FAUX FUCHSIA

It's a Hard Knock Life For Us.

2012-01-27T19:59:00.000+10:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but I cannot stop singing It's a Hard Knock Life and other affiliated show tunes from Annie. Meanwhile, these Missoni gum boots are The Business. You can get them on sale at gilt.com to wear on your ark. I'm holding out for black Hunter wellies though so I can match the Baby. While you're on gilt you should check out this Missoni poncho:

They've got some nice Milly frocks too.

I can't stop thinking about tablecloths.

I went to Spotlight today to look at suitable fabric to action my own fancy floor length cloth.

I quite liked this William Morris-esque pattern:

They had $15 cushions if any one's in the market. Under cushioning being the Devil's Work and All.

Whipped up a Thai beef salad with leftover roast beef

admired the way the beehive gingers are channeling Rommel and amassing a silent army.

Bought the Baby a book from Olive Home.

Say what you will about this Lion, it has very nice unchipped polish

Actioned some Baby Food.

Sorted my ironing.

Watched 3 episodes of the Magic that is season 2 of Downton (thanks Fi for sending me this- loving it sick)

And then went to collect the baby from his Final Dress Rehearsal at the Orphanage. He was very good and didn't cry. So proud. He really is Perfect.

I can't wait to wheel this frock out again. Haven't worn it in years.

This photo of my sister hidden under a mountain of cushions always makes me laugh. It's Cushion-tastic.

FF Garden's doing its best work in the rain but my hair is Not. It's so humid. It's like wading through soup.

xxxxxx

2012-01-27T08:07:00.002+10:00

Can you believe the scenes of the PM being rushed by security into her car to escape protestors? Me either.

Why is blue and white china so appealling I wonder? This big ginger jar is from Black and Spiro. Anna always actions such nice displays. Look:

This cushion cover is nice isn't it?

Happy Belated Australia Day. Hope you had a nice BBQ

The Universe directed me to bake an almond tart with figs. I heeded its call and did as I was told, even made my own pastry.

Had friends for dinner. Whipped up another rib on the bone in the oven.

Cannot believe how tiny the Baby was.

Or how cute his outfits were.

Today is the Final Dress Rehearsal at the Orphanage. Talk about Overwrought with Emotion. And the Baby might be a bit sad too. It really is a Hard knock Life.

I will always love those suede loafers 11/10

This is the day he was born. Happiest of my life.

This weather is the Dizzy Limit. And ruining my hair.

What are the Trends for 2012? I think that orange shades (esp coral) will be Key and that Decluttering and Using what you have will be Huge.

xxxxxxx

Wellington Boots.

2012-01-25T18:41:00.000+10:00

Behold the Magnificence of these Hunter wellies I've bought the Baby. I know. They are beyond stunning. They won't fit for a few years but they were heavily discounted and on sale at the Magic that is Jean Brown. With all the flooding that's been going down I've got a feeling they'll be much used. Plus they'll look good on the ark I'm building in the backyard.

Jean Brown was chock full of lovely high end fancy pants shoes and accessories. Look:

This bangle is a good choice for the Chinese Year of the Dragon. And Happy Chinese New Year to everyone too!

Speaking of dragons, look at this divine Lily Pulitzer tablecloth in Black and Spiro:

If I wasn't known to the staff, and if it hadn't been weighted down with books and attractive objets I would have ripped it off the table and stolen it for myself.

I had the nicest day with Amber sourcing baby clothes and products for her baby. It was so much fun and can I just say that the valet parking service at Chermside is 11/10 and worth every cent of the $5 fee.

If anyone needs a green furry cushion for $15 get thee to Target pronto.

And why are there always about 50% more baby girl clothes than baby boy clothes in shoppes? Why is this? WHY? Anyway, there were lots of good sales and markdowns so I got the Baby's winter wardrobe Sorted.

We like to joke that the baby now lives in an Exclusive Gated Community. Population:1

I love looking back through the blog and through my photos to see how much he's grown

Do you luff these bee shakers 11/10? me too! They were a gift from A-M and Annie and I am so touched because they are gorgeous and very Me (bees are the Official emblem of the Blog). Thankyou! Speaking of gifts from fellow bloggers, Carly gave me this seagull onesie which I have always loved and I keep squeezing him into it....

Yesterday I decluttered the linen press, which was easy, and the Baby's clothes, which made me feel a bit sad and emotional.

I've given all the nicest things to my friend B for her little boy P, and I'll take the rest to the Salvos.

I've got people coming for dinner and vegetarians had better Look Away Right this minute, because I'm roasting beef. The weather practically dictates it.

Today has been one of the loveliest days I've had in ages. I wish they could all be this perfect.

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Tuesday.

2012-01-24T09:07:00.002+10:00

You know how I love to action posies with whatever I can find in the garden?

Well so does Amber's talented mother in law P. Look at this gorgeous arrangement:

Last night I had some friends for dinner.

Vegetarians Do Not Look Away!

Because we went with what can only be described as a vegetarian menu!

Behold the magnificence of this eggplant dip People. You just roast your whole eggplant, and some garlic, peel them, shove them in a processor with some sumac, salt, pepper tahini and lemon juice and Voila. A tasty pre dinner snack. I serve it with toasted flat bread. And mint. You should too.

And these are a sort of retro tooth- pick- tastic 1977 style canape made of rockmelon. Or cantelope. Not to be confused for one second with antelope.

This is a carrot salad with an inauthentic Thai-esque dressing

Willow brought me home produce grown with her own little paws.

I actioned a messy bun.

If you need a close up visual of my caramelised onion tart, you'll have to look on twitter (left side bar up the top)

say what you will about this grey YSL smock arrangement, but it's Been Good to Me.

Willow and Baby L looked so sweet

All this rain is creating havoc with my 'do

I see that Heidi and Seal have split up.
xxxxxxx

Hi.

2012-01-23T08:01:00.001+10:00

I'm embracing meal planning, getting organised with groceries and actioning freezer meals like all get out. Because this is my last week of maternity leave. It's gone too fast.

Doesn't this well ordered pantry fill your heart with joy and lower your blood pressure? Me too.

My baby generally loathes all the nutritious home cooked food I action. But I persist.

Meanwhile remember this Match My Missoni necklace I got Willow and Lotus to make for me?

to match this Missoni twinset?

well guess what?

It's in the Who Weekly! Hooray. Red Phoenix are apparently the Next Big Thing and Necklace Purveyors to the Stars! 'Citing.

They've changed the layout of Anouk. I was so shocked I ordered an omelet. I know. We are Through the Looking Glass.

I'm loving Revlon's Live Coral. Pity it's so fast to chip.

I've been getting lots of emails about my lipstick (All the Big Issues). The key is a lip liner and to reapply during the day. Really. Did you watch Baby Boom with Diane Keaton the other night? It's 25 years old but still as funny as it was in 1987. Watch it for the shoulder pads alone.

xxxxx

Things

2012-01-20T09:14:00.000+10:00

Thanks for all your excellent eggplant tips and ideas. I ended up roasting it at 200 degrees with some garlic, and blitzing it in the processor with some tahini paste, lemon juice salt and pepper.

Hey presto I had a nice dip. I served it with mint and some toasted Lebanese flatbread cut into chunks. It was deadset tasty. Flat bread visual follows later in the post.

Meanwhile I intend to Fig It the Hell Up for as long as possible. They're so handy. Love it how they work well in sweet things but also in salads.

Had friends for dinner.I've been doing this a lot lately. I'd almost forgotten how much I enjoyed it. Here's your flatbread-to-go-with-dip Visual:

I made a sort of Moroccan chicken thing with chicken thighs. It was spicy and good and Thrifty.

Someone asked if these beehive gingers are sticky- no. This one's filled with rain.

Dress rehearsal at Daycare today. I'm sure there'll be tears. And the baby will probably cry too.

xxxxxxx

Figs.

2012-01-18T15:39:00.003+10:00

By some happy chance the Stars have Aligned and figs are retailing at $19 a kilo! I know. So exciting. I for one have not forgotten the Dark Days when they were selling for $59 a kilo. Insane. And 'spensive. I mean it's fruit not gold bullion or a Birkin or something.

Now's your chance to chuck some caramelised onion onto some puff pastry and tart it up with some figs and cheese like No One's Business. Hurry!

Yesterday I met my friend Y and saw the Descendants

I loved it 11/10 and give it 5 stars (My wife's in a coma. I'm a real estate heir with problems. My kids are crazy) Mr Clooney is lovely to look at and acts his socks off. And so does everyone else. And don't get me started on the scenery or the furniture (Impressive). It's quirky and interesting and you might tear up a bit. Hawaiin shirts as far as the eye can see. What's not to love? Run Don't Walk.

This old Forever New frock's been good to Me.

Beehive Gingers are amassing an army. As They Do.

Don't forget to watch Joan Rivers on Fashion Police tonight. Bound to be entertaining as all get out. What can I action food wise with these 2 eggplants that I have lying around?

xxxxx

Golden Globe Fashion and Other Things

2012-01-16T14:31:00.001+10:00

Hello. I met Willow for a coffee today in this Victoria's Secret frock that I bought online ages ago. It's a lot cooler today and I almost thought I could wear this:

Are you all still colour blocking like mad and loving your J Brand Jeans sick?

Meanwhile, I am watching E News coverage of Golden Globe fashion. I for one cannot wait to see what Joan Rivers and her Fashion Police Force have to say about all the outfits that have been trotted out.

Tilda's always a bit fashion forward isn't she?

The Baby wore orange Missoni today. Here's a Visual if you need one:

Next time he wears it I might wear this so that we can be Matchtastic.

One of the best things about this blog is that it put me in touch with my lovely next door neighbours from the 1970s, the beautiful L and C. Today L popped over to give me these divine leopard Christmas decorations that C sourced for me in Singapore. Needless to say I absolutely LUFF them 11/10!! Thank you for thinking of me C. You wouldn't think leopard decs would be so Thin on the Ground, but sadly they are.

Gee that George Clooney's a Handsome man. Might watch the Descendants tomorrow- anyone seen it?

xxxxx

Monday.

2012-01-16T10:18:00.002+10:00

Hello. Went to Cabiria the other night.

Wheeled out my Christmas day frock sourced from the outnet when the dollar was strong and Lived in Fear of Spills.

This salmon tartare was the Bomb.

Everything was good but the pork terrine with quince paste was very very good. So was this fish:

The most requested thing on this blog (apart from how I action my updos and questions about whether I eat what I cook) is the cheesecake recipe. You just have to put in "cheesecake" in the google search this blog whatsie on the left to find it.

In the spirit of food thrift I added leftover cabbage to my cauli gratin and hey presto it worked. Who knew?

Went to the Norman for a steak.

I wore grey YSL and some RPE beads (featured in WHO Weekly!). The Baby wore Mini Boden. This was Us:

2 steaks and some drinks cost $100. I know. $100 People. I thought I was buying lunch not shares in Rio Tinto or a Hermes scarf of something.

Popped into Peter Baker Finch and sourced this $6 Chrissy dec (on sale). They have the nicest stuff in there- bee glasses, beautiful napery...

Salt Pig says Hello.

I'm back at the Coalface in 2 weeks. I have very mixed feelings about this. I have really loved being on leave and have not missed the Unmitigated Hell that is the 375 bus service in peak hour traffic for even a moment. It will be the Dawn of a New Way of Life for Us.

Fingers and Toes it all goes to Plan.

Righto. Off to meet Old Willow.

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Cult Blogger.

2012-01-14T17:07:00.002+10:00

I want you to look carefully at page 29 of the QLD Life section of the Courier Mail. That's right People. It appears that I am what the Mainstream Media call a Cult Blogger. Who Knew?

I promise to use My Power for Glamour, Not Evil. Meanwhile, I'd like to take a brief moment to acknowledge the Wonder that is my Parlux Dryer.

Exult the New God.

The Baby's not a Leo, but don't think that stops me dressing him in lion motifs. This top was a gift from my sister, it's by Mini Boden and I luff it 11/10.

You know my views on a thank you card. I found these for $5 on sale at that nice design shoppe next door to the antique market. Those spots are nice.

and I also scored a Chrissy dec for $2. Now's the time to buy.

Had an omelet. I know. I'm as shocked as you are. I mean I hope this doesn't mean the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse'll be riding into town.

Olives divide the masses but I am a Fan. Am obsessed with my new Anna chandler plates. Aren't they flash?

I don't know if you're in the market for a long pink 1970s cocktail style hostess gown, but if you are, this is available at Endos. You can look retro-tastic and raise money for the Endeavour Foundation in one fell swoop. Win Win really. I'm not sure of the fabric, it was definitely a man made fibre. Possibly something with a name like Orlon. Or Dacron. Or Similiar.

It's not Christmas, but a reader sent me this and I forgot to post it. It's very attractive. And Real too.

See my $6 Coles plates? Well I want you to look carefully at the next photo. I found it on Martha Stewart's blog. She was on holidays in Panama and stayed on the private island of one of her billionaire friends. Possibly with an entourage. And servants.

I know. Plate Twins. But I have a suspicion these ones weren't $6. Or sourced from the picnic section of Coles. In other exciting news, I'm wearing this polish today.

Are you loving rose? Me too.

Happy Saturday night.

xxxx

Friday.

2012-01-13T16:17:00.001+10:00

How nice are these Toowoomba roses in New Farm Park?

It was a beautiful day on the river. Hard to believe that a year ago everything was flooding.

Took the baby on a play date with his adorable friend M.

Frocked up in Old School Stella McCartney. My sister gave me this dress. I do love it.

Meanwhile My Commitment to The Wonder that is Leopard Print Remains Strong.

No Object or Household Member is Exempt from its Spotty Gorgeousness.

"For a brief moment in time I Was a Baby Leopard Cub. With Ears. "
My friend H Super Secretary gave the Baby this Peter Alexander getup for Christmas and it makes me laugh every time I see it.

Last night the Hungarian to the Stars came round for dinner. She looked adorable and crisp. I luffed her frock 11/10. It was Frocktastic. If she didn't know where I lived and have a key to my house I would've stolen it for myself.

If you're doing a Low Carb Diet feast your peepers on this Magnificence:

It's an Inauthentic Pseudo San Choi Bow Arrangement!

In Heaven, Dr Atkins is smiling and nodding

I've had such a nice week I sort of don't want it to end. I'm putting off decluttering the baby's stuff. Hope my motivation returns soon. I just know there are clothes lurking about the traps that he's outgrown.

Meanwhile in online shopping news, do any of you shop at Gilt Group? Thoughts?

Hope you've got nice weekends planned.

xxxxxxx

Stuff.

2012-01-12T15:21:00.003+10:00

Hello white iceberg rose.

Are you bored already by the coverage on Beyonce and Jay Z's baby? Me too.

My views on forchids are well documented. I luff them.

What I call a rock melon, you might call a cantaloupe. No to be confused with an antelope.

either way when you wrap it in some thinly sliced cured ham, you have yourself a very tasty meal.

Everyone loves these spotty melamine plate products. Get them from the picnic section of Coles.

I've been wearing a lot of Koala Berry of late. Fast to chip but excellent colour.

Today I actioned a play date for the baby with my friend's little boy R (who looked cute in red). The baby opted for neutrals.

This was me is camouflage Moschino.

I always buy my Christmas theming products after Christmas, because they are cheaper. This tree whatsie was $32 down from $80.

Say what you will about me, I'm a Joiner. Look:

Do you make a prawn and tomato soup? Me too.

How's the decluttering going?

xxxx

Hello.

2012-01-11T18:32:00.003+10:00

Hello.

I love having people over for dinner.

And in the spirit of all things retro, I actioned some rock melon and prosciutto canape whatsies with toothpicks. So refreshing in this heat.

Thanks for all your sensible insights about the Wonder that is Panko Breadcrumbs. The readers of this blog are so helpful. Think of the possibilities if they gave you your own nation to run.

The Baby attended the festivities in his pjamas.

Niece FF sent me this adorable drawing of her and the Baby. I love it. She is clearly a Child Genius.

Princess Mary's kids are cute aren't they? Hardly surprising given how attractive the parents are.

Today I met my lovely friend T for lunch. She was wearing an excellent red frock. We met at the Coalface in about 1998 when we still wore suits to work and our ages started with the number 2.

I wore Day Birger et Mikkelson. This was me:

What book should I read next? The Hare with the Amber Eyes will be a tough act to follow.

xxxxxx

Hot.

2012-01-10T17:14:00.001+10:00

Can you believe this heat? Me either. I'm having people over for dinner. Goody. I'm doing a sort of faux Coronation chicken ("Forination) with mangoes and Greek yogurt.

I've made a chocolate tart arrangement with berries. I forgot to weight the pastry and had to yank it out of the oven half way through and throw some lentils on top to try to flatten it. I know. Dramatic.

Salads are My Friend.

And in a weird twist the Universe has gone all retro and been directing me to whip up stuffed mushrooms circa 1977 at an alarming rate. I know. I'm just as shocked as you are. Does anyone use those Japanese breadcrumbs? Are they good? Almost bought a packet today.

These ones were filled with pate and were 100% delicious

I've been decluttering up a storm and have already taken a car load to the Salvos. Look at all this pristine organisation. Can't you just feel you heart rate lowering? I have so many more hot spots to tackle.

Meanwhile the baby and i have been saying Yes to red stripes.

Can you believe it's a year since the floods? Me either.

I watched a brilliant documentary about Karl Lagerfeld designing for Fendi the other day. There were so many fabulous lines about discipline and fashion and Amanda Harlech was leaping about the traps being all muse-like and cheering Karl on to Greatness. Might devote a post to it soon.

xxxxxx

Bee.

2012-01-09T09:25:00.004+10:00

It warms my heart to see bees about the traps in ye olde FF garden.

Went to Yum Cha at Sunnybank yesterday. It was delicious. I love these Shanghai dumplings that have soup in them. Which begs the question- how'd they get the soup in there???

And in exciting News, The Glossery is now advertising with FF! Hooray. Never pay retail for your high end polish again. Check out their ad on my side bar to the left.

It's going to be 35 degrees today. I know. Boiling. As soon as I get home from meeting my friends I am going to embark on a Decluttering Frenzy the likes of which the Fuchsiadome has rarely seen. I mean Business. I expect my polish will chip like All Get Out, but this is the price I will pay for Domestic Serenity. First Stop, the Baby's Clothes. I plan to tackle kitchen stuff next.

What are your plans this week?

xxxxx

The Beach. And Important Hair.

2012-01-07T21:04:00.000+10:00

I love the Beach. Even when it's sulking and overcast and being all moody and huffy.

This Old Malene Birger caftan arrangement's been a Veritable Stalwart.

Anchor and whale motifs don't work on me but on the Baby they look Dead Set Adorable. My sister sourced this divine baby outfit in France and I luff it 11/10. Why are all the French baby clothes so much nicer than anything else you can find about the traps I wonder?

You know this is Me because I'm wearing what can only be described as a gold lurex Missoni caftan.

Had people for dinner.

Some people don't like carnations, but I'm a fan of their cheery little faces. Plus they're not that 'spensive.

Addicted to Mango Salsa? me too. So refreshing.

I'm still committed to actioning the Magic that is the Retro Meal Presentation Arrangement known as The Stack. For a brief moment in Time People, it was 1997. The only things missing were a sundried tomato, a toasted pinenut, and My Youth. But apart from that, it was the late 1990s in a Culinary Sense. Really.

Tore down the tree and sent all damaged decorations and lights to the Big Christmas Tree in the Sky.

My current obsession is Cauliflower Gratin, either on its own or shoved up against a roast chicken.

Hello Gorgeous.

Had a nice lunch with Friends.

I saw the Iron Lady with Meryl Streep and loved it. It's had mixed reviews but I give it 4 stars. Say what you will about Old Meryl, she knows her way around a regional accent. My favourite bit of the movie was when Mrs Thatcher was running for leadership of the Conservative party and her advisors were giving her advice on her image. They told her to deepen her voice, ditch the hat and that crucially she needed to change her 'do and action some Important Hair.

Something in that for all of us really.

xxxxxx

Beachy Keen Beachtasticness

2012-01-05T09:26:00.001+10:00

See this cream silk heavily discounted Anna Sui get up? Got it from the outnet for $30 ages ago.

Liked it so much I bought it in black too.

I had one of those days yesterday where I actioned heaps of things I'd been putting off- getting the plumber in, going to the post office, going to the bank (talk about a long line). What a weight off my shoulders.

I don't know how I'm going to make meal planning work, because I have to be in the mood for what I am going to cook. What if I've planned something I don't feel like? But this food wastage marlarkey has got to stop. I mean, a small hand held basket of groceries costs about $80. I know. 'Spensive as all get out. If only meal planning was as easy as decluttering. Someone asked how I stay motivated with decluttering. I don't know. I find the less stuff that's lying around the easier it is to clean and keep things tidy. I loathe mess and squalor and can't relax if I'm surrounded by it. And I like my surroundings to be as attractive and comforting as possible. Say what you will about clutter but it's not very calming.

xxxxxxxxxxx

Beach.

2012-01-04T15:01:00.002+10:00

If you don't want to see photos of Resort Wear, just click away right this second. I mean it. Because I've been embracing same with Enthusiasm. Look:

Matching is Still Key. My friend M brought those shorts back for the baby from Hawaii. Luff them.

Nothing is cuter than a baby's feet squished into wet sand.

How superior is this bromeliad?

I wore my Pucci specs and my gold Missoni caftan to death.

I read Joan's book. She has a brilliant line in there about some people being "ovens" and radiating warmth and love and being fun to be with and others being "fridges" and sucking the life and warmth out of a room and relationships. I know which one I'd rather be seated next to at dinner.

Check out the size of my sister's turkey. I know, it's Turkey-tastic. I can't remember whether it was 4 or 6 kilos but either way it weighed more than the baby did at birth. And a reader sent me a snap of her chic and matching Christmas wrapping. Look:

Been thinking about Food Thrift and not wasting money on groceries? Me too. I have always been unsuccessful at Meal planning but I might give it a red hot go, because I cannot stand waste. Yesterday I made bulk cauliflower gratins. Just because.

They were deadset tasty and would be good shoved up against a roast chook or just even on their own with a salad.

Packed away the tree. Talk about a Mission. My friernd S knows someone who just wheels hers into a storage room from year to year so she never has to disassemble it. Jealous.

Made a pavlova. No easy feat with high humidity let me tell you. I'll be posting more beach snaps so you'd better prepare yourselves emotionally for what can only be described as a lot of Sand.

How's the decluttering Going?
xxxxx

2012

2012-01-03T09:34:00.002+10:00

Happy New Year! I saw the 9pm fireworks and was asleep by 9.30 pm. I embraced metallics and sparkle with every cell and fibre of my being and frocked up in Old School gold 3.1 Philip Lim.

Like Australians the nation over I ate my body weight in crab, prawns, bugs, oysters and sashimi. Hooray.

Every New Year's Eve, I get my mitts on a silver party hat and wear it in a completely non Ironic Fashion in order to Channel the Good Witch Glinda from the Wizard of Oz. Look:

For a brief moment in time, I Was Glinda. You can literally see my Magical Powers radiating off my silver party hat:

I don't make resolutions but I am going to be embracing the whole New Frugality/Use what you have/Spend Less Mentality. I will also be continuing my Decluttering Journey and refusing to sport chipped nail polish. Who's with me?

What're your resolutions?

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Butterfield 8

2011-12-29T16:48:00.000+10:00

Mr FF gave me this frock in about 2006. Still luff it.

You can't really see but I'm wearing a Good Mandarin is Hard to Find by OPI. Screams summer.

Hello porcelain ginger and hello beehive ginger

Watched Butterfield 8 and LOVED IT SICK. And don't get me started on the clothes and furniture.

Liz is GORGEOUS

Mint's gone crazy. When I skyped my sister I saw she has the same fairy on her tree that Grandma made me but her's was purple.

What sort of resort wear are you favouring?

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Random Stuff

2011-12-28T21:55:00.002+10:00

Am I the only one who thinks that every night feels like a Sunday night at the moment? If you want to channel Barbie this New Year's Eve (and why wouldn't you, she's has a Killer Career, the Best Clothes and Superior Nylon Hair), this Temperley frock from the outnet could be the Business. Can't you just see it on Pippa or Kate? Meanwhile Last night I watched Four Weddings and a Funeral. I always cry at Gareth's funeral in that grim industrial setting. Anyway see this building:

I went there last year when I visited Blighty in London. Look:

Did you watch Cat on a Hot Tin Roof tonight?

Paul and Liz are so good looking it was hard to know who to stare at the most

Today I drew what can only be described as a Line in the Festive Food Sand and actioned some non festive food stuffs, like home made baked beans, home made lemonade and a garlicky pasta. So comforting after all that cold turkey ham and pudding.

You already know about my obsession with Laguiole. That stuff has a bee as its emblem. I love these juniper numbers:

and this colourful stuff is gorgeous too

My friend M is in Honkers as I type. I know Jealous. This was me with my nephew in the Midlevels last year. I've told her to go to all of my favourite places and to think of me when she does. Like Isola

and Wagu Lounge, and Wagu, and Sevva, and Felix and Acqua and Hutong and Sogo.

I'm watching Liz Taylor in Butterfield 8 now. She was Luminous. Think she won the Oscar for this flick.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Christmas- Let's Relive the Magic People

2011-12-27T21:04:00.002+10:00

I don't know how the rest of you feel about a Baby in a yellow paper hat purloined form a cracker, but I am a Hardcore Fan. And why are baby's necks so sweet? Must get the scientists at the Faux Fuchsia Institute onto it (they never sleep either)

Just feast your little peepers on this divine mirrored bee brooch that I got for Christmas:

It was a gift from my lovely friend L. We went to her gorgeous home on Christmas night. I luff her. She has beautiful taste and beautiful girls (Hi G B and M!). She actioned these fabulous treats (everything was sourced from the Magic of Black Pearl Epicure- Run Don't Walk). I wish I could have some NOW

It was suggested that I give Old Mr FF a framed snap of me and the Baby. I do as I'm told. Look:

He said it was his favourite present.

We are still actioning and eating leftovers 24/7 round here. I subsist on smoked salmon, caviar, cold roast turkey, ham, plum pudding, champagne and chocolate. And that's just breakfast. I know. Fat Fat the Water Rat.

People are still sending TREES! This one's from Linda in Chile (Chilean to the Stars). Apparently her daughters were wearing Big Apple Red and Chanel polish respectively the other day... I know. I was so proud too. Hello I and A!!! Come and visit me soon! This next one was sent to me by a reader whose father in law (I think I have that right?) is an architect and made this fancy arrangement:

And on Christmas Day my brother in law had to fly to Kathmandu (As You Do). One of my favourite Christmas memories of all time was when Mr FF and I flew in to Hong Kong on Christmas day. We met my sister and her husband at the airport train, checked into our hotel and Went Out and Partied Like it was 1999...Those were the days. It was one of the best nights of my life. I don't think we will ever have another Christmas like it again. It was very very Special. Anyway, this is what the tree at the Hyatt in Kathmandu was looking like (thank you A for sending it to me- we miss you guys):

This is a snap that my friend Lucinda sent me on Christmas Day. Like me she was thinking of the Queen and Prince Philip- hope he'll be ok- and like me she was Hardcore Embracing champagne and caviar from Black Pearl Epicure. Hooray.

Here's what the Danes were wearing:

And this was Our Kate:

Thinking about New year's Eve frocks? Me too. Run over to the outnet. Hurry.

This was me on NYE 2009.

Say what you will about me. I'm Dead Set Sentimental.

I'm watching Four Weddings and a Funeral. I went with Blighty to the fancy hotel where they did a bit of filming, so I feel In The Know. Just skyped Niece FF in London Town. She luffed her Barbie Head. The Tyranny of Distance is the Devil's Work.

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Christmas Day

2011-12-26T10:02:00.000+10:00

Hope you had a good Christmas Day.

Mr FF gave me bee goblets!!!

I don't know what happened at your house, but we had mountains of wrapping. Look:

love my new brooch

and LOVE my new pink ipod docking station

Did you eat your body weight in ham and turkey?

Last night we went to our friend's gorgeous home for a Christmas supper. The food was sublime

and so was the theming

The Baby kissed me yesterday for the 1st time. Best present ever.

What did Santa bring you? And what did you eat? Are you eating all your leftovers now?

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Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T12:39:00.001+10:00

Do you love frangipanis floating in a bowl of what in summer? Me too. This is what I am going to wear tomorrow. I have asked (ordered) everyone to wear white. Just Because.This is by Mikael Someone. Got it from the outnet. No dount I'll live in fear of Spills.

But what polish? All the Big Issues to consider

This morning my girlfriends turned up bearing take away coffees bagels and smoked salmon for breakfast

They arrived very early. This was Me:

We plonked this one under the tree to chew on cards and try to open presents not meant for him and got on with the Serious Business of Communal Ham Handling.

Everyone has their own ideas about the Correct Ham Glaze, but we all opted for ginger marmelade, mustard, ginger ale and brown sugar.

It's so much easier to do a bulk ham glaze I think. Get your girlfriends round, pick up some take away coffees and settle in for a good gossip while they bake. You won't be sorry and the house will smell fantastic.

Behold the hamtastic Glory of this baked glazed ham:

I always set the table in advance. This year's theme is More is More. I luff those gold and diamond chargers and I love my Christmas china 11/10. Here's a sneak preview:

Got some more trees just in the nick of time. This one is R's and this one below is my childhood neighbour and friend C's in Singapore.

This one is B's 12 year old son H's. I love his hat and whip. Very original.

This is A's. Excellent coverage. And good work with the feature wall and whippets.

This is V's ( Her daughter made her send a photo in!)

I was looking back to see what I was up to back in December 2009. Was at the beach. This is me with L.

Here I am channeling the good Witch Glinda. As you do.

All I need to action is one more tiny grocery shop, then I am done. Hooray. Happy Christmas People.
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Christmas Eve Eve

2011-12-23T17:50:00.002+10:00

I spent a chunk of time today polishing antique French silver. Apparently it's from the early 19th century. It was certainly filthy. It looked beautiful in the end but it was a very admin intensive process. If only my housekeepers (Consuela. Mrs Danvers) were Real instead of Fictitious.

During bouts of Intensive Housekeeping, Food is Crucial.

So are friends popping in.

And so is Cocktail Hour

Gee I miss this 3.1 Philip Lim frock. You can't really see, but it has lovely sparkly whatsies on the shoulder.

I am very Partial to Sparkle

And Beading. Luff that too. This was me last year in 3.1 Philip Lim. I think I was about 8 months pregnant. I do luff a caftan.

I have been sent more trees! This poinsettia arrangement is L's and this is Susan from Frostbite's ( LOVE her cookbook):

And here's Maggie Alderson's tree (she has nice pom pom trim on her curtains) and Blighty's:

This is J's. She has very superior coverage:

and this is my sister's in Honkers. I have spent 2 Christmas times there and I just love it. It is just so much fun and there is always an amazing atmosphere. I wish we could have been there this year. I have never been interested in a Real Tree, but aftre seeing them in the Snaps I really would like one.

This is F's tree

And then C's and then B's. I love them all. If I have mislabelled any of these trees (and let's face it, I probably have) let me know and I will Publish a Correction.

I think I am almost organised for Christmas with only a few things to action tomorrow.
How are your plans shaping up?
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