Sunday splendour: 7 October 2012

Well hello everyone - yes, it's Sunday-splendour-on-a-Monday time again! I was too pooped from spring cleaning a cupboard (it took 3 hours) to post yesterday. Boring but satisfying. Tackling the nightmarish 'under the house' storage problem is a job for next weekend! Anyway, here are some splendid moments of my past week.

I *feasted upon* Mr PB’s famous dark chocolate, pear and pistachio cake. Just scrumptious, as always. Mmm!

I *discovered* something amazing through Instagram and kind Jules's attentive eye. I took some photos of our springtime garden and shared them on Instagram. Curious, I asked whether anyone knew what these flowers were. Jules then informed me they were peonies! I felt such a dill. I adore peonies but had always thought they grew on small shrubs - not the 3 metre tall sticks these do! Fascinated, I pressed Jules for further details. To my horror, she informed me I should never prune it. *Gulp*. I took about 2 metres off it when we arrived a year ago ☺. Hmm, thankfully it seems to have survived the handiwork of this Greenhorn Gardener!

                                           Source: coxandcox.co.uk via Jane on Pinterest

I *enjoyed* having a gander at the new online catalogue of Cox & Cox, styled so beautifully by the sublime Sania Pell. This butterfly punch is now on my wishlist - quelle surprise! I can't wait to lay my hands on the print version of the catalogue - thanks for posting it, Laura ☺.

I *created* this little number using silken Liberty fabric. I'm so chuffed at how it turned out. I covered one with grosgrain ribbon before - it was a nightmare to turn all those corners with it. The fabric is far more forgiving and I don't have to worry about matching up the pattern this way. I'm working on some more for my Etsy shop (opening day is *imminent* - sorry to keep you hanging! I have some pixie-free hours ahead when I will finally photograph my goodies and upload them).

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I *read* this inspiring DIY post by the lovely Kylie at Stylish Settings. Look at the divine decorative medicine bottles she whipped up from old brown glass bottles and some free labels from the inimitable The Graphics Fairy. I am definitely going to make some. They look utterly fabulous. 

I *watched* the afternoon light filter in onto some glorious irises given to me by kind Romy. Enchanted, I grabbed my new iPhone and snapped away. Here's the little tableau which resulted.

So tell me, does anything here take your fancy? Does that cake have you intrigued? Have you ever (over-) pruned your peonies? And do you think you might give clever Kylie's medicine bottles a go? I've started my hunt for some old brown bottles!

Sunday splendour: 2 September 2012

Good evening, Lovelies. I've had a wobbly old week on Planet Baby. Tetchy, nearing-end-of-school-term syndrome set in for the pixies. My birthday didn't *quite* go according to plan. Mr Somebody broke our camera. Our fridge needed unexpected repairs. It was the joy of tax return time - now we're waiting with bated breath to see what results. And then today was Fathers' Day. We had a lot of fun with Mr PB but alas, no photos due to the lack of said camera. And I missed my Dad dreadfully. *Sigh*. But, in between all that, I still had some splendid moments to show you. Here they are! 

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I *feasted upon* Mr PB's rendition of Bill Granger's fabulous ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter. As our camera was broken, I couldn't take a photo of them but have used the above from this post here which has the recipe. You must give it a try!

I *discovered* what it means to tend a grave. When growing up, visiting family members' graves wasn't something we did. Now I'm doing it, alone, with my Dad. Today I replaced the flowers I'd left last time with this cheery bunch of daffies and erlicheer from our garden. I changed the water in the pot and fluffed up the bunch to look its best. 'Tending' is a good word for this little ritual - it reminds me of tenderness. And that's something this little act of love makes me feel. And connected, as well.

I *enjoyed* helping the pixies prepare for Book Week. Sammy was Christopher Robin from 'Winnie the Pooh'. Here he is, gumboots and all, clutching Pooh, Owl, Piglet and his book. He was so proud to join the big kids!

Miss India was Alice from 'Alice in Wonderland' with her blue smocked dress and amusing, although itchy, wig and Alice band. Her teacher was so convinced by the wig that she looked for India three times before remembering she was the blondie!

Joshie was Harry from 'Harry and the bucketful of dinosaurs'. Here's his French tin bucket, full of his favourite dinosaurs. Thankfully, they all returned home intact.

I *created* my first commission of Liberty-wrapped wire names for the daughters of a gorgeous Hobartian and fellow Planetarian. Here's the beginning of one of them. My Etsy shop plans are gathering pace, my friends!  

I *read* yet another beauty from the magnificent Brave Girls Club. This is what I really need to do now - just focus on completing one task at a time. 

I *watched* India and Sammy playing happily in Sam's new teepee made by clever Auntie Beck for her birthday. Listening to them and their extremely active imagination always makes me giggle!

So there you go, some pearls in the midst of my strange old week. Have you eaten Bill's hotcakes before? Did you have some littlies to dress for Book Week? And do you find the make-believe world children inhabit amusing? I can't wait to hear what you have to say.

Sunday splendour: 26 August 2012

Well hello there. Yep, it's another Sunday-splendour-on-a-Monday edition! Time got away with me. So, now I present to you some of the splendid moments on Planet Baby over the past week.

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I *feasted upon* a scrumptious chocolate mint tart and hot chocolate with gorgeous Mel at my local cafe, Jackman & McRoss. No camera to take a photo of the lusciousness I enjoyed but here's a shot of where we went, anyway! It was such a treasured treat to be without the responsibility of our combined 7 children and natter to our hearts' content!

I *discovered* the thrill of cutting armfuls of these glorious daffodils from our garden and prettying up the house with them. Here they are, beaming away in the afternoon sun as I sat at my desk. Simple pleasures are often the best, don't you think?

I *enjoyed* gazing at these divine wooden blocks made by my fabulous friend Fee from Chipper Nelly. I won them in her recent giveaway and she customised them, just for me.

They're so thoughtfully made with a knowledge of my favourite things - maps (including one of Tasmania), old handwriting, green and blue, buttons, hearts, dictionary definitions, butterflies and old Australian stamps. And of course, she nailed it by naming them 'A room of my own'! Fee, you have such a huge heart - thankyou!

I *created* this nifty little origami paper heart bookmark following this tutorial here. I adored making it. Miss India scored this one. I have my designs on plenty more from my scrapbooking paper. Maybe they'll appear in my Etsy shop ☺.

I *read* this fabulous reminder from the incomparable 'The Brave Girls Club'. It was the whisper in my ear I need to hear right now. I know some of you also found it most comforting.

I *watched* the pixies delight in a trip up 'The Snowy Mountain' as they call it - Hobart's Mt Wellington which forms the dramatic backdrop for our harbourside city. Here they are in the plentiful snow, all rugged up. 

Here's Joshie about to launch another sortie in The Great Snowball Fight of 2012. 

And here's Miss India making her first snow angel, bless her. A Certain Mother had a lot of washing to do upon their return!

So tell me, does any of this take your fancy? Are your daffies also a-bloom, you Southern Hemispherers? And do you think you might be tempted to get Fee to make your own customised blocks? You won't be disappointed if you do, I promise! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Sunday splendour: 29 July 2012

Er, it's Sunday-splendour-on-a-Monday again! I'm playing catch-up here. Comments are still flooding in on my posts about 'Operation bring back the blog love' (here and here). I can't thank you enough for your fabulous insights, contributions and generosity of spirit. Tomorrow when I'm pixie-free for a while, I hope to reply to all your comments. You'll notice that I've added a list to the bottom of my first post of all the new blogs I've added to my blogroll following your comments. 

Anyway, back to normal scheduling again. Here are some of my splendid moments from the past week.

I *feasted upon* this moreish orange cake. Yes, it's the one I posted about here - well spotted! At least this time, I didn't have a 100s and 100s disaster - remember this one?!

                                          Source: anthropologie.com via Jane on Pinterest

I *discovered* this captivating teatowel on Anthropologie, thanks to my kind friend Amanda - she rightly guessed it was "so me"!

I *enjoyed* picking these jaunty daffodils and tiny snowdrops from our garden to give to lovely Romy when I lunched at her place. It was a thrill to pick the daffies we had planted as bulbs - our first since we moved here over a year ago. And of course I also relished the wrapping of them, using my beloved blue and adored grosgrain ribbon.

I *created* these little heart canvases using buttons for the pixies in their favourite colours - green for Joshie, pink for Miss India and blue for Sammy. The pixies are smitten with them. They were fun to make, although time-consuming.

Do you think I should make some of the button hearts for my Etsy shop? I'm starting to think about it more seriously now my hand has healed. 

I *read* this fantastic and uplifting post by Amy Kessel entitled 'E is for enough'. For all those of you who are recovering perfectionists like me and who are trying to prioritise self-care more, it's a must-read.

I *watched* the pixies' joy in venturing up Hobart's Mt Wellington (or 'The Snowy Mountain' as they call it ☺) for some time in the snow - snowball fights abounded. Here they are warming themselves in front of the fire in a cabin in between sorties! And yes, India is wearing a tutu over her warm clothes! Joshie is also wearing my childhood beanie - it makes me smile.

So, do tell which ones catch your eye. Have any of you tried making that orange cake recipe yet? Do you think my button hearts would sell on Etsy? And are you as smitten about that teatowel as me?! Over to you...

PS Don't forget to enter my giveaway if you haven't already - it's open for another week.

Sunday splendour: 15 July 2012

Bonsoir, mes amies. Planet Baby is still a sick house. But thankfully we were able to celebrate Sam's 3rd birthday, to the pixies' utter delight. And ours as well - it was gorgeous to see him really appreciating his day in the sun. The festivities will continue next weekend with a family do. Anyway, after a *long* week, here are some of my splendid moments which helped keep me sane!

I *feasted upon* this luscious rose flavoured macaron by Macarons by Ruby at the (July) market. I was transported. I really must get onto trying out that macaron recipe!

                                   Source: blog.crescendoh.com via Jane on Pinterest

I *discovered* this simple and pretty tutorial for gussying up some brown paper bags. I have the bags and the paper doilies - I just need the white gel pen! 

I *enjoyed* watching the pixies make farewell cards to give to Mr Jim, our school crossing guard. He was so moved to receive them. He's just retired after 21 years on the job. Here he is posing with them (whilst all squinting into the sun, hence the strange look by Sam!) after finishing up. We've been so lucky to have him with his care, courtesy and kindness. We'll all miss his cheery presence.

I *created* this small blue clay dish, imprinted with an old doily. I've been meaning to try one for ages. I used this tutorial - it was fun to click my German-reading brain into gear again. I used Sculpey oven-dry clay but next time will use an air-dry version, I think. Those earrings are amongst my favourites.

                                          Source: photo-visible.com via Jane on Pinterest

I *read* this beautifully written article by the talented Nikki Gemmell on her hopes for raising boys. We are so on the same page. And I still think she's fabulous!

I *watched* the hysterical Portlandia's 'Put A Bird On It!' on YouTube. It never fails to make me laugh. Wry humour is my taste. And now whenever I see any product with a bird on it, I'm reminded of this spoof!

As always, do share which splendid snippets take your fancy. Which is your favourite? And do tell if the Portlandia clip makes you giggle as well!

Sunday splendour: 1 July 2012

Bonsoir, mes amies! I hope you've all had an enjoyable weekend. Ours was capped off by a delightful afternoon tea with my dear friend, Emma Burgess, and her lovely family. It was such a treat - a relaxed affair with our 6 children enjoying each other's company. Miss India was in her element, having 3 more girls to play with! Anyway, now it's time to peek at some of the splendid moments of my past week. Let's go!

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I *feasted upon* this scrummy orange cake at Emma's. It was luscious - deliciously moist but not cloyingly sweet. You can find the recipe here. Give it a go!

I *discovered* this vintage-style sewing tin on sale at Patchwork Harmony. Hmm, just looking at the exchange rate with the $AUD...

I *enjoyed* the excitement of watching the Australian mare, Black Caviar, win the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in the UK. She's now undefeated in 22 races, a success record not equalled for over 150 years. I grew up hearing about the legendary Phar Lap. I never imagined I would see an Australian horse better his record. To mark the importance of the event and to let the pixies feel they were part of seeing history made, we had a little bet on her. We didn't make a fortune but we're keeping this memento all the same!

I *created* this watercolour painting in blue (quelle surprise!). It's nothing fancy but it calms me to gaze at its eddies and swirls. I have so much to learn about this medium!

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I *read* this mouth-watering post on how to make macarons. I've been intending to try my hand at them for ages - I think this is the inspiration I need! It's a brilliant, step-by-step tutorial - let us know if you give it a whirl.

I*watched* this old favourite video on You Tube of Brooke Taylor's 'Something in the water'. It always lifts my spirits and get my toes tapping. Her cheeky little ending makes me smile as well.

So, did any of these snippets capture your attention? Are any of you heading off to bake the orange cake or the macarons? And do you think I should snap up that sewing tin?! I look forward to your comments, as always.

Sunday splendour: 17 June 2012

Happy Monday, everyone! Er yes, it's 'Sunday splendour'-on-a-Monday' again. I'm playing catch-up everywhere at the moment thanks to the (thankfully now ended) school holidays. 

I *feasted* upon this more-ish apple crumble teacake Mr PB whipped up yesterday. Just the ticket for a winter's afternoon, topped with buttermilk icecream, of course! He's such a good man. 

Here's the recipe from June's 'Real Living' (it's 145g of butter). If you can't read it, here's the link. Do let me know if you try it out.

                                         Source: shannonfricke.com via Jane on Pinterest

I *discovered* this divine cushion in the fabulous Shannon Fricke's online shop. That's gone straight to my wishlist for our bedroom. Mmm, can't you just feel that velvety softness? 

                                          Source: shannonfricke.com via Jane on Pinterest

And see how fabulous it looks on this bed. *Sigh*.

                                    Source: cathkidstonusa.com via Jane on Pinterest

I *enjoyed* finding this vibrant picnic rug at Cath Kidston. Hmm, winter's not *quite* the time to be picnicking. Straight to the wishlist for that one as well! 

I *created* this little set of drawers using a Kaiserwood craft set from Spotlight (well, it's one I prepared earlier ☺). Yes, notice the blues and greens - quelle surprise! It was a bit fiddly and used a lot of Mod Podge but I'm thrilled with the result. 

Here it is with some open drawers. Now I have to decide what I'm going to store in it. Buttons maybe? I'm sure once my Etsy shop is up and running that it'll be pressed into use.

I *read* this uplifting email from my favourite, The Brave Girls Club. It's on the money, don't you think?

I *watched* the pixies set themselves up on the back deck for a spot of cloud watching. It was a very sunny day - hence the squinting! It was such a classic shot, all lined up with their best friends there to take in the view. A moment to bottle, wouldn't you say? Hearing their descriptions and extremely imaginative ideas on the forms flitting in front of them was fascinating. Oh, to have the imagination of a child again ☺.

So there you go, some splendid titbits to start off your week. Let us know which ones catch your eye. Are any of you heading to the kitchen to bake the apple crumble teacake?!