled with layers of sweet goods and little cut sandwiches which we slowly managed to get through while sipping tea and champagne.

A very good way of spending a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Rebecca Thuss

2008-08-21T14:46:00.003+10:00

Rebecca Thuss is the creative lady behind many of the gorgeous and inspiring images that were found in Blue print and Martha Stewart magazines.
I want her job!

2008-08-20T18:37:00.005+10:00

Aargh,i'm sick again,luckily not the flu but it isn't pleasant.

It's been hard getting up in the morning this week,I don't want to get out of my uggs,If only i could wear them to work.

Looking forward to Spring,just under 2 weeks to go.

I've set a date and there are now just over 2 months before I head to Melbourne,so exciting and so much to organise,one of the most important of course is finding a job,then apartment.

I completed my taxes and now just have to update my resume,one thing at a tine,can't expect me to be too productive in one weekend.

I've been very lazy and haven't taken any photos for quite a long time,time to start again.

I was in the neighbourhood and headed to Bourke Street Bakery on Saturday,and I was lucky to score the last raspberry chocolate tart(the ones on the far right of the pic above) I sure will miss having these.

Image via Fruitcakey on Flickr

If This Was My Kitchen...

2008-08-20T10:00:00.001+10:00

I would invite all my friends over and we would cook while drinking wine on that large island bench.

Image from Desire To Inspire

If This Was My Kitchen...

2008-08-19T10:30:00.000+10:00

I would be having people over for dinner every week.
Image found at Absolutely Beautiful Things

Monday Blues

2008-08-18T13:26:00.001+10:00

Make your own chalkboard message here

Do It Yourself Printing

2008-08-18T08:00:00.001+10:00

Two great books have been recently released that I must get my hands on.
Lotta Prints by Lotta Jansdotter and Printing By Hand by Lena Corwin.

I would love to try some printing on fabric or make one of a kind pieces with your own imprint.
Both books available on amazon.com

More images from Lena Corwin's book can be found at Design Sponge
Etsy has a video with Lotta here

The weekend is here!

2008-08-15T17:42:00.003+10:00

Just about to leave work,yay!

roll on the weekend,time to take it easy and have fun!

Busy,Busy,Busy

2008-08-12T20:21:00.002+10:00

I usually blog at work but have been so busy this past week,the type of busy where anytime you turn around,or are about to get out of your seat,there's someone else wanting something done.

Image originally uploaded by uppercasenyc at flickr

This Is

2008-08-10T21:25:00.002+10:00

My work in progress.
In fact I started making this tote bag from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing over a month ago but still haven't completed it,I've been very lazy when it comes to sewing lately,I'm blaming the colder weather for my laziness.
It's almost finished though,just need to make those handles thinner and then sew onto the main piece.As it's my first tote bag I've used simple colours,my next attempt will be with some patterned fabrics.
More of This Is at Three Buttons

I'm A Brownie!

2008-08-09T10:39:00.000+10:00

I was never alowed to be a Brownie when I was younger but I am now,a faraway Brownie anyway with Brown Owls,a crafty group of girls in Melbourne,hoping to join them in action when I finally move.

I received my Faraway pack recently with lots of goodies,have to get cracking and start on the embroidery for my name panel.

Look what I found

2008-08-08T10:02:00.002+10:00

I've previously shown my love for checkerboard tiles here

I've been searching domain.com.au for apartments in Melbourne,just trying to get an indication of rental prices and look what I found,checkerboard tiles in the kitchen!

This Is

2008-07-27T20:21:00.004+10:00

On the train,no longer in the city

Going for a bush walk

Lunch at Mash Cafe

My Sunday.
This week it's a free for all and I've always had this as a This is theme if I was ever asked to select it.
Most Sundays now I leave free and spend time at home but today we made plans to visit Glenbrook,a small area outside of Sydney on the way to the Blue Mountains.

Oobi Baby

2008-07-24T08:00:00.001+10:00

No,i do not have any plans for a baby but I have been looking at some kids websites as I need to get a baby shower gift for a friend and I would like to get my niece a pretty dress for her 2nd birthday.
While browsing the Baby's Got Style website 2 of the dresses I liked were both from Oobi Baby.
Wish they offered funky clothing like this when i was a kid.

Insync Designs

2008-07-23T08:00:00.003+10:00

I first came across these designs at The Powerhouse Museum's Young Blood markets.
A colourful range of bangles and brooches to liven up any outfit and made from stainless steel.
Stockists available at their website

Cinnamon scrolls

2008-07-22T08:00:00.001+10:00

I've been going through my cookbooks for recipes approriate for winter and I have been wanting to make cinnamon scrolls for a long time.They didn't have the soft texture I was hoping for but they were yummy anyway.

DOUGH
2x 7g sachets dried yeast
¼ cup lukewarm water
1 cup milk
125g unsalted butter, cubed
4 cups plain all-purpose flour
a pinch of salt
¼ cup caster sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup currants
1/3 cup sultanas
80g unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

ICING
1 cup icing sugar
1 tbsp warm water
½ tsp vanilla essence

Dissolve the yeast in warm water.
Place milk, cubed butter in a medium saucepan and heat until butter is melted.
Sift flour and salt into a large bowl. Add sugar (caster) and stir to combine.
Make a well in the centre and add the eggs, and milk and yeast mixtures.
Stir until a smooth dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, working in extra flour if dough is too sticky.
Add the currants and sultanas at the last two minutes of kneading.
Place the dough into a large lightly floured bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Keep the bowl in a warm area and allow to rise for 30 minutes to an hour. The dough should have doubled in size.
Punch the dough down and on a floured surface roll into a 23 x 60 cm (9 x24 in) rectangle.
Brush generously with melted butter, reserving some for later, and sprinkle some brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the surface.
Roll the dough up, to make a log.
With the seam-side down, cut the roll into 2cm thick slices and place on baking trays 1.5 cam apart.
Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining butter.
Cover loosely and leave to rise until doubled again.
Preheat oven to 180˚C.
Bake rolls for 20-30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Remove from oven and allow to cool on a rack for 10 minutes then drizzle with icing.

For the icing,
Dissolve icing sugar in warm water and add vanilla essence in a mixing bowl.
Stir until smooth. Add extra water if the icing is too thick to drizzle.

Coconut bread

2008-07-21T08:00:00.000+10:00

Whenever I visit Bills cafe in Sydney but am not very hungry I always order the coconut bread,has a great texture thanks to the shredded coconut and a subtle cinnamon taste.
Recipe from Sydney Food by Bill Granger,i was too lazy to type up the recipe so have copied it from the Lifestyle Food Channel website.

2 Eggs
300ml Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence
2½ cups Plain Flour
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
2 teaspoons Cinnamon
1 cup Caster Sugar
150g Shredded Coconuts
75g Unsalted Butter (Melted)
Icing Sugar

Preheat oven to 180C (350F).
Lightly whisk eggs, milk and vanilla together.
Sift flour, baking powder and cinnamon into a bowl, add sugar and coconut, and stir to combine.
Make a well in the centre and gradually stir in the egg mixture until just combined.
Add melted butter and stir until the mixture is just smooth, being careful not to over-mix.
Pour into a greased and floured 21 x 10 cm (81/2 x 4 in) loaf tin and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until bread is cooked when tested with a skewer.
Leave in tin to cool for 5 minutes, and remove to cool further on a wire rack.
Serve in thick slices, toasted, buttered and dusted with icing sugar. Makes 8-10 thick slices.

This Is

2008-07-20T05:40:00.003+10:00

What makes me happy,theme chosen by One Little Acorn

More participants listed at Three Buttons

Getting together with friends

Holidays

Days out on the harbour

Good coffee

Cooking and books

A pretty frock,love this one by Karen Walker

Absent Week

2008-07-20T04:38:00.004+10:00

Please excuse my absence from this space this week,my computer was unavailable the whole week and I couldn't upload any photos.
Like most people In Sydney,I'm glad this World Youth Day week is about to come to an end.
Visited the Taisho Chic exhibition at the art gallery,it's not a very big collection but so beautiful
I'm now taking it easy at home trying to get over a cold,ahh winter,I have such a love/hate relationship with you.

Work spaces

2008-07-10T15:21:00.003+10:00

While trying to sew on the weekend I was so frustrated trying to find some workspace,had to work between the dining room table and computer table.I can't wait until I move,one thing I will definitely set up is a work space.A little corner where I can leave my laptop when not using it while in bed,a space to sew,add some colour and create.

Cozy weekend

2008-07-07T11:24:00.002+10:00

I had one of those lazy weekends when you stay in your pyjamas all day.I had absolutely no plans and took the opportunity to do all those things I've been putting off,the jobs that must get done.
A whole big cleanout of my room,the weekly washing,repair shoes,mend some clothing,fixed the hem of a top,the first time I've ever done such a thing,turned out ok,was a very hard material to work with,started to make a tote bag from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing,add some more images in my inspiration book(images coming soon) and relaxed with a mug of hot chocolate and the latest issue of Real Living magazine and watched a dvd.A truly cozy winter weekend inside.

Short and sweet

2008-07-02T11:50:00.002+10:00

It felt so good to be able to sleep in on Monday morning(see above),wish i could take every Monday off

I went to the Mud Australia sale on Sunday and was disappointed,maybe all the good stuff was taken on Saturday,all that was left were things chipped or very faulty,i'd rather pay the full price and know i've bought a quality product

I know I made a commitment to post everyday in June but 27 out of 30 days is pretty good.

Don't think I can keep it up though,it is a lot of hard work and sometimes feels like a chore with that pressue knowing you have to post something

Thank god for the sun shining this week in Sydney,making winter bearable

Nutty Meringue Cookies

2008-06-30T08:00:00.002+10:00

I'm lucky to have work colleagues who enjoy the treats i make,and it stops me from having all these goodies tempting me at home.
I was supposed to pipe the ingredients and make sticks but it was the first time i didn't carefully measure the almond and hazelnut meal so the ratio between nut meal and egg whites wasn't quite right.
From The Australian Women's Weekly Cookie book.

This Is

2008-06-29T14:21:00.003+10:00

My best op shop find.It wasn't actually found in an op shop but at Rozelle Markets which is jam packed full of people selling mostly old things.Anyone can go and set up a stall.
I've never been one of those people who have been able to find something amazing really cheap but I was rather pleased to find this beautiful Limoges plate at the market a few months ago for just $2.
It has inspired me to find more beautiful items and create my own mismatched tea set.This plate if just the start.

Thanks to Lino Forest for this week's theme,go and have a look at her amazing finds and all participants of This Is listed at Three Buttons.

Hooked on Love

2008-06-27T08:00:00.000+10:00

Love,love love,this coat hook available from UK online store Rockit St George found via Poppytalk, how gorgeous is that pink.

Checkerboard floors

2008-06-26T07:33:00.002+10:00

I've always been a fan of checkerboard tiles in kitchens,so classic and looks great with older and modern kitchens,and how great do those yellow chairs look in this kitchen as well that i found by Oneblackbird on Flickr

2008-06-25T08:00:00.000+10:00

I love this idea of some fabric and embroidery hoop being used as a bulletin board,available from Etsy seller Little Pretty Studio

Some blue for the winter blues

2008-06-24T08:00:00.002+10:00

One of my favourite colours,i only found out recently that it shouldn't be used in the kitchen as it is an appetite suppresent,always handy to know,but I love the look in these 2 rooms.

I also love the shape of both tables in the 2 images,becoming very popular and appearing everywhere.

Top image from Domino magazine
Bottom image from Oprah at Home Magazine

This is

2008-06-23T21:50:00.003+10:00

a favourite outfit that expresses my personal style.
I was too lazy and comfortable on Sunday in my trackies to take a photo so have chosen some images from The Sartorialist.
I would describe my style as classic with a modern twist,essentials in mostly dark colours and am loving gray and navy at the moment.
The skirt in the first pic reminds me of a pleated skirt i wear almost everyday to work,paired with opaque stockings and ballet flats or heels
And as it starts to get colder my trench coat is essential.

More participants of This Is listed at Three Buttons and thanks to Kitty's Kaboodle for this week's theme.

Lisa Bengtsson Wallpaper

2008-06-23T08:00:00.000+10:00

How cool is this wallpaper by Lisa Bengtsson from Sweden,you could add some photos of your own in the circles and squares,no need to fiddle with frames and screws

Lantern embroidery

2008-06-20T11:41:00.001+10:00

I'm in the middle of my next embroidery project,chinese lanterns for pillowcases,thought it was approriate as a night theme,just need to work on getting a straighter bamboo stitch.Hoping to have it finished by the end of the weekend.
Baking and embroidery are my plans for the weekend,what is everyone else up to?

Thread Den Sewing Lounge

2008-06-19T09:00:00.001+10:00

What a fabulous idea,a space for people to have access to sewing machines,attend classes,buy fabric and supplies and purchases clothes from local designers.

Thread Den
Upstairs via laneway
16 Errol Street
North Melbourne

ELLKA

2008-06-18T08:00:00.000+10:00

I've been meaning to blog about Ellka knitwear that i discovered via The Design Files,a fabulous blog out of Melbourne.
Gorgeous handmade knitted and crochet items to keep warm this winter,I'm particularly smitten with the scarf in butter.
Site says that they will be available online soon but for more info email sales@ellka.com.au

Paley Park,NYC

2008-06-17T20:27:00.003+10:00

If i lived in New York,hanging out in this park during the summer would be one of my favourite things,who doesn't love a place equipped with Bertoia chairs and Saarinen tables.

Originally uploaded by Hoping for happy accidents on Flickr

Spoons apron

2008-06-16T20:51:00.003+10:00

Still loving spoons and hoping more of the steel coloured aprons are added to the Skinnylaminx etsy store to match the tea towel i bought last year

This Is

2008-06-15T20:16:00.002+10:00

Where I create,from a simple and quick weeknight dinner to yummy baked goods.I enjoy it much more now cooking in a new kitchen.
More details and participants about This Is at Three Buttons.

2008-06-13T12:51:00.002+10:00

images from http://isuwannee.blogspot.com

One of my favourite regular features on the I Suwanee blog is the bookcase of the day.
I dream of one day having a large wall or even a corner of bookshelves,relaxing on a comfy sofa while the afternoon sun streams through the window

Plan B

2008-06-12T21:32:00.003+10:00

A friend and I met for lunch today and I suggested we try the wagyu beef burger at Plan B,a small cafe run by and next to Becasse restaurant in Sydney after it was featured on one of my favourite food blogs Not Quite Nigella.
I knew I was going to enjoy this burger when the food arrived and I saw the melted cheese covering the beef patty. It also had beetroot,lettuce and caramlised onions.
It didn't look too big on arrival and my friend thought she would need some fries to fill her up but we were both struggling to finish it,we wanted to finish it because it tasted so good but our tummies were saying it couldn't handle anymore.

Photos are not the best as the sun was shining on us.

Lace tape

2008-06-11T17:55:00.002+10:00

What a gorgeous way to liven up the usually boring envelopes and boxes found at the post office.
Available in white as well at Oboiler.

Sex and The City-The Movie

2008-06-10T20:47:00.002+10:00

I couldn't wait any longer and had to go see this on the weekend,the trailer shows a wedding so I'm definitely not spoiling anything by showing this image.
Lots of fabulous clothes as usual,it felt like an extra long episode and didn't feel like i was in there for 2.5 hours.
A fun movie to see with friends and must see for fans of the show.

Lemonade Scones

2008-06-09T08:30:00.001+10:00

I've been making these really easy scones a few times recently for friends and colleagues,served with lots of raspberry jam and double cream of course.
And baking is a lovely way to spend the queens birthday public holiday and eating scones,I'm sure it's one of Elizabeth's favourite things.

1 cup of lemonade
1 cup of cream
3 cups of self-raising flour

Preheat oven to very hot 220C.
Add lemonade and cream to flour, mix to form soft dough, then place mixture on floured surface.
Knead dough to a 2 cm thickness and cut with a floured cutter.
Place close together on tray, brush with whisked egg and bake for 10 - 15 minutes.

This Is

2008-06-08T20:19:00.002+10:00

It's hard to think of the best travel memory,so many and for different reasons.I've chosen something that's has been on my mind almost everyday since and has made the most impact on my life and that was recently when in Melbourne and making the decision to move interstate, why not,I've always lived in Sydney and I don't know what it was that made me decide this,i guess it's just the atmosphere or vibe you get from a place.

Yellow

2008-06-07T08:54:00.002+10:00

The sun has come out this morning for the first time all week,so here's some gorgeous bright yellow which I am loving more lately.

Duffy - Mercy - Official Music Video

2008-06-05T21:19:00.001+10:00

I can't stop listening to this song lately,makes you want to get up and dance.

I'm posting 2 times today as I'm not sure I will be able to post tomorrow.

Strudel Baron,Rozelle

2008-06-05T15:58:00.004+10:00

I discovered this place about 2 months ago while looking for somewhere to grab a bite while in Rozelle.It was late in the afternoon and the kitchen at Aboutlife was closed and the bagel place was busy.
It was very hard trying to just choose 1 thing when faced with a window food of pastry goodness.I decided to have the apple and rhubarb crumble,very sweet but unfortunately the crumble bit up the top was quite hard and didn't fall apart in the mouth.

Abigail Percy

2008-06-04T10:33:00.003+10:00

I've been lusting after this ring by Scottish jewelry maker Abigail Percy for a while now,actually probably most of her gorgeous range but I don't have many rings and I've always wanted a small pearl ring,it looks just so delicate sitting atop the twisted band.

Est Australia

2008-06-03T21:23:00.003+10:00

I found out about Est Australia a few months ago and they now sell online.
You can find so many accessories for the home such as ceramics,twine,soaps and kitchen accessories.

3191:A year of mornings the book

2008-06-02T20:30:00.003+10:00

So excited to see that 3191 A Year of mornings is available for pre sale at Amazon.
2 bloggers who live 3191 miles apart and love to get up early submit a photo of their mornings,It always reminds me to get up early and take it slow before the manic rush to get to work.
This year it's a year of evenings which can be found here.

Fabric Galore

2008-06-01T16:53:00.002+10:00

Lots of fabric being purchased recently but no sewing.Hoping to get back into it next week during the long weekend.
The first lot was ordered last week from Lara Cameron and bought a bag of mixed pieces of fabric for $10 from Funkis when I stumbled on the Strand Arcade Designer Workroom sale.A few designers set up tables at the 2 ends of the arcade and sold leftover fabric,buttons and other supplies.

It's the first day of winter here and it did indeed remind us the cold is on its way as it has been overcast and started raining lightly.
I won't be participating in This Is meme this week,I was never allowed a pet when I was younger and the birds my parents had really didn't interest me as they just sit there in cages,I am not a bird person

I've been a very slack blogger the past 2 months so I am giving myself a challenge to post at least once a day during the month of June,let's see how I go.

Almost over

2008-05-25T16:29:00.005+10:00

My great market finds

Details of the brooch

Jarod contemplates his next move

The weekend is almost over but it has been a great one.
Found some great stuff at Rozelle Markets,an old Limoges plate for just $2 and vintage brooch for $10.
Had a big sleep in this morning,then had my sister and her family over for Sunday lunch,then played Jenga with my brother and nephew and I was the champion winning both games.Yay,go me!
Got to try our new coffee plunger with some Illy coffee and made a great cup of coffee for everyone which we enjoyed with some sweets.
I'm off to enjoy what's left of the weekend with a quiet night in watching a dvd and reading the Sunday papers.

This Is

2008-05-25T16:15:00.002+10:00

The latest fround og this is is hosted by Flossy P.
This is what I got but haven't used,All of these cookbooks were bought last year but I haven't got around to using,apart from an amazing intense chocolate mousse cake from Nigella,and I have looked through all the gorgeous photos in both of the Tessa Kiros cookbooks.But with the colder weather and new kitchen there's no better time to start.
More particiapnts of This Is listed at Three Buttons

Inside Out magazine May/June 2008

2008-05-20T16:59:00.002+10:00

The NY apartment of Australian stylist Sibella Court

Love the large file drawers

Simple white ceramics

Love the combination of gray and blue together

This magazine just keeps getting better and I wish it came out monthly.These are some of my favourite images from the latest issue

This Is

2008-05-20T16:43:00.002+10:00

This is just one of the many ways i recycle,the home recycling bin which is double the size of the general rubbish bin.I laso recycle at work and am always dropping off clothes to the op shop.
More participants of This Is at Three Buttons

Chinta Ria,Cockle Bay

2008-05-16T23:31:00.002+10:00

Have eaten here twice in the past week.Lovely flavours and fresh ingredients,My favourites would probably be the chicken curry,so very tender and Chilli prawns.
And you're greeted by the massive Buddha at the entrance.

Vintage David Jones

2008-05-14T15:06:00.002+10:00

All millinery purchases were packaged in hat boxes

Sewing machines and tableswere made in Germany exclusively for the store.Unfortunately the haberdashery department no longer exists

Old packaging

Vintage spols and sewing kits

Lately the window displays at David Jones in Sydney have lost their wow factor but I really loved the recent window display to celebrate Mothers Day and the store's 170th anniversary of trading.
Vintage photos showed the main restaurant where people gathered for afternoon tea,such a shame such a restaurant in the store no longer exists.
Many of the unique touches that made shopping special have gone and like most retailers it's now about cost cutting and competing with other major retailers

This Is

2008-05-14T13:40:00.008+10:00

Just one of the things that remind me of my mother,her vegetable and herb garden.For years my parents have grown so many varities,tomatos,beans,corn,cucumber,zucchini flowers,lettuce,parsley,mint,the list goes on.

Talk Eat Drink at Simon Johnson with Lorraine Godsmark from Yellow Bistro

2008-05-10T22:15:00.002+10:00

The chef at work

Sampling a slice of the chocolate hazelnut mousse cake

Finished cake ready to be eaten

Crepes

When this year's programme of Talk Eat Drink was released my friend and I had Lorraine Godsmark on the top of our list.She used to be the pastry chef at Rockpool,once one of the top restaurants in Sydney and now owns her own restaurant,Yellow Bistro and Food Store in Potts Point.
We were even more excited and looking forward to the event after we had tried some of her amazing desserts during a recent visit to Yellow.

Lorraine made 2 desserts and and of course we got to sample both while enjoying some wine from Torbreck winery.We picked up some great tips from the chef about working with chocolate,making better meringues and some advice which makes cooking sound like science.The chef seemed to be let down by the Simon Johnson kitchen but we eventually made it out of there 1 hour later than scheduled but very satisfied.

This Is

2008-05-09T11:10:00.002+10:00

My shoes i would sleep in if i could,My ballet flats,super comfy,and I wear them almost everyday to work.Shoes for me have to be stylish and comfortable to wear as I have to walk 15mins to the station and back home everyday.

I don't have a scanner so can't provide an old phioto of myself,and aplogies again for my lateness.

Progress

2008-05-01T21:04:00.002+10:00

Our new kitchen is starting to take shape,it's all very exciting,yesterday it felt like I had walked into the wrong house.The granite is in place and now we just need to wait to have the kitchen doors installed,there seems to be so much waiting from the workmen as dates are changed and further delays.
What i thought was just a cold on the weekend turned into the flu and I've had such a rough time as it also coincided with the coldest April weather in over 25 years and I've slugged it out at work as I have to wait until next week when my sick leave is reinstated again,I could have taken time off as annual leave but really have to save that up for a holiday.

This is My favourite book

2008-04-30T15:17:00.003+10:00

I'm very late with the latest theme in the This Is meme but wanted to get back in after a long break.

I have so many interests so it's very hard for me to pick my absolute favourite book,but my favourite right now is Everyday by Bill Granger.It has so many great recipes,something for every occasion and I love reading about the author's retuals throughout the week.I also love the styling in this book and it's beautifully shot by Petrina Tinsley who is probably the world's best food photographers.

Back

2008-04-27T16:43:00.002+10:00

After some unexpected train delays last week I decided to just walk into the city,was glad i did as I'm never in this part of town,made a few discoveries on the way and of course had to take a photo of such autumn loveliness during my walk.

Took an unintentional blogging break these past few weeks.I haven't had the chance to do much,everything is allover the place,there's no workspace and right now I have to squeeze my office chair into a little nook in our spare room just to use the computer.On Thursday they began installing the cupboards,the kitchen is starting to take shape,they will be back this week to finish but we have to wait a little longer to have the granite cut and put in place.I cannot wait to be able to start cooking again,am craving a good home cooked meal.
Lunch today for Greek Easter was a very casual barbecue and now I'm sipping lots of hot tea trying to get rid of this cold before it's time to go back to work.

Lately

2008-04-06T13:12:00.002+10:00

Participated in Earth Hour

Took advantage of the strong Aussie dollar and bought some material and stamps on Etsy

Can't sew at the moment but have decided on my next project with one of my favourite colour combinations at the moment

More goods on Etsy,practical and very pretty push pins

Saw a beautiful sunset on the last day of daylight savings

This is my jewelery box

2008-04-06T12:30:00.006+10:00

This is where i keep most of my jewelery,just some drawers from Ikea that have been painted.
Some more precious items are kept in pouches so they don't tangle with other pieces.
Some pieces are cheap finds at markets or chain stores,others more expensive pieces with lovely details and some vintage finds.
Most mornings I'm in a rush and don't get time to select something to wear to the office but getting ready for a big night I will select some earrings or a brooch to give me a little pick me up.
All participants are listed at Three Buttons.

Renovation hell

2008-04-03T16:23:00.006+11:00

We're currently going through renovation hell at home,but I'm looking foward to a new modern kitchen,Each day there is another part of the cupboards gone,on one side of our kitchen,the oven and cooktop only remain,there is no bench space apart from a small spot next to the sink or the dinner table nearby which itself is mostly covered with tools.

The spare room where our computer sits is cluttered with crockery,drawers and appliances,i sit in an awkward position to use the computer,i skip breakfast in the morning because it's all just too much,I spend most of the evening after work out with friends or in my room,there is no space to sit down and do something,just want to wake up and have a new kitchen.

This is...The contents of my handbag

2008-03-31T12:46:00.002+11:00

It looks like the inside of my bag is very clean but the zippered pouch on the left holds all of those little nic nacs that accumulate in a bag,receipts,gum and so on.The ipod keeps me entertained on my commute to and from work.You can't tell in this pic,but my wallet is this really dark navy,violet,i chose it for the colour.

More participants in This Is at Three Buttons

Silhouettes

2008-03-26T14:40:00.002+11:00

Looks like silhouettes have been flavour of the month for a while now and I love the look of them so decided to join the bandwagon and make my own.

First step was to take a photo of myself from the side,developed the photo then traced the silhouette then decreased the size to fit the photo frame.
Then using carbon tracing paper i traced it again this time on the black sheet of cardboard then cut it out and applied some spray adhesive to the back and pressed it down on the white background.I should have first traced it the wrong way so that it was flat when cut but that was easily solved by just applying some pressue to the silhouette and keeping it straight between 2 books overnight

Home made Hot cross buns

2008-03-24T11:11:00.002+11:00

Piped and ready for the oven

Love seeing the mixture rise to double its original size

Enjoying a bun on Easter Sunday

For years I have said I would make some hot cross buns instead of just buying them and this year i took the plunge.
I had some problems with the piping,i decided to bring out a piping kit I had bought but never used and the instructions on how to assemble it were terrible so i decided to just put the paste in a glad bag and snipped off a corner,there was much more pressure than the bag could handle and it broke so half of them look messy,then i had some extra buns without crosses and figured out how to use the piping accessories just by looking at the picture(should have done that first) and finished off the last row with some much more decent looking crosses.

Recipe from the Sydney Morning Herald

1/3 cup caster sugar
2 x 7g sachets dry yeast
11/2 cups warm milk
600g plain flour
Pinch of salt
11/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp mixed spice
60g butter, chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
2/3 cup currants
Paste for crosses
1/2 cup plain flour
4 tbsp water
2 tsp caster sugar
Glaze
1 tbsp very hot water
1 tsp gelatine powder
1 tbsp caster sugar

Combine caster sugar, yeast and milk in a bowl, stir until smooth, cover and rest in a warm place for 10minutes or until frothy.

Sift flour, salt, cinnamon and mixed spice into a large bowl. Use your fingertips to rub butter into flour mixture. Stir in yeast mixture, egg and currants until well combined. Cover and rest in a warm place for 45minutes or until mixture has doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 220 degrees.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (about five minutes). Divide dough into 16 even pieces and roll into balls. Place balls into a lightly greased square cake pan lined with baking paper. Rest covered for 10-15 minutes or until balls have risen to the top of the pan.

Combine paste ingredients in a small bowl and, using a piping bag fitted with a small plain nozzle or a plastic bag with a snip off one corner, pipe crosses over buns.

Bake for about 20minutes or until well browned and cooked. Combine glaze ingredients in a small bowl and stir until sugar is dissolved. Brush buns with warm glaze and cool on a cake rack.

(Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday, so you could begin the dough the day before. Let it rise, punch down and place in a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, punch down once, knead and form into buns and allow them to rise before baking.)

Makes 16.

Can be stored in an airtight container for two days.

This Is...My demon

2008-03-23T19:24:00.002+11:00

Chocolate,and how appropriate the timing since it is Easter Sunday,i'm guessing this will be many people's demon no matter what time of year.
We're lucky to have some great chocolate makers here in Sydney,and I was the very lucky recipient of a bounty of chocolate goodies from the Lindt cafe here in Sydney,This was my bunny minutes before it was attacked.

More participants listed at Three Buttons

Autumn is here

2008-03-21T19:18:00.005+11:00

1. Autumn / Versailles, 2. the long way home, 3. snow of ginko snow, 4. Dandenong Ranges, 5. a tradition, 6. essence, 7. Reminiscenza, 8. Untitled, 9. late autmn, 10. Untitled, 11. color, 12. glow, 13. neon golden, 14. morning stairs, 15. Autumn Ride !, 16. reaching

Some beautiful Autumn images from Flickr to celebrate the new season,today the cold weather has arrived here in Sydney.

I love long weekends

2008-03-20T21:09:00.002+11:00

Yay,it's finally the end of the work week,even though it was a short one,thought the long weekend would never arrive.
Well here it is and I cannot wait 4 days off,looking forward to some reading( have a stack of books including this new arrival in the mail this week,above) watching a few dvds,baking hot cross buns on easter Friday,and Easter Sunday lunch and maybe a new sewing project.
As I write this I can hear the rain starting to fall,looking forward to the cooler weather expected this weekend,hope you all have a great little break.

This is...My creation

2008-03-16T17:59:00.003+11:00

Or creations rather
Whether it's art,cooking,designing,we're all creating.
There's a feeling of great satisfaction after you create something,the hard work and research pays off in the end.
When I first started cooking i just saw it as making food to eat but it really is being creative.
More participants are listed at Three Buttons.