FAUX FUCHSIA

Pagodas and Vending Machines.

2018-09-28T08:03:00.001+10:00

All Hail the Five Storey Pagoda.
I know. It's gorgeous.

Meanwhile, Tokyo is a city of Many Vending Machines.

And appealing sunsets.

Whiskey is popular too.

Never let them make you Treat the Bill at the Fish Markets! Never!

Nice to see some salvias living the dream on Cat Street.

The view that Bill Murray and Scarlett J had in Lost in Translation-

This was one of my favourite parts of Tokyo, it was absolutely peaceful, quiet and serene-

Interested in Outfits of the Military Elite? Me too. And they were even better than expected. Look:

The most beautiful screen, possibly ever:

Watching the Judicial Committee Hearings? Me too.

Stay Sane. And Focussed.

xxxx

Tokyo Life.

2018-09-27T08:05:00.001+10:00

Tokyo has a million tricks up her tiny sleeve.

Everyone told us to go to the fish markets and eat sashimi.We did as we were told. Loved all those doll sized restaurants that only seat 5 patrons.

Wasabi in its natural state:

I call this part of Shinjuku Crazy Town. Because it's crazy. In a good way.

You can't get Cinnabon in Australia, and I haven't had one since 2004 in Dubai ( I can hardly remember my own name, but this I do recall).

Still as good.

Stay sane.

xxxxx

Tokyo.

2018-09-25T22:47:00.001+10:00

Tokyo is exactly as you'd expect it to be.

It's the Plastic Display Food Capital of the World!

Matcha and I will never be friends.

These clever angles keep the snow off:

Wasabi kit kat anyone?

Everyone loves a Bride

I luff the food halls in the department stores

And I especially loved the Imperial Palace Gardens with its 400 year old walls made from rocks brought from Mount Fuji and lack of flowers. All that green was very soothing.

And remember, straight lines make it easy for an army to storm your palace- have lots of twists and turns like the Shoguns did.

There's something in that for all of us really.

The perfect lion lamp:

And because everyone loves a bride, here's another-

I know. So gorgeous.

Stay calm and alert. Or frenzied and alarmed.

Whatever suits.

xxxx

Royal Wedding Debrief.

2018-05-21T13:48:00.002+10:00

Well I thoroughly enjoyed the lead up to, and the royal wedding itself. Sad it's over.

Everyone really got into the spirit.

I even wheeled out my Irish Linen Charles and Di tea towels. (these were my friend's grandma's and she gave them to me last year).

Apparently in 1981 Di got cold feet and wanted to pull out but her sisters said "Too late, your face is on the tea towels".
Exhibit A:

Loved this made for tv movie about Harry and MM.

This is meant to be G and Old Kate having brekky:

And these actors looked pretty much like the real MM and Harry:

Sad Di wasn't there.
I think she would have eventually remarried and that she and Prince C would have come together as friends and behaved for the sake of the kids.

Love her:

Freaking loved Queen Mary's tiara that the Queen Mum wore at her wedding and that MM wheeled out:

Loved Prince C walking MM up the aisle. Also loved the gospel choir, the flower arches, Camilla's hat, Doria's outfit, the people watching, HM in green and purple, and all the fascinating commentary.

Old Sophie looked nice. Good to see some sparkle

Perfect (from Mari Andrew) -

I kind of want to make a lemon cake now

Naturally we celebrated here (roast beef with all the trimmings including Yorkshire puddings)

Whistlestop tour of Sydney for Mothers and Aunts Day

Finally it's Scarf Weather. Hooray! Because Sydney was freezing.

These Two made what can only be described as a Huge Fuss.

Here's my heavily teased dyed and sprayed 'do outside Catalina. The gale force wind momentarily threatened the Integrity of the Tease, but luckily, High Hair Prevailed. Thank God.

Thanks for getting me the table Janet T (not her real name). Love you to bits for it.

And we drank your wine.

Speaking of my Versace top, when does the mini series start?

Winner:

Fratelli. Love it there.

Freaking LOVE this scarf that beautiful J sent me from Paris. I will always treasure it.

Dying for Hello mag? Me too. And for the Prince Charles 70th birthday snaps as well.

Stay focussed.

xxxx

May Day.

2018-05-07T11:07:00.001+10:00

Love it when my Paradise Venessa camellia flowers. If only it was all year round.

Read my friend J's mum's copy of Heartburn back in 1991 and decided to revisit it again.

It's still as funny and poignant as ever and makes you want to cook immediately. I went on a bit of a Nora reading jag then and read this too:

It was fabulous.

Hello my beautiful Staub Cast Iron Tomato Love! I can tell we will always be very very happy.

At last -scarf weather! Hooray!

I have a feeling that this leopard coat thingy was real. And that maybe it was a gift from the Emperor of Ethiopia.

Wonder where it ended up.

This is a great read:

Say what you will about Danish born Queen Alexandra- she went in HARD with the accessories.

I am nothing if not a Joiner

Look, it's the Golden Armadillo of Happiness! He's named Louis after the Prince.

Thanks so much to whoever gave me the idea

Went to a Fantastic school mums lunch with All The Big Names

This book made me feel anxious from start to finish. Brideshead it wasn't but you'll read it fast and there are lots of twists and turns. Enjoy.

Popped into Joli Boutique on Racecourse Road to purchase my body weight in clothes and try on all the hats

Is anyone else Hardcore Traumatised by the season 2 of The Handmaiden's Tale? I can hardly bear to watch. It's way different from the book now and makes Game of Thrones look PG. I'm not sure how much more I can take.

Meanwhile- Trigger Warning!

Pattern Haters avert your eyes now!!!

Because for me, Too Much is Never Enough.

Loving leopard sick? Me too. I love love love those napkins that beautiful LC sent me from California. They always make me smile

It's a public holiday here, and a bit grey and overcast.

So I might channel HM, embrace The Cosy and hunker down with some books and telly:

Stay calm and motivated. Or panicked and lazy.

I'm all about Options.

xxxxxx

Anzac Day 2018

2018-04-25T10:08:00.000+10:00

Poppies for Anzac Day.

I've just wept my way through the service at the Ithaca War Memorial because it makes me so sad to think of all that senseless loss of young life.

As always, my poppy vase from the 1940s, rosemary to Remember and olive branches for Peace.

When I was growing up the focus was Gallipoli, but this year it's all about the western front the Western Front.

That's where my great great uncle George (jeweller and watch maker) fought with the Pioneers

And where my great great Uncle Len (Nin) a miner from Toowoomba fought and was wounded in October 1917. We all know from Sebastian Faulks's Birdsong that miners were highly valued in the trenches. He was injured in Belgium and had his leg amputated when he was 21.

This is Len with George and my late grandfather H with my Dad on Christmas Day in the 1940s-

Mt great great Uncle Tom fought at Gallipoli and in the middle east and was court martialed and imprisoned for forging documents to get his hands on 2 cases of black and white whiskey. I wish so much I could find a photo of him. He pleaded not guilty. Really need to order that transcript. By this point he'd been overseas with the Lighthorse for 4 years. I'd have wanted the whiskey too.
More than 2 cases. Maybe 37.

On a happier note, there's nothing better than a baby.

Kate looked sensational. Can't wait for the christening. It's a big year what with Harry's wedding and all.
I miss those baby years.

I'm reading this and loving it. Beaton knew everyone. You would not want him as an enemy.

I saw the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society movie with my friends and loved it. I'd read the book ages ago and think it's pretty true to the story.

The islanders suffered so much under the Germans.

Cue the Channel Island visuals from 2010 right now!

Who doesn't luff a Norman fort?

Jersey cow from Central Casting:

So Famous Five/Smugglers Cove-esque

My Dad was the first grandchild in both his parent's families.

My late Grandfather's little sister Stella died recently (at 90), making my dad in the eldest person in the family.

I wish I could halt time. Or at least rewind it when I felt like it.

Happy Belated Birthday Gorgeous

And just like clockwork, Band of Brothers is on foxtel. As always, it's hard to fathom what some people endure.

Stay Grateful. And be Productive.

xxxxx

Disco in the Air and Hairspray Everywhere.

2018-04-16T17:43:00.001+10:00

I hate to introduce a sad note, but today's the last day of school holidays.
I know. All good things must come to an end.

Meanwhile, even though it feels like she was just born, my beautiful god daughter turned 16.

And then our beautiful boy turned 7.
7!!!
I know. I can hardly fathom it myself.

That went fast. Too fast.

Caught up with all the Keepers of the Fables.

Hosted all the Big Names-

I wasn't keen to start this book because the blurb on the back wasn't great, but the guy at the book shop said everyone was raving about it. They were right- I couldn't put it down and loved it sick.

Run Don't Walk. You will not be disappointed. Loved Mr Wong's in Sydney.

Even wheeled out a scarf for it.

I loved this book so much. Laugh out loud funny. Enjoy.

If you can see the Lady and the Unicorn at the Art Gallery of NSW you should. Because it is amazing.

Caught up with Fabulous K.

God I love this book:

Crazy Times:

Felt sad for Rory when he got stuck in the azaleas but on a side note, how stunning are they? You can just tell those gardeners at Augusta wouldn't stand for any red spider mites (or any other filthy varmints) attacking their shrubs.

Apparently the Duke loved gardening.

Spent some School Holiday Quality Time with the school Mums.

This is my friend A rocking what can only be described as fancy leopard print like No One's Business:

Saw the Curious Affection exhibition at Goma. I swear one of the creature's eyes followed me.

Grandma's 1950 gerbera bloomed in my garden. Good. I like the continuity.

Apparently people dress just like they decorate.

Seems accurate.

Exhibit A:

Loved the Egyptian exhibition at the Museum. They served wine in these attractively appointed vessels:

I have nothing else to report. Stay sane. And focused.

xxxxx

Roses, Carbs, Sydney, Dorm and Strang and Other Stuff.

2018-02-26T19:57:00.002+10:00

All this rain's been pretty fantastic for my roses.

Deep Fried Eggplant. So Good.

Beautiful salad at Fratelli Paradiso-

Clever Bee:

Always the very Best Food and People Watching at Catalina

This Granada rose never stops blooming

Low carb dieters avert your eyes ! Because I've been whipping up focaccias as if my life depends upon it. Maybe it does. I don't know.

In love with vintage Easton Pearson clothes? Me too. They really did the best stuff.

If you find a stash tell me first.

Beautiful flowers today from F. Love them!

HM's Standard Issue Queen Hair is looking Fantastic.

Lots of comments about AW keeping her sunnies on.

Making your own spinach and ricotta cannelloni filling? Me too.

I like to add nutmeg.

Live the edge I say.

Nothing better than a baby

Beautiful Gold Medal. All hail the hybrid teas.

A storm's raging outside. Fingers and toes the roof doesn't leak.

Stay sane.

xxxxxx

January 2018.

2018-01-23T19:48:00.000+10:00

I'm just having a photo stroll down January's Memory Lane.

I miss Hong Kong.

I know it misses me too.

Meanwhile, in Garden News, Well played Hannah Gordon Rose:

This vintage table cloth from N makes me 11/10 happy-

Nothing better than a Baby. Welcome Beautiful C.

Reminds me so much of all the happy days with my little boy.

Bliss.

The view from Ozone at the Ritz Carlton is pretty special-

Sometimes, the Garden just Shines. Even in Old Testament Conditions. And it makes us so happy.

Best gift form my girlfriend form Europe- I LUFF it!

Magic Hour-

I saw The Post and loved it. Makes me want to read the the Katharine Graham memoir again.
Princess Eugenie is engaged. I always remember that pink black and white YSL jacket that her mum wore when she left the hospital.

xxxxx

HK.

2018-01-04T20:09:00.000+10:00

Look how Perfect these Orchids are.

Meanwhile, we hopped on a train with Mickey shaped windows and other Mickey accoutrements and went to Disneyland.

Beautiful Sunrise

You can't book and there's a lineup but I loved the food-

Had the best day ever at Duddles.

Striding Purposefully into 2018-

Too much Zuma is never enough

I wish there was an MTR where I lived.

Stay sane. And alert not alarmed.

xxxxxxxx

Hong Kong.

2018-01-03T00:01:00.000+10:00

Some people don't like HK. But I am not one of them.

Best views, best food, best shopping, best walking, best people watching, best MTR.

What's not to love?

Zuma and it's Free Flowing Ruinart never disappoint.

Oh Goody:

God Bless the Star Ferry

Hello Sevva.

Hello dumplings.

Hello Cosy View

Hello Mao. And your quotations.

Look how clear it was at the Peak on the 27th-

So patient in Tory Burch. Those leopard cushions are nice aren't they?

Happy New Year. Where ever you are.

And Behave. Unless you can't be bothered.

xxxx

Christmas Eve 2017.

2017-12-24T15:12:00.001+10:00

Happy Christmas Eve.

I bought this memoir to read over the holidays but I've read it already because it was basically unputdownable. Tina knew literally everyone. What a life.

Beautiful perfumed delight rose-

Sand crab lasagna for the win

Does anyone else think this photo is a bit reminiscent of a political advertisement?

The kids look cute and are dead ringers for Kate's parents.

Meanwhile, these two look happy:

Anne looking marvellous:

Joan travels light. Not.

Looks promising-

What Hermes scarves is Clare Foy wearing here in The Crown?

And were they patterns from the early 1960s?

Someone will know.

Happy Christmas. Where ever you are. Stay safe and sane.

xxxxxx

Gorgeous Generous People and Lovely Things.

2017-12-11T16:43:00.000+10:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but I absolutely love this time of year-

Present buying! Family Christmas Parties! Catching up with Beautiful friends! School Holidays! Christmas Prep! Cards arriving in the post! Christmas Trees! Panttones! Cherry Liqueur Chocolates! Glazed baked ham! Wreaths galore! Gardens in bloom! My parents being here! All aspects of Communal Ham Handling! Christmas specials and cooking shows on tv! Compulsory office closures and public holidays!

Did I mention that I love it all?

Beautiful gold medal rose covering itself in glory:

Nigella said you can use choc chip cookie dough to make a sort of molten pudding.

I trust her pudding advice implicitly.

You know she's going to steer you in the right direction:

How gorgeous is this antique beehive button from Paris? Thanks J! I love it.

Wheeled out my vintage Jean Desses scarf from the most stylish woman on the eastern seaboard.

Or possibly the nation. So lucky.

It's wonderful seeing all the snowy northern hemisphere pre Christmas snaps but I'm loving our summer too.

God Bless the New Farm Deli. And all who eat there.

Clocked up 3 parties on the weekend, just like a Young Person.

Baked Olives for the Win (so so so good).

Lots of People apparently decorate their homes along the lines of how they dress.

I'm nothing, if not a joiner.

Went a beautiful family lunch and wanted to steal my clever aunt's entire amazing, enormous garden.

Love my Cousins.

Ok listen to me carefully. This is the best book I have read all year (and you know I've clocked almost 100, so I'm qualified to speak).

Seriously.

It's probably one of my top 5 memoirs of all time (right up there with Stuffed, Aunts Up the Cross and Good Living Street)

This book is so poignant, so beautifully written, and so moving in parts that you will start rationing chapters, because you will not want it to end. I've already decided that the moment I do, I'm reading it again.

Speaking of excellence, last night I went to a lovely party in probably the most beautiful house in the city.

Everything was stunning.

I always feel kind of lucky, but never more so than when I'm surrounded by the people and things I love.

Stay grateful. Or robustly unappreciative if that's the zone you're in .

That is all.

xxxxxxx

Attractive Stuff.

2017-12-03T12:06:00.000+10:00

Some people sneer at a geranium and a hybrid tea rose, preferring paler, subtler blooms.

Clearly, I am not one of them.

Lili Marlene is an absolute stalwart in the garden.

Surely, someone out there must know all these Hermes tie patterns?

Trigger Warning!

Hybrid Tea Haters Avert your Eyes!

Granada rose is practically my favourite at the moment.

I wish the Indian Hawthorn would flower at the same time as the agapanthus.

No One Gets It All.

Said Yes to Sparkle on Friday night. And Sequins. Just for Good Measure.

Seriously, how good are these Pucci shoes?

Granada, Double Delight and Golden Friendship looking picture perfect

I've been watching Martha and Snoop's Potluck. They seem to get on very well. I wonder if he's been to Skylands yet? (come on you were wondering too).

And because this is not a blog about World Peace, Miami Beet's always pretty isn't it?

Gold medal rose-

Love my vintage table cloth- thanks N! x

My favourite coasters-Coral! Mother of Pearl! Bright orange!

And can I just say Thank You to beautiful J in Paris who sent me this utterly divine Hermes scarf

I know. It is beyond stunning.

I will think of you whenever I wear it J.

There's Honour amongst Thieves and There's Camaraderie and Kindness amongst Hermes Scarf Lovers.

And in exciting Christmas theming news, Ann Getty does a no rubbish, high end tree-

And the Churchill Arms aren't mucking around with their theming either

Love this present decoration that my little boy made-

Advent Calendar Time.

Because more tiny sharp pieces of Lego are just what this household needs.

More present decorations:

Trigger Warning!

Psychopaths!

Like many of you, I often feel that my Psychopath Identification Skills aren't what they should be.

But this should help:

I for one cannot wait to develop the necessary skills to scientifically identify and deal with Psychopaths. Because God knows they're out there, lurking about, ruining lives and causing chaos.

Trigger Warning!

Aphids!

Black spot! (I know, so upsetting)

Don't worry, I've given them a good spray now. If you want to attack my roses aphids, you're going to have to deal with the consequences.
Meanwhile I can't stop thinking about one of my top ten favourite movies, Kind Hearts and Coronets from 1949. Alec Guinness plays about 6 characters and if you haven't seen it, Run Don't Walk. It's 11/10.

Stay grateful and kind. Or bitter and cruel. You know I'm all about Choice.

xxxxxx

Wednesday.

2017-11-29T06:44:00.000+10:00

Hear that noise? It's my garden singing with joy because it's raining! Happy Days.

Now all I have to do is get rid of the aphids, black spot, plagues of grasshoppers and possums and it'll stand a fighting chance.

Meanwhile I see that Old Harry's wedding is set in Windsor for May. Better start planning my party. There'll definitely be coronation chicken.

Last week of school for the Younger Players before their 642 weeks of holidays start. That went fast.

Wish I could slow time down.

Couldn't have done it without my fellow school mums keeping me up to date with all the necessary intel.

The Don Burke story beggars belief. Where will it all end?

Righto, nothing else to report except the excellent news that Meghan Markle is a leo (4 August). Explains the awesome hair.

Stay cheerful. Or incandescent with rage. Whatever takes your fancy.

xxxx

Prince Harry's Engaged!

2017-11-27T21:03:00.003+10:00

As if this day wasn't happy enough (school report! Garden blooming! Holidays on the Horizon!) Prince Harry's getting married!

You know how much I love a love a Royal Wedding!

Hooray.

xxx

International Baking Solidarity.

2017-11-26T06:23:00.000+10:00

Hope my American friends had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I thought of you all day.

So in the Spirit of International Baking Solidarity, I made this:

It was 100 times better than last year's effort, but I still don't love it.

Here's my Pumpkin Pie recipe:

Butter you pie dish- mine's not very big- and place your shortcrust pastry on the base and sides and shove it on the fridge. I didn't blind bake it. I couldn't find the tinned pumpkin so I peeled, chopped and slow dry roasted a whole butternut pumpkin, which I then pureed. This weighed about 310g. Then I added 2 eggs, 60g caster sugar, 40g of brown sugar, a splash of vanilla, dried cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and 120g cream to the pumpkin puree and blitzed it in my food processor. I tipped this into the pie dish, said a prayer to the Patron Saint of Thanksgiving Stephen Andrew Jones and shoved it into a a 210 degree oven for 10 minutes then I turned the oven to 160 degrees for another 30 minutes.

It smelt delicious, but I remain ambivalent.

Cheesecake it isn't.

But I enjoyed the Baking Journey, and that's the Main Thing.

Meanwhile, the Universe directed me to bake these:

My life-

I'm not surprised that Martha knows Karl. I enjoy watching her and Snoop Dog on their Potluck Dinner Party show (SBS Viceland on Sunday nights at 8.30pm- you can thank me later)

Speaking of Karl, this is the crazy inverted tree he dreamt up for Claridges:

It's Fabulous.

You can just tell he'd be super impressed with this candy cane pipe cleaner reindeer arrangement:

I know-so many good war history books, such little time. There's one about the experience of the nurses during the First World War which looks particularly fascinating.

Went to a beautiful Happiness Place Pop up at Gorgeous L's home.

Where I said Yes to Sparkle.

And felt like stealing C's adorable D & G ice-cream dress

For my birthday T gave me a Golden Friendship rose and it's finally got a bud! Hooray!

Ginkgo leaves are the last word in tie glamour aren't they?
Nice glittery frock on Old Kate here-

Stay Authentic and Disciplined. Or Bogus and Half Hearted. Whatever suits.

xxx

Stalwarts.

2017-11-19T20:56:00.001+10:00

These earrings are nice aren't they? So cheering and sparkly.

Meanwhile it was a big week here in Australia with the Marriage Equality vote.

Happy 70th anniversary to these two Absolute Stalwarts.

I know.

HM's Standard Issue Queen Hair and Brooch are both terrific.

There's a good article about her in the new fangled UK Vogue which it must be said is 11/10.

I have high hopes for the new editor. Maybe I'll get a subscription.

Reach for the sun Elina rose and don't let any filthy possums or other non specific Old Testament varmints destroy your glory.

Vale Mr Alaia.

Cher Horowitz in Clueless summed it up:

My Downton Abbey decoration sends its love

This was my Grandparent's tree in 1972:

And this is my Aunt's stunning garden. So jealous.

Feeling huffy? Subordinates failing to appreciate your special wonder?

Stop sulking and go and make some jam.

All that chopping and stirring will do you the absolute world of good.

And because this is not a Blog about World Peace, Hooray for Missoni poncho arrangements and Hermes scarves covered in bees.

Anne's Standard Issue Princess hair looks good here.

So much height and volume. And she probably still fits into and wheels out that dress.

So disciplined.

Garden's loving this rain sick.

I always feel happy when Grandma's aggies are about to bloom.

Stay Industrious and Kind. Or lazy and mean. Whatever suits.

xxxx

Harmony not Discord.

2017-11-13T07:21:00.001+10:00

I stole the blog post title from my friend who used it in a fabric pattern selection sense, but really it's a concept that's relevant to practically every aspect of life. By the way, how good is that double delight rose? You can't really see the Kentucky derby bloom behind it, but it's nice too.

Meanwhile, I spent good chunk of Sunday afternoon pruning my topiaries.

I know.

It was beyond satisfying, meditative and calming.

My Eiffel tower rose hardly ever blooms so when it does, we celebrate. Look:

My Grandmother grew Kentucky Derby so I do too. Not to be confused with Abraham Darby which I cannot grow.

My friend L (the one who's given me the best advice of my entire adult life) is not only a sage but an excellent pastry chef. She made me this on Friday night and it was 11/10:

I haven't bought House and Garden for years but this month's edition has an expat living theme so I gave in. The most beautiful homes are from Singapore:

I know is is STUNNING! And Sri Lanka. Look-

Perfection.

The house in Africa is gorgeous too.

There's also an article about the garden of the High Commissioner's house in Kensington. It's lovely and even has a kangaroo topiary made of honeysuckle.

Enjoy.

The eagle has landed in a cherry liquor chocolate sense. This really heralds the start of Christmas.

Had an early Christmas dinner for those who'll be overseas on the day.

Margot McKinney's jewels are the stuff of Dreams.

I basically want the lot.

The Q and Kate M honour Armistice Day:

I've been thinking about all my favourite WW1 books. I want to re-read Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks. And this wonderful and nail biting memoir stays with you long after you finish it-

Any other recommendations?

I've been researching the battles my Great Great Uncles fought in and the hospitals in France and England that treated them in WW1. It's sad, but I want to find out everything I can about their experiences. Anyone who could've given me specific details is long gone now. My Great Great Uncle Len from Toowoomba was severely injured on the Western front on 4 October 1917, which is when the 42nd battalion fought the battle of Broodseinde in Belgium.

Here are some Australian ambulance bearers on that date at that location:

Can you imagine? How anyone survived in beyond me.

I wish Who Do You Think You are would come and research my family history for me.

On a happier note, I went to a beautiful baby shower yesterday.

As we all know, there is nothing better than a baby.

Thrilled with how the flowers turned out. That indian hawthorn foliage really is the key.

Stay grateful. And practice creating Harmony not Discord.

xxxx

Time Warp Speed.

2017-11-09T16:57:00.001+10:00

I don't know how it's happening, or what's going on, but time is passing with lightning fast speed.

I swear this photo was taken a few months ago as opposed to years.

Meanwhile I finished the Bunny Mellon biography and loved it. She was right in the thick of lots of historically significant moments, employed over 200 servants, spent like a maniac, was an excellent gardener and liked to drop life long friends without explanation. Fascinating stuff.

Often when my friends travel they send me photos of Pucci shops- this one's in Rome!

Thanks A x

Love Jackie's comments to Oleg Cassini about her outfits hopes and requirements as First Lady.

I want good costume jewellery too. Who doesn't?

Speaking of which, Mr Trump's been president today for a year. That went fast.

With Christmas on the horizon, I 'spose I'd better start making blinis.

And thinking about table setting arrangements

But first I have to decide how to support my American friends in a International Relations Baking Sense for Thanksgiving. (SAJ are you reading this?)

I'm not going to lie- my pumpkin pie technique needs work.

In 2 days time it the 99th anniversary of the Armistice for the first world war.

Hope I can do a western front battlegrounds tour one day.

Love this vintage Easton Pearson dress so much that I'd wear it every day if I could.

Is anyone watching Riviera on SBS? I'm addicted. Such good clothes and Lena Olin looks beautiful as ever.

Does anyone else follow Mitfordsociety on instagram? She's posted photos of the the insides of abandoned farm houses in Northern Ireland. They show decaying rooms that haven't been touched for decades, still filled with furniture and framed family photos and stuff. It's perplexing.

What happened to those people?

That is all. Stay sane.

xxxx

Treason and Sedition.

2017-11-07T19:47:00.001+10:00

Orange lace is deadset cheery isn't? And kind of perfect for Melbourne Cup celebrations.

Meanwhile Ikat is almost always the Answer.

Artist's Rendering:

One for the Vegetarians-

And one for the Ham Handlers and Glaze Aficionados-

Putting your Christmas Tree up early polarises the masses- people either become incandescent with rage, indignation and fury, or they love the concept. I'm firmly in the latter camp.

All that twinkling goodness is so calming to stare at.

Love this angel that my Grandma made.

I love seeing my old friend ornaments after a year of being boxed up.

Sufficient coverage really is the key.

I once read that you need 70 ornaments to decorate a tree. I know. I was shocked to the core as well- I reckon you need at least ten times that amount. Plus 1000 fairy lights (in both that bright white light and the more golden tone) and those decoration on picks to shove in any tricky spots.

More being More and All.

Reach for the Sky Mr Lincoln!

Spotlight's heavily discounted its yarn if you're in need of cut price crochet supplies.

My meal prep's nowhere near as good as my super organised friend S, but what I lack in proficiency and make up for in enthusiasm. The stuff on the right's chili pineapple chutney.

In case you're wondering.

In book news I'm loving Antonia Fraser's My History, a memoir of growing up. She knew practically everyone. I'll be very sad when it ends. It makes me want to read Must you go about her life with Harold Pinter again.

I see that Harvey W and Kevin S are allegedly in the same rehab place. Interesting.

Stay alert.

xxxx

Beautiful Hybrid Tea Roses and Other Lovely Things.

2017-11-02T19:08:00.001+10:00

Filthy varmints have been destroying my beautiful Elina rose blooms but a few lucky souls have escaped their horrible sharp claws and vicious teeth.

Loved this book. But we warned, you'll want to drink lots and lots of champagne while reading it.

Bunnings is selling animal statues if you're in the market

Tree's Up. And it's Freaking Beautiful too.

I'm thinking of living on the edge this year and only doing one.

Avert your little eyes Low Carb Dieters and Atkins Followers because here are some Noodles:

These meals don't photograph well but the food at Naim is 11/10. It's a bit Ottolenghi, and a bit delicious.

Decluttering. As Ever. And thinking a bit wistfully about things I got rid of years ago.

The Questions to Ask:

Thanks M I love this sparkly ring!

Lunch.

Snacks.

Hungarians.

$75 Pucci shoes marked down from $1100. I know. Bargaintastic!

In movie news I've loved The Meyerowitz Stories and Beatriz at the Table. And in doco news you'll love The Centre will not Hold about Joan Didion (you'll want to re-read The Year of Magical Thinking and Blue Nights immediately), Best of Enemies about the feud between Gore Vidal and Willian Buckley jnr and One of Us about what happens when you sever ties with your religious community. Enjoy.

Halloween was a Massive Success. It makes some people demented with irritation and fury but I think it's kind of fun.

We planted this granada rose (it's a hybrid tea so if you're a rose snob who sneers as anything bred in the 1960s, just look away right this minute) after my Grandfather died last year, and for a while it was thin and sickly but now it's come good. It smells just as a rose should too. I love it.

He and my Grandma were the best gardeners and they always grew hybrid teas in bright colours.

I miss them more than I can ever explain.

Excited about the Christmas Holidays? Me too. I cannot wait!!

Stay Productive. And Glamorous. And make an Effort. You know you'll feel better for it.

xxxx

Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls.

2017-09-25T18:41:00.001+10:00

I love this dog walking up a mountain 11/10 :

Mum's gift giving talents remain Top Notch. Look at this awesome hat she found me at a garden shoppe in London-

My deck remains the place to be for High End Snacks and Superior Chat

If you want a good brunch you want Naim just off Latrobe Tce. You won't be sorry.

Scarf weather's over. It'll be 37 degrees on Thursday. I know. I'm worried sick about the garden too.

Dying to read this-

and this (it's the Old Filth follow Up!)

Loving hiking with my girlfriends.

Smells Beautiful:

Don't Karl and Choupet look nice here?

Bought Hilary Clinton's book What Happened on a Saturday afternoon and finished it by Sunday lunch.

Visited my favourite restaurant with my favourite people

Loved the Archibald Prize. This was my favourite:

And it was my son's too

My Indian Hawthorn is covering itself in glory. Hooray.

In exciting movie news I loved The King's Choice, The Big Sick and Madame.

I have literally nothing else to report.

Stay sane and kind. Or Machiavellian and mean spirited. Whatever suits.

xxxx

The Festival of 45.

2017-08-16T17:18:00.000+10:00

While everyone in my household's recovering from this awful plague-like flu, I thought I'd shove up some photos of the Festival of 45. I know. The years are literally flying by at breakneck speed.

It seems only yesterday that I said goodbye to 29 and turned 30.

The best part was that my sister came out from Hong Kong to celebrate with me.

So lucky. We had the best fun.

Crepes Suzette are Always The Answer!

Truffletastic:

Nothing says 45 like Gold Lame and Velvet Bows-

So Good to Catch Up with All the Big Names.

Love my Friends. God only knows where I'd be without them.

My friend B's had a Red Letter Day too. If I had a daughter I'd want her to be just like B- hard working, smart, kind, loyal, disciplined and beautiful inside and out. Plus she laughs at all my jokes and always brings me my favourite snacks.

Avert your eyes if you object to Hardcore Prawnography:

I wish so much that I could do it all again.

In other news I've loved Churchill, Dunkirk, and Becoming Warren Buffet (what a lovely man). I liked The Beguiled but maybe I was bedazzled by the cinematography. And I'm sad the Game of Thrones only has a few episodes left. Just when it's getting so good too.

Stay sane, calm and happy.

xxxxx

Roses and Other Nice Stuff.

2017-07-21T18:38:00.000+10:00

Just Joey just might be my favourite rose. It's the rose straight from Central Casting.

And always ready for its Close Up.

And finally, Perfect Scarf Weather.

I know. It makes me Happy too.

Both of my besties have just ponied up and bought Parures de Samourais scarves so we can all be Scarf Triplets. Good.

Carbs:

More Carbs:

Say what you will about my Girlfriends, they do not muck around when it comes to Glamour.

This is a cracking good read that'll have you laughing out loud. Enjoy.

Super excited about the weekend? Me too.

Can't wait to clock some Quality Time with my gorgeous family.

Stay warm Angels.

xxxxx