Studio Time

 I am enjoying the change in work life balance.

Spending time with the Dog of the Year.

Watching my every move just in case a macaron drops out of my pocket.

 I have turned this lovely feather tree in to a Flora one-of-a-kind.

 As light as a feather to wear, and a gorgeous head-wear statement.

 I have been eating Marche du Macaron's macarons with gay abandon.

 At least they are fuelling my productivity.

I have been busy.

 These pretty pieces are in at The Hat Box in the Brisbane Arcade.

Waiting for good homes.

 I have become acutely interested in dyeing feathers.

Don't worry those dye filled cups are out of commission and Mr Fascinata only

uses a large mug for his tea and you won't see it pop up here.

Have some decorum.

 I will let you know where it all goes.

 I've had a nice mention in Brisbane Arcade's latest retail promotion mini-magazine.

A timely promotion with the Brisbane Arcade designers group show for the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival.

One yellow, one blue Flora photographed atop two sweet faces.

As below.

Thank you.

Stay fuelled and working hard.



Must Love Dogs. And Cooking

I'll be honest with you; there were two deal-breakers

between Mr Fascinata and me when we first met.

 Cooking and dogs.

Both had to be in the affirmative.

I have kept up my end of the deal.

And he, his.

Thankfully.

He has bought me many beautiful cookbooks.

The Artist's Lunch is about how art and cooking is a happy marriage.
Haven't road tested it, but I should.

However, it is nothing for me to be one minute slumped on the couch, half asleep.

Stupefied.

Then in another sixty seconds pounding a lump of dough on the bench.

Boom!



Here's Rachel Khoo's brioche, sausage and onion recipe.

French Hot Dogs.

If you've got room to spare around your middle or not, try it.

It's comforting.

I don't muck around.

If I am caramelising onions I might as well do a whole bag.

But I do have a mandolin.

I can't stand the frippery of chopping and dicing.

You do have to simmer the snags first.

Bit graphic I know.

Then caramelise.

Throw the spices in.

Let the sausages cool.

You've got to knead about a kilogram of butter through the brioche.

So don't leave it 'til the last minute.

You also have to have time for it to rise.

The whole thing can be quite vexing for those who are impatient.

Natch.

Wrap the dogs up in pastry.

Let those buttery buns proof again.

Serve the Hot Dogs with onion jam and mustard.

And tomato sauce, if you are inclined.

By the way who is reading AUS L'Officiel?

Where is the June edition?

In pressing news it is very late at my news-stand and no-one seems to know why.

Anyone?

Stay true to whatever you have promised others.
Natch.

 





Find your Tribe: The Hat Box

I left the dog-of-the-year at home and quietly slipped out to a special event this week.

The Hat Box's Winter Launch.

With all its finery: wool felt, silk and feathers.

Headpieces and hats.

 I can honestly never say I have been disappointed by a Hat Box 'do.

This week's Winter Launch was no exception.

Held at the The Emporium Hotel's cocktail bar.

It was truly lovely.
Here's Dale, The Hat Box's proprietor and doyenne of millinery style,  looking the goods in white lace.

 If The Hat Box was a club; I would be happy to be a member.

 I have found my tribe.

 Rich, poor, married, single, children, no-children, workers in-the-home or other.
Young, old, short or tall.

Don't under-estimate any of us.

You must differentiate.

The are no hollow stereotypes here.

 And, we are are somewhat fierce looking.
Yet, very kind.

 And, that's the way I like it.

 We enjoyed at bit of this. 

 A bit of that.

Popped on all sorts of frippery.

 Watched the Show.

Thirty pieces worn by the loveliest models.

Who brought their personalities on to the catwalk showcasing

feathered and felt finery.

 I was chuffed to see my Chanel inspired fleur, lace and coque feathered headpiece out for a viewing.
The promptly purchased by a kindred spirit.
Thank you, Lovely.

The piece came up a treat; even if I must say so myself.

Stunning orange blocked felt with sculpted feathers.

Don't even start me on the green boater.

Love.

 I gilded the lily and wore an embroidered lace number.
My old black sling-backs from a decade ago.
I know, shop in your own wardrobe is good advice.

A matched Flora carnation trimmed headband.

 I might need to be stopped from buying this pink felt top hat, as below.

What are we thinking?
J'adore.

 Stay enthused and kind to your tribe.

It's nice.

I am gearing up for a bit of time away from the chalkface.

Holidays, hooray for Easter!

What have you got planned?