Spring has Sprung

Today marked the beginning of Spring and although Spring has been in the air for a couple of weeks now, I feel like today marks the beginning of something special.  Freshly cut flowers from the garden scattered throughout the house,  winter coats stored at the backs of wardrobes and weekend BBQs. Isn't it amazing how the smallest things can lift a mood. 

All over Maryland and throughout the East Coast the Cherry Blossoms are blooming. Here is one of the trees in our yard.  Just magical!!

A new season look

Leave to Gwyneth Paltrow, or GP as she is more affectionally known around this house, to inspire a new seasons wardrobe.  This week saw GOOP email their Get Ready for Spring  with a series of looks for the season.  One word, AMAZING! I am absolutely in love with the Alexander Wang blue striped dress, the cropped jacket by Girl. by Band of Outsiders and the most fabulous and on my obsession list for the season,  a black jumpsuit, Gwyneth's was a jumpsuit, Etoile by Isabel Marant. Hmm, now if only I can get those uber fabulous blonde locks for summer and those legs.....


If you haven't already received it, check out her latest newsletter.

http://goop.com/newsletter/168/en

The first signs of spring

A year ago, the first signs of spring would see the lilac jacaranda flowers blooming, the fragrant frangipani flowers budding and jeans being thrown by the wayside for summer dresses as days started peaking in the early 70's.  Well a year later and hundreds of thousand miles away, without any jacarandas or frangipanis to surround me and a clear lacking of summer dress appropriate weather, I find myself looking for other signs of spring. 

Tulips budding in the grass, vibrant yellow daffodils in masses so thick one would mistake the garden for the Chelsea Flower Show and the return of deer to our waters edge. So what about the summer dresses so eager to make an appearance this season...All I need is one day of unseasonable warmth in the mid 60's and they are coming out!!

Just a dusting

Last week we had our first sign of snow. Although only a dusting, it was just enough to bring a smile to the faces of two little Australian boys who had never seen a snowfall. In their eyes it was the perfect snowfall. Isn't it amazing how  the smallest things can bring you pure bliss.  For me it was watching my boys scooping up what little snow they could to make a snowball, whilst catching the rest on their tongues.  What a magical day!

A Winter's craving

Isn't it funny how in certain weather you crave different things. My son, this week, was having a raisin bread craving.  And although it would have been easier and less time consuming to just go to the supermarket and buy some, he announced, 'Mummy, we can make some can't we?  We are great cooks!'.  So with that confidence in our culinary skills we set off scouring the internet for the 'perfect', quickest and least number of ingredients, recipe.  

A couple of hours later we were the proud owners of two freshly baked loaves.  My son has now requested hot cross buns.  At least I can hold him out until Easter for that one, can't I..........

So, if like us you find yourself with a couple of hours free and a craving for raisin bread here is the link to the recipe we used.  

http://food.ninemsn.com.au/recipes/iorange/8339018/orange-and-raisin-bread

The finished product!

Bahamian Bliss

A Happy New Year to you all.  I could spend time making all sorts of New Year's resolutions but my only wish is for a Happy, Healthy and Safe 2012 for everyone. 


 After Christmas we escaped the cold and travelled down to The Bahamas, to the most beautiful Harbour Island. What I adored about this idyllic spot was the colourful beach houses, the spotless sandy beaches and the amazing fresh summer food. I could not think of a more perfect winters retreat. 




I've put together a little list of things to do and see in this Bahamian Bliss.


1. Shopping. 


The Sugar Mill


I know you are meant to be able to lie on a beach and take in the sunshine but visit this little shop and you'll be able to look fabulous and relaxed. India Hicks is part owner of this amazing boutique selling everything from kaftans to toys for the kids. How gorgeous is the front of the building??!!
www.sugarmillbyindiahicks.com

The Sugar Mill

2.  Food


Just up the road is one of the islands best restaurants called The Landing.  It is closed, sadly, for lunch but pop in there for breakfast or dinner.  

If you are in the need of some french cheese, great coffee and tea The Dunmore Deli spot is worth a look.  They are open for breakfast and lunch.


3.  The Beaches


Harbour Island is famous for it's perfect pink sandy beach.  The water is gorgeous temperature for swimming and snorkeling.


We stayed at the beautiful Coral Sands resort.  The Beach Bar is perfect for a relaxing lunch after a morning at the beach and The Terrace Restaurant is fabulous for dinner.

View from the Beach Bar


4. The Architecture

The most surprising and memorable thing about the island was the gorgeous houses.  Each one a little different in beautiful pastel colours. 

Okay, so this one isn't painted but it was my favourite.  I LOVED the fuchsia cushions on the porch.


So if only for a few days it was definitely worth the trip down to the Bahamas. Although we could have gone down the path of a big resort with all the extras, this was perfect for us.  I cannot wait to return!


Have a lovely week.

  

Getting ready for the big day

It is just me or does any one else consider the present wrapping and the table setting just as important as the meal served on the day.  This year I have built up a colour scheme around a fabulous ribbon I have found. Paper Source here in the US has the most beautiful ribbons, paper and cards.  I would have been lost without them! Although the presents won't make it under the tree until Christmas Eve, here is a place setting for Christmas lunch.  

The place setting

After what seemed a culinary flop of epic proportions Gingerbread House Part 2 went off without a hitch.  Here's some of the other Christmas creations I have been cooking up for the big day. A good friend of mine, who will always set the benchmark for amazing decorating, has inspired me to create my own Christmas Crackers this year.  For my children I have stuffed them with little Lego.  I can't wait for them to open them! 

This year Donna Hay has been my Christmas food guru.  Her Christmas fruit tarts are amazing!!

As we take off after Christmas in search of some warmer weather, I wish you the most magical and safe Christmas and a fabulous 2012.