Tuesday, November 30, 2010

A Rosy Morning




There is not much that competes with a sunny morning spent pottering in the garden.  Here are some of the pretty roses I collected.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Beach Day


Happy Saturday by the beach! xx

Friday, November 26, 2010

Friday Night Drinks




I am down at the beach this weekend and a walk on the jetty tonight bought us to the wharf where fresh crayfish had just been caught.  The decision of what to have for dinner was solved pretty quickly and with a bottle of chilled champagne we headed to the beach to watch the sun set.  Happy Friday!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Korean Dream








Given the current tension in the region I thought it was an ideal time to showcase some beautiful, artistic and very peaceful images from Vogue Korea.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Over the Top Lime

How fabulously over the top is the decor in this 1960s caravan.  Im not sure I could manage more than a day or two on holidays with this lime green overload.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Marvellous Madeleine







These images are the work of renowned 20th century French interior designer Madeleine Castaing.

Colour Love





A little colour inspiration to brighten up a Monday morning.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Happy Sunday


Have a lovely day xx

Friday, November 19, 2010

Friday Night Drinks





Instead of going in to the office this morning we decided to organise a volunteer event for our group.  The obvious choice was working up at ANZAC house to help them get ready for the ANZAC day appeal in April.  The task was fairly mundane (attaching pins to backing card to sell for $2 a pop) to raise much needed funds for the RSL (Retired Services League) so that they can support the veteran community and other returned soldiers and their families.  I am very happy to say we managed to do 10,600 badges in a 3 hour period. So tonight's drinks are inspired by the many soldiers who have fought in wars all across the globe.  I can only imagine a daily rum ration would have seemed like heaven to those in the trenches. Of course it really wouldnt be a Maiden Luxe post without a nod to  fashion so tonight Im going military style, inspired by the lovely Cat Deeley.  Happy Friday!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Ginger and Rose


I baked these ginger and rose petal heart cookies on the weekend.  I had no idea how they would turn out as I made the recipe up as I went along.  They taste quite good so I was very pleased with the result.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Project - An Update




You may recall a few months back I posted a picture of this deco sideboard (bottom pic) that was collecting dust in our garage.  I wasnt sure what to do with it and some of you helped with suggestions.  I promised to post some images once I did something with it.  Well here they are, I must admit my contribution to this project was taking the pictures, my lovely husband did all the actual work.

Italian Summer

I recently ordered this book online 'Recipes from an Italian Summer'.  Im looking forward to long summer evenings trying out a range of the beautiful recipes inside.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Fashion House



I adore the eclectic feel and subtle use of colour throughout this home which belongs to one of American Vogue's fashion elite.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Happy Sunday


Happy Sunday to all! xxx

Saturday, November 13, 2010

The First of the Season





A couple of days ago I blogged about the magnificent rose bush that borders a path in my garden and promised to post some images of the blooms I picked from the first flourish of the season.  The roses found the perfect home on my newly purchased stool in my study where I often retire to read and while away the hours when I am supposed to be working.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Friday Night Drinks


Im mad about blueberries so when I stumbled across this cocktail I knew I would have to try it.  This beautiful Givenchy dress would suit me perfectly to wear to tonight and I think I a great place to enjoy would be under the Wisteria (see below post).  Happy Friday!

5 blueberries

1/2 oz. lemongrass syrup
3/4 oz. lemon juice
1/2 oz. Pagés Parfait Amour Liqueur
1 1/2 oz. Gin
Bitter Lemon Soda
2 purple and 2 white violets
Lavender stem with flower

Fill a glass with ice, interspersing violets throughout. In a mixing glass, combine berries, syrup, and lemon juice. Muddle thoroughly. Add spirits and fill glass with ice. Shake vigorously. Add bitter lemon soda to mixture. Strain mixture into glass. Garnish with 2 blueberries, a long thin lemon twist, and a lavender sprig.
(To make lemongrass syrup, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add 4 stalks chopped lemongrass. Let boil until reduced by half. Turn off heat and add 2 1/2 cups sugar. Stir well and strain. Let cool before using and refrigerate between use).

Thursday, November 11, 2010

In My Garden Today




One of the things I love most about my garden is this little pathway that leads out to the back garden.  At this time of year the wisteria is out in abundance and on the adjoining side there is a beautiful rose bush that flowers magnificently (ill post some photos soon of the blooms I picked this morning).  I hardly ever make time to sit on the bench seat on this path but I am comforted just knowing it is there.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

To Market

Borough Market, London 

Borough Market, London

Food Market, Florence


Rue de Mouffetard, Paris

Outdoor Food Market, Florence 

Rue de Mouffetard, Paris 

 Tsukiji Fish Market, Japan

Ladies Market, Hong Kong

When I am travelling one of my favourite things to do is to wander around the abundent food markets of the city I am in.  Usually if I am staying in a hotel this is absolute torture as I have no way of cooking up some of the delights that I find.  That said, a trip to Paris would not be complete without purchasing some soft brie and a baguette and finding the nearest park to scoff it down in.  When I lived in London Sunday for me was spent at the Borough Market, gathering food for the evening meal and ending the day with a glass of wine at one of the adjoining wine bars. Im always on the hunt for new markets so if anyone has any favourites they care to share with me I would love to hear from you.