Blogtasticness and Seating Arrangements.

I don't know about the rest of you, but when I come home, like Oprah and her Decluttering Expert Peter-from-Australia, I like my house to "Rise Up and Greet Me", and part of that is having somewhere comfy to sit. Say what you will about me, I am not Short on Chairs.

But then it occurred to me that none of these seating arrangements catered to the specific needs of a Newborn Baby (exhibit A below)

Doesn't he look sweet Swaddled to the Max? (He's channeling a cross between Tutankhamun and Baby Jesus.) That wrap thing he's lying on was mine as a child. Which makes it Vintage. In case you're wondering.

So in the Spirit of Inclusiveness this colourful plastic arrangement now resides with us:

Every one's seating needs are met. Hooray. Apparently once I get my mitts on some 1.5 Volt batteries I can get this product to make music and vibrate. Who knew such things existed? Today I had a visit to the doctor (not so fun) followed by a visit to the Magic of Jean Brown (so so so much more fun).

I channeled a lump of Coal in my frock from France that I scored in downtown St Malo in November 2010. This was Me:

Everyone always asks me about the lippy. It's Rimmel People. Shocking Pink number 220. To quote Kate Moss "Get the London Look". You won't be sorry.

I don't want to Blow My Own Trumpet. Oh well, Yes I do People. But my friend K (the one who gave me the knitted Liontastic Lion made by Phylis in Kenya) just alerted me to the fact that the lovely Maggie Alderson follows my Blog! The evidence is right here. Exciting Times. When the Sydney Morning Herald weekend magazine dropped her column, I dropped them. I only forked out the money for her column anyway. At least now we can all access her musings online for free (win/win). I met her when at a book signing when I was pregnant and she was indeed just as you'd expect- warm, friendly and funny. Three things I like in people. Three things I'd like my child to grow up to be actually. I mean, who wants to raise a cold frosty unfriendly humourless kid? Not Me.

Thank you for all your Parenting Insights on my last post. I am determined that this kid will not be Slothlike or Lazy or Boring or Bored. I hope he'll love the Beach too. And being Outside. And be able to Action Basic Domestic Activities.

Fingers and Toes.

xxx

Such a Nice Monday

Ok Vegetarians feast your little eyes on this attractive lunch from Wagamama. It was tasty as anything. I 1st went to Wagamama in Harvey Nicks in London in 2003. I've been to the Dubai one too. Everything always tastes exactly the same. Speaking of Vegetarian Goodness (But ignoring the cross look on Dr Atkins's face) look at this lemon risotto I made last night:
Talk about comforting. I used aborio rice onion garlic celery vegetable stock gin (no white wine available) butter olive oil and saffron threads.
Meanwhile, bleach + heat abuse via excessive GDH use = what can only be described as a Superior Bun.
I give You Exhibit A: Today I had to visit Mr FF's chambers because I use his address as my own personal sort of post office and get all my internet shopping sent there. I know. So handy. He has lots of attractive products lying about the traps like that Cartier travel clock thing that I gave him for Christmas and one of those cute Halcyon Days enamel boxes ( from me too). Actually I also gave him that Wade owl and the porcelain trio. Hmm. Not sure about the frog.

I got this parcel from the gorgeous Nancy at Beladora 2

I ordered it last week, it arrived today. Talk about impressive and prompt service. I've never been to Rodeo Drive before but if I do make it there I'll be heading straight there. Look how nicely it was wrapped-

and Behold the Magnificence of my adorable gold bee brooch!!! We are going to be Super Happy.

Meanwhile after I left the Coalface the sky was channeling a sulky teenager and being all moody and huffy. Look.

So I thought Oh Well, maybe we should action this refreshing drink:

and in happy news my Mum is in town looking after Grandma so tomorrow I'm meeting her for breakfast. My Mum was the cutest little girl and had amazingly Superior Hair.

Niece FF looks a lot like her

Cheerio x

Linda in Chile-File Your Report for Our Readers!

As you know one of the Stalwart Commentors on this blog is Linda in Chile.

She really is in Chile and is well placed to give us all an eye witness account of what's happening with the miners who've been trapped underground for 2 months and are finally being rescued today. Linda- when you read this feel free to post all details of what transpired. Don't leave anything out! (edited to add-Linda's excellent account appears in the comments section now- Scroll down to read-thanks Linda!)

I can't upload any photos because I left my card reader whatsy at the Coalface. However, if you need to look at something lovely that lowers your heart rate and makes you feel great can I suggest another one of our blog commentor's online jewellery shoppes? Belle de Ville sells jewels on Rodeo Drive. She has websites! Look here and here. You won't be sorry. The Aussie dollar is strong. I feel there are bargains to be had People. Run Don't Walk! I'm particularly fond of her brooches and large cocktail rings. I'm going to add her blog to my blog list thingy. It's called BHB- Beverley Hills Branchee. I've added a few more over the last few days. Go see.

I'm off to action some baking and to write a list of the items of clothing I feel my wardrobe is lacking.

Cheerio. x

Faux Fuchsia-Lite

Years ago my friend Mark and I were in a music shoppe and he was looking for a Good Charlotte cd (look it was 2005 ok?). The guy said (I will never forget this) "you'll find them in the punk section". I know. I was shocked too. Good Charlotte are hardly punk. At best they are what can only be described as "Punk-Lite".

Which brings me to the following disturbing point-

These days one can hardly read a blog without encountering bloggers telling their readers to "Run Not Walk" or saying things are "11/10" or how "The Universe" is forcing them to eat carbs or bake or action some task or other. Some bloggers, like my friend Anna Spiro from Absolutely Beautiful things will refer back to me when she discusses "under cushioning" (the Devil's work). But lots of people don't bother. They just steal my best lines and leave it at that.

But just to let you know, this shameless lifting of phrases is Faux Fuchsia-lite (at best).

Say No to Imitations People.

And remember you read it here first.

Pies. Pucci. Presents from Maitai.

Behold the Magnificence of my Beef Bourguignon Pie!

The puff pastry stars were an inspired touch I think.

This is me earlier today

It seems to be summer (finally) so naturally I thought "FF you better get kitted out in some Old School Pucci" So I did.
I accessorised with my old Bally bag and my blue pashmina arrangement (the Coalface Office gets chilly)

Today something very exciting happened at the Coalface-I got a surprise present in the post from Maitai! I know. I was thrilled too. It was beautifully wrapped.
It was 2 gorgeous scarf rings. I definitely want to get my mitts on more scarves now. Thank you Maitai, I love them! Look at the perfect wrapping:

I feel that a large Hermes Kelly black and orange scarf is calling my name. Loudly.

Meanwhile, speaking of orange, it's warming up so I wheeled out my Revlon Make Mine Mango polish (a good substitute for Chanel's Orange Fizz and much less 'spensive)

I am fond of orange. Look at my specs-

I like it scattered about the FF garden too

and I quite like bits of it on a heel. Pucci slides I have missed you so much over winter!

Wondering why I'm actioning so much baking? Well it's not just because the Universe is Directing me to. I'm re-reading Amanda Hesser's Cooking for Mr Latte. She writes about falling for her husband and the food she cooked him during their romance. She has recipes at the end of every chapter. I haven't actually used a recipe but I've been inspired to bake.

like these little raspberry almond tarts.

Hello Gorgeous

Did everyone catch the debacle over announcing the wrong winner on Australia's Next top Model? Very dramatic.

And can I just give a HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO THE AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR? 97cents against the US Dollar!

Hooray!! I'm off to action some net shopping from any USA site I can think of. Let's hope it lasts. Fingers and toes People.

xxx

Let's Talk Superior Danish Products People

Hello. For the last two days I've frocked up in By Malene Birger. Maybe I will again tomorrow too. I only discovered her in 2008 but since then I've been a dedicated fan of her Danish Magnificence. Her clothes cover a multitude of sins which in my view is an added bonus.
Princess Mary's a fan too. (All the Princess Mary snaps are from the My Royals Blog which is on my blogroll to the right). Look-here's Ole Mary flying the flag for Denmark and tripping the light fantastic at a Malene Birger Fashion parade:
I'm not sure who did this chartreuse number-does anyone know? But I like the bag and shoes leopard combo

Malene definitely created this attractive red carpet style arrangement-

And here she is, the woman herself!

When I was reading Absolutely Beautiful Things today Anna revealed that there's a book coming out about Malene's decorating style! Goody. She has homes in Spain and Denmark. You can pre-order it from amazon. The Australian dollar is spookily strong at the minute (I know. I'm happy about this too)- Run Don't Walk People.

I for one cannot wait. Before she called her label By Malene Birger she had a brand called Day Birger et Mikkelson. I have some frocks by that label. This is the 2nd thing I ever purchased from netaporter in 2008

with a big belt it has a kind of 1950s pseudo Mad Men vibe (have you all noticed you can't open a magazine or read a blog without seeing Mad Men inspired clobber at the moment?) Meanwhile I am up to episode 7 of season 4 of Mad Men and am enjoying it but I think season 3 was better.

Here's another Day Birger number I love

it's the prettiest mauve colour

I embrace Danish foodstuffs too. This is from the baker at the Farmer's Markets. If you love poppy seeds pastry and sugar you won't be disappointed. Sorry Dr Atkins.

I own limited Danish homewares but I do have these green candlesticks thingies by Holme Gaard. Who are Danish. And have a Royal Warrant. Fancy.

Don't forget to watch Gok's Fashion Fix at 8.30pm, but remember to tape Heston's Feasts on SBS.

xxxx