In the 80's...

In the 80's I probably didn't pay attention to the fact that Australia even existed. If I even knew of its existence who knows. But what I do know is I got my first perfume in the 80's.

My dad bought my sister and I small bottles of perfume. For valentines or for a random present I am not entirely sure. But it was my first perfume. It came in a small blue velvet bag with silver drawstrings and written in silver on the bag 'Panache'. (I still have the little blue bag - no I am not a hoarder - yes I am sentimental)

I have looked for it over the years but being a pre Internet product I could never find a trace. Until... I pottered around a shop at lunch with my friend Jen yesterday. And Ta-dah! There it was. Even a gift set was available!

I did spray some on the back of my hand being unsure as to what it even smelt like. And.... It smelt very 80's... For the bargain price of $4.95 I am sure there are many ladies somewhat older than me that enjoy wearing Panache on a daily basis. But I think for this decade I will give it a miss...

But if you do see it out there in the world. Have a sniff.

Christmassy time!

I realize there are still more than 90 days until Santa hops on his sleigh and starts his stupendously amazing trip around the world dropping presents down chimneys. But Christmas cake waits for no man.

Two weekends ago it began. And it will continue every fortnight with alcoholic feedings until it dons its marzipan and white icing cape and dazzles us all with its yumminess.

Yes it is an inanimate object. But it's yummy. And took 4 hours in an oven. And it means the Christmas countdown has begun! Even one of the department stores here has begun its Christmas store. Albeit rather empty of people (except me giggling down the aisles like a little kid).

Liam's just lucky that our decorations are in storage at his parents house so I can't get to them...

Merry Christmas Countdown!

Save The Date!

I have received several save the date cards through the years. And so now here is my holiday save the date email!

Most of you know I will be back next year for a holiday. And yes, I shall bring Lime with me. And he shall bring his golf clubs.

As it will have been anything from 15 months to 3 1/2 years since I've seen some of you by then i want no excuses. NONE.

It will be for approx 3 weeks. Two weeks of which should be the last two weeks of July. The other week could be before or after. It has not yet been decided. We will book our tickets early 2013.

So if you are already planning holiday for July or early August next year you will need to apply for permission to avoid me! I will accept groveling emails filed in triplicate with postal donations of chocolate from anyone who wants to excuse themselves from my plans.


Also - there are two key things I would like to share/remind people of.

1 Skype. You know who you are if this word makes you wince. Fix it.

2 whatsapp. If you have a smart phone get it. Then we can text and share piccies for free all day long. (and I may forgive your negligence of skype)

For those of you have both - you rock. Keep on rocking. And let's Skype again soon.

Mwah. Nic x

The 'lympics down under

I may still be awaiting a potentially illegal copy of both the opening and closing ceremonies for my viewing pleasure (I WILL watch them). But to ensure I lack in fomo Babs has save the day!

A delightful package arrived this week. With several other yummy Cadbury delights included I also received Olympic mascot chocolate lollies, an Olympic mascot choccie bar, Olympic mascot jelly shapes, an Olympic keyring, a union jack scarf, an Olympic choccie gold medal, and of course the Olympic mug. Yey!

I am now truly feeling even more olympiccy. So much so I went to the gym yesterday and sweated like god knows what (to justify the chocolate). But we shall say I was feeling Olympic sporty!

Happy post Olympics fitness fad!

Germany in Ausland

The only good German food place in London I can think of is the little Imbiß by the Thames in Richmond. I'm not ignoring the theme restaurants. You know the ones where you can hold a giant glass tankard full of German beer and drunkenly sing along. But they don't really count as places you can get good German food. And if you think the food there is good - go to Germany. You will be blown away! (and still get to hold a big beer).

I have been semi avoiding and semi drawn to a tourist trap in Melbourne CBD called the Hofbrauhaus. It's a German themed restaurant with giant beers available and full of backpacking Europeans from what I'm led to believe. And unfortunately full of overgreased stodge they pass off as German food. Shame. Please note - I have formed this opinion from friends and acquaintances having attended the restaurant. As such - don't try to Hock.

So when I noticed a place called Muttis on the drive home from work one day I knew I had to try it out. It looked subtle, unassuming, and yum even from the outside.

This week has been such a productively German week. I bought Erdnuß Flips (peanut flavoured crisps the consistency of monster munch - yum), Senf mustard (the best mustard ever) and some choc pudding sachets. Love the delis in Ausland! And then to top it off a fabulous German Saturday lunch with some chums.

The food was to die for! I haven't had such good schnitzel in so sooo many years. And the Glühwein was perfectly alcoholic (also available mit schuß) and the sauerkraut was the god damned bestest sauerkraut I have ever tasted in the whole entire world.

Seeing how England is so close to Germany I would love an explanation as to how it's taken me to move to Ausland to find good German food. But each of you that comes to visit is totally coming with me to Muttis for dinner or lunch!!

As a comparison with English food - fish and chip shops here do a fabulous fish or three. But the chips... Yeah they're ok. But they're not amenable to vinegar drenching. Mmm.... My mouth is watering...