Golden Slumbers

As I'm working later today, golden hour has somehow magically seen fit to move a few hours forward and manifest in my chevron cup, chamomile floral tea, and those beloved hazelnut treasures. I'm grooving away to this sassy cover and the mood absolutely manifests my thoughtful, Friday morning mindset. Sometimes I have my most inspired thoughts when I'm half-asleep. It's as though the remnants of dream state bring fragments of subconscious to the surface and you can access the rich midpoint between processing ideas and peacefully paddling around your creative state. Either way, this method is delicious, utterly relaxing, and 100% recommended. Now go have a cup of tea and something sweet xx

Ps, Tea Drop tea is everything I look for in my favourite drink! I will talk more about this soon, but I was smitten from my first pot.

...

Solange's track originally from here.  

Found via Taylor Sterling's tumblr. 

Her blog is the most tasteful and purposefully curated 

I've come across. It's such a pleasure to visit and read.

Lowdown

Three months has disappeared with barely a whoosh or a hallmark. I feel compelled to share with you how little there is physically to show for that time. We were swept up in a tidal wave of sorts; without watermarks or debris, just the emotional impact of a quick move, an even swifter severance of internet and other such amenities, and finally, two people clinging to one another. Simon is my life raft and these three months have seen us challenged as never before. This new home is such a fantastical space. Magic lurks at every turn and the wooden floorboards make me want to lie down and rest, a child again. This, among other things, makes me feel like I'm almost home. When the last looming boxes that protect our vinyl, turntables and stereo equipment are unpacked we will have settled. In the interim, if you're looking for us, we'll be auditioning for the next Hoarder's Reality show, thank you very much.

To catch up, a quietly scribbled list of things that make my heart smile.

1, That picture above of my love. Last weekend, we stayed here and celebrated a friend's wedding here. This was just after we found the crossed-fingers-and-there-had-better-be-robes robes. Why not toast with a Turkish Delight double shot?!

2, Seeing loved ones' dreams come true. In between new jobs, purchasing homes, pregnancy and incredible creative opportunities, I am so emotional about the wonders these people are experiencing. As our friends were wed on Sunday, I cried the happiest tears of joy into Sim's thoughtfully strategic pack of Kleenex.

3, The word vignette. And this one amps up my weepy grins about 200%.

4, Endless cups of spiced fruit tea for Brisbane's enduring autumnal temperatures.

5, My inexplicable enjoyment from making curious rabbit and sad cat hand gestures with work colleagues.

6, The woodsy smells of sage and rosemary.

7, Reading about body language and finding ways to communicate more positively with everyone I meet.

8, Planning a non-fruit, fondant-centric cake for someone's 25th birthday...and managing to keep it a secret.

9, Destiny's Child karaoke numbers and the mantra: Beyoncé won't sleep tonight.

10, And this quote*: 

If you want to go fast, go alone; 

if you want to go far, go together. -- African saying.   

* found here

Thank you for reading and happy Friday xx

Neighbourhood: Jet Black Cat

"Terrible love, it's the only kind of love." -- Matt Berninger

Listening to vinyl is one thing, but collecting? Oh, collecting. I've found myself converted after purchasing this -- my first vinyl -- and listening to it on repeat ever since early February. I was so fortunate to find this treasure (truly, a treasure; up until now I'd believed this violet pressing to be a short run, limited edition piece that at this stage could only be sourced through eBay) in Jet Black Cat's store in West End. That rainy Friday I found not only the purposefully sought goods for date night but an album I've been after for Simon for nearly three years. This jacaranda-hued 33 is a testimony to the love of music and recording live music quality. As an aside, it's also the most meaningful non-Valentine's-but-coincidentally-in-the-vicinity-of-Valentine's-Day gifts I could remotely hazard to acquire.

Buying from Jet Black Cat, irrespective of the glorious purchase detailed above, was the highlight of my afternoon. The better part of my extended sojourn was spent discussing relationship priorities and the ultimate festival requirements while getting my fix of tour and vinyl trivia. It's those moments of connection with engaged vendors that inspire me for the future. Had I not stumbled upon my stand-alone copy of High Violet, the genuine hello and ensuing conversation reminding me that passionate, kindred personalities are everywhere is just as tangible as this beloved purple disc. Thanks, Jet Black Cat. 

Trapeze

As a child, I remember that there was this recurring Tourism Queensland advertisement that engaged the audience with the promise that no matter the day or the rest of the country's forecast, Brisbane would be "warm and sunny". When I moved here to attend UQ, my memory proved hazy and I was in no way prepared for just how excruciating both the heat and humidity can be. We're now midway through my fifth summer here and with the heat refusing to wane, clothing feels both unbearable and a waste of time. The preferred options of never getting dressed/staying in the shower all day far underplay the reality of wiping my brow and mopping my upper lip's sweat mo' for the thousandth time while all this dripping renders my shine-free make-up and 24hr antiperspirant useless. When I finally get to considering an outfit, a dress is the only garment close to street-appropriate that I can muster the energy to wear. If it's the sort of soul-destroying temperature that makes action of any kind unthinkable and unbearable, then I'm after a frock that manifests as both a sarong and industrial pedestal fan, yet won't require technical expenditure nor engineering. That's where the wearing of a swing dress comes in. The novelty value of through-flow ventilation garnered by strategic draping, even with an A-line swing, allows for fresh air to your nether-regions without sacrificing style or comfort. As well as bringing glamour back, a gathered neck leaves maximum tummy space for you to down yet another snow-cone, slurpee or daiquiri from a hammock or rooftop -- and forget about wearing swimmers as clothes forever. 

Brunch Date: Gem Dress by Gorman. A mid-weight linen dress that pairs well with black, tan or colourful accessories and a bright, shiny lipstick to make you appear made up without tearing you away from that double-shot soy frappé.

Dinner Drinks: Brightside Swing Dress by Zimmermann. A strappy silk number that will ensure you feel weightless in the afternoon heat. Allow the multi-coloured kaleidoscopic print to do the talking and let metallic hints define your eyes and tone of sandal.

Rooftop Dance Party: Cami Swing Dress with Sequins by ASOS. A sparkly slip that ensures maximum impact and limited styling. Prime thoroughly and team with BB Cream and a powder foundation, for a weightless, healthy glow.

Coastal Reception: Kauai Dress by Va Et Vien. Head to the beach to catch the breeze and celebrate the cool change. This cotton tulle helps you escape the heat and get edgy with a neckline of vintage rhinestones. Don a pop-coloured heel to balance the bridal aspect or embrace a Gatsby feel with a jaunty jewelled headpiece.

Manifesto

I've been thinking so much about resolutions and this whole idea of a new year. In a strange way, our low-key seeing in of 2013 was just right and more memorable than if we'd done elaborate things. It's fair to say that my shortlist of reasons why I was happy to say goodbye to 2012 is pretty long. Now, things just feel ready to become rather than begin. My ideas are clear and I feel content in so many ways. That contentment I'm feeling now is the ultimate energising foundation for raring at life like the hungry caterpillar I've described above. Hooray for revolution rather than resolve or reform..

And just to be clear, there will be no butterfly emerging from the cocoon metaphors over here. Or hopefully not anywhere, for that matter. Let's just stamp 2013 as the year we make our mark. xx

Neighbourhood: Banneton Bakery

Can I just put my hands in the air and kick my legs out to honour the awesome that is carbohydrates? Our neighbourhood somehow lies in the midst of a sensational array of fantastic eateries that are both luxurious and affordable. We spent our usual Wednesday date day all over the place, enjoying and absorbing the last of the gentle Spring temperatures before the heat storms into our midst. 

Banneton Bakery immediately proved itself as a hole in the wall destination for masterfully baked and epically delicious sweet and savoury goods. We'd planned a tasting visit for some time and now I've now been twice more as I sit writing this. Straight away, I'm going to suggest that you find a way to justify a visit to one of their three outlets near you*. While we sought their New Farm outlet (all products are baked on site in Woolloongabba) for an early afternoon breakfast it quickly became a breakfast-lunch-afternoon tea affair that not only compromised our dumpling date but our Very Serious Shopping Plans. Once we culled our order from six to three pastries we were able to settle in and really enjoy the beautifully petite space. In between switching one of the three Delicious magazines I'd snaffled once seated and sneaking photos of décor then food, Simon maintained a masterfully steady hold of his broadsheet and coffee, making Banneton a relaxing and inspiring nook. With our food on the table, however, we threw relaxation out the window and attempted an even split of our order of Apple Nougatine, Pear and Dark Chocolate Brioche, and an Almond Pretzel. Despite achieving this peacefully, we kept exclaiming how special the experience was and how dangerous having such a spot five minutes from our door. Needless to say, we managed to make our way back there the following Friday.

Banneton Bakery is a fantastic addition to our local food scene, and Brisbane as a whole. Our lovely friends, Kirk and Leanne (of LittleLam), informed us that Aria serves Bannetton bread. Additionally, their range of savoury products is friendly to those with more sensitive tummies or interested in a more traditional range of baked products. Our local Bannetton won us over with its special balance of food selection and the thoughtful input of both baristas. That, and the Almond Pretzel. With its lashings of praline, it was the ideal dipper for my cappuccino. 

*Outlet information here. Just you try not to run.   

Bus Magic

When I was little, one of my favourite books was Possum Magic. In between the glorious illustrations, vegemite as a feature, and the illustrations of vegemite, I was read and then read this book ad nauseum. That notion of magic doesn't haunt me, but I find myself wishing that magic was actually real. That there were unexplainable and fantastical elements in this world. That was, until the other night. Today I did an eight-hour shift and in a bizarre shift of kismet, caught the bus home because it was raining. When my bus pulled up, I was treated to the most exceptional surprise of my year thus far*: my 196 was completely decked out for Christmas. These photos really don't do it justice, but it was floor-to-seat-to-ceiling-to-window-to-bus-bell decorations, wreaths and fairy lights. In between sitting there with a goofy, open-mouthed grin and taking a million snaps, I realised that magic does exist. It exists in people, in all of us throughout this land and beyond our seas. It exists in the people that were kind enough to decorate this bus (all 20 of them, the bus driver told me) to spread joy, in the people that let you go ahead of them in line because put others ahead of themselves, in the people that want to learn and know about others so as to understand, and in the parents bringing up children and teaching them the true magic of caring about others. If we can believe in the magic in people, in humanity, that is when we will be a happy world. Right now, I am the happiest girl in the world. Oh, and when I got home to my love, he had picked me frangipanis, which were all over our house. 

*With the seven days remaining.. ;)

Sunshine Revival II

Today summer officially begins but those bright, effervescent slivers of change crept in long ago, almost blinding and at times, unbearably hot. A Queensland summer is challenging and at reliably bipolar. In between morning siestas and daydreaming of a cool change, there are surprise thunderstorms and the creamy revelation of frangipanis from once dehydrated, Alien-esque stumps. In one moment I am condemning the heat and in the next I am gleeful that I can walk home at 8pm underneath the light spatter of freed water sprinklers. Last week, my man sent me a picture of the gigantic mulberry he had scavenged from the bush in his mum's garden. Meanwhile my girlfriend's and I had been sitting in a courtyard, immobile except for the moments where we refilled our sangria mugs and took another handful of frozen raspberries. That is our summer and she deserves to be honoured with plans like this.

Rules Of Summer:

Watch the New Year's sunrise.

Swim in the dark sea.

Share hot chips and milkshakes in the park during Sunday twilights.

Enjoy late dinners on the deck by candlelight and citronella lamps.

Make green smoothies every morning.

See a movie by star and moonlight.

Travel to my family's beach house for a weekend.

Visit a coastal market every month.

Dance to our friend's band at The Fox.

Host a vinyl listening and whisky tasting party.

Draft goals for 2013 over gelato.

Capture these moments with a disposable camera.