There's a bear in there... and a chair as well...

Despite my best attempts to run away from the Sydney rain, some ten hours up the coast, it followed me and turned Byron Bay in to one big puddle. Oh well! We made the most of the doom and gloom and headed to some bookshops and drank far too many milkshakes. No regrets on my end.

I spied a book in the cooking section with a gorgeous gingham spine (what initially attracted me to it) titled "She's Leaving Home". Inside is page after page of delicious recipes lovingly collated by Monica Trapaga (yes... that's right, the Play School presenter, friend of Big Ted and Jemima. I liked Benita most... but Monica a close second) for her daughter as she moved out of home. It is a sweet book to guide her on her way and keep her well fed as she embarks on her independent life. If you could hug a book and not look mad doing it, I'd want to give this one a cuddle (I may or may note have already... the cover is padded, I don't think this is a coincidence).

Each page is gorgeous - delicate illustrations, personal blurbs about each recipe, collages of photos and fabrics... my favourite is a page dedicated entirely to sandwiches made out of buttons and wool. It's probably one of those things you need to see to appreciate... doesn't exactly translate in words huh? Anyway, if you're in the market for a cookbook or a killer gift for a friend, I can't recommend this warmly enough. Now what's the time on the rocket clock? Please let it be home time....

Rain Rain Go Away

Sure this miserable weather can drag your mood down but think how happy you'd feel in this Lulu Guinness birdcage umbrella from BrollyDollys.

East of Everything

I'm currently situated at the most easterly point of Australia and boy this makes me happy. Byron Bay is one of my happy places! I've been coming here long before my memory kicked in, or so say the photos of little me standing at the lighthouse being blown to bits by the wind at age 2.

I came here for schoolies, drinking Midori mixed in a two litre bottle of Lido with some sand added for good measure - the drink of choice for all 17 year olds I think. We used to start our bonfires early and before the night ended we had invariably picked up some strangers who were either twirling fire or strumming guitars.

Oh and I have come up here lots of times but our first time as just us and it's all sorts of lovely.

Anyway, I'm off to hit the beach before the sun disappears. I'm being dared to jump of the Wreck and I'm more than a little scared. Wish me luck xx

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I'm a fool for this song

After I watched Marie Antionette I could not get this song out of my head. It makes me feels so happy and carefree so now I'm sharing the love.

Modern Warfare

No, these aren't the tools of an amateur militia- these are some of the weapon inspired home wares at hart&heim. Why eat round eggs when you can mix it up with this unexpected shape? Tea light holders can look so generic but this one is da bomb, as is this grenade shaped screw driver set. I'm very much anticipating spicing up my next cocktail party with shot gun casing shot glasses and bullet shaped ice. Well a hangover feels like you've been shot in the head anyway so it's actually quite appropriate. Harbouring childhood dreams of being a ninja? Hang your coat on Ninja stars! But ultimately make love not war- so nicely expressed with the traditional symbol of romance being displayed in this ultra cool gun vase and a throwback to the days of flower power.

Waiter, there's a rabbit in my whisk...

Hey Miss Liz,

These cute Modcloth whisks make me think of you. I think I'll send M some psychic message to buy these for you(along with something shiny and or baked and sugary) for Feb 14. Or hopefully M is reading the blog and can save me some seriously needed brain-power.

Love Em x

Tis the season

I look forward to this time of year like a second Christmas... it's Cadbury Creme Egg season. I love them so much and apparently I'm not the only one. I read that in the UK over 200 million creme eggs are sold annually, that's a huge number considering they're only sold for 3 months of the year. I got so excited when I spotted them in the supermarket yesterday. I've already had my first one and there will be plenty more to come. Yay!