Housebound cures

Posted on February 18, 2013 by

I’ve had a bit of a rough few days, struck down with quite the nasty cold.  Not really sure I should have gone to work today (I’m afraid I scared some colleagues with this rather masculine sounding cough!), probably best to have spent inside as I did all weekend…. my cure to mild sickness revolves around good quality magazines, warm beverages and soft tasty foods – I really rather not take meds but had to admit defeat on this occasion.

Oh, and fun photography apps for the iPhone/ iPad – I was totally occupied with splicing and typo-graphing all over instagram photos!

{pretty coffees kept me warm and happy}

{pre-housebound: pretty coffees kept me warm and happy – mocha time at Blackboard Specialty Coffee}

{my cures to the common cold: good magazines, vege pasties and flavoured throat meds}

{my cures to the common cold: couch time, good magazines, vege pasties and flavoured throat meds}

{housebound win: I'd forgotten how nice the view from my kitchen balcony is}

{housebound win: I’d forgotten how nice the view from my kitchen balcony is}

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A favourite place.

Posted on February 15, 2013 by

fave place #1

One of my favourite places.  And I’m pretty lucky it’s basically (at the moment) at my doorstep – I like to think I’ll always have this spot to come back to now and then wherever I may end up.  Often a momentary retreat.  At times to sit and have a coffee, other times to take scenic beach photos, other times to lie under the sun with sunglasses on and iPod in ears – all whilst always listening to and feeling the most amazing sea breeze.  Here today, on an overcast morning, I never get sick of this view.

fave place #2

fave place #3

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Love today

Posted on February 14, 2013 by

I do tend to think V-Day is a bit of a marketing gimmick (the cynical side of the marketer in me comes out!), but the optimistic human – well I like to think I am haha, hopes there’s lots of love and happy vibes out there for everyone regardless of where you may be, what you may be doing.  Today, and actually (should be) every other day too.

{things making me happy #1 - when I see beautifully restored combo vans!}

{happy vibes for me #1 – when I see beautifully restored combi vans!}

{happy vibes for me #2 - a sweets buffet. anyday.}

{happy vibes for me #2 – a sweets buffet. anyday.}

{happy vibes for me #3 - colours. often so in flowers and shoes}

{happy vibes for me #3 – colours. often so in flowers and shoes}

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Sunday showdown: wedding expo

Posted on February 13, 2013 by
{my friend's event hire and styling business - Lovestruck}

{my friend’s event hire and styling business – Lovestruck}

My friend had been telling me for a while she would be exhibiting at a local wedding expo this month (she’s commenced an event hire and styling business) – I’ve been watching her work tirelessly these past few weeks in sourcing, designing, producing various items to make her stand area perfect.  And it totally was.  Last weekend I went down to show her a bit of support alongside two of my girlfriends who are brides to be, one getting married in May and the other with a bit more time up her sleeves speculating next year or even the next.  For both ladies, the occasion was great fun – this expo ‘Harvest’ (whilst the first one held) was high quality, exceeding their expectations with so many fun ideas.  It was clear much care was taken in selecting the location, a lovely outdoors area by the sea which was great – making it much less ‘corporate expo-ish’, and the exhibitors all boutique yet high-calibre in their offerings.

lovestruck stand #2                    lovestruck stand #3

lovely decorative ideas above, on tables, outdoors

harvest expo #1     harvest expo #2     harvest expo #3

alternate style bridal headpieces

bridal headpieces #1                 bridal headpiece #2

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Friday feel-good florals

Posted on February 8, 2013 by
{this week's work event floral arrangements}

{this week’s work event floral arrangements}

TGIF.  It’s been quite the busy bee week at work, I won’t complain the days have been nice and quick but I sure am ready to kick back and relax a bit this weekend.

I work at a university, today we finished the week with a relaxed sunset cocktail party for our graduating students of December 2012.  My co-worker always arranges for the loveliest details at these events – my favourite the floral arrangements (especially cos we get to take them home over the weekend!).  Have a good weekend everyone.

{up close blooms}

{up close blooms}

{and my fave beverage flavour this summer - also floral - the elderflower}

{and my fave beverage flavour this summer – also floral – the elderflower}

{another fantastic event - a big well done to my co-worker k.k!}

{another fantastic event – a big well done to my co-worker k.k!}

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Babyshower treat 2: vegetarian delight sandwich

Posted on February 6, 2013 by

IMG_1448

My ever considerate friend came up with a brilliant combination of gourmet vegetarian / baby-expectant mommy friendly ingredients for this scrumptious lunch treat.

The thing that really makes it great I think though, is definitely having freshly baked bread for the base.

Ingredients (layered in the below order):

*french sticks | sliced cheese | onion relish | sliced cucumber | char-grilled eggplant | roasted capsicum (peppers) | semi-sundried tomatoes | mayonnaise (japanese cupie mayo if possible!) | fresh baby spinach leaves | mustard of choice

{early morning pitstop to my favourite local bakery for big fresh french sticks}

{early morning pitstop to my favourite local bakery for big fresh french sticks}

{laying out the condiments - preparing to make enough for 30-40pax!}

{laying out the condiments – preparing to make enough for 30-40pax!}

IMG_1445       IMG_1447

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Babyshower treat 1: cake & coffee

Posted on February 5, 2013 by
{babyshower present - neutral shade of grey for the little lady or little man}

{babyshower present – neutral shade of grey for the little lady or little man}

On the weekend we celebrated a friends’ upcoming baby arrival, with a lovely afternoon tea in her parent’s garden.

I got her the above present… only to double-up with her sister’s gift! Lucky she and I get along really well it was quite the laugh (she said she’d kept her receipt so would save me a trip back to the store haha).

For this all-ladies afternoon tea affair, I helped one of my girlfriends assemble a gourmet vegetable sandwich (to come in tomorrow’s post); and baked an ever simple Queen of Sheba cake – almond meal based, flour free (hence slightly guilt free?), organic dark chocolate goodness!  And the perfect complement by concept and flavour, a nespresso machine made baby-sized coffee to go.

Queen of Sheba cake prep

Queen of Sheba cake

IMG_1453

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