tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12163544484722117622024-03-14T05:18:14.405+11:00Living in Lavender BaySharing my love affair with Sydney!Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-23563488752124568752010-05-23T19:42:00.001+10:002010-05-24T07:15:34.330+10:00Another Red Ted Art entry - a pink butterfly cake!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S_j4mg_rFYI/AAAAAAAAAGc/vEuDfwpyhz8/s1600/IMGP5684.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S_j4mg_rFYI/AAAAAAAAAGc/vEuDfwpyhz8/s400/IMGP5684.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />This month's Red Ted Art theme is Nature. So I have created this beautiful pink butterfly cake to take part in Nature month. This also reflects the butterflies that have been in my tummy for a week or so now.<br />I'm pretty proud of this! Isn't she pretty! Hope everyone at work enjoys all the sugar and food colouring tomorrow at work.<br />Tania xxx<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-21731222069308351962010-05-21T14:56:00.003+10:002010-05-21T15:01:05.226+10:00Oh so much excitment!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S_YSkSanAOI/AAAAAAAAAGU/IUWzb4uBNSc/s1600/1images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 118px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S_YSkSanAOI/AAAAAAAAAGU/IUWzb4uBNSc/s320/1images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473582811743453410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">So many excited butterflies flying around my tummy over the last few days! Moving to a new brand new office this weekend and tonight is the Ball! And I have a new '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cheryl</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cole</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">esque</span>' dark red very trendy heavy fringed hair cut. This weekend I'm planning on making something creative based on the theme of nature for the Red Ted Art monthly challenge - not sure quite what it will be, but I will put a pic online.<br /><br />Better start beautifying for the Ball!<br />Tania xxx<br /></span></span>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-32714270318033002072010-05-19T20:56:00.008+10:002010-05-19T23:28:01.536+10:00Winter is making its way to Sydney<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S_PJm2v3RdI/AAAAAAAAAGE/IZoqotr33Wk/s1600/syd+rain..jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 113px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S_PJm2v3RdI/AAAAAAAAAGE/IZoqotr33Wk/s320/syd+rain..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472939641553765842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I think I feel like most people in Sydney at the moment - slightly flat, a little bit sad that summer and beach weather has finally gone for a couple of months and just a bit blah. Everyone seems grumpy. Suddenly Winter has hit us. Yesterday it was wet, wild and dark - really, a typical London day for most of the year. But such a shock to the system here - we have had the most amazing Autumn, and a sudden cold wet day was a bit yucky. All I wanted was a bath! And although I have a beautiful flat, I don't have a bath. Luckily the sun shone today so it wasn't so bad. It really made me wonder how I ever lived for so long in a country with such depressing weather.</span> </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />So I've pulled out my winter stockings ready to face the next few months of moderately-cold weather. I don't think I'll ever feel cold through my bones here in Sydney like I did in Europe. One thing I have noticed is that not so many people wear black here in Sydney. My whole <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wardrobe</span> is basically black (even though I have recently done a colour course on what colours are best for me to wear - <a href="http://www.keepingupappearances.com.au/">Keeping Up Appearances</a>, Alison is great, I really recommend the course). In London I never really noticed that I was always in black, but here it's different. Sydney women dress using more colour and more unusual patterns. They don't rely on black as their whole colour scheme. Same goes for the men.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />One thing to cheer me up, I'm off to a ball on Friday night! An <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Air Force</span> Officer's Ball, no less. And can't wait! I'm wearing the beautiful black (yes, black) dress I wore to do my '<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nothing</span>'s Gonna Stop Us Now' dance. Also off to see my long-term mega crush Tim Freedman from The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Whitlams</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Newtown</span> on Saturday night. All exciting stuff, and all worthy of a new hair do.<br /><br />Keep warm and positive Sydney, xxx</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-33938878816739005842010-05-17T22:05:00.005+10:002010-05-17T22:28:22.760+10:00Stephanie's Hazelnut Meringue Layer Cake with Hazelnut Chocolate Cream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S_E2DmPEvNI/AAAAAAAAAF8/iAvD7KiM-5M/s1600/noname.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S_E2DmPEvNI/AAAAAAAAAF8/iAvD7KiM-5M/s200/noname.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472214457663143122" border="0" /></a><br />Today has been a great day! Last night I made a fabulous cake - best cake ever in fact. I made meringues for the first time and made Stephanie Alexander's Hazelnut Meringue Layer Cake and put her Hazelnut Chocolate Cream through the middle layers and on the top. My friend at work told me it was her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fav</span>. cake, so I hunted it down and made it! Not as hard as it looks, and my hands lovingly peeled the skin off the hazelnuts I roasted myself, and lovingly crushed them. Absolutely my favourite cake yet - and looks so impressive (the photo didn't turn out wonderfully, but I might try to put it up anyway - thank you to Percy for taking the pic for me, it was the cake and my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">inelegant</span> Tupperware box that made it look messy, not your photography skills).<br /><br />I also heard some more special news today from a friend of mine - so many babies are due this year (as per the last few years), and I absolutely love the idea of new life and new babies for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Aunty</span> Tania to cuddle and watch grown and buy lots of lovely books and toys for. So I headed down to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dymocks</span> in the city to buy her a little book - one of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">favs</span> - Dear Zoo.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Dymocks</span> on George St has the best children's book section I have ever known - and today a very helpful young man helped me go through a big box of toys looking for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Upsy</span> Daisy (one of my latest obsessions - <a href="http://www.inthenightgarden.co.uk/au/default.asp">In The Night Garden</a> - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">mesmerising</span>, I love it, and I absolutely adore <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Upsy</span> Daisy). Sadly she was all sold out, but I picked up some very cute <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ninky</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Nonks</span>. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ninky</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Nonk</span> is a funny kind of train, made up of a number of differently sized and shaped carriages. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Tombliboos</span>, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Pontipines</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Upsy</span> Daisy and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Igglepiggle</span> all have their own carriages, although they often travel in each other's.<br /><br />And I gave up my beloved The Mentalist and Patrick Jane for a lovely evening of coffee/hot chocolate......<br /><br />I think my absolutely wonderful mood has something to do with Kylie and her catchy, positive, romantic new song which has been in my head all day. To Robin, I'm looking forward to seeing the routine you create for it!!! Can't wait to see it - get dancing and post the video!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S_Ey9ixQGvI/AAAAAAAAAF0/gXESq_A7oos/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 99px; height: 122px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S_Ey9ixQGvI/AAAAAAAAAF0/gXESq_A7oos/s320/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472211055118654194" border="0" /></a>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-24036885190798097972010-05-16T15:23:00.005+10:002010-05-16T15:30:54.930+10:00Award winning romance - Love is a Four-Legged Word!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S--BrDRJMWI/AAAAAAAAAFs/DGXaJM7U6g8/s1600/FINAL_lovefourlegged.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 310px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S--BrDRJMWI/AAAAAAAAAFs/DGXaJM7U6g8/s320/FINAL_lovefourlegged.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471734648890012002" border="0" /></a>Congratulations to my very talented Godmother Kandy Shepherd for winning the Australian Romance Readers Association award for favourite contemporary romance.<br /><br />Her next book - Home is Where the Bark Is - goes on sale 6 July.<br /><br />Further information & extracts from both books can be found on her website - <a href="http://www.kandyshepherd.com/index.html">www.kandyshepherd.com</a>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-53626064815414393732010-05-16T15:09:00.004+10:002010-05-16T17:00:17.465+10:00Recovering rather than discovering....<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">This weekend I've taken some time out from discovering Sydney to recover from a big Friday night and to take some time to reflect. As much as I have enjoyed manically planning my time over the last 4 months, this week I realised that I have hit a spot of complete contentment and I don't necessarily need to find every cool little spot in Sydney by the end of the year. The tricky stage of my life has finally now passed, and I lived through it and have come out the other side a far more balanced person, but still I think I'm the same girl. At one point I was worried that it had changed me, that I'd lost all my hope and innocence, but no - I'm still as hopeful and optimistic as I ever was, and absolutely still a believer in true love and romance. Life feels good! I also have a lot of people to thank for getting me here - and you all know who you are. Thank you. I'm a lucky girl. xxx</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I've just picked up three new biscuit trays! After watching </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" style="font-family:arial;">Nigella</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> last night, I'm inspired to try macaroons sometime soon. But in the meantime I aim to cook a very special and challenging layer cake for a </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" style="font-family:arial;">colleague</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> of mine who is moving to a new team. I'll post some pics of course.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Enjoy the last hours of the weekend, </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Tania xxx</span><br /><br />PS - after 12 hours of Kylie's new single, I think it has beaten 3 Words for now.<br /></span>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-25947699708323434302010-05-15T19:13:00.005+10:002010-05-15T19:41:56.507+10:00Dance. It’s all I wanna do. So won’t you dance?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-5sW3oO4eI/AAAAAAAAAFk/QDGj1MWQUcU/s1600/kylie-minogue-all-the-lovers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-5sW3oO4eI/AAAAAAAAAFk/QDGj1MWQUcU/s320/kylie-minogue-all-the-lovers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471429737447350754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />No blog of mine would be complete without a special post about Kylie! I heard a replay of an interview with Kylie on Australian radio this morning. I'm feeling extremely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">girly</span> at the moment, and now really looking forward to the upcoming release of Kylie's new album and the countdown to a special weekend in Canberra for the Sex and the City 2 movie.<br /><br />Both Kylie and Sex and the City are products which girls in their late 20s-mid 30s really identify with - we spent the years we formed most of our views on men and relationships listening to Kylie and Carrie Bradshaw. I honestly don't think teenage girls understand why we love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SATC</span> or Kylie so much.<br /><br />So, Kylie's new single - All the Lovers. I absolutely love it already! But it doesn't quite beat my current love - Cheryl Cole's 3 Words (completely obsessed - I also heard Cheryl interviewed by Australian radio twice this week, complete girl-crush on her and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dannii</span>!). Get on YouTube now and listen to both songs.<br /><br />PS - final bit of news, X Factor is coming back to Australia later this year! One of the things I miss most about my time in the UK - Saturday nights with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dannii</span>, Cheryl and Simon, I just can't wait!!Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-79442494321089574012010-05-15T10:10:00.000+10:002010-05-15T10:10:11.409+10:00Lime green cupcakes for a 1st birthday party<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-3mYaBYcQI/AAAAAAAAAFU/1r-9SzAXB3o/s1600/IMGP0461.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-3mYaBYcQI/AAAAAAAAAFU/1r-9SzAXB3o/s320/IMGP0461.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Here are some cute little lime green vanilla cupcakes for a first birthday party I am going to today. They are pretty wonky - decorated with an incredible hangover, but it's the thought that counts this time. <br />Happy 1st Birthday Isaac! xxx<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-64711837724614449522010-05-14T07:01:00.001+10:002010-05-14T07:03:04.711+10:00Chocolate Fudge BarsThis is one of the easiest recipes I know! Chocolate Fudge Bars from the Woman's Weekly Biscuits cookbook. It literally takes 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mins</span> from start to finish (well, maybe a bit more time to let the slice part cool, and a few hours/overnight in the fridge for the icing to set). This recipe is also very easy because it contains ingredients which are generally in your cupboard. And this little slice reminds me of my childhood - because this recipe is so easy, my Mum always used to make it for me to take to school morning tea days. If you would like the recipe, please email me on livinginlavenderbay@gmail.com<br /><br />Making this slice reminded me of another slice I used to make all the time in London - Mars Bar Slice! Might make it soon for my Sydney workmates.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-xovWOLaTI/AAAAAAAAAFM/VPNj09ZAgZk/s1600/IMGP0451.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both; float: left;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-xovWOLaTI/AAAAAAAAAFM/VPNj09ZAgZk/s320/IMGP0451.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-22022806074879023002010-05-11T22:32:00.005+10:002010-05-11T22:36:13.838+10:00Pink cupcakes for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea<img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both; float: left;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-lOYMI3n8I/AAAAAAAAAE8/tGFqG73nm5s/s320/IMGP0440.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-lOYY7gydI/AAAAAAAAAFE/SdvIau2azLs/s1600/IMGP0420.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both; float: left;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-lOYY7gydI/AAAAAAAAAFE/SdvIau2azLs/s320/IMGP0420.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Tomorrow is Australia's Biggest Morning Tea to raise awareness and funds for cancer support. My work place is very supportive of social and community causes and I am lucky enough to be a member of the Community Committee.<br /><br />I have baked 36 pink/purple vanilla cupcakes to contribute to the morning tea at work. I use the Hummingbird Bakery recipe which is the fluffiest recipe I know (and so simple).<br /><br />I've started using a piping bag to put the icing on the cupcakes - but I really did lose the battle with the bag tonight. There is pink icing from one end of my kitchen to the other! This is the second bag I've tried, and with the current Tupperware <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">catalogue</span> sitting on my desk at work, I am very tempted to buy the Tupperware piping bag and try it out.<br /><br />I've also started using my Grandmother's old <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mix master</span> instead of my trusty handheld mixer. Making cupcakes is so much <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">simpler</span>! I can now multi-task while I mix. I am tempted to buy a KitchenAid, but maybe not right now.<br /><br />Also now a fan of Smarties on cupcakes - they worked really well for my last bunch and feedback from my work friends was that Smarties made the cupcakes really good!<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-5469419065264436932010-05-11T06:30:00.005+10:002010-05-11T06:42:21.402+10:00Cammeray (lower North Shore)On Sunday night I finished my weekend mini-tour of Sydney with a casual dinner in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cammeray</span> with my Godmother and her family for Mother's Day.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cammeray,_New_South_Wales"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cammeray</span></a> is a great little suburb - some parts of it face onto Middle Harbour (so have stunning views), it is just off the main highway across the bridge, has excellent bus connections to the city and a sweet short 'High Street'. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cammeray</span> is low-key, casual lower North Shore suburb, with a little bit of cool glam. It reminds me of a little bit of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">suburbia</span> just off the highway. It is way more laid back than somewhere like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kirribilli</span>, but it does have a bit of a similar vibe. Not necessarily 'buzzing' but a nice place to visit casually when you want to relax.<br /><br />There are a number of cafes and restaurants, a couple of gift shops, some beauticians, grocer, deli, 'hot bake' and newsagent, along with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Stockland</span> centre with a Harris Farm, bookshop and a number of casual dining restaurants. We went to <a href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/wild-sage/">Wild Sage</a> (which I've been to before) - generous, delicious meal, and singing waiters. Recommended - better than your average <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">suburban</span> cool restaurant.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks K, J & L for a lovely evening!</span>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-22078507823645393332010-05-11T06:14:00.000+10:002010-05-11T06:14:51.050+10:00Dawn - Lavender Bay (Sydney)<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-hpOIsjU5I/AAAAAAAAAE0/oFuibS8Ki0c/s1600/IMGP0417.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-hpOIsjU5I/AAAAAAAAAE0/oFuibS8Ki0c/s320/IMGP0417.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-64080221763510544832010-05-09T20:55:00.000+10:002010-05-09T20:56:21.252+10:00Collaroy Beach<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-aUzKcGgNI/AAAAAAAAAEU/sHmUnIEo8mg/s1600/IMGP0388.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-aUzKcGgNI/AAAAAAAAAEU/sHmUnIEo8mg/s320/IMGP0388.JPG" border="0" /></a>Another stunning sunny day in Sydney, so at 2pm I decided it might be nice to go for a long walk in the sand and to feel the surf spray on my face!<br /><br />I googled 'longest beach in Sydney' - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Collaroy</span> was my destination. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Collaroy</span> beach is one of Sydney's northern beaches. It is approximately 45min drive from Lavender Bay (taking into account busy Sunday afternoon traffic and a stop for the Split Bridge to open/close). <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-aU0mpmfPI/AAAAAAAAAEs/-V8zR6CL4CY/s1600/IMGP0401.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-aU0mpmfPI/AAAAAAAAAEs/-V8zR6CL4CY/s320/IMGP0401.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Collaroy</span>’s surf beach joins <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Narrabeen</span> Beach making one continuous 3.4km surf beach. It also has a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">beach-side</span> surf pool which looked great. Beaches are closed now from a lifesaving perspective, but you can still walk along them/swim at your own risk. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Collaroy</span> reminded me of a classic Australian South Coast beach rather than a city beach. It was rather rough today, and although the water was so warm I don't think I would have braved the waves alone (I didn't take my swimmers so I could only paddle up to my knees anyway).<br /><br />I am a real beach girl - I absolutely love the beach and the feel of sand and sun and surf spray- and I've been keen to find some proper beaches here in Sydney. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Collaroy</span> is a real proper beach. I'll be back! My only complaints related to having to pay so much for parking and the traffic coming back along Spit Rd and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Military</span> Rd - but then that is the same complaint I have about all Sydney beaches (if you've got tips for dealing with parking at beaches, please email them through!). And I might wait until the lifesavers are back before I get in properly. <br /><br />If the weather is nice next weekend, I'll go to Freshwater (where my little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">godsister</span> Lucy is a volunteer lifesaver!).<div style='clear:both; text-align:RIGHT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-43850023014776592242010-05-09T17:51:00.000+10:002010-05-09T17:51:09.859+10:00My Mum - Mother's Day 2010<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-ZpbDE4ibI/AAAAAAAAAEM/bskZcj8hFpM/s1600/IMGP0384.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S-ZpbDE4ibI/AAAAAAAAAEM/bskZcj8hFpM/s400/IMGP0384.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-3122717142540411662010-05-09T10:06:00.002+10:002010-05-09T10:09:45.783+10:00Kirribilli Art & Design Market - monthly markets on today<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Held monthly under <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Milsons</span> Point station, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kirribilli</span> Art & Design Market has some sensational finds. My favourite stalls are the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">millinery</span> designers. Highly recommended, particularly on a sunny day. Calender and further detail can be found on the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.kncsydney.org/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kirribilli</span> Neighbourhood Centre website</a><span style="font-family: arial;">. Markets will be on today (9 May) from 9am-3pm.</span></span>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-50396986921278435772010-05-09T09:38:00.004+10:002010-05-09T13:59:00.720+10:00The Spot - Randwick (Eastern Suburbs)A new discovery last night - <a href="http://www.atthespot.com/">The Spot <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Randwick</span></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"> A great place to have dinner and go to the movies in the close to city Eastern Suburbs. Nice little cinema (<a href="https://www.ritzcinema.com.au/">The Ritz</a>) with cheap movie tickets ($13 for an adult), nice seats and big screens. And lots of places to eat. We went to <a href="http://www.thairiffic.com.au/restaurant/thairiffic/default.html">Thai <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Riffic</span></a> - great Thai food, quick service, nice tables and chairs - recommend the duck in plum sauce with real <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cinnamon</span> and star anise. There is also a Thai <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Riffic</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">McMahons</span> Point (essentially Lavender Bay). Also a really cute little gift/jewellery/clothing/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">homewares</span> shop - live this (The Spot, 33 St <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Pauls</span> St, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Randwick</span> - 9398 8664).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;">PS - Happy Mother's Day to my Mum who is still on a plane somewhere and to all the other Mums out there (to all my new Mum friends who are celebrating their first, second and third mother's days, you are all doing such a great job).</span><br /></p>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-53569898210171110222010-05-09T09:11:00.003+10:002010-05-09T09:18:02.411+10:00Reader Tips - Yael, Fratelli Fresh & Brasserie Bread<span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >One of my readers sent the following Sydney tips. I haven't tried them out myself yet, so can't recommend personally, but you may wish to visit (and I'll add these places to my to-visit list). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Fratelli</span> Fresh has been suggested to me by many people and is mentioned in all the books I read. Thanks for these tips A!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.yael.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.yael.com.au/</a><a href="http://www.yael.com.au/"> </a><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:100%;" >for cakes - they do a great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">passionfruit</span> tart (the reader's fave) and the reader's friend often buys the choc <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">flourless</span> cake. They stock their cakes at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DJs</span> but sell to the public from their shop down in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Banksmeadow</span>. </span> <span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><a href="http://www.fratellifresh.com.au/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.fratellifresh.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.fratellifresh.com.<wbr><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">au</span>/</a><a href="http://www.fratellifresh.com.au/"> </a><br /></span> <span style="font-family: arial;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:100%;" >they (Waterloo store) stock fresh produce...have a cafe upstairs and run a free cooking school...</span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><a href="http://www.brasseriebread.com.au/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.brasseriebread.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.brasseriebread.com.<wbr><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">au</span>/</a><a href="http://www.brasseriebread.com.au/"> </a><br /></span> <span style="font-family: arial;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:100%;" >Yummy bread - seriously good. Have bread making classes. </span> <span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-68900538850133747912010-05-09T09:03:00.002+10:002010-05-09T09:08:23.089+10:00Upcoming Sydney Festivals - Sydney Writers Festival & Sydney Film Festival<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sydney Writers Festival - </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.swf.org.au/">http://www.swf.org.au/</a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">15 - 23 May 2010</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Sydney Film Festival - </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://sff.org.au/cms/"><span class="f"><cite>www.sydneyfilmfestival.org</cite></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">2 - 14 June 2010</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-91362850589833008482010-05-08T18:24:00.001+10:002010-05-08T18:27:02.395+10:00Ferry Update - Milsons Point/Luna Park wharf closed from 24 May - 24 Sept<span style="font-size:100%;"><strong style="font-family: arial;"><p><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pls</span> refer to Sydney Ferries website - www.sydneyferries.info<br /></strong></p><p><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Milsons</span> Point / Luna Park wharf will be closed from Monday, 24 May to approximately Friday, 24 September 2010</strong></p></strong></span> <p style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>From:</strong> Monday, 24 May to approximately Friday, 24 September 2010 (inclusive)</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Where:</strong> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Milsons</span> Point / Luna Park Wharf</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Alternate Wharf:</strong> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Jeffereys</span> Street Wharf (400 metre walk from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Milsons</span> Point / Luna Park Wharf)</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Other Transport Options:</strong> contact Transport Info on 131 500 or visit 131500.com.au</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Why:</strong> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Milsons</span> Point is the first wharf being replaced under <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">NSW</span> Maritime Wharf Upgrade Program and will involve complete demolition and reconstruction. For more information call <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">NSW</span> Maritime on 13 12 56</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We appreciate your patience and understanding</span></p>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-28557329358672602902010-05-08T17:14:00.004+10:002010-05-08T17:41:46.607+10:00Summer Hill - Inner West of Sydney<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">After dropping my Mum off at the airport for an early morning flight I headed over to Summer Hill in the Inner West to check the area out (and inspect some houses).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I've heard a lot about </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.summerhillvillage.net.au/">Summer Hill</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> since moving to Sydney - about its </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" style="font-family:arial;">villagey</span><span style="font-family:arial;">, the new </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" style="font-family:arial;">Leichhardt</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> type feeling. Having lived in </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" style="font-family:arial;">Marylebone</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> in London, and been incredibly spoilt by its </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" style="font-family:arial;">villagey</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> atmosphere (with possibly the nicest High St I've ever know) and the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" style="font-family:arial;">villagey</span> atmosphere of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" style="font-family:arial;">Hampstead</span><span style="font-family:arial;">, I went to Summer Hill with reasonably low expectations.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">I was </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" style="font-family:arial;">pleasantly</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> surprised. Summer Hill isn't </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" style="font-family:arial;">Marylebone</span><span style="font-family:arial;">, nor is it </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" style="font-family:arial;">Hampstead</span><span style="font-family:arial;">, but it comes pretty close for a non-waterfront Sydney suburb. It does have a </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" style="font-family:arial;">villagey</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> atmosphere and real shops owned by real people - no chains here. And that makes it really attractive as a place to spend a Saturday morning or do your general </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" style="font-family:arial;">neighbourhoodly</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> business. Lots of people my age and lots of young families. I can see why it has been recommended to me as potentially a good place to live. Florists, cafes, local fruit and veg, butcher, multiple 'hot bake' shops, gift shops, charity shops make this place a really chilled place to be. It does have a great feel (and a station connecting it to the city - I drove though, and had absolutely no problem getting street side park).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I had breakfast in one of the best cafes I've been to in Sydney. </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/decolata/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Decolata</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> (134 Smith St, Summer Hill). Can't recommend this place highly enough - it was such a nice surprise. Today has been a stunning Sydney Autumn day and I ate my breakfast soaking up the sun. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" style="font-family:arial;">Decolata</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> is run by </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" style="font-family:arial;">true</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> proper Italians (I even heard Italian being spoken) - it is really cute and cool at the same time. Photos on the blackboard of babies and a huge array of homemade Italian sweets (they looked great and exactly what you would expect an Italian Nona to make). Menu consists of an all day breakfast, coffee, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" style="font-family:arial;">panini</span><span style="font-family:arial;">, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" style="font-family:arial;">gelato</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> and of course the Italian sweets. I had one of the best coffees I've had in Sydney and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" style="font-family:arial;">tomato</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" style="font-family:arial;">avocado</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> sourdough (not exactly on the menu, but they made it for me without even flinching, and added herbs and olive oil - just perfectly how I like it). All in all a faultless experience. And all for under $12. Check it out. It did remind me of a cool European cafe.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Another good find - </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.mymessyroom.com.au/">My Messy Room</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. This is a top quality, special kids shops. Unusual cool things that I hadn't seen before (and I've been to so many kids shops). I must admit that I had recently read about My Messy Room, but I didn't realise it was in Summer Hill. Definitely a top find and I think I'll be back for special presents. Not really a </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" style="font-family:arial;">KMart</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> type of shop, but definitely a shop for good quality clothes, toys and books for kids you won't find elsewhere. It definitely reminded me of shops in London. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And a stained-glass window shop! </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.bobbushleadlights.com.au/">Bob Bush <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Leadlights</span> Stained Glass Design</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. You can even do classes in </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" style="font-family:arial;">leadlighting</span><span style="font-family:arial;">. How many local neighbourhood shops in Sydney can offer that!?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm off to see if a cinema in </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" style="font-family:arial;">Randwick</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> is as cute and quirky as my favourite. Will report back!</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Also, special thanks to Renee, Daniel, baby Isaac and James for a lovely day in the sun with delicious food, fabulous company and lots of yummy cuddles. Cheesecake was divine, and I think I've found some great new wineglasses (so different, loved them).</span></span><br /></span><cite></cite>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-65591321102457740282010-05-08T16:32:00.002+10:002010-05-08T16:36:27.500+10:00Contact details - Tania in Sydney<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm starting to get ideas for new places to explore and things to try from my readers and I have realised that only those readers who know me can contact me. So I've set up an email account for you to send comments or suggestions to:</span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">livinginlavenderbay@gmail.com</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I look forward to receiving all your suggestions!</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Tania</span></span>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-68749406552697430102010-05-06T21:30:00.003+10:002010-05-07T06:47:46.415+10:00Weekend is almost here<span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" style="font-family:arial;">Mmm</span><span style="font-family:arial;">, suddenly I've gone from a busy weekend with two overnight visitors to a quiet one with only one visitor and need to fill the gaps. I was only telling my friend JD today that I often almost panic on a Tuesday if I don't have weekend plans, but then they always fill up by Friday. So what will I do? It is almost Friday and I need to plan or else panic will set in!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">My Mum is visiting on Friday night on her way to Mexico (so envious), so I'm taking her to Mother's Day dinner at Ripples </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" style="font-family:arial;">Milsons</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Point (yes, I booked months ago), and drinks on my beautiful balcony. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm doing a fun run (or rather a fun walk because my right ankle ligaments are all stretched) around the Domain on Sunday morning raising funds and awareness about cancer. The friend who I was doing it with is unwell and can't travel to Sydney anymore, so I'm looking for company - please either contact me or make a comment if you'd like to join me on Sunday morning at the Domain. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And I plan to explore Summer Hill in the Inner West for a coffee on Saturday morning - I've heard some great things about its village atmosphere. I'll let you know what I think. Socially some nice things planned too - one of my friends is making the cheesecake that was on the front of last month's Delicious Magazine for lunch on Saturday - it looks divine (that caramel coloured cover with the baked caramel cheesecake with toffee </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" style="font-family:arial;">chards</span><span style="font-family:arial;">). And I think I'll check out a new restaurant with M on Saturday (stay tuned for my review).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Funnily as I write this my weekend is filling up. The panic in my tummy can settle....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I do have some top tips for the week already:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1. Emma's on Liberty (</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" style="font-family:arial;">Enmore</span><span style="font-family:arial;">) - reviews for this place were fabulous, and the food lived up to my expectations. Middle Eastern food, some say the best in Sydney - I thought it was really delicious, taste of those tasty lady fingers stayed in my mouth all night. Better value than I was expecting.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2. The </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" style="font-family:arial;">Enmore</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Theatre (</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" style="font-family:arial;">Enmore</span><span style="font-family:arial;">) - I saw Ross Noble during the Sydney Comedy Festival. The venue was a beautiful art deco building. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" style="font-family:arial;">Mildren</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Prestige Motors (</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" style="font-family:arial;">Artarmon</span><span style="font-family:arial;">) - my mechanic, and I really like these guys. They drop me at the station, pick me up, send me </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" style="font-family:arial;">sms</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> to remind me to drop it off and then pick it up, charge me less than the quote and wash my car. I'm about to spend a lot more money there on a new clutch......</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">4. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" style="font-family:arial;">SpecSavers</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> (City) - this is an older experience, but I will mention it now. These guys got my contact </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" style="font-family:arial;">lens</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> script from the UK and filled it here, and somehow managed to charge me hundreds of dollars less than their original price for my contact lenses. Friendly, helpful and got the job done - all over the phone with ease. I'm yet to try them for glasses or a consultation though.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">5. Victoria's Basement (</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" style="font-family:arial;">QVB</span><span style="font-family:arial;">) - similar to Peter's of </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" style="font-family:arial;">Kensington</span><span style="font-family:arial;">, but slightly different things. Cooking/</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" style="font-family:arial;">homewares</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> type shop, lots of things discounted.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Okay, I'm off to bed. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">PS - Last week I read that eating eggs makes your hair grow faster, so that's why I decided to start eating eggs. And this week my hair has grown so much! I think it works. Eggs for long hair is my tip.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">PPS - I'm trying to buy two new things for the kitchen: (a) a food processor and (b) a new icing piping bag (Fee, I wish I'd bought the one you suggested at Peter's - I put my finger through the bag of the $3 </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" style="font-family:arial;">Woolies</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> special the first time I used it). Icing cupcakes with a piping bag was so much simpler and looked so much better than my usual way of plonking icing onto the cupcakes with a spatula.</span></span>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-39145570267753453982010-05-03T20:01:00.002+10:002010-05-03T20:03:12.736+10:00And the cupcakes made it into the Red Ted Art Blog<a href="http://redtedart.wordpress.com/2010/05/03/get-crafty-may-2010-all-things-red/">http://redtedart.wordpress.com/2010/05/03/get-crafty-may-2010-all-things-red/</a><br /><br />Check out Maggy's blog for some fabulous craft ideas (and check out her website for some great <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">children's</span> artwork and handmade cards).Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-81019242527913266902010-05-02T22:09:00.004+10:002010-05-02T22:47:46.601+10:00One month until Winter<span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Only one month until Winter starts and Sydney's weather is still impressive. Today was a beautiful 26 degrees and, after a foggy early start, the sun shone! So what did I discover in Sydney this weekend?<br /><br />1. Chinatown with my Great-Aunt and Great-Uncle - like a mini Asia, and just next to Paddy's Market. I didn't realise it existed as a strip of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chinese</span> restaurants before last night. Travelled by ferry which was great as usual. Definitely the best way to get around Sydney if you can.<br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.timeoutsydney.com.au/venue/park/blackwattle-bay-park.aspx"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Blackwattle</span> Bay </a>and the doggy park during a lovely walk with S&C from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Glebe</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Balmain</span> by the bay and back again over the ANZAC Bridge. Great walk - thanks guys.<br /><br />3. <a href="http://adrianozumbo.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Zumbo's</span></a> cafe and his bakery in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Balmain</span> - divine cakes, chocolates and macaroons. Yum! Not so sure about the breakfast, but all the rest is so impressive. Artwork and delicious too.<br /><br />4. <a href="http://www.foodtourist.com/FTGuide/Content/I267.htm"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Victoire</span></a> bakery in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Balmain</span> - didn't buy anything, but it all looked delicious. Next time...<br /><br />5. <a href="http://www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au/">Sydney Fish Markets </a>- one of my favourite places in Sydney. I had the best sushi ever here today. Fresh and vibrant and a great place to have lunch in the sun with the seagulls. Don't drive - parking is a nightmare. I'm doing a cooking lesson there in June which I am sure I'll blog about. I also bought some of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">yogurt</span> and fruit salad to try tomorrow - looks yummy and reasonably priced, and comes highly recommended by S.<br /><br />6. Castle Towers shopping centre - possibly the biggest shopping centre I've ever <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">visited</span>, thank god I was warned about the car park. Saw The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and wasn't as shocked as I thought I would be.<br /><br />7. Special mention - I met brand new baby Jack. It is so special to meet a brand new person for the first time. He is just so beautiful and I was lucky enough to have a cuddle. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ahhh</span>.<br /><br />Best discovery - the suburb of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balmain,_New_South_Wales"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Balmain</span></a>. I absolutely love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Balmain</span>. I would live there, but I hear that traffic and transport are a problem. Shops are just great (quirky, yet sell things you want to actually buy), cafes are fabulous and not too posh, you can catch the ferry directly from Lavender Bay, houses are traditionally Australian cottages and just gorgeous, on the harbour, lots of authentic gumtrees and tin roofs. Once I took my Mum to a great natural beauty salon called Natures Energy in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Balmain</span> - highly recommended, completely relaxing. We even spent last NYE in Mort Bay Park in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Balmain</span> which had a surprisingly great view of the fireworks over the bridge and a really chilled relaxed family atmosphere (recommend it for next year - thanks Dave).<br /><br />Cooking wise, this weekend I made eggs for the first time! I've always thought I hated eggs - but I actually love them! I also made some Hummingbird Bakery Vanilla Cupcakes which my work colleagues will enjoy tomorrow for another blogs theme month (Red Ted Art - one of my followers, check it out). I've given up on the ANZAC biscuits. I think the moment has passed. Might try flapjacks instead - I wonder if any of my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">colleagues</span> have ever had flapjacks (I'd never had them before I moved to the UK).<br /><br />I'll post some pics soon.<br /><br />Tania xxx<br /></span>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216354448472211762.post-2086292084214342132010-05-02T20:58:00.004+10:002010-05-02T21:22:10.658+10:00Red Ted Art Blog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S91c-ORdseI/AAAAAAAAAEE/xbcetZzgUnA/s1600/IMGP0376.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S91c-ORdseI/AAAAAAAAAEE/xbcetZzgUnA/s320/IMGP0376.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466627746750640610" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">My contribution to the Red Ted Art blog creative crafty reader month!<br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong style="font-family: arial;"></strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Very British Hummingbird Bakery Vanilla Cath Kidson Red Polka Dot Style Cupcakes.</span></span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S91a9bD3oxI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Tj14W6CUEWI/s1600/IMGP0383.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bDgoIRH5QZU/S91a9bD3oxI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Tj14W6CUEWI/s320/IMGP0383.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Tania in Sydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12061920871471086982noreply@blogger.com3