I forgot about Bastille Day yesterday, so we're going to celebrate tonight by whipping up a cassoulet, eating some French cheeses and pate, and actioning a French treat for pudding. Maybe a souffle, maybe something else. How did you celebrate?
Yesterday I went to my favourite butcher in James St (Petersons. They are unsurpassed) and bought truckloads of veal shanks to make osso bucco for 3 generations of the family. They were $12 a kilo. The meat not the family. I'm not sure if this is cheap on not but the whole thing smelt lovely simmering away all afternoon.
I borrowed the giant fancy pants stock pot from my then boyfriend in about 2000. Hope he doesn't want it back.
Don't forget that I'm drawing the Fuchsia Jubilee Necklace give away tomorrow. It's your last chance! Run Don't Walk! The necklace guarantees you Youth, will make you look Thinner, will babysit the kids, get you upgraded on long haul flights and increase your IQ triple fold. It's talents are, it must be said, Boundless. Plus it's quite light. Despite being in training for the Olympics.
You can't really tell, but these two are wearing matching vests and corduroy long strides.
Yesterday I was thinking about someone and then when I was stopped at some lights, there they were in the car next to me. Spooky. On this basis I'd better turn my mind to facilitating World Peace and winning lotto.
I usually wash my own car but today I dropped it in for a Professional Clean while I watched a movie. Gee it made me happy. I saw Snow White and the Huntsman. Reader, I loved it. I've never really understood the attraction of that little girl from Twilight but I must say she made a fetching Snow White. And Charlize Theron was wonderful as the Queen. She got to wear all sorts of High End Crowns. Even in the bath. If Norman forts are your thing, and why wouldn't they be, you'll enjoy it.
Here's a Norman Fort in the Channel Islands photographed by a pregnant me in 2010:
and a close up-
As this decade runs to its close, I've been thinking back about my 30s. They were such a complicated mixture of good and bad. Maybe I'll blog about some of it in the next few weeks. Will 40 be the new 30? And more importantly, will I be Showered with Gifts commensurate with my age and wrinkles????
Righto, better check this cassoulet progression. Feel free to leave me an amusing anecdote about anything whatsoever.
xxxxxxx
Made osso buco last night and it was tremendous. What do you serve yours with? I usually do puff pastry squares.
ReplyDeleteGood question. Mashed potato, gremolata and green veg x
DeleteAbsolutely agree on Kristen Stewart in Snow White, she suited the role perfectly, as she's a natural tom boy & natural beauty, as you'd have to be to pull off that 'decade in a dungeon' styling. Charlize, plain scary!!
ReplyDeleteOh your boy in that knit, adorable.
I've been thinking about my 40th birthday for years, mainly as people assume i'm older than i am, i'm throwing myself a big party, my 4 children will act as wait staff & my husband can coordinate the catering. I just want to decorate & relax (decorating for a party = relaxing for me.) I've got 3 years left & all i have to do is build a house, hmmm. You'll have an amazing time. Love Posie
I never saw Twilight but I get the whole camera loves her, lumionous thing.
DeleteI loved the movie.
I feel I've left my party run late.
I absolutely love your bed spread! It's just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWe celebrated Bastille day at a function to christen a friend's beautifully restored 100 year old timber tug boat! I know it doesn't sound terribly French, but the owner was dressed in a full Napoleon costume. Oh and the champagne was French ;)
I think that life truly is what you make of it, at any age. I'm glad to be embracing this philosophy as I will be turning 35 myself in a couple of weeks. I believe that happiness can be yours at any age (just as it's very possible to be miserable even with all of the health and energy and nubile beauty that youth affords). I'm sure that the coming decade will be a source of amazing happiness for you, especially seeing your gorgeous little baby grow into a beautiful little boy.
I hope that the coming week proves to be much less fraught for you at the Coalface. Oh, and I'm coveting your giant stock pot!
Boat cruise sounds fabulous.
DeleteI agree that life is what you make it x
If I am even half as gorgeous and glam and positive as you are when I am 40 (which is 8 years away) I will be a happy girl. I told my brother recently that 30 is the new 20, so correspondingly, 40 must indeed be the new 30. I hope you celebrate in style - I am sure you will. The older I get, the more inclined I am to celebrate things. Why not, you only live once as they say. Amusing anecdote-wise, the other day some friends dropped in to visit us with their two small boys. WE haven't seen them for years as they live in another city. My 3 year old daughter was running around with the boys in the backyard, and she suddenly DROPPED HER PANTS and capered like a jester, shaking her small bare bottom in the general direction of the oldest boy, shrieking "Nudie Rudie!!" at the top of her lungs and cackling madly like a small flasher. I then ran awkwardly after her as she eluded my clutches for a good 5 minutes. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but our guests were helpless with laughter as they watched me lumber after her. Kids, eh. They do the darndest things. I forgot about Bastille Day too. Doing a roast chook tonight. That's kind of French I guess. Cheerio xx
ReplyDeleteSay what you will about me I always look for a silver lining. But I am no Pollyanna. Am a realist. But Grateful.
DeleteEnjoy the chook x
Thought the hand in the coffee cup was cute, but the I see him smiling at the iPhone! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove a professionally cleaned car for two reasons: they do a better job & I don't have to! Win-win!
P xx
He likes to watch Spot the Dog on the iphone.
DeleteI agree with the car cleaning but at $39 it's not super cheap...having said that it was a joy to hop into.
40 is the new 20. A lot of my friends agree they are having the time of their lives now that they hit the 4th decade.
ReplyDeleteFingers and Toes that I will be too x
DeleteLovely FF
ReplyDeleteDo tell, are you planning a big party for your red letter day? And reminiscing back over the wonder years.. what has been your favourite age?
Look forward to the musings and snaps of the celebrations coming up.
xxmelxx
well have left my party run a bit late...thinking drinks and dinner with the girls and a quick trip to Honkers x
DeleteGreat Idea! I love HK too
DeleteBaby FF may be getting sick a lot but he always looks as though he has smile on his little face ! Looks like you have the garden back in order, everything potted & waiting for spring.
ReplyDeleteGarden is on the mend but there is SO MUCH to do
DeleteBaby is always happy although WILD and not to be trusted in cafes x
Again - another superior post, FF!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I don't have any amusing anecdotes to add - but, maybe fitting in with the "thinking back" on the last decade remark.. I can add that I have just read the latest book by Augusten Burroughs, entitled "This Is How. Proven Aid in Overcoming Shyness, Molestation, Fatness, Spinsterhood, Grief, Disease, Lushery, Decrepitude and More - For Young and Old Alike"
I have to say it was the strangest, yet most thought-provoking book I've ever read. Really made me think about so many things from death to regret and accepting all of life's challenges. Wonder if anyone else has read it? I would really recommend it. A bit wordy and confusing at times - but I don't think I have ever read anything that has jolted my thinking quite so much.
Enjoy that Osso Bucco! x
book sounds CRAZY.
DeleteI am all about acceptance. x
It certainly sounds crazy (and isn't that the CRAZIEST title ever?) - which is what I think made me curious about it.
DeleteThe writer, Burroughs, has had such a dysfunctional and extraordinary life (no formal education past grade 3, raised by his mother’s psychiatrist, a hugely successful advertising career, a spectacular downfall and rehab stint, and then a number one bestselling writing career...Phew!) that he has lots of stuff to write about!
Even though this is on a totally extreme level (his life) - he does say that life can be awful sometimes, but we can get through it and experience joy again. It is all a bit crazy, challenging and weird - but has really got me thinking. xx
Certainly Running with Scissors was all of what you say , very disturbing at times.
DeleteI haven't read 'Running with Scissors' but plan on doing that now. His thinking is so left-field, I'm intrigued to read more. Will brace myself for the disturbing bits!
DeleteI spent the afternoon of Bastille Day cleaning out the laundry and wishing I was in Paris.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to not celebrate my age these days but do gladly accept gifts.
xx
ha!! I long for travel too x
DeleteIm so excited to hear you enjoyed Snow White I am going to run not walk to see it now. xxxx
ReplyDeleteI luffed it
DeleteI love veal osso bucco! And I think $12 seems very cheap!
ReplyDeleteI do love a car wash clean! Always so nice and clean. I never get the smelly spray though. I never like the smell.
And what is it with babies and iphones!
they love iphones because of the touch screen.Plus they love contrband.
DeleteContraband note like it! Same goes for cords and power points!
DeleteHope all the entertainment was thoroughly enjoyed by who attended. Glad you got your car pro cleaned. That's what you go off to your Coalface for. That and a cleaner and ironer. I read a lovely blog by a newly pregnant Aussie girl in the UK who just happens to work for the company that made some of the foot wear for Snow White and the Huntsmen!!!! Here's the link. You'll be wanting a second look at the movie now. Best wishes, Lydia xo
ReplyDeletehttp://botterman-empire.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/snow-white-and-huntsman.html
Completely forgot about Bastille day but wouldn't have done anything had I remembered anyway.
ReplyDeleteLook at that cute baby. Have you tried giving him lemon juice? Sounds terrible now but a friends baby loved it. Don't quite know how we discovered that. I mean, who would really give a baby lemon juice?
TDM xx
I need a necklace that will babysit my child rofl
ReplyDeletemmm yummy food
Hallo FF, your liitle boy is still super-Kute! Very gorgeous watching that iPad or iPhone. I love the expression on his little face! Are you turning 40 soon? I think 40s are the new 30s, I really do. What my mother was doing, believing, etc in her 30s, I am doing in my 40s. (I'm only early 40s but am quite happy with it all so far.) Touch wood. Mx
ReplyDeleteMr B is washing and detailing my car as I type. Free of charge of course :)
ReplyDeleteFree of charge were the movie tickets last weekend. We saw Snow White and I loved it!
B
wasn't it fab?
DeleteFF, so you're about to enter the unknown territory of your 40s too? I have two months to go and am trying hard to focus on the positives, really I am.
ReplyDeleteMy 30s were a time of life's great lessons. Hoping to live it up in my 40s. xx
am sick of lessons- bring on the presents x
DeleteHear hear. I too am not so sure about the impending big 40. Have lots of bubbly and superior company to celebrate.
DeleteOlivejam
Hope to read some of your thoughts about your 30s as am always inspired when you do mention some of the difficult times you have had - but you've still come out the other side looking more gorgeous and wiser! Reminds me that the future can only get better!
ReplyDeleteP.s. I am worried about Kate. Did you see the bikini pic of her from the honeymoon with wills? She looked very very sick...I've had an anorexic family member and that's exactly as she looked :(
Re Kate, I feel her natural fighting weight is mean to be bigger than she is but that she likes to keep herself really thin. I expect she is meant to carry more weight but prefers to be uber thin.
DeleteI have had SO MANY difficult awful times. But I just shove them to the back of my mind and put out a social hit on those who have Done Me Wrong and move the hell on.
No one gets it all. Esp me x
Such a delightful post, I just love your blog.
ReplyDeleteWe watched the fireworks last night, and on Bastille Day's Eve, gathered with the rest of the village for a fête at the church square.
Baby FF is cuteness personified, and your two men always look so handsome together.
Have a happy Sunday! xx
Maitai am thinking of you as I tuck into all my French dinner things x
DeleteOh $12 a kilo tres reasonable! some cuts you need a second mortgage!
ReplyDeleteKristen Stewart doesn't do it for me (not that that would cause her to lose sleep) but love the idea of the fairytale. It's interesting that they have become the new chick flick, the genre of choice for whoever decides these things.
Im old enough to remember the release of the buddy films of the 70s, doesn't that make you feel young?
Off to check the blog about the shoes mnentioned by Lydia La La
FF, you make my day! x
ReplyDeleteHehe I love that you still have that pot!!! Hope he doesn't read your blog ;)
ReplyDeleteI am in Paris at the moment, so we watched the procession down the Champs Elysees in the morning, had a croque monsieur and hot chocolate at Angelina's for lunch, met some of the military at Place du Palais Royal, strolled around the Jardin du Palais Royal, tried in vain to get some of the free ballet tickets at the Opera and then watched the fireworks from the Jardin des Tuileries. It was an amazing day :)
ReplyDeleteC xx
Baby FF has your smile! Too cute.
ReplyDeleteWell I threw myself a 40th party with 40 girlfriends as my husband was o/s and no one was going to do it for me! Was a wonderful night, was kind of a thank you to many special friends who have looked after us over the years and I had a lovely time.(Got some special jewellery too cause I thought I deserved it). Am sure yours will be lovely, never too late to plan a party FF! Have a great week x
ReplyDeleteLike father like son - those two should be in a Ralph Lauren ad!
ReplyDeleteNo need to fear turning forty or any age for that matter. Lucky to be alive in this here and now( My grandmother use to say she was born too early!).
ReplyDeleteHonkers for your birthday sounds perfect.
My fortieth involved an awful lot of alcohol, if I recall correctly.
I am in my fifties now and life seems more confusing. Not sure why. Certainties of my youth start to wobble and it all seems like sitting on jelly.....:)
ReplyDeleteHaha Yes Sherry! I agree with you! I am 55 and feel exactly the way you describe.
DeleteI have been told the 60's are really great tho, from another of your peer group
DeleteI just hope things get clearer as i get older.:)
DeleteWe remembered Bastille Day and actioned a Lamb Shank Cassoulet. I also purchased the cookbook French Food Safari. I'm now 41. I had 2 parties when I turned 40 - one with family and one with friends, with only 10 guests at each event. I looked forward to turning 40, as I founf my 30's was consumed with either trying to fall pregnant (took 4 years), being pregnant and rearing toddlers. The children are now at school, so being in my forties means time for me :)
ReplyDeleteV xx
Hope you're having a lovely French themed dinner. The stock pot made me smile! I don't know what your 30's entailed FF, but your comment about good and bad resonated with me. My thirties started with an unexpected divorce, the inevitable roller coaster as a result of that, and a pervasive feeling that while I didn't actually mind if I was single forever, I was most upset that I might miss out on having a child. Mid thirties I met someone, remarried, and now have a lovely 7 year old son, but in some ways while we all move on, we are forever changed by our cumulative experiences. While I like to think of myself as a positive person, I often think that I lost my innocence in my early thirties. One thing is for sure, I would not have survived that time as well as I did without my wonderful friends. One of the many reasons I love your blog is the way you celebrate your friendships too. Enjoy the cassoulet! Fxxx
ReplyDeleteI divorced in my 20s and felt relieved when I turned 30, but my 30s were complicated in terms of my love life, work, relationships, everything.
DeleteOne thing is certain- if I was turning 40 without a child,I would be pretty sad.
It was a a long journey for me. I sometimes turn around in the car or go into his room in the night and look at him and think is this a dream? Because I can't believe how lucky I am that he is here.
Having a baby and being a mother is a tremendous Joy to me. And a Relief.
My friendships are very important to me.
For so many reasons.
x
Happy Bastille Day, FF. We have a new AuPair from France so Bastille Day should have been celebrated in the Austin household but we had too many things going on yesterday. Mon dieu!
ReplyDeleteInteresting (not funny) anecdote: our French AuPair has never heard of the Madeline books and tv show. We thought it was quintessentially French, but it appears it's a fallacy.
Bon soir,
Susan x
Awesome post FF. J'aime that doona cover... beaucoup! I haven't seen the Snow White movie and can't see me in a cinema just yet so will have to lay low til its out on DVD. I've been stuck on hearty beef and guinness casseroles these past couple of weeks but really should embrace a change and do an osso bucco.
ReplyDeleteAll your talk of birthdays had me thinking about mine too. Not far off, but so much to do if I want it to happen. My 30th was a fizzer as I was pregnant and awfully tired. I'm really counting on the Forties being Amazing.
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine the presents? I'm excited for you!
Well my fortieth was MARVY. I am a school librarian and all my fellow teachers dressed like me and wore their hair like me. I started a fabulous forty club at school as eight of us turned forty that year. My close friend threw a murder mystery party for me that year. It was 11/10 people. I wish I had that fabulous necklace to wear . Dear Faux Fuschia forty is so young and even fifty, and then comes the big 60 in a couple of years. Oh well, it is that much closer to retirement and being with all my friends for lunches out, movies and travel. You are fabulous francophile ,be sure and read the baby all the Babar the elephant books and the Madeline books.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your blog FF, I discovered it through my lovely friend at Dragons & Peacocks and now I'm hooked! I have loved my 40's. I was divorced in my 30's with two tiny children and was terrified. However, I chose to pick myself up and power forward and being in my 40's is pretty great. the tiny children are a bit bigger now and I have a great job and am pretty happy... I always worried that turning 40 would be a downer... but it really isn't :-)
ReplyDeleteCassoulet! You must post your recipe as it takes my husband 2 days to make after he has confited the canard. Have you tried the imported cassoulet in a tin....sounds dusgusting yet tastes delicious. How exciting turning 40....I absolutely adored mine & my friend last night had a ball....it was like reverting to 21 again. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you scoring a fab pressie.... What exactly are you angling for?! Do share.... Rx
ReplyDeleteHi FF, I have loved my 40s. I have only two years left of them so I need to make the most of that time. I must be doing something right though as the other day someone asked me if my brother (61) was my father! I didn't dare tell him, it would have mortified him.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will be showered with gifts, but it seems to me you already have the best gift anyone could want, that is family and friends to love and be loved by.
FF last week I saw the Katy Perry movie. I walked in out of curiosity and walked out a hardcore fan. I got so overwhelmed with excitement in one part that I forgot to breathe and then later I cried. I hope you go to see it, I'd love to hear your opinion.
ReplyDeleteWe had a Bastille day morning tea at work on Friday and ate this butter http://img3.fotos-hochladen.net/uploads/butterkdfngiv7ze.jpg - it is quite simply, amazing. My co-worker said he picked it up at Aldi but I've also seen it in a delicatessen here in Canberra.
That's all that's fit to print.
Have a lovely birthday FF, I will be celebrating mine soon at Hamo, I am looking forward to some sunshine and cocktails at the lookout.x
ReplyDeleteI spent Bastille Day celebrating my baby girls fourteenth birthday with family and friends, the years have gone so quickly. And today as we headed out to celebrate my aunts 70th birthday and my MILs 85th I channelled you, yes me who always wears black paired a gorgeous black and white striped cardi with an amazing red, white and silver chunky necklace and it looked fab. On turning forty, I have well and truly loved this decade, I'm comfortable with myself and decisions I make, it has also delivered some sadness, such as the death of my beloved dad way too early but great friends have made the highs and lows a decade to embrace. I had a fortieth a bit like an Indian wedding, it went over a few days with a variety of celebrations with different friendship groups
ReplyDeleteI found the 30s to be great, the 40s very rough, and the 50s so far quite wonderful. I hope you got the rough out of the way in your 30s and it's smooth sailing from here on in.
ReplyDeleteTurning 40 was fine with me, but I didn't like it when my younger husband did. But that was so long ago, and now I realize that he just gets better with age.
ReplyDeleteLove the back story on the stock pot - makes me like it even more.
My kids loved Cassoulet, maybe because I used crushed potato chips (crisps) instead of crackling.
"Whipping up a cassoulet" is an oxymoron ~ a time consuming dish as I remember. So you're turning 40, and I'm turning 60, in a few weeks. And my "baby" is getting married in September. I feel like I've arrived at this point in some time capsule. Your posts always give me a great chuckle, you have a unique and great view of life.
ReplyDeleteI spent Bastille day in St Malo! Great fun, food and drinks. I think I'm enjoying 40's more than 30's. I always look back and appreciate the past, but make the most of the present. I'm sure Baby FF will continue to make you happier with each passing year. He sounds such a darling little dote.
ReplyDeleteYour two corduroy men are wonderful! As I approach 70, I can see that if you are healthy and your children are healthy, all is good, no matter what your age. Have a great birthday month FF.
ReplyDeletewell now I know what all the hoopla was at the French bakery by my house!
ReplyDeleteAnd...thought you should know that I am "loving sick" OPI A good Mandarin in hard to find. I have been wearing it for a solid 6 weeks. LOVE it! Keep on sharing all the 'citing' polish news!
Love love this blog. And not sure where you get so much energy!!
Amusing anecdote :
ReplyDeleteA man and a woman are sitting on a verandah , sharing a bottle of good wine and gazing into the sunset .
Woman ( softly ) : I love you .
Man : Is that you talking ,or the wine ?
Woman: ( dreamily ) It's me , talking to the wine .
I love your blog beyond all reason ; you make my day . No Kidding !
xxxPenny
FF,
ReplyDeleteI saw that movie too - loved it.
Did you know that amazon.com has a service similar to netflix.com? I know you don't get netflix over there, but perhaps you can get the one from amazon. It is wonderful to be able to watch whatever when you feel like it. And my kids showed me how to hook the laptop up to the tv. We have superior tv's, so it makes watching fabulous.
At the moment we're watching Walking Dead. I know it sounds horrible, but like my son told us, if we watched 3 episodes, we'd get caught up in it. We did.
I'm also watching Gossip Girl. Love this. It's about NYC rich kids and their people. Great clothes, parties, and all that.
You are so going to love your forties!
ReplyDeleteMine started as a fizzer. My hubby forgot it and my baby started school on that day. He had been nagging me about a party and apparently I had said, I wish you would just forget about it, so he says he did. When I was crying at the mum's morning tea and the kiddos principal was consolling me another husband rang him and gave him a cheery reminder/serve, stunned at his forgetting! lol. By the time I had arrived at work he had his business partner organise and drive the florist around with a few bunches of flowers (he was out of town) then when I got home from school he was waiting in the driveway with an offer of ANYTHING from the jewellersor any shop in town! (I should have bought another property!) I didn't buy anything that day as I didn't want it to leave a nasty taste in my mouth, and we just had a nice afternoon tea, but later I bought a gold Surreal charm bracelet. He has been paying substantially ever since with the regular purchase of charms to change around on it. He's happy with that! I wear it everyday and absolutely love it! You must investigate. I am so going to organize a big bash for my 50th and am planning now, it is 6 years away!
Have a great day and spoil yourself silly!
You create such lovely ambiance! As for the 40s, well, you've only just begun to live, my dear, and with the baby at just the right time. This is your time. I'm almost 60, and I have to say the 40s is when everything seemed to come together on all levels - whatever situation you may have to face I know will be handled energetically, positively, and with grace - because that's just how we roll after 40!
ReplyDeleteI must have that necklace before my mat leave ends. I fear absence from work has diminished my IQ somewhat. I agree re motherhood. It is the most wonderful gift, surprise and privilege ever to be bestowed on a person.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love reading your blog. I'm a brissy girl now living o/s, but am home at the moment on holidays.
ReplyDeleteYou are going to love being 40 - it's a spiffing age to be. I am nearly out the otherside but I'm quite convinced that my 50's will rock too!
ReplyDeleteOh to be back in gay Paris.
ReplyDeleteI had a lovely time in my 30’s. Lived overseas (again) had a beautiful daughter and am now looking at 40 with trepidation. I’ve to find a job in a not so good job market. The ten foot high and bullet proof attitude of my 20s and 30s had a limited subscription and I’m having to dig deep to find a good attitude.
Love reading your blog and to feel your contagious cheeriness!!
olivejam
Oh, I'm here, I'm here - need to catch up on two days of FF goodness tonight! Had the in-laws over for dinner last night who stayed too late again (!!) and then work today - but I'm here. Phew!
ReplyDeleteWe celebrated Bastille day with spaghetti bolognese so not very French - however we did have French champagne so I say that more than makes up for it.
Bastille Day... missed it too! It always brings me back to high school French. Enjoy your birthday!
ReplyDelete