The House

I saw this on the news this morning. 

A spine tingling tribute to a grand House by some of our wonderful performing artists and an iconic song.

How I love my city.

Warm Wishes

***

I woke up this morning to a very quiet house as the boys stayed over at my mum's place last night. I've taken the time to catch up on my favourite blogs and revel in the joy spreading across the world in the countdown to Christmas.

Christmas is all about family in this household and it all begins for us on Christmas Eve as we head to my mum's place for a wonderful feast of Portuguese delights.  The next morning the boys will delight us in all the excitement of unwrapping the packages under the tree before we head to my husband's family lunch where seafood and a turkey and ham will be on the menu as well a few swims in the pool.

It has been quite a year for my family and while some of it hasn't been positive, it has on the whole been a wonderful happy year and I look forward to next year when my eldest begins the next important stage of his life, school and my youngest continues the wonderful progress his has made over the last few months.

I hope you and your families have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Holidays Are Here

We're off and running on our end of year fun. 

The boys have finished school for the year, L starts kindergarten next year which means 5 days a week for him, wow big school and J continues 2 days next year at preschool.  This means that for the first time in almost 6 years I will have child free days.  I can't tell you how excited I am that I get to spend 2 days next year doing anything I want without a child asking me for my attention. Yeah!

In the meantime we started our Christmas celebrations last week with school concerts and school carols night.  Our Xmas street party was on Saturday in our corner park and then F and I went to friends' Xmas drinks on Saturday night.

It is so warm and sunny at the moment, so both days were spent swimming and eating lost of salads and fruit.

Ah Christmas in Australia, I don't think there is a better way to celebrate it than enjoying parties on balmy nights and days by the water.

I hope your end of year celebrations are being enjoyed as much as we are.

Have a happy day.

Dear Santa ...

***

I have been pretty good this year and have almost completed my gift buying and have begun the wrapping stage as well.

I am often inspired by Gift Lists in magazines and now of course in blogs,.  In fact a few lucky people in my life will be the recipients of gifts found on blogs as far away as Paris and New York.

I thought I would do something a bit different and put together a list for you, the wonderful woman that you are.

I have listed things that are predominantly Australian as there are plenty of overseas blogs that have other nations covered (my faves this year are Simple Lovely, A Cup of Jo and Design Sponge) and my apologies to non-Sydneysiders, there are a few things found only here, but you can find similar things in your neck of the woods.

So herewith my Chrissie list and happy shopping!

***

You are a mum, nan, sister, girlfriend, no matter who this lady deserves some special stuff

Like a bit of silver and classic pearls

This calfskin shopper

An annual subscription to one of these companies

Some delicate smalls

This beautiful silk linen jumper

A degustation here or any other excellent restaurant

A day spa in the country

A subscription to your favourite magazines

Special letterpress stationery (not Australian, but Suann ships to Australia and I think this is the most beautiful stationery I have seen and deserves to be on my list)

And finally, my favourite way to be spoiled, a sleep in and brekkie in bed - pure bliss*

No matter what you receive ladies, I hope that it makes you feel special.

Have a happy day.

* Image from here

Touching Base

***

Hello there, I just wanted to stop by quickly and let you know I'm home. Thank you for all your emails and comments enquiring asking if all is well and it is.  Life is just really busy right now, the boys are home on their Spring holidays, we have overseas guests, the weather is just too wonderful to be sitting in front of a computer and I have a few more things on my plate at the moment.

I will soon post some holiday snaps, so I hope you will be patient.

Oh, last night on a current affairs programme, this American mum was interviewed, I don't know how contreversial I am being posting about her, but I think what she has to say just makes so much sense, what do you think?

Three

***

I have been tagged, by Brooke of Pure and Noble.  I have to provide three answers to a series of questions (yes a week of revealing a bit about myself). Here we go again...

Three Names I Go By

Engracia

Mama

Grass

Three Places I Have Been

***

New Zealand, one of the most beautiful places on earth

***

Italy, so romantic

***

New York City, enough said

Three Favourite Drinks

Champagne, my drink of choice

Tea to start my day and beyond

Water, plenty of it

Three Jobs I Have Had

Solicitor (lawyer) for most of my working life

Book publisher for about 6 years (loved it)

Mama, toughest but best job by far

Three TV Shows I Watch

The news

Grand Designs, one day I want to design and build my own home on a country beach

Brothers & Sisters, pure escapist fluff I love it

Three Places I Would Like to Visit

***

Brazil, would be nice to pop in meet some of my cousins

***

South Africa, I've been seduced by the World Cup coverage

***

Kakadu National Park, I'm really keen to discover this place with the boys in a few years

Three Favourite Retro TV Shows

The Brady Bunch

That Girl

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Three Places I Have Lived

Potts Point, Sydney

Paddington, Sydney

Darling Point, Sydney

Three Favourite Dishes

Scrambled eggs on toast

Piri piri chicken

Vincisgrassi from Buzo Restaurant, a lasagna with porcinni mushrooms, prosciutto and truffle, so good I always take home an extra serving (try this recipe by Nigel Slater or if you own it, The Silver Spoon version)

Three Things I am Looking Forward To

The trip to France and Portugal with hubby and the boys

Having a romantic dinner with F in Paris (we've been to Paris many times but this is our first trip together)

Watching my boys grow into wonderful, caring and decent adults

I am supposed to tag three people, but I'm just going to tag one, Jane from My Pear Tree House (no obligation Jane, but over to you).

Have a happy day.

A Look Inside

A post by Jane at My Pear Tree House prompted this house tour. Dana of Yellowtrace lives here and if you look at the first image you will recognise it from the cover of the book which was the subject of Jane's post yesterday. Dana lives in Megan Morton's previous home.

I really like how Dana has injected colour into her home and of course I love the industrial and vintage touches, like he magazine box. I like her quirky vignettes as well, the chooks and the pirate ship.  Oh and I have that white ribbon vase in my family room, it is actually a lamp, it produces a beautiful effect when lit. A fun, yet welcoming home.

Have a happy day.

Images via Apartment Therapy