February 14

Valentine’s Day - traditionally a day (namely February 14), where lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending greeting cards.

Today, nothing but a cheesy gimmick. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those Val Day haters, but I believe love should be expressed all year round, not just on a day where you feel you must.

So, on that note, here is my guide to February 14.

For the couples

A fabulous day to tear your hands off each other and enjoy some ‘alone time’. Once you get home from work; explain your intentions to your partner, pack your beach bag, grab a good book and go lie on your favourite beach for a couple of hours. Enjoy the quiet. Just make sure your favourite beach isn’t one of ‘those’ beaches where the young couples go, or even worse, a nude beach. You don’t want to ruin all your hard work and go home all wanting to get nude and shit.

Just got engaged?

We all know weddings can be expensive and so too can cheesy gimmicky non-holidays like Valentines day, so get off your ‘Ooohhh look at me, I’m back in the Salad Days' high horse, get out of the cheese ball section of the newsagent and get back to your budget planner!

For the single lass

You my friend are the winner of all winners on Valentine’s Day. And before you get all ‘easy for you to say’ on my ass, I’ve been there too. A lot. I’ve done the ‘singles’ valentine’s parties and spent drives home from work hoping there’ll be a bunch of flowers at my front door, not even caring if they were from my Mum - shut up. So be proud of your singledom peeps, embrace it. The year I decided to start the embracing, it was the best damn Valentine’s Day I’d ever had. Paint your nails, give yourself a pedicure and read your Frankie mag in the bath. Once you take the pressure off yourself, it’s just another day.

Married

We’ve all heard the theories of what happens to married couples after a few years…Challenge it!


I hope my cynicism assists in creating a spectacularly uneventful February 14 for you all.

x

Words that sound dirty but aren't

Have you ever cringed when someone described their muffin as being deliciously MOIST? Giggled when asked to pass the CUMQUAT or become ashamedly excited when boarding your plane to BANGKOK? Then this list is just for you.

A comprehensive list of such words has been in progress since 2003. This list is the original work of a highly qualified twosome. Namely myself and one, Angela Little.

Disclaimer: Words that ARE dirty are not considered nor found amusing.

Words that sound dirty but aren't

Anchovy
Angina
Bang
Bangkok
Bean
Beaver
Beef
Bone
Budding
Bunt
Burger Ring
Bush
Cavity
chute
Clag Glue
Clip
Clog
Cloisters
Clot
Cob
Coit
Come
Condiment
Country
Crack
Creamy
Crumpet
Crust
Crux
Cucumber
Cumquat
Currant
Date
Deep
Digit
Discharge
Drip
Duty
Erect
Facial
Fester
Firm
Flaccid
Flange
Flank
Flap
Flow
Fluff
Flux
Focal
Fork
Fulcrum
Gash
Gibblets
Gooey
Grunt
Gulch
Gushing
Hole
Hoof
hump
Hung
Ingest
Insert
Juice
Limp
Liquor
Load
Loaf
Loins
Loiter
Masticate
Meningococcal
Missionary
Moist
Mouth
Muff
Nugget
Nurture
Ointment
Orifice
Outlet
Package
Pad
Panini
Panties
Penal
Penalised
Penetrate
Phalanges
Phaphph (aka Faff)
Pianist
Pneumococcal
Point
Poise
Poker
Pork
Present ("the female baboon presented for her partner")
Prosciutto
pump
Pungent
Purse
Push
Pussy
Queef
Ramrod
Rectify
Residue
Rim
Rissole
Roger
Rouse
Scrape
Scroggin
Secretion
Shaft
Shoot
Shunting
Slide
Slit
slit
Sloppy
Slot
Sludge
Smear
Smudge
Snatch
Snorkel
Spandex
splatter
Spoon
Spout
spunk
Squat
Squelch
Squirt
Sticky
Succulent
Supple
Swollen
Swung
Taco
taco
Tender
Thespians
Thrust
Tiddly
Tight
Tort
trouser
tuffet
Update
Uranus
Valve
Vegemite
Venal
Vent
Volvo
Wally
Wangle
Withdrawal
Wood
Wound
Yeast
Zucchini

Untitled

I have become a little obsessed with perfumes of late (more so than usual). The fragrances, the bottles, the packaging, the advertising...I love it all.

Some of my faves that are keeping my scented candles company upon my dressing table include:


'Untitled' by Maison Martin Margiela (as far as I know you will only be able to get this one online for now).'L'Imperatrice' by D&G is such a subtle but unique smell, not at all over powering - kind of like you just naturally smell great, which is what you need in an everyday perfume. This fragrance is part of a range which are really good value as an added bonus.

'Jil' by Jil Sander I love simple, square glass bottles in case you couldn't tell. This fragrance is elegant, feminine and floral.

'Chloe' by Chloe - classic and simple.

Another staple of mine is 'Cinema' by YSL - but given it's fairly lack lustre bottle, it tends to get shoved in the top drawer (absolutely no reflection of it's scent).

Pop them all on tray next to a vase of peonies and wallah! Look good. Smell good.

Coffee coffee coffee - what better way to start a Sunday?

I am aware a common theme of mine is coffee...but let's be honest, anyone who doesn't drink it cannot be trusted.

There is always a sense of disappointment when accompanying a new acquaintance on the all important FFD (first friend date) in the hope that those early indications of BFF material (i.e. 'shit I wish I had her shoes' and that shared snigger at the dry/sarcastic joke you shared which went over everyone else's head) would blossom into a lifelong friendship. As the waiter takes your order, the potential new sister from another mister exclaims "I'll have a tea thanks, I don't drink coffee". BAMM!!! No matter how many boxes she has ticked, you now know it won't last...she simply can't be trusted! Now don't get me wrong - tea is both magnificent and deserving of it's solid fan base - but it's consumption must be equally shared with it's more potent counterpart (coffee).

I digress... but with this digression comes wonderful news in the form of another Perth coffee review, namely Yelo in Trigg. With the amazing ocean views they could almost get away with serving shitty coffee, but alas they do not. Yelo use Fiori coffee, supporting the green forest alliance and serving all drinks in bio cups. This cafe is probably the closest you can get to feeling like you're down south without the four hour drive. For those non-coffee drinkers, whilst you cannot be trusted (I kid..sort of), Yelo does offer a variety of fresh juices, freshly baked gourmet goodies, books and even surf boards.

Love Bali

For ten days in January I was lucky enough to escape to beautiful Bali with lovely Caroline, her husband Cos and my now Fiance Geordie!

Scooters are the BEST way to see
Bali!

Considering this very spontaneous trip was booked during a night full of yummy food and LOTS of wine (followed by a bottle of port, left over Armenian Nutmeg Cake and four very sore heads), we were all prepared to eat and drink our way through Bali (because let's face it, we hadn't quite indulged enough during the Christmas period).

So who better to receive tips from, then those who love to eat!? Below is one of our very favourite places to wine and dine - Bali style.

Ku De Ta

Located in the very stylish Seminyak, is one of Bali's most breathtaking restaurants - Ku De Ta.

Location, location, location:

I am yet to find a scene quite as romantic as this... OK, OK, I may be a little bias as this is where Geordie proposed!! A beautiful Bali evening, you're snuggled up on a day bed, watching the waves roll in; Your favourite cocktail is beside you on the candle lit table and the darling waiters are serving you some of the most divine tapas you've ever tasted.

Dress Code:

If frequenting this amazing venue at night, you'll probably want to remove your rubber thongs and replace them with a slightly jazzier pair of sandals; untie your hair, use the hotel hair dryer and splash on a bit of makeup (even though we all  know the minute you walk out of Ku De Ta, the hair will be back in it's usual top knot and makeup non existent due to the intense humidity).

Food + Drinks:

Ku De Ta is a wonderful place to visit if you're tired of resisting side salads in fear of Bali Belly. The menu consists of everything from Risotto to Salmon or a huge variety of Tapas! I went straight for the salmon and my word - it was gooooooooood.

Cost:

If you're doing Bali on a budget, this is probably a place you will want to visit at the end of your trip, if you've got a bit of Rupiah left. The cost of mains and drinks are very similar to those of a decent restaurant in Perth. Entrees range from $15-$20 and mains from about $25-$40. But the service, quality of food and atmosphere are unlike anything Perth has to offer in this price range.

This is by far one of my favourite places to go in Bali. It is open for breakfast, lunch AND dinner! If you're a surfer dude or chicky, you can also jump on a board and straight into the ocean while your friends sit and watch you with a cocktail or two!

Two Thousand And Twelve

Happy New Year to our darling followers! We hope you all enjoyed your festive season and indulged at least half as much as we did!

We are all now very well rested due to our month long blogiday (for those who aren't familiar with the word sandwich a blogiday is also known as a Bloggers Holiday) and are ripe and ready to bring you some beautiful posts in 2012.

Keep an eye out for our usual crafty delights and recipes; a new 'made to order' section, where you will be able to purchase some of our beautiful home-made items;  wedding ideas and DIY's (yes one of our granddaughters is recently engaged!!); Travel guides; cafe and boutique reviews and much much more!

Have a wonderful day and we'll catch you on the flip side!

NNG's x

4 Sleeps!

4 sleeps until the big day!! Preparations are coming to a close and even the Christmas haters are beginning to join in with excitement! Christmas puddings are at the ready, we're already sick of fruit mince pies and the (pre) midday cider doesn't seem in the least bit naughty, even if you are at work...

So before you crack your next cider and undo the top button of your jeans, take note of my top five Christmas movies; you might need them when you're all preparing to have food babies on Boxing Day...

FIVE

"All I want for Christmas"

This was mine and Tenille's (my little sis) second favourite Christmas movie when we were growing up. We stumbled on it by accident when it was shown on Christmas eve one year and were pleasantly surprised when it continued to be shown every Christmas Eve from then on... Sadly, I haven't seen it in a while, but that MAY have something to do with the Left Bank calling my name most Christmas Eve's since I turned 18... The story is about two New York kids who launch a scheme to get what they want most for Christmas - their parents back together. Cheesy - but much loved by the 7 year old me and my sis.

FOUR

"Off to Grandmothers house we go"

 

Now THIS was our favourite Christmas movie. Considering the Olsen twins are around my age, you can tell how old this movie is! The film follows two naughty (but nice) little girls who decide to hitch a ride to their great grandmothers house, after they overhear their Mum explaining what a handful they were. In typical 90's movies style, the girls find themselves in a bit of a pickle when the van they're in is stolen...It's funny, when I think of this movie I immediately think of a scene where they take a chicken drumstick from home to put in their little 'running away from home pack', what does that tell you!?

THREE

"Dr Seuss' - How The Grinch stole Christmas"

Dr Seuss is the bomb. If you've never seen this movie - do it. It's great fun, especially if you're 25 and still very much into kids movies. The Grinch is a nasty cave dweller, with a heart "two sizes too small", who happens to live on a mountain just north of Whoville, home of the merry Who's. Not understanding the happiness of the Who's, The Grinch plans to deprive them of their Christmas presents and decorations and prevent Christmas from coming!

TWO

"It's a Wonderful Life"

 

I remember this film sitting in our cupboard for years and years before I finally watched it. I wonder now, why on earth I waited that long! I have always been fascinated with old movies and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ would not only be one of my favourite Christmas movies, but one of my favourite movies of all. George's dream was to see the world however he repeatedly sacrifices his dreams to help others. The film shows George beginning to take his frustration out on his family and friends which lands him deeply troubled on Christmas Eve. Crashing into a tree during a snow storm, he finds himself staggering onto a bridge, intending the worst..... I will stop there and insist you watch it!

 

 

ONE

"Love Actually"

How could anyone forget this scene? In fact, I'm almost sobbing just thinking about it. A British film following ten separate stories which throughout the film are shown to be cleverly interlinked. A story about love, loss and Christmas...with a bit of singing thrown in too, how could this not be my number 1?!

20 Home Made Jar Gifts!!

Home made gifts are so special and when coupled with beautiful presentation, you're not only giving someone a gift you can be proud of, but doing it on a budget as well! Just make sure you start collecting jars early in the year or you'll end up spending a fortune! I have found the Moccona Coffee jars are the best for gifts, so get onto the coffee quick smart!

Here are 20 of my favourite jar gifts, a few of which I've made and a few that are on my Christmas to-do list (which seems to be piling up by the second with only a few days left!!!).

Home Made Vanilla

Sewing Kit

 

Home made Chutney

Cup Cakes in a jar!

Jandles

One for the kids - Candy Cane Playdough

Jar pies!

No Bake Fudge Balls

Craft Jar

Everyone loves honey

  

Not so much a gift in a jar - but around it!

Lemon Salt Scrub

Toffee Blondies

Cookies in a jar (I made these last year - they were a hit!)

Chocolate tasting jar

Nutella!!

Oil burner in a jar

   

Gooey Dessert

Apron + Recipe

Home made jam + bread and tea towel

What you've all been waiting for...

I can't lie, this post about my 'famous' Rocky Road was drafted on Sunday and ready to send today. All that was left to do was purchase the ingredients, make the Rocky Road and capture its fabulousness in a photo.

The ingredients were purchased on Tuesday and sat patiently in my cupboard waiting to be chopped, melted and mixed, then eaten by 7 lovely girls on Sundays Annual Christmas Party (and perhaps a little bit extra for 2 very sweet toothed girls at work this afternoon).

Unfortunately I am one of 'those' people who was never allowed things of the yummy variety as a child, so anything that sits in the cupboard for more than 2 days and has more than 400 calories also has a death wish...

Suffice to say, the red snakes were devoured shortly after arriving home from work last night and the chocolate melts scoffed soon after, while discussing the days events with Mum over a glass of red.

I won't apologise.

Instead - I will give you my recipe and use someone else's photo.

(Modest) Nicole's Famous Rocky Road

Ingredients:

500g of chocolate melts

1 packet of marshmallow’s (I use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut each marshmallow into quarters)

1 packet of red snakes (chopped)

Half a cup of toasted coconut (if you like that sort of thing, I generally do one batch with and one without as I have fussy family members)

150 grams of chopped pistachio’s OR

1 packet of crushed Oreo cookies

Method:

Chop everything up and pop in a bowl, melt the chocolate in a bowl over boiling water and pour over the ingredients. Pop in a lined baking tray and leave in the fridge overnight.

This makes at least 20 pieces depending on how big you like them!

Enjoy x

NB: mine would have looked much better

The Ugly Christmas Jumper

Self explanatory, no?

Considered a competitive sport back in the 80's, rellies trying to outdo each other in the tacky dress stakes at Christmas time. More glitter, more pompoms, more fur (or felt), more knit.... Endless embellishment possibilities. Jumpers dedicated to St Nick and Rudolph and not to mention, the accompanied festive cheer. If you're not donning an ear-to-ear smile 24/7 and finishing off sentences with Fa la la la la lalalala, then I'm sorry, you're out of the running. Matching earrings, mittens, socks or hats earn bonus points. It's about the WHOLE package. So dear old Nanna Norma really did mean well when she gifted you that fine piece of Christmas attire many moons ago. She got you in 'The Club'.

We may have forgotton about these heinous fashion crimes for a decade or so, but guess what?!! Ugly is making a comeback.... It's the new black. Time to dust off the moth balls ladies and show us your best (worst) Christmas apparel. Don't think that living in the hot Southern hemisphere gets you off the hook either. We know YOU and your fam rocked the T-shirt and singlet versions around the pool.... Well, mine did anyway.

"Briiiiaaaaan!!! Throw another shrimp on the barbie!"

Vin Diesel?? Not so fast and furious here

Just plain creepy, however an appropriate 'sleeveless' choice to suit the Aussie climate

Family photo anyone? Credit to him for the ugly layering effort. Is that a lamb on her lap?

Hot Ugly Jumper. I'll take one of these anyday!

Brotherly Love

DIY- if you want to join the Ugly Jumper Club, stick a heap of Christmas shit on an old 'pullover' and wear a snowman hat/mask as a disguise. No one will ever know its you.

Wrapped!

Sick of the same old tacky Christmas wrapping paper? Want to dazzle your giftees this year? Try some of these wrapping styles and you might just get away with that lump of coal you're giving them....

Chic

Pretty

Newspaper

Fabric ties

Made by Mika (pretty sure the one at the back has my
name on it!)

Lovely lemon

Doily love

Gorgeous!

Bakers Twine