Pretty

We spent Sunday morning up on the Hawkesbury River, just north of Sydney. How lucky I felt having breakfast with my beautiful family, followed by a swim in such pretty surrounds.

New Vintage

Thought I would share some recent op shops finds. At only 50c a piece, this lovely old cutlery has found it's way into my collection. I love old cutlery, especially bone handled knives and use them all the time for cheese and pate. These bone handled fish knives are so lovely to use and I believe, make the fish taste even better than when using an ordinary dinner knives. I polish all of my old finds with a silver cloth on a regular basis and for all (except those with bone handles), wash them as usual daily in the dishwasher. I love their scratches and patina, just shows how many wonderful dinners they've been part of.

Coral Inspired

I enjoy setting up little table scapes and this one is currently in my hallway. As you can see, I'm quite fond of shells and coral. Nestled in there are some candles which I made using soy wax and pretty jars. I light these at night and the whole table glows. Makes a welcoming entrance to my home.

Magnolia Cupcakes

On a recent visit to New York, I found myself standing outside of the very famous, and amazingly tiny Magnolia Cupcake bakery. I stared through the window as the expert cake icers twirled their knives to achieve perfect peaks with their soft, sugery whips. Licking my lips, of course I had to try one and divine and spongey it was with a very generous portion of perfectly piled icing on top. If you're cupcake crazy, it's definitely worth a visit or perhaps you have already been there? Let me know...

Christmas is coming

If you've been to the shops lately you'll no doubt see that Christmas is in full swing. I've also been crafting my little hands off for some up and coming stories for New Idea magazine. Once they're out I'll post them, in the meantime here's a little cheery face, one of many I made this week from some of last year's baubles.

Thank you

It's so lovely to be thanked, especially by hand. Too often the postman only brings bills and interest rate hikes, so when I received this lovely parcel of goodies, I was naturally excited. It was from Alison at Little Nest for featuring her shop in my blog. Alison, now I'm thanking you for a timely reminder for me to slow down a little, write more note cards and create small gifts to send. A kind and personal gesture like this can go a long way indeed.

Cute Shop

I was lucky enough to travel to Albury in rural NSW last week and visited this cute shop called Little Nest along the way. Filled with gorgeous things, it was a real treat to discover as I was searching for a housewarming gift for my brother. For him, I picked up a pair of pillows for his sofa, and for me - a blue Pratten leather purse which I'm loving. The owner Alison Viney is a local girl with a great eye and seems immensely happy in her stylish little corner of the world. Thumbs up and do stop by if ever you're travelling through town. Little Nest 47 Dean Street Albury NSW 2640