Wednesday, November 30, 2011

How did you know I wanted this?!

I'm probably slow to the party on this one, but of all the 'kids being cute' videos flying around at the moment this really sticks out as priceless:


I don't think this about holding purity and innocence, as a lot of the comments enthuse, but there's definitely something to be said about holding a deep thankfulness for the good things life throws at us (cereal, Barbie DVD etc) - that is, taking these things in with gratitude rather than a sense of entitlement.

And aw what the heck it's just really really cute!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Refreshments

Flew in from Singapore this morning, am feeling as you might expect - was flicking through photos and realised just how much I take pictures of what I'm drinking.  Putting them together here serves as a good roundup of everything that's happened in the last few days, and seemed apt to post on this hot hot hot Sydney morning.

Organic green juice with a friend at Bondi - great conversations had.
Rasberry mojitos at Pocket Bar with a friend from out of town.
So many iced-water-runs in the middle of the night at C's new place in Singapore.
Iced coffee by the pool in Bintan - check out how bright it is!  Even the camera couldn't deal.
A tired tea on the plane home.
Happy Monday y'all!  Stay hydrated.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Asking for it

I found this little guy on my pillow when I came home tonight - no joke!  Seemed apt to this post.
"You don't get what you don't ask for."

From an inspiring colleague at work when asked what her 'career mantra' was.  I like it!

I'm taking this in tandem with my favourite Jefferson quip on luck - you can ask for things all you want, but there needs to be an acknowledgement that any success you achieve is also owing to luck / karma / the universe for being gracious enough to take your hard work, and surprise you with an opportunity greater than what you were capable of imagining yourself.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Slow-setting sun

Can't get enough of these long, pre-summer nights.

Monday, November 14, 2011

A (newish) kid in town


I've been dying to write about Jamie's Italian since I went a few weeks back - 1. Because I love discovering a new restaurant and 2. The truffle risotto still visits me in my dreams.

From the deliberately rustic setup (think long share platters perched on unopened tins of tomatoes) through to the casually British  sommelier ("you don't need to know everyfin' about wine luv, but you've chosen a good drop yeah"), Jamie's Italian is a well-oiled, delicious manifestation of the man himself.  Don't be put off by the no-reservations factor - they thoughtfully give you pager which you can wander around the block with and will vibrate when your table is ready.
The unassuming glass exterior
View from the top balcony where we were seated - to their credit they turn the tables efficiently without making you feel rushed at all.
The truffle risotto could not be simpler or more delicious.  Ugh I want to order it again just looking at it!
Grappa for two - note the 'Jamie' tea towels which serve as napkins or can be purchased at the door as souvenirs, if you're so inclined.
The affogato: my favourite way of having dessert and pretending I didn't (it's coffee, that you just happen to pour over ice-cream, ok?)
Full writeup will be on my sister blog once I actually pull the finger out and start writing on it again, in the meantime I just had to share the pictures - already planning my next visit!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Sunday links

I love Sunday beverages.
Got thoroughly lost on the internet this weekend - here's a link-a-thon to some of my best finds:

Illustrator Christoph Niemann live illustrated the NYC Marathon, while running it.

This stunning short on Nowness, capturing The Thacher School - a private Californian boarding school where every student gets their own horse.

Intrigued by the idea of olive oil and sea salt on ice cream, a combo I intend to try this week.

And finally, a totes fetch playlist inspired by hanging out with the Plastics from Meangirls - love!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

More enthusiasm

Sitting above my desk

Just moved one of my favourite work quotes from a post-it note on my computer to this ceramic speech bubble, courtesy of my mama and her trip to Harrods (she flew in yesterday).

A lovely desk addition on a Friday.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Cafe views

Google views from the office kitchens around our part of the world -

Sydney
Tokyo
Singapore
Thrilled that Sydney is a lot like it is in the picture today.

Green is gold

Stumbled across this street work 'Green is Gold' on Barrack St on my way home today.  Like any good installation, it had me detour from my route to take a closer look - it's basically a metal grid on which you can rest your takeaway coffee cup on and plant with a little seedling.

Step-by-step instructions to create your little coffee cup plant - the seeds are woven into the biodegradable cup holder, which you plant. 
The cups filling up the planks.
One of the flourishing seedlings.  I love that they're all different types of coffee cups too.
I love this view of the grid - I almost like it better this way (only half-filled up) but also can't wait to see when it's all full and green all over.
A lovely, quietly engaging work that all coffee drinkers on the go can be a part of.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Summer is coming -

A fragrant fence down a Darlinghurst side street.
Embrace a nap in the sun, wake up with sand in your ears and stop to smell the jasmine.

Brunch three ways

The last couple of weeks have been a little more stressy than I'd like, hence this small virtual space has been a little neglected of late - but three brunches later (yes, that means I doubled up on Saturday) I'm feeling a lot better about work, love and life in general.  I also almost compassed all four directions in Sydney -

East:
The 'Go green' breakfast was truly nourishing start to the day at my old favourite, Forbes & Burton.
West:
An amazing fig loaf, toasted to perfection with ricotta and their homemade preserve at Luxe, Newtown.
North:
My staple scrambled eggs, with a couple of sides (go field mushrooms!) at Bathers', Balmoral.
That's a lot of carbs and coffee I know, let's not talk about it.  Now, to Monday!