FAUX FUCHSIA

Not in Kansas.

2013-05-17T20:41:00.002+10:00

Toto, we aren't in Kansas anymore. Or Hong Kong. We're in London.

I arrived at 6 ish this morning. For once Heathrow covered itself in Glory and was the last word in Brisk Efficiency. Which is what you want after a 13 hour flight.

It's a bit chilly and grey but the garden's putting on good show.

Luff Niece FF's pink chaise.

If any one's trying to contact me I can't seem to send or receive emails. Dammit.

In sad news I left my favourite top in Hong Kong. Hell and Damnation.

I've got a lunch, a school run, a hair appointment and a dinner to participate meaningfully in before the day's out.

What lies ahead for you?

xxxx

Hong Kong-tastic.

2013-05-16T21:55:00.000+10:00

I don't know about the rest of you but I am unprepared to eat an unhappy cake.

I like the way Hong Kong takes its Food Seriously.

This 100% humidity business is not doing my hair any favours. More's the Pity.

xxxxxx

Honky Town.

2013-05-16T09:11:00.000+10:00

This is the view from Sevva. I love it there. And the people watching is 11/10. It's in the Princes Building. If you want to go.

Yesterday we hotfooted it to Amber's beautiful house.

It was, as expected, Stunning.

She had a photo of us taken at Jean Brown the night before it opened. Seems so long ago now.

Baby L was beyond gorgeous.

Amber took us to the American Club for lunch. It was beautiful.

Felt like ripping that Marni necklace off her and stealing it for myself.

Look at the view from our table!

Cocktails were in order.

And in the spirit of When in Rome we ordered Burgers

They were Delicious.

Amber is everything I luff in a friend- Loyal, a Leo (picked it the moment I met her) and Lovely Company. We had the best day. I cried when she left. Damn you Tyranny of Distance.

Old Mr FF and I had a wander throughout Stanley. I am not very good at bartering.

My Talents lying elsewhere and all.

then we wandered through Central with my sister.

and ended the day at Sevva

I really really really love it here.

Thanks for all your comments. I'm on the move so I'm not really replying in real life, only in my head. But I enjoy reading them.

I see the Aussie dollar's crashed. Rats. It was so good for so long.

xxxxx

Honking it up in Honkers.

2013-05-15T10:50:00.002+10:00

I luff all the little antique shops in the Cat Street Markets on Upper Lascar Row.

And I like checking out all the dried seafood shops in the Western District. I can't figure out what some of the things are, but don't think I let that stop me.

Found out the lids of ginger jars are based on the shape of a famous general's helmet. Who knew?

Got the best mani and pedi with Lincoln Park After Dark at Indulgence opposite H and M on level 3 in Prosperity Tower.

Went to Star Seafood for lunch. My brother in Law refers to this as Superstar Seafood, and because I'm a Joiner I will too. This place is huge. There were no tourists or expats there and the place was full.

The food was sensational!

Vegetarians Look Away! Because we had suckling pig and roast goose.

Luff these soup filled wontons (siu long bau)

Lots of open air butchers in the Western District.

these were dried shrimp:

Say what you will about Honkers, it is a place filled with Stairs.

After all that food we went to Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan

followed by the Cat St shops and then we actioned some Light Dress Shopping

I kind of find shopping for dresses here a bit depressing. As a general rule the largest size doesn't fit me and the sales girls shake their heads sadly and say "Cannot! No size for you!"

Hell and Damnation.

So a Soothing drink at Bacar and some people watching was in order.

Followed by a bit of grocery action at IFC (love seeing foreign groceries)

Went to Red to look at the view.

which is pretty special

Luff it here 11/10. Seeing Old Amber today. Goody.

xxxx

Honkers.

2013-05-14T10:19:00.000+10:00

I'm Honking it up in Honkers and luffing it Sick.

The Hong Kong airport is the cleanest, nicest most efficient airport in the entire world. If only every airport on the planet could be this Good.

And don't get me started on how much I love and admire the speed and ease of that airport train.

Was great to see my Sister.

Love the view from her flat

You know this is my sister's wardrobe because she only wears black and white. Look:

we have all the same photos

Honkers is such an interesting mix of modern and really old. And of really rich and very poor. It makes for some fascinating People Watching. After wandering around Sogo at Causeway Bay we went to Pawn in Johnson Rd for lunch in Wanchai. As is our Habit.

Then we sourced some snacks in Ye Olde Midlevels

If you need a good shoe repair guy, this man in Central is the Best:

Because we are Creatures of Habit we went here in Wellington St for dinner

And so begins Day 2. Good Morning Honkers!

Happy Tuesday. Where ever you all are.

xxxx

Mother's Day

2013-05-12T18:00:00.003+10:00

Happy Mothers Day to Mothers and Aunts Day to Aunt (who doesn't luff an Aunt?)

Behold the handcrafted talent!

Actioned Claudia Roden's Orange and almond cake. Always fabulous.

Mum has the best cufflinks

These Louboutins have been good to me

More Sand Crab Lasagna!

Hope you were spoilt rotten if you're a Mum. Someone once said to me that once you have children you realise how meaningless your life was before. As if! I really enjoy the whole Motherhood Gig but my life had plenty 'o 'meaning before I had a baby.

Hooray for Aunts the world over too.

Have a great week.

xxxx

Mediocre.

2013-05-09T16:05:00.002+10:00

I hate to introduce a Sad Note but I'm sick and feeling Mediocre.

I've been living off hot lemon and honey drinks. Not that they're working.

Here are some snaps from earlier in the week. When I still had My Health.

I'm luffing Navy Blue sick at the moment. So Crisp.

Diana Vreeland said that Pink is the Navy Blue of India. Sounds Good to Me.

Had lunch with Zsa Zsa on Tuesday. She said Yes to Navy too. Here's a Visual:

Missoni's always good isn't it? Pity that it's delicate threads are so quick to snag.

The other I night made a sand crab lasagna and froze it. If I have the strength I'll haul myself into the kitchen and heat it tonight and consume it in front of the tv. I know some one's going to ask for the recipe. It's béchamel and crab met layered between lasagne sheets with a cream tomato sauce over the top. I use the Il Centro recipe as a guide, but I tip the cream tomato sauce over the top and bake it like that, I don't add it afterwards (this was Old Mr FF's idea, and it was a really Good One). And I leave the honey out. The crab's sweet enough. If you're frightened of cream and béchamel and carbs just pretend you never read this.

I'm not the only one in the Household who's Suffering.

Look at how the Cushions are being Brutalised and Crushed half to death:

Thanks to S who sent me this fab snap of Her Majesty's Superior Standard Issue Queen hair as seen from behind. It is Beyond Fabulous. All that Volume!

The only good thing about feeling poorly is the opportunity it provides to catch up on tv.

My new favourite show is House of Cards. It's better than Mad Men and the Sopranos and Game of Thrones. Seriously!. Kevin Spacey has the best lines ever. Why have I only just discovered this gem?

Stay well.

xxxx

A Soothing Cocktail.

2013-05-06T19:53:00.002+10:00

Had my girlfriends round for a soothing and restorative cocktail as we watched Mad Men. Loved Megan's gold sparkly dress and cannot believe how vindictive Old Pete is. Cracker episode all round.

Made a fig and almond tart on the weekend. Don't let my wonky short crust pastry throw you.

Went for a walk with the mini Hungarian and Zsa Zsa on Sunday. This was the after party:

Speaking of Hungarians I see that Swedish Raoul Wallenberg's been made the 1st honorary Australian today. He was only in his early 30s when he disappeared.
In happier news, I lunched with these two today:

Hooray for laksa.

I thought Camilla looked good at the recent Dutch festivities. I'm not sure if this is the same headpiece she wore to her wedding, but it looks great:

Thinking endlessly about one shouldered frocks? Me too.

I was always a Fan. Even back in the Day.

And so were the Big Names

Don' forget it's Mother's Day/Aunts Day on Sunday! That should be nice.

And I hate to introduce a sad note, but are you Sickened by the torture of live Australian cattle in Egyptian slaughterhouses? Me too. The images of workers stabbing bulls in the face and slashing their tendons and starting to butcher them while they are still alive beggars belief.

Feel free to express your disgust here.
Meanwhile you can email Minister Joe Ludwig and let him know how your views at joe.ludwig@maff.gov.au
I need a drink after watching the story unfold on the 7.30 Report.
xxxx

Nice Things. And Monty.

2013-05-04T12:41:00.002+10:00

I love having friends round for dinner

For the 1st time ever, the baby was still up when guests arrived. This is him with my friend M watching his favourite show Miniscule. I love it too.

This is my friend J in a new Red Phoenix necklace that old Lotus created at my request.

I luff those colours and the pearls match my earrings. Perfect.

Everyone thinks I never wear neutrals but I sometimes do.

I liked Mary's retro 70s look at the recent Dutch Coronation

And I loved Maxima's blue get up. That cloak was a bit Gwyneth at the Oscars. Luffed it.

And look at all this High End Matching:

Beatrix's Standard Issue Queen Hair is hidden under a big hat but you can tell it's in there.
Isn't she marvellous?

Cute outfits the next day too:

Meanwhile, you know how I love bees and bee motifs 11/10? Well check out the new McQueen stuff at Jean Brown- it is literally covered in bees!

That honey comb pattern's excellent.

Lot's of debate about whether I do more or less than other people in the comments section lately.

I don't know.

I think I do more than some people and less than others. If I had a dishwasher and didn't have to rely on public transport to haul myself to the Coalface and back, I like to think I'd be Unstoppable.

Did anyone watch that doco about Rommel and Monty on the ABC the other night? Talk about fascinating. Turns out old Monty was a fitness fanatic. Who knew?
He famously said "If we can't stay here alive, we'll stay here dead".
Something in that for all of us really.

Speaking of war, Don't forget to watch Free Men- I'm still thinking about it. Seriously, it is the best movie I've seen in ages.

Keep your packing advice coming- I love reading all your insights.
Happy Saturday.

xxxx

She'll Always be Queen Beatrix to Me.

2013-05-01T00:06:00.004+10:00

Queen Beatrix has abdicated and handed over the Kingdom to her son.

Her new title is Princess Beatrix but she'll always be Queen Beatrix to me.

Look how good her Standard Issue Queen Hair looked:

The little girl on the left gets the Best Title- Princess of Orange. Jealous.

Cannot wait to see the Hello spread

Say what you will about me, I'm a Joiner. To celebrate I wore orange to the Coalface today.

I don't know why orange is so good, but it just is

This weather lends itself to Cosiness.

Making soups? This one's cauliflower and leek.

Pretending to be Nigella and covering berries in hot white chocolate sauce? Me too

H Super Sec's leaving the Coalface. I know. We're all sad. It's the end of an era.

Saw the best movie the other night called Free Men. It's a thriller based on a true story about a Mosque in Paris during World War 2 issuing Jews with false papers to escape being deported. I give it 5 Stars. Seriously. Run Don't Walk.

xxxxxx

Hermes Scarf as Top. And other Stuff.

2013-04-28T17:12:00.003+10:00

Today after a soothing early morning walk with Zsa Zsa and the mini Hungarian, I fashioned this Hermes scarf into a top and hotfooted it with my entourage (aged 11 to 80) to the French film Haute Cuisine. The food scenes are glorious GLORIOUS People! And the actress who plays Hortense is beautiful. Ignore the French actors who are attempting to pass themselves off as an Australian film crew. Because they clearly aren't Australian. As evidenced by their accents.

Wore these Louboutins, sourced on the cheap from Jean Brown last year

And carried this bag. It's French. I can't remember the brand but I bought it from Jean Brown in May 2011. I remember this because the Baby was 6 weeks old at the time and slept like well, a baby, during the fashion parade.

The movie has the most gorgeous food and cooking scenes (created by 2 professional chefs and a food stylist). After all of that Glory, champagne was in order. As was a robust carb filled Sunday Lunch.

Loved my Aunt's new necklace

Don't bother looking for quince at any of the supermarkets near me. I have bought them out.

Vegetarians Look Away!
Because last night Old Mr FF actioned lamb shanks. Which my late Grandmother could not believe had become fashionable. She associated them with being unable to afford fillet steak.

Mash was obligatory

As were brussel sprouts. They divide the masses and polarise like all get out, but we're Fans.

The mini Hungarian Dresses Up for a morning walk and says Yes to tulle. Look:

Luff all your packing tips- keep them coming.

Meanwhile, now that Downton's over, God only knows what I'm 'sposed to do with my Sunday nights.

Any ideas? Are some Real Housewives on?

Happy Sunday Night.

Where ever You Are.

xxxxx

Miscellania.

2013-04-27T12:56:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I wore Old School Chloe frock and my new Jean Brown necklace to the Coalface. Here's a Visual:

Met M and her daughter for lunch at the Fat Noodle. M looked fantastic in Lily Pulitzer. Their house Hanworth was burnt by an arsonist. They've started a blog about their Hanworth Journey, which we all hope will rise again like a Phoenix from the Ashes. Read about it here

Loved B's Kate Spade bag

slapped some My Chihuahua Bites on my paws. Those OPI polish names never fail to amuse.

My new suitcase is American Tourist from David Jones (there's a sale). Less than 3 kilos!!! Am the worst packer ever in the history of packing. Any advice? I never know what to take, I over pack, the whole thing sends me into a panic. Predicting the weather not being one of my talents and all.

So many Red Letter Days coming up- I'm getting prepared in advance

This morning I've gone for a walk, actioned the washing, changed the sheets, done the groceries and made a raspberry and chocolate tart. If I can bother maybe I'll vacuum.

and in the spirit of never ever under catering, I've whipped up a baked cheesecake too.

dying to get back to your crochet project? Hop in line. So soothing on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Don't panic. I've ironed all this lot. Just have to put it away.

I'm catching up with my Aunt tomorrow. Love this photo of her in her early 20s.

I'm watching Martha/Maxine on Silk. Isn't she Fabulous?

Feel free to give me packing advice.

God only knows I need it.

xxxx

Rosemary and Olive Branches.

2013-04-25T14:20:00.000+10:00

Because it's Anzac Day I've been filling the house with posies of rosemary and olive branches for Remembrance and Peace.

Yesterday I hauled myself to The Coalface in Old School Shoshana, my new Kenneth Jay Lane necklace from Jean Brown and a Hermes scarf that Mum gave me for my birthday last year.

Went to a lovely dinner party at Zsa Zsa's last night.

This was Me:

Say what you will about Od Zsa Zsa, she's a fantastic cook, and she'd never ever knowingly under-cater.

Made some pancakes for breakfast

Thank you so much to Heidi and everyone else who told me about the fabulous documentary Vogue: The Editor' Eye. I watched and loved it all. I remember the days when you had to specially order in American Vogue from the newsagent and it cost up to $25 and arrived a month late....

Say what you will about those editor's- they have amazing homes. My favourite line in the movie is where Linda Evangelista says "I'm not afraid of Glamour".

Something in that for all of us really.

Enjoy the Public Holiday.

xxxx

Tuesday Action.

2013-04-23T21:58:00.004+10:00

Gorgeous Maitai's whipped up another Maitai Collection collage and was kind enough to include me. You can see the Magic Here. I love seeing what other real life women around the world wear in their everyday lives don't you?

Meanwhile this was Old Mr FF today:

and this was me in Old school Moschino moments before I hauled myself to the Coalface

wore my new necklace from Jean Brown

and some OPI hot and spicy on my paws.

Last night we did a pseudo Russian theme with blinis

and borscht

I love those tiny Spode plates. I wish I had more. I think they're from the 20s or 30s. If I could be bothered I'd consult my Goddens Bible and see what year they were made.

And in the Stroll Down Memory Lane Portion of the blog, look how tiny and bald my little boy was-

Counting the seconds til you can watch Haute Cuisine? Me too. All that food looks amazing.
Bought a new suitcase today. Only weights about 2 kilos. You've got to love technology.

Nothing else to report.

xxxxx

My Monday.

2013-04-22T18:42:00.003+10:00

There are many things I am bad at, but baking cheesecakes isn't one of them.

In fact, it's one of my Talents. If you follow me on instagram you know that this morning I actioned this:

Turn your oven to 160 degrees if it's fan forced and line a 22 cm spring form tin with baking paper. Do not skip this step! Or you will regret it. In a food processor put 40g of corn flour, 2 eggs, 180g of sugar, a really big splash of vanilla, 200g full fat sour cream, 200g ricotta and 400 g of cream cheese.

Bake it for a hour, chill, apply to face.

This pink iceberg rose bud is nice isn't it?

I've got friends coming for dinner, and because when I'm onto a Good Thing I stick to it, I've whipped up a batch of blinis. I love the alchemy of yeast cookery. All that magic.

For a brief moment in time I was Babette. Except I wasn't French. Or a servant. Or the former chef at the Cafe Anglais. But apart from that I was Her People!

This one luffs a bit of blini acton

Made some borscht. We're going for an Eastern European theme really.

See this made bed?

Well two seconds later I bore witness to this Carnage:

To add insult to injury once he throws every cushion and pillow onto the floor he claps and shouts Yay.

Lord help Us.

Look, no accessories:

Pentas always look good don't they?

Counting the seconds to Mad Men? Still in shock about the end of Downton last night? Addicted to Game of Thrones but confused by who the hell is who and can't figure out what's going on?

Me too.

xxxxxxx

My Sunday.

2013-04-21T19:15:00.004+10:00

This morning I hauled myself out of bed super early and hot footed it to the Eagle Farm Markets with M to forage for food.

I wore orange. Here's a Visual:

Romy from Hobart Housewife gave me that scarf. The pompoms make me Happy.

This is the Talent of Pom Poms People.

Had a delicious bagel with smoked salmon cream cheese and capers for sustenance.

Have re-embraced crochet like No One's Business. Such a good Winter Sport to participate in.

What I lack in Skill I make up for in Enthusiasm. I got quite a bit done watching the Guns of Navarone. Gee that Gregory Peck was Deadset handsome. And don't even get me started on the Perfection of his hair.

Saw First Position this morning which I loved. Documentaries being my favourite movies and all. It's about kids who are trying to win ballet scholarships. The ballet teachers are all from Central Casting, and the parents are fascinating. I give it a solid 4 stars.

Wore some old school Malene Birger and a Gaultier cardy.

Afterwards popped into the Wonder that is Jean Brown. Liked these Marni shoes:

Mr FF whipped up a superior pasta for lunch

It was enthusiastically received.

I caramelised some pineapples. They garnered a fair amount of enthusiasm too.

Meanwhile, do not be thinking for one second I left Jean Brown empty handed.

This now lives me:

I think it's this brand-

And I got this too:

It's Kenneth Jay Lane and Retrotastic.

Stealing yourself emotionally for the season finale of Downton? Me too.

I know how it ends.

Brace Yourselves.

xxxxx

Inspired by Babette's Feast.

2013-04-20T22:23:00.000+10:00

Last night old Mr FF and I re-watched Babette's Feast which surely must be one of the most beautiful movies ever. If you embrace the concept of Food is Love, this is the movie for you. It's gorgeous from start to finish. As soon as the credits rolled I started planning my blinis. I knew they wouldn't be half as good as Babette's Blinis Demidoff, but don't think I let it stop me.

Hello Gorgeous

This morning the Zsa Zsa ("Hungarian to the Stars") and I went for a 90 minute walk.

We took these two with us:

Afterwards Zsa Zsa made us all a high end restorative hot breakfast and I admired the mini Hungarian's Superior Clothes. If they'd 've fit me I would have stolen them right off the line.

When I got home it crossed my mind to channel Babette and make a rum baba but the Universe stopped me in my tracks and directed me to action a ricotta cheesecake instead.

I do as I'm told.

We had chicken for dinner.

Well Played Mr FF.

Threw some figs on the aforementioned cheesecake

And Applied it to Face.

I always wonder what happened to Babette after the Feast. I know she never returned to France.

Apparently it was quite chic in 1987, 1988 and 1989 to reproduce her Feast menu for dinner parties.

God only knows where you'd source a turtle.

Happy Saturday night.

xxxxx

A Bit of Green.

2013-04-18T20:53:00.000+10:00

Someone once told me that the green clothes sell out last in shoppes, which is why there are always a lot of green things on sale.

Doesn't bother me. I luff green.

Remember the view from out holiday apartment at Christmas? So nice.

Has anyone ever seen that movie WE directed by Madonna about Wallis Simpson? I just finished watching it and liked it. Got through a truckload of ironing at the same time. Win/Win People.

Meanwhile the Garden's screaming out for a Massive Prune. Better add that to The List.

xxxxx

Hermes Scarf Action and Other Stuff.

2013-04-17T22:22:00.001+10:00

Wheeled out this Tres Kelly scarf arrangement to haul self to the Coalface today.

Dead set handy for camouflaging a collapsing neck. Affixed the whole thing with a Maitai scarf ring.

Received the most beautifully wrapped present in the post

Janelle McCulloch sent me her gorgeous kitchen garden book! Thank you so much.

It's beautiful.

If you're a Stalwart, you already know that I garden in Hardcore Old Testament Conditions.

The place is over run with hundreds of destructive varmints, the soil's rubbish and I get about 10 minutes of sun a day tops.

My chances of growing a kitchen garden are Slim.

But the FF Garden does what it can.

My Fellow Coalminers having been saying Yes to pattern.

And say what you will about us, we take accessorising Seriously.

Got my completed Easter photo book back from the printers. Someone asked what a photo book is.

Here's a Visual:

Thinking endlessly about your Parenting and what sort of Role Model you'll make? Me too.

Jackie Kennedy famously said "if you bungle raising your children, nothing else you do in life really matters"

Damn Straight.

Someone asks me today who'd play me in the movie of my life. I don't know. Thoughts?

And can I just say I am finding Mad Men season 6 very very dark?

As evidenced symbolically by Betty's new brunette 'do.

The sound of this rain on the tin roof's nice.

On that note, cheerio.

xxxx

Cooking up a Veritable Storm.

2013-04-15T21:58:00.001+10:00

I've had my Mum and sister here and I've been cooking like a woman possessed.

Feeding People I love being one of my Main Interests and all.

I love this salad. It's rocket, roast capsicum, Persian feta, toasted pine nuts, basil leaves and red onion.

Make it. You won't be sorry. All those anti-antioxidants.

Had some ring-ins over too.

Poached some quince and actioned a short crust pastry and an almond frangipane and hey presto we had ourselves a Tart. Don't let my wonky pastry shell throw you.

This was my Mum's 1st foray into Instagram:

Have been tripping the light fantastic down memory lane and whipping up Photo Books at the speed of light. So soothing during life's challenging times.

And my 11 year old Associate Gigi's been actioning photo montages for me, which I luff. Her talent in this area knows no bounds. Look:

Went to a High Tea with my girlfriends on Saturday. Said yes to Leopard print.

I covet my friend M's Kate Spade bag. If she didn't have a key to my house and know all my secrets I would have ripped it off her arm and stolen it for myself.

On Sunday we had a big family lunch which was lovely. Mr FF got up early to action the osso bucco.

I see Adam Scott's won the golf.

'Citing.

I hate to introduce a sad note but Don's really disappointing me on Mad Men. And I don't know how it's happened but I have become addicted to Game of Thrones. I really want my own Dragon.

Just saying.

xxxxxxxx

Leopard Print.

2013-04-13T12:02:00.001+10:00

My divine friend Kate B put me onto Equipment silk shirts. I'm a joiner, so when I saw this yellow leopard print arrangement heavily discounted on the outnet, I hopped on the bandwagon and channeled a sort of urban cowgirl mixed with a touch of Yolanda from the Real Housewives of Beverley Hills (whose clothes I covet)

Isn't it rainy? Bad for the hair, Good for the Garden.

Someone asked me how to tie scarves. I always defer to the scholarship of the Wonder that is Maitai in this regard. You'll be needing one of her scarf rings too. Luff this scarf with little people on it. It brings back good memories. Bought it from the Hermes concession at Heathrow in 2010 when I was 6 months pregnant just before I hopped on a plane to Hong Kong.

Mr FF dressed down for his trip to see clients in the country.

Someone else asked why they haven't seen many bee hive gingers on the blog. Good question. The sad fact is that after the chain saw massacre prune my Dad actioned last year, the gingers took a long time to grow back and they didn't really flower...fingers and toes this isn't a permanent state.

I luffed those flowers.

You know how I always have a few bee brooches at the ready? Well I used one to fashion a chain belt clasp arrangement. Bought that belt in 2003 from Lifeline for $3 to wear to Zsa Zsa's 80s themed party. Who knew I'd be wheeling it out a decade later?

Met the girls for lunch at Fat Noodle. Those offended by Prawnography had best avert their eyes now

Lotus looked the Business in Missoni

I'm about to catch up with some friends for a high tea, but afterwards, I deem it Perfect reading weather. I might spend some time making another photo book. As is my current addiction. I've become obsessed with wanting to have a non-online record of our lives.

Back in the day it was all film, negatives, visits to the photo shop, photo albums and frames.

Those days are well and truly over.

Stay dry.

xxxxxx

Poached Quince Tart.

2013-04-11T17:23:00.002+10:00

I've been decluttering like a woman possessed in the last few weeks. Don't ask me why, I just have.I've got 3 giant bags to take to the Salvos Depot. Gave my scarves a bit of a sort out the other day. I'll sleep well tonight knowing that they've been nicely folded and put away.

Ha! As if I'd ever sleep.

I'm having friends for dinner so I got up at the crack of dawn to set my table with my gorgeous new Peacocks and Paisley tablecloth. Thanks Priya- I luff it.

I've got to give the garden a massive prune and declutter too. Maybe next week.

Some filthy varmint's eaten the inside of my rose!

Bromeliad flowers always look so other worldly. Like coral. And nothing eats them. Nothing.

Remember last night I made a quince and berry crumble?

This is how it turned out:

This is a photo from almost a year ago that Anna Spiro took of me taking a photo of her sofa at Black and Spiro. I luff that Lily Pulitzer dragon fabric the most.

Made a poached quince tart early this morning

used Stephanie Alexander's short crust pastry recipe

Voila!

Have a great night

xxx

Donation.

2013-04-10T22:55:00.001+10:00

Today I wheeled out this pink Tres Kelly scarf to wear to ye olde Coalface. I bought it from Hermes in Bond St with my sister and niece in November 2010 when I was pregnant, so it always brings back good memories. I'd wanted it in orange but they'd sold out.

But don't panic. I ended up getting that one too. Eventually. Look:

Mr FF matched me in the 1st tie I ever gave him circa 2004

Margaret Thatcher died.

She embraced Standard Issue Queen Hair like No One's Business.
Apparently the funeral's going to cost millions.

And Lily Pulitzer died too. I luff this book. My friend Lucinda put me onto it in about 2003 and I sourced it form my friends at amazon.

She embraced High Hair too.

Four Corners did a story on Monday night about organ donation. It was extremely moving watching the journey of those desperate for organs and seeing those who were making the decision whether to donate. Apparently Australia lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to this. I'd be happy to donate my organs. If you've been reading since mid 2010 when my Uncle G died, you'll remember that my aunt made the brave and sensible decision to donate his organs. He loved a drink and was a smoker and we always joke that whoever got his liver would've woken up from surgery craving a cocktail and a cigarette...

We miss you G.

On a less serious note I won a competition on Instagram and was sent a gorgeous tablecloth from Peacocks and Paisley.

It's lovely.

Can't wait to see what it looks like with this china.

Old Mr FF took me to lunch at New Shanghai today. It was Wonton-tastic.

Afterwards I popped into David Jones to buy OPI's Shorts Story and India Mood for Love, and some of that drip dry stuff.

In the USA this would've cost about $25 but here it cost $63.85. I know.. 'Spensive.

I mean I thought I was buying some polish not shares in Rio Tinto or a YSL clutch or something.

When I get home from a hard day at the Coalface I like to bake things. So comforting.

If you sneer at a poached quince and berry crumble, best look away now.

Hello Gorgeous.

You can see the final results on Instagram.

Night Night.

xxx

Miscellania.

2013-04-08T16:46:00.001+10:00

Went to Chow House on James St with my family for lunch yesterday after we watched Hyde Park on Hudson. Bill Murray's really good in it. Not as good as he was singing More than This in Lost in Translation, but almost. There's also a very attractive green and white vintage Herend tea set in a couple of scenes that you won't want to miss.

Clocked some Cousin Time

Finished this. Enjoyed it but like her non fiction better. Thrift and the Shops remain my favourites.

Wheeled out this Tibi frock from about 2008 to wear to dinner at Bucci with Mum and my sister. If you've been reading since day 1 you'll remember that it sold out on netaporter but Old Mr FF tracked it down for at Saks. Nice work Mr FF. They didn't ship to Australia back then.

Thank God those days are over.

This is my Mother. Swathed in cashmere.

Because I am a creature of habit I always order the exact same food.

Cocktails were ordered. And consumed.

Quinces are back in the season. Thank God. Their grainy texture divides and polarises but I am their number 1 Fan.

I'll have to poach hundreds of kilos and freeze them to last the year.

My favourite meal of the day is Snacks.

Old Mr FF was not idle. He brewed a ragu with 3 meats including ham bones for about 5 hours.

It smelt and tasted fantastic.

As I type Mad Men season 6 direct from the USA is about to start on foxtel. I am beside myself with joy. Don's on a Beach!! Hopefully it'll take my mind off the virus from hell. Being sick is such a bore.

xxxxx

Nice Stuff.

2013-04-06T13:35:00.002+10:00

Yesterday I threw on this frock that Old Mr FF brought back from Noosa (Well Played Mr FF). It has a nifty little embellished collar.

Luff a colourful scarf arrangement? Better come and sit next to Me then.

Last night the Universe directed me to action berry crumbles with a rolled oat topping. I do as I'm told.

In a spirit of Organisation today I finally got around to channeling Anna Wintour and editing the best of the Kindy art and put it into a folder. Tomorrow I will steal myself to tackle the excess of toys and outgrown clothes and have a good old fashioned declutter. Nothing more soothing.

This morning as soon as Old Mr FF left for golf I threw the toddler into the car and hotfooted it round to Old Zsa Zsa's ("The Hungarian to the Stars") so we could go for a long long walk and have a good old fashioned chat.

The mini Hungarian looked stunning in hot pink shades-

If you know me in real life you already know I've stolen Zsa Zsa's best moves for myself. She says "luff" (sounds much much better in her adorable accent), and things she likes are 10/10. She invented the potato salad I always make and introduced me to the Wonder that is Herend. I covet her Museum Quality Collection.

If she didn't know where I lived, work at the Coalface and have a key to my house I'd steal the lot for myself.

The mini Hungarian does a nice line in tea-sets too

Look how sweet the Queen looks visiting a chocolate factory. Thanks L for telling me.

Not sure what the appropriate age to get kids involved with cooking is but the other day, I actioned the dough and my little boy made his own bread rolls and ate them for lunch.

Start them young I say.

Counting the seconds to Tuesday when Mad Men returns? Me too. I for one am dying to see what Don will be up to. And don't even get me started on the outfits.

Happy Weekend.

xxxxxx