Highlight of my day

I've become a little forgetful of late and today, drove off without M's petrol cap.  He brought me these beautiful flowers to make me feel better.  Blue hydranga and peonies in possibly my most favourite colours.

Highlights of my day

Took myself for a walk this morning along our local beach to shake off a slightly grumpy mood.  After the past few steamy days the southern change with its' blustery winds was very welcome.  Frothy sea horses swept over the beach, dumping pretty teal-coloured blue bottles jellyfish onto the sand.  Really good belly laugh with a friend whilst sitting in the changing room at the end is the cure for everything!

Christmas is coming!

My first Christmas down under was a non-event.  I couldn't get into the turquoise and pink decorations, which felt all wrong in the sunshine, so I didn't really bother.  And whilst I miss the lights and the excited build up to the festivities in a cold climate, there are many, many other benefits of not being in one.

Rather bizarrely though, we do keep some of the traditions, mostly to do with food.  Today I made the Xmas pudding, following the recipe I used last year, and its now boiling away merrily on the hob for 3.5 hours.  Also today, the postman brought a big stash of wide mouth preserve jars which I managed to find on ebay as cheap as chips.  These will soon be filled with M's rather potent piccalilli to be handed out at Christmas parties.  And tonight, I drove past a fully-illuminated house at the end of the street.  I guess it won't be long then!

Hammock heaven

I've always wanted a hammock.  I remember being jealous of our neighbour Ruth's hammock, under the weeping willow as a little girl.  I'm not quite sure why I left it so long either... something to do with lack of hanging spots or maybe sunshine.  Anyway here's our new charcoal one, strung outside the bedroom window.  It's rained since it arrived but I'm looking forward to many hours languishing on it, devouring books.  

Shopping: Tescos smartphones

Im not keen on Tescos. Even less so the 'Tescolisation' that is happening all over our planet. However, I do think this is a very clever idea.

Knowing that the locals in Korea are time starved, the store posted photographs of real ailes in railway stations. Consumers are able to purchase the products by scanning them with their smartphone, using the 'dead' time whilst waiting for a train. When they get home, TaDa! The shopping is delivered.

Rather than Tesco's there are loads of things Id like to be able to do this with. What about ordering a coffee, or a pizza to greet you at the other end.

BBQ shenanigans

Two weeks ago, we bought a new BBQ. A much considered item for which we spent several hours talking to the lovely man at the BBQ shop, learning the intricacies and specialisms of cooking with gas. We learned that we must have marine grade steel, due to our proximity to the sea. We also learned about flipping bricks and adjusting knobs and cleaning, in some detail. I know pretty much everything there is to know about a BBQ, in fact! Just ask me!

What we didn't learn however, was how to fight off the wildlife for our supper.

We live at the top of a hill overlooking a reserve and over that, the sea. We are woken by cockatoos, entertained daily by rainbow lorikeets and their clown like walks, are blessed with a garden full of shy red parrots and are in the flight path of bats. I love them all, but most of all, the laughing kookaburras who make me take nothing seriously.

Until now.

On the first trial of our shiny new toy, where my beloved nuked the sausages in the name of cooking, our leisurely mock-spring lunch on the deck ended in disaster. From the mouth of babes (well, the boy, who's 9),the kookaburra plucked.

It got even more plucky the next morning with the bacon, wrenching it from the hot grills. And lunch that day with guests (more nuking, a chicken this time) ended with a leg missing.

And yes, for those of you who laugh and scorn the meat, my Quorn sausages were not safe either!!!

So, what to do? I asked Everybody.

(Like the kookaburras, Everybody laughed!)

So, for a sensible answer, I wrote to the zoo. And today, a lady called Vanessa answered.

"You're stuffed", she said, (but in a roundabout way).

And so, it's war, and I'm dusting off my Super soaker 2000!

Shop: Wardrobe by Wilkinson-Wyke

A biased bit of blogging here but not without some satisfaction. I have a dear friend Soraya, who has a knack of always finding something gorgeous where others fear to shop and who delves into her deep and magical wardrobe and adorns herself with something beautiful and stylish in a way that the rest of us can only drool. Until now, she's used her talents for friends who need something spectacular to be sourced. I've been on at her forever to turn it into a business and now it seems my nagging might have worked! Finally she has done it!

So (drumroll please...) ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you....

Wardrobe by Wilkinson-Wyke.

Soraya specialises in Art Deco and early 20th Century pieces - clothing, accessories and homewares. Happy shopping!

Home: Garden update

Been a bit slack of late, keeping up my postings. For two reasons really. Firstly, because I'm working on a New and Very Exciting Project, of which, I will tell you more very soon. Secondly, because its still winter but 24 DEGREES today! Who can sit indoors on a day like that?!

Certainly not me anyway. Not when I've got this much of a challenge with our new garden. We had a survey done, whilst I was away, to determine the flatness of the bottom and the possibility of putting a studio on stilts down there. To do this, the vegetation, that had not seen human foot for many years, was slashed and we were left with a big pile of brown. And there its remained for 2 months, along with the debris and plant-age and about 2 foot of soil which has slid down the hill during last week's rain.

So today, aided by the lovely Stuart, gardener-extraordinaire, the garden has been half cleared and some light at the end of the tunnel has been spotted. Its a tiny pin prick of light mind, it's a very, very long way to go!

Greetings from the White House

There are some benefits to endless-Bladerunner-death-scene style rainfall here in Sydney.... The decorator who promised to come in September called to say she was on her way and has spent the week painting and now our 1970's style ski lodge ceiling is no longer. Our brown wooden window frames now match the white clouds amongst which, due to our elevated position, we now sit.

I've also been able to crack open the boxes of books that I haven't seen for 3 years and still smell of Primrose Hill and the Japanese plastic toys, so loved by beloved. And whilst we've still got a very long way to go, its all starting to feel a bit like home.

So here then are some of our corners. Our eating corner with our Gary's table, the Star Wars print we bought in Nelly Duff on Columbia Road and some of M's own paintings. Some of the aforementioned books and the 70's coffee table and white vases I bought once upon a time for the black slate fireplace in Holland Road - filled with pretty white blossom that is another benefit of the winter here.

What I learned today #358

Every day teaches us something new - if you're willing to learn. It always comes down to the same thing. You create Heaven and Hell. Hell hides in making others responsible for your story. Heaven lies in honest ownership of your life. No one else can make you happy, healthy, beautiful or valuable. If there's a problem, its you. If there's a solution, its you. You have total power. Use it wisely.

Shop: Ras shoes

Been on a bit of a shoe fest recently. One of my findings is the lovely Spanish shop, Ras, who sell perfect pumps, clogs and boots that smack of the shoes you lusted after, when you were 12 and on holiday with your parents.

They have one outlet in Paris and their online shop appears to sell overseas.

What I learned today #364

Other's fortune is not your misfortune. Born wealthier than you? More popular? Someone somewhere envies your wealth and popularity. Stop comparing and start celebrating all blessings everywhere. No life suits you better than the one you have and no other is available. You wouldn't want to swap problems with anyone. Don't ask to be lucky. Make everyone you meet feel lucky. That's success.

Hotel: Saint Valerie, Juan-Les-Pins, Cap D'Azure

My beloved is attending the advertising conference that happens annually in Cannes and so it seemed rude not to join him for a few days. This post is written poolside at the Saint Valerie Hotel Juan-Les-Pins which is truly gorgeous. A couple of villas surrounded by lush gardens and big shady mulberry trees where you can sip cafe with the beautiful people. Whopping great bedrooms with shady shutters and slipper baths in big adjoining bathrooms. Very french and stuffed with antiques, the staff are attentive but they still retain the ever-so charming minor chaos.

We had dinner last night at a local restaurant sipping pale provence rose and then wandered the streets dodging the mopeds along the promenade. True heaven!

Today Im meeting my skipper brother in law for lunch on his yacht in Cannes and will indulge in a spot more people watching!

What I learned today #357

There is no better version of you available elsewhere. If you're being the best you can be and someone does not want you, then they want someone else entirely and you're free. No need to take another's requirements as a judgement. Let them get on with their search for happiness while you get on with yours - and you won't find it in the eyes of those who don't get you. Focus on those who do.

Rikki Beadle-Blair

Website: Doggelganger

There are loads of pets all over the world that are looking for homes. To help combat this problem in New Zealand, Pedigree have recently launched Doggelganger a website that helps prospective adopters find a dog who looks just like them.

Pedigree used agency, Colenso BBDO to create a site which allows users to upload a pic, or use their webcam (although I haven't yet been able to make this work). 'Human to canine pairing software' then analyses the face and matches it with a dog twin. Details on the dog and how to get in touch are then provided.

Such a great idea! Im in line for a dog in Sydney, so please share it elsewhere Pedigree!

What I learned today

The course of your life is decided by the quality of your thinking. Think small and options shrink, devalue yourself and life becomes cheap, decide you're unlucky and opportunity will agree. Enough of constructing circumstances out of limited beliefs. Cease investing in reasons to not be yourself. Forget thinking outside the box - break the box up and burn it. Think bold. Think big.

(thank you Rikki)

What I learned today #354

It starts with the morning. If you crawl reluctantly out of the sheets, craving coffee and resenting the day ahead and leave the house starving, what kind of day have you begun? It's to open your eyes, let the light in, nourish yourself. Are you ready to dig into the day and see what's it's holding for you? This morning are you ready to rise?

Thanks Rikki

Shop: Clifton Nurseries

Yep I know, an oldie, but such a goodie. This little gem is hidden behind houses in Little Venice, Maida Vale and houses a garden centre, cafe, shop and flower shop. Its not massive but always full of new and unusual plants and they do lectures and courses. They also sell great water features such as the Medusa fountain I had in the garden of my last flat. Amazingly, they are currently selling old wooden crates for £19.99 which is unheard of. Many a time I've just popped in for something and spent a fortune on plants for my window boxes. They aren't cheap here but they do seem to last for ages.

Its a bit of a bugger to park nearby, so don't - far better to walk along the canal which is so gorgeous near there. Whilst in the area you can also visit the pretty tea dress shop Suzannah, just round the corner.

Clifton Nurseries

5a Clifton Villas

London W9 2PH

Tel: +44 207 289 6851

What I learned today #353

Everyone deserves a love song. Something created specially for them; A poem, a book, an email, a note attached to roses. Somewhere someone is wondering if you ever think of them - tragically unaware of your depth of feeling. Perhaps you're best friends, perhaps you're family, perhaps you're married to them. Every kind of love craves expression. Don't hold back, Serenade someone.

(Thanks Rikki)

Shop: Renaissancelife.co.uk

Pretty and rather unusual necklace from Renaissancelife.

What I learned today #350:

Nothing ages you more than worrying about your wrinkles. Nothing makes you uglier than constantly staring in the mirror. If you fret about weight, all you'll think about is food. No one falls in love with their stalker. Grip the soap too hard and it slips away. Desperation is unattractive. Fear is never appealing. Stop scaring fortune away and get on with being blessed. it's lots more fun.

Thanks again Rikki!

Shop / cafe: Petersham Nurseries

Yes I know its much blogged about. I'm not even sure these photos are much cop but its always on my regulars list and it never fails to disappoint. This time, it was a visit with my sister and her 8 month old daughter, who gurgled in her chair as we sat in the courtyard eating courgette pasta and drinking rose-flavoured Fentimans lemonade. After that a lust around the shop and a drool over the plants that I can no longer buy, followed by a quick lap round the Thames walkway outside.

Shop: Baby Ceylon

90 percent of my wardrobe has been purchased from Baby Ceylon over many years, mostly in a variety of shades of blue and green and each piece still gets a mention. This year I'm lusting after the Avalon red dress which must be a sign.

Baby Ceylon

12 Portobello Green Arcade

281 Portobello Road

London W10 5TZ

(there are other stores too and worldwide posting from the online mail order)

Tel: +44 2088298968

What I learned today no 352

The secret to wisdom and eternal youth are the same - a boundless curiosity. Nothing is more attractive than an enquiring mind. Take interest in the world and you will never be lost for fresh ideas. A miracle waits within everything, no matter how grey and still it seems; everyone you meet is a potential adventure. Life's a playground full of inspirational new friends. Say hello.

Thanks Rikki.

Home: Nice wallpaper

My experience so far is that wallpaper is quite expensive in Australia, or its my excuse anyway to look for nice patterns for our new home, whilst Im away. I'm thinking of this wallpaper for our boy's room. Whilst Sydney Harbour is a long way from Whitby's which is the inspiration, we have the same seagulls I recon. Thing is, I can't decide what colour!

'Whitby' wallpaper from Mini Moderns

Shop: Suzannah

I parked outside Suzannah whilst visiting Cliften Nurseries, one of my regular haunts for pot plants. Suzannah is Suzannah Crabb who was once a trend forecaster but now makes beautiful tea dresses to order, from her shop in Maida Vale. She now also makes wedding dresses, of which I'm on the hunt.

Suzannah Boutique

6 Bristol Gardens

London W9 2JG

Marylebone Summer Fayre

Hooray! I love a good British fair and this one is just down the road from where I used to live.

There will be dance shows, food from great retailers, including the Conran street picnic. There's also live music, market stalls and all in aid of a good cause - the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Marylebone Summer Fayre 2011

Sunday 19th June from 10:00 to 17:00

Marylebone Village

Cafe: Morito, Exmouth Market

Meeting my designer friend Paul in Clerkenwell gives me a good excuse to go to Exmouth Market for lunch. This time we visited Moro's new baby, Morito which is a tiny tapas bar next door to the original.

Its fairly traditional tapas and after knocking back a couple of pomegranate juices, we shared squid, olives and patatas bravas, walnuts and other tiny plates of deliciousness. Paul, who was once a vegan but now is a rare meat lover, managed to squeeze in a tiny hamburguesa too.

Morito

32 Exmouth Market

London EC1B 4QE

Tel: +44 2072787007

Shops: Fabric in Portobello

On the hunt for fabric for the cane sofa that I'm reviving, I've visited two of my favourite West London fabric stores. The first is Warris Vianni, where, many moons ago, I bought the cream fabric for a sofa that I loved, which now lives with my friend Jess in Brighton. This shop stocks beautiful textiles, bed spreads, cushions and shawls, many from artisans in India.

The second shop, The Cloth Shop, is stuffed to the gills with all manner of fabric, linen, gauze and cotton. Also war time blankets and the odd bit of camping gear.

And its hard to mention West London fabric without mentioning the infamous Temptation Alley which stocks pretty much anything you could ever want if you were going with 100 feet of a sewing machine. Worth a visit for the experience alone.

Yes they post, anywhere apparently

What I learned today #351:

The better the excuses the worse the career, the slower the progress, the sadder the story. Stop turning your loved ones into alibis. Stop betraying your body with blame, stop rewriting opportunity as tragic biography. There is one reason and one reason only - that reason is you. Stop designing a life out of Why Nots, and use that creativity to take back this day. No excuses, no delay.

Every day, Rikki, who I've mentioned before, posts his learnings from today. Always apt and something from which we can learn.

Shop: Monicaandjoe.co.uk

Hooray! Another good online fashion shop that posts to Australia.

Set up by a pair of ex-fashion buyers to showcase their favourite European brands. Thank you, I don't mind if I do!

Shop: Phoenix on Golborne

Another new shop on Goldborne that is keeping the spirit of the area alive, whilst giving me (lots of) things I want! Phoenix stocks rustic, 'shabby-chic' furniture, china and accessories, which have been brought back to life. It's pretty owner, Jess who arranges wildflowers in vases and uses beautiful chalky paints, to do what we always think we could do ourselves, but never do. She also stocks paints and offer lessons, just in case you might one day.

A former marketing chick, she followed her father into the antiques trade and is doing what she always wanted. A lesson to us all.

Phoenix on Golborne

67 Golborne Road

London W10 5NP

Tel: +44 208 8964 8123