The Utmost for the Highest

Yes peeps, that's the motto for the high school I went to in the late 80's. It seems a certain ex-Unley student really took that motto to heart, becoming none other than the first female PM, Julia Gillard! We are all crowing about having attended the same school, and no doubt the latter part of this week has seen Unley High with flushed, proud cheeks.

Regardless of your politics, it's a huge deal, now we just have to elect her proper, right?

Five Faves

Garlic
I am planting my second lot now, in total I have about 50 cloves in. There's nothing better than fresh garlic, I've also planted brown onions and broad beans. Each of these crops are no-brainers in our yard of low maintenance.



Victoria Mason
I can't wear long earrings for a while, at least until Hazel has stopped grabbing fistfuls of everything. So Victoria's Apple a Day stud earrings are the perfect thing for lobe adornment. Easy peasy ordering and delivery at Vic's webshop.



Going Postal
I have always been a letter-writer, and it seems that there is a growing nostalgia for the hand written and posted variety of communication. It may not be instant, but it's full of charm and thought. Resurrecting this past-time is Ms Zeitgeist herself, Pip, who has a helluva postal project going on. Do join in!
I also received another stash of international stamps from Carleton Uni in Ottawa, thanks Karen. Even Leo is getting in on the act, his Dragon Hoodie arrived in the post this week, fresh from Paul and Paula kids clothing.



Visits from Granny
The gang is back together every time my Mum visits from Adelaide. Hazel is getting to know her Granny, as there is loads of cuddle time, although her eyes follow me around the room, it's ultra-flattering to be reminded that I am Hazel's everything.


Getting things done
Finally Helen has her Tango shoes, I finished them yesterday and can now cross them off my list! Hurrah, I love making shoes, but as it takes so damn long I get a bit sick of them by the end, and really love getting them out of my studio.

On my bedside table

Scuse the tiny photo, but in real life this book is a chunky hardback bible of goodness. Here's the blurb:

'Shoes for the Moscow Circus is an atmospheric, lyrical look behind the scenes of a number of Australian trades and industries, many of which are fast disappearing in the modern world.

Arts writer Leta Keens, with photographer Oliver Strewe, visited more than 25 factories and workshops -- including an umbrella maker and cricket ball factory, a taxidermist and a bicycle maker, a tannery and a dolls' hospital -- and discovered far more than simply the history and processes involved in these trades. With an engagingly readable style, she also tells the stories of the characters who inhabit these intriguing and often little known worlds.'

I've been slowly making my way through this Mother's Day pressie as I feed Hazel, in fact I am getting a lot of reading done during this time, it's rather lovely. If you're interested in traditional crafts and professions, get this book, it is a divine look at some amazing trades, some of which are on their way out, and some who have luckily found their niche.

Listening to: Lisa Mitchell - Clean White Love

Five Faves

Hot water bottle.
I have to admit that as the sun goes down I get a little touch of melancholia, thinking of my no-doubt sleepless nights ahead with Hazel. Being up during the night with a baby feels so darn lonely, but one of the things that makes it better is my trusty hot water bottle, encased in an old and much loved chinese silk cover. Aaah, thank you hot water bottle.


Knee high socks.
I have posted before about my love of socks, especially knee highs. Jo recently sent me a pair from Japan which are fabulously resplendent with red and blue hounds-tooth pattern. Am in denial that they need washing....


David Sedaris.
Oh boy, what's not to love about Mr Sedaris? I was lucky enough to see him at Hamer Hall a few months ago, how great it is to share a laugh with a packed theatre of happy folk. As it turns out I am laughing so much reading 'When You Are Engulfed In Flames' that I interrupt Hazel while she's feeding. She gives me a look of disdain each time my chortles distract her from her task. Sorry babe.


Mandarines.
Small, portable, easy to peel, nutritious, sweet and sour - let's face it, mandarines are the most cheerful fruit.



Cardigans.
Breastfeeding and cardigans are the perfect combination. I can no longer wear dresses, but my cardis are coming in very handy right now. The red woolly op-shopped one is my fave, am also in denial that it needs washing.....

image from here

Five Faves

Frankie Magazine
Pip's project is ace, Gemma's smiley self and home are gorgeous, the vintage caravans are on my wishlist.




Autumn leaves down Rathdowne St
Balmy sunny days combined with leaf flurries, beautiful autumn colour and thoughts of cosy times to come.


Crochet for babies
Got me some baby yarn from the Bendigo Woollen Mills. 200gm balls are extra generous and so well priced. Ruby and Junior Navy for a dress for my lil' girl. Pattern from this styling Golden Hands book.



Dirty Jobs/ Masterchef
Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs is our main man, he's on ABC2 at 6:30 weeknights, getting dirty in so many witty ways and teaching us stuff to boot. I am not shy to say that he is hugely crush-worthy, and I am more than willing to be flexible on dinner times and eating locations in order to catch this show.
Don't need to say much about Masterchef, except that Leo got out of bed to come and watch the first night, he was that excited. He wants to try making a Beef Wellington. Good luck!


Beci Orpin's show at Lamington Drive
We love Lam Drv, and try to catch every show there. Likewise we love Gorker. And who doesn't love Beci Orpin, especially a colour-loving spectrum-crazed woman such as myself? Hoping to get one of these beauties as a well-deserved Mother's Day present for myself. Because I'm worth it.



Just thought I'd mention that I typed this one-handed under a sleeping babe, it only took half an hour!