love on a plate

have i told you about my friend CM? i call her my wife, cos when we moved to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sydney</span> together all we had was each other. we had to be each others sister grandmother mother wife etc. anyway, she is beautiful and funny and has such a perfect straight nose and even though she wears kooky clothes she always manages to look <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">uber</span> chic (aren't we all just a little jealous of those effortlessly elegant girls?)<div><br /><div> </div><div>tonight she made me a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">gour</span>-met vegetarian feast cos she knew i was tired and busy at work and needed lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">vegies</span> and protein. If only everyone had a wife like CM...</div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369084156143303938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9ucsWT9AU32ig8NKQeqgOoubeKG7ICUqONMVfauOOry3d5nvJFCmIof9fpq4TomB1q8_Dd3-3QFxcy74VsYSGGVWE4CvlGJzVC_B3Fa5X-DB-yydmuFEDsekasNwUeXw6v71nz2nXmM/s400/photo-pola.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 329px; height: 400px;" /><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>pumpkin risotto cakes with tomato stuffed mushrooms and sauteed baby spinach. topped off with ricotta. if you ask ever so nicely i'm sure she'll give you the recipe... </div><div><br /></div><div>ness x</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div> </div></div>

love on a plate

have i told you about my friend CM? i call her my wife, cos when we moved to sydney together all we had was each other. we had to be each o...

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sugar hit

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTcTkrJDC2UkK0dp-UrwIrhyphenhyphen11Zfisr0Y0h3_EELXuHT4sDVxU05Znozg4Q7Z8MIpV4G2WyzhcML_NMqp3N3QwgbWjKTmxnGaeNc5n-q8HkaHzqYjAl3SmkjvYtGDISXTJobNu6ifjvk/s1600-h/IMG_0087-pola.jpg"></a><div>tonight i trudged wearily up the stairs to my second-floor apartment, turned the key in the lock, pushed open the door and this... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">amazing</span> smell wafted out, tickled my nostrils and floated out the door. It smelt akin to honeysuckles, like... sweet vanilla pods, like the gooey centre of a creme brulee after the satisfying craaaaack. it smelt like SPRING.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>usually my apartment smells like vegemite, soup and the faint smell of cat. niiice. I racked my brain trying to think what it might be then i remembered....</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>... on sunday i bought two hyacinth plants - one purple, one white - and sat one my windowsill and one on my end table. The guy said they were fragrant; he wasn't kidding. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363856641221538930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTcTkrJDC2UkK0dp-UrwIrhyphenhyphen11Zfisr0Y0h3_EELXuHT4sDVxU05Znozg4Q7Z8MIpV4G2WyzhcML_NMqp3N3QwgbWjKTmxnGaeNc5n-q8HkaHzqYjAl3SmkjvYtGDISXTJobNu6ifjvk/s400/IMG_0087-pola.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363856631836038338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5Va5sf-UdOLadGEgw_xH9rF5Z9_EQ_Z2tsH-6CNEKjd6x91ZgdVb_Jm1gJAkIosA8UBPAvIhF-HOs70wxDj6AbR8qJvxSCb7eVB-7yT0SiyTDos9pZbIAlKmq89IQ4EE7lE6QLMQZhI/s400/IMG_0085-pola.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">ness x</div><div> </div><div> </div>

sugar hit

tonight i trudged wearily up the stairs to my second-floor apartment, turned the key in the lock, pushed open the door and this... amazing  ...

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winter supper

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4Hi-SxE0xQTeLr4eFQLlZAWGEcUGCy_rSAp5SNsv__3nNZ-TmNv1Uh67aPX3X6fM7qwoDEiRFVdU4RI6HfckTJJUiFd_HDYoTwL9Jpnuyy2cN2Ddu_YS1P7hUJSfx-a6BxlvK9BWxbc/s1600-h/IMG_0089-pola.jpg"></a>there are very few problems that a bowl of soup can't fix. <div><br /></div><div>when i was a wee ness, my mama would herald the beginning of winter by cooking up a huge, bubbling pot of potato and leek soup. chop chop chop the sweet soapy smell of leeks would fill the corners of our house and in would tumble the waxy squares of potatoes one by one. the soup would brew for an hour or so, teasing us with its fragrant deliciousness. my sister and i would hover in the living room, peering over the kitchen bench watching it go wizzzzzzz in the blender. Then into our hungry mouths it would fall... QUICK! gulp gulp down and so hot it would burn our tongues. sweet and creamy and silky smooth, she would sneakily leave in lots of little potato chunks (just cos i liked them). </div><div><br /></div><div>Like many of my mother's recipes, i tried this one in my very own kitchen at the beginning of winter. chop chop chop went the leeks and potatoes, in tumbled some carrots and spinach for good measure and a splash of cream. wizzzzzzzzz in the blender and as i waited with bated breath, i smothered damp brown bread in salty butter and gobbled it down. Out the soup came, and it tasted... not exactly like my mother's.... yes, similar, but something different. it tasted like.... yup, that was it. it tasted like sydney and studio apartments and paddy's markets and spindly trees and milky tea. A mixture of two worlds. </div><div><br /></div><div>so the other night i went a little cuhrazy and decided to experiment... with vegetables. i know, right? i am one wild child. this lovely soupy goodness is a creation of yours truly and i would oh so love to hear your most favourite winter-warming recipe pretty please!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SPICY CARROT AND CHICKPEA SOUP</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div>serves: 4 days of ness' lunches</div><div><br /></div><div>3 carrots, chopped (leave the skin on - its awfully good for you. my dad said so)</div><div>2 cans of chickpeas, drained</div><div>2 potatoes, chopped</div><div>1 med sized sweet potato, chopped</div><div>3 greedy handfuls of baby spinach</div><div>4 cups chicken stock (i am lazy and buy ready-made but aim to make my own one day)</div><div>1 onion, finely chopped</div><div>3 or 4 bay leaves</div><div>a little bit of garlic</div><div>a littler bit of chilli</div><div>sea salt and freshly ground pepper</div><div>oh and lots of good quality olive oil and parmesan cheese (splurge!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Turn up the heat and chuck in the garlic, chilli, onion and a good splash of olive oil. Sweat it out, so that all the lovely flavours are released. Stir occasionally while you chop chop all the vegies out. Toss in the carrots - i like to get these totally immersed in the spicy chilli and garlic. Cook for 5 mins or so, then toss in the chickpeas and get those nice and garlic-y too. Another splash of olive oil works well here. Cook for another 5 minutes or so. </div><div><br /></div><div>Throw in the potatoes and sweet potatoes, pour in the stock and add 2 or 3 cups of water (the vegies should be totally covered with lots of liquid on top). Add any herbs that you want - i like a good shake of paprika and some extra chilli for good measure - and of course, lots of pepper and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle your bay leaves on top, pop the lid on and bring to the boil.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hold on, almost done! Take it down to a nice gentle simmer and cook 'til the vegies are nice and tender (try the sweet potato, this one takes the longest to cook so it's a good indicator). Stir in the spinach leaves, oh - and have a little taste here, too. Feel free to add more herbs and spices to your liking. Let cool for a little, then wizzzzzz through the blender (or use a hand mix, this soup is not all picky). Ladle into bowls and top with some crumbly parmigiano reggiano. it's damn fine, i tell you! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363482967077537314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4Hi-SxE0xQTeLr4eFQLlZAWGEcUGCy_rSAp5SNsv__3nNZ-TmNv1Uh67aPX3X6fM7qwoDEiRFVdU4RI6HfckTJJUiFd_HDYoTwL9Jpnuyy2cN2Ddu_YS1P7hUJSfx-a6BxlvK9BWxbc/s400/IMG_0089-pola.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>('scuse the dirty bowl. i am not very good at "plating up".)</div><div><br /></div><div>ness x</div><div><br /></div>

winter supper

there are very few problems that a bowl of soup can't fix.  when i was a wee ness, my mama would herald the beginning of winter by cooki...

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500 days of summer

<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">it's official: I have a new girl crush. Yes, miss zooey deschanel has knocked sarah blasko and amy adams off their pedestals & stolen my heart.  I am so eagerly waiting to see her newest film venture '500 Days Of Summer' which also stars... wait for it..  Joseph Gordon- Levitt from 3rd rock fame. *swoon* who knew he'd grow up so good? it's my dream cast AND they play lots of fab music too, like The Smiths, Regina Spektor and even a couple of Zooey's own sweet melodies. I only have to wait... oh, 2 months, i think. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In the meantime, I am feeding my film addiction with several other newbies that are soon to be released. I've already seen Sunshine Cleaning and Every Little Step (3.5 stars, 4.5 stars) and have J.M Coetzee's Disgrace, Coco Avant Chanel, Beautiful Kate, The September Issue and Last Ride on my to-watch list. there's just nothing nicer than a wintry sunday afternoon spent at the cinema with a chai latte and a caramello koala (or two).</span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PsD0NpFSADM&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PsD0NpFSADM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />ness x</span>

500 days of summer

it's official: I have a new girl crush. Yes, miss zooey deschanel has knocked sarah blasko and amy adams off their pedestals & stole...

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hey big spender

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzND-m2yTNAQHsEdtarG6_Q2U7n5jxs_6C37nHs02NtTKJu-NDIq3Z2OEKeTyxAvkVirRarxXmk15K-7ADz3jJKku37EwYJnWTgiCLErkswJ-1ANsdmW3tF3_EjZDJ2cXez8nucvz8PQY/s1600-h/IMG_0071-pola.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I have a theory about pay day: it's always the first weekend that ruins you. Every month it follows the same pattern... a nice little lump sum lands in your account, the numbers glow and you feel... RICH! it's at this stage that I start to fantasise about all the things that i could do with my loot. a weekend away in melbourne perhaps? oooh witchery boots! or that new art book in Ariel that I've been coveting...<br /><br />But then I remember that paying rent and bills and groceries and insurance and train tickets leaves nothing more than a sad little pile of dirty coins and a couple of tenners. sigh. so I pledge that for the first weekend after pay day, my purse strings will stay tied tight. NO spending, I tell myself, and usually I stay true to my promise for a coupe of days at least. This month? Well, it's officially a record. That's right my lovelies, I lasted exactly 32 hours before blowing a significant amount of my pennies at Country Road. A couple of the girls in the office are bestowed with little gold country road VIP cards which entitle them to a veeery nice 30% off. How could a girl resist? (and, I convinced myself, I really really needed more tops). I loveee everything that they have in store at the moment, spesh all those fab chunky knits. I scored a long sleeve silk white blouse, a little grey and white pleated camisole that will go very nicely thankyou with my black blazer and the cutest blue and white cap sleeved blouse that boasts a high neck and floppy bow.<br /><br />hmmm two days into the pay month and only, what? 28 to go? i predict a "how-to-do-a-weekend-on-a-budget" post coming very soon...<br /><br />oh yes, also wanted to share this photo with you. Snapped at approx 5pm from my office window; isn't this the most luminous sunrise you've ever seen? </span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363492398057507170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzND-m2yTNAQHsEdtarG6_Q2U7n5jxs_6C37nHs02NtTKJu-NDIq3Z2OEKeTyxAvkVirRarxXmk15K-7ADz3jJKku37EwYJnWTgiCLErkswJ-1ANsdmW3tF3_EjZDJ2cXez8nucvz8PQY/s400/IMG_0071-pola.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 400px; " /></span><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ness x<br /></div></div></div></div>

hey big spender

I have a theory about pay day: it's always the first weekend that ruins you. Every month it follows the same pattern... a nice little lu...

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for the love of music

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheh8p9Hj1uUCGEO-odJoURP84VOzHTGHvH5wHEFwHqzDZGO2HfAbGFxUmMxuU-dwRJY204n8ngOeB777peTs2DKGlaGYZyS2fmv5z1Dqx8POf9suq1NT5esNVerNsHOYWMTjwPONQtsFw/s1600-h/IMG_0069-pola.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">any sydney-ite who supports local Aussie music would've heard that radio stalwart FBI is in deep financial strife. Not-for-profit and privately owned, they're poor as church mice and need our help. From weekly cheapie gigs to fundraisers and auctions, there's stacks of fabulous things YOU can do to get involved. head </span><a href="http://www.fbiradio.com/content.php/3.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> for more info. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A couple of weeks ago they announced that the Chaser boys had </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">offered to dedicate all the tickets from their July 14th taping to FBi.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> My darling friend Philly, ever the generous soul, snaffled up a couple of tickets in the blink of an eye and offered one to yours truly. The taping of the chaser is harder to get into than APEC so I was pretty stoked.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><br /></span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Make sure to tune in tomorrow night to watch the episode; much better than previous ones i thought...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363493479874354850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheh8p9Hj1uUCGEO-odJoURP84VOzHTGHvH5wHEFwHqzDZGO2HfAbGFxUmMxuU-dwRJY204n8ngOeB777peTs2DKGlaGYZyS2fmv5z1Dqx8POf9suq1NT5esNVerNsHOYWMTjwPONQtsFw/s400/IMG_0069-pola.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ness x</span></div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div>

for the love of music

any sydney-ite who supports local Aussie music would've heard that radio stalwart FBI is in deep financial strife. Not-for-profit and pr...

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a reunion of sorts

well, hello. it's been a little while, huh? I've been waiting for a long time to get my blog mojo back and somehow tonight - in between being a complete uncoordinated spaz at boxing class and scoffing a cheese & tomato toastie - it zoooooooooom came flooding back. It's just a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">little</span></span> spark at the moment but hoping praying wishing that I'll be blogging daily ever so soon.<div><br /></div><div>See, i am ever so lucky in that i get paid every day to write and sometimes i find it a little difficult to come home at the end of the day and... write. It's sad but often my brain feels so drained and empty and devoid of anything intelligent and/or witty and i really didn't think it fair to subject you, my darling readers, to my incoherent ramblings. But (there's always a but) i've really missed blogging. So i'm going to stop writing bloody essays and instead just post a little something every night. A deliciously decadent recipe. A new designer. A wintry Sydney night that has me twirly twirling in the rain gutters. Milky tea. A film that makes me cry. A book that makes me think. A salsa-dancing sangria-drinking saturday night adventure. </div><div><br /></div><div>i do so hope that you'll come back and re-visit me again. i've missed you all!</div><div><br /></div><div>ness x</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>

a reunion of sorts

well, hello. it's been a little while, huh? I've been waiting for a long time to get my blog mojo back and somehow tonight - in betw...

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fashion forecast

it is steamy hot again in sydney. the constant change in weather is making me dizzzzzy... but it does give me a chance to drag out those gorgeous summer dresses for one last twirl. I wore a very pale blue frock today with itty bitty polka dots, capped sleeves and a lovely tie waist; the perfect dress for flowers in your hair/sunshine lunch in the park/tap dancing in the gutter.<div><br /></div><div>Today i lay in the park at lunch with my friend april, who is ever so stylish. "April," asked I, as we lounged on our backs in the grass, staring up at the dappled leaves twinkling in the bright light of the sun. "What clothes will I be wearing this winter?" She gave my question deep thought before turning over onto her side and propping herself up on one elbow. "Lots of geometrics... black and white, stacks of fabulous bright prints - think tribal! It's all about power dressing - high waisted skirts, shoulder pads [cue ness shuddering], wide glossy belts. Lots of leather teamed with lace, v.high shoe-boots - edgy but glamourous - pair with red lippy and smudgy kohl eyeliner." </div><div><br /></div><div>Ah, don't you love this time of year, when the next season's fashion is just out of reach but still close enough to dream about? Close enough that you can practically picture yourself dashing through blustery rain in glossy ankle boots and a high collared crisp white shirt, but still far enough way that money really isn't an issue... </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">Later that day,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span>I ate dinner at <a href="http://www.govindas.com.au/">Govindas</a>, a Darlinghurst institution who serve a buffet-style vegetarian feast, and upstairs, an intimate movie theatre which boasts squishy sofas and cushions and has a strict NO SHOES policy. I skipped the film but gorged on the dahl+lentils+pappadums+salad+bread, which are all truly amazing and leave you feeling very sleepy and content. I twirly-twirled home through the Cross in my dotty frock, past the bikies and the hookers and the tune-deaf busker who sings <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">sesame street </span>over and over with a monkey puppet on his hand, all the way home to miss holly who promptly bit my ear. bless her little socks...</div><div><br /></div><div>ness x</div>

fashion forecast

it is steamy hot again in sydney. the constant change in weather is making me dizzzzzy... but it does give me a chance to drag out those gor...

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flight of fancy

<div><div>my heart is aflutter for the latest collection from one of my fave NY designers, Re Jin Lee. Her label <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://baileydoesntbark.com/">Bailey Doesn't Bark</a> </span>is whimsical, quaint and just a little bit frivolous - i want!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309544608798624658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6DkfsIvQBtANKkOvLPCmB59b0jvO10h1SWjcPgwojR6szEMy7sxJDbbmakpo5hVEV15oU8A1_Tjq8jfsZburXIBT1csHwnrvS9PoGn0XXg_7rSjDiBntTbAzburFPZbxPa4XZr_LPjI/s400/bailey4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px; " /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309544594990001746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcHUXeLI98F9Q3IyxdJitz3kTqIfgSZzqBdkH9LsseJZ4bQCCMrqQ0jO8U3KhReTlNRkdJUqNcGVI9yJ1ildBqEjgIzuSd3EIIZm2Ox5Hkf8VqGhbOI9Fscw8eDBKX2ukefwWAHLb65I/s400/bailey1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px; " /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309544605264158194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNImBse9iImw8tUulHhcqUSeo7gjY-8TZaH5n16POIucxT-npGx3j5Mx_6rnnUpXgN7Js1mFPE0eHKwvEqhXpADyTWn8OxyxCecTCWX7Xh_6v3oGvDNl3G1IZ8Uc-KgPLYqg_1ocwd_A/s400/bailey2.jpg.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 236px; " /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309544605854529410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4R85AVRTDuoCH7c6hgoubqFOrIYW5GXtsJqCDmTKhPx570g33rqE9R03Krp6qE2avT9_A5RsxScfPxmsiY5uL4LStgM6HLWkgzMjaG9uwUMgO-DBOxQ9mJCNJTEUnzD4MPsTB8IjSMo/s400/bailey3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>hmm... first sparrows, then owls, now flamingos... Will the bird trend ever end? My bet is on deers next...</div><div><br /></div><div>ness x</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>

flight of fancy

my heart is aflutter for the latest collection from one of my fave NY designers, Re Jin Lee. Her label Bailey Doesn't Bark is whimsical...

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limbo land

sydney is leaking, it seems. out of nowhere the blue sky has cracked open, revealing an ugly torrent of splotchy raindrops. neither hot nor cold, the air is stalwart; frozen in time. women scurry around with summer dresses stuck wet to their thighs, umbrellas clutched nervously at chest. boys' feet are muddy from cheap rubber thongs, and the funny combination of shorts + striped hoodies holds them in limbo. <div><br /></div><div>yesterday i went to good vibes with my friend P. the forecast was for 20 degrees; overcast with "rain periods". oh. my. GOD... i have never been so cold and wet and completely rain-sodden in all my life; made even worse by the fact that it was completely by choice. thank god i had a cute yellow paddington bear-esque poncho to brave the storm in style...  The music was bloody good though; and I am now completely in love with Yelle, a fabulously quirky French rap artist who had all the shirtless boys in absolute rapture.  check her out <a href="http://myspace.com/yelle">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>ness x<br /></div>

limbo land

sydney is leaking, it seems. out of nowhere the blue sky has cracked open, revealing an ugly torrent of splotchy raindrops. neither hot nor ...

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dumpling fever

i am: curled up on my couch, listening to the drunk boys outside my window slur the lyrics to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">somewhere</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">over the rainbow </span>and suffering from a severe case of dumpling fever (how many can one girl stuff in her face in just one evening? the answer, i have discovered, is A LOT). oh and you know what else? steamed red bean buns are deliciousness in soft doughy wrapping. In drizzly weather after a long week, comfort food with friends in a steamy asian restaurant is sometimes exactly what you need.<div><br /><div> </div><div>guess what? i did a little bit of music-hunting today and came upon three female singer/songwriters who both bring a fresh spark and originality to their work, plus a funny little cover tune to amuse and a lovely blog for you to gobble up.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Texas-born <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Erin McCarley</span> reminds me a little of Regina Spektor, only less seductress-y and more poppy. her music is beautifully written and an interesting composition of jaunty melodies and haunting piano tunes. her new album <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">love, save the empty </span>is out now. check out her <a href="http://www.myspace.com/erinmccarley">myspace</a> page for a sneak preview.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>I've been a little obsessed with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Ingrid Michaelson</span> for a while now (the song <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">breathing </span>from her 2008 album <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">be okay </span>is almost disturbingly evocative). I only recently discovered that she collaborated with Sara Bareilles late last year on a little number titled <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">winter song. </span>Its honest lyrics and soulful melody took me by such surprise. You can listen to it on <a href="http://www.myspace.com/sarabareilles">Sara's myspace</a> page, but i urge you to check our <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ingridmichaelson">Ingrid's</a> as well; have a listen to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">breathing. </span>You'll fall in love, i promise. </div><div><br /></div><div>The sequin-loving <a href="http://sheetsandstitches.blogspot.com/">prue</a> alerted to me to the musical genius of<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> Lisa Hannigan</span> today while i was sipping my morning coffee. preoccupied by the sheer excitement of pay day (it only comes round once a month), i was of course distracted and was only listening to Lisa in the background. soon i was completely head over heels and emailed back, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">oh. my. GOD. where did you find this girl?" </span>Turns out this sultry songstress hails from dublin, and brings with her a fascinating (albeit quirky) life story, which you can read <a href="http://www.lisahannigan.ie/">here</a>, on her equally adorable website. stitches and songs? GENIUS! check out her myspace page <a href="http://www.myspace.com/lisahannigan">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">heathcliff // it's me, your cathy // i've come home now // so cold, let me in at your window" </span></div><div>powerful. these have to be some of the BEST lyrics ever written me thinks. Now, i'm always fond of a little Kate Bush but her screeching does get a little tiresome after a while to be honest. Thankfully, the divine Josh Pyke has recorded a little cover of this iconic song. I love Josh's adaption, but it's certainly different. The video is below; what do you think?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/diFRft7qwy0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/diFRft7qwy0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>the uber-talented Sarah Blasko and i go way back; i was a naive and very awkward 18-year-old in 2004 when i proclaimed <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">perfect now </span>to be my FAVOURITE SONG EVER. Funnily enough, that's still true, and Sarah is always there for me when i need her. she's in snowy sweden right now recording her third album; you can read all about her adventures over at <a href="http://sarahblasko.wordpress.com/">http://sarahblasko.wordpress.com. </a> </div><div><br /></div><div>ness x</div></div>

dumpling fever

i am: curled up on my couch, listening to the drunk boys outside my window slur the lyrics to somewhere   over the rainbow and suffering fro...

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of a tree called life

oops. tonight i drank the lethal combination of sangria + white wine and now i have the hiccups. BADLY. But it was worth it; my friend CM's boyfriend and all his lovely friends have just moved right around the corner from me, which means a) fabulous fancy wine on tap (one of his housemates owns a restaurant) b) no cabs needed after late nights out and c) CM and I can now have boozy tapas dinners together and then walk home afterwards. hurrah! everyone i know is moving closer and closer to me. I already have the rooftop, and the complicated relationships; now with friends practically living next door my life is becoming more and more<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> secret life of us </span>every day. <div><br /></div><div>"you know when you're sitting on a chair and you lean back so you're just on two legs, then you lean too far and you almost fall over but at the last second you catch yourself? I feel like that all the time" </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300418161206328914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hnLT34IQDA3V7BaRlOfi5vRN8QOu2u14G-uUSrVKS6FhrwvTb1baDCRZD_N3JLoPIaMgtdhHfMXmnz7u5tsl7Y457XSPqhtRfTPdbQAGR44vSdxAdHwd7l0-6tYN10n0D1BwUw09UM8/s400/stephen_wright_01_470x394.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 335px;" /></div><div> </div><div> </div>

of a tree called life

oops. tonight i drank the lethal combination of sangria + white wine and now i have the hiccups. BADLY. But it was worth it; my friend CM...

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on the book shelf

<div style="text-align: left;">how great is it when a bunch of tiny good things become the subliminal building blocks of a good day? this morning my coffee was perfect, the new Vogue landed on my desk just in time for lunch in the park, i finished some work i had been procrastinating over, and I downloaded the newest episode of The Office from iTunes. hurrah! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">right now i am reading.... Giselle Scanlon's newest book: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Goddess Experience </span>($39.99, Harper Collins)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">.</span>It is the companion to her best-selling<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> The Goddess Guide </span>(the decadent flocked cover was enough to draw any fashionista in). Like it's older (but none the wiser) sister, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Goddess Experience </span>is jam-packed full of Giselle's European adventures. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299285233321012146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiT3X-D-LE99cDg-gzWJtZrh2bw8RzTJSu9i-oACFVPtACTx8vqbvcYVrUeWM1CzH_h-JmpNpXSblgB4FrZDo8zAMDLbv2jF5tz5DREQcdYK1m1sy6DYZm2SbqFDElbXQ7PwjSoNrt7w/s400/gg.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 400px;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Irish-born fashion journalist shares with us her London shopping tips, the best place to buy melt-in-your-mouth macaroons in Paris, what inspires fashion queen Vivienne Westwood and tries to answer that interminable question: what makes us happy? Giselle is my modern-day Jane Austen and without doubt always manages to inspire me when I'm suffering from a case of the mean reds. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299285246180278322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEC12f21INK97n5uvp-UDZHBxex1l49aHdxTQXqSgdEz-7uOX6rHoZd8VnPNKxDiY-4lKmX4CuS2IuuhqKHC2INMIOt0cGK9I-tuKf4_o4FW2NTZFdXqBOuH5kCAnifnbr_NOUaeVYeyQ/s400/Picture+12.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 212px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299285239292897602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzo9Z_TD_W7i25giij1ie5kSfJkX8v1_E64qqKgWPzr_nX0gQbYG2HbGmfDAOD-P0OU08NTbIOas__193uLoETvzVhDU3FF_vckFeb0JfKElXVUbIO0nGOw8AGA7D970jlqjLi6gbRdc/s400/Picture+14.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299285240818308850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0dCFMjg1yE85TbwYWu9thlpZnpvol5Zn7WrjbPeSS3D0g6wD3VoQGm2C1MH5aBUxF4Aylx7rNK_I0krvzi9Lo5L06fp1eXTiV8rS28IXvdead4-ySw9-PYnrDuaxUABOj35qdw7VrTw/s400/Picture+15.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 278px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299285238510415090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uo0Bm5Nw5TarZhxwI0nQm01kDNspMrhvKYnqJxm1otHsOEC9NL-qyq94NK7sxSYngNjHBT6gM-mfpWZSXjTWsdZlibUoIr3yXPbMVqnG9kADYJw0DkIKB94indQGq5ENs3UDvyg-Zrg/s400/Picture+16.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a must-read! Have a fabulous friday everyone - eat some cake, drink some beer and wear a pretty frock (at least that's what I'll be doing...)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ness x</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div> </div><div> </div>

on the book shelf

how great is it when a bunch of tiny good things become the subliminal building blocks of a good day? this morning my coffee was perfect, th...

Read more »

je suis de retour!

<div><div>please say hello to the newest member of the ness family.... holly golightly! </div><div><br /></div><div>Nope, not the fictional character with a penchant for the powder room but a tiny grey-white kitten i found in Kings Cross about a week ago. Either she was dumped or escaped somewhere, but she was horribly skinny and dirty when i found her, and so hungry that she ate about two cans of tuna on the first night. The vet estimates about 9 weeks old; she is terribly affectionate but mad as a hatter. </div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295201712647767490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cuA8jqXPUnjCHIWFy67pUC7iTWruAkUZeM_A2jo8xVLX_sJI-dGKXCzPEI436Oc8v2J2gt65PBVF9-CkxaCF-2ADnJIku9_gNQIy9FSBp3GQOSzRMZpBMtKb3isByewGmLvtDc3nTgo/s400/maisie.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">her likes:</span> pouncing, eating salmon skin, licking my nose, nibbling my toes</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">dislikes:</span> vegetables, the washing machine, being told what to do, running water</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>I didn't plan on getting a pet, but like in breakfast at tiffany's, i guess we just kinda '<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">hooked up by the river one day'</span>. It seems a bit cruel to give her away when i am perfectly capable of giving her a home....</div><div><br /></div><div>Australia Day tomorrow... not sure what i love more: the chance to celebrate my fave country in true aussie style with beer and snags, or having a day off work. I'm off to the triple j hottest 100 broadcast in Paramatta Park tomorrow which i'm so excited about. Has been a fab year for music so am really curious to see who makes it into the final countdown. My bet for top position is either Kings of Leon's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Sex on Fire</span> or MGMT's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Electric Feel</span>.  I hope it's MGMT; you all know my stance on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Sex on Fire </span>by now i'm sure...</div><div><br /></div><div>ness x<br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div>

je suis de retour!

please say hello to the newest member of the ness family.... holly golightly!  Nope, not the fictional character with a penchant for the pow...

Read more »