Maggie Beer's Farmshop

This year seems to be passing me by way too quickly.  I am so confused about what's next for me.  I've had so many commitments of late that I have had very little free time to enjoy life and thus little to blog about.  Food and cooking however have been a huge passion.  I am loving my kitchen and am spending hours experimenting with recipes, digging up old magazine cut outs and tweaking some of my favourites.

I also took a little break and headed to South Australia.  A change of pace and plenty of fresh produce and wineries to explore.

Maggie Beer has done wonderful things for the food industry in Australia - from restaurants to cook books and her own authentic produce.  Her farmshop in Barossa Valley was a little difficult to find, but so very charming.  It was the perfect pit stop on a bitterly cold and wet late autumn Sunday afternoon.  The open fire in the corner hit the spot (as did the cheese picnic basket and glass of red wine).

I came home with some delicious quince paste, a bottle of verjuice for cooking as well as some of Maggie's olive oil and dukkah.  The dukkah is incredible.  The different nuts and seeds create the most intense flavour and surprise to the taste buds.  Can't wait to use it as a coating for lamb.

Cheese picnic basket {$15}

New LBD

I'm really excited about picking up this dress for those occasions when I feel like I have nothing to wear (which is a common occurance these days).  Zip up and go. I think it can be cross seasonal and dressed up or down.  Very happy with my latest buy.

Luxbite - South Yarra

If you are a fan of delicious, impeccable and decadent desserts, but don't live in Sydney to frequent Adriano Zumbo (see my post HERE), I do recommend Luxbite on Toorak Road in South Yarra.  I work close by yet didn't stop in until last week when I was desperate for some cheer - the weather is bitingly cold already and winter hasn't even officially started and I've been doing some crazy hours at work.  What's a girl to do?

Penelope Cruz - US Vogue - June 2011

Freckles and all.  And that Dolce & Gabbana collection is THE collection of the season, isn't it?  Oh northern summer, when will we meet again...

images via vogue.com

“Beauty is a form of genius - is higher, indeed, than genius, as it needs no explanation. It is of the great facts in the world like sunlight, or springtime, or the reflection in dark water of that silver shell we call the moon.”

Effortless Olivia

Why oh why can't I look this chic wearing jeans and flats?

via whowhatwear

Off duty

Once in a while I get the urge to leave the city and spend time on my own.  Thinking, dreaming, reflecting and planning.  Writing lots and lots of lists.  And eating delicious food and drinking wine.  Last week I took a drive to the Yarra Valley and had lunch at Tokar Estate.  A stunningly picturesque setting and delicious food indeed.  A favourite new discovery.  The autumn colours photographed wonderfully and the sunshine was out in force to top off a perfect day.

Wishing you all a great week! X

witchery 'ada' boots

j brand jeans

glassons knit

mk2k faux fur vest

scanlan & theodore clover belt

witchery 'amali' bag

Autumn colours

Local produce tasting platter

It's a wrap!

In October last year I posted about this wonderful Alexander Wang wrap sweater.  See the post here.

I thought about it for way too long and buy the time my mind was made up - it was sold out!

I found myself in a Country Road store at lunch time and low and behold something very similar caught my eye.  I won't kid myself that it's the same, but it will have to do.

 

The polyvore still stands.  I might just throw a belt over it. 

Royal Wedding - William & Kate

What on earth do I write about the royal wedding that hasn't been written?  The only thing that I can think of is that I am glad that I didn't watch it on my own.  Watching the encore the following day turned me into a crying mess.  The girls kept me entertained on Friday night - just enough not to cry.  Admittedly though, I cry at most weddings.

Putting aside Kate's social climbing family the whole thing was very exquisite.  Even though in today's day and age the royal families are virtually redundant, one cannot ignore the significant sacrifices they have made for their respective countries.  The wars they have fought for the freedom and land that we call our own.  Nobody should be allowed to take that from the ancestors of these brave people.  And I'm not sure that I agree with the "watering down" of the bloodlines.  I guess there's only so many distant cousins you can marry...

Kate completely forgot who she was meant to be when she left the hotel.  She was waving enthusiastically and carefree like any bride.

The dress was perfect for the occasion.  Let's not forget that 17 monarchs are buried within those walls.  Something conservative, yet grand was a must.  It complimented the occasion and the setting perfectly.  And it complimented Kate's usual style brilliantly.  I didn't enjoy the angora sweater worn as the reception dress - she would have looked amazing in Pippa's bridesmaid dress.  Not that Pippa didn't look DIVINE!  William was dashing in his uniform and looked to be bursting with love and excitement at his bride.  He made the whole event about her.  Holding her hand, slightly tilting his body towards her and repeatedly asking her if she was okay.  He's grown into the most wonderful, charming and confident man.  His mother would be thrilled.  I didn't really think that Camilla should have joined them for the signing of the registry.  I don't think that anyone should replace their mother and they should have respected the fact that Lady Diana wasn't there.  Her place should have been left empty in the altar.

And if nothing else, an event like this was needed in Britain, which has been one of the hardest hit places on the planet by the financial crisis.  The boost to morale of the people is priceless.

Like any couple who have married knows, the elation one feels on the day and in the days following is a feeling unlike any other and I'm glad they're now able to enjoy a few days to reflect on a perfect day.  Many years!