Lady Sadie's Emporium

Will You Marry Me?

2011-08-12T02:28:00.000+03:00

I love New York City, I love romance and I love Tiffany & Co and I love this short film by Ed Burns...

10 Things You Didn't Know About Me

2011-08-11T06:37:00.000+03:00

I've been in Australia now for nearly 4 weeks and am absolutely loving it! I spend most of my time at my parents new house about 1 1 /2 hours outside of Sydney and make sure I get up to Sydney every week for a couple of days. It's been wonderful catching up with family and friends and I know it's going to be so hard to leave; but I have a wonderful man waiting for Lady Sadie and I in Doha and we can't wait to see him again!

So over the last few weeks I've actually been thinking whether or not to continue my blog. I haven't updated anything since returning to Australia but last week I was tagged in my good friend Sarah's blog Grenglish and I know she's counting on me to write this.

So here goes!

10 Things You Didn't Know About Me

1.My strong love of country music started about 15 years ago with the introduction of cable TV to Australia. While channel surfing one afternoon I came across CMT and it changed my life. When I was younger I was sometimes embarrassed to admit my love of all things country music but now I don't care! I'll happily try and convert any of my friends and Mr D into loving it as much as I do! Oh and by the way I LOVED Keith Urban years before Nicole ever knew his name!

2. My dream job for as long as I can remember was to be a primary school teacher. I think my fascination with teaching began with my love for Anne of Green Gables and around the same time my Dad converted our play room into a class room for me complete with a massive chalk board on the wall. I would play schools for hours and hours and I'll admit I played schools long after I was probably too old to play! And finally my life long dream is coming true. I enrolled in university to study primary school education. It's going to take me a few years and some hard work to complete but as Mr D told me not too long ago he hasn't seen me as happy as what I am when I'm studying (my obvious happiness with being a Mum and Wife aside!).

3. I have had a massive fear of clowns for as long as I can remember. I don't know why I do and I don't know how I can ever overcome this fear. Even searching for the picture above and downloading it literally made me shake with fear! I hate taking Sadie to the circus for fear of clowns, I scream out loud when I unexpectedly see a clown on TV and I have been known to run screaming and crying from the Moulin Rouge show in Paris when about 100 clowns came out on to the stage! Clowns are evil....pure evil!

4. I love all things celebrity! And I've always wanted to be famous and I mean really famous! I dream of being a movie star or a rock star and I know it will never happen and try and try and try not to make sure that I dream of Sadie being famous one day but sometimes my imagination gets the better of me and I imagine her accepting an Oscar and thanking me for supporting her, while I beam proudly from the front row seats (she'll take me as her date to her first Oscars and not her future husband Knox Pitt)....sad I know. Reading this back I'm embarrassed but hey I'm just being honest!

5. Not even my closest friends can believe that I can get painfully shy. If I'm surrounded by people I feel comfortable with then I can be the life of the party and love being the centre of attention...however, get me amongst a new crowd and I get very anxious. If Mr D and I go to a function where I don't know anyone I make sure he does not leave my side until I feel comfortable and safe. If I'm going out with friends and I don't know many people at the party I would rather make up some excuse not to go than have the fear of being stuck on my own with no one to talk too. I think a lot of times people have misjudged me and have described me as arrogant and up myself but I'm far from that, I just really get shy sometimes.

6. This is my dream hair and I hope I will one day be able to have hair like this. I've had short hair for most of my adult life and about a year ago I decided I was going to grow my hair while I was still young enough to carry it off. Mr D loves my long locks but most days I wish to cut it all off as it's so much easier but...I will persevere...

7. My big addiction in life (apart from Diet Coke) is designer handbags. I bought my first Louis Vuitton when I was backpacking, yes backpacking around Europe (as you do?!) and I haven't stopped. I've grown quite the collection and I'm head over heels in love with them all BUT I could never dream of buying expensive clothes! Weird!!!! I'm more than happy to shop at H&M, GAP & Dorothy Perkins for my clothes but the thought of spending say $700 on a pair of jeans is crazy to me!

8. If I was ever famous enough to write my own biography it would be called "Fake Hair, Real Tits"

9. My dream destination holiday is to experience an African Safari. Living in the Middle East and being that little bit closer to Africa means that my dream will eventually come true. I'd like to wait till Lady Sadie is old enough to appreciate it all.

10. Over the last few weeks I've been struggling with the decision as to whether or not I should continue blogging. I always write for myself and I really enjoy it but at the same time you always hope that other people are reading your blog. I look at my stat pages and I see that quite a lot of people read my blog each month which is exciting however after seeing the fast success of my blogging pals St Murphy and Grenglish I wonder where I'm going wrong as both their blogs while recently new are massive successes. I look at my inspiration blogs that I read on a daily basis, these blogs have thousands of followers and yes I know they've been blogging a lot longer than me and I kind of wonder if that will happen to me...So today I'm at a cross roads do I keep on going or do I say goodbye?

Homeward Bound

2011-07-17T20:38:00.000+03:00

All my bags are packed I'm ready to go...

My blog will be a little quiet this week as tomorrow I'm heading home, back to Australia for 6 weeks of living it up with family and friends!

Once I'm over the jet lag (give me a day or two) I'll be back with gusto with plenty to share about my fun adventures! My diary is already filling up fast and I can not begin to tell you how excited I am to see everyone again! I'm also excited to be going home to a nice cold winter, my newly bought Hunter boots are waiting for me and I can't wait to start wearing some winter clothes!

The only thing I'm not looking forward to is saying goodbye to Mr D who has to stay behind for work. I absolutely hate being apart from him and even more so I hate that he can't be with Lady Sadie every day but we knew going in to this expat adventure that there were going to be times apart...but still...there will be lots of tears tomorrow.

So kiss me and smile for me

Tell me that you'll wait for me

Hold me like you'll never let me go

My Week...Through the lens of my iPhone

2011-07-15T11:12:00.000+03:00

Wordless Wednesdays

2011-07-13T11:51:00.000+03:00

*Image - Bing

It's All About Chevron

2011-07-12T14:48:00.000+03:00

We have been living in our current house for 18 months now. When we first moved here from Abu Dhabi, Mr D and I both felt we wanted to live in a small compound as we had come from an extremely large compound in Abu Dhabi, you couldn't even really call it a compound it was it's own mini city of sorts and we LOVED it but wanted a change in Doha. Big mistake....huge!

Our little compound here in Doha is TERRIBLE! We live in a brand new house but you'd think it was built circa 1982, the finishes are shocking, we have huge power outages every other week, the house is ruled by a large tribe of ants and really I could go on and on but I won't, otherwise I might start to cry!

So for the last 18 months, pretty much since the day we moved in I've made it my hobby to go house hunting! And let me tell you I've found some absolute shockers in my journey and some beauties! One of my all time fave houses here in Doha you can rent for a mere $20,000 a month!

You may ask why we haven't moved out? Well it's really hard to do that here in the Middle East, you see you pay your rent in advance and you have to sign on for a 2 year lease which means we paid 2 years rent in full the day we moved in and unless we leave the country and our visa is cancelled we'd never see that money back again so we're stuck here for another 6 months.

But that's ok, I can live with it because I have something much nicer to look forward to! A couple of weeks ago I stumbled across a new compound being built on the other side of Doha - about 20 minutes drive from where we are currently. The house is brilliant, very modern, great finishes, you can tell that a westerner has designed it and it ticks all our boxes! There are 200 currently for rent and Mr D and I have all our fingers and toes crossed that there will still be some available when it comes time for us to move.

What gets me most excited about this new house is 1. it's literally a 2 minute drive to Sadie's new school and 2. it means I get to RE-DECORATE!!!!!!!! Yay!!!!

We are keeping our furniture because I love the pieces we have collected over the last 3 years which I mix up with pieces we bought from Ikea (yes Ikea sells more than just ugly pine furniture!) but I'm going to re-do the soft furnishings...new curtains, rugs, sofa covers, throw pillows, paint the walls etc...

My current fave trend at the moment is Chevron stripes, they are very in vogue right now and I love it because it plays to my obsession with stripes and my love of mixing both traditional and contemporary. I've been collecting images for inspiration and hope that by this Christmas my new abode will resemble the following...

Images

1. Real Living

2. Unknown

3. Unknown

4. Unknown

5. Unknown

6. Where the Sidewalk Begins

7. Cote de Texas

8. Domino

9. Real Living

10. The Decorista

Lining Up

2011-07-10T17:27:00.000+03:00

This image is like porn for me!

From the pages of the New York Times style section...

My Week...Through the lens of my iPhone

2011-07-09T10:57:00.000+03:00

Love Etc.

2011-07-08T22:57:00.000+03:00

What could have me posting twice in one day you ask?

The trailer for this new documentary...

The trailer alone had me tearing up, I can't wait to see this.

Sarah
x

Why I Love Doha.....Sometimes

2011-07-08T09:53:00.000+03:00

As you know we are expats living in Doha, Qatar. Three years ago Mr D, Lady Sadie and I moved to Abu Dhabi in the UAE and after 18 months and a retrenchment we moved next door to Doha.

We are here for the cash and that's it. Mr D earns a good salary and it's tax free and we are here to set ourselves up for the future.

Somedays I find it hard living here, women can be treated like 2nd class citizens most of the time, we live in the worlds largest sand-pit and there isn't a great deal to do.

BUT...living here does afford us a wonderful lifestyle as far as getting to eat out in great restaurants, being able to go to the Ritz Carlton to swim and work out, having a housekeeper and being close enough to Europe to travel and see the rest of the world. So really I can't complain. I know I'm a very lucky woman to live the life that I do and what I love most is that since Sadie was 2 months old she has been living in different countries and is experiencing a way of life that most of us have to wait years to do if ever.

What does get me down sometimes are the locals. In the three years that I've been living in the Middle East I've had my fair share of run ins with them. I believe that no matter where you come from, how much you earn, what religion you practice, we should all be treated as equals. This is not the case with most locals. So when I see something out of the ordinary, something really beautiful I need to share as this is what makes living here worth it.

Last night we were walking around the Virgin Megastore waiting to go and see a movie. Rhianna was blaring over the speakers, Mr D was looking at new laptops and Lady Sadie had an armful of DVD's begging us to buy them for her. Then out of no where I hear the sound of a piano being played, I turned around to see where it was coming from and I saw a local Qatari sitting at one of the piano's playing beautiful music. A lot of other people in the store heard it to and slowly a small crowd started to gather around him. He played a few songs and I started to well up with tears. You see this is quite strange for a local to do something like this and I was pleasantly surprised. The guy turned to me and saw that I was crying a little bit (I'm such a sap!) and asked me what song I would like to hear. I asked him if he knew the theme to Love Story as it's my favorite movie and favorite piece of music and this is what I saw...

This really made my week, I know to most of you it will just look like some guy playing the piano. But if you knew some of the things that happen in this part of the world, to see something like this really is a treat and something very special.

Have a lovely weekend

Sarah

Steak Slice with Lemon and Thyme

2011-07-07T10:27:00.000+03:00

It's no secret that I love Nigella Lawson, I have all of her cook books and am constantly using them for either simple meals at home or for entertaining (as you can see in my previous posts 1, 2, 3 and 4). I think she and I share the same food philosophy and I think actually we would be friends...if of course we ever met (something Mr D would love, he's got a major crush!).

Tonight I cooked Nigella's steak slice with lemon and thyme. I cook steak once a week in our house as it's good for you but more importantly the Australian meat that is shipped over to Doha is of restaurant quality and I pay half the price of what I would back home so it makes sense to eat all the good stuff while we can!

However, because we eat steak so regularly, I felt I needed to change things up a little. Normally I serve steak as it is, with either salad or vege's and I was getting a little bored which lead me to this recipe.

I had made this once before about 3 years ago and had completely forgotten about it - what an idiot I am because it's got to be the best way to eat steak (except maybe my other fave... steak with bernaise!).

If you're a lover of steak, I urge you to try this at home, it's really easy and quick and tastes so darn good!

Sarah
x

You can follow the recipe I used here.

Kate Moss wears Galliano

2011-07-06T10:47:00.000+03:00

I have to say I've never been the biggest fan of Kate Moss much to the horror of my sister. I did eagerly wait however to see what her wedding gown would look like. There were rumors flying around that she was going to have one of those big fat gypsy weddings and that seemed to be true when Kate stepped out in this ensemble for her rehearsal dinner!

But on the day Kate reigned supreme. She looked absolutely stunning in a custom made Galliano gown. Now I've always adored Galliano's designs but after his recent episode I've turned against him. Kate and Galliano have been long time friends so I understand why she would choose him to design her gown.

The beading on her dress and the colour of the gown reminds me very much of my own wedding gown. The highlight for me was Kate's veil. It is sublime, I adore it. In fact I'm putting it out there that it is the best wedding veil I have ever seen!

I have no doubt there are thousands of brides to be taking inspiration from Kate Moss right now!

Sarah

New Fitness Regime

2011-07-04T12:01:00.000+03:00

Today I'm starting this...

*Download the app here

So I can eventually look like this...

*I think Mr D will be suitably impressed

And NEVER end up like this...

*Major gunt alert!

My inspiration is this amazing new blog My Mum Runs

My Week...Through the lens of my iPhone

2011-07-01T10:05:00.000+03:00

If you have an iPad or an iPhone, I'm guessing you have the instagram application and if you don't you should download it!

I'm always snapping away on my iPhone so thought each Friday I'd share with you my week through the lens of my iPhone.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

x

The Icon

2011-06-30T11:39:00.001+03:00

It's no secret I love a good nautical stripe - if I were to show you every single piece of nautical stripe in my wardrobe I would be embarrassed as there is just too much of it!

While reading Matchbook Magazine today I came across this article that just sums up this piece of iconic fashion to a 't'!

*Image and Article via Matchbook Magazine

My Hair & Beauty Essentials

2011-06-29T10:56:00.000+03:00

I have an addiction, a very strong addiction, one that was passed on to me by my very own Mother! Now before you have me packed off to rehab let me share with you what this addiction is...makeup, skincare and hair products!

I'm obsessed! I love makeup, I love how I can change the way my face looks to suit what I'm wearing or what kind of mood I'm in. I love playing around with different colours and techniques and you will NEVER see me leave the house without at least a bit of mascara, foundation and my eyebrows done. My daytime look at the moment is dewy skin, nude eyes, pink cheeks and bright pop of colour on the lips. At night I still like to play up my eyes and keep my lips neutral.

Before entering the world of advertising, I actually worked as a Beauty Therapist. There were parts of the job I hated, like giving a woman a bikini wax who'd been wearing stockings all day! However, one of my favourite treatments were facials and helping women (and some men) overcome any skin issues they had. I still go back and forth about wanting to open up my own Salon one day...

I have been using Ella Bache since I was about 13 however I can't get it here in Doha and it's too much of a pain to have it shipped over to me so for the last 3 years I've been trying out different skin care lines to see if I can find anything as good as Elle Bache. Nothing compares to my love of Ella however surprisingly the Sephora range has come close!

Here are my beauty essentials that I'm into right now...

Daisy for Day and Coco for Night

Maybelline's The Falsies Mascara - excellent volume!

My go to foundation is always MAC Studio Fix and I've been playing around with the dewy look this summer.

I have frizzy hair so using Frederik Fekkai's protein spray is a must everyday and to play up my curls I use KMS Sea Salt Spray and when going out I use heat protectant & serum to help straighten my hair. I also have a huge love of Elnett Satin Hairspray!

I'm right into bold bright lips this summer!

The Sephora Skin Care Range and Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream - every person in the world should own a tube of Eight Hour Cream!

I can't stand that fake tan orange oompa loompa look BUT to give my skin a slight glow I use Lancaster light bronzing toner on my face and Sephora tinted body moisturizer for my legs and arms.

What are your hair and beauty essentials?

Room With A View...Sorry.. A Pool

2011-06-28T09:38:00.000+03:00

It's not everyday you come across a piece of property like this! A pool in the living room! And it can be all yours for just under $11,000,000. I absolutely love it! The decor is incredibly eclectic and just screams to have a chic party there at least once a week with Manhattan's bohemian social set!

*Images via Wall Street Journal Online

They Say It's Your Birthday....

2011-06-27T17:16:00.000+03:00

My 33rd birthday last Thursday would have to go down as one of the greatest that I've celebrated. Not because of the material things like pressies...although I did score in that department, no it was a birthday full of old traditions and the start of new ones.

I need to take you back to when I was a little girl growing up on the outskirts of Sydney. Every year for my birthday my Dad would play this song for me on our old record player and we'd all dance around the kitchen before breakfast and before the opening of presents. My Dad is a man of few words but the memory I have of listening to that song and seeing my Dad dancing around is one of my fondest memories. Unfortunately when we moved house and with the invention of the CD player that tradition kind of fell by the wayside but each year I'd always think about that song and for the life of me I couldn't remember the name of the song or who sang it.

For some reason this year I was determined to find that song. I started off by calling my parents - they of course remembered the tradition but could not remember the song. I then moved on to Google and You Tube...no luck. As a last resort I put a plea out on Facebook...still nothing. And then....my Mum called me on Skype she was in hysterics (the good kind) Dad had managed to find the original record!!!!! After all these years Dad had kept that record...I burst into tears! There we were, my parents sitting in Sydney, Lady Sadie and I in Doha and we were all singing and bopping around to that silly old song, a silly old song that I will now play for Lady Sadie every year on her birthday.

What song is it I hear you ask...well check it out for yourself! Tony Christie's "Happy Birthday Baby". What a film clip! He was the snazziest of dressers back then ole Tony!

The 2nd reason this is the best birthday ever...Mr D's cousin Jesse gave birth to a beautiful boy! Little Rocco Jack was welcomed into the world on his due date...my birthday. I couldn't think of a better person to share my birthday with. I can't wait till I'm home in July for a million cuddles with this little boy. I've already gone on a shopping spree for him and he'll always be the most spoilt by me because I'll never forget his birthday!

A few weeks ago I got an email from my good friend Ciara who lives in Abu Dhabi she had decided that she wanted to come to Doha for a visit and what better time than my birthday. I counted down the days until Ciara arrived in Doha with her funny and charming husband Rory and her two gorgeous boys Rian & Orin. We celebrated big time over the weekend. First off on Thursday night with a dinner at Japanese restaurant Sakura followed by many drinks at Orion bar. Also there to celebrate was Alexandria of Qatar who indulged me in my love of a cheeky barcardi breezer at the end of the night. Not to mention she came armed with gifts, an official William and Catherine tea towel and a Gretchen Christine lip gloss (we share a mutual love of The Real Housewives franchise).

It was a brilliant weekend, we laughed and partied hard and even though we've only known Rory & Ciara for a couple of years it felt like we have known each other a life time, the four of us just mesh well together and I can't wait to see them again soon! There is talk of a trip to Ireland next Summer...

All Class

Finally something truly amazing happend on my birthday....Mr D sent me flowers. Mr D and I have been together for 6 years and in that time he has NEVER EVER bought me flowers! Now don't judge the man. He is pretty much the perfect husband, unbelievable kind, generous and loving but just lacking in the flower department. Well all that changed on Thursday morning when there was a knock at the door. I was floored! Never expected it and promptly burst into tears! Thank you Mr D for spoiling me and surprising me!

So all in all, it was a brilliant way to turn 33. It was spent with great friends and my amazing husband and of course Lady Sadie! She bought me the new Lady Gaga CD which I'm told I need to share with her!

I'm looking forward to the next 12 months and celebrating again in style next year!

x

Made My Day

2011-06-21T09:38:00.000+03:00

I'm a busy little bee this morning. Packed 2 lunches, got my big kid and my little kid off to work and school. Had 15 minutes to myself to eat breakfast and catch up on E! News and now I'm off to run some errands and get ready for my birthday this weekend.

I'm so excited this year for my birthday, not because I'm turning 33 (ahhhh where did the years go!) but because our great friends "The Irish Contingent" are arriving for a fun-filled weekend in Doha. It's going to be an action packed weekend full of food, drinking, swimming and I'm sure yelling and chasing after 3 kids 3 years and under!

What has made my day today and it's only 9.26am is the fact that one of my brilliant and amazing friends who just happens to be a blogger has written a beautiful post today marking her 3 month stint in blogging. I've written about Grenglish before which you can see here. It warmed my heart to read Sarah's post today because I never realised what a big part I played in getting Grenglish off the ground. It just goes to show when you love and support your friends, they feel encouraged to try things that they never thought they'd do!

Sarah & I back in the day thinking that we were absolutely hilarious!

I haven't seen Sarah in 10 years - it's been a long time between drinks and thankfully we were able to reconnect through Facebook and now through blogging. I hope to one day soon be able to visit Sarah in London, meet her gorgeous little boy and husband and have some outrageous fun!

So anyway, that's just my little post today, it's put me in a fantastic mood and now I'm ready to face the dreaded desert heat!

Farmstead Chic

2011-06-20T10:50:00.000+03:00

Somedays I dream about going country....moving from a big city to a small town where I have lots and lots of space around me, enough room for a heap of dogs, cats, cows and horses.

I dream about baking pies everyday and letting them rest on my windowsill, about watching the sunset each evening on my massive wrap around verandah and heading to the local pub on a Saturday night to hang with the locals.

If I were to ever move to the country, I think this is what my house would look like...

*Images from Rue Magazine

I'm bored...

2011-06-18T10:52:00.000+03:00

*Image via here

I'm bored today...My Mum always told me that the word 'bored' is not part of her vocabulary, that there was always something you could find to do.

But none the less, I'm bored!

Living in Doha is like living in a small country town but with sky scrapers. There's not a great deal to do here other than shop, eat and swim. Normally we spend our weekends laying by the pool which I love! This week however the weather in the desert has been hideous, incredibly hot, really windy which means lots of sand and dust flying around, not ideal for relaxing by the pool!

I love to read, so this afternoon I'm going to curl up on the day bed and read my Kobo which will be nice and relaxing but I would so much rather be in a hammock, by the sea reading...

Happy Weekend

2011-06-17T14:53:00.000+03:00

Image via Pinterest

Every Day Waves

2011-06-16T15:45:00.000+03:00

Next week I'll be turning 33. One of my golden rules is that older women (late 40's and on) shouldn't have long hair so whilst I'm still in my 30's and heading towards my 40's I've decided to grow my hair.

Living in the desert where most days the humidity is hovering around 80%, it's hard to have long flowing locks because I have frizz ball hair and even though each day I wake up with the best intentions to 'do' my hair, I always either pull it back into a messy bun or try and style it but not very well and end up with a massive mop of waves.

My dream hair is this...

Now I'm getting there...I've got the dark brown locks but I'm still growing out my fringe (why oh why do I keep on getting a fringe?!) and I need to add another few centimeters to the length.

Today I came across this great tutorial on how to do the every day wave.

Now Lauren Conrad has made this look pretty damn easy but I'm not so sure but it's something I'm willing to give a try! I'd also like to learn how to curl my hair with my GHD straightener. I will look out for a video to post another day.

What is your dream hair style?

Sweet Potato & Chicken Casserole

2011-06-15T10:29:00.000+03:00

The weather in Doha is really heating up, most days it's in the mid 40's however there have been a couple of days where it's hit 50! So I have no idea why when it's so hot that I feel like wintery comfort food!

Perhaps it's getting myself prepared for 6 weeks in Australia during winter. Lady Sadie and I are heading back home to escape the heat and spend some quality time with family and friends. My parents have just moved from Sydney to a gorgeous little town about 1 1/2 hours from the city where I've been told it's going to be a bitterly cold winter...perhaps even snow! My little desert baby won't know whats hit her!

Last week while I was looking for recipes online I came across this meal from Taste. I made it last night and it was superb! The chicken was as tender as can be and the sweetness from the potatoes and caramelized onions worked perfectly with the strong taste of the fennel and mustard.

You can download the recipe here.

Enjoy!
x

Polo Anyone?

2011-06-13T12:27:00.001+03:00

Now this is the kind of polo event I'd like to be at! Unlimited bottles of champagne were served last Saturday at the Veuve Cliquot Polo Classic on Governors Island, New York.

I'm sure more people were paying attention to the fashion than what was happening on the field. A dazzling array of headwear, amazing dresses and even more amazing shoes were on display with New York Society fashion elite!

Have A Great Weekend

2011-06-10T17:59:00.001+03:00

Hello my lovelies!

We have done our usual Friday thing which is hanging out by the pool all day! Even though temperatures have reached 50 this week I'm still in the mood for a hearty winter dish so tonight we're having...

Image from Jules Stonesoup

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Magazine Round Up

2011-06-09T10:28:00.000+03:00

I'm ADDICTED to magazines, can't get enough. Here's what I'm reading at the moment...

Lonny Magazine

Matchbook Magazine

Harper's Bazaar Arabia

Vanity Fair

Elle Decor

Grazia Middle East

Celebrity Real Estate Stalking - Katy Perry & Russell Brand

2011-06-08T17:11:00.000+03:00

If you could describe the house where Katy Perry & Russell Brand live...what would it look like? Bright colours? A strippers pole in the master bedroom? Miniature ponies running wild in the back yard? Well if this is the case then think again!

Perry & Brand recently put their Los Feliz property on the market for $3.4 million and what a beauty this property is!

The majestic, nearly 5,000 square-foot home, was built in 1922, features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a DIVINE gourmet kitchen, a library and brilliant views of LA. The master suite is "ballroom sized" (not a stripper pole in-sight!) and the gorgeous french doors provide access to the beautiful landscape grounds and very posh looking pool!

Images via Trulia

The Kardashians do Katy Perry

2011-06-02T18:15:00.000+03:00

I had really good intentions today to write a good piece on all the new digital magazines out there but....I've come down with a severe ear infection and have a very short attention span at the moment!

Do you love the Kardashians? They are my guilty pleasure!

I came across this music clip that the whole family made while on vacation in Bora Bora.

Enjoy!
x

Friendship

2011-05-31T15:42:00.000+03:00

This little blog of mine has been a little quiet of late because for the last couple of weeks I've been hosting my best friend Sarah here in Doha.

We had the most brilliant two weeks together laughing and catching up.

Sarah Squared out in the middle of the desert!

Sarah and I have been friends for almost 20 years and we know each other inside out. Her visit couldn't have come at a better time. A few days before she arrived I suffered a miscarriage - my 2nd in as many months and I knew that having Sarah around would cheer me up and help me get out of my slump. Sarah and I have been there for each other through some rough patches in our lives and we've always got each others back. The loyalty that we both have for each other is unbreakable and although we don't get to see each other very much we always pick up where we left off.

Sarah said to me while she was here "Friendships are either for a reason, a season or a lifetime" our friendship certainly falls under the lifetime category.

Do have have friendships that have only lasted a season? Have you ever had to end a friendship?

I have recently ended a friendship here in Doha. In May, Matt was retrenched from his job and it looked like we would be moving back to Australia. I had wanted to end this friendship for a while but found it very difficult to do as I don't like to hurt people's feelings, and I genuinely had a great time with her! I thought I could take the cowards way out when it looked like we were moving back home and just end all contact. However, thankfully Matt secured a new role here and we are now staying. Mmm but what to do about that friendship....

I have known for a while that this person wasn't a good fit for my life. I believe that friends should be loyal and no matter what is happening in their life you should support them and be there for them. I felt that I was always there for this person, I always had her back and encouraged her in whatever she wanted to do in life but I didn't feel I had that in return. My amazing husband made it crystal clear to me as I was struggling with the fact that perhaps it was me and not her. He told me to have a look at the people in her life and all that she had fallen out with and it made me realise that it wasn't me at all, that she had her own issues to deal with. Perhaps our friendship was for a reason. I learnt the true value of friendship and now look at my friends who I have had for such a long time and know not to take them for granted. I look at the new friends I have made after moving to the Middle East and look forward to them growing and lasting for a long time.

I think everyone has made mistakes in friendships, I know I certainly have! But I think there comes a time in life when it's not about the number of friends you have but the quality of your friendships and I believe they are like a marriage - you have to work at them to make them successful.

I now feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel free from the bullshit to put it bluntly!

So here ends a pretty heavy tale of friendship, and one I have debated for a while to write about but I think writing can be like therapy and you know what... I just needed to get that one off my chest!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T12:03:00.000+03:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the yummy mummy's out there! I hope you are all spoiled rotten!

Most especially a happy mother's day to my amazing Mum and Mother In Law who are back home in Australia and who I miss so much every day!

You have both taught me so much and I will forever be grateful!

xxx

Be Awesome - Have A Great Weekend!

2011-05-06T10:03:00.000+03:00

MET Costume Institute Gala 2011

2011-05-05T10:57:00.000+03:00

The MET Gala is one of those events that I eagerly wait for every year to see what the 'it' girls are wearing. I have always dreamed of being a designer's muse, it will never ever happen but I will always fantasize that these three guys will fight over me to wear their clothes exclusively...

And my favourite dresses of the night...

Flirty Fuchsia

2011-05-03T10:06:00.001+03:00

When I was a little girl I adored hot pink! Even into my teens I loved it and had my parents paint my room a very pale pink with fuchsia borders.

As I grew into womanhood my love of hot pink fell by the way side, I felt that it was too immature and girlie.

So I'm not sure why it is now, perhaps it's Lady Sadie's influence (she likes to tell me constantly that pink is her fave colour) or perhaps it's my infatuation with my hot pink chanel lipsticks; but for some reason I've recently become obsessed with fuchsia!

A few different shades of pink!

My toes are currently rocking this OPI shade

Currently on my wish list...

TopShop Belt

There are just no words...

Stripes and Pink how can I resist!

And pink in the home!

Scones

2011-05-01T15:07:00.000+03:00

I've only been baking for a short amount of time, and each time I begin a new recipe I get very nervous that the whole thing is going to fall to pieces.

My nerves were probably double today as I tried my hand at baking scones. I've wanted to bake scones for quite a while but thought for sure I'd end up with lopsided scones that were hard as rocks.

The baking angels must have been looking over me today because what came out of the oven was absolutely scrumptious! So light and fluffy and incredibly moreish, Mr D and I shared one scone and have put the rest in an air tight container where I know they'll be gently whispering my name begging me to eat some more!

The best tips for making scones is to ensure that your butter is extremely cold - I actually put my butter in the freezer for 10 minutes before hand and the AC at full blast in the kitchen. I also used a food processor to pulse my dry ingredients with the butter and tried not to over mix the dough at all. You have to treat this dough with kid gloves!

I realised too late that I don't own an appropriate cutter so used egg rings instead and perhaps my scones could have been a little thicker but all in all they turned out utterly cute as pie and incredibly delicious dolloped with a healthy dose of strawberry jam and cream.

I had wanted to bake these scones for my Royal Wedding Party on Friday but my nerves got the better of me but thankfully Alexa brought along some divine blueberry scones which she made from a Martha Stewart recipe.

Here is the recipe I used and please don't feel afraid to try your hand at these - it takes literally 20 minutes to prepare and bake the scones which is far quicker than getting in the car and driving to the bakery!

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T17:44:00.000+03:00

What a beautiful wedding! I think I cried more today watching Catherine and William get married than I did on my own day! Seeing the hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets waving their flags was awe inspiring.

But let's get down to business...the dress!

I was hoping all along that Kate would wear McQueen and she didn't disappoint! Sarah Burton has most definitely put herself on the map now and I couldn't be happier. I'm in love with the fabulous lace applique bodice inspired by Grace Kelly's wedding gown.

Kate's tiara was her 'something borrowed' from the Queen, a 1936 diamond 'halo' tiara by Cartier and her stunning pear-shaped diamond earrings were a gift from her parents designed by Robinson Pelham.

You just know that wherever they are Diana and Alexander McQueen are toasting the happy couple with champagne.

Royal Wedding Gowns

2011-04-28T11:47:00.000+03:00

On the Eve of the Royal Wedding tomorrow I thought I would share some of the spectacular royal wedding gowns over the years.

Which is your favourite?

For me it will always be Princess Grace of Monaco followed closely by Princess Mary of Denmark as she was an ordinary Aussie girl who married her Prince, a real life fairy tale!

Princess Grace of Monaco

Diana Princess of Wales

Princess Mary of Denmark

Princess Victoria of Sweden

Princess Maxima of the Netherlands

Princess Anne

Princess Margaret

Queen Elizabeth

Countess Sophie of Wessex

Sarah Ferguson

Friends Weddings

2011-04-27T09:46:00.000+03:00

Today I have two guest bloggers. First up Sarah Pylas from Grenglish shares memories from her wedding day last year in London.

Our wedding day, well, it felt like the final piece of the puzzle. Our relationship was great and we had Zachy already but getting married completed the circle and I definitely felt more safe and secure in our little family after that. The wedding day itself was lovely, only 30 people. We did it at Marylebone Registry Office, where all the rock stars go hehehe, and then had a reception at The Landmark Hotel. It was perfect, no big fuss on the day but I didn't feel I needed any of that. I loved our wedding day, really was just perfect.

And now Alexa from Alexandria in Qatar, I've only known Alexa for a little under a year but we clicked immediately over our love of shoes, handbags and cocktails. Alexa is married to the very talented photographer Mark Arnold who also has a brilliant blog!

I had always heard women refer to their wedding day as, 'the best day of my life' but for some reason, I was convinced that my wedding day would not live up to the expectation. How could it? All that planning, time, effort and stress culminating in one flawless evening? I didn't want to expect too much for fear of being disappointed but in short, my wedding day was absolutely perfect and I would not have changed a single thing.
I don't know if my wedding was different from others but from the start, my (now) husband and I knew exactly what we wanted and we both played an equal role in its planning; having a fiance who was as concerned about the flower arrangements, escort cards, napkin colour and cake layer flavours was a blessing when you needed help deciding but a real pain if you couldn't agree on the same thing! Everything, bar my dress and his suit, was a joint effort from start to finish and I can honestly say that we planned (and pulled off) the best party we have ever hosted. From our own design invitations to the glorious September weather, our expertly executed (and well practised) first dance, vintage teapot table arrangements (thanks to months of scouring ebay), perfectly cooked coconut shrimp, Beef Wellington, ice cream sandwiches and the well-received basket of flip flops we set out for sore feet - everything went down without a hitch.
One of the highlights of the evening had to be when the amazing band we hired began to play 'Bad Romance' by Lady Gaga and every single person in the room got up on their feet and onto the dance floor, the energy was unbelievable. I just stood in the middle of it all and thought, 'this is my wedding, and it's awesome'.

Country Wedding

2011-04-26T13:38:00.000+03:00

I can't stop looking at these photos. How amazingly beautiful does this wedding look?

A communal table for 100...I've never seen anything like that - GENIUS!

I love the relaxed feel of the reception, it's not structured or overdone but so elegant and chic at the same time. I think the yellow fabric used here ties in so well with nature as the backdrop.

Brilliant idea of using one color as the central theme and having different styles of dress for the bridal party, again relaxed and elegant.

Saving on paper and printing costs! Adore!

The centre pieces look like they've just been plucked from the garden, simply stunning.

*Images via Style Me Pretty

Today I've been daydreaming about becoming a wedding planner. I think it would be such a wonderful job to create a beautiful day for couples but I think I'd be too scared of the bridezilla's!

Making an Entrance

2011-04-25T16:37:00.000+03:00

I have watched this clip on You Tube a thousand times. It always makes me smile and I always cry when the groom enters!

I also found some other gems on You Tube today for your viewing pleasure!

I can totally imagine Lady Sadie and Mr D doing some kind of routine like this on her wedding day!

Our Wedding Day

2011-04-24T11:47:00.000+03:00

I love a good wedding, always have, always will. This Friday Prince William and Catherine Middleton will marry in what is sure to be the wedding of the century! I can not wait! So this week I decided that my blog is going to be all about weddings. And where better to start than my own wedding day.

I think anyone who knows me well would assume that I would have had the monumental bridezilla's about me. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I like to be the centre of attention, however, contrary to popular belief I happened to be one of the most relaxed brides to be because....I had my amazing Mum organize the whole wedding!

At the time Mr D and I were living in Melbourne and being both from Sydney we wanted to get married in our home town. I had never actually dreamed about having a big wedding but once we were engaged and Mr D said he wanted to get married at his school chapel the wedding got a life of it's own and what started out as an intimate ceremony and reception turned into an event for 140 guests.

Thankfully, Mum and I have the exact same taste when it comes to pretty much everything in life so I put all my trust in her to design a beautiful wedding that had a vintage and classic feel and nothing too OTT so I wouldn't look back in 20 years and regret anything!

Really the only thing that I was in charge of was my dress. I had made a few appointments at bridal stores in Melbourne and hated the whole experience - too many bridezilla's in one room squeezing themselves into sample dresses! I flew to Sydney and Mum and I visited a few bridal boutiques but still I couldn't find my dream dress. Enter my Sister and a costume designer for the Australian Ballet. My amazing sister, designed my dress and through people I knew in Melbourne I was introduced to Alexis George a young costume designer working for the Australian Ballet. Alexis agreed to make my dress while also working full-time at the ballet. It took her five months but the result was really breathtaking, I have never felt so beautiful in all my life and will treasure my dress forever.

The morning of the wedding was one of the most happy and exciting days of my life. As I've said before I adore all things Chanel and my amazing Mum had managed to score the Head Makeup Artist for Chanel in Sydney to do our makeup, seriously I was in makeup heaven! Not only that but Mum being Mum wouldn't stop until I had a hairdresser who had worked in TV and Movies to do my hair. If there is one day to feel like a star it's your wedding day! I was surrounded by my closest girlfriends and my family and I couldn't have asked for anything more.

My wedding day was everything I had wanted it to be. Walking down the aisle with my Dad was heaven and a memory I will treasure forever. Standing opposite Mr D and reciting our vows was pure magic and it felt like no one else existed but the two of us for those few moments.

I've been told by a few guests that our reception was the best they had ever been to and that made me so very happy. I wanted my reception to not only look beautiful but to feel like a big party. I had both a DJ and a live band and I spent most of the night on the dance floor with my friends and family and I guess the only bad thing about it all was it felt like it was all over too quickly.

We had organized a big bus to ferry the guests from the Chapel to the reception and back into town and from what I hear the bus ride home was party central with my brilliant brother in law taking the microphone and doing an impromptu karaoke performance!

Marriage to me is not about religion or faith it is about the joining of two people who love each other enough to stand in front of their friends and families and commit to each other for life. I wish that the gay friends in my life could have the same opportunity given to straight people and I hope I'm around to see the day when there is marriage equality.

My wedding day was an absolute blast, it was everything I wanted it to be and I will be forever thankful to my wonderful parents for organizing such a beautiful event. But what is most important is not the day itself but the life you carve together as a couple.

You have your ups and downs but through all the curve balls life has thrown at us I am forever grateful that I get to wake up every morning to my best friend, a man who is so incredibly funny, kind and smart and has definitely made me a better person.

Happy Easter

2011-04-21T10:20:00.000+03:00

Three years ago, I had a brand spanking new baby and Mr D, Lady Sadie and I set out on a road trip from Melbourne to country NSW to spend Easter with Mr D's family. It was Lady Sadie's first big road trip and being a little over 2 weeks old we were slightly concerned how we were going to cope with the 5 hour drive. But my little princess was an absolute trooper and slept the whole way until we were about 15 minutes outside of town when she awoke screaming for some milk!

It was a really fun weekend, Lady Sadie was cooed and ahhed over by her great uncles and her grandparents and it was a truly Australian long weekend, out in the country, drinking beers in the back yard and eating a yummy home cooked roast.

That was the last Easter I celebrated as two months later we moved to the Middle East where Jesus isn't that popular!

So this weekend, I'll be thinking of our family and friends who will be celebrating with BBQ's, roasts, lots of beer and wine and dreaming of the crispy crackling on the pork roast!

I've found some beautiful decorating ideas for Easter and for a really funny Easter read please have a look at one of my favorite blogs Grenglish.

Happy Easter everyone and next week it's going to be all about the Royal Wedding!

x

The Deer Hunter

2011-04-19T17:29:00.000+03:00

My friend Alexa has a brilliant apartment on The Pearl here in Doha. One of my favorite pieces in her apartment his her cardboard deer head. It's fun and quirky and I want one! When I started doing my research into these deer heads, I found a plethora of different styles and patterns...even a fuchsia moose head! Here are my faves!

The Original - Available here

Available here

Smile on Saturday

2011-04-16T08:38:00.000+03:00

Happy Weekend everyone!

I had a brilliant day yesterday, a girlie brunch at the Four Seasons followed by a cheeky cocktail which was delicious!

I'm taking it easy today with Lady Sadie but wanted to share two videos with you that will make you smile and possibly make you shed a tear.

Enjoy
x

Gwyneth's Tribeca Apartment

2011-04-14T10:57:00.001+03:00

I am a HUGE fan of Gwyneth Paltrow, for me she has the most amazing style whether dressed casually or wearing couture. Ms P has those classic american looks and is a blue blood through and through so it is no wonder her New York City apartment is absolutely to die for!

The blush color palette runs throughout the apartment with touches of both traditional design and classic Louis XIV elements. What I also love are the quirky factors like the swing chair in the living room. Daughter Apple's room is so serenely sweet and innocent and is done in a way that works for a young girl growing into her tween and teenage years. The kitchen layout gives me goosebumps and the casual dining area is so inviting that I can really see myself having a play date with the kids and sipping pink champagne while Gwyneth cooks up a storm using recipes from her new cook book.

*Images from I Love Wildfox

Also a big thank you to my friend Sarah Thompson for sending me the link to I Love Wildfox!

Spring on The Pearl

2011-04-13T09:39:00.000+03:00

So I'm not sure if I've shared this with you but I've enrolled myself in a photography course. It's a beginners course I study online through a studio based in LA.

I'm having so much fun. I've always loved a good photo, either posing in one or taking them. About two years ago Mr D bought me one of those flash SLR's with all the buttons and gadgets and since the day I got it I just put it on auto and started clicking away. Now I got some lovely photos out of the auto button but really what's the point in having a super duper camera if you're not going to learn how to use it. So that's where I am today - doing a 4 week basic course on digital SLRs.

My assignment this week was to shoot using the rule of thirds which basically means don't put your subject in the middle of the shot...too boring!

So yesterday I took my best Doha gal pal Mrs Forde down to The Pearl for a bit of a spring fashion shoot. We had a blast pretending we worked for Vogue, Cath let loose and was posing like a super model and I had a ball playing photographer.

It's all very technical and complicated and I'm not very good but I am having so much fun and learning something new and that's what is important!

Must Read Blogs

2011-04-12T09:02:00.000+03:00

It's been a year since I started blogging. What started off as a cooking blog has turned into more of a lifestyle blog where I get to share my love of fashion, food, interior design and anything else that gets my creative juices flowing.

I've become obsessed with blogging, I love figuring out what I'm going to write each day but more than that I love reading other peoples blogs. I have my daily favourites which I check each and every morning and there are two in particular that you my readers should have a gander at.

Grenglish is a new blog series written by a dear friend of mine about her life living in London with her Greek husband and gorgeous son Zachy. Heartwarming and funny Grenglish makes you feel warm and fuzzy with each entry and I have a feeling this new blog is going to be BIG! A definite must read!

Now moving on to St Murphy an absolutely HILARIOUS blog from my old work colleague Steve Murphy. I first met Steve when I joined Network Ten as the PA for the publicity department and Steve was a publicist extraordinaire! Steve introduced me to all things homosexual where it got to the point where I think I actually became a gay man trapped in the body of a woman - I still am really! Steve is an amazing advocate for gay marriage and if you don't believe in gay marriage well then you can just stop reading my blog now as I don't want to know about you! St Murphy is an amazingly funny read but also touching and heart warming when Steve opens up about his personal life.

Everyday when I read their blogs I'm thrown back to about 10 years ago when we all lived in Sydney, when we all drank too much and partied too hard! Every time I mash potatoes for dinner I think about Steve and I performing whenever we could to the Elephant Love Medley from Moulin Rouge and when I'm having a bad day here in Doha and wish I could be amongst my old friends who know me too too well I think of Sarah and all the things she would say to me to make me feel better.

We haven't seen each other in ages but I feel like the old friendships are still there because I get a glimpse into their life on a daily basis.

x

Shutter Love

2011-04-11T16:58:00.000+03:00

At the moment in our master suite we have a king ensemble and I have a painting of wild lavender to act as some kind of headboard. For a while now I've been thinking of having a headboard made for the master bed but haven't been able to figure out exactly what I want...UNTIL NOW!

*Images via Cottage & Vine

Where I will be able to find vintage shutters in Doha is beyond me, so this dream may have to wait until we move back home where I can scour the vintage markets in Melbourne and Sydney.

Camelot Revisited

2011-04-10T10:09:00.000+03:00

I became in awe of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis during high school when we studied the Kennedy administration in history. From that time on I've read as many biographies on the Kennedy's and in particular Jackie O herself. Her sense of style is timeless, not a year goes by where her fashion sense is not displayed in all the glossy magazines.

Now lets go back a few years when Katie Holmes became an A-Lister. I loved her as Joey on Dawson's Creek and not much was seen of Katie until Tom Cruise stepped into the picture. Now forget the fact that she's married a bit of a tool and forget the whole scientology thing...no one can deny that the girl has great taste!

In fact her sense of style is very reminiscent of Jackie O, something that Vogue picked up on in this pictorial. Love!

x

Love in the Laundry

2011-04-09T09:35:00.000+03:00

Living in the Middle East, I'm very fortunate that we are able to afford to have a full-time live in House Keeper. I can't even begin to describe how thankful I am for Marissa who runs our household light a tight ship! The thing I love most about having Marissa is that I don't have to do the laundry or iron! My pet hate is ironing! However, if my laundry looked like this in my dream home maybe I wouldn't hate the laundry so much! That chandelier just kills me...LOVE LOVE LOVE!

*Image from Cameras and Chaos

Princess Birthday Cake

2011-04-08T08:26:00.000+03:00

Lady Sadie turned 3 on Thursday and I set myself a challenge...to bake her the most fabulous princess cake! For her first birthday we celebrated back in Sydney so my Mum was able to bake her the most prettiest of cakes and last year I ordered in a Minnie Mouse cake but this year I wanted to do it myself.

Sadie told me she wanted lots of pink and a princess on top. It took me most of the day as I only had one round cake tin so had to bake 2 cakes separately and don't even get me started on the cake decorating...a very steady hand is needed!

But in the end it all worked out, it tasted delicious and Sadie had a fab time!

I used an Ina Garten recipe which you can see here. I adapted it slightly as you can see, plus I made extra yellow icing to use in between the cakes and also for decoration.

More Stripe Love

2011-04-03T18:41:00.000+03:00

*Images from Vogue Diaries

Hello my lovelies!

Sorry I've been a little quiet for the last couple of days - has been crazy hectic in Doha!

While doing a little research today I found some more amazing pics of celebs wearing my fave trend...stripes! I just can't get enough of stripes, it's getting so bad I think I need to go to stripe rehab! I can be found wearing something with stripes at least 3-4 times a week! Help is definitely needed but seeing photos like these does not help my cause!

Enjoy
x

p.s. Stay tuned this week - it's Lady Sadie's 3rd birthday and I'm going to show you how to bake the perfect princess cake!

Farmhouse Chic

2011-03-30T16:50:00.000+03:00

*Image from Plush Palate

Why do I love this kitchen so much? Because of the open shelving, the mix of white and stainless steel, the freshly cut flowers but mostly because of the old farmhouse table with granite top and the mix match seating! I love when mix n' match comes together so well. I can not get enough of that bench seat! Genius!

Louboutin v. Atwood

2011-03-29T18:23:00.000+03:00

I've always loved shoes but up until recently I've always loved handbags more than shoes...that was until the word Louboutin became part of my vocabulary! Recently however, I've noticed a lot of celebs feet are adorned by the shoes of Brian Atwood.

So who would you rather wear? Louboutin or Atwood? Me.....I'm such a fence sitter that I'd have to have a shoe closet full of both!

I'm starting to get giddy with excitement right now. My best friend is coming over to visit me in Doha for 2 weeks in May and we've booked a mini girlie trip to Dubai. There is a beautiful Louboutin store in Dubai Mall and I know I won't be able to walk away without making a purchase but shhhh don't tell Mr D! Although I have trained the man well when I pop quiz him about fashion he always knows that Louboutins have that famous red sole so not quite sure how I'll hide them from him!

Brian Atwood Collection

Alison

Claudette

Maniac

Wagner

Christian Louboutin Collection

Balota

Dafodil

Pigalili

Pigalle

Rolando

Sexy Strass

To Make You Feel My Love

2011-03-28T18:12:00.000+03:00

Hi Guys

It's been a crazy weekend and a crazy start to the week - I haven't had five minutes to myself! I'm sitting here wanting to put toothpicks in my eyes to hold them open!

We had a fantastic night Thursday celebrating Mr D's birthday. I had far too many drinks and was incredibly inappropriate but my party girl persona was back big time after quite a while tucked under the covers!!

I haven't shared with my readers yet but Mr D and I are trying desperately to have another baby and we are currently going through the trials and tribulations of IVF. It's been a hard road and we've had a few set backs but we just can't wait to give Lady Sadie a little brother or sister in the near future - fingers crossed!

I'm feeling quite sentimental today - must be all those hormone injections! Anyway I wanted to share with you one of my favorite songs. I originally fell in love with this song when Garth Brooks sung it but Adele a couple of years ago did her own version which is hauntingly beautiful. As Mr D and I go through this journey together we have grown stronger in our partnership and I feel like this song kind of represents where we are at the moment.

Sorry for getting all sooky - I'll come back tomorrow with some fabulous fashion inspiration but today I just wanted to share how I was feeling.

Enjoy
x

Birthday Celebrations

2011-03-24T10:57:00.000+03:00

*Image from here

It's Mr D's 35th birthday today. I love celebrating birthdays and I make sure that for my little family of three that we celebrate each others birthday not just on the day but for the whole week!

Tonight we are dining with friends at the Belgian Beer Cafe, followed tomorrow by a birthday lunch by the pool at the Ritz and then a quiet family dinner, just the three of us somewhere lovely here in Doha.

Last year I made Matt's birthday cake from scratch which you can see here but this year unfortunately time has gotten away from me so a store bought cake will have to suffice! Maybe just maybe there will be some home made cupcakes for Mr D to take to work early next week!

Happy Birthday Matt, you deserve all the celebration and Lady Sadie and I plan to spoil you rotten this weekend!

x

Farewell to a Legend

2011-03-23T17:54:00.000+03:00

It's a sad day today indeed. Screen legend and iconic beauty Elizabeth Taylor passed away today at the age of 79. I first came to love her when as a young child I watched National Velvet. At the time I loved anything to do with horses and National Velvet was my hero. Over the years as I grew up I watched all of Liz's movies and was always astounded by her extraordinary beauty and her amazing figure. She was a Hollywood Goddess, an avid collector or jewelry and husbands but most importantly she was a true pioneer in her charity work for the AIDS foundation.

Elizabeth, rest in peace, you will be missed.

x

Real Estate Stalking - Armadale, VIC

2011-03-22T17:02:00.000+03:00

One of my favorite pastimes is stalking real estate listings both back home in Australia and the US. I love peaking inside people's homes, seeing how they decorate, imaging what kind of family live there and basically day dreaming about what my dream home will eventually look like!

I found this beauty here today and if I had an opportunity to buy it I'd ask to buy all the furniture with it! Not only does the house have 5 bedrooms and beautiful manicured gardens it also comes with a library, music room, wine tasting room and dedicated yoga studio! I could definitely see myself doing the downward dog pose in this house!

*Images from www.realestate.com.au

All That Glitters...

2011-03-21T13:14:00.000+03:00

It's been ten years since Elie Saab was catapulted into the spotlight after dressing Halle Berry for the Oscars the year that she won. Since then, not an awards red carpet goes by without seeing one of Saab's incredibly girlie, ethereal and sexy dresses on Hollywood's A List.

Paris Fashion Week has just ended and I have to say I loved every piece in Saab's Spring/Summer 2011 collection and also his Couture Collection. Here are my picks for those sexy glittery numbers he's most famous for!

Images from Style

Melting Moments

2011-03-20T17:17:00.000+03:00

I was in the mood for baking today. I also wanted to bake something quintessentially Australian...Melting Moments! These babies literally melt in your mouth in all their buttery goodness! And the rich creamy icing in between is to die for. They are very rich so I can only eat one at a time...probably a good thing! I adapted the recipe from my one of my fave cookbooks Kitchen by Marie Claire magazine. I substituted lemon juice for the passionfruit juice but that's only because I've never seen a passionfruit in Doha!

Melting Moments
from Marie Claire, Kitchen by Michelle Cranston

Ingredients:

Biscuit dough
250g Unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp Vanilla extract
60g Icing sugar (confectioners sugar)
175g Plain flour
60g Corn flour

Filling
100g Icing sugar
100g Unsalted butter
1 tsp Passionfruit juice

Biscuit:
1. Preheat oven to 170 deg C.
2. Beat butter, icing sugar and vanilla extract until soft and fluffy.
3. Sift together corn flour and plain flour and fold into butter mixture in two lots.
4. Line baking trays with non-stick baking paper
5. Roll 1 tsp of the cookie dough into balls and place on the baking tray. Ensure that the cookie dough are placed approximately 3cm apart from each other.
6. Bake in the oven for 12 - 15mins or until biscuits are a light golden.
4. Remove from oven and cool.

Icing:
1. Beat icing sugar, unsalted butter and passionfruit juice until light and fluffy.
2. Place mixture into an icing bag.
3. Pipe icing (as much as you like) into one of the cookie halves and sandwich with the other half.*
4. Store in an air tight container.

Optional: Sprinkle some icing sugar on to the biscuits

Thinking of Japan

2011-03-18T11:10:00.000+03:00

Image from Cupcakes & Cashmere

This week I've been on an up and down roller coaster, it's actually been a pretty terrible week for us here at Chez Derrig however I need to get some perspective. I can't help but think of all those poor people in Japan who have lost their lives, lost their loved ones and going through such an unimaginable ordeal.

This weekend I am putting together care packs for the orphans of the earthquake and tsunami. Each back pack will contain a blanket, some books, pencils and a toy. My heart breaks at all the children that have been left without families.

It is going to take Japan a long long time to recover from this dreadful disaster but as the world has shown they have support from millions of people from across the globe.

If you would like to donate you can do so by visiting the Red Cross website.

Bonjour Mademoiselle!

2011-03-16T10:35:00.000+03:00

My heart is a flutter with excitement. The new Chanel Mademoiselle collection has arrived!

You can see the full collection here

Do It Delicious

2011-03-15T10:10:00.000+03:00

Today I was going to share with you my recipe for chicken casserole however while the chicken was defrosting on the kitchen bench it mysteriously disappeared and I had two cats licking their lips with big full tummies! You do the math!

So I thought I would share with you today one of my new favorite cooking websites...Do It Delicious

Do It Delicious is the brain child of Jessica Seinfeld, Jerry's wife. She has written two of the most amazing cookbooks which have helped me enormously in getting Lady Sadie to eat vegetables! If you're a mum who is struggling to cook good healthy food for your children then Jessica's two cook books will be your saving grace!

The website is fantastic. Full of recipes, how to videos, tips and a great blog. If you're a home cook like me and you enjoy tasty, healthy meals that the whole family can enjoy then you will love both the books and the website.

I wish I was here...

2011-03-13T14:13:00.000+03:00

Hello Lovelies

How was your weekend?

We spent Friday by the pool at the Ritz and yesterday was a quiet affair at home.

My creative juices aren't really free flowing today and I had the most mundane of mundane days so I'll leave you with this beautiful photo. Imagine waking up to this view every morning!

Will come back bigger and better tomorrow.

x

Happy Weekend

2011-03-11T08:50:00.000+03:00

I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Ours started last night with beer, champagne and curry! Today we're going to the beach club for a swim and maybe a cheeky burger and tonight I'm having a girls night at the Vietnamese food festival, can't wait!

Enjoy
x

Dreaming of a Denmark Summer

2011-03-10T14:03:00.000+03:00

It's starting to really warm up in Doha, I think it will even be hot enough for me to go swimming this weekend! When the weather starts to warm up I start thinking of where to go for a summer holiday. This year we've decided to rent a beach house in Denmark.

I traveled through Denmark as a back packer over ten years ago and fell in love with the country and its people so thought it would be the perfect place to chill with the family.

Here is the house we're thinking of renting, how divine! I don't think I'll want to leave! Just waiting to hear back from the owner on whether it is ours for a few weeks in August!

Living/Dining

Kitchen

Master Bedroom

Back garden which backs on to a forest and within walking distance to the beach

Hornbaek Beach

The Little Mermaid

Gourmet Sangas

2011-03-08T14:08:00.000+03:00

I love a good sandwich! My favourite is pretty simple - turkish bread with avocado, chicken, grated carrot and cheese toasted.

I found these great images from Scanwiches website. Don't they just make your mouth water!

*Images from Scanwiches

10 Style Rules to Live By - Carolina Herrera

2011-03-07T13:31:00.001+03:00

A year ago this week I started blogging. What started off as a food blog turned into a more lifestyle based creative outlet for me. I love reading other peoples blogs, they inspire me and really have opened up my world and encouraged me to be more creative and expressive.

One of my favourite blogs out there is "Pretty Things by Patterson Maker" You can find her blog here
http://www.pattersonmaker.com/

Patterson has graciously let me share one of her blog entries which I adore!

*Images from Patterson Maker

Happy Weekend

2011-03-04T10:12:00.000+03:00

I'm on Dr's orders to take it easy over the next couple of days so we're not getting up to much this weekend. A trip to the movies with Lady Sadie today and if it's warm enough tomorrow maybe a swim and some baking in the kitchen.

Enjoy your weekend
x

H&M Spring Collection

2011-03-02T21:43:00.000+03:00

I LOVE me some H&M! I love it because it's cheap, pretty good quality and every week there is something new for me to look at and buy! It also allows me to save my money to buy more expensive designer handbags!

I love the pops of colour and of course I'm an absolute sucker for anything with stripes!

Here are my Spring picks for H&M! As soon as they arrive in the Doha stores I'm all over it!

*Images from H&M

My Dream House

2011-03-01T14:13:00.000+03:00

When I grow up and build my dream house, this is exactly what it's going to look like...

*Images from Architectural Digest

Recognize this house? It's from the movie

And the winner is...

2011-02-28T14:12:00.000+03:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Oscars. I'm a huge fan of the movies, I would go and see a movie every day if I could. What I love about the Oscars is that in one room you have the creme de la creme of Hollywood, the up and comers, the beautiful speeches and most importantly the fashion!

Here are my picks for the best dresses of the night.

I think the biggest trend of the night was metallics and pastel colours. All the ladies looked very feminine and age appropriate.

Who was your favorite of the night? I can't decide between Mandy Moore, Michelle Williams and Mila Kunis, I'm edging more towards Mandy Moore as my fave dress of the night.

Now I have to wait another year until award season rolls around again and I can't wait!

Cool Couple

2011-02-27T17:58:00.001+03:00

I wanted to share with you what I think is the best ever home movie! My friend Alexa is married to a professional photographer and Mark makes the most amazing home movies! This is my favorite... What a cool couple!!!!

Check out Alexa's blog at http://alexandriainqatar.wordpress.com/

Doha Food Festival

2011-02-26T16:56:00.000+03:00

During the winter months, Doha really comes alive. There are plenty of exhibitions, festivals and sporting events. Today we ventured out to the Doha Food Festival. All of the major restaurants in Doha had stalls selling all of their fabulous, mouth watering food for a fraction of the price! We munched on dim sum, belgian fries, cheese croquettes, sushi, pulled bbq sandwiches, cupcakes & ice cream! I do not need to eat for another week!!!

Flying Fashion

2011-02-24T10:30:00.000+03:00

I don't really like flying, not because I'm scared, just because I get bored and I want to be there already! What I do love though, is a good airport! I love people watching, trawling around duty free and just that feeling of excitement knowing that you're going on a trip!

Living overseas, we tend to travel frequently, either heading back to Australia to visit or going on holidays or even just a little weekend in the UAE. I always start out with the intention of dressing ultra chic for a flight but when the time comes I prefer comfort over fashion and end up in leggings and an oversized shirt.

These style mavens have it down pat for travel! They don't look like they've been sitting on a plane hour after hour! Most likely they've been in the luxury of first class....or even better a private jet! Oh how I dream of flying in a private jet! One day Toto....one day....

Retreating for the Afternoon

2011-02-23T13:55:00.000+03:00

*Image from Patterson Maker

I'm ashamed to admit it...but it's almost 2pm and I'm retiring to my bedroom! I had another round of hormone injections this morning and it really takes it toll on my body! So Lady Sadie and I are going to crawl into bed for a bit of day time TV, magazines and possibly a nap!

All Hail Chanel

2011-02-22T18:19:00.000+03:00

I remember the first time I heard the word Chanel. It was the 80's and I was with my Mother at her friends house. My Mum's friend had just purchased a new black quilted Chanel handbag and they were gazing at this tiny black quilted handbag like you would a new born baby. I remember thinking to myself wow this handbag must be really special.

Fast forward twenty years and I totally get it! I've been in love with Chanel for a good decade now. It started off with the makeup and perfume, slowly climbing to my first pair of Chanel sunglasses and a pair of earrings my parents gave me for my 30th birthday.

However, my obsession got out of control once we landed in the Middle East. I see at least 15 Chanel handbags on the arms of local women on a daily basis! No matter where you go you are bombarded with all things Chanel!

Whilst living in Abu Dhabi, I was very very fortunate to purchase myself a pair of classic nude Chanel ballet flats and a pair of gorgeous Chanel sandals with the iconic camelia flower on them. And recently I added a baby quilted black handbag to my collection.

I know Mr D. wishes his wife was not interested in all things designer but I just can't help myself! I adore accessories and am quite content buying my clothes from Zara, H&M and GAP so that I can afford the pure luxury of a divine handbag. The way I sell it to Mr D. is that these handbags are priceless and one day I can pass down to Lady Sadie..but seriously who am I kidding I plan to be buried with my little baby quilted handbag!!

*Images courtesy of iStock

I Heart Olivia Palermo

2011-02-20T09:31:00.000+03:00

*All images from The Vogue Diaries

An American socialite, reality star, fashionista and I think one of the most stylish women out there. I absolutely adore everything about Olivia. Yes she was a bit of a bitch on The City but when you're that rich and that beautiful I think you can be!

I also love the fact that she sent a letter to the New York social set begging them for acceptance! The letter was promptly published on social network sites and law suits entailed! Whether true or not I kind of like that fact that someone that beautiful and seemingly so confident is begging for acceptance from such a peer group!

Anyway, love or hate her you have to admire her style. Classic, chic and a touch preppy. If I could have anyones wardrobe....and body it would be Olivia's!

Happy Weekend

2011-02-18T10:36:00.000+03:00

I hope you all have a glorious weekend! Today we are chilling at home before heading to the Old Souq to take Lady Sadie to the circus! Tomorrow it's a girly day - I'm going to be enjoying lunch at Maze, Gordon Ramsey's restaurant with two girlfriends.

Enjoy
x

The Love Seat

2011-02-17T09:56:00.000+03:00

So Parisienne

Traditional, the cushions however give a modern twist, I love the vintage suitcases replacing the need for a side table

The eclectic arrangement of chairs in this room is genius

A perfect place for a love seat, it adds warmth the the entrance of the house

Traditionally known as a settee, I much prefer the term Love Seat. I don't think they really evoke a feeling of comfort but I do think they look amazing in the house. A love seat can add so much character to your home especially when styled with the right kind of throw cushions or blanket.

*Images from Traditional Home, Elements of Style & Cottage Haven Interiors

Beetroot Dip

2011-02-16T16:11:00.000+03:00

Beetroot dip is a middle eastern dish that is normally served alongside humous, tabouli and baba ganoush. Ironically, living in the Middle East, very few restaurants serve it! We ate more beetroot dip in Australia at BBQ's than we do here!

It is one of Mr D's favourites and they make is especially for him at the Ritz Carlton Hotel here in Doha however it's not like we can just pop off to a 5 star hotel every time he gets a taste for it!

As with all my recipes, this one is very easy to make and literally takes five minutes!

I serve mine with arabic bread but it tastes just as good with water crackers and brie. Actually as a sandwich filler this dip would be amazing instead of mayo!

Enjoy
x

Ingredients
1 x 450g canned beetroot (you could use fresh, but you would have to roast the beetroot first!)
250g or 1 cup of greek yoghurt
2 tbs fresh lemon juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
Salt & Pepper to taste
Arabic bread to serve

Method
Combine all ingredients together in a food processor and blend until mixed well but not to a fine puree - you want some chunks of beetroot in there. That's it! How easy is that!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T12:18:00.000+03:00

I'm not a big one for Valentine's Day - I believe you should celebrate love everyday BUT...every year when it rolls around, I get caught up, want flowers and want to be taken out for dinner!

Mr D and I have had some major ups and some major downs in our six years together but at the end of the day we have built a strong relationship made up of love, laughs, honesty and friendship. And most importantly together we are raising the most wonderful, beautiful, delicious little girl - our most precious Lady Sadie.

We have lived in 4 different cities and always looking forward to our next adventure together. Every time I hear this song I always think of us and so want to dedicate this to Mr D.

Happy Valentine's Day Matt, hope to always be your Teenage Dream!

x

Valentine's Day is a BUST!

2011-02-13T14:37:00.000+03:00

*Image from Style Me Pretty

Mr D and I made a bet yesterday and whoever lost had to organise Valentine's Day. As usual....I lost! So I set about to find which hotel here in Doha was providing what seemed to be the most entertaining Valentine's Day. It turned out to be the Kempinski Hotel. They were putting on a 5 course gourmet meal followed by a live tango show and dancing for everyone afterwards.

However, upon making the booking I was informed that because it is Mohammed's birthday tomorrow the Government will not be allowing entertainment of any kind! So we're still going out for dinner, and thankfully we're still allowed to drink but my fantasy of being swished around on the dance floor will remain a fantasy until next year!

Weekend Woes

2011-02-12T10:04:00.000+03:00

I've had a terrible start to the weekend. I wish I could rewind and start all over again, but unfortunately I can't! Here's hoping that the rest of the weekend will be better!

An exciting opportunity for Mr D might be in our future which I'm SO excited about but can't divulge any details just yet...don't want to jinx myself!

I hope you are all having a better weekend!

At least the weather is absolutely sublime in Doha at the moment!

Manhattan Apartment

2011-02-10T09:54:00.000+03:00

These photos have been doing the blog rounds over the last couple of days and I'm jumping on the bandwagon!

What an absolutely gorgeous setting. A rooftop conservatory makeover in West Manhattan owned by Joel Grey, father of Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Gray.

I just love the comfy relaxed feeling that this apartment offers and the light streaming in is just gorgeous.

Enjoy
x

*Images from Everything Fabulous

Ballerina Girl

2011-02-08T10:05:00.000+03:00

Lady Sadie started ballet school this week. She loved it! It was a dream come true for me as a Mother. I grew up dancing and still love to dance at every opportunity I get so it was a great pleasure when Sadie asked if she could go to ballet.

It got me thinking. At the moment there is a huge crossover of dance wear and fashion. It must be the influence of the film "Black Swan". Have you seen it? It's a beautiful film visually and Natalie Portman gives a stunning performance. What did you think of it?

Here is some ballet inspired fashion...

And just because I love ballet...

*All images from Bing

Winter in the Desert

2011-02-07T13:40:00.000+03:00

It's freezing in the Middle East and because the idea of heating your home is a foreign concept over here I'm going to instead wish I was sitting in one of these living rooms. Kobo in one hand, glass of wine in the other...

*Images from Bing

Co

2011-02-05T19:53:00.001+03:00

Brilliant - that's all I have to say...brilliant!

Leather Leggings

2011-02-05T18:02:00.000+03:00

If only I had the legs to pull of leather leggings! This is one of my fave trends right now! I think when done right they can look ultra sexy, chic and just slightly edgy! Elle's is my top look here, I love how she has teamed the leggings with ballet flats instead high heels which is a nice change. Do you love or loathe this trend?

*Images from Bing

Happy Weekend

2011-02-03T15:56:00.000+03:00

It's the start of the weekend in the Middle East!

What are you up to this weekend?

Tomorrow we are going to be brunching at the Movenpick and Saturday it's girls day for me and Lady Sadie!

Have a good one!

x

Bowtie Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Pesto & Feta

2011-02-03T09:26:00.001+03:00

Thursday night is the start of the weekend for people living in the Middle East. The Muslim holy day is Friday so for expats, Fridays are usually spent laying by the pool in the warmer months or enjoying a champagne brunch.

Pretty much every Thursday night we spend with the Fordes, sitting alfresco, enjoying cocktails, singing and dancing along to the iPod while the kids create havoc inside!

We never think about dinner until we are slightly tipsy and starving and we usually end up ordering in some kind of fast food! Not good!

A couple of months ago, on a Thursday night, the Fordes were at our house and Catherine brought around one of the tastiest pasta dishes I have ever had. It was such a lovely change from the greasy take away and since that night I have made this pasta dish pretty much on a weekly basis.

You can make as little or as much as you like, it's super easy, really fresh and I love making it for myself when I'm in the throws of university study and need some carb loading to get me through!

Ingredients (serves 2)

2 cups of bowtie pasta
2 table spoons of red pesto sauce
1 punnett of cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
Salt and Pepper

Method

Cook pasta according to packet directions, ensure to heavily salt your cooking water. Meanwhile, halve or quarter your cherry tomatoes and dice your feta (I cheated and used already crumbled feta!). Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and mix in the pesto, tomatoes and feta. Season with pepper and serve immediately.

Matchbook Magazine

2011-02-02T07:19:00.000+03:00

Hello Readers!

I am a magazine whore! Always have been, always will be! When I first moved to the Middle East one of my first questions was can I buy the tabloids and can I still get my hands on Vogue? (be it Australian, British or US versions). Thankfully I can pretty much get it all! We have our own Middle Eastern versions of Grazia, Hello and Ahlan magazines, plus I can spend a fortune...and I do buying the imported magazines from the US and the UK.

Yesterday I stumbled upon a GEM! A new online magazine called Matchbook. This magazine is A.MAZ.ING! Focusing on fashion, design, food and travel it is a magazine whore's delight to read! Created by Katie Armour and Jane Lilly Warren, Matchbook magazine will cater to your every need and the best part - it's free and you can read it online!

Matchbook Magazine: www.matchbookmag.com

I think I qualify as a Matchbook Girl!

Facebook Alert

2011-02-02T07:16:00.002+03:00

Hi Readers

Just to let you know, while I was supposed to be doing an insane amount of uni work yesterday I instead started up a Facebook Page for Lady Sadie's Emporium.

Would love you to become a fan!

Click on the link to the right of the page to become a fan.

Sarah
x