Mother Nature, Bare Faced

Today was one of those wonderfully rainy wintery days where you just want to stay inside and make popcorn and watch movies in your fav hoodie and oldest jeans. Well that's what I wanted to do, so I did. It was so relaxing, I didn't even bother with makeup today. I know what you're thinking: Anarchist! But seriously, I rarely go out without at least a swipe of foundation and freshly applied lipgloss - not a pancake face which take shours to apply, just a little something that is probably not noticeable to anyone but me. I feel self conscious otherwise.

Anyway, late this afternoon the rain cleared and the sky turned a lighter shade of grey, so we thought we'd head to the Gorge to see the results of Mother Nature's furious downpour. For those of you not familiar with the Apple Isle, for one thing yes it is part of Australia and yes Australia Post do deliver here; and for another the Gorge is the most awesome local swimming place. It's totally free (except the carpark, but nobody pays for that anyway apart from tourists), 10 mins walk from the CBD, and honestly a spectacular setting for whiling away long summer days. In winter it's still amazing to look at but the main activity is watching the rapids. Lately it's been bucketing down, and the river flowing through the Gorge has flooded in a spectacular way, creating oodles of frothy rapids and rising to such a point that half the city turned out this afternoon to look at the after effects of the weekend's rain. And, as always happens when you're out in your daggiest clothes and bare faced, you run into loads of people you know *cringe*.

This is what the Gorge usually looks like:

The bridge in the background swings quite scarily, making it fun to jump on, there are two safe pools there in the middle, though they must've photoshopped out the teens who usually swim under the bridge and jump off the rocks depsite the warning signs; and in the right front corner you can just see a swing, which is a neat little playground. There's also a good cafe, gift shop, takeaway stand, restaurant, chair lift, peacocks who occassionally go wandering in the suburbs and lots of wallaby poo. But before this turns into an ad for Tourism Tas, here's what it looked like this afternoon:

The pics don't really do it justice. Yesterday the flooding completely covered the playground, and today there were big bits of driftwood lodged at the back. It's really very awesome, and the raw power of it quite chilling. Despite my reservations about uneven skin tone and mascara-less lashes, I'm pretty sure Mother Nature's bare face got far more amazed stares than mine garnered. At least I hope so, or I really need a new skincare regime.

Weekend Baking: Berry & Apple Tray Bake

Mmm, trays. No, seriously, I tried this scrummy concotion last weekend and it's totally worth the calories. I don't quite get the point of a 'July Picnic' but I do get the point of a warm, filling dessert with lashings of custard or a fresh dollop of cream on a cold wintery evening. It takes a while to make, but if it's a rainy, grey old day, a good baking sesh is more productive than, say, buying shoes online. Ahem. Anyway, courtesy of that wikipedia of recipes, Taste, here is delicious magazine's Berry & Apple Tray Bake:

Ingredients (serves 6)
300ml thickened cream, plus extra to serve
175g unsalted butter, chopped
3 eggs
2 cups (300g) plain flour
1 cup (220g) caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced, tossed with 2 tbs lemon juice
300g frozen mixed berries, thawed
Icing sugar, to dust
Blackberry or strawberry jam, to serve

Method
Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease and flour a 32 x 22cm baking dish. Bring cream and butter to just below boiling point in a pan over medium heat. Cool slightly.
Using electric beaters, beat eggs with sugar until thick and pale. Slowly beat in cream mixture. Sift in fl our, then fold to combine with a metal spoon. Stir in vanilla, apples and berries, then pour into pan. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted in centre comes out clean. Take to picnic in pan, then serve with icing sugar, jam and extra cream.

Your hips won't thank you, but your lips sure will. Delicious, indeed!

Need a Book Recc?

Short and sweet this morning:

Here's another nifty and mildly addictive site for bookworms of the lazy variety: type in the book you just read, and The Book Seer will recommend some new titles for you! It's cool because hopefully you'll stumble upon an unknown gem, and also because a guy with a beard and a cartoon speech bubble gives you reccs.

Suggestions come from Amazon and Book Army, and it may be wise to to a hard refresh (gotta love computer speak, 'hard refresh' sounds so....not refreshing) because I keep getting similar suggestions depsite entering completely different books. Unless, it intuituvely knows me so well it knows that this list are the books I must read and will enjoy. Scary. Yet fascinating!

Etsy Love: Free Range Baby

While trawling through my daily blog reading, I came across a gorgeous Etsy store, based in NZ, Free Range Baby. As I am chronically awful at craft, cute little hand made pieces like this inspire not only admiration but lots and lots of 'aaaw'. Free Range Baby use fabrics that are vintage, reclaimed, or recycled, making each piece unique and that extra bit special. And, um HOW CUTE IS THIS!:

Yep, it's got an owl in the pocket. And this jacket has a hippo on it.

There's no point being half-hearted about colour, so if you're going to go for this swirly and spotty little number with a pretty bow, match it with bold tights and brighten up everyone's day...

But my fave has to be this simple, classic pinny. Sweet and totally adorable, it's quite a steal for US$40 (about $48 Aussie dollars at the moment)!

Why I'm not working for the rest of the week:

All I'm going to say is that this book arrived today from Fishpond so I'm not going to work tomorrow:


Sigh. I actually really just like the cover, and the bold black and white spine looks awesome on my Fantastic bookshelf. Joke, joke (partly) I'm hoping the content is as informative and inspirational as it looks.

Aside from Book Depository (where I recently bought Mary Queen of Scots for a bit of light reading, and pre ordered the new Phillipa Gregory, my guilty pleasure), Fishpond has been my most clicked on site lately. They have seriously everything there, and while the shipping is slow, it's ok, cos it's sorta a cyber version of a lazy afternoon browsing in a bookshop. And it means if you buy several items, you get staggered deliveries so stuff comes for days! Though earlier this week the postman left my new books in the recycling bin, which took the gloss off a little. Good old Aus Post!

Supermarket, thankfully not of the Coles variety

Being a mother and attempting to be a housewife means I spend more then my fair share of time trudging through the unflattering lighting and space age background noise environment that is Coles. But check this out: a Supermarket that is essentially the same as our beloved Etsy. Handmade, arty goodness without a Fly Buys card in sight.

I just spent more time looking through the kidswear, jewellery, prints and bags then I spend planning and executing a full-blown grocery shop. I'm loving the cards by Fold (US$11 each), the journals (US$18) from Andy Pratt and just about everything from Poketo, including this wicked monstery mug (US$14).

It doesn't come with a 'Warning: this is addictive and you now have no excuse to give a crap present. Ever", but it should. *Happy browsing sigh*

When Windex Goes Too Far

What with Masterchef inspiring us all to take up a pair of tongs and discover (or renew) a passion for cooking, and the current economic downturn meaning one has to find cheaper ways of entertaining oneself, all that is Homely is officially hip. I'm not sure who or what governs what is 'hip' exactly but I'm chuffed that crafting, cooking, reading and activities which neccessitate a pretty apron are no longer cringe-worthy.

I've bought more cookbooks in the last few months than in the last 20-odd years - indeed, MIL gave me a cookbook for my birthday which I was very happy with, depsite what she was possibly insinuating with the dedication "Dear Kat, there are lots of simple, easy recipes in here"...Frankie's Afternoon Tea got twenty of my dollars mainly because it looks so adorable and made doilies look cool; and I love the good old Women's Weekly Cookbooks which start at about $5 for the mini versions - they're chock full of homely, sensible and affordable dishes that you actually know are going to come out vaguely like the picture. And hands up who had a birthday cake from their Mum's AWW Birthday Cake Book? *entire gen Y raises hands*

Heck, even cleaning has become more bearable of late. When you live in a neighbourhood entirely built by Hotondo Homes, there is a certain image one feels one has to uphold. You can almost feel the housewives staring from behind their tinted long windows to make sure your washing isn't hanging out for too long that it becomes unsightly. Actually one of my favourite activities recently has been "let's leave the rubbish bins out ALL DAY and watch the neighbours get politely irritated!"

It is a less irritating activity then the people up the road who wash, polish and vaccuum both their cars EVERY SUNDAY without fail, and then clean the garage floor, lest it start to resemble, you know, a garage floor with marks on it. The people across the road sweep the footpath in front of their house after people walk past and routinely examine their driveway for marks. They don't put their cars in the garage if it's been raining, they wait for them to dry off and then put the cars in. YES I AM SERIOUS.

Anyway, the point of today's little rant is this: despite my lax (or as I prefer to call it, New Generation) attitude to cleaning, I do keep a bottle of Windex in the cupboard and use it occassionally to clean windows and mirrors and other assorted surfaces. (By the way, what does the 'dex' stand for?) I thought this was what it's purpose was. But today, while out on my afternoon walk, I did a double take at one DH's* spotless home - and not because of the reflection of myself in trackpants in her recently 'Dexed outer windows. No, she was Windexing her front steps. What the feck is wrong with a broom? I mean, she was polishing those babies with such vigour that I almost felt the need to take out a Classified ad warning Avon ladies around the city to aviod our suburb at all costs. And God help the Jehovahs.

Stay tuned for our next installment, where Wild Housewives of Suburbia find new and inventive ways to make the most of their Ajax...

*DH - intended to stand for Desperate Housewife, but there's no reason one couldn't presume DickHead. Or Dexhead.

The right to bare arms

While recently enjoying a vanilla latte (and not a quarter strength caramel latte, like the woman in front of me. Whether it was the caramel or the coffee that was at quarter strength, remains a Gloria Jeans mystery akin to their enviro-friendly non-recyclable cups), I decided to flick through Grazia magazine. Poor old Grazia hasn't had much of a welcome since launching a year ago (this week's issue is their birthday issue and actually reasonable value, with less carbs then a muffin, at $2.50) and I must say I find it hard to warm to. Flitting between waiting-room trashy celeb gossip and $700 shoes makes me queasy. But then I stumbled on an article on Michelle Obama - god forbid, she has been nicknamed Mobama. Michelle O takes up too much space apparently. Grazia isn't exactly Marie Claire when it comes to reportage, but this particular article just took the cake - the only interesting thing to report on the First Lady was the fact she has toned arms. Yes, despite being an accomplished woman and the wife of the most influential man on the planet, the whole double page spread was devoted to how you too can get toned but not muscly arms, just like Mobama. OH. MY. GOD. It's easy to see why glossy mags are in decline, with women growing increasingly disenchanted with thinly disguised advertorial, repetitive content and ridiculously unnattainable wardrobes/figures/lifestyles. This post from Liz Jones on the UK's Daily Mail site says it all:

"And don't get me started on the fashion pages. Remember that notorious feature in Vogue a couple of months ago when it told you all about new ways - the 'Grab', the 'Twist' - to carry your handbag? I mean, come on! We have had The Female Eunuch, The Beauty Myth, the Equal Pay Act, and this is the sort of twaddle that is still being fed to us?
Isn't it time they all tried a little bit harder to be on our side, to help us through the mire of recession rather than trying to brainwash us into buying ever more stuff we didn't know we needed in the first place? "

We don't want to read about contstant doom and gloom. Reading about frocks and shoes and lippies is a way of escape, of girly pleasure, that most of us enjoy. But suggesting unwearable $1000 shoes are the must-have of the month, or that another "beach ready bikini body" special is something that we want or need is wearing thin. Women are tired of being told we're not good enough. I don't know anybody who can afford mountains of expensive handbags or wants to wear those must-have gold sequinned harem pants. Even the rehashed same-same covers, a result of limited and dwindling budgets, aren't inspiring women to even pick the magazines up off the shelves. Check out this month's varied and inspiring offerings (pics from Girl With A Satchel):

The last few months have been a constant Cameron/Kate/Scarlett overload (this month, it's all Cameron). IT'S BORING! I would rather see an anonymous model with an interesting face/outfit/pose and a catchy coverline than another celeb. I would like to put it out there that most of us have more important things going on in our lives then getting toned pinkie fingers. I'd bet you a Balenciaga bag Michelle Obama does. While I do stop to admire her outfits, I admire her person much more. Who seriously gives a fig how she gets away with sleeveless tops - when the American Contsitution was drafted, I would dare say this was not the Right to Bear Arms they were talking about.

Spring is in the air!

Well it's freezing cold in July, which means Spring 09 has started to arrive (and I've just finished buying for high Summer, which I SO feel like doing when it's 8 degrees outside). This season, most labels are playing it fairly safe, but at least this translates to wearable, versatile pieces that will last more than a season. Not that any of it is heavy on the hip pocket anyway - here's a few key pieces from the latest arrivals that may incite drooling, so get out a napkin now:

Mimosa Goddess Dress, $129.95 it's black, it's simple, it has the most delicate of details and it's one shouldered. I can't stand people going without pants (I'm looking at you, 'Lady' Gaga. Actually I'm not. It hurts.) but going without a shoulder strap is a-ok. In fact, it's downright sexy in a non-boobs-up-and-out kinda way.

French Kitty Belle-Lisious Top, $59.95 I'm not a fan of their spelling but I am a fan of their cute prints - this little cami has umbrellas on it! Unleash your inner 5 year old and go all girly with denim shorts and a headband...aaaw!

Lucky 13 Asymmetrical Lace Dress, $119.95 Ring us up and ask for Shaz, then get her to say "Asymmetrical" - it's funny because she can't. Anyway, the "Astronomical" dress by Lucky 13 has been flying off the shelves (possibly literally, maybe she's onto something) around the country. It's a new take on the bestselling Bandage dress, with lacey cutout bits. Seriously sexy.


GRAB Loose Knit Oversize Tank, $59.95 this has that slouchy, too cool to care sorta vibe about it, and looks aweosme layered with other tank tops and a few dangly necklaces. The wide knit is light and the charcoal colour is a must-have - it looks especially cool contrasted against typical Spring pastels and summer brights.

Indy C Matt Bead Necklace, $14.95 Wear them in contrast to your outfit for a striking but not OTT statement - or heck, at $14.9 a pop why not wear all 3 colours at once!

Little Potty Red Shoes Pixie Dress, $209 I shouldn't even put this on here 'cos there aren't many left, but damn it's a pretty frock! One customer wrote in: "I just want to say I love, love, LOVE this dress! I remember asking you guys about it a few months ago if you were able to get it in. Which you were! Thanks! The best dress I've ever tried on. I look amazing!" It's fitted at the top with a flirty skirt, and the bold modern colour blocks make it edgy.

Birds of a Feather Here Comes The Sun Top, $49.95 You'll be humming the tune all day but this is just the piece to get you in the mood for Summer. We've actually got lots more Birds here waiting to be uploaded but it hasn't been shot yet (Ebony and assorted models are heading out on Thursday to freeze their bits off in an effort to bring you some springtime looks); and trust me, it is GORGEOUS! More on that later.

And you've probably noticed, but thankfully nobody minds, that we've had to up our famous $5 shipping rate by...wait for it..A WHOLE DOLLAR! Depsite tantrums, name-calling and endless phone calls we haven't been able to negotiate a cheaper rate with Aus Post so we've had to submit to their price rises. But it's still hella cheap for an overnight service, and don't forget that it's always FREE when you spend over $150!

Accessorising With Austen

As oddly addictive as Lost in Austen was (silly premise, brilliant execution, and god who wouldn't watch anything with Mr Darcy in it?!), and whether you're a BBC purist or a fan of Ms Knightley; there's something about Pride & Prejudice that just makes me melt.

Yep, I'm a softie at heart, and really I have a bit of a thing for tailored jackets and sideburns, Darcy style. Empireline dresses and brushing your teeth with chalk, not so much. Anyway, if your housemates refuse to let you hold regular Austen marathons, Penguin have come to the rescue with a range of mugs, notebooks and pencils that mean you can deck out your desk/room/house in all things P&P, but not in a tacky memorabilia sort of way - just a simple, retro-infused range to match back with their $9.95 orange classics series (to which I am addicted, depsite doubling and even tripling on several titles I already owned, P&P included) - talk about accessorising! The nice man at a local bookshop gave me some reusable Penguin bags to carry my collection, and they're heaps cooler than those pink Supre bags. But then, so is acne.

To wit - perfect sized mugs for steaming cups of tea to sip upon while reading on wintery afternoons (have recently added Wuthering Heights to my mug collection):

You can get these for $24.95 from ShopUntil, the Co-op Bookshop, and Readings.

Notemaker have these nifty journals (from $19.95), so you can pretend you wrote your fave classic work, and if you're feeling really in the mood why not grab a box of penguin pencils as well ($14.95)? Remember, the accessories maketh the woman...!