Monday, March 18, 2013

autumn : in surry hills

photos by luisa brimble

Surry Hills is south-east of the CBD, an inner-city suburb with a fabulous personality. It's the perfect place to wander; passed dilapidated terraces, bustling cafes and beer-stained pubs.

Tucked behind the main streets are quiet alleys decorated with pot plants and green. Perhaps the most famous is McElhone Place, commonly referred to as "Cat Alley". Lined with terraces, awnings with scalloped edging, pretty little windows, this alley attracts the local community of cats who weave in and out of pink bougainvillea. Fairy lights hang from above and between the aged steps and doorways are park benches, ever-green succulents and an abundance of herbs, ready-to-pick. As you walk further in you hear classical from the left and jazz from the right, cigarette smoke blends with just-brewed coffee and a local closes his front door, nodding as he leaves. 

It's the stuff of stories, this jigsaw piece of the city - a life-size terrarium. 

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Luisa and I started our day at Bourke St, Bakery - the iconic boulangerie. After coffee and pear pastries we walked Crowne and Bourke St, stopping in front of ivy walls and stable doors for photos. 

If you walk further up Bourke St, towards Redfern, I recommend stopping at St. Jude for lunch. Otherwise you could walk back to Devonshire St and into the rather quaint The Book Kitchen. That's where we met up with Gaby and her blossoming belly to talk baby names, pre-natal yoga and our latest read, The Way of the Happy Woman. If you can get past the hippy title you'll find gentle and beautiful wisdom in this book. Written as a seasonal guide, author Sara Avant Stover offers simple yet profound tips for a wholesome, healthy and happy lifestyle.

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I'm wearing indus oversized cardigan c/o Lilya, top by kissincussin (a few seasons ago), pants by Secret South from StyleMilk, alera ballerina shoes c/o Lilya, mala beads* from the ashram, ingenue bag c/o Elf, anywhere sunglasses by Karen Walker (found for a steal on ebay!). 

*mala beads are meditation garlands used by Buddhists, Hindus and yogis. They are often used for chanting or meditation but can also be worn as gentle reminders - of a good intention or sankalpa (positive affirmation). Malas always feature 108 beads - a spiritually significant number. When I wear mine I'm more aware of my breath - a simple blessing. 

posted by: Jodi

36 COMMENTS

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  1. AnonymousMarch 18, 2013 at 3:40 PM

    Autumn there reminds me of spring here in California! I see those same flowers on my daily walks- the Bouganvilla, the plumeria and geranium!
    Beautiful pictures and looks like it was a beautiful day! I like the idea of the mala beads. I think I will look into them. Best Wishes for a lovely week!

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  2. Preeti DubeyMarch 18, 2013 at 4:12 PM

    Beautiful pictures Jodi. lovely colors and contrasts. loved your printed top and bag. Do you always wear the mala ? I have seen people wearing mala generally while praying.

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    1. JodiMarch 19, 2013 at 10:04 AM

      yes, it is used when praying or chanting but it can also be worn as a piece of jewellery...x

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  3. Henna | HENNA BLOSSOM BLOGMarch 18, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    Loving all of the colors. I'm intrigued by mala beads. I'm going to have to dig more into that as soon and I send off this comment. I think I could use a "gentle reminder" of my good intentions right now. So interesting how something physical can affect our awareness and simple experience of being.

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  4. RonnieMarch 18, 2013 at 4:27 PM

    Beautiful photos, Jodi & Luisa. Your season features are such a joy to read.
    Ronnie xo

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  5. BelindaMarch 18, 2013 at 5:11 PM

    Love recommendations to explore.
    Look at beautiful Gaby and beautiful you. Hearts. X

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  6. BelindaMarch 18, 2013 at 5:12 PM

    Eek, pressed send before I finished. I have been wearing mala beads for the last year. Every time I look at them, I feel centered and I am reminded of the present moment. X

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  7. AnonymousMarch 18, 2013 at 6:44 PM

    So happy to see that you are reading one of my all time favourite books. I have had her book for over a year now and I still refer to it all the time!

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  8. VanessaMarch 18, 2013 at 7:04 PM

    So much to inspire... Can't stop staring at that pretty window against the blank canvas and thanks for the book tip. x

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  9. Angela @ nourish me naturallyMarch 18, 2013 at 8:22 PM

    You look like a pretty French woman walking around in France!! Amazing photos :-)

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  10. UnknownMarch 18, 2013 at 8:48 PM

    Beautiful photos. I absolutely love your style.

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  11. Ellen ArthurMarch 18, 2013 at 10:32 PM

    Oh looks like so much fun!! Xx

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  12. AnonymousMarch 18, 2013 at 11:14 PM

    Such beautiful photos. What a magical place. Love your cardi!

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  13. ViksterbeanMarch 19, 2013 at 1:12 AM

    Love this! Autumn in the Surrey Hills (UK) would look and feel decidedly colder. x

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  14. Ladies in NavyMarch 19, 2013 at 1:36 AM

    beautiful photos. adore that blouse and the flats.
    kw ladies in navy

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  15. KellyMarch 19, 2013 at 2:36 AM

    You are so incredibly beautiful. Also adore your bag from Elf

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  16. AnonymousMarch 19, 2013 at 3:51 AM

    I am looking forward to reading this book. I read the forward and intro on Amazon and see that it reflects many ideas that I am already interested in.

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  17. Lil Muse LilyMarch 19, 2013 at 4:11 AM

    oh what a beautiful post filled with most of my favorite colors. looks like a lovely day

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  18. KarinaMarch 19, 2013 at 4:50 AM

    Beautiful photos. I need to get someone to follow me around taking photos, seriously. I rarely step in front of the camera, but am reminded ever so often that when your children get older what they really want to see is pictures of their parents. You have some beautiful ones. xx

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  19. GSMarch 19, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    What lovely pictures! I wish the weather outside my door was as nice as this.

    -Jade
    gracious-silhouettes.blogspot.co.uk

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  20. Sea and SaltMarch 19, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    Ahh the Book Kitchen. My husband used to be one of their head chefs. I remember driving him to work on winter mornings at 5am. it was still very dark but peaceful for the city. On our days off, we'd ride our vintage bicycles into the city from our Redfern apartment and enjoy coffee and portuguese tarts from Bourke Street Bakery before exploring the shady streets of Surry Hills.
    Thank you for the trip down memory lane Jodi.
    Bella @ Sea and Salt xx

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  21. AriadMarch 19, 2013 at 8:22 AM

    Beautiful pics!

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  22. SmykolandiaMarch 19, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    flat heeled shoes more comfortable... For me too. Beatiful pics. Winter is still with us.

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  23. MaxabellaMarch 19, 2013 at 2:34 PM

    Oh you beautiful thing. Does it suck hugely being so stylish and glam? I loved every second of this post. x

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  24. KateMarch 19, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    I remember "The Way of the Happy Woman" sparked so many ideas for me, I wrote about it once too on the blog I believe. Such a great read. Wishing I could grab brunch and talk baby with all of you lovely ladies! Luisa's photos are pure magic, and you look oh so chic. Love! x

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  25. elleramplingMarch 19, 2013 at 7:32 PM

    Autumn, my favourite time of year. This post excites me for whats to come...

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  26. Sarah HumphreysMarch 19, 2013 at 11:35 PM

    So pretty! Ordered it. I trust your taste in books. x

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  27. Polly (nice kind of blue)March 20, 2013 at 8:25 AM

    Love the colours in these, so rich and vibrant. Such a pretty lady in a pretty place.

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  28. one claire dayMarch 20, 2013 at 12:34 PM

    Gorgeous! Love a bloggy meet-up.

    I managed to sneak into Bourke St for a ginger brulee tart while I was in Sydney - an all time fave! x

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    Replies
    1. JodiMarch 20, 2013 at 6:43 PM

      the ginger brulee tart changed my tastebuds - forever! x

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  29. Steph @ this brown wrenMarch 20, 2013 at 2:41 PM

    Couldn't you just buy everything ever made by Elf?! Such a vibrant, delicious post. Beautiful places, beautiful fashion, beautiful book (LOVE this one), beautiful lady...beautiful everything ) xx

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  30. NellMarch 21, 2013 at 1:48 AM

    You look so beautiful here Jodi. So happy. And I love your outfit. Seriously stylish Mama x

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  31. UnknownMarch 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM

    Beautiful! xx

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  32. jayMarch 23, 2013 at 8:31 AM

    Oh my old 'pre kids' stomping ground, so beautiful to see you there stirring up old memories. I salivated thinking about Bourke Street Bakery and smiled at the fairytale imaginings I would have in Cat Alley, looks like you had a wonderful day. xx

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  33. - eco bird by danii -March 23, 2013 at 6:36 PM

    Everything in this post is so beautiful, the photography, flowers, colours, prints, textures. Love it! x
    http://ecobirdstyle.blogspot.com.au/

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  34. GabyMarch 24, 2013 at 8:17 PM

    Such a yummy lunch, yummy company too. See you soon! x

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