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.      

Most Like Myself

There are phrases and ideas and propositions that challenge you to rethink your ideals and resonate so deeply that they feel as though they've penetrated the covering of your soul. Over two years ago, I began to read blogs every day, so much so that to be grammatically correct, they became my everyday reading. I look forward to new thoughts, creative suggestions, visual inspiration, and most beautifully: the sharing of opinions that stimulate discussion, even if they happen to contrast with your own. And, in some cases -- most excitingly -- begin a discourse that reinvigorates the value of wisdom. It's in those moments that I feel most like myself. Then, when my mind is ticking over and I'm compelled to whip out a new blog tab or a Moleskine cahier so as to record those mental sparks, I know that I'm encountering a nourishing moment in my infinite pursuit of understanding everything. So, I'm grateful that I can seek some small form of enlightenment in my everyday, through the Internet, and all the ways beyond this electric cavern. Knowing and encouraging one's mind is a spectacular thing that we can undertake no matter who, what or where we are. Here's to being ourselves, and learning to love one another for it.      

Ps, I'm adoring these three blogs: 

In Spaces Between -- a dense and fascinating blog that encourages you to find magic everywhere.

Reading My Tea Leaves -- feels just like a cup of tea on a rainy day: a wondrous and never-ending indulgence.

Explore. Dream. Discover -- is like a postcard scrapbook of travel and living outside your comfort zone.

Are there any others you can recommend me? You know how I love reading!

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Image via 

I'm going to try to stick to that from now on.  

Lowdown

I've come to rely so heavily on these lists as a record of my daily affirmations and to chart what really matters. It's fair to say that even when I've prioritised other activities or writing, I know that this will be an accurate insight into the bits and pieces that make up the bigger picture. It's the closest thing that I have to a journal and it's also my own 'lowdown' of pure joy.

One, these gulls, and how they merely shuffled out of the way as I ran through their prim group.

Two, we're onto BIRD collective nouns! At the moment, I really like a wake of vultures and a storytelling of crows. More here.

Three, my travel containers of almonds and green tea.

Four, chronologically organising my Frankie magazine stash.

Five, whipping out my new pizza stone for incredible pizza, ready in ten minutes. Try the Arriva-inspired: gorgonzola, Italian sausage, sundried tomato and mozzarella.

Six, drafting our Brisbane Bucket List over morning coffee.

Seven, temperatures that encourage an afternoon siesta.

Eight, holiday countdowns.

Nine, reading through blog archives. A Beautiful Mess is giving me great ideas for Christmas DIYs like this.

Ten, writing letters and cards to say, I love you.

 What's on your happy list? Tell me all about your weekend! 

Hometown Flora

When I think of my hometown, it's nothing about the town and more about the landscape and people. My parents chose to bring my brothers and I up in a valley on the New South Wales' mid-north coast. In between fields and fields of evergreen trees, saltwater pools, donkeys and goats, we grew up outside with an intimate knowledge of our childhood territory. Not only am I so lucky to have always known such visual diversity but it always makes me want to explore every place I visit. Despite how infrequently I manage a run when I travel, it's always a treat to fit one in and discover my surroundings. Even though the neighbourhoods were familiar and the sights don't scream adventure, I can tell you that at 5pm on a Wednesday evening in Grafton, you will see lush gardens and a wise old river* that will impress you with their universal beauty. Oh, and spring! It's definitely sprung.

*The Clarence River features heavily in local Indigenous Dreamtime oral tradition.

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Post title inspired by Adele's Hometown Glory.

I love that her hometown inspired her so.

Photos by me with Instagram filters.

I'm evawithanf, if you care to see

all the food I make and/or eat..  

   

Bloom

This new Beach House album has caught up and grown exponentially on me since the first few listens. Their third offering retains the ethereal styling of their previous releases while conjuring up an even more atmospheric rhythm romance. Rather fittingly, I always look this up in my iTunes as 'Swoon', somehow mistaken by the effect or rhyme I've associated with it. Even better, with the announcement of their Falls Festival sideshows, it's become a glorious reality that I'll be experiencing just this live in 2013. The prospect of hearing this album in the lush surrounds of The Tivoli further heightens my anticipation and gets me excited for their live interpretation. In the past, I found that their artistry came together onstage in a breathtaking execution. In between uniting the dips and swirls in sound, their instrumentation and vocalisation was exquisitely dreamy. I may misremember the name of this offering from time to time, but it's fair to say that this swoon-worthy act will be unmissable, yet again. And if in doubt, they're just right for any time of day or venture afield, too.

Try New Year for its haunting, somewhat celestial opening and reminder that the best is yet to come: wherever you are or however many times you've listened to the track.

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Image via

Weekend Enumeration

Nearly every day since August, I've repeated to myself a phrase that has helped make sense out of things that don't yet have quite enough positive upsides. This phrase, "never doubt in the darkness what you know to be true in the light.", seems to have been both a guide and direction. As you can see, I've been putting glass dishes of plain and vanilla-scented tea light candles on any available surface in our home, somehow trying to up the warmth factor when things are so decidedly frozen in time. Despite the fact that we seem to be emerging from the worst of it, these are two habits I want to keep up. In both creating extra light and remembering the truth in those words, I'm remembering to be patient and hopeful. Finding that one beacon of certainty is a comfort that I'm so glad to share.    

Some other things that 'warm the cockles'..
1, showers by candlelight. Again with the candles.
2, plotting movie dates. I can't hype this and this forthcoming release enough*.
3, refining our plans for when we have a car. Aldi and Bunnings lead alphabetically/are an unashamed primary priority.
4, an update on our current word of guaranteed hilarity.
5, frangipani buds. They started out Alien-esque, but have since brought through yellow-cream-white ombre goodness that stretches sunwards.
6, the combination of dumplings and Tokay.
7, album launch parties. After all the hard work, the shared smiles said it all.
8, this recipe. Thyme! Sun-dried tomato! Brie!
9, animal collective nouns. Particularly, a llovely of llamas.
10, dreaming of making this necklace and otherwise admiring rose prints everywhere I see them.

*obsessive trailer love strikes again!

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Links:

8, via Sterling Style

10, via Cheetah Is The New Black

Green Up

Our recent adventures in more holistic medicine have led us down the garden green path of giving up coffee. Or more honestly, giving up coffee on most days. Irrespective of the immediate daily benefits I feel, such as the unexpected increase in energy and mental acuity,  I'm equally driven to stick with this with all of the health evidence I've delved into. This article in particular has given me additional willpower to focus on this previously unthinkable challenge during these first few weeks. Not only am I inspired by Dr. Joseph Maroon's passion and lifestyle, but the logic as well as simplicity of his theory are uncomplicated adjustments to make. While I'll never be able to give up coffee altogether, I'm staying strong and have adopted Dr. Maroon's 3 cup-a-day habit, as well as buying green tea in bulk.

Funnily enough in this case, I've found that change is not only a constant but it's such a remarkable refreshment. Swapping my bean habit with tea bags has been cheaper, and it also means that any time I've had a cappuccino since I've been much more appreciative of the flavour. And, in fairness, I really enjoy that (forbidden) chocolate topping, too. Since reacquainting ourselves with the teapot, I've been reaching for these two Dilmah Jasmine varieties, one and two, and my preferred afternoon indulgence is their Moroccan Mint blend of green. That said, as I continue with this I'm looking to explore new flavours, so please if you know of any other types or brands that make lovely tea of any kind, I'm open to any sort you suggest!

And a final side note, it's probably not allowed but I would definitely recommend trying green tea gelato. The semi-sweet flavour is so good and you'll still be turning over that new leaf. I'm sure that pun is definitely what the Doctor ordered, too. And while I think of it, I love Sonya's post on healthy changes; it's a treasure trove of uplifting ideas.

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Images via

1 and 2

Colour Wheel

I adore reading about other people's lives, getting a little peek in through photographs, or handbags, or playlists, or maybe even grocery lists and tea selections. Personality quirks are the sort of characteristics that can define you to other people, all told in someone's own personal language. For some reason my curiosity to know this other side of people, the person that they know themselves to be. For the longest time, I would ask my parents and brothers questions around the dinner table. Questions about their spirit animals, the places they wanted to visit, the magic power they wished they had, the habits that they couldn't break. I really wanted to know those facts that were close to them and defined their true selves.

Somehow as I've gotten older I make lists of these things. Just as those likes, dislikes, and dreams were fascinating, I'll keep coming back to them because they're a record of whichever penchant was closest to me at the time I was holding the pen or typing away. Those pocket moments that capture my imagination so much that I mentally snapshot and scrapbook them. For timely posterity, know that right now, my umbrella of likes and dislikes fall comfortably as a solid rainbow of hues Suddenly, I'm trying to saturate each part of my life in a glorious sun shower of these shades with inspiration fading and stretching bright and dark. Strangely, this spectrum of colour has been rejuvenating and everything feels more straightforward yet fully alive. It's even more meaningful as I've been trying to reintroduce simplicity to my daily life, and all these colour moments are for me an evolutionary way to be creatively fulfilled. Somehow colour is futuristic to me and with the sun-drenched months ahead, I'm sure that things will be everything except dull. And happily, working with colour requires discipline as well as free fall, which are two things I'm always trying to find a balance between in my life.

This current inventory of my colour wheel shows that: my lip colour is a vibrant splash of red or fuschia, accessories are indigo or pastels, any food must use the greenest of spring herbs, cinema and music are original '60s or replicas, décor is Orient inspired (paper cranes are unpictured). Oh, and to convey just how kaleidoscopic things have become, I'm longing to get the new collection of Sharpies I saw in store recently. I'm sure I'll still be colouring my world next time we speak.

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Images

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 

Confession

Where have I been? I keep undertaking immense and passionate plans to write here every day, yet my everyday life somehow picks up and I get consumed by those things instead. In the last couple of weeks I have had a lot on my plate in the way of family commitments and work training, and as disappointing as it is to admit, I've barely had the time or resources* to write. Regardless, these have truly been the best of times. Moments that I will always cherish, that I will look back upon and remember, all while working towards some of the best months of the year. There is more to come on this site -- more words, images, ideas and words to share -- but until then, I'd love for you to enjoy these shots my mum sent me recently. When I was home last week we spent nearly every moment on the back deck, soaking up the sun and delving into their vast library. I don't think it's possible to find a place anywhere near as relaxing in the world.  

Public Bar

This is a post about Public, a divine new bar I visited last week. In a series of fortunate rather than unfortunate events, Miranda and I unexpectedly made our nightcap destination. For some reason,      last Thursday evening was one of those otherworldly nights I've rarely enjoyed in Brisbane, let alone in the CBD. Despite how much I keep harping on about the change of seasons, I can honestly say that this spring the city seems rejuvenated. Not only that, all of the new places that have opened up are revitalising my wanderlust hungry spirit, too. Brisbane is truly becoming a world city. 

But back to how we came to visit Public. After pasta in an alleyway, Miranda and I ventured down to Burnett Lane to check out some of the newer bars that have opened up there. We were lucky enough to stumble in on a cosy little scene at Super Whatnot. I wasn't prepared for how small the space is, yet we were both curious and lined up for drinks. Having already imbibed a flask of house red over dinner we were a bit disappointed with the selection of by the glass vinos (read not ready to pay $12), and decided to wander further afield. For some reason I was convinced that Public was in the vicinity, but the map said otherwise so we started walking up George Street. After some time, the only sign of life that far away from Queen Street was a topless bar, but we persevered and above our heads, Public appeared.

After catching the escalator upstairs, we were greeted by front of house staff and seated at the bar. Amidst a mixed crowd, we were able to see both bar and kitchen, as well as a street view that added to the already glamorous space. With a twist on modern luxury, Public is a bar that in decor alone feels like the Hogwarts library with masculine sophistication. Needless to say, we were both charmed by the surrounds and found it difficult to choose wines from the leatherbound menu. Fourtunately, our bartender was relaxed in his approach and our eventual choice of Bordeaux Burgundy was poured expertly into their namesake glasses. Such a purposeful yet seamless experience  more than secured the bar in our opinion. The additional bird and swivel chair elements were moody and comforting; I'll let you guess which elicited which response. In three words, Public is chic, understated and luxurious. Plus, candleabras are a touch I always love. Can't wait to go back for the epic promise of Kentucky Fried Duck. Thanks for the new memories, Public.

I very happily noted that there is $10 Happy Hour on selected cocktails, Monday to Thursday, 4pm-6pm.

I've also heard that you can book a table.     

Flavour Limbo

It's Wednesday and I've been hungry all day. It seems that we're in an inter-seasonal limbo, and though I'm craving things that are fresh and zesty, however I somewhat crazily long for warmth that I can balance with plentiful amounts of salad. These are some of the dishes that have fulfilled me recently. I've been making them with all of my usual tweaks, as well as serving them with epic amounts of leafy greens. Please also find some visual support from other meals we've enjoyed in the last few weeks. Clearly, cooking is both passion and obsession. And, eating. Nom!

One, Slow-cooker Cuban Black Beans. I found that this most favourite of winter meals works in springtime, too. Instead of bacon, I like to add diced chorizo, which I find lends itself well to the earthy black beans. As Australia doesn't have the most extensive selection of Mexican ingredients, I've been replacing the chopped green chiles with diced jar peppers and adding core flavour spices: cumin, coriander and chilli. Serve with baby spinach, grated carrot, fresh tomato and coriander salsa, Greek yoghurt and Valentina hot sauce. Or, just these*. 

Two, Warm Pumpkin and Brown Lentil Salad. I used to make this salad so much that I got sick of it, but with a fading winter palate, it's been reintroduced to our meal planner. Thankfully, this is a salad that ages tastefully, makes friends with all different cheeses (including haloumi) and is hearty enough to enjoy alone. That said, it definitely goes down more than happily with a roast chicken dinner! I like to add diced garlic at the sautéeing of the red onion, plus a more than generous glug of balsamic vinegar.  Again, also a winner with chorizo*.

Three, Mushroom Enchiladas. These enchiladas were such a tasty surprise when I first made them. Firstly, cottage cheese is more of a breakfast standby for me, but strangely enough manifests powerfully as a savoury ingredient in this dish. Secondly, I found that sautéeing the mushrooms in an extra-garlicky seasoning gives extra flavour. Finally, a drained can of corn adds sweetness as well as bulk to the finished product. Serve with shredded lettuce, lots of guacamole and jalapeños, and you'll have a great vegetarian meal. I've also mixed cooked, shredded chicken into the filling, and found that it was such a tasty combination barely any made it into the tortillas.

What are some of your most craved recipes? *Sooo, I'll eat anything with chorizo or spice of some sort.  

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Our dishes, clockwise, top-left start:

Egg and mushroom Ram Yun soup with Kimchi;

Spanakopita with lemon potatoes, quinoa tabouli and Greek salad;

Chicken salad with avocado, roasted capsicum pesto and raita;

These oven potato and sweet potato chips (so good!) with lime aioli and wasabi aioli.  

  

Sunshine Revival

Change of season gratefulness is more or less here. It's become somewhat of a ritual to observe the creeping warmth and the promise of spring. Habits resurface and doors remain open. We moved the table out to the deck and I sit there, my green glass bottle of yellow chrysanthemums my only company as I happily plough through work. Reinvigorated, our morning coffee won't be reheated to boiling for much longer. And soon we will switch to muesli, forgetting about porridge altogether for these months. We discuss whether there's any more meals in the comfort category that we'd still like to make. Yet we abandon that conversation at the idea that it will soon be too hot to think of food, and the only touch we'll bear is hands held under the chrome fan. My daydreams are of the beach, yet every night I go out on the balcony and try to savour that last bite of cold, even as I wince and reach for a cardigan. But the next evening, as the sun goes down, I run along the water with my jumper tied around my hips, the cool air blotting the sweat that only a singlet makes bearable. The tangy promise of mosquitoes is there, and I stop, breathless, to pick the jasmine that is blooming already. It's neither bittersweet nor unremarkable. It's now, and I am conscious of the child inside me that remembers the heat that will blow across the country as the day ages. My soul won't forget that feeling. These moments are coming.

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Image via 

Dreamweaver

I just bought this stunner, but it's done nothing to sate my craving for all frocks hailing to the '60s, white cotton lace alias. With beauteous sleeves, in-built ventilation courtesy of the moth-wing weave, and just the right amount of bohemia, this obsession only seems to gain momentum. For now, while I wait for my goodies to arrive, I'll continue my intensive window shopping spree. Already I am imagining that fabric being the only thing I can bear on my skin during the heat of Brisbane's long summer days.

Ps, if vintage isn't as appealing to you, the Whistles pieces on Asos are rather glorious, on sale, and definitely a worthwhile investment. 

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One, Two, Three

(clockwise from left)  

Blood Bright

I realise that I haven't been entirely steady in my posting here recently. While I haven't been as inspired  or creative in the last few months, it's become apparent that this lack of enthusiasm has extended to most parts of my life. In an effort to reignite energy in all areas, I've undertaken the most serious health and fitness mission of my adulthood. I mentioned here that, as of July 1st, I was going to run a cumulative total of 500km by New Year's Day, 2013. So far, I've run 39km, which -- though a little behind what I'd planned to achieve at this point -- still feels amazing.

Moreover, my awareness of what my body needs and what I want has progressed significantly. Previously, we'd made marked changes to create weekly meal plan, however maintaining them was a hurdle that we weren't overcoming nearly as well as we were maintaining our punctual Nando's Cluck For Your Buck date. Needless to say, something had to give, and in this case we fortuitously received a huge gas bill and my work hours were cut, thus removing that extra $40 from our peri peri fund. Also, one of my girlfriends alerted me to the My Fitness Pal app and also mentioned the quantitative repercussions of that much chicken.

At this point, I have so much more to write, and thankfully, I'm finally composing in my head again. Before, I'd do anything to avoid Blogger and when I hadn't clicked into my Dashboard for a week or so, it became easier to pretend than type a few vague sentences and save to draft.

Until I come back, with more sharing and ideas, I'd love to put you on to this superbly analysed post by Moorea, and also see if you relate?

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Image via

It's good to feel bright again. 

Tales Of Passion

I tend to post a lot of movie trailers on here. The main explanation for that would simply be that I adore anticipating the movie as much as watching the full-length feature. For the last six months or so, we've inadvertently made it a habit to log onto IMDB and get lost in trailer after trailer, until it's unsurprisingly way past midnight. I did just that by myself yesterday and in a predictable twist of typical tear-jerking emotion immediately had a well-forged lump in my throat that just kept those salty streams running down my cheeks. I've always been a more than competent crier, but I've come to love that rush of emotion, although I generally try not to force it. I seem to cry out of happiness and gratefulness, as well as some sort of premeditated bliss; particularly with music. When I've talked to other people about it, they've said that they don't really cry in the same way, and perhaps not as frequently. Since reading this just now, I feel like I've found my answer to those conversations, that yes, life is more than just good. From now, I think that I'll embrace Carissa Gallo's perspective that my tears stem from the feeling that, "Sometimes I just wonder if my heart will break from joy."
 

Ps, I realise it's not a trailer, but this Isabel Allende video may have brought on another wave of emotion last night. Let me know if you watch it, and whether her stories move you?  

Concept Of Creativity

"The most popular conception of creativity 
is that it's something to do with the arts. 

Nonsense. Creativity is imagination, 
and imagination is for everyone." - Paul Arden

I might just run away with that quote as my manifesto. I'm ever thankful for quotes like this. I find so much comfort in words, but a particularly powerful, emphatic and insightful statement fires up my brain. Moreover, it reinstates my beliefs. It reignites my passions. It revives my faith. Where would we be if we lived in a world where imagination was not a dimension? As an eternal daydreamer, it's hard to try to consider where my life would have taken me, what ideas I never would have had, or ultimately, who I would even be without such a place to travel. And without further ado, or elaboration on such perfection, it also reminds me of this essential quote by Yann Martel, Life Of Pi.

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Image source, originally via

Quote via Gary Pepper

Park Life

How's your weekend? I'm a little sunburned from our time in New Farm Park today. It was blissful, and even if I peel, at least I will remember this magical afternoon shared with the friends that are like family. These past two days have been remarkably wonderful. In between the puppy spotting, the talking in Irish accents, the demolition of the (crack) biscuits, and sharing Italian with my oldest friends, I've just got two words to say: happy and delicious. Such a contrast to the horrid week days leading up to it, so I'm super thankful for this (newfound) perspective. With this, and the plans to erase a miserable first week of July, I don't mind Monday at all. Until we meet in a haze of home cooking, painted nails, movie marathons, and handwritten letters, I hope you have the most splendid week possible. Here's to forgiving, and forgetting!

Ps, the remarkable pockets of glitter:

1, the '70s dance party we've been having every night. Particularly Creedence, oh my dayyyss.

2, this meme. And applying to the above.

3, new candles that give our home a sultry glow.

4, the graduation countdown.

5, plus, the beagle count up..in the park.

6, epic discussions about travel that end positively. And, without money-related conflict. Good talk.

7, fresh herbs with every meal.

8, a text conversation all about scones.

9, planning for Christmas In July. Huzzah!

10, Brisbane's Powerhouse Museum. One of my favourites, at any and every time.


*Despite its beauty, I'm glad that bad boy moon is finally waning..and so is my twitchy face.

Monochromatic

I graduate in a little under two weeks and I've been so hazy on what I'm actually going to wear. In terms of occasion, I'm most excited that I'll be celebrating with some of the people I hold dearest. Outside of what I've achieved in study, I feel as though it will be my most adult epoch to date. As both the ceremony and dinner afterwards will be shared with just my partner and parents, it's very important to me that I feel comfortable yet sophisticated and very joyful. For once, I've steered away from my traditional, fitted style and am instead looking at finding the impact in my outfit in terms of fabric and the silhouette created. While I am always the first person to aim to dress for my shape at all times (hello, cinched waist), choosing quality, timeless pieces will help create a chic finish. As it's a night-time ceremony, and winter here, I'm thinking that dramatic outerwear can create a contrasting monochromatic scheme. Despite the cold of my (former) riverside campus, I'm going ahead with my 'party on the feet' theme. I've had my fuschia suede heels waiting for some time, and they'll be quite the eye catcher as I cross the stage to receive my Bachelors. Singular black and white has never been so fun.

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Images and shop:

Asos Silk Dress,

Net-A-Porter Shirt Dress, 

Asos Parker

Net-A-Porter Belted Blazer

Moonrise

So last week, I ended up having a bit too much fun (and doing a bit too much work) to post here at all. My sincerest apologies, and from now on, posting will be as 'normal' as I can undertake. Trust me. Until then, a trailer for a movie that I can't wait to see, in honour of the gigantic orb hanging over the city this week.*

Also, some things to look forward to:

..a monochrome post..

..some recipes..

..a little home inspiration..

..some ideas if you're going to be in Brisbane..

..and, of course, lists aplenty.

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 *This week I started a quest to run 500kms

by 2013. So far, I've run 9km, and tonight

the moon was especially spectacular as we

trotted across the Story Bridge. 

Birthday Week

It's my sweet man's birthday on Wednesday, yet we've been indulging in special things here and there since yesterday. I love everything about birthdays, and the opportunity to spoil someone I adore so much makes it an even more joyous affair. So far, in the '12 Days of Birthday' there has been a Vietnamese meal, gelati (ginger, butter cookie, and nut caramel flavours), a behemoth dark chocolate lamington, and carob-covered ginger. To come, there is certainty of jaunts to Vapiano, Wagaya, and the German Sausage stand, as well as a Revenge Of The Sith evening. I'm also going to post random things this week that would make rad presents (both fantastical and/or probable..).

Until tomorrow, here is this weekend's happy list, inspired as always by this talented woman, and inclusive of some things about life with the birthday boy that make our days together unexpectedly spectacular.

1, Your pedantic obsession with coffee. You've perfected it to the extent that I no longer enjoy it out.

2, That I can count on you to utilise leftover icing and other baking confections. I'm referring to the dulce du leche crumpet incident of early June here.

3, That our language has extended to include both tactful reprimands, "I'm in The Zone", and ridiculous television quotes.

4, On some evenings I come home to the cleanest house in the world, incense and candles, and a pot of tea. There's often leftovers as well.

5, That you'll come out and meet me at the road if we've noticed some dodgy things going on around the neighbourhood.

6, That magnum of Shiraz we shared last week.

7, Your exceptional taste in music.

8, The ability to realign our Feng Shui each season.

9, The reworking of songs you utterly detest.

10, How welcoming you are to my family and friends. 

Happy (almost) Birthday, my S.

Sunday List

A little list of things from today that made my day. It seems like I can actually kick back and enjoy those moments in a purer way come these sweet evenings. Hope you've had a great weekend with your dearests.

1, The return of strawberries.

2, Dancing outside on the stairwell.

3, How my love wears his jumper hood up and we say "Ghost Protocol" to one another in Mission Impossible voices.

4, Watching the afternoon light change as I travelled home today. One half of the city was in shadow and the other was glowing pink.

5, Calling a girlfriend just to say hello, and unexpectedly chatting for an hour.

6, This soundtrack.

7, Trying on perfume for a bridal scent story.

8, Making a perfectly smoky Baba Ganoush.

9, Birthday countdowns (10 days).

10, Relaxing with the prospect of a new week and sharing our home with friends.

 ...

A word about this image. I found it via Jonas Paterson's, a photographer, professional blog. I have more to say on his work, but until then, I hope this ideology resonates with you in whole, or at least in parts.

Two Weeks

It feels like a symptom of getting older to complain about how fast weeks, months, and now years go. Tonight, when my mum called, I was reminded that it's actually Friday and of all the things I used to do with those end-of-week, start-of-weekend nights. In college, my weekends would often begin on a Wednesday*, and despite working a near equivalent of 38 hours in the days before classes began again, I still managed all manner of shenanigans on those nights that drew Monday close again. Now, the idea of Friday night ABC crime and leftover pasta, or settling in with a new book and heavily-honeyed tea, exceeds the sort of mischief I might have gotten up to five years ago. And I don't mind at all. 

Some other Friday night highlights:

..all the pretty flowers dotted around the apartment: the jonquils and gardenias are unpictured, I'm afraid.

..a tray of half-dead candles that Simon resurrected, that have managed to stay burning all afternoon and evening.

..TED talks, that happily suffice in place of an absent TV. See above for my Silent Witness penchant.

..finding the exact sounds of our favourite albums on Simon's Nord, particularly M83's Saturdays = Youth.

..temporary contentment post a phase of intense wanderlust. I know it won't last, but it's surprising how satisfying right here and now is. Particularly with this quote:

 Our evaluation of our choices is profoundly affected by what we compare them with, including comparison with alternatives that exist only in our imaginations. The same experience can have both delightful and disappointing aspects. Which of these we focus on may determine whether we judge the experience to be satisfactory or not.

Ps, I took the quote above from Barry Schwartz's Paradox of Choice TED talk (via Gala Darling). This talk is both insightful and balanced, something that can be hard to find in opinion journalism. Although I realise TED isn't pure journalism, it provokes thought, and I find it to be an invaluable resource for provocative and unconventional debates. In this instance, I feel freer with the idea that I can be satisfied with my decisions and not fear choices that in time no matter what they are, and, if they're not meant to be, will lead me to the place I'm ultimately meant to be.

Posting will be back to normal on Monday, I just needed a time out, and will share new things then. Have an exceptional weekend. Enjoy the sun and shade!

* The beauty of a Social Sciences/Arts dual degree -- late classes and long days, worth it for a four day weekend. 

...

quote via

Organ Of Fire

After an epic 12-hour sleep, it seemed rather worthwhile to stay inside today, rather than deal with a bleak-looking sky. Returning to The English Patient, after some time apart, was the most productive thing I undertook. Although it's another one of those movies that offers something unexpected each time you watch it, it's an achievement in many significant ways. It had been so long since I'd seen it that I couldn't remember much of the final scenes, which is strange considering it's an ending that I both hate and adore*. Finding new things to love in something you thought you knew everything about is so satisfying. What's more, with the forgetfulness I've had recently, it was like being whisked away for the first time again. With it's overall tragic appeal deadly for anyone who is sadomasochistic enough to enjoy weeping in a movie**, I was further struck by the more subtle quirks that contribute to the protagonists' authenticity. Particularly the part where the lovers are speaking and he says, "What do you love?" and before she can give a specific answer he says, "Say everything." It's a question I can't resist.

Today I also love.. 

The quote above (screenshot from The English Patient):

" 'Dec. 22nd [1938] — Betrayals during war are childlike compared with our betrayals during peace. New lovers are nervous and tender, but smash everything. For the heart is an organ of fire.' For the heart is an organ of fire— I love that. I believe that." [Reading Almásy's note on the Christmas firecracker]

A breakfast bagel with a sweet half and a savoury half: peanut butter + coconut oil + honey and avocado + vegemite 

Clean sheets and a hot Milo made with chocolate soy milk

A free day and no alarms

Good morning, pre-work kisses

Celestial prints and inspiration from outer space

Jumping around inside on the first cold night, trying to stay warm

Lipstick marks on any sort of cup

That bagpipe busker in the CBD on a Friday

All the people who keep sending me pictures of puggles in the last few weeks

...

Quotes via

Screenshot by me
* I'm not very good with a 'suggestive' finish
**I had a good movie trailer cry session on Sunday evening -- no judgement 

Auspicious

Until success comes, I am trying to live a basic life that has plentiful amounts of the small pleasures I've always enjoyed. Even as those, rather uncertain, things elude me, it's not so hard when you have the distractions that are available in this small corner of the world. Things like afternoons in Chinatown, purchases of many different types of noodle, simple movies like this, songs by these delightful people, the quest for discount bread at the end of the day, and people who make you laugh and think and not want to you to pass this moment just yet. Those future times can take a bit longer coming. Today I don't mind.

Ps, for more inspiration on how to spend your time in this sometimes-charming city, I've updated my Brisbane Guide.

Momentarily

/And the hunger of those early years will never return, 

but I don't mind, I don't mind/

/All the bright lights do is bore me,

 they bore me/

...

Lyrics via

Get Cosy

Is it about time for a dance party? Surely 1.12PM on a Friday afternoon is among the best times to start such a thing. On the playlist lately, it's been a mix of things for comic relief, spirited washing up, and (only sometimes) profanity remixes. Also, a lot of Leonard Cohen. Much more than I hinted here before. Read into that what you will, but with a glass of red wine and a candle burning, yes? Everybody come together, and break it down now for a happy weekend. I hope you're up to something planned that defies all expectations.

 

...
Image for Kinfolk, via,
It's been my desktop for the last week,
and every time I see it, I want to:
1, Put on an outfit in just that colour scheme
(socks inclusive, nono-negotiable)
2, Party in the kitchen
..you know how that goes.

We Are Not New

I was so very pleased to come across this warming cover last night. The Decemberists always seem to fullfil some soul void and provide the sort of nourishment I desperately need without even realising it. Their talent combined with Leonard Cohen's unparalleled lyric poetry makes me want to crawl back into bed and get cosy for hours. The rain doesn't hurt that mood either, which in reality is not the best thing for today's panicked dulce du leche mission*. Until bedtime, I'm going to keep on with the Leonard goodness, just watch this space. 

Ps, my fingers are hopelessly crossed for a Decemberists confirmation for Harvest 2012. Put these dates in your diaries and get serious about that net bank saver -- the line up is meant to be announced, "in a couple of weeks". Happy prance!!


*more on this "in the cake line" too. I'll try to restrain myself on the pun front as well.