Last days of 2014

I am not on leave just yet, although work has been quiet so I've had time to do a few things around the house and get out a little bit.

Ariana woke up at 5am on Boxing Day so that was a good enough reason to go to the city for and check out the sales.  

I shared a bottle of Pol Roger with my BFF and Ariana worked on her new Peppa Pig puzzle

I went to the beach for the first time this summer, but of course the little person currently hates the sand and water and didn't last very long.

This is my favourite new froyo from Yochi.  Hazelnut chocolate vegan yoghurt made with almond milk.  It's even better than you might imagine

Home made strawberry and apple jam.  So easy and SOOOOO delicious.

Wishing you all good health and prosperity in 2015, thanks for reading and being a part of my life journey xxxxxx

COS hits Melbourne

I wondered into the newly opened COS store on boxing day.  It was tame and everything was 30% off so I walked out with this gorgeous blue (which looks grey in the photo) knit and rose gold necklace.  The top has a full length zip at the back to add some contrast.  It's been on high rotation already.

Night out at Trunk

Super fun night out at Trunk.  One of my favourites in Melbourne.

Wishing you all a wonderful and very Merry Christmas x

Mum life

Waking up before 6am, eating breakfast before 7.  Almond milk latte and a long hot shower saving the day.  But I get to wear drop crotch trousers and a t shirt so it's all good.  

2014 Christmas Gift Guide

My 2011 and 2013 editions were a hit.  I had lots of comments and tweets from people saying that they would be purchasing some of those items.  So lovely!

This year my focus is on the things my loved ones love, and getting them a luxury version of it.  The best seats I can find for a concert/ballet/opera.  The best chocolate.  The most luxurious candle.  Things along those lines.

Here are some ideas for all genders and ages.

Voted the world's best single malt whiskey.  And it's our very own.  

Marching Powder book.  For the men in your life who aren't huge readers but love a rough and tumble story.  Have heard great reviews from some guys I work with.  

Paul Smith socks.  Superior in style and quality. 

If you really want to be in his good books this year.... Skywatch.  They are giving all the wonderful readers of this blog $100 off any purchase. Use code WOREITWELL at checkout.  Let me know what your favourite is.

Frank Body scrub and balm pack.  THE BEST! 

Samantha Wills Bardot ring - amazing in every colour. 

I really, REALLY want these Frend x sass & bide headphones.  So if someone is looking for a gift to buy me, this is it haha

I am actually saving this for Ariana's birthday, but it looks so fun I couldn't resist when I found it online for 40% off.  Valley Treehouse - one left here.

I've got this little Apples to Pears Farm in a Tin ready to go for our flight.  Such a fun gift for little ones who love to take things in and out of boxes a thousand times.  

The most wonderful time of the year

Every year I promise myself to be more prepared for Christmas and the summer holidays that follow and every year I find myself frantically trying to get everything done.  Surely I haven't been the only one who isn't sure what salads to make yet.  Or the only one who hasn't put up any decorations?

I have committed to yet another mammoth pre holiday clean up and shake up.  Out with old linen, tea towels and towels.  Turfing some very well loved winter gear, boxing up baby clothes (can't bring myself to get rid of EVERYTHING just yet).  I have new bikinis, new cushions.  Most of the Christmas gift shopping was done online thanks to some wonderful store wide xx% off discounts that my favourite retailers have treated us all to.

There is still a lot of wrapping to do, a Kmart wishing tree gift for Ariana to pick out.. dry cleaning to drop off, shoes to be reheeled, bills to be paid and filed away, friends to have dinner with, clients to write cards for.  Over the holidays I will order some photo albums, rotate toys and toddler activities and clean out the kitchen cupboards.  Nothing beats leaving behind a spotless and organised home before heading off for holidays.  I also want to start a really, really small herb garden.... 

The Age Good Food Night Noodle Market

I really love Melbourne in summer.  

I made it to the Night Noodle Market in the knick of time.   I was too busy last weekend and the weather wasn't great during the week and suddenly good food month was over.  Melbourne hit 35 degrees but I dragged a toddler into town.  And it was worth it.  I didn't get to try as many dishes as I had hoped but there's always next year.  It was a lovely way to spend an early evening.

Chin Chin Pork Slider ($9)

Gelato Messina goodness ($9).  There was biscuit, meringue, 3 scoops of ice cream AND custard.  Amazing! 

Barney's Warehouse additional 40% off

I love a good Barney's % off already discounted sale.  Shipping may not be quick but the treats are always worth waiting for.

Here are my picks.

iPad clutch

If it's time to replace that well worn black skirt, this maybe the one to replace it with.

I have a hard time finding knits that are long in the arms and this one looks a winner.

Amazing way to bring colour to the office. And SOOOO cheap.  

I have no use for these incredible disco shoes but surely someone else out there does???

I love this whole look.  The skirt has pockets, what's there to think about??

When I grow up I want to be Jenna Lyons

I don't really need to say anything about this outfit. It's incredible. 

'I like being a woman, even in a man’s world. After all, men don't wear dresses, but we can wear the pants.' - Whitney Houston

photo via the coveteur 

I just love that quote by Whitney Houston.  Do you find that people are judgemental about what others wear?  I do.  Wasn't Steve Jobs' black turtle neck a hot topic every time he launched a new product?  Although these days I'm often in loose jeans or shorts when I'm at home, the days in the office are always spent in a dress or skirt and heels.  Heels are non negotiable.  I even wore heels while I was pregnant.  I certainly didn't suffer.  Life is too short to wear uncomfortable shoes so when I do find the right pair they come home with me and they're worn to death.  I do get tired of the arguments that caring about your clothes and how you look invalidates your ability to be good at your job.  My overall looks add to my power.  It makes me feel more like myself without it impacting my professional skills.  

Thank you!

Papier D'Amour thank you cards

I feel terribly guilty that I don't get to write regular posts and visit other blogs.  It was one of my favourite things to do.  It's just become increasingly difficult to find time to allocate to this hobby.  I have plenty to write but time just gets away from me so quickly.  Before I know it it's Thursday night and another week has almost passed.

So I wanted to say thank you.  Think for continuing to visit my blog (I am always amazed at how many unique visits I get), thank you for engaging with me via social media.  Thank you!  I promise to post more regularly this summer.  In an effort not to neglect the people I treasure the most in life I'm planning on mailing out some hand written thank you cards.  I Christmas cards are also in the works early this year.  

Dry body brushing

I have oily, yet at the same time horribly dry skin. It's often a fine line between the two. Neglecting one problem makes the other worse. Kiehl's Creme de Corps is an expensive necessity for the dryness (yes I've tried every alternative and they have all failed) and recently I've become obsessed with dry body brushing. Not only does it remove all the visible (and invisible) dry skin but it allows my moisturiser to absorb deeper and I swear it helps with lumps and bumps. I should have jumped on the bandwagon much sooner. The Mio brush fits perfectly in the hand and when I'm organised enough to have a proper morning shower I notice how much more awake I feel as it tingles and boosts circulation.  Highly recommended in any bathroom.

Launching Movida Solera @ Movida Acqui

A few weekends ago I spent 3 hours at Movida Acqui eating a 10 course lunch and washing it down with 4 glasses of wine.  All the meals were cooked straight out of the new Movida Solera book and Frank and Richard were in attendance to tell us about their 5 week food adventure through Spain.  It was indeed a very decadent way to spend an afternoon.  

The meals were not only wonderful but they were also simple.  Occasionally it's nice to be able to flip through a cookbook and make a meal with ingredients that are already at home in the fridge.   

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ― Lao Tzu

I used to be all about the buzz, but now I'm all about serenity.  I used to live so close to St Kilda Botanic Gardens but I never, ever went there.  Now it's one of my favourite places to run or to sit and think (often while my toddler is running away from me in the opposite direction).  We eat strawberries and giggle and pick flowers and roll on the grass.  I'm so blessed that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are days for just us.  We fill the fridge and do some washing and then we have some fun.  A dear friend of mine always said that life will find a way and it really, truly has.  

I've learnt not to complain about things I can't change and embrace the way that things are.  I'm all the happier for it.  My favourite part of Sunday afternoon was 40 minutes to myself listening to jazz music and prepping dinner.  

On holiday

Playing in the sand 

1.2km of stairs at 5am. 

Colour

The best spot to enjoy hot lemon water at 5am

Chambray love.  Wearing it every day.

Stirring mum a drink

Sunrise from QT hotel

Grocer & Grind 

I don't think I realised how tired and burnt out I was until the stress of going on holiday was over. Repeated illness and running on empty. Not enough sleep. Not enough hours in the day. I was pulling myself together and faking it with good shoes and make up. That's just what you do. We all live in the same world. Attached to our phones and emails and petrified of people's reactions if we cannot be reached right then and there. Going on holidays stressed me out. Being away and having to pack to go away didn't seem worth it. I made a giant list of toddler necessities I needed to pack and another list of "maybe I also need this stuff just in case" which left room for about 3 outfits for me to wear for 3 weeks. And it's damn awesome to open up a suitcase and not have to make a choice about what to wear that day. I was up before 5 most days. I ran up countless stairs. I enjoyed sunshine and amazing food. I loved the early morning rising and early night routine. I even managed a siesta or two (or six).  There's a reason why we go on holiday.  I've already booked my next one.