Me Melbournian?

"I don't want to own anything until I've found the place where me and things belong together. I'm not quite sure where that is yet", Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1958, spoken by the character Holly Golightly.

8:59 am Waiting eagerly at the post office to pick up a parcel sent to me by my grandparents. "They never open a minute early" the old man standing a little to close remarked!

9:15 am Mail worth waiting (uncomfortably) for!!



I previously believed Miss Golightly and I had the above thinking in common, but after receiving this precious family jewel I'll happily call myself Melbournian from this day forward...

Attn: Ash

I do think it fair to draw the conclusion that "All Spice" would be a combination of Scary, Sporty, Baby, Ginger and yours truely Posh??

to market, to market... PART THREE

Those who are willing to rise and shine before 7:00am on a Sunday morning should schedule in a journey to the Camberwell Rotary Markets.

You never know what you may stumble across as you wander the stalls and with a bit of digging I am certain that you will not leave empty handed. I was lucky enough to start my winter wardrobe (ironically as the temperature swelled to 40 degrees) scooping up an animal knit $ 5, an ash red cord dress $ 5, a camel vintage belt $ 3 and a floral print shift $ 10.

Fear not sleepyheads it may be true that 'the early bird gets the worm' but to your advantage stallholders generally reduce their prices towards the later half of the morning, just in time for a Sunday brunch!

to market, to market... PART TWO

As I ventured on my third 'market, to market' experience this morning, it occurred to me that my second 'to market' post was severely overdue!!! Better late than never...

As the other half of my 'Sister Act' has relocated to another 'Abbey', we decided to feast on a last supper at Lentil As Anything! A non for profit organisation, Lentil As dishes up a moral lesson with every vegetarian plate served. Not only can I guarantee a good feed for a pay as you feel price, but attend on the 'fifth day' and you are sure to enjoy a whole lot more than just a delicious dinner.

Playing host to the Supper Markets each Friday, 'the sound of music' fills the twilight air, whilst stalls of everything allow you to browse art and craft or rummage rags and riches. For the foodies, cuisine hawker stands showcase bites from around the world - the perfect doggy bag for tomorrows lunch and for thou wanting to celebrate the weekend with a beverage, make your way upstairs to Handsome Steve's Bar.

Tip: if lost seek directions from the (handsome) bookstore attendant, Handsome Steve's nephew! One visit and you'll be a regular!

Have no doubt, you will be adding Friday night mass to the list of your 'favourite things'!!

No more tan hands!!

Although I, like most girls am a fan of the bronzed goddess look, the idea of age spots, wrinkles and leathery skin at 'almost 40' appeals to me a whole lot less. A visit or two to the solarium, a red bottom and countless slaps on the behind from disapproving friends means I am officially a reformed baker. Fear not my pastie pals, tan in a can too be your new 'just a quickie' before bed! However, there is no match made in heaven worth saving if orange palms are a part of the relationship. Thankfully, faux tan cupid has struck me with an arrow!!

Earth Choice detergent - a simple squeeze and scrub and your secret is safe! "Is that not for clothing??" perhaps you ask? Intentionally yes! But for the price of $1.93 the 'multi-purpose' liquid will soon become a shopping basket staple and your pm priority! Xx

For she's a jolly good fellow!

A BIRTHDAY toast...
"to 10 years of friendship, unconditional love and never ending laughter!"
Miss Haley McBailey - May 2011 be the year of you! x x o

to market, to market... PART ONE

At last summer in Melbourne seems to be basking us in the sun's rays with long bright evenings warranting a visit to the iconic Suzuki Night Markets. A swelling crowd of the young and old, local and tourist gathering to mingle as the famous corner of Queen and Elizabeth St comes alive.

Brimming with fun and frivolity, nothing tops strolling the stalls of treasures, trinkets and take-away treats as the band bangs the bongo drums and boys and girls bop to the rhythm of the beat. Style stalkers be prepared to snap the fashionable folk who attend with the hope of rummaging a bargain or two! (I managed to pick up a vintage patchwork bucket bag for a mere $15).

Bring a hearty appetite! With a plethora of edibles for all members of the food chain, carnivores, omnivores and herbivores alike will find themselves in a food coma after indulging in an array of honey dumplings, paella, souvlaki and noodles (I'd suggest the organic curry). Note: save room for dessert - if your anything like my gal pals ensure enough space for crepes AND gelati!!

There's No Place Like Home!

You may recall the adventures of a girl named Dorothy in a land named OZ! I too have memories of glittery red shoes, a dog name Toto and the Wicked Witch of the East! However, the phrase "there's no place like home" reminds me of another Dorothy and her chronicles! This is a photo of my dear Nanna Dot and her Tinman (my Pop) smiling like the yellow brick road has led them to Kansas! I too hope to one day soon return home, but until then I will find comfort in the fact that all it takes is a simple click of the ankles, the help of Glinda the Good Witch and some Winged Monkeys to arrange a joyful family reunion!

Paris vs New York?

Eiffel Tower vs Empire State Building?

Champagne vs Cosmo?

l'art de ne rien faire (The Sweetness of Doing Nothing)

vs The City That Never Sleeps?

Moulin Rouge vs Broadway?

Baguette vs Bagel?

A Trolley Full of Treasure...

Going on a treasure hunt "S" marks the spot!!

A road trip to Savers proved a rather successful expedition even if I do say so myself. Not only did my gal pal and I manage to overload a trolley with potential treasures, we were able to sort these goodies holding the "yes's" for dear life, retrying the "questionable" in fear that someone else may be spotted in them, when they were meant to look ah-mazing on us, and culling the "no's", declaring them free to wandering eyes and lingering baskets. All for less then the cost of a visit to the green grocer.

Here's a peek at the cheap finds I thought to be as good as gold...

Clockwise From Top Left: Camel Nightgown $ 5.99, Chambray Striped Dress $ 4.99, Cropped Fur Jacket $ 59.99, Middle Hued Denim Shirt $ 4.99, Basket Sling $ 3.99

A room at the top...

10.9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1... Happy New Year!!(L'Shana Tovah)

One must admit that the thought of celebrating on New Years Eve can cause my tummy to churn and head to hurt! The drama of who(to toast with), what(to wear), when(to admit you broke your new years resolution), where(to go) and why(none of the previous listed go to plan) can be exhausting? As my housemate prepped for a night full of canapes and cocktails to be consumed in a room at the top of the Eureka Tower, I put on my sundress and "cluck, cluck, cluck" clogs for a balmy nights BBQ. And although I didn't have a midnight kiss with my Mr. Darcy - a perk of my housemates night(perhaps it was the altitude?) I did enjoy a midnight embrace with a dear friend, which in my opinion is a more than perfect way to begin 2011!