It's been years since I've been to Heide and I thoroughly enjoyed roaming through the gardens by the house, to the Yarra and beyond. I loved that it was a hub for Australian artists, but in staying there one had to contribute to the household chores, cooking and gardening. Most of the meals were prepared fresh from the garden. That's certainly something to aspire to.
The feeling's mutual. Mr T totally rocks my world, this morning he cooked me pancakes, gifted me the rack I've been coveting for months and announced that he will indeed be joining me overseas for three weeks. My 2011 European trip has now been extended out to eight weeks. I could not be happier.
This is is the reason why our weekends haven't involved getting amongst it of late. Mr T has indeed done a sterling job - I on the other hand only really offered encouragement (sometimes un-constructive criticism - eek) and cups of coffee, my skills do not extend to plumbing, plastering, tiling or grouting. All that pink and brown and gold and cream has been replaced with white and grey. It's a little sterile, but I don't think that's a bad thing when it comes to bathrooms.
This is my kind of project and it involves a cheap bottle of vodka. You start it, leave it for 2-6 months or so, then reap the rewards. Hello vanilla extract!
I recently re-subscribed to Donna Hay magazine, but made a promise to myself that I'd actually try the recipes rather than delight in the styling and photography. I'm not sure sourcing this recipe counts... for what it's worth it makes a pretty good half time treat at the footy, even if it's not served on floral plates.
The winter planting is about to payoff. The freesias are close to blooming. I'm excited by the prospect of potted colour in the garden this year.
It's been a long time since we've been out and about on a Sunday. It started with a pre-midday yum cha session with my family for Father's day. Then Mr T and I wandered the city; shopping and stopping in at the library for some inspiration, South Melbourne; for coffee supplies at St Ali and Albert Park; to spend fast expiring voucher at Wool baa. I'm not entirely sure what I'll do with new stash, but I'm sure it won't be long until I decide.
This term I managed to get half way through the unfinished banksia. In the middle there was the flax lily that I need to re-visit because I didn't even get close to the correct colour for the flowers and there's the last attempt above which caused plenty of frustration.
As I alluded to yesterday, it's been a long week. However I was pretty happy to cruise home on my bike knowing that I was in for a treat. A nourishing bowl of vegetables. Something that has been sorely missing from my diet this week. When I know I'm not cooking for Mr T I make a beeline for 101 cookbooks. Tonight it was all about the Sushi bowl.
