now we are on the train from amsterdam to paris, TGV style: secure your hat, it’s gonna be a fast ride…
The TGV train is the fastest electric train on classic tracks, in the world. It goes at 320km per hours with passengers inside. It’s record is 575km per hour without passengers.
Phew, we are slowing down into Paris! Let’s check out the windows at the famous Galeries Lafayette department store before we head to Eastern France…
This morning I woke up to the first snowfall of the year. I found the chestnuts tucked away cosily in their shells on the trees, dangling delicately like baubles.
And in the garden I found this beautiful butterfly shape amongst the frost covered leaves.
After a morning bagel I was off to the studio and on my way home this afternoon I came across these inspiring windows… (Click here to read more…)
I usually make alot of the gifts that I give for Christmas, especially to the children of the family. But this year that has been a far fetched dream. Instead I did all my Christmas shopping at the most spectacular store last weekend, and what a find and so appropriate for my life: a French inspired boutique that is right in the heart of Amsterdam. And you won’t believe that I actually found the most beautiful pillow cover embroidered with the Australian flag in a soft blue fabric with white stitching. What are the chances of that?
The service there was incredible, and check out the wrapping: snowflakes and stars nestled under cellophane on craftbrown & gold paper. Fantastique! It reminds me of how I used to wrap Christmas gifts in my store in oz, but mine was just plain brown craft paper with rose petals under the cellophane layer, I love those colours as you are probably well aware by now. Wondering where I went?
Check out there website, maybe you can guess what I’ve bought by looking through the catalogue. And here is an interesting article I also found about them on squidoo. Ooooh la la.
Some quick notes to add to let you know a little about my shooting style with these menus – these menus are real, tried, true and tested. They have been served, devoured and loved by all who consumed the dishes (and if they were not loved by someone then I will let you know that individual’s opinion and why). They have been made as a real meal. And there is a (new, hmmm)rule in my house that I am only allowed to take 2 minutes to shoot the food once I have served it. So I must admit they won’t be the best images I have ever taken in my life, but my hope is that they inspire you enough to try the recipes and menus that I display in the kitchen. The idea is that the menu that we whip up is so fantastic that I am compelled to take out the camera and snap it before it gets gobbled up. In some cases you might see that I was not quick enough and you may get an image of an empty plate. So sans further hesitation, enjoy the first menu. (Click here)
You may have gathered from my last very australian related posts that I may be missing my birth home just a little bit at this time of year. But it is just a little bit, becuase I am absolutely loving my new home: Amsterdam. I have been dying to show you my favourite canal, all lit up. So last night after work I dashed out with my camera and tripod and snapped some shots for you. I am now nursing my frost-bitten finger tips but worth the effort, I just wish you were with me, I could have used a hand and someone to make me laugh while I froze!
