Monday, March 18, 2013
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.
Labels: autumn : a seasonal series
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
autumn : a giveaway to celebrate the season
There's a big part of me that would like to covet this collection but alas, it will be delivered to one of you. Valued at over $1300 each item has been contributed by a creative who really values the beauty of "made with love" - hooray to that!
One lucky winner will receive the following:
1. One pair of Berties from Jonah and the Girl - the perfect everyday-sneaker (winner will choose size and colour) - valued at $40.
2. A pair of vivid Wittlebird wings will inspire hours of imaginative play. Ideal for dragons, fairies, elves and birds, winner will choose colours and size - valued at $70.
3. Paul & Paula clothing is handmade to perfection in Melbourne - contemporary, quirky designs are created from quality fabrics and expert craftsmanship. This little pair of leggings are made from 100% Merino Wool Jersey and feature a sweet navy/white striped bow. Winner will choose size - valued at $33.
4. One of my favourite Rebekka Seale prints, Stripes is an 8"x10" print of her original watercolour and gouache painting - valued at $20
5. A penguin with a scarf, well of course. Meet Scout, one of Udder's most beloved creatures. Made entirely from recycled fabrics, he "...loves a good adventure and has climbed many a cushion/pillow mountain in his time." - valued at $70
6. This gorgeous wooden line work beaded necklace comes with a story. It's made from sustainable plantation timber right her in Australia and then printed with an original water colour painting. The cord is hand-dyed with English Breakfast tea in the Polli studio - a converted ginger beer factory in Stanmore, Sydney. Valued at $79.95, it's rather swoon-worthy.
7. Fair trade and made from sustainable materials this yellow slide whistle is the perfect addition to the musical instrument basket. Valued at $20.99 from Tree Hugga.
8. Look at this collection of beautiful stationery and crafty supplies - all from BLANK. This pack includes 6 x hollow wooden eggs (perfect for Easter!), 1 x pack of small gift boxes, 1 x pack of cotton muslin bags, 1 x pack of glassine lined bags, 1 x packet of turquoise circle stickers and 2 x packs of vintage tags. Valued at $52.
9. Tik e ta is European-inspired but locally-made, a range of fun and contemporary kid's clothing from super-soft fabrics. These black+white striped harem pants are just lovely Winner will choose size - valued at $39.
10. Brass cast from an actual gingko leaf, this pendant and chain by Pantheia is a celebration of Autumn. Made by in Bali from sustainable practices - valued at $75.
11. Gina & May create beautiful, quality umbrellas with long wooden handles - a necessity on rainy days. This "grasshopper" design features a windproof mechanism and offers UV protection - valued at $59.95.
12. Snuggly PJs - one of my favourite things about the cooler months. ALAS (all light all shadow) creates sleepwear from organic cotton and endeavors to be socially and ecologically responsible in every step of the design, creation and distribution process. These long-sleeved, long-legged Dusk pjs are valued at $59.95 (winner will choose size).
13. A special edition DIY oobee bunny kit by Maze & Vale. Suitable for all levels of sewers and perfect for beginners, this kit allows you to create your very own soft and squishy Easter bunny with 100% cotton corduroy fabric (handprinted with one of Maze & Vale's signature designs), wool felt and fleece. This special edition comes with bonus materials to create a traditional oobee too. Valued at $22.
14. Autumn is raincoat season and this gorgeous design from Quince is ideal for the little ones. Valued at $55, winner will choose size.
15. Tea - my preferred drink of the season. This sweet "tea please" cup is handmade in a workshop nestled between the trees and rolling hills of the Kanimbla Valley. Artist Helen Hay creates delicate vessels that turn your everyday drink into a cherished ritual - valued at $40.
16. Polka dots for the bedroom? Kip & Co create bright, boutique linen and this flat sheet is 100% cotton, 300 thread count and made in India. Featuring navy spots on an olive base it's king size and valued at $125.
17. Always on my kitchen bench, Counter Intelligence from Murchison-Hume keeps the counter clean without the use of nasty chemicals. Valued at $12.50.
18. A box of bright chalk that will inspire hours of creativity...a necessity in the craft cupboard. Chalk Chook is the very best chalk I've come across, made for small hands and big imaginations - valued at $30
19. Purdey Bonnet by Dover & Madden - a handmade 1970s inspired ski bonnet featuring a bubble design and the possible addition of earflaps, sized 3months-36months - valued at $41, winner will choose size and colour.
20. Whole Family Rhythms are a series of seasonal and monthly guides created and designed to help you maintain a steady rhythm in your home. Winner will receive the April guide - valued at $12.
21. This delightful cot quilt by Miette Handmade features a collection of vintage inspired fabrics in hues of blue, red and green. Handmade in Melbourne and valued at $160.
22. This best-selling rainbow necklace by Kangaroo Care is made from juniper beads - perfectly safe for baby to play with while breastfeeding - valued at $25.
23. This unique Lola clutch from Little Tienda features Otomi embroidery, exquisite stitching and bohemian styling - valued at $85.
24. A beautiful little set from Shorties - a handknitted vest (size 12months) and the friendliest little owl friend you ever did see - valued at $78.
25. Ethically handmade by Tibetan refugees in Kokonor's Indian workshop, this cotton koko kaftan is perfect for summer or can be layered for the cooler months. Available in five different fabrics, winner will choose size and pattern - valued at $34.
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COMMENTS CLOSED - the winner is #569 - hollyproperly. Congratulations! x
The extra good news is that this is an international giveaway. You can enter a maximum of three times:
- first entry - follow Che & Fidel (over there on the right)
- second entry - popping over to Che & Fidel on facebook and hitting 'like'
- third entry - sharing this giveaway on facebook/instagram/your blog
Please leave a separate comment for each entry (if you can't see your comment please press the 'load more' option under the comment box). The winner will be chosen by the random number generator and will be announced in this post on Monday March 18th at 9pm est.
COMMENTS CLOSED - the winner is #569 - hollyproperly. Congratulations! x
Best of luck!
autumnal illustration by rebekka seale.
Labels: autumn : a seasonal series
Thursday, March 07, 2013
autumn : notes from my naturopath
Summer was all about the heart, eating bitter foods to cool the blood and hence cool the body. Since I had Che I have always been irritated by the heat - so much so that I loathed the hot weather. But regardless of the numerous heatwaves we experienced over December and January I never once felt agitated or overly hot. Now I really understand and appreciate the benefits of eating a seasonal diet; allowing nature to dictate my menu.
I always mark the turn of the season with a visit to my naturopath. It's an opportunity to learn more about my body and how it relates to the change in weather. I always experience a lull in autumn, both emotional and energetic, and whilst it hasn't arrived yet I know it will come with the first cold wind - I'll recognise it, be with it, and then move on.
Autumn is about the lungs - ultimately we want move any waste out through the blood with an increase in vitamin C and we want to get rid of excess mucous so it doesn't sit on our chest during the colder months. Our diet should include pungent foods to cleanse. These include garlic and onion, thyme, and spices like fenugreek, tumeric and cardamon.
Other seasonal suggestions include:
- green smoothies - kale, baby spinach, apples and pears
- nettle tea; a powerful cleansing concoction
- burning 'woody' oils to dilate the airways - pine, juniper, frankincense, eucalyptus*
- if you have a moist area in your home try burning cedarwood, tea tree and or lemongrass*; they help to dry fungus and mould
- for fabulous tips on mould removal, pop over to biome's blog
- for a sweet and therapeutic afternoon treat try pineapple, mint and ginger juice
In the past few weeks I've noticed that Che and Poet want more for breakfast so I've been making porridge and toast to accompany smoothies or fresh juice. We're a family of grazers and I find, especially in the colder months, that I can easily spend most the day preparing food. It's exhausting and overwhelming at times, the desire to feed your children the very best, and often time and energy get in the way. I've been reading some great cookbooks lately, slowly introducing a few new recipes into our diet. My favourite meal at the moment is simple, nutritious and so quick to make. Poet loves it, Che runs from the plate (you can't please everyone):
- chop kale, leek, beans, capsicum, perhaps some green chilli, and brocolli
- head 1.5tbs coconut oil and add the leek and a little crushed garlic
- after a few minutes add the vegies and cook for about 5-7minutes on med-high heat
- add a little salt and pepper and perhaps a squeeze of lemon juice
- enjoy (serve with brown rice, if you like)
What's your favourite autumn recipe?
*some oils aren't safe to use in pregnancy (especially clove oil) so always check with your health food store/naturopath before you burn them in the home.
Labels: autumn : a seasonal series
Friday, March 01, 2013
March
In March the air feels cooler, softer
Leaves turn crimson red
Then when they flutter to the ground
We make a pile and tumble round
Some fall on baby's head.
We plant some bulbs, a daffodil
They hide till Spring, so dark and still.
- Jane Godwin, All Through the Year
The leaves haven't turned yet but we're waiting, waiting.
I have a soft spot for Autumn. It's the humble season, an opportunity to slow, nurture and nourish. Last night the cool came, right on cue, and we gratefully said goodbye to the humidity that had been lingering for weeks. It's almost time to slip into long-sleeves and carry a cardigan - just in case.
Soon there will be a box of fine new-season apples to eat and I'll happily line the kitchen windowsill with picturesque pears. I'll start to close the doors and windows early, light beeswax candles, and settle in. My seasonal menu is homely and inspired; pumpkin soup, chicken stock, jeweled rice, apple turnovers, pear and ginger cake. There will be chai; almond milk infused with spice, and I'll think of the ashram as I stir.
Autumn is for gumboots and slippers, tea and good books. I need a few interesting reads for the next couple of months, what do you recommend?
For those of you ready to embrace the light and newness of spring, there's a seasonal series just for you.
Labels: autumn : a seasonal series
