Friday, December 13, 2013
pom pom Australian natives that match my header / rich, summery prints from bohemian traders
Our visit to Bali slightly threw my seasonal series but I'm happy to say I'm present once again, observing nature's shift outside the window and beside me as I walk. Sunlight comes early and leaves late; there's so many opportunities to be out and and about and yet we always retreat to home come midday - the sun is scorching. The gums that tower at the back of our house are a blessing in summer (a curse in winter) and right now they are shades of grey, tan and green; subtle tones in bright, white sun.
We are eating lots of cucumbers to cool the blood, sipping ice water and making salads to accompany our evening meals. Amidst it all we're preparing for a Christmas that is so different to the ones depicted in most of our books. In comes as no surprise that Che and Poet adore Applesauce and the Christmas Miracle; an adaptation of the birth of Jesus set in the iconic Australian landscape.
Che has been asking about snow and why we never have it for Christmas. Isn't it a enormous concept to grasp; that one side of the world is at the beach and the other side is huddled around the fire. A good lesson in opposites and a beautiful reminder that our world is, indeed, vast and wondrous.
This weekend, the last before school breaks, we'll be making Christmas cards, choosing, chopping and carting home a tree, decorating with joy and sitting back to admire the inevitable wonkiness of real pine.
Cheers to a balmy summer!
Labels: simple life , summer - a seasonal series
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Last year as we wandered into autumn we kind of felt like we'd been cheated. We'd had a wet, cool summer and there just weren't enough days spent in the sun. But this year made up for it. Regardless of the heatwaves, fires and most recent monsoon-like rains, we been spoilt with memorable beach days, lazy afternoons reading/napping and many an alfresco dinner. Sand has made its way into every crevice of our home and we've eaten copious amounts of mangoes, blueberries and peaches (and garden salads, woodfire pizzas, ice-cream).
Now the light is fading from golden to a softer, cooler yellow. Change is upon us...of the seasonal kind.
Thanks so much for following along with this seasonal series. I find it comforting to recognise the season, document it and then reminisce. For those of you in the North; I know many of you have found photos of frolicking beach babies a little hard to bear but rest assured, spring is on its way. I look forward to scrolling through your abundant summer posts when I'm in the depths of winter.
There is always the opposite...
Labels: summer - a seasonal series
Friday, February 22, 2013
This afternoon a tired little boy will walk in the door. I'll treat him to pikelets with jam and cream and while he eats I'll remind him that for the next few days we don't need to do anything or go anywhere.
As we teeter on the edge of summer, with monsoonal weather the norm, I'm noticing the quiet anticipation of autumn. I'm wanting to bake and roast food and gather good books for quiet afternoons. The perfect activities for rejuvenating weekends.
What are your weekend plans?
photo: poet at the library, che reading Richard Scarry on the balcony, waiting for a dawdler
Labels: summer - a seasonal series
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
It began one morning in mid-December. I got up early with Poet and she stayed by my side as I boiled the kettle and squeezed lemon juice into water. Before long Che was in the kitchen too, inspecting the pantry and begging for pancakes. I looked at my desk with its piles of books, open diary and to-do lists; the scribbles illegible. There were emails that needed my attention and a deadline fast approaching but in that moment I was more aware of the children at my feet and the sun warming the house.
"I think we'll go to the beach this morning," - an hour later we were swimming in the salty sea.
We have taken the short drive to the beach at least three times a week this summer. Daniel and I have mastered the beach preparation regime - towel/umbrella/sunscreen/hats/snacks and I have congratulated myself more than once on the purchase of a big French market basket; the ideal beach bag. I have sipped coffee while dipping my feet in the water, watched Che overcome his fear of the deep and shrieked more than once at Poet; the little girl who tumbles with the waves.
The ocean has been my therapy this season; it has calmed me from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. Many a morning I have swum weightless and looked back towards the shore, so grateful for the little family calling me in.
This summer will be remembered for our beach jaunts - a very contended mum and dad with our happy, sandy children.
How has your summer been? And if you're in the Northern Hemisphere, what part of summer are you most looking forward to?
Poet wears Luna's Swimmers c/o Udder...currently on sale! There's 40% off the entire make-believe collection (including accessories) with the code: summersale.
summer : a seasonal series
Labels: summer - a seasonal series
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
photos by luisa brimble
Brooklyn is a little fishing town just north of Sydney, well-known for its oyster farms and river views. Whilst the marina, the local pub, the second-hand bookstore, and gallery/cafe lure tourists on the weekend, this pretty village is quiet during the week; the ideal time to visit.
I've always thought of places like Brooklyn as perfect fodder for a story. Perhaps its the history, wrapped up in fishing nets and salt air, or the dynamics inherent in a small community where gossip runs rife. Dangar Island is just across the river; accessible only by boat it is inhabited by artists and recluses (and normal folk too). We plan to escape there sometime soon, to stay in a little cottage for a week or so (I'll be taking notes).
Brooklyn is an easy drive from Sydney or, if you want to plan a little adventure, you can catch the train to Hawkesbury River. There's a great park for the kids just past the marina; a good hour or two worth of play.
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For good coffee in a beautiful gallery space pop into Hang - Nicole Ruiz Gallery. If you fancy a seafood lunch discover Life Boat Seafood's leafy courtyard, located right next to the marina.
I've been reading the newest release from my very favourite writer, Lily Brett. If you have never read any of her work I would recommend starting with her collections of essays - all absolutely superb - New York, Between Mexico and Poland and In Full View (sometimes hard to find as new publications, try your library or second hand bookstores). Her best fiction works, in my opinion, are Just Like That and the brand new Lola Bensky.
I adore Lily's sense of humour, her writing style and, most of all, the blur between her autobiographical work and her novels. She still writes with a pencil on paper...and has a fabulous way with words:
"She put the words into sentences and phrases with a peacefulness she rarely felt. She shifted semicolons and quotation marks with the tranquility of a Zen priest. There was a gratifying orderliness about reordering worlds and words. About placing and replacing vows, vowels and events."
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I'm wearing: hat by Gorman (last season), vintage top, brigitte balloon skirt c/o KissinCussin, fine heart ring in gold by babyanything, bella bag c/o elf, (10% off with code FIDEL) sasha shoes c/o elf (10% off with code FIDEL), mandala beads and bracelets from around and about. Poet wears top by kidsagogo, bloomers c/o udder and sandals c/o saltwater sandals.
I'll be creating a little feature just like this one every season. Next up? Autumn in Surry Hills (expect a cafe review, or three).
Labels: lifestyle feature , summer - a seasonal series
Sunday, January 06, 2013
summer : a giveaway to celebrate the season
Perhaps my very favourite giveaway yet, this collection of beautiful summery goodness is valued at over $1100AUD. A big thank you to those who have contributed, your generosity astounds me!
One very lucky winner will receive:
1. Peace by Elf - handmade in Bali from high quality leather, this light tan bag can be carried like a purse or worn across the body. Featuring bohemian braiding and beautiful lining it's valued at $150.
2. I'm a firm believer in good, quality shoes for kids and Saltwater Sandals are my first choice for summer. The very latest colour in the collection, these turquoise children's shoes are valued at $69 (winner will choose size).
3. Absolutely gorgeous reversible tree puzzle from Dragonfly Toys featuring spring on one side and autumn on the other. Standing at 70cm high it includes 52 pieces and is suitable for 5-8 years olds. Valued at $35.50
4. Rebekka Seale adores fresh blooms and "Golden Ranunculus" is testament to her love of vintage botanical illustrations. A lovely 5"x7" archival art print of her original watercolour and gouache painting, valued at $14.65.
5. What could be nicer than curling up in cotton and bamboo after a day at the beach? This Home Republic queen/king cotton and bamboo basket-weave blanket is oh so soft and rather stylish too. Winner will receive the blanket in the grey colourway, valued at $139.95. Adairs are offering Che & Fidel readers a 10% discount from their online store for the month of January. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer but available for discounted and full-priced items, the promo code CF10 is available till 31st January 2013.
6. Little Tienda works with artisans in Mexico to create traditional clothing and homewares in a vivid colour palette. This cotton Grande Serape is the perfect beach blanket and the la flores dress is a bright and beautiful essential for every little girl (winner will choose size and colour) - valued at $148
7. Haveli Design uses hand block printing techniques to create simple and beautiful children's clothes. I absolutely adore everything in the collection, especially this Melon Jali Mexican Dress with its sweet flutter sleeves and delicate embellishment. Winner will choose size - valued at $38
8. A baby wrapped in the softest bamboo - one of the best things in life, I say. I used Aden + Anais bamboo swaddles for Poet; as a wrap, shade, blanket etc, a definite essential! These three swaddles are decorated in a blue and tangerine 'mela' print - valued at $44.95.
9. Babywearing in summer calls for a cool and breathable pure linen sling from Sakura Bloom. I use mine daily and highly recommend! Winner will choose colour (good luck with that!) - valued at $88.
10. Michelle and Emma are a mother + daughter duo from Bondi and they've worked together to create Ink & Stitch - a range of stylish 100% organic cotton bags. Lightweight and durable, each design features an original illustration. Winner will receive "femme" - valued at $36.
11. I love Love Mae and these bamboo dinner sets are gorgeous and practical (win-win). Winner will choose either the 'under the sea' or 'woodland critters' design - valued at $29.95.
12. Inspired by simple form and chaotic colour, BOXY is your summer jewellery essential. Handmade by Sally Jarmaine in a small studio amongst the trees, this block necklace titled "tumbleturn" is gorgeous - valued at $35
13. Ella Leach has created a fabulous Family Planner to help you stay organised for 2013. Featuring spaces for 6 names, a column for birthdays and anniversaries and a different print each month, this is a family must-have - valued at $30
14. I have a very soft spot when it comes to blue overalls, especially when worn by a baby in summer. These classic overalls are by Quince and valued at $38 (winner will choose size). Quince are also offering Che & Fidel readers 20% off full priced stock with the code: CHE
15. Che adores his tin tin pants and this feather print is the perfect accompaniment to the balloony design. Another fabulous piece from the Udder collection and valued at $45 (winner will choose size).
16. I couldn't have a summer giveaway without sunscreen, could I? This pack from Invisible Zinc includes 1 x Junior Clip On 60g, 1 x 4hour water resistant sunscreen 50ml and 1 x Face and Body sunscreen 150g. Valued at $71.90 (pop back here to read my review of natural sunscreens).
17. I adore eco store - for their natural products and simple yet stylish packaging. This range of baby care products is wonderful - gentle for littles and infused with the subtle hint of essential oils. This collection will ensure months of bathtime fun - valued at $100.
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You can enter this giveaway 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) - open to Australian and NZ readers. The winner will be chosen by the random number generator and will be announced in this post on Sunday January 13th at 9pm est.
Best of luck!
Update : comments are now closed. The random number generator chose #295 - Carol @ Perennial .... congratulations!!! xxx
leaves illustration by Lan Truong
Best of luck!
Update : comments are now closed. The random number generator chose #295 - Carol @ Perennial .... congratulations!!! xxx
leaves illustration by Lan Truong
Labels: summer - a seasonal series
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
There is no denying the heavy heart of our world right now, the universal sadness evident in news reports and candle flames.
This Christmas, as we prepare to gather and celebrate, we do so with gratitude - for who we have, not what we own.
Labels: summer - a seasonal series
Friday, December 14, 2012
summer : notes from my naturopath
Summer, she told me, is all about the heart - strengthening and protecting this vital organ. It's the season for laughter, the time where we dance to music and celebrate outdoors. Imbued with happiness, it's the season of love (no wonder so many babies are born in spring!).
The sun is vibrant in summer, incredibly energising, but we must be wary of its bite. Our diet should include bitter foods to cool the blood and to ultimately cool our body. These include:
- cucumbers, lettuce, pears, grapefruit, celery
- dairy - especially fetta and yoghurt
- coconut, in all its forms
- stone fruits in their rich shades of crimson and orange - peaches, nectarines and apricots are tonics for the heart
- a fresh fruit and vegie juice is always a good thing (I'm currently drinking cucumber, carrot, ginger, apple and celery)
- meat eaters should gravitate towards more seafood in summer (there's a lovely recipe for wild snapper here)
- to aid digestion at night I drink a pineapple, ginger and mint juice just before dinner - strong, sweet and spicy
- lemon tea is perfect for summer to refresh and to cool - try lemon myrtle, lemongrass or lemon verbena.
Of course, with the warm weather comes the mozzies and I'm all for using a natural repellent. Burning lavender, or even rubbing some lavender oil around your window frames, keeps the mozzies and flies away. But be mindful that rosemary attracts them. Did you know that rosemary should always be planted on the hottest side of the house? - when the sun hits the leaves an oil is released which produces a vapour that ultimately cools the area. A trick the Ancient Egyptians used, apparently.
For bug bites try a little calendula oil dabbed on the skin or ice and aloe vera gel to cool and soothe.
spring : notes from my naturopath
For bug bites try a little calendula oil dabbed on the skin or ice and aloe vera gel to cool and soothe.
spring : notes from my naturopath
Labels: summer - a seasonal series
Sunday, December 09, 2012
summer : 3 natural sunscreens for the whole family
Che and Poet have both inherited my milky white skin and I'm absolutely vigilant when it comes to sun protection. We only go to the beach in the morning or late afternoon, they always wear a hat and I prefer to dress them in light long-sleeved clothing than lather them in sunscreen. I've also been reading a little about the importance of good fats in your diet; how they can help build up natural sun protection in the skin. Coconut oil is getting a good wrap for an alternative to sunscreen but I'm not completely convinced just yet. And of course, we must be mindful of the importance and beauty of the sun and Vitamin D - absolutely essential for health and well-being Most health professionals recommend 20 minutes in the morning sun each day without protection.
I always carry a bottle of sunscreen in my bag so I've been looking into the best natural products available. Here's my favourites, tried and tested (and perfect for those with sensitive skin*):
Soleo Organics : touted as the most natural sunscreen in the world, Soleo Organics is made in Australia from organic and all natural ingredients according to Naturopathic principles. There's absolutely no nasties in this lotion; it's active ingredient is 22.3% zinc oxide combined with a lovely combination of beeswax, macadamia nut oil and roman chamomile (to name a few). Soleo is completely water resistant, 30+ spf and contains organic botanical extracts to moisturise the skin. $26.60 for 80g
Invisible Zinc - Junior Clip-on : I'm pretty sure a beach-going muma designed this bottle. Perfect for attaching to your keys, bag or pram, this sunscreen offers the UV protection of Zinc Oxide without any chemical UV actives or parabens. It's low irritant and feels good on your skin - 30+ spf. $19.95 for 60g
Wotnot : 100% good for you, this broad spectrum protection is one of many fabulous products from this Australian brand (I love their facial wipes). Wonderfully natural, imbued with the scent and holistic properties of organic beeswax and aloe, Wotnot is smooth and gentle on the skin and perfect for little ones. However, it's not waterproof so you do need to reapply after swimming - 30+ spf. $25.95 for 135g
If you're looking for light summery clothing for children I highly recommend Hazyjane's vintage pants, kurta tops, dresses and hats from Haveli Design and linen and cotton goodness from Kokonor.
*of course, if you do experience skin irritation from sunscreen, you should stop using it immediately. Most sunscreens aren't suitable for babies under 6 months of age - always check the bottle for recommendations.
summer : a seasonal series
Labels: summer - a seasonal series
Saturday, December 01, 2012
Summer is the most nostalgic season of them all - a cycle of ocean swims and hammock siestas, too-hot-to-sleep nights and backyard water fights. Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing a few posts to celebrate the season including a review of my favourite sunscreens, notes from my naturopath and a collection of my favourite recipes, books and destinations.
In all its bohemian beauty, summer is here - equally joyous and frustrating (don't let the mozzies bite!)
What is your most treasured summer memory?
spring : a seasonal series
Labels: summer - a seasonal series
