Before and After

I took a huge step late last week and finally took my favourite Danish style chair to receive the pampering it deserves. It has been sitting in this position in our lounge room for the past two years in the condition I found it. The timber still looks and feels amazing but the cushions are passed their prime. The hardest decision has been which fabric to cover them in. I adore cloth fabric, but I also have a 16 month old child, and numerous friends, not to mention the upholsterer telling me perhaps now is not the time to go down that path, so I am still unsure of the end result but I am nearly at the point of deciding. Those who are close to me will know that that is huge in itself. So very soon I hope to introduce you to my refreshed favourite chair back in its spot in my lounge room. I miss it, but waiting anxiously for the transformation.

Vintage Inspiration

I love coming across images, be it in magazines or my favourite blogs that get the mind flicking through the endless possibilities.  There are so many beautiful options and not enough rooms to decorate. For now I just admire. I love the mirrors in this photo.

Image from Decor8

Spritely Yellow

Happy Days...

Image from The Design File via BHG

Ceramicist, Honor Freeman

An Airtight Container for Every Occasion by Honor Freeman

For my birthday last year my husband bought me flights for a friend and I to go shopping in Melbourne for the weekend. Very exciting, although at the time I was Fashion Fasting, which was like entering the most fabulous French patisserie and being a coeliac. We did however go to a show, slept in and ate at some of the most amazing restaurants including The Press Club which was an experience in itself. On the flight home I purchased the latest Inside Out magazine and while slowly flicking through it I came across a small photograph of some beautiful ceramics. My friend Jane and I had just been admiring similar works in a little side street in Melbourne and so it demanded my attention. When I looked to see who the designer was, I was thrilled to see the name Honor Freeman, a girl I went to school with. I love her take on Tupperware (above).

Image from Craftsouth.

Tea time...

One of the best gifts we've ever received is our divine little Pizza Maker pizza oven (thanks C&J). Apart from Russell's Pizza in Willunga (a must to visit if you are in SA), it consistently turns out the best pizzas I know.
Tonight I came home from work to be welcomed by my husband cooking Onion Confit Pizza for tea. It was so delicious I just had to share it.

Onion Confit Pizza

Ingredients
Pizza Dough
2 cups of plain flour
3/4 cup of warm water
1 teaspoon caster sugar
1 sachet (7g) yeast

Topping
2kg brown onions peeled and sliced thinly
20g butter
dash of olive oil
herbs from the garden (Josh tonight used a bay leaf and thyme)
anchovies
black olives (could use Kalamatas or green if you already have those)


Firstly I have to say, you need to cook your onions in a shallow baking dish in the oven along with the butter and olive oil for about 1 1/2 hours at 150 degrees. This makes them nice and caramelised, which is essential to the flavour. Thankfully it is easy, just a little time consuming. You need to heap them though, if they are spread thinly they will burn. Turn the onions every 15 minutes or so. Remove from the oven... the smell is divine! Remove the bay leaf and thyme. If the thyme is cut finely I'd leave it in there.

To make the dough, add the yeast and sugar to the warm water, stir until frothy and then add to the flour. It's easier to mix if you make a little well. Knead for about 5 minutes, then put in clean bowl and cover with a tea towel or cling wrap and leave for at least 30 minutes. The dough should make about 4 pizzas. Divide the dough and then roll out to your preferred thickness. I love them thin. Top with onion confit, a sprinkling of olives and a few anchovy fillets. You can cut the anchovies finely or even not use them at all if they aren't to your liking. I am not usually a fan but they do add a pleasant pizzang. Place in pizza oven or normal oven (on stone or tray on about 220 degrees) until the bottom of the dough is crisp and the edges are lightly browned. Drizzle with a little olive oil if you like and serve. WOW the flavour is magnificent. It'd go nicely with a fresh rocket and pear salad. Enjoy!

Find, Make, Do...

I came across a great blog tonight, Find, Make, Do... and as it turns out I have actually purchased one of the author, Betty Jo's handcrafted brooches from a little store in South Melbourne two years ago. Her jewellery pieces are absolutely gorgeous. Made out of retro lino, buttons and laminex... very funky indeed and adorable!!

Images of Betty Jo Designs' handcrafted delights from Lino Forest via Find, Make, Do

Colour me happy

Here is a sneak peak into the home of someone who is dear to my heart. It is such a happy place. Each room boasts a different colour scheme that compliments the next. I just love the 2-pac green coffee table. More to come...