"I just pretty much do whatever Oprah tells me to do"

Oprah in Camilla Franks
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/12/12/3091022.htm?site=newcastle

And I do! Or Liz Lemon, but that's another story, haha

I'm soooooooooooo - i really wanted to add more 'o's to that- excited that she's here. I didn't end up getting tickets to her shows on Tuesday, alas, but I'm still going down there to see if I can catch a glance, or hear her voice. I don't want no presents, I'm a simple gal =) I honestly can't believe that I've watched her for more than half of my life..... She truly is an inspiration.
When I saw her at Fed Square on TV, oh the regret! So, parking is already organised - my boys in the city like me, bless them - and on an even better note, Starbucks! Woot!

I'm sure most of you are over seeing it all on the news. I do believe that the first story on Thursday shouldn't have been 6 minutes of her, THEN news on the floods.... but, I can't help but have that moment every time I see her on the news and think "eek! She's here!"


And to the weather Gods -What a glorious day! Phew!

Marc jacobs is a GOD

Now, I know that below is a post stating why I don't like Louis Vuitton - please note the main reason is Paris Hilton and the fact that when I worked at Coles, it was quite a well, salubrious area....

All the women came in with their LV bags (and most were real, believe me) and then the multicolour bag came out (forgive my lack of LV knowledge), and well, all I wanted was one of them. Then I saw them EVERYWHERE... and quickly got over them - except the gold alma.... so pretty!

But when it comes to Louis Vuitton's clothes... to use a zoe-ism, I die.

Marc Jacobs is an absolute genius.

Take the most recent show for Paris Fashion week... the colours, the cut, the show!

Love this dress - it's so flapper like, it's amazing! Love the peacock colours too...

Totally love that orange is coming back.. perfect excuse to wear my orange Miss Munro's!

There's more to look at here: http://www.vogue.com.au/fashion+shows/ready+to+wear/louis+vuitton+2011,s5815

What's your favourite?

To tweet or to not tweet....

So, I've decided to join the masses, and create (my third...) twitter account... this one I will actually use!

find me at twitter.com/DespSeeksAudrey =)

You can tell me if it's inappropriate to start writing blog posts about my evil work colleague...... it's definitely a #douchebag situation!!

On a side note - the Kitchen is nearly done!!! We have electricity... no water, but I have an oven baby!

The only crap thing is, I've forgotten how to cook since the start of the reno's...

Dinner at the Royal

So, last Friday night the boy took me out for dinner at one of our usual haunts, The Royal. I was supposed to be making sweet pies in our little pie maker, but who am I to complain at getting dressed up? (any excuse!)




It's a cute, quaint pub, that has been going through quite a makeover lately. It's becoming quite fancy for the mountains.... not necessarily a bad thing! it was originally built in 1881, making it one of the oldest "Royals" around!



Mr DSA and I used to head down there nearly every Friday before the reno - $7 steak burgers! And I'm not a big steak fan, but they were drool worthy.... and for $7 - made them taste even better!



Now, alas, there are no $7 steak burgers anymore, but the food is just as good, and there's room to sit now, so it's well worth the extra couple of dollars.

Oregano scented Lamb Burger - $15

This time I ordered the "Oregano scented lamb burger with feta cheese, tzaziki on toasted Turkish bap and supa crunchy chips". Minus the feta though, it's not really my type of cheese.

This was so good. I couldn't finish it, it was that big. That's what I love about the Royal. Great meals, HUGE servings! Thank goodness for Mr DSA, who finished it for me. I love, love tzaziki - this was a pretty good one. I'm certain there was a dash of mint in there though... different!

rump steak in ginger, garlic. honey in sweet sherry with lemon- $ 18.50

Mr DSA ordered the marinated 300gm rump steak in ginger, garlic. honey in sweet sherry with lemon. Now, normally I'm not a big ginger fan, but the sound of this sounded so delish..... I was going to get it, but MR DSA did, so I knew I'd be able to try his.

When it came out it smelled so much like the Chinese pork fillet that my Mum makes - you know the sweet red one? Oh my, I could eat a kilo of that.....

Anyway, I digress..... it smelled so yummy, and tasted 10 times better. Tasted a little like the Chinese pork - i think it was the sweetness. Huge pieces of steak, huge plate. I actually want to go back tonight so I can have it =)

If you're in the Blue Mountains one weekend, pop on in and have a look.... dinner cost us less than $30 for us, and with the council car park pretty much across the road, you can have some beverages, leave your car there (as long as you pick it up by 10 the next morning) and have a great night.

I still haven't used my Y-mail clutch though... Maybe one day we'll go somewhere that I can =) Any suggestions?

Next to review is the new bowls club....

I know, it's party central here in Springwood.... ;o)

The Royal Hotel is located at: 220 Macquarie Road Springwood NSW 2777

Inspiration

I just feel like I'm lacking in motivation & inspiration. The kitchen is not finished, and as well as the house being in a shambles, so is my head. I've been a little depressed lately, I don't know if it's the weather, or just me.

This is what I have to cook on and wash my dishes in.


Can you believe? Good times! It's been 3 months now, and still counting.... And yes, that is the BIG can of Milo! Mmm... chocolatey malty goodness!

So, here's a couple of pretty pictures that make me feel happy, and feel like that with a bit more inspiration like this, maybe we will get the kitchen done, and I'll get my study =) Enjoy!



Haha, there had to be a kitchen pic ;o)

Canberra Day Trip

And off to the National Art Gallery we went!

We ended up going to the "Masterpieces from Paris" exhibition on it's last day - talk about cutting it fine! We left at 5:30 in the morning and made it there at about 10am, including a little break. As you can see from above, it was a glorious morning. We got to see kangaroos on the way there, and even a little echidna on the side of the road on the way back. Love it!

While waiting for the 11am to get closer, we decided to park somewhere and have a walk and look around. Such a cute little area. I should have brought bread for the ducks!

Time to head towards the line - but not before we take a quick stroll around the NGA grounds. The colours this autumn are just absolutely amazing. It makes me wish I could sew, or was arty in some way. There's so much inspiration to be had!

A quick look at the Stainless Steel Ball sculpture - we had to. It's what the boy does for work ;o) - and a pic in the reflective surface, and we're off!

Now, alas no pics were allowed in the actual rooms with the paintings - there were guards in each room - and I was told off twice for "getting too close to the paintings". I was trying to point out the detail people! Sheesh!I then went and spent a fortune in the NGA shop and picked up everything that I could see. There wasn't much available, as it was the last day, but I grabbed the last "Starry Night" pic and a couple of awesome Lever Arch binders with a Monet painting on the binder. Score!

Then off home, as I had only had 3 hours sleep the night before - Paul Dempsey concert in the city. Crazy, no?

Don't you just love the colours? Canberra, you're stunning.

Such a great day, can't wait to go back again. From my childhood, I recall the markets are awesome.

Message of Support to the Troops

Happy Anzac day long weekend!

Just wanted to let you all know about the Message to the troops event that Telstra are doing - http://anzacday.telstra.com/event (and no, I'm not affiliated at all ;o) )

It takes 30 seconds to type your message and have it sent off.

I've sent off a couple already, and plan on heading back there again =)

I'm sure they all appreciate the messages of support - because it's all about supporting them I don't care what you think about "the war" (and don't even get me started - I'm an Army family), and the government, you have to support our troops. Because they are what makes this country truly wonderful. And I know that it made me comforted to know that when my father was overseas, that people supported him, and cared.

They make us proud to live in the best country in the world. Australia.

So, no pressure at all..... GO NOW!
haha.

I think we're off to the dawn service somewhere close tomorrow morning.... it should be nice I think. Foggy and what not. we'll see if I can get some decent pictures....

Which reminds me. I have my review of Paul Dempsey's gig at the Metro last Sunday to put up. And my trip to the Art gallery. We finally went people! Oh, the purchases!

Alright, cup of tea time, and time for a revamp!