Shellac and A Few Bits and Bobs

Lo and behold I have experienced the new revolution in nail varnish.

Shellac.

Am I impressed? You bet!

But...I'm now having an internal debate about the health implications concerning the use of a UV lamp which is used to dry and cure the shellac. A quick google search informs one about the health implications of these rays. I did read a tip which was to slather sunscreen on one's hands before application. Next month I'm visiting my Dermatologist and I shall ask for advice because there's a mass of differing opinions being expressed.

 I do adhere to safe practices where sun protection is concerned and no doubt will be somewhat swayed by my health professional. 

I would like to have shellac applied before a special occasion or travelling because it really is brilliant. This pretty pink was applied nine days ago and it's still as good as new other than the colour slightly moving due to nail growth. Two weeks seems to be the length of an application before removal.

Are you a shellac devotee and what's your opinion?

Here's a few snippets from my thrilling life of late...
Whipped up a big beautiful slab of chocolate cake. My mother taught me a baking trick...extend baking paper up higher than the sides of a cake tin to produce a level cake and prevent burning the edges.

Purchased a new frock. This was a no-brainer because I like the designer and it was On Sale.
The fashion Gods dangled the carrot and I did bite.

By now you know my abhorrence to packing for a trip but is unpacking even worse? To enthuse myself in the task of finally putting away freshly laundered apparel from my recent jaunt I figured new hangers would do the trick. My favourite hangers are the faux velvet variety. Great for their non-slip properties. Nabbed these pink beauties from BigW.
My wardrobe is grateful.

Recently rediscovered a love affair with music from the band Supertramp, their sound brings back wonderful memories of life in the 70's and turned up to a decent level this music puts a spring in my step.

A gift of pretty red roses and I'm ready to enjoy the weekend. Our autumn weather is magical..just perfect actually.

I shall leave you with a clip from youtube featuring Roger Hodgson the singer from Supertramp performing my favourite song (there are few original clips in existence apparently since the group disbanded).
The lyrics never fail to move me.



Annie xx

Wednesday Wanderings

This beautiful potted Japanese azalea sits serenely on a quaint street in Narita Japan.

I chose this picture for my dear blog friend Patricia who is travelling on a challenging journey but a journey she is facing with strength and courage.

Patricia has been a loyal follower and commenter on my little blog since the beginning and I truly value her heartfelt uplifting comments and warm wishes. 

Patricia appreciates all blooms and the beauty in life. 

Thinking of you sweet lady and sending tons of hugs your way.

Annie xx

7 Random Things about Me

As promised before I flew off last week to visit family I am now answering the 

7 Random Things about Me Me Me!

The adorable Lotus from Red Phoenix Style has decreed this honour upon moi so I shall attempt to keep you interested until the end. Thank you L.

 Then head on over and take a browse at the gorgeous jewellery, fashion and home wares at RPE

1.  Oysters. I detest the little blighters. Always have and always will. No amount of money would coerce me into swallowing one of those slippery suckers ever,ever again during the remainder of my lifetime.

2.  Singing...I am absolutely thoroughly hopeless. The only time you might, if you are unlucky, catch me belting out a tune is in a Japanese karaoke bar after imbibing cheap wine aka rocket fuel.

3.  I am not adverse to a rip roaring party. This appreciation must have started back in the day. My parents entertained regularly so it became the norm to watch Mum concocting all sorts of wonderful retro nibbles. I very much liked being the centre of attention. Some would mutter I was a bit of a Princess.

Cover your ears.

3.  I started learning dance at the age of four and by the time I was ten was attending four classes weekly in ballet, tap and jazz. I was never going to set the world on fire but enjoyed myself immensely until I turned 14 and desperately wished to play sport so I retired and moved into the world of hockey and softball until I finished school. I did return to ballet classes in my thirties for a while and found my grand jetes weren't what they used to be! Funny that.

4.  Skiing became a great passion in my late teens and I would head to the snow fields at every opportunity. Mr red roses and I have skied in New Zealand, America and Canada. This is me circa 1983. Once again there was a goodly portion of partying happening. Hmm...

5.  Coffee makes me violently ill. I know, it's the pits. I begrudge paying $3 for a teabag and cup of hot water in cafes. My favourite ice-cream is mango and macadamia and if there was only one scoop left I'd fight you for it. No joke.

6.  Ladders of any description fill me with dread.

7.  Faux silver Christmas trees still make me smile :-)

Phew..I find it hard to write about Me, which is kind of crazy considering I blog.

Now I would like to pass on the 7 Things task to The Distressed Mother if she so chooses to oblige.
Stay well and I'll catch you on Wednesday when I go wandering!

Annie xx

Wednesday Wanderings

Today we wander over to Japan, one of my favourite countries in the whole world.

While in Nagoya we travelled to Kyoto on the Shinkansen or more commonly called the 'Bullet Train' which travels at speeds up to 300km/h. 

Amazing speed and the most comfortable train ride imaginable. On par with Maglev in Shanghai. 

These trains are simply amazing!

This perfectly wonderful scene is 'Sando' a traditional shopping street located in Narita. This main road leads to the Nartiasan Shinshoji Temple.
A leisurely stroll stopping to admire the shops on the way to the temple is a must while visiting Narita. The shopkeepers are friendly and welcoming.
The temple itself is magnificent and a beautiful place of calm and serenity.

We have not returned to Japan since the 2011 tsunami and my heart aches.


I have included a second photo in today's post because next week I shall be interstate visiting relatives and having a computer free week so will miss posting a Wednesday travel pic.
I'm really looking forward to catching up with beloved family especially my two little nephews aged 5 and 1. There is going to be lots of cuddles, Lego building and books read by their auntie. It's been far too long between visits and I miss them like crazy.
Mind you I won't get on the plane unless I get cracking and pack. Did you know I loathe packing? Even after all the travelling I've done I still put myself through agony trying to decide what clothes to take!

So enjoy a fabulous week everyone, be good and I'll catch you when I return and answer
 '7 Random Things about Me', bestowed by my friend Lotus from Red Phoenix Style. I can use the week wisely to conjure up interesting random tidbits about moi.

Annie xx

Serviette Anyone?

Well I knew I had a passion for serviettes and in particular Ikea serviettes but this is ridiculous.

Who knew they could accumulate like this, tucked away in the recesses of cupboards!

Annie xx

My Favourite Room

My favourite room in the house. 

My family lovingly refer to this space as Mum's room and I am just a little possessive of it.

I can't describe the peaceful serenity which pours over me upon entering and every morning I look forward to opening the shutters and embracing the light.

I may have mentioned elsewhere in a previous post how the vaulted ceiling sold me this house. Mind you we have renovated and redecorated so the now is somewhat different to the before.

Yes this room sends shivers down my spine.

Love it to bits.

Do you have a room in your home that speaks to you like my room speaks to me?

A sentimental piece

Shells collected over the years

Every sofa needs an accompanying beautiful basket to hold throws to grab for a chilly evening.

The very talented A-M sourced this beauty for my room. That girl has a gift I tell you.

A sweet little candle and holder from Du Monde

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. The sun is shining here and it's shaping up to be a glorious day.

Annie xx

Wednesday Wanderings

Rome 2008

The first floor windows above the gelato shop was our apartment in Rome for one glorious week. This apartment just happened to be situated around the corner from the Pantheon. Look closely and you can just glimpse the Pantheon to the right through the lane way.
Most nights we enjoyed gelato after spending far too long choosing a flavour and a few doors up is a pizza establishment selling the best pizza I have ever tasted. As one would expect in Italy!
The corner cafe served rich Italian coffee, consumed standing at the counter and because I don't drink coffee I sipped hot chocolate and oh my goodness talk about rich and absolutely divine.

This was my family's first visit to beautiful Rome and it would be fair to say we fell absolutely, positively in love with this magnificent city and her people.

Annie xx

Darhlink Eva

If you have followed this blog from the beginning you already know I hold a soft spot for Eva Gabor. 

Truly I just love her to bits,

and I adore the character she plays in the series Green Acres.  

Occasionally I catch repeats on television and although the show is terribly corny I still enjoy watching, purely to drool over Eva's/Lisa's fashionable wardrobe. Come to think of it, her character and I have several things in common.

First thing I do every morning is walk out onto my veranda and embrace the pure loveliness of my home amongst the trees and birds. Mind you in this shot Lisa is embracing a view of the New York city skyline but just work with me here please people.

I swan around in a similar bathrobe complete with full makeup, diamond earrings and impeccable hair. Doesn't everyone?

Lisa and I enjoy shopping excursions

Lisa and Oliver bought a decrepit old farmhouse and so did Mr red roses and I once upon a time.
Although we progressed further with our renovations than they managed over the life of the TV series.

Lisa and I share a fondness for leopard print. While leopard print furniture is her thing, I'm partial to leopard print scarves and cardigans.

Lisa adores children and is not always suitably attired to manage a brood of kiddies. I can't quite remember dressing this fabulously at home while caring for my babies but I like to think I might have.
At least once.

Oh and I do appreciate an up do like Lisa.

Is there a TV character you like to imagine you identify with?

Annie/Eva/Lisa xx

Outdoor Deck Tin Roof Facelift

Award yourself full marks if you guessed this photo depicts roof insulation! 

This home renovation job has kept me Mr red roses busy on and off for several weeks. The decks tin roof radiated an extremely uncomfortable level of heat in our sub-tropical climate so action was required. The difference is astounding and we can now look forward to sitting in this space and not swelter.

The roof is curved which is reminiscent of the early nineties design and while I was apprehensive of loosing this curve the outcome has really modernised the line and we're tickled pink. The beams are now repainted and deep slate grey against white is striking.
To fill the gap at the edge between tin and insulation fine snake proof mesh is being secured. That's right, I don't relish snakes or possums crawling into the gap and making themselves at home.
When the final touches are completed I will post new pics.

Next summer some enjoyment of beverages will be in order on the cool deck. Mr red roses has measured up a corner for his master BBQ area and that my friends will warrant it's own post!

Annie xx