"The ocean takes care of each wave until it gets to shore" - Rumi

It's crazy to think that I'm nearing the 5 year anniversary of moving to Melbourne. So much has happened. My career took a new direction after I gave up what was seemingly my dream job and after a solid 4 years of hard work and many steep learning curves I have the promotion and the job that I often doubted was within my reach.  I have a few weeks break before the new chapter begins.  I thought I would cry as I said goodbye to the office that was my second home, but I didn't.  I had cried when I was updating my resume 5 weeks prior.

I have my draws to empty and years of paperwork to file (which is sitting in the back seat of the car).  New profiles to write.  New networks to build.  A huge exhibit I'm working on for the Australian Open.  And lots of spring cleaning to do. (I spent most of the morning degreasing and polishing the oven and it's looking damn fine).

Here's to new beginnings, including some warm weather (wishful thinking as it's November and I still have the heater on!!!)

These photos were snapped last weekend on a rare warm and sunny day at Hampton Beach.  It's odd though isn't it.  When I lived in St Kilda I drove to the beach in Brighton and now that I live in Brighton I drive to the beach in Hampton.  The way I'm going I'll be living in Sorrento in 20 years (one can only hope!!)

Not much into betting on horses, but my pick for tomorrow is Drunken Sailer.  Can't go past the name.  Who's your pick?

Outfit notes - Bracelets-Sisco Berluti. Blazer-Zara. Singlet-Witchery. Flats-Witchery. Skirt-Supre. Necklace-Peeptoe

Suitcase Stuffing

I'm trying to piece together some looks for the trip.  Things that will translate between mild autumn weather in one city and winter temperatures in the other. 3 pairs of shoes at the very most. Enough room in the suitcase to bring back LOTS of art books. One rule I always follow is taking only the things I love.  If I think it's perfect for a destination, yet I haven't worn it for 18 months, chances are it will sit in my suitcase at the destination too. A wardrobe (or 2 wardrobes) of things and nothing feels right.  Here's what I'm feeling but struggling to execute....

all via pinterest.

Perfect Natasha Poly

An amazing ed from Spanish Vogue to finish the week. Bon weekend... x













via fashiongonerogue

HOT PINK

I umm-ed and ahh-ed about the Zara blazer for 3 months before I decided to add it to my newly edited wardrobe.  Then began the painful part - deciding what to wear it with.  Thank goodness for Pinterest.  Outfit posts to come.

Inspiration for motivation

Surely I’m not the only one who lets the exercise and good eating habits fall by the wayside during the colder months?

It’s too cold to don shorts and go to the gym, right?  It’s too dark to go for a run after work, right?  Or so I kept telling myself.  The bathroom is too cold for body brushing before a shower.  Apples taste better with peaches in a pie with a dollop of cream on top.  Excuses.

The result is a scary sight in the mirror which has been hiding under layers of clothes for months and some seriously drastic changes required to the routine.  I have always loved exercise, but my struggles with cold weather are well documented on this blog and I cannot motivate myself to do anything with full gusto when it’s freezing and miserable outside, let alone exercise.  As the days get longer and I’m a bit happier I intend to lug my gym bag around.  Sugar is also an enemy that’s banned from the house.  No trips to Luxbite.  No French Toast from Las Chikas to kick start the weekend.  Snack drawer at my desk now contains fresh fruit and almonds.  No mini cupcakes in sight.  Hello blueberry smoothie for breakfast as opposed to a large cup of coffee.  The Nepresso machine at home is just too tempting.  Now I’ll make the blender catch my eye instead.

My new, amazing, Seafolly bikini deserves the best of me.

I figure if I publish this post, I have to stick to the rules.  Wish me luck.  

All White

Lately I've been obsessed with white.  Summer doesn't seem to be anywhere near Melbourne (hello biggest volume of rain fall in September since the 1950's) yet I can't help but be dreaming of golden brown skin (thanks to St Tropez) and lots and lots of white.

Some files I've had saved as inspiration.

Am loving this Zara blouse

Perfection

I've picked up some wonderful, perfectly tailored shorts from Zara, an oversized draped tank from Scanlan and Theodore and the longed for linen shift dress.  TICK!

Crepe Sunday

One of the first things I learnt to cook was crepes.  If you want to call it cooking.  They are a staple of an Eastern European child's life.  We'd play outside for hours on end and then run to someone's house at dusk for crepes made by their mum.  My favourite filing was plum jam.

There are two versions.  A very dough-y, soft crepe and an almost wafer crisp crepe which I made on Sunday morning for a late breakfast.  The trick is the ratio of milk to water.  The more milk, the crispier the crepe.

I like to beat my batter by hand and rest it in the fridge for about half an hour.

With berries and creme fraiche.  Anything goes though.  Cream.  Mascarpone.  Pistachio nuts.

Cuddles with a tired and sleepy Monty.

Crispy Crepes (recipe makes 6 large crepes)

125g plain flour

2 fresh organic eggs

250ml lukewarm milk

1 tablespoon butter

Combine all ingredients and beat with a hand whisk or electric mixer for 1 minute.  Rest in fridge for at least half an hour.  Voila!