Happy days

Have you ever had one of those ultimate weekends? Where life just can't get any better and you thank your lucky stars for all the good?

I just had one. And I'm tickled pink.

It all started on Friday night when I went to my first soccer game at AAMI Park. I'm not really into 'football' in this form, but being the sports fan I am and living in the heart of Melbourne's sports precinct, I was keen to give it a go. And Adelaide United was playing, so happy to jump on that bandwagon.

We won.

Then Saturday morning I got up bright and early and took the dog for a walk - I was housesitting in Hawthorn East which is a lovely suburb not far from my house and I cherished the opportunity to have a furry friend around. We went to get a coffee and kick start our day at 7.30am before heading over to celebrate my precious Goddaughter's first birthday with breakfast.

Love her to bits.

Her Mum Bree is a superstar and whipped up a gourmet feast to line my stomach for the day ahead. Eggs, chorizo, avocado, tomato and feta. TDF. So much fun with the kidlets.

Then it was back home to prep for Derby Day. The weather threw things into a bit of a spin and I had to rethink my hair style, but we got there in the end - thanks to a YouTube tutorial on how to do my makeup! 

Looks terrible in the pic below, but it was so much fun to do and I'm led to believe it looked better in real life (albeit not much like a Victoria's Secret Angel!) . . .

Didn't Em look hot? I have such pretty friends!

Derby Day was great, we were based in The Nursery and gorged ourselves on chicken sandwiches and champagne all day. We were hosted by the gorgeous McKinnon family and I was over the moon when Clare told me her cousin reads this little old thing. Who would've thought?! I have a reader out there who isn't a blood relative or friend of my Mum's!?

Randomly bumped into my dear friend Alice on the train platform on the way home which was a gift from the Gods - I was worried we'd never manage to catch up that night. 

Obligatory train selfie below . . .

Rocking the red lips, Acey! 

Then Sunday was a day of rest - of sorts. I was still housesitting so indulged in a Foxtel marathon (Say Yes to the Dress is my new fave!) and then went shopping with Lill to soothe the hangover. Thank goodness for burritos.

Caught up with Alice again Sunday night for drinks at City Wine Bar then dinner at Lucy Liu's followed by nightcap at Eau de Vie.

Wow, we look tired (but so brown and gorge, Acey!)

Monday morning saw Alice get up with the sparrows at 4.30am to catch the red eye back to Brisbane and I managed a few more hours sleep before dragging myself out of bed for a run. Good girl, Kate.

Such gorgeous (and rare) weather called for lunch outdoors so Melissa and I treated ourselves to a couple of hours at Porgie & Mr Jones whilst debriefing the races. Monday night called for some serious couch time and a Breaking Bad marathon (I'm hooked - half way through Season 4. It's so addictive!).

Tuesday was a bit manic preparing for a Melbourne Cup Day BBQ with new friends - made my new favourite Ottolenghi salad (recipe to come) and drank far too much champagne. Retired to the couch for more Breaking Bad last night. I can't help myself.

And that's it! How good!? A seriously fun weekend with seriously fun people and events. Lots to add to the gratitude board.

 Thank you Melbourne for your glorious public holiday (and work for the free day off on Monday!) How did your (long) weekends fare?

And what are you grateful for?

xx

Hunting for Hunters

Friends, travellers, wine lovers, romantics.

I'm off to the Hunter Valley with the two loveliest of gals and I'm in need of some accommodation recommendations. I'm flying blind here, people!

It's for two nights (Friday and Saturday) in the second week of November. 

Any hot tips? Restaurant musts, winery loves?

But most importantly, where should we stay!?

Hit me up!

xx

Gift horse

I have been lucky enough to play a special part as bridesmaid in a number of my friends' weddings (coming up to seven times now . . . but who's counting?) and I've loved every minute of it. I just love weddings, and parties and running with a theme. Any excuse, really!

I think it's a huge honour to be asked to be a bridesmaid but nothing is as touching as being asked to be a Godmother.

I have been Max's Godmother for a couple of years now and he's one big hunk of spunk. He's coming up to three years old and I just can't get enough of him. Remember this little rabbit?

Well a couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be named Godmother to Maxie's little cousin Paige, my dear friend Bree's daughter. She is the sweetest little thing. 

Check her out with her Godparents . . .

The dedication was in the Rads so I didn't bother to lug her present back home for Bree to have to drag it back to Melbs. I headed over for coffee and cake at their place the next weekend to deliver the present - a gorgeous fuschia pink herringbone woollen blanket.

I think Miss Paige was impressed.

Baby/Christening/Dedication presents are hard - you want something sentimental but something that will last. I thought about all the usual options - money box, books, picture frames, charm bracelet. But I was worried she'd end up with three of each.

Yay or nay to the long term present? Or do you prefer gifts that are more age appropriate?

Sunday Collector got me thinking outside the square with a post featuring a doll her sister had bought for her niece. Dumye dolls are dolls with purpose and I just love love love that idea. For every doll purchased they gift an orphan in need and allow them to make a doll of their own through an art workshop. How good!

Other good presents are personalised canvases (a friend painted a quote from Where the Wild Things are for me to mark Max's big day); anything Georg Jensen; animal heads (West Elm do a great collection) or a painting - like something splendid from the oh so talented Pip Boydell.

Bree's sister Kelly (Max's Mum) prides herself on her gifting skills like me (we love it!) and she came across this beautiful present for Paige. May I introduce the Maven Doll range.

Bree's side of the family chipped in for a Mollie - a gorgeous piece to keep for years to come. Isn't she just something else!?

I think we nailed it this time. What do you think?

Mantra

Thank you to Alice for her wise words of wisdom on this shitty Melbourne day.

xx

Weekend wonders

I have two very dear friends coming to visit this weekend - I've been bridesmaid to them both and am so looking forward to sharing a bit of my Melbourne with them.

I am so so so excited about finally visiting one of my Melbourne 'musts' tomorrow. Aren't the pics above gorgeous?! They're from Mossgreen Tearooms where I'm having High Tea with my most recent bride Jourdanne (and my local loves Bree and Gemma) tomorrow afternoon.

But first, the fun kicks off with a city drink with Sam tonight - you might remember her from this wedding . . .

I'm still tossing up which bar to take her to - so much pressure when visitors are in town! The shortlist is Hihou, Von Haus, Ombra and Cumulus Up. 

Sounds like a whole lot of stuff yourself silly with food and drink, if you ask me! 

Just the way I like it xx

Adore-able

One thing I miss about living in my own home, is the freedom to decorate a shared space in your own taste.

I took great pride in my coffee table stack in my living room in the Rads, but my share house in Melbourne doesn't have a coffee table, nor the support of my housemates to extend my penchant for the colour pink beyond my bedroom.

So I was over the moon when my gorgeous friend Kelly (mother of the world's cutest Godson, Max) gave me the new Adore coffee table book for my birthday. It's pink and it's gold and it's fabulous.

And it's the perfect addition to my little sanctuary upstairs at home.

My friend Melissa and I went along to the launch at West Elm on Chapel Street (eeek, papped above!) and it was lovely to meet Loni . . . and enjoy a glass of bubbles or two. Kelly flew over that weekend and we joined Loni on the Adore Home Shopping Tour around Melbourne.

What a brilliant day we had discovering hidden gems in my adopted home. I was all over the shopping haunts in Radelaide, but out of the loop in Melbourne, so this was the perfect way to get my bearings and find new faves.

Lunch was also delicious!

The highlight for me was Montebello Emporium in Camberwell. Tina, you will love it here! I picked up a gorgeous box of Liberty notecards and they have heaps of Kate Spade stationery in stock.

It was a huge day of shopping and I've made lots of notes of where I want to go back - present shopping will be so much easier now that I've found my feet!

Check out the loot I picked up - and most of it was from the generous goody bags from Adore and Safari Living.

V spoilt.

Thanks for making it an Adore-able birthday, Kelly!

xx

Sailing away

A friend of mine from work is going sailing this long weekend. 

She laughed when I sent her this photo and asked if this is the type of sailing she had in mind.

No, she insisted she wasn't just a 'passenger' and actually got her hands dirty!

What are you up to this weekend? 

I have four sets of VIP friends visiting Melbs from all over. It's a bit crazy!

Tonight is dinner with my oldest friend and and her sister who's visiting from Adelaide; then Sunday I've got golf and drinks with my favourite bride-to-be and the girls (one of which is driving up from the country and the other flying in from Radelaide); then Monday is a juggling act between my Godson and his famillia who are also over from the Rads, and a friend from school who is visiting with her little fam from Canberra.

Can't say I lead a dull life!

Happy long weekend. Thank you Queen Lizzie for having a birthday xx

Insanity

So I tried something different, and I think it struck a chord.

It was more of a 'Kate take on different' (I sort of caved, Lill!) but it proved that even the slightest change can generate different results.

And it did. I think.

Try something different today. Just a small tweak, and see if the result is different. Your sanity is worth it.

xx

Update 24 May: It's not different at all! They're all the same!

Putting the fun in run

We did it! 

Bree and I conquered our first 8km run in the 2014 Mother's Day Classic on Sunday.

I am so proud of our efforts - I ran the whole way without stopping and even mastered the Anderson Street Hill. I think I even overtook someone at some stage! That NEVER happens!

It was an early start on Sunday and I was sick with nerves, but Bree and I got into our zone, talked about random things (like my date on Friday night) and cranked up the beats (Florence and the Machine was a fave as well as Daft Punk. And Zac Brown Band for a bit of country!).

I am not a natural born runner. I don't have a natural technique and I look like such an unco, but Bree fired me up a few weeks ago and made me believe that I could do it. She is so determined and inspiring and I'm glad I've got her to give me the kick up the bum when I need it. Luckily, we run at the same pace and it's so nice to have that constant to your right. Makes the hour fly and full of fun.

We smashed it in less than an hour (it's not about the time, people, it's about the achievement) and are looking forward to our next fun run.

Who would've thought!?

May I have this one week

It's May! Hoorah for one of my favourite months of the year.

 I love it for a number of reasons:

- My Mum's maiden name is May
- May is my niece's middle name (Ruby May, isn't it the sweetest?!)
- My birthday is in May
- Dad's birthday is in May
- There are some gorgeous autumn days in May
- It reminds me of New York

- It's Mother's Day and I can disguise something I really want as a present for Mum! (Case and point with the Windsor High Tea Voucher for two I suggested Dad buy her for her recent birthday. It's in Melbourne so I guess she'll have to take me!)

Is that enough?

It's been a whole year since my 30th birthday celebrations with my parentals in New York. How time flies.

The pic above is of me and Mum on the High Line on my birthday (this coming Saturday, people!). Look at us rocking the pink lippy (that one's for you, Tina!). Take. Me. Back.

I love birthdays. I know lots of people who shy away from them, but as Janet on the Real Housewives of Melbourne put it: "Birthdays are great, if you're not having them any more, it means you're dead"

Mensa candidate, that one.

Anyway, I'm indulging in a typically Kate birthday festivus this week. A friend told me I was OTT and expecting too much from my friends, but people, it's a choose your own adventure. Join in as much as you want, or just stay out of my way if you're not in the mood.

In a time of missing airplanes, tropical cyclones and rugby players becoming paralysed, I think a little happiness is allowed. I don't have Valentine's Day, anniversaries, baby's cuddles or simple things like a kiss when I get home from work, so I'm going to cash in on my birthday. 

It kicked off on Sunday with a great top of the table win by Port Power. Then I saw Sam and Kochie at Southbank on my Monday morning walk. I made chocolate hot cross bun bread and butter pudding for my housemates on Tuesday night (recipe to come, stay tuned). Then my work birthday morning tea was yesterday. Today is very low key, best sort out something to do. Tomorrow night is birthday drinks with friends and then Saturday is a cracker. My housemate is taking me out for breakfast, then dear Flavs is taking me out for a pedi and lunch. Perfection. Dinner is at a Moroccan restaurant with my nearest and dearest in Melbourne.

So readers (all three of you), please let me have my week of indulgence and self-importance. It's nearly over. You can breathe a sigh of relief.

Love from your spoilt friend xx

Playing dress up

 

Okay, so we've all seen it already but I couldn't help myself.

 

I do get a bit gushy with a gorgeous country landscape. Just wish dear old Isabel had a gorgey brother we could perve on. Nothing like a bloke in RMs, moleskins and an Akubra to get the heart racing.

 

I digress.

 

This is my pick from the collection. My friend Alice had already emailed it through to me before the Country Road email landed in my inbox. We are on the same page, this Alice and I.

 

 

Buy it here.

 

I want to get a felt hat for Winter. I think it will be very 'Melbourne' of me - but I don't want to look like a try-hard. The name on everyone's lips is lack of color (the spelling annoys me, especially  because it's an Australian brand) so I'm keen to invest and experiment. Surely black is safe and I'll totes look the part? Yay or neigh, friends?

 

 

 

Shop it here (sans saucy bra thing)

 

Speaking of hats and looking the part, think I need one of these beauties for the footy (don't mention Sunday's game, but we can talk about the Showdown for a bit longer yet can't we!?)

 

 

 

Question is, which colour? Isn't Tina a scream? Couldn't ask for a better model for Lady Chatterley's Affair than the pretty lady herself.

 

Beat the rush and get your mitts on a beanie yourself here.

 

xx

 

 

 

 

Wine time, or vodka even

 

TGIF ladies! We made it!

 

Heading out with the girls tonight and I'm especially thirsty. Dashing home from work to slick on some lippy and slip on some heels. Luckily my morning blow dry has *almost* held.

 

Loved this quote I found on the sheshopped instagram the other night. That Lucy Cornes is a crack up!

 

The mood I'm in, I might need my friends to confiscate my phone . . . #trouble

 

Happy weekend lovers xx

 

PS. Go the Power! We're having a Mexican Showdown party to celebrate the first game at Adelaide Oval tomorrow. I'll share the famous pulled pork recipe with you next week . . . if Liam lets me!

Couldn't have said it better myself

(If only sound worked on this!)

 

This dating game is ruthless! And tiring. And expensive.

 

It's been a fun summer, but seriously, where is he?

 

There have been a few candidates along the way, let's recap:

• The weirdo with the bag of chocolates keeping warm in his pocket that he produced as a gift for me (weird, but they were Lindt so . .  .)
• The dude with the lisp who was so lovely but reminded me far too much of my brother (so pashing was way out of the question)
• The English guy who liked long {awkward} pauses and wore sneakers with socks
• The catch of the year who I never met even after four weeks of texting (I'm starting to think he never existed - just call me Casey Donovan)
• The dude who drank coffee, and only coffee - look, I like coffee but I'm so much more charming and witty and gorgeous after a few vinos
• And most recently, the perfect guy (sigh) who turned out to be the biggest turd in the world (insert expletives here)

 

I even looked this up this morning, out of pure desperation, but my mother would kill me.

 

The time has come to turn to the sisterhood - surely you must have wonderful, eligible, charming male friends out there?

 

My friends are having their first 'Bring a Friend Friday' drinks at The Carlton this Friday in the city, and I invite you to a) come along and b) bring a delightful male guest! We're all new to Melbourne and are keen to broaden our friendship group - it's very Adelaide centric at the moment an it's time to adopt new peeps to the fold!

 

There will be other singles there (that's the good thing about this city, I'm not the only one!) and it's sure to be fun. Beats sitting on the couch on your own eating a whole block of chocolate and watching online episodes of Real Housewives of Melbourne (because that's not what I did at all last Friday night . . .)

 

Let's talk, friends!

 

PS. How GOOD is Real Housewives of Melbourne!? #carcrashtv #loveit

 

UPDATE

 

And here my friends, is the extended clip . . .

 

 

Clothesline decorating

How much fun is Christmas?! It's a great excuse to get everyone together to celebrate the ups and downs of the year. I know there are lots of bah humbugs out there who curse the frantic festive catch ups in the lead up to Christmas, but I revel in them.

I indulged in the merriment of the season gathered my Melbourne family for lazy Saturday drinks at my place. I am so grateful for my little support network over here. I haven't made many friends from scratch, but rather borrowed from my existing friends' pool of friends. Sharing is caring, right?!

Well, we all know I love a nibbles platter or two so experimented with a few Michelle Bridges canapé options and some serious sangria - red and white.

Fun fun fun! My laptop is flat so I can't link to recipes right now but stay tuned for these guilt free treats that I'll share tomorrow.

Ps. My housemate is caving, she even helped put up the decorations. I can be very persuasive when I try ... and I find bribery works!

 

Update: Links to recipes below

 

Donna Hay's white sangria

 

Mexican dip

 

Christmas cakes

 

Traditional sangria

 

Beetroot and goats cheese tarts (my own little concoction)

• Puff pastry rounds (a scone cutter is about the right size for mini muffin tins)
• Beetroot relish (hello Beerenberg!)
• Goats cheese
• Fresh mint

1. Cut out the puff pastry rounds and line mini muffin tins (spray tin with non stick oil first)
2. Prick the bottom of each pastry round with a fork
3. Fill each cup with a small dollop (not quite a teaspoon) of beetroot relish (do not go overboard otherwise it will spill over)
4. Top with a sprinkle of goats cheese (about half a teaspoon)
5. Cook in a preheated oven at 180C until puffed and golden
6. Cool in tray until easy to handle and then transfer to wire rack
7. Sprinkle with torn mint leaves and serve

 Michelle Bridges 12WBT Chicken & Herb Tartlets

• 1g Olive oil spray        
• 2 1/3 slices Wholemeal mountain bread (58g)
• 250g Cooked lean chicken breast, diced
• 2 stalks Celery stalk (40g), finely diced
• 2 tablespoons Chives (6g), finely chopped  
• 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley leaves (6g), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoons Lemon zest (5g), finely grated        
• 2 tablespoons Low-fat natural yoghurt (40g)        
• 2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise (40g)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly spray 20 holes of a 24 hole mini muffin tin with oil. Cut each full piece of mountain bread into 9 even squares. Cut the 1/3 bread into 3 squares. Press into prepared holes, to form a shell. Spray lightly with oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.
2. Meanwhile, combine chicken, celery, chives, parsley, lemon zest, yoghurt and mayonnaise in a medium size bowl. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
3. To serve, spoon 1 tablespoon of chicken filling into each tart shell (you will have one extra shell).

Michelle Bridges 12WBT rare roast beef, white bean and red pesto crostini

• 1 baguette sourdough (80g), cut into 20 slices
• 1g Olive oil spray
• 2 teaspoons Olive oil (10g)
• 1 cloves Garlic (3g), crushed
• 1 cups drained cannellini beans (173g), drained and rinsed        
• 2 teaspoons Lemon juice (10g)        
• 1 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley leaves (3g), chopped        
• 2 tablespoons Chives (6g), chopped        
• 150g Lean beef fillets        
• 5 teaspoons Sundried tomato pesto (25g)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a large baking tray with baking paper. Place baguette slices on tray and spray lightly with oil. Bake for 10 minutes, turning once during cooking, until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
2. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook garlic, stirring, for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add beans and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds more. Add lemon juice, parsley and half the chives.Transfer to a food processor and process to a rough puree. Add 1-2 tablespoons hot water if too thick. Set aside to cool.
3. Spray a small frying pan with oil and heat over high heat. Cook steak for 2-3 minutes each side or until cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil and set aside to rest for 5 minutes. Cut into 20 thin slices.
4. To serve, spread some white bean puree over each crostini. Top with a slice of beef and a small dollop of pesto. Serve immediately, scattered with remaining chives.