Ole friends and a Saturday

Our beautiful neighbours, the family of black swans seems so content swimming along on what was a lovely sunny and somewhat hot first Saturday of March.

While they feast on the fishes in the cove, I caught up with friends I haven't seen for years at The Royal. We spent the whole day talking and after our three hour lunch, moved next door to Toast for a slice of their lemon and poppyseed cake; which might I add is scumpilicious!

A lunch catch up almost turned into dinner if it wasn't for prior commitments getting in the way.

It was just wonderful passing a sunny Saturday by seeing old friends, reminiscing about the good ole times, watching the world go by and taking in all that a sunny, hot Saturday brings.

Catamaran at South Perth Foreshore

 

Beautiful summer day - not too hot, in fact a rather cool 26 degrees with a beautiful south westly breeze blowing, bf and I finally made it to the South Perth river front to go catamaraning.

The Surf Cats allows you to hire catamarans at $35 an hour and with the entertainment card we got two hours for the price of one! We got into our catamaran, named number #1 and sailed across the Swan River towards the city of Perth. Catching the wind in out sails we practiced going around markers and I have to say I was very surprised that I remembered a lot of my sailing lessons from my brief sailing lessons back in October/November/December 2010.

We had so much fun and will definitely be going back to do more or perhaps get our own sail boat.

Unfortunately though all the photos are on land after we finished our two hours, just the thought of cameras and phones getting wet or worse dropping them in the river is not cool.

Karringyup Swapmeet

I've been dedicated for the last two Sundays and waking up before the sun to sell my fashion treasures I don't wear at the Karringyup Swapmeet.

It's been a lot of fun and I'm getting addicted to it too quickly. It's quick pocket money. I just really wish people won't bargain so much especially as my stuff and my friends are actually pretty brand new and not junk unlike so other stalls that are set up. $15.00 for a well looked after and pretty brand new guess bag is already really good but asking for $10.. You are stealing!

Sigh. alas we have come back with cash and unlike last week, today people didn't bargain as much and we stood our ground a lot more.

Anyway, for those that wants to know it runs every Sunday. Get there by 5am and line up for a ticket for entrance. Ticket are numbered and that's how you would go in. Number 1 then 2.. Etc. Public can't enter until 630am. It runs until 11am.

I will be going back just before winter I think.

It's too much fun and makes my weekends seem longer.

Here a photo of our stall... And my friends MC and BB

Heatwave

The heatwave is killing me... I can't go to the gym... (too hot) and stupid bus drivers not putting on the air con for the bus and just the ridiculous 40+ degree Celsius heat for the whole week!

Argh...
I wish I can migrate to a cooler place while it's summer in Perth!

Oh summer nights..!

How I love balmy summer nights!

It's especially wonderful because that is when there is an air of excitement, an anticipation of romance, of dreams coming true, fairy-like lanterns lightings through the trees; of whimsical times.

Open air markets starts to appear. Stalls filled with lovely foods from across the globe, the air filled with the aromas of herbs, spices and smokey flavours.

Like a big open top restaurant, the live band plays in the corner, performing cover songs with acoustic guitars, while kids dance to their tunes, couples sit on the grass sharing plates of food, families making memories all in open skies filled with hues of orange, yellow and pinks.

And amongst all that, there are also stalls from bric-and-brac, of handmade trickets, treasures to be found and happy smiles all around.

Loving summer night markets.

William Street Festival

Sunday was the perfect day to host the Northbridge William Street Festival. A street festival heralding the cultures and artistic diversity that resides in Northbridge.

There were two stages that showcased an eclectic mix of local and global performance, dance, contemporary music and comedy, as well as roving performers and artisitic displays. Throughout the street there were food stalls, art and craft stalls, performers and places to sit to soak in the atmosphere and try some of the food.

Dancing in the street

Dragon Dancing - the ones that you usually see at Chinese resturant is lion dancing

I love things like this and am open to more of it because it brings the community together and shows that Perth does have a lot going on you just have to make an effort to go out and see and experience some of it.

lamb shanks, wine, summer lovin'

We realised that lamb shanks are usually a warm fuzzy winter's day dish, but sometimes when you want something hearty and it's an unusual cold summer's night that it was when we had this lovely homecooked meal nothing can be done but to cook it and enjoy it with the best of company.

My lovely cousin was kind enough to lend her house and was ever so ready to test out her skills in the kitchen and made the lovely lamb shanks, along with german dumplings (which I never really enjoyed too much, but I guess the gravy that was made just did the trick to improve what is otherwise just potato mash, flour/corn starch and water). The recipe she used was from taste.com.au , which I must admit is one of my favourite online cooking sites.

The lamb shank was cooked to perfection, the tender juicy meat just falling off the bone. I guess the only problem that I had was the lamb smell, which can't be helped I suppose.

Her housemates also made spiced stir-fried prawns and a chinese cabbage salad, although different from the European styling of the lamb was just delicious in its own rights.

Overall the evening was a success, good food, good company and a night of Cranium fun.

Life should always be an array of dinner parties. Especially homecooked ones in the comfort of good family and friends.

1 bride, 22 dresses and no groom, just wine!

Day 2 of MMXI and I am already loving it. Went all classy today at a hen's day (for the lovely, sweet and beautiful Lulu), wine tasting in the mini-margaret river, that is of course, the Swan Valley. Everyone that was important were there and all the ladies looked oh-so-lovely in their summery dresses.

The girls at Lancaster Winery

 

 

Almost all of us at Edgecombe Winery for lunch

 

Unfortunately these were the only photos I took. Too busy wine tasting and enjoying the moment (the way it should be I believe!).

Congratulations to Lulu for her BIG day on Friday. Although it was a HOT 39 DEGREES CELCIUS it was still a lovely day with some great wines, light lunch and of course a trip to the Swan Valley is NOT complete without heading to the chocolate factory.

So once again...

CONGRATULATIONS 

LULU!! 

Sailing

I've taken up sailing. Learning to sail at the UWA yacht club and I'm loving it.

It's been really nice to spend beautiful Saturday mornings on the Swan River and making new friends. I be sad to see the end of the course, which is in about 2 weeks time (it's a 5 weeks course).

Although, the only bad thing would be having to wake up early on a Saturday morning, other than that, it's been fantastic. Learning new skills, loving the water, and learning to read the winds and water. Hey, I get a certificate after this, so it's not all lost.

I'm thinking I might do the following course. It's so much fun.

Big Day Out

Summer time is one of those things where festivals reign supreme! Perth loves their summer festivals and the place is always pumped with energy!! The spirit of the festival fashion isn't always there though, with most people opting for.. well, no style.

But I'm glad to say that, amongst that 40 000 people at the Big Day Out, I saw a few number of people dressed very very nicely.Unfortunately, I didn't bring Chiro along, thus, no photos of the bands or people for that matter, I only had baby chiro with me and she's just not as fun and gets abused wayy too much that she chucks a tantrum and doesn't always take quality photos. T_T""

In terms of music, the best were; Kasabian, Calvin Harris, Powderfinger and Muse. I have no idea what dizzy rascals were about and it was... well... crap. Eskimo Joe are always good live, Kisschasey was surprisingly good, Hilltop Hoods were masters of making the crowd go crazy, the Mars Volta - I kind of tuned out, opps! and I missed Lilly Allen but according to my brother, she was very upright and crazy but her vocals just didn't carry. And I must say silent discos are crazy awesome, especially when everyone starts doing the macarena and people outside were like WTF. HA.

I leave you with photos from the day. You've been warned beforehand that there will not be any photos of bands - although I was quite close to the stage for Muse but no photos - it just doesn't work at BIG DAY OUT festivals. So just be happy with our smiley faces.

 

The two main stages and the "small" afternoon crowd

 

  

Waiting in line to get into the Silent Disco

At the Silent Disco

 

D & J awww brotherly love

 

  

At Calvin Harris and my poor attempt at the photos above the crowd - pfft like as if a five foot tall girl is going to get any shots - especially when the stage can't be properly seen... *SIGH*

 

  

  

Big Day Out at sunset - waiting for Powderfinger and Muse

 

When Powderfinger was performing

  

The Big Day Out mascot for this year - just before Muse was on - The stage was being set up

The following photos are my baby chiro's poor attempts at getting Muse. We were at the barrier which separated us from the mosh pit. At least there wasn't anyone covering the view. I could clearly see them.

 

  

  

Yes, I do realise that it is about ONE week late. Oh wells, I've been busy. I hope everyone else that went to BDO enjoyed themselves. 

little pretty madhatter's playsuit

One would think at a tea party in King's Park or any park for that matter on a glorious summer day (where it isn't 43 degrees!) this outfit is the maddest of all mad-hatter's tea party outfit.. well in a more "pretty" sort of way!

 

  

  

I can imagine myself frolicking through wildflowers, rolling down green-grassed hills and having picnic on the red and black checkered rug next to an open woven hamper filled with yummy treats like fairy cupcakes, curry-egg sandwiches, any sandwiches for that matter, berry muffins, glorious tea and all eaten on fine china.

*SIGH*

I have yet to do it, but it will be one of my goals before Mr. "Frost" comes through.


Playsuit: Alannah Hill "my little tea party playsuit"
Headband: Diva
Sunglasses: Vintage Rayban's
Watch: DKNY