Sixties

It's been an uneventful couple of weeks. In between a lot of cooking, and not a lot of creating, I've been relishing the moments that truly make me happy and bring direction. This Fuck Yeah 60's Fashion tumblr was such a incomparable discovery earlier this week. After many hours spent on there, if it's the closest that I ever get to a time machine then I will be somewhat sated in that department. Without question or competition, the 1960s has been my favourite decade for as long as I can remember. Fostering a sense of the period with adjectives such as swinging, psychedelic and groovy, doesn't remotely get close to the multitude of characteristics, moments, and moods that encapsulated such a short time span. It's impossible to be so succinct. What's more, it's hard to believe that ten years could result in significant and swift change in every dimension of the world. It seems that every time I return to research everything '60s the surface has barely been scratched. This infinite density, is more than an enduring resource of inspiration (and favouritism) for me. The lack of boundaries somehow cause it to eclipse my daily obsessions of music and fashion, and it has simply become part of how I think about myself, and who I am. Every facet explored reveals yet another nugget of information that inevitably becomes another goldmine treasure trove in itself.  While it is reliable for anything sartorial and visual, it is the more obtuse categories that continue to revitalise and reinvigorate my imagination. When I apply this to my everyday life, it's obvious how my love has grown even more intensely in the last couple of years. From the pastels dominating our bathroom, to the winged cat eye I'm constantly striving to perfect, to the amount of Bob Dylan we've been playing, and then to the long discussions about creativity since the radical way that politics and society escalated in this time, I know this love affair isn't going to fade. I could go on, but until next time, these are just some of the images that I've been cataloguing in my digital scrapbook of jpg files. At the moment, I'm particularly enamoured with films made in the '60s, and contemporary cinematic and television incarnations.*  


Ps, That tumblr definitely accommodates the nostalgic appetite -- for a little while at least.
*Oh, Mad Men. Only two episodes left.

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Images via

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 
11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
3 is an original screenshot via

Glory Box

And don't worry about losing.

If it is right, it happens -- The main thing is not to hurry.

Nothing good gets away.

- John Steinbeck

I've got to remind of this. To take each day as if it's the only day. To give myself wholeheartedly.To breathe in the moments that are pure happiness. I can understand why I've been fearful and tentative in the past, but truly being a part of something irreplaceable is too precious to run away from. Time doesn't matter, mistakes don't matter, forgetfulness doesn't matter. It is warmth and courage that define this sort of bravery. 

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Words via

Image by, via

Lucky Dip

While these shoes certainly made my heart beat fast with how gorgeously wearable and quirky they are, the Little Tuna Etsy shop they came from is equally special. I've found that the eternal conundrum of a unique piece versus quality core essentials is largely solved with a spot of vintage shopping. Though it can take a long time to pan through a shop, whether online or in store, I adore sifting through beautiful items from decades ago. The added bonus is revisiting trends from long ago. This season I am enjoying the mix of soft pastel palettes, earthy colours and textures, plus metallics, and direct references to the '50s, '60s, and all-things animal. From the selection here, my current favourites would be the '60s white leather clutch or magazine-friendly purse and the terrier brooch that reminds me of my preferred Monopoly pawn. I should also mention how that pink snakeskin belt, with its suggestion of flames and the ice-cream colour, reminds me of the chaotic muscle musings of Prada's SS12 collection.           

I thought I'd introduce a mini feature that curates pieces from stores whose aesthetic I am loving. The notion of a 'Lucky Dip' reflects the appeal of all the stock -- no matter what you procure, you're sure to be satisfied. I look forward to hearing whether or not you enjoy it.

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All images via 

Definitely worth checking out! 

You Are Home

"Let us be lovers we'll marry our fortunes together". As a lyric for both music and life, I feel like Simon and Garfunkel couldn't have captured the potency of youth, love, or adventure in a more passionate or emphatic way. Cameron Crowe's use of it in Almost Famous embedded the song in my own history, and ever since it's appeared time and again, reinventing the meaning into adulthood. Starting with the movie, its ideas and artistry wove through my teenage years and it remains a foundational reminder of the things I truly love (though not exclusively) today. Music is both a theme and character of the movie, interacting with the protagonist, charging his actions, and characterising relationships. Off-screen, the soundtrack has a similar effect, to the extent that I know the words to each track and have memories that are attached to those years. Each time I watch it, single notes of music seemingly add to the dialogue, even where there is none and these interactions are of powerful significance. On a personal level the film seems to tell my parents' story too. The early seventies is when they met, with my mother hitchhiking with a friend in the Irish country, only to be picked up by two young Australians in their tiny rental car. Their romance took them to Glasgow, where they lived together, and Mum describes their weekends visiting different parts of Scotland, with Simon and Garfunkel one of their albums of choice. Every time I hear 'America', I imagine them driving, my mum sitting with her toes against the dashboard and the window down. Decades on, in our era of air-conditioning, 'America' carries on the journey of young lovers again. When I think of how I met my man in a similarly random series of events to my parents, the song is still a core reference. Even as things have been creatively lacklustre the music and the movie have returned again. Simon had never heard the soundtrack so last month we began listening to it each night. Now there's another layer of memories furnishing the home we make within ourselves, decorated with music, and with us for life. And here, in our physical home.

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Images

1 and 2
and post title via Almost Famous 

Fortunate

On a Friday afternoon, a couple of weeks ago, I walked to Chinatown from Brisbane's CBD for some shopping. Located in Fortitude Valley, the ten minute walk is short but the scenery changes quickly. Referred to as The Valley, the clichéd and somewhat folkloric appeal is best understood on foot. Away from the styled city centre and in between Asian grocers, cheap eats, pigeons, and boutiques, I easily got lost. The streets have distinct individual characteristics that make me happy to be swallowed up. Despite the seediness and prevalence of law enforcers it's a place where I feel safe and inspired. On this day I collected Indian honey, bok choy, oolong tea, and my new favourites: soup spoons with a carp print. While I sat beneath the lanterns of the mall, the red globes both reflected and enhanced the setting sun. These fiery hints are part of the architecture of the space, and on that afternoon it seemed to glow on each awning and stone. Regardless of red symbolising fortune, what I experienced as I drank my tea - the sunset, the families heading to an early dinner, the smell of gardenias in the air - made it a particularly lucky evening.

That night we christened our new chopsticks and soup ladles with Beef Pho. Every time I eat this soup I'm reminded of how badly I want to visit Vietnam. While this recipe isn't as epic as the lush restaurant versions I've had, it satisfies my Pho, and to a certain degree, travel, craving. As much as I love trying traditional breakfasts from other countries, I don't think I could be bothered making this in the AM (regardless of how light but completely satisfying this is). Until we visit and enjoy it for breakfast, I think that we'll keep making it every few days as it's spicy and fresh, but not as heavy as most winter foods. I also think it's best with buckets of herbs, though it's fair to note that a quantity of that sort isn't quite pictured here.

Beef Pho, for two

2 x 500ml Cartons Continental Beef Consommé

500ml water

3 x star anise

2 x cinnamon quills

2 inch piece fresh ginger, diced

3 garlic cloves, diced

1 brown onion

1 lemon, juice and lemon zest

2 teaspoons brown or palm sugar

1/4 cup fish sauce

100g rice stick noodles

250g beef fillet, diced

1 bok choy, sliced lengthways

1 lemon, quartered

1 celery stick, sliced thinly

1/2 red onion, sliced

2 x red birds eye chilli, diced

2 x shallot, diced

1 handful each basil, coriander, mint

From list above, combine consommé through to fish sauce in a sauce pan. Bring to boil then simmer for 20 minutes. Taste and season depending on preference. Make sure soup is simmering for serving.

In the meantime, boil water and rehydrate rice noodles. Cook until al-dente (almost completely soft), and drain.

Take two bowls and divide noodles between them. Place bok choy, then raw beef on noodles*. Pour over stock and serve.

Squeeze over lemon wedges and top with herbs, celery, red onion, and chilli to enjoy.

*the broth poaches the beef, so it needs to be boiling hot.

 Recipe via Continental magazine ad, but tweaked a fair bit.

 

Ps, our Chinatown is full of fusion restaurants, so I can justify sharing our recipe for a Vietnamese soup. It's kind of too good not to pass along.

Lick!

Let's get into the dangerous territory of ultimate indulgence. Lick! Icecream is it. The fact of the matter is that I'm utterly obsessed with ice-cream in all its forms. Come to think of it, the only exception to that incredibly delicious rule is Vienetta. Despite my inability to resist all forms of frozen dairy and fruit, I've had to be restrict my intake of processed sugar and limit the occasions I get to enjoy my Weis bars and Paddle Pops (or suffer the side effects). Satisfying the urge with gelati is rather expensive*, so it was a dangerously happy discovery to find Lick! Despite the steep $13/Litre price tag, the ridiculous flavour combinations and a content tummy result in a worthwhile investment every now and then. The fact that it's made locally, here in Brisbane, makes it an even better company to support. I've also discovered that it's a dessert that's welcomed at any dinner party..or for breakfast on our part. In small doses of course.

Two extra things to love:

..they make limited edition Christmas flavours - last year's Gingerbread is still available!**

..Customised flavours (as above) are one thing, but the full range is rad and epic too. I'm crazy about the Dark Chocolate and Crunchy Peanut Butter (with actual bites of peanut) and the Roasted Coconut and Mango is wondrous too.  

I'm not really sure where Lick! is available other than the IGA Deli on Brunswick Street in New Farm. I think I've seen it elsewhere, but they have contact information here.

*for some reason gelati is fine to eat. Strange but good.

**I'm thinking of that, with Frangelico and nut butter.  

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All images via 

Word Association: Rosabaya

It's been a little while since I did my first Word Association post and while it's taken a number of months, I'm especially enamoured with this collection. Rosabaya is the soft meeting ground between the matte, functional neutrals and the multi-coloured metallic spectrum. The way it allows a mixture of über feminine and fun classic pieces that enhance natural beauty in every way is consistent as well as open-ended. It's something that will never go out of fashion, and establishes a base for style regardless of time or occasion. What's particularly interesting for me is how well I can see these pieces merging with other styles in an unpredictable yet fitting venture, regardless of an individual's penchant for this cut, that fit, or those sensations. In this set, I sought out items that tap into this timeless appeal and speak directly to the great epochs of fashion. Plus, word association wouldn't be the same without some staple pieces that are a part of every day life.

Left to right, top to bottom..
Miu Miu sunglasses, with playful, but not necessarily ergonomic appeal.
Asos ear cuff, seductive and sexy to combat the boredom of a drop earring.
Taste Turkish delight, rose in every form is irresistible.
Tiffany Rubedo cuff, defines sleek and chic to glam up any outfit without going Wonder Woman.
Diane Kruger rose-inspired make-up, highlights beauty in an easy way with just a few products.
Forever 21 rose gold nail polish, flirts prettily on the shelf and softly shimmers on nails.
Topshop Disco Body Con frock, modernises art deco just in time for a wintry escapade à la Gatsby.
1960s Gold Lamé turban, finishes any outfit that might seem a bit straight forward.
Garnier Miracle Skin Perfecter cream, creates a natural base and glow that is unbeatable.
Lancôme Hypnôse Senses, liquid blush tones hint at the pink pepper blooms as patchouli blossoms. 
Antique Rose Gold Solitaire ring, lends a natural beauty with a woodsy, branch-faceted band.
1950s Cat Eye Glasses, gives making eyes a sassy dimension with metals.
Peony bouquet, provides pure and luscious scent and voluptuous indulgence.
1980s Two-Tone XO flats, introduce love and shine to every day footwear with a comfortable heel.
Red Velvet Mod Velvet turban, is a cosy option for blustery mornings, evenings, and in-between.*
Topshop Treasure Metallic Nails, amp up copper and rose tones that make each digit a pearly coin.

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Sources and images

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 

9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

*Red Velvet Turban not available anymore: tutorial DIY here and similar here
Post title from Nespresso's Rosabaya, the main inspiration for this post lies in the colour    

Addendum

So, I've spent the last few weeks focusing on the nourishing things, like getting healthy, reading everything in sight, spending time with both of our families, hosting visitors from interstate, planning out some new goals, achieving some old ones, and enjoying the spoils of this new season. For me, that last one means apples, apples, and more apples. Now I'm ready to jump right back in, and get as creative as possible. These really are such special times..

Addendum of these times, in clockwise fashion..
Ridiculous toasted sandwiches, a new tradition. Here: mascarpone, mozarella, bacon, prune, pesto, and parsley + whiskey neat.
After the rain came this beauty.
S so gripped by Game of Thrones, even the pizza was ignored.
A re-read of some treasured cooking bibles. Lemon tartlets?

I hope you had a wonderful Easter!