Ebay listings and musings of life

Shopping has no more lustre whilst I am paying off my London tickets and dreaming of Boxing Day shopping there.

We did go shopping today for a MacBook Air and so Mr. HEA will not be after me for attention for the rest of the day, I'm sure.

My OOTD: Zara Studio metallic Grey Knit, Skinny Jeans, Vincci Patent flats and Printed Nine West Scarf

Outfit I tried on at Portmans: Pastel Colour block bandeau skirt; Candy collared Silk Blouse. Matches my shoes perfectly, but I didn't like the transparency of the blouse and the way the skirt accentuated my hips.

Moving and pottering about the house has been the other main focus of the days here recently. Albeit being freezingly cold, I was able to tease some colour from the garden from the Begonia, the Geranium and the Azalea bush.

I've also put in some lavender cuttings in a pot and scattered basil, parsley and coriander seeds into the garden bed behind the kitchen despite it being absolutely the wrong season to do so. Hopefully some will germinate when Spring comes and the place has been rented out. I just know I won't be here to reap the fruits of my labour, but the tenants hopefully will appreciate it (if the seeds take off).

On other moving news, I am finally coming to my senses and letting go of some of my luxury items on Ebay. There just hasn't been as much partying going on that I require this many bags for. I also have much less space moving in with my in-laws when Mr.HEA ships out to UK. So, if you're in the market for some vintage designer clutches, check out my listings:

Louis Vuitton Pochette Marelle & the Christian Dior Saddle Clutch is up for sale at the moment. A few more things to come after that as I keep culling my wadrobe I am sure.

Efforts in the home front

About a year ago, Mr.HEA and I bought what was to be our Marital Home, which I would describe affectionately to anyone who asks as a fixer-upper. The pic above is what it used to look like before the Renovators hit town (not the TV show unfortunately but my inspired version of DIY trials). Wanna see what have we turned it into one year later?

Granted, we have neither of us quit our full-time jobs, not had much budget (planned a wedding in that one year), and are both novices at renovating. And yet, I would proudly show it off like a parent, what the house looks like today:

We've replaced the mailbox with one with more charm,




given the house a fresh coat of paint, and tidied the garden up with more succullents and shrubs that I have previously had. I can't wait till the plants we've put into the garden bed establish in the garden, to see the flowers all out in Spring/ Summer and to take more pictures of the plants then in full bloom (which includes snapdragons, geranium, roses, a begonia, and peace lilies).

  They aren't much to look at now so i am really anxious. Hope to have more posts then!

Random barbecue

It was a scheduled work from home day because we had some guys come in to remove a camphor laurel tree from the backyard that was growing into our deck. Mr.HEA called in sick though because he was plagued with flu-like symptoms yesterday and didn't feel all that crash hot either today.

It was really good to have a week-day in the house with Hubby, starting with making a nice hot breakfast for us before I take my seat at my study nook.

It was distracting though hearing the chainsaw buzzing, with hot tradies walking around the house. Six men turned up for the job of removing two trees! Amazing eye candy. Mr.HEA sprang into action as the thuds of branches falling onto the ground started sounding. Not like he could sleep anyhow. But I suspected by the time the main trunk fell to the ground, he wasn't feeling so flu-like anymore.

Look at how much more solar access our backyard now has! Mr.HEA proudly exclaims that our clothes on the clothesline will dry a lot quicker now, and I agree whole heartedly.

Then amidst the sunshine, Mr.HEA's spirits lifts and he declares he will cook us a barbecue lunch and haply procures steak from the local butcher's. I toss a quick salad of baby cos lettuce, Roma tomatoes, basil leaves, red spanish onion, slized mozarella cheese and hard boiled egg with a dash of olive oil and salt and pepper as my only dressing. Voila! Instant BBQ (Haha, I only turned up to eat anyhow, Mr.HEA prepped and cleaned everything else)

 And what does one wear to an impromptu barbecue? Well, I was working from home and so wasn't going to play dress up, but here's an older OOTD shot from Sunday where we attended another inpromptu barbecue at a cousin's house.

Blue Blazer Jacket: SES
Grey Singlet: Zara
Red Patent Leather belt: Tory Burch
1969 Jeans: Gap
Beige and Orange Patent flats: Vincci (part of my KL haul)

Whilst munching on some crunchy Cos lettuce leaves, I couldn't help but think of where we would place our newly acquired log stools (saved from the tree) for the backyard. My thoughts keep fleeting to Dale's backyard from The Block with those pretty little cushions:

Source: The Block website

A check of their supplier's list reveals that Dale's mum made them with fabric from Spotlight. I'd love to replicate them very much, but will probably save that project for when our European adventures are over and we are back at our block.

Anyways, am really excited with the garden now. Our next plans are to pretty up the neglected garden beds. Transplanting my flailing rose plants into a sunnier spot are in order and a fresh coat of decking oil is needed for the patio I would think. Will keep you all posted with those projects I am sure.

Sunday, 18 March 2012

Great Target Sales haul

We had an Uh-May-Zing shopping trip this weekend as part of our routine visit to the local Westfield.

S and I have been struggling over the subject of lamps. S being happy with his childhood one without spending exorbitant amounts on something a bit more 'adult'. His heart was set on spending our money on something more decadent, a Nespresso machine. I wasn't as excited about it as I was trying to cut down on my coffee intake. So with that 'tiff' in mind we set out to Woolworths.

I bought some ingredients for pizza baking, and for the red velvet cupcakes that I planned to make for my manager's farewell on Tuesday. I also topped up on Maldon Salt flakes and rock salt as we had run out, and put into the trolley a 'Living Basil' plant that I intended to put into a pot to add to my herd garden.

All through that, S stayed put in one place cause there were too many people around the supermarket what with the 3 minute angels and the face painters Woolies had brought in to keep the shoppers happy. It was just too hard to push the trolley around with me. He had also found a discarded Target catalogue to amuse himself with and so was more than happy to let me zip along the aisles and come back to the trolley with our groceries.

As I unloaded our last lot, he showed me that Target had 40% off all table lamps! And a whopping 50% off tin bakeware! So we hurriedly paid and left our groceries in the car before rushing off to Target. Moments later we re-emerged new happy owners of these lovely lamps at $24 each! And we got ourselves a proper pizza pan and a brand new muffin tin! Yippee!

Surely you see how much more of an improvement this is from the previous bedroom post!

We made the yummiest thin crust pizza with success this time!

And ah, you should know too that I have agreed with S that we'll get a Nespresso machine cause he dragged me to Myer to convince me that the model he seeks after will really not take up too much room on my precious little kitchen countertops. And let's face it, I do love good coffee every now and then, given S and I eat brunch at home on the weekends nowadays, it will just add another level of enjoyment to our simple married life. We get it from the Good Guys next week because they start a Cashback deal on the 19th of March.

Friday, 16 March 2012

Our latest wedding present

A friend from overseas came back and we caught up for the first time since we had gotten married. He brought us a gift from a home label that he reveres it would appear.

It was a lovely aroma diffuser which gives off a soft candle light glow when in use. All 180 minutes of it. I am tempted to put it on my bedside to give off ambience and diffuse divine scents throughout the night, but unfortunately I am not sure S would like the hiss of the misting throughout the night as he is a terribly light sleeper. Regardless, this is really adorable no?






A sleek design by Muji, which isn't very compatible with our bedroom design with our dark wood drawers and waratah imprinted curtains.






I had been dying to show off our tall boy since we got it two weeks ago but S had been sick and hadn't cleaned up his side of the room for a while.





I had to fight hard to get the two bottom drawers which are bigger but still cannot hold most of my clothes. S meanwhile gleefully has a separate underwear and sock drawer which he is disturbingly possessive over, even if he doesn't fill half of each drawer, he will not put his scarves or any other item in there that is not within its categories.

Hehe finally the bedroom is in a shape that I am able to post pictures of!

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Friday, 24 February 2012

Tropical themed wedding Part Deux

Yes you have seen this one before but I bought earrings for it today!

 Tada!

I love popping into Colette everynow and then for quick jewellery fixes. I also picked up this short scarlett exquisite stone necklace to go with my shoes that I plan to wear for my birthday tomorrow. I am pairing it with my new Cue top and a black skirt, thus the need for a burst of colour in accessorizing.

Also within my shopping haul today, Victoria's basement now sell a range of Martha Stewart's Arts and Crafts which would have been helpful during my wedding planning...anyways, S and I had always wanted a pendant light for our dining space, but couldn't commit to which one, so today I found this robin egg blue solution:

 Zooming in on the lone rose from the garden that I saved from the thunderstorms

Wee! Happy Birthday to me!!! And my Blog! It was one year old on the 16th of February but I didn't check it until today. Ah well... good to see it's still going strong!

Saturday, 18 February 2012

Macronage

I have always had a passion for these delightful French pastries called Macarons. Two years ago I read an article that they were taking over from cupcakes. And I was an avid believer of that.

I had been given Macarons for my birthday (albeit a little crushed):



And we had gotten them on weekends with our coffees:




Even had one on Vday that has just gone by:



These chewy melt in the mouth delights are just divine! I have had many failed attempts at trying to make these.

This isnt a post on how fabulous my homemade Macarons were or how easy they are to make once you know how.

Cause I am far from successful yet. I had tried the French method twice previously but wasn't successful enough. Largely because I think I never knew how long to whip the eggs for so I never got to the stiff peaks stage.

I bought a candy thermometer last week to try out the Italian method. And I was scared of the boiling sugar syrup at first, but I made it through unscarred thank God. Still, I don't think I am quite there yet, but here are some shots of my attempt at some strawberry and chocolate ganache Macarons:








As you can see here, I should have given these babies a few more folds before piping the lot, but I was so terrified of over folding that I went with this. It made it easier for an amateur like me to pipe them out anyways.





And these were them after baking in the oven. So here's my thoughts on what went wrong.

1) I should bake them for a lower heat for a little longer than the prescribed fifteen minutes.

2) I should have had the patience to age the eggs and then wait for the shell to form. I just wanted to go to bed! It was two am when I finished these little divas! I should also start a little earlier in the day next time instead of doing it after dinner.

3) I should really get kitchen scales and do this with some real accuracy. And whilst at that i should buy proper baking trays that will conduct heat better to my little babies.

Well, they didnt look perfect but they still tasted yummy!





I will keep trying.

On other note, S went to get photos developed for our Kate Spade photo frame that we had gotten from work as our wedding gift.

Tada! Proudly now displayed on our glass console in the hallway:







- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thursday, 16 February 2012

Modern Rococo?

I lament the fact that our house is detached in many ways. There is no fluidity in the place as we brought together two homes into the one. And both our previous apartments have been modern, whereelse our new little cottage just exudes character that we cannot capture enough of inside. No lovely oak furniture, no upholstered comfy chair, no antiquity to show off the gracefully aged space.

But you should see for yourself:

I present, the Lounge which has modernity:

I have also exhibited the hallway previously, which tries hard with its Philippe Starck Louis Ghost Armchair, but isn't quite there yet. The other more Barouqe adornments in there that I *heart* are:

But, there is solace to be had...

I am smitten with the decor range that symbolises our era I believe. Acrylic furniture that evoke the classic lines of older-days luxury, but are so sharply modern that it is unmistakably a new millenium space. I believe it is said that these pieces will tie in the new with the old boujois and create that congruence that we lack.

My wishlist:



The Pedrali Pasha armchair



Ferruccio Laviani Bourgie Lamp

I am not sure it is quite the name for it but I beleive I have a flavour for somewhat of the Modern Rococo. Not too OTT as we don't want a stark contrast within the space, but enough to keep the luxury alive along with the practicalities of the space.

Tall boy shopping

Evaluate each addition along the way. For many people it's important to see and experience elements in their place before taking the next step. Making hasty decisions that compromise aesthetics or function will only set you back. Take time to strive for greatness. If you don't love it, then it shouldn't be an addition to your home.

          source

We were in search for a tall boy. The bedroom is too cluttered to be proud about, but the woes of a couple who now have to learn to live together includes boy finding out that girl has many necessities. Let's say about 10x more of what he needs. 10x more shoes, 10x more bags, 10x more cosmetics that needs to be stored somewhere. So after a hissy fit over the weekend, we decided it was ripe time to purchase a tall boy for the bedroom.

There were several choices at the Home depot, but not many that took our fancy enough, mostly out of our budget...but we didn't know either what kind of look we were going for.

We saw these in Shack which was within our price range, but weren't quite sure they were the right fit.

This didn't offer quite as many drawers as we needed

This would have been nice except for some strange reason the drawers are not the full size of the dresser and are extremely shallow.

This seemed right for our purposes, but well, we couldn't quite feel excited enough about it to hand over our credit card

We then found this Deal on Early Settler, we got a tall boy and two side tables which means our mismatched Gypsie ottoman and wooden chest that have been serving as bed-side tables can be relieved of their odd duties!

I cannot wait to receive these in two weeks. But I have two wedding receptions to go to that weekend. I will be dying to pack them and clean the room and post pictures I am certain.

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

Another V day post

Just because there is such a flurry of emotions today at the workplace (I work with many young females) and all the energy I put into making a normal weeknight dinner a VDay special, I really wanted to do another random post on the pretty things surrounding me today.






Passion fruit macaron from work






The Christian Dior saddle pochette in blue that I am wearing because it is tres romantique.






Centerpiece for our dinner from our very own garden!






This is how I have plated up our fried rice tonight to be had with grilled barramundi and sweet and sour chicken






Dessert of fruit salad and home made raspberry and macadamia ice cream

And our bedroom air is now infused with a lovely blue ocean scent from these essential oils I purchased to set the mood.

Ooooh can't wait for hubby to get home from work!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Friday, 27 January 2012

How does your garden grow?

This summer has been slow in starting. I have faith still that it will come. It's just a little shy that's all. It has been a boon to my establishing garden however so I cannot complain. Everytime it rains pours, I have been able to step out afterwards to find my thriving garden happy from the watering.

Gift from Mother-in-law's garden

Succulents grown from just one $5 plant bought from the Rotary markets

My Coriander, Basil and Parsley patch

The tree that hangs out of our backyard

We've chopped this Hibiscus tree down heaps after the wedding but it's grown back and the colour is more vibrant and the blooms much larger than before!

Bought these Clown Series Torenia from Bunnings at $2 each!

Inherited plant, climbing up our laundry wall and visible from our dining table.

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