Free as a bird (or 'My Saturday List')

For the last 18 months I worked a weekend 'hobby' job. Partly for some extra cash and partly to keep myself out of mischief when Trav was out at the army or working. I loved it. My plan worked too well actually - I selected a place where I would enjoy working so much - I wouldn't regret giving up my Saturdays and it took about 4 months of deliberating to finally break away at the end of 2010. They'll always be there though - happy for a visit and to show me the latest delicious product.

Having missed out on lots of fun things I have a new-found appreciation of 2-day weekends and I'm not about to take them for granted so I've written up a Saturday List which holds all sorts of exciting plans. I hope it doesn't get out of control!

I'm especially looking forward to this Saturday as it's my first real one off since the Christmas break. I'm going for a leisurely walk with my close friend Tamra on the hunt for vintage frocks and we've already lined up 2 must-see shops.

Bam-Bam Vintage Clothing in Williamstown and recently reopened Diamond Dog in my own lovely Seddon. I popped my head in there last night and Sally assured me that she's just restocked with lots of beautiful frocks and shoes, all from television sets so barely worn. I'm already eyeing off a cute little red and white duck sundress in the window, I hope it's waiting for me on Saturday!

Got any other recommendations in the area? Keep in mind we're on foot for the day!

Sustainable House Day Part #1 - Gavin's place

Our first stop was to visit Gavin and Kim Webber in Melton. We've been avid followers of Gavin's blog and what he manages to fit onto a suburban size block is really amazing - well it's actually just all about how you want to use your space really. Their family began a huge journey since first viewing 'An Inconvenient Truth' in September 2006 - now instead of  cottage gardens they nurture a fruit orchard, vegetable gardens, compost bin and work farm as well as running a hybrid Honda Civic and photovoltaic solar panels and installed water tanks.
We were welcomed by Amy and Kim - and Kim took us on a fantastic tour around the gardens starting with the four 'grave' vegie beds. We talked about how they find vegetables popping up in different beds from the composting, the garlic and broad beans that were doing so well and warned us off the white beetroot - apparently they are an acquired taste. Through to the compost area and we checked out the wicking potato garden bed before visting the worm farm. Lightbulb - I asked Kim if she had any suggestions for all the flies around our wormfarm and she suggested covering the top layer with wet newspaper or an old cotton towel seems to do the trick. Can't wait to try it. Kim also said they prepare seedlings for sale at the annual Djerriwarrh Festival on Saturday 6th November.

We wandered past the hybrid car and solar inverter, the citrus in pots by the pool and to the pergola - with raised beds of cabbage and a newly planted bed of salad greens and herbs. The orchard is in the front garden with some young trees already blossoming. Kim is already planning where they could fit in more dwarf trees - she hasn't run out of room or inspiration yet! We got to meet Gavin as well - and I picked his brain on how to get more producers to use the Local Food Map, about his cheesemaking hobby and we looked at the charts following their main grid energy consumption before and after solar was installed. He suggested Cheese Links as a good place to start for information and courses and the guys at Energy Matters for his solar system supplier. What strikes me most about this family is that once they were just like any other consumption-driven family and now they are on new path - after one small change at a time, they are living proof that anyone can make a postive change.

Gavin also founded the Melton Sustainable Living Group - you can check out their blog right here.

I decided not to take any photos at either of the houses we visited - apart from the reason that they have a stack of photos on their own websites, I just felt it was kind enough of them to open their homes for us to visit, and I didn't want to impose any further.

Next up - the one we've been waiting for.....

Another glorious half-a-weekend...

What a fantastic weekend - at the end I felt my batteries had actually started to recharge again, I think I might be splitting it into a few posts...

Friday night - we headed into town to see Powderfinger's Sunset Farewell tour and they were fantastic - as expected! They played 2 songs from my favourite album - Double Allergic. Even better we can buy a copy of their live performance that night through the website. As we're in the process of digitalising our cd collection - it's nice to have this option.

After work on Saturday I did another whirlwind of the garden to find that my beetroot seeds have sprouted! We then enjoyed dinner at the Bank Restaurant in Yarraville for the first time - with my Godparents all the way from WA! The atmosphere is cosy, and my Moroccan Lamb Shanks went down a treat, as did the Rosewater Pannacotta with Baklava - YUM!

I'll leave you with a few pictures of what's happening in my little plot of earth this week...

 My beetroot is sprouting

Calendula

About to burst

Lots of new growth on Pierre de Ronsard

I live for weekends as sweet as this...

Ever have one of those days when you're feeling anxious for no reason? In fact, you've got a hundred reasons to be happy and excited? Well that was Friday. And the only was is up from there.

Ever had one of those days that is truly magnificent from start to finish - and it's not even your birthday? A day when you've had to change your schedule and you think it's a pain but it's actually created a much better day than you'd originally thought? That was Saturday.

We started our day 2 hours earlier than we'd planned - my hairdresser needed to change our appointment. Kimberley from Karma sorted both Trav and I out and I presented little India Rose with a pink Fairy Wand - the one I bought in SA to help support a family who's little girl Ivy is suffering from EB(Epidermolysis Bullosa). She couldn't believe her luck because she'd just broken her last one.

After a grey, gloomy week, we had brilliant blue sky and time to kill so we drove to Macedon and enjoyed a light lunch at Sitka in Victoria street. Mmmm lemon and Basil arancini and Dutch Beef Croquettes with fries. The little foodstore is a perfect blend of what I'd like to run one day. Not too big, cosy with mismatched tables and chairs, window seats to take advantage of the winter sun and a lovely range of gourmet products and books. We'll definitely be coming back to Sitka.

At the supermarket we bumped into the mother of friends I grew up with and I mentioned we might drive past my old house. She had just been visiting there and encouraged us to knock on the door - she was sure they'd welcome us in and show us around. !!!

Driving down the driveway was strange. I felt like I'd just been there again - recently in a dream maybe? Soon the familiar sight of our log cabin tucked behind the hedge and garage. There's now a basketball hoop out the front. Stepping out of the car, I looked around and saw Babcia's tree still stretching for sun in the front garden, the rose garden now holds conifers - including the one Michelle was given as a Christmas present one year. I stepped onto the verandah and tried to plan what I would say. The garden below was now 2 tiers of gravel - much more suited to a young family with 2 boys and a dog.

I knocked. Narelle answered and I made the introductions - she invited us straight in! We got to meet her husband and 2 boys (names have escaped me) and Digger the dog (how come I remembered his name?) and they showed us through the house. Well, it was barely recognisable - walls and doors had moved, all the pine was painted white and there were lots of skylights which  had made an amazing difference. Narelle explained to the boys that I was Christie from the measuring pole - we went outside and sure enough - they have continued the tradition and are now marking their own heights on the pole - haven't caught me yet. There is a flying fox from the hill over the creek to the lawn and the boys love running around the bush as much as my sister and I did.

I felt so fortunate to have had this opportunity and it was an amazing set of coincidences that made it possible. On the way back we visited Emma and I noticed some of the writing wearing off her headstone, it will be 23 years old in December.

Travis dropped me off at my Bridal Shower - a truly magical afternoon - and came back after he finished work that evening, even though everyone was leaving and all he did was help clean up and sleep on the couch. Why am I marrying this guy again?

Ever had one of those days that feels so nice and long - but you didn't rush at all? Well, that was Sunday. We met up with 2 pugs at Pugville in the morning and were lucky enough to find Alice in Wonderland was showing at the Sun Theatre in the afternoon. I just loved the costumes - especially how Alice's changed throughout the film. After that I rode to highpoint to pick out Mum's birthday present and made a delicious pumpkin and dill sauce with pasta for dinner. Ahhhh I love Autumn days.

I try

I've been trying to get the word 'try' out of my vocabulary (ooops there I go again!) To try means to 'make an effort or attempt'. If you really intend to do something, why say 'I'll try'? It really means that you're allowing yourself to not get it done.

Yesterday as I headed out for a run (yes a run) our little neighbour asked what I was doing, so I replied 'I'm trying to run'. She cocked her head to one side, screwed up her nose and said 'Why are you trying to run?' Bingo! There's my wake up call - why try? - just do it! You'll be amazed at what you can achieve when you consciously remove this word from your vocab.

Yes I am running! I've been running the past 4 of 5 afternoons and yesterday I saw a real improvement - chasing Trav around the local streets I kept up for a lot longer than I'd expected to, I enjoy it so much that when I finally catch my breath (about 20 minutes later) I actually feel like going out again!

I was lucky enough to attend the best ever hens party on Sunday, we were enjoying manicures and massages with high tea at the Royal Botanic Gardens, there wasn't one little bit of men's anatomy in sight and I met some really lovely girls, I just hope my bridesmaids look after me as well as myself and the 'self appointed lady-in-waiting' did for our friend when arranging the day!

I'm still busy sewing up a storm at the moment, hence my lack of interesting posts, but I'll soon have a complete outfit to show you - all ready to attend our close friends' wedding at - wait for it - Jacques Reymond. Can't wait!

Got something to show you...

The dress I'm making for A&D's wedding is finished but for one small but important detail, just like an artist signs their canvas with a flourish, I too put my name on my creations. At this point I have to give a shout out to Veronica Darling, whose Darling Husbie gave me the idea, but R Draper and Co of Apparel Labels made it happen. I'm working on the jacket and bag this weekend so I'll get some photos up of the complete outfit on Sunday I hope! 

Speaking of Sunday I can't wait to get all dolled up for Andrea's Hens High Tea at RBG's Terrace Tea Rooms. We'll be enjoying bubbles, manicures and massages all afternoon!

sewing up a storm

Funny - I actually felt a bit guilty because I haven't been on here since Friday night.

I've been right into sewing again this week - I'm making a dress to wear to a friend's wedding and it will be finished by the weekend - just one week for a new dress! I got past the tricky zip last night and I've only got the back split and hem to finish. Lucky because then I'll be making a cute jacket and bag to go with it! Trav will be away again this weekend so I should be able to get a good start on those. Will definitely put up a pic when it's done!

We've got an exciting few months ahead of us - we're pretty much booked until Easter catching up with lots of friends and doing heaps of exciting things. Lots of picnics too - Picnic at Hanging Rock for a classic car show, an evening picnic and moonlight cinema at the Botanical Gardens with friends, twilight picnic at the zoo with more friends with Daryl Braithwaite performing.... can't wait!

me the couch and I

Got the place to myself again tonight, I’ll just grab one of Trav’s beers – and his beer nuts, put my feet up and settle in for a nice night of girly flicks. Aaaah the serenity!

Wait a sec ... what's that sound? It's my good friend over at Footscray Food Blog, she's featured my review of the Take Away Cafe at the Rotunda in Williamstown, well that just made my Friday! We're glad to have you back Ms Baklover!


If you're thinking of heading somewhere in the west this weekend, make sure you head to Footscray Food Blog first...

Things to do in the car

I’ve been sewing a cute little outfit for my friend’s 1 year old daughter for Christmas – had this project planned and everything purchase a good 6 weeks ago – but why do it in 6 weeks when you can to do it in 3 days??

I’ll tell you why – at this time of year all bets are off!

Anyway I was putting the finishing touches on the cute little bonnet in the car on the way over there yesterday, in fact, that 1 hour trip was quite productive…

 don't worry, it's a lite!

 

Lacey's bonnet

 girls were born to multitask

Now, if only I had a full-time driver at my disposal, imagine how much more I could get done!

Put Vietnam on your plate

I first found out about this tour through a blogger I very much admire, MOO I MADE IT!

She has covered the tour so well that I'm not even going to attempt a full write up - just want to show you some highlights from the day we spent with Mei Ling.

It was a grey, humid morning when I arrived on the Footscray Market Rooftop (appropriate, considering we would be immersing ourselves in Vietnamese culture for the day). I had no idea just how much you can see from up here and wish I'd take a photo!

Our group of 8 began in the Fruit and Veg section of the market - and got to find out about all those interesting looking leafy bunches and what to do with them.

'droopy parsley'

grocery store

Mei Ling suggested seed packets as a way to get to know names and 'faces' of the various vegetables

 You can buy eels, fish and shellfish fresh from the tanks everyday!

 

 Flowers are so cheap at Little Saigon

 

 Yes, they tasted as good as they looked

A lesson for all those ladies out there at booty camp...

Livin' La Dolce Vita - Day 2

After enjoying an energy packed plate of bacon and eggs on the sunny Sunday morning, we headed south down the King Valley Hwy to pick up where we left off.

La Cantina
It was shaping up to be another hot day and I got to ride shotgun next to Andrea for the first leg. Our first stop was the stunning cellar door of La Cantina made of Glenrowan granite. The range of preservative-free wines was very popular and I took home no less than 10 bottles (my rule is now to buy at least 2 bottles of a wine I like, this way I'll be less reluctant to drink it!) A market meandered through the garden and I picked up a cute white trilby for the princely sum of $13. One thing that has struck me about each winery we visited is just how lush and green the grass is everywhere, I guess their water restrictions aren't as restrictive as ours in Melbourne.

Gracebrook
This place is simply amazing. The main building takes it's cue from the 110 year old stables on the site, and large doors spill out onto a vast raised wooden deck, tables and the band were up here for the festival. Descending the stairs onto the lawn, the tasting table was set up in a shady spot under an old tree, we selected a bottle of their Savingin and ordered a couple of scrumptios platters, enjoying morning tea under the shade of a marquee.

Beautiful spot for a wedding don't you think?

After a splash under the sprinklers, we swapped shotguns and were on our way...

Too pretty to eat? Nope.

Dal Zotto

EVERYONE was looking forward to this stop. Once again there was a fabulous shaded area to put our feet up after tasting was done and selections were made. This is where our Captain got really lucky!

There were helicopter joy flights running which offered great views through the valley and everyone put in for his ride as a thank you for driving us all around. When I raced over to book him in I ended up joining him - just check out these views...

Overlooking the King Valley

The gang at Dal Zotto

Pizzini

Dal Zotto had on offer gorgeous little Prosecco 'Bambino's' and everyone enjoyed a couple of cocktails while waiting for us to return to earth...

Pizzini
Saving the best for last? Well I couldn't possibly choose my favourite stop on this road trip but Pizzini was where we ended the adventure. I found myself in the tasting room for an hour and a half - and I even got to experience the $110 Rubacouri Sangiovese - a rare treat. Well because I lingered, I missed out on lunch but found everyone shading themselves under umbrellas - enjoying the live music by Maurice Milani. Before long we were all up, shoes off dancing the afternoon away on that soft lawn. Well, all but one. The Captain was pretty comfortable minding the seats and tucking into custard-filled profiteroles.

 

Salute!

Things were a bit quiet on the way home - always the sign of a good weekend. Even though I missed the Gnocchi rolling competition I just absolutely had a BALL this weekend, what a great bunch of people to go away with! Plans are now in motion for a Brewery Road Trip for our Captain - let's give him the weekend off!

A BIG thank you to Kat and Matt for taking all these fine pictures of the weekend x

Livin' La Dolce Vita - Day 1

Let's start at the start. We piled into Trusty Tarago and Lovely Lotus, and got to our first destination by about 12:30...

Sam Miranda

Here we purchased our Wines of King Valley souvenir tasting glasses and started with the three sparklings - unfortunately the Prosecco was still a week away from the Cellar Door. Making our way through the list we selected our poisons (mine was the Arneis) and headed out to the alfresco area to enjoy some delicious pizzas surrounded by a cicada serenade.

The Sweet Life

Wood Park Wines

Not on the festival list - this was a special recommendation from friends. These guys are based right next to the Milawa Cheese Company, Milawa Chocolate Shop and Muse Gallery. After picking up some supplies for the evening, we headed off again.

Brown Brothers

We were welcomed through Brown Brother's gates with a taste of their NV Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier sparkling blend, before finding a shady table with a good view of the jazz quartet. The best thing about the weekend was that we took our time at each place, and the days didn't slip away too quickly. Here we cooled off in front of water-spraying fans and tried Gundowring's Orange and Cardamom ice cream.

King River Estate
Our final stop, here we tasted a Sparkling Shiraz and Sparkling Merlot, and savoured many other wines for which this region is know best, their Vermentino was especially good. We were also just in time to catch the owner and winemaker Trevor Knaggs speaking about the benefits of biodynamic viticulture.

Once settled at Moyhu Caravan Park, we all dived into the pool and enjoyed a BBQ feast for dinner before heading off to get a good nights sleep - we'd need it if Saturday was anything to go by!

Can't wait to tour Milawa and Oxley by bike one of these days!

I heart Fridays

What a great day! When I got home from work we went digging for potatoes (my first attempt ever at growing them) and came up with about 10 beautiful nicolas which we roasted with thyme and sea salt for a very easy but tasty dinner! I have never tasted them so fresh!

And before that I was having a chat to Stephen from Bakerlite about how my new bike is wearing in, when he said he'd love to talk to me about some ideas for his new website for next year!!!

A full rundown of La Dolce Vita is coming up soon...

My Weekend Passion

For the last 4 weeks, I've been part of a fabulous team at PassionFoods - I am super excited to work there every week and be surrounded by wonderful staff, customers and of course products!!

Today was extra special - I rode my bike there and back! 35 mins, 8.5 kms. Rode home in the wet and dark. I was a bit apprehensive about it as I watched the light dim over the last 2hours at work, but I'm so glad I did it!

I also got a touching compliment on my extra sparkly engagement ring!

I saw this wall on my way through Yarraville yesterday and had to go back and capture it. Looks to me like summer is still holding on...

Another world

I love the way our chandelier appears to preside over our outdoor table. It looks like there may be another world going on out there...

Almost perfect...

I try not to believe in the word perfect. But some things come pretty close. Like sharing the sunset on Four Mile Beach with Travis on our 5th Anniversary.

Today was almost perfect too. I woke early, teared through my to-do list including a ride to highpoint to pick up my repaired purple bag, and my try-out of the Pashley - VERY VERY NICE (I just need to pick a colour now).

Sometimes you may have things planned so carefully, to be changed at the last minute - out of your hands. I had one of those moments this morning, Deborah called to say she was unwell - I told her not to worry about dinner tonight.
I made the lasagne anyway and Rossi (our prodigal son) and I spent a glorious evening on the couch together watching Charlotte Gray. It was warm, cosy, comfortable. It was almost perfect...