Eskimo kisses

If I had been more organised I would have arranged to have this print sent to Meu Amor in time for Valentine's Day. Maybe for our 5 year anniversary in March instead?...

Lovely prints from Etsy seller Blancucha in Madrid.

image from Blancucha's Etsy store

Blue skies in Newcastle

There was a lot to love about Newcastle. The deep blue ocean baths, Darby Street (thank you Miss Jodi!), bircher on the beach, park snoozes and the sense that something is well and truly underway in the city and surrounding suburbs. At first the streets seemed a little deserted but I think that's Newcastle's little trick. There's lots to explore if you're happy to nose around...

*breakfast here and sit up at the panoramic window overlooking Newcastle beach

*oilcloth goodies, great courtyard cafe and a spunky looking lady behind the counter here on Darby Street...and while you're in the vicinity, poke around in this beautifully styled shop

*swim or float about in one of two of Newcastle's ocean baths

*book at table at this charming but unassuming tapas restaurant

*if you're lucky you might catch these local crafty markets

Early weekend

Heading to Newcastle for a mini camping trip tomorrow. Anyone have any hot tips? I'm hoping to get in some ocean swims, plonk myself in a cafe & have a sticky in little local shops.

Hope this weather lets up...don't like my chances though.

On that subject, my thoughts are with J&M up in Cairns. Stay safe. x

What I spent my last $10 on...

...these gorgeous wooden coasters from FEN&NED.

I can't wait till they arrive in my letterbox. I love that they are dainty but hardwearing & practical.

Surely it's not such a bad thing to have a coaster obsession? At least they are useful?

image from FEN&NED

Gado Gado on Sunday evening

Joining in with Anna's Sunday Night Supper Club (a vegetarian perspective). Great idea, don't you think?

(Only problem is I left cooking the meal a little late so the light wasn't great in my pics)

This is one of my favourite summer meals. It's also a goodie for communal-style eating/'bring a plate' gatherings, and the colour spectrum on your plate is limited only by the range of veggies you have at hand. Oh - and the peanut satay sauce is freaking moreish. This was copied from a book by the Heart Foundation I think (apologies for terrible referencing), and although there are more authentic recipes out there, this one is fast + easy + yummo.

Gado Gado

1 teaspoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic

1-2 fresh chillies, minced

1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

2 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 cup evaporated milk (or you can use coconut milk for full-fat option)

3/4 cup water or stock

+ couscous

+ veggies of your choice

What I think works well: cucumber, bean shoots, potatoes, red capsicum, carrots, pineapple (yes!), eggs (not a vegetable I know), tofu (as before)

For the sauce:

...heat olive in a saucepan and add garlic and chilli - cook for 1 minute

...stir in peanut butter, sugar, soy sauce and lemon juice - cook for 5 minutes (gets gluggy)

...add evaporated milk and 1/2 water/stock - stir for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens, constantly dipping in tasting finger to slurp up nutty saucy goodness

...if it becomes a little too thick add the rest of the water/stock

Arrange veggies on platters, whip up some plain couscous (maybe with some coriander leaves thrown on top?) and pour sauce into cute jug.

What do you think? Have you made this meal before? Any super ingredients to add?

Australia Day Picnic

Threw together some roast veggie baguettes and headed out to meet some friends at the National Museum of Australia for an Australia Day picnic. Found a shady spot and enjoyed the view. Feel a bit unpatriotic but Australia Day doesn't stir any national pride in me particularly. So I guess it was a little funny that we went to the Museum.

Really wanted to check out The Canning Stock Route exhibition but the crowds put us off. Ended up heading home for a lazy afternoon cool down in the pool and some more Mad Men. We must be the last people on earth to see it. I'd love a nighty like Betty Draper please.

Incy Wincy

I've noticed quite a lot of spider webs around the village lately, and I'm embarrassed to admit that I tend to scamper past them with my head down, eyes closed and fingers crossed that I won't feel the scurry of little legs on my neck. It must look a little strange if you're watching from afar.

A lovely colleague at the gallery flicked me the link to this beautiful series of mended spider webs the other day which I'm hoping will help me overcome my fear. Nina's careful work and fractured patterns astound me, but what I find most interesting is the behaviour of the spider who rules the web.

I think I'll try and look up a little more on my wanders and try to imagine those little spiders as clever makers and artists rather than the creepy pests I've been imagining all this time...

all images via here