If you listen carefully you can hear the parched and dying FF Garden crying Quiet and Grateful Tears of Joy that Finally it is Raining. And not a moment too soon. Things were Dire out there. Dire I tell you.
All this rain's conducive to Old School retrolicious bologniase. I've made enough for my neighbour C who's got a 1 week old baby. Someone told me to prepare lots of meals you can eat with one hand before my Baby was born and frankly, it's probably the best advice I ever got.
If you were reading back in 2009 you'll remember my favourite colour was La Pazitively Hot. I've re-embraced it because it is the slowest polish to chip in the History of Polish. Big call, but I'm qualified to make it.
Actioned a Fauxroccan dinner the other night.
This is me with Old Zsa Zsa. Hungarian to the Stars. She says the best One Liners you'll ever hear.
I wore an old Anna Sui frock sourced back in the day on the cheap from the Outnet's USA site (unless you're earning pounds I say choose the USA site while the dollar's strong).
And Turkish Delight divides the masses but I'm a Fan.
Remember how that tablecloth began life as my bedroom curtains? Make Do and Mend People.
In other news I'm loving Blue.
The bottom 4 cushions are all from the Magic that is Black and Spiro. Luff them.
Had a lovely dinner last night with the V family
We said yes to Pimms
And Yes to Camilla
Counting the seconds to Nigelissima? Me too.
Stay dry. And if you're in the Northern Hemisphere Stay Warm. Am loving all the snow photos that everyone's posting.
Mr FF and I are going to do Frugal February. Am preparing emotionally as I type. Who's with us?
xxxxxxx
PS Housewife in Heels did a funny post Channeling Me. She even mentions my long suffering Fictitious Housekeeper Consuela. You can read all about it here
PS Housewife in Heels did a funny post Channeling Me. She even mentions my long suffering Fictitious Housekeeper Consuela. You can read all about it here
I actioned bolognaise yesterday, I do mine in the slow cooker for 8 hours, it's one million out of 10.
ReplyDeleteFrugal February is a necessary evil after all the festivities over the last two months, I'd say most people would be jumping on the bandwagon.
Love turkish delight, but I prefer it smothered in chocolate.
slow cooker you say? might do this myself....
DeleteWas it bring your own cushion?! (Woman clutching union jack to her lap). It's stopped snowing in London & I've just bought a very similar shade of pink nail varnish.
ReplyDeleteha! No, but that is such a good idea! x
DeleteEvery month is frugal for me but I am especially committed to Frugal Feb. Did it last year and tracked all my spending on my blog, it went brilliantly.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for Nigellissima, three minutes to go!
we don't have daylight savings! another hour for me dammit! x
Deletewell i don't have the sense to read my tv guide properly, so i actually had to wait 33 minutes for it! gosh it was good though.
DeleteI'm counting the minutes to Nigelissima too. I just finished the berry and white chocolate sauce pudding from the show last week. So delicious! Like the idea of Frugal Feb - what's your game plan?
ReplyDeletetherein lies the problem...I have no plan of attack, except I will channel Nancy Reagan circa 85 and Just Say No. If I can x
DeleteThat's what I'm trying to do in general at the moment, so maybe I'll just make it official and actively participate - count me in for Frugal Feb! Nigelissima was good tonight. Pity it's short and only once a week, but then it gives me something to look forward to. Was thinking about buying the book but I guess I will need to do it before February!
DeleteI want the book before Feb too!
DeleteI ordered the book at the Book Depository a couple of days ago, it comes free shipping from the UK. How can this is true? I thought free shipping was a thing of the past.
DeleteI am the lead cheerleader for Turkish Delight, just love! And Pimms too....!! Not a drop of rain on the Gold Coast yet, my garden is pleading xx
ReplyDeletehope is rains for you soon!!!! has been steady here today- BLISS!!!!!
DeleteNigellissima is providing me with much needed.distraction from boring worry about boring stuff. Luff her. Tried Pimms for the first time the other week. Where has it been all my life?
ReplyDeleteexcellent re the Pimms- so refreshing!
DeleteI have not cooked spaghetti bolognese for more than four years and yet this week I cooked an Old School retrolicious bolognese. A love for nostalgia cooking? Yes please. Waiting for Nigellissima too. I made her One-Step No-Churn Coffee Ice Cream last week and it was a taste revelation. I am a coffee fan. I bought the book too and I am not at all sorry. It's an investment in a happy kitchen.
ReplyDeleteSo much colour in your photos - so pretty.
I am so buying that book!!!!
DeleteI have it - cant wait for an excuse to try the olive oil chocolate cake yumm
DeleteCouldn't let the opportunity pass to comment here about the coffee no-churn icecream. I totally agree Theresa, it's a taste revelation.
DeleteI made it again this past weekend, BUT I changed the coffee out for cocoa powder (cadbury bournville)and instead of coffee liqueur I added Cointreau and then you have Jaffa icecream. Totally to die for!
Love love love the Camilla kaftans. Divine. No delicate way to ask this but am assuming there were no wardrobe malfunctions?? My good friend was given one for Christmas and readied herself to wear it to a 50th only to find that it was showing off more than she planned of her top half. E X
ReplyDeleteno malfunctions- they are a bit sheer so I wear a slip dress and normal underwear under it. At my age I need the support. x
DeleteWish it would rain here as my garden is v dry and crispy. Did your kaftan match Mr FF's pants? Have failed abysmally trying to get my husband to wear pink .....yet finally making progress with 5 year old son! I think you need to get them early?! Rx
ReplyDeleteMr FF is unafraid of pink. He bought those pants ages ago without reference to me! xx
DeleteYou were wearing black? Gorgeous. But, black? I went into shock but recovered when I saw the Camilla kaftan :)
ReplyDeleteI often wear black! x
DeleteLove the colours of you and your friend's outfits, just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteAs I live a fairly frugal life, Frugal Feb will be just another month for me (I actually clicked on your blog from Frugal Queen from comments that you had left on there) but I will be cheering you on! Good luck to you and old Mr FF on your Frugal Feb
Judy xx
Hi Judes07! Love Frugal Queen, she is so disciplined! I will need the encouragement, as I do like to shop x
DeleteLove the glamourama of your life. I could watch Nigella all night, she really calms me and she is so beautiful to look at.
ReplyDeleteme too, her voice is so soothing and she is so gorgeous
DeleteJust finished the anchovy and olive spaghetti from Nigelissima. Delicious. Fellow turkish.delight lover. Rain, you say? My Dad will be pleased too (North if Brisy).
ReplyDeleteI heart rain x
DeleteThat Kaftan is so PERFECT. Actually, it is beyond perfect.
ReplyDeleteMe want! x
you should get one they are so handy x
DeleteOh, FF I'd love to jump on the frugal February bandwagon but February is my and my daughters birthday month, so we need to be able to spend and get spoiled by Mr B! Might have to do frugal March, but it doesn't have quite the same ring to it! Love your dinner party pics. You make entertaining mid week look so effortless! Love the Camilla frock too. Looks stunning on you
ReplyDeleteI don't work Monday so it is easy peasy for me than you so much re the frock xx
DeleteI'm in for Frugal Feb. That means only a week to get my non-food necessities pre-purchased for Feb. Hmmm what am I going to run out of/require desperately that month?
ReplyDeleteWill be sourcing the Nigella cookbook from the library in anticipation of frugality and home cooking motivation.
Love your work re fauxroccan dinner. food looks delish.
CC
the food was nice ! I am scared about Frugal Feb!
DeleteOh! It's raining here for the first time in so long. My poor lawn was so dry and brown... Luckily we don't have too much of a garden yet, but have been watering it regularly. Nothing beats real rain though!!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll be having a frugal year this year-with a wedding and lots of house improvements happening we really have lots on this year.
Love your blue cushions!!
lug the cushions too, Old Anna never gets it wrong!
DeleteRain beats the hose because it contains oodles of nitrogen.
I avoid watering because of the prohibitive cost of water.
Hi FF, Love your blog and Turkish delight. Actioned Faux Faux Fucshia earlier this week and spent 24 hours living FF style... Ate Faux Fauxroccan and spent some time emotionally connecting with sequins. Here's the link:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.housewifeinheels.com/2013/01/21/mummy-swap-faux-faux-fuchsia/
Had a weird spate of emails accusing me of posting bogus comments re the post- The cheek! x
very funny, have put a link in this post, see above.
DeleteI really must get a Camilla.
ReplyDeleteI should get in before Frugal February.
Actually our frugal month is always May...we get slammed with bills in May and it is never any fun.
I am loving this rain. I hope it sets in and rains for a full week. I would love for my grass to be green again.
I get slammed with frigging bills every month! I am happy if it rains for months too x
DeleteSend some rain to Adelaide we need it.
ReplyDeleteLove Nigelism it's all so effortless.
Got love her icecream!!!!
Got say I love those plates of yours!!!!!
How will you celebrate Australia Day?
Kind Regards
Karen
Luff them too and live in FEAR of breakages.
DeleteThanks for asking re Aust Day. We will have the W family- 3 generations worth round for a BBQ. We spent Christmas evening with them.
x
.....and minimalistic March...joy oh joy!
ReplyDeleteI can't do that because my kid turns 2 and my sister will be here...
DeleteSorry no frugal Feburary here we're on a mission to get the house finished however we are attempting Dry Feburary (crossing self as I type)
ReplyDeletexx
I wish you luck with dry Feb!!
DeleteOne handed meals is great advice! Making extra and giving it to your neighbour is so kind FF. There is a movement afoot in these parts to have a cooking shower for new moms where everyone makes a main course suitable for freezing and stocks the freezer for the next month!
ReplyDeleteI must compliment you on that gorgeous lot of bracelets that you are wearing with your watch...lovely.
it's no trouble at all and her husband is really sick so she needs the help x
DeleteHi FF
ReplyDeleteGreat that you're finally getting rain..this may be a dumb question, but are you not able to water your gardens with a hose or irrigation systems? Just curious....
Regarding the Turkish delight....my sister and I visited Istanbul for a week back in October last year and managed to eat our body weight in the delectable stuff!! We embrace Turkish Delight!!
PS: I am with you for Frugal February....
Jules, Dubai
Hi Jules
DeleteYes I could water but my last bill was really high (we pay for water) so I don't want to, plus nothing is as good as rain- all that NITROGEN!!!
I want to go to Istanbul xxx
I did Frugal Jan. It was kind of fun, kind of. Hardly spent anything on food, carrying on from the holiday gifts to the pantry. One special tea time, but no other entertaining. I know. But we're planning a major building project. Frugal hardly makes a dent, but it feels Virtuous. Good cheer!
ReplyDeletewow the Discipline!
DeleteI just have to say, FF, you have the most glamorous friends. Not only do you seem to be constantly celebrating something-or-other, you all look SO fabulous while doing it. If I were to invite friends over, the men would all wear golf shirts and jeans, or maybe khakis. The women would wear a non-sparkly top and probably also jeans. Except in our loooong summers, during which everybody wears shorts. I have been trying to upgrade my look, but can't possibly achieve FF-level style! I would certainly stand out in my local crowd if I did, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteCarry on, FF! Hold the glamorous sparkletastic banner high!
---Jill Ann
I tell them to dress up. It's nice to make an effort as a guest if your host does. For casual things casual is fine, but I am a huge believer in Making an Effort.
DeletePlus everyone knows when you look good you feel better.
Mr FF lives in golf clothes when he is not at work.
Your blog has the best "eye candy" ever.
ReplyDeleteThat OPI color is fab.
thanks and I know the colour rocks x
DeleteFabulously gregarious sartorial arrangements, as always FF!
ReplyDeleteI need to follow your example and chide the winter chill away, here in old Blighty, with some crazy hot colours.
Doing my best Nigella impression tonight. Hopefully Chas Saatchi will drop by later.
What does this Frugal February malarky involve then?
Essentially it involves no self gifting clothes decorator items or unnecessary crap. It also involves minimal eating out and not buying books.
DeleteYou can go to movies and have lunch with your friends on a Friday.
You can't internet shop (me) or buy antiques or golf stuff (Mr FF)
I'll make the rules up as I proceed.
Is the no books element absolutely mandatory? It could be my undoing!
DeleteWays to save and achieve a Fuchsiadome-esque elegance would be marvelous.
Your posts are always so cheering! Thank you for adding some fun and joy to the cyber world. But sometimes you're as bad for me as looking through fashion magazines - I see your clothes and want, want ,want. Definitely not the feeling I need when I am on a no-clothes-buying year. So no Fugal Feb for me. It's a Lean Two, Oh, Thirteen.
ReplyDeleteI am shopping my wardrobe, decluttering my clothes and putting together new combinations. Trying to action some leanness on my body but, dang it, I might have to cut back on food and alcohol. How's your fitness plan going? Didn't you start one a few months ago?
I kept it up for ages until it just got too boiling hot. I'll get back into it when it cools. I lost weight which was the main goal and I felt a lot calmer.
DeleteBut it's hard when it is so hot. That's my story anyway.
love the one handed meal comment ! never a truer word was spoken.
ReplyDeleteLoved Nigella's licorice case
someone who left a comment on the blog told me and it was the best advice!
DeleteThat post of Housewife in Heels was hilarious FF. Boy has she got your number! Definitely twins!
ReplyDeleteCindy F
xx
I know it was v. funny x
DeleteTwo very important questions for you FF.
ReplyDelete1. Being undeniably overqualified - can you reccommend a good coral polish? They always look coral to me, but once I slap on a few coats they seem too red or orange or pink.
2. Considering Frugal February... But before I commit, what are the hard and fast rules?? And most importantly, what are the loopholes?? For example, once something reaches >60% off, is it frugal enough to be purchased?
Look I never said my questions were how do we achieve world peace!!!
Kelly x
1. OK this is tricky do you mean a true coral or more an orange? check out OPI cajun shrimp and hot and spicy
Delete2.there are no hard and fast rules!
Good luck!
Solid advice as always. Feeling much better about committing to Frugal Feb with no hard and fast rules in place!
DeleteI've decided my loophole will be that I can't buy any clothes to wear DURING Frugal Feb. I'm currently sourcing summer clothes on the cheap for a European holiday in June. Now is the best time to buy!
Enjoying the sound of cajun shrimp - it's on the shopping list.
K x
you have the most beautiful friends! you are surrounded by beauty!!! the food, the house, the clothes, hair, jewelry, baby, your friends, YOU. seriously...you live a wonderful life and i know you are grateful for it. xoxo
ReplyDeleteDear FF,
ReplyDeleteWhat a welcome relief the rain must have been for your garden.
You and your friend must have turned heads in those fabulous caftans - the colours are stunning and you both look gorgeous.
Unfortunately I missed Nigella last night but luckily saw The Hour which is my favourite show at present.
I'm off to see Quartet this afternoon - have you seen it? Must also see Les Mis next week - have heard mixed reports ranging from amazing to boring but want to see for myself. One of my goals this year is to see one movie each week, being a movie buff and all !
Have a lovely weekend with Mr. FF and your little boy.
Best Regards,
Lorraine E
xx
There's nothing better than Pimms on a hot summer day. Very british but oh so good. I'd be loosing sleep at the thought of frugal feb, I really should commit being a single income household and all at the moment. Plus I had some emergency dental work yesterday and lets just say it cost as much as 9 Hermes scarves. But.. you'd be proud I've been internet shopping sourcing bargain finds from around the world and making use of family in the UK and US for the postal related admin.
ReplyDeleteThink I'll jump on your bandwagon and whip up a Fauxroccan feast this weekend.
Enjoy your rain, the FF garden will come back to life I'm sure.
Hello Ms T
DeleteHope your teeth are ok- nothing worse than really bad tooth pain and yes, dental work can be really expensive...
You should do Frugal Feb with me xx
so funny! We were across the road at Bucci that night! Had one of those delicious limencello lychee sorbet cocktails that we had previously - yummy!
ReplyDeleteLuff the necklace from Jean Brown x
Dear Ms FF, This is the problem: Australia can never do things by halves - a bit of rain in Brissie and the Queenslanders to the North are literally awash: I heard they got half a metre in a day!! Crossing my fingers that all will be well there. I am on board re Frugal February but just have to stock up on work clothes first. Ours is not a glam workplace but that is no excuse to look poorly groomed. I do like the bring a cushion party idea. Always nice to cuddle one when drinking a glass of champagne in smart shoes. I hope you have a happy Australia Day with your family. love Lindaxxx
ReplyDeletePreparing meals before you have a bub is such a fantastic idea! I'll be sure to remember that when I take the plunge.
ReplyDeletew
www.lifestylen.blogspot.com
Hi FF, after all this time I'm still reading your blog and absolutely loving it. My favourite thing is is seeing the mix of prints and colour in your home. And you always inspire me to entertain :)
ReplyDeleteFrugal February sounds like an excellent plan, I shall attempt it but no promises are being made. Actually scrap that I've already got plans to have a massage and facial to celebrate my new job (I believe that something fun must be done with the first paycheck) - maybe I will try meager March.
ReplyDeletePimms is so perfect in this weather. I do believe I shall head home and have one tonight.
Oh yes!!!! Am embracing frugality for all of 2013, but setting myself little challenges each month to keep it interesting.
ReplyDeleteI Love teh bright prints you and your friend are wearing - they are stunning - very summery too.
Have set this long weekend aside to declutter my wardrobe - i figured with the weather the way it is, there is no better time to be indoors!
Loving your blog, as always. So nice of you to cook your neighbour a meal - I remember when I had my baby last January, our lovely, but very new neighbours, (we had only moved in to the house 2 weeks before the baby arrived) brought in a meal and a dessert! We bonded instantly.
Your friend in the print dress sitting down with the champers looks amazing - love that dress
ReplyDeleteI am doing Frugal January-June!
PERFECT arm candy. turbo jealous! xxx
ReplyDeleteFF,
ReplyDeleteI think of myself as a frugal person for the most part. My favorite app on my smart phone is GeoQpons. It can tell where you are geographically and give to coupons to the shops in the area. I save enough each month to pay my phonebill!
I ALWAYS say yes to Pimm's!
ReplyDeleteMr Sulky's birthday in Feb, but will make an effort anyway. Your food always looks so delicious!
ReplyDelete