Back to Work

Yesterday Annabelle and I worked on the first of our photo shoots with the lovely Scott & Alia from White Wall. It was nice to get back into the swing of things. The shoot went really well and we had a great day laughing and sharing stories. They are two of the most generous, driven people I am ever likely to meet.



These are shots I took of the beautiful servingware we had at the ready, lent to us by Annabelle's sister, Amelia and her brother-in-law, Adrian. I actually met Annabelle through Amelia as we were friends long before I knew of her little sister. Amelia and Adrian own Danish Vintage Modern and Country Life Antiques and travel around the world sourcing product for their shops. Seriously, their home is something out of a magazine, every corner crammed full of the most amazing pieces. One look at the servingware in these photos should give you an inkling.

A First Encounter

We've been reading up and apparently it's best to expose a puppy to as many different experiences as possible while they're young and impressionable. This afternoon we took Billie to the beach – her first time. It was so funny watching her negotiate the soft sand, pick up seaweed and sea sponges and then tentatively enter the water.





We are blessed with the most beautiful coastline, I'd forgotten how nice it is at the beach, a mere 20 minute drive away. Even though it was warm, it was overcast so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Overall, a very rewarding experience – for Billie – and me.

A Great Partnership

Had a great day yesterday with Annabelle doing some styling/photography work. It was so nice to work together again after our little break since leaving the magazine. We're a great team and despite the odd clash of wills, we work remarkably well together.



Our new business venture is another step closer to reality. We've been working hard on all the background business set-up which takes a frustratingly large amount of time. I hope to reveal all very soon but it's not too far away and we're both very excited.

What a Difference

What a difference a little time and a lot of rain makes - we only planted out this part of the garden a couple of months ago. Now the hydrangeas are in bloom, the lobelias are bursting with colour and the trees are in leaf. It makes me happy every time I look outside.



The temporary fence is to keep Billie out until we get a proper one built. John and I both decided it was way beyond our capabilities to erect something strong enough to withstand a dog so we've decided to hire a contractor. I kind of like this little make-do though – it's quaint – and she hasn't worked out how to get through it yet.



She is growing up so quickly. We want her to stay sweet and small forever. She is such a lovely dog – especially with her crazy ears – one sticks up and one flops down now!

Sunny Days

What could be better than eating breakfast outside on a warm, sunny morning? Um, nothing. After a few too many puddings over winter (and a few too many kilos to show for it) I'm back to starting the day with a bowl of homemade muesli, poached apricots (what I have left from last summer's bounty) and the first of the season's fresh blueberries. Hopefully I'll be able to fit in to my jeans again soon!

Our Little Billie

Last week we welcomed a new member to our family – Billie – an eight week old Staffordshire Bull Terrier bred by our friend Amy. Since Molly died earlier in the year the house has been terribly quiet and very lonely and John has been yearning for a new dog. She is a dear little thing and John is smitten.



We had a terrible scare yesterday when she suddenly became very sick and we had to rush her to the vet. She spent the day on a drip and they were quite worried about her for some time. Today she is back to her normal playful self – we suspect she ate something she shouldn't have.

She has already well and truly found a place in our hearts.

Green Fingers

After reading the Country Farmhouse blog, I was full of inspiration and convinced John our postage-stamp-sized courtyard garden was in desperate need of a mini-makeover. To complement the row of box hedge I planted about six months ago, we planted a heritage-variety quince tree, murraya, lavender, lobelia and my favourites – hydrangeas.

Baby Shower

Today I went to Emma's baby shower. Most girls I know have a friend or a relly throw them a shower but my friend Emma – who until recently worked with me at the magazine – decided that with all her spare time she'd organise her own. And boy did she do it well! It was so beautiful, my photos really don't do it justice. Knowing she is expecting a boy, and not wanting a traditional blue shower, Emma opted for a woodland theme with gorgeous ginghams and little forest features. Annabelle and I arrived early to help her set up – she is heavily pregnant after all – but really, she had everything well in hand so we had a lovely day enjoying the delicious food she had prepared.

The Eclective

John's business, The Food Business, exhibited at a local bridal fair called The Eclective this weekend. I put the stand together for him – given I have a bit more free time now! I was given a strict budget so I based the theme on bakeware, bought some lovely cake tins for veggie displays (all in complementary colours of course) & napkin holders and used a cookie cutter for a business card holder. The fair was at the Queen's Theatre, a fantastic old building right in the heart of the city.

Spring Has Sprung

Spring is here at long last. The trees are in blossom and the sun is shining. Just perfect for a bounce on the trampoline with my sweet niece.



Today marks a new chapter in my life. I have resigned from my position at the magazine and am about to embark on a very exciting new venture. Lots to do and so much to think about – can't wait to tell more!