Joyeux Noel

                                            Traditional with a twist

                                         Christmas morning 2010

                                                   Silver Angels

                                            Turtle Doves with crowns
My take on decorating is a little eclectic with a touch of tradition and whimsy. I use a deep claret toned red, with bottle greens, golds, silver and white. My tree is quite large and we still don't have enough to cover the tree which is kind of o.k as I have it in a spot where you can't see the back so I cheat and put most of the decorations at the front and around the sides. Because of the lack of pretties, rather than try and change each year and make a theme as the trends seem to favour, I keep to the colourways I described and that way my tree always looks nice. More pictures to come. I have been so busy this year we're really just decorating the house now. These shots from last year. xxCorrina.

No 10- relationship- dinner and games

                     We started the evening with snakes and ladders

Drinks and laughter

                                  A beautiful table with beautiful food

We talked into the night, and slept quite soundly, before we had to say goodbye, what a great time we had with our family. Until next time they visit us in Australia. xxxCorrina.

No 9-le parc

No9- le parc- no visit is complete without a trip to Huskisson. There is something for everyone here, historic pub, beautiful beach, shops, cafes, cinema and the park for kids and adults who like to sip lattes and watch the passers by.  This is my sister-in-law Jane enjoying the Australian sun. You can basicly walk the main street to all these things. My only regret was we ran out of time and didn't get to visit 'Lickety Lick' a funky icecream shop that specialises in gelato, sorbets and unusual flavours. Huskisson is about 2.5hrs south of Sydney and about a 10min drive from my place. It is part of Jervis Bay and has some stunning views. The whale and dolphin watch cruises leave from here too. xxCorrina.

No 8- le Vin- Cupits Winery Milton

No 8- le vin- Cupits Winery Milton. Now I know I mentioned this place in a previous post but we took the visiting relatives to Cupits winery on the weekend while they were here and none of us were disappionted. You feel as though you are sitting in a winery somewhere in France. The original building is very old and the rest has been done so tastefully it complements the view, the food and the setting. Service was impeccable, food was devine, French inspired. The view was stunning and I had to run outside between courses to click away with my camera. The kids enjoyed themselves and were able to run outside when they needed to expend some energy. We got there at 6pm and watched as the sun slowly set and the scene was changing until we left at about 9pm when the moon was full and glowing over the valley. What else can I say... I was transported. They have accommodation in the form of a small cottage and I am thinking this is on my wish list for a pamper for mum weekend. A short drive and you're at beaches and shops if you want to leave the amazing winery (I think I would be hard pressed to leave). The relatives were suitably impressed and we came home very satisfied. I wish I could post more of my images but there were just so many. xxxCorrina.

No 7- Tea Anyone?

No 7- Tea Anyone?- Whenever my brother in-law and his wife visit from London we take them to one of our favourite places- a little town called Berry. About 40mins drive from my place, its full of historic buildings, antiques, homewares, clothing, art, toys...... A new shop called The Berry Tea Shop opened a year or two ago, and is the closest thing to a tea salon for miles. The atmosphere is devine- you always feel like you've stepped into another world where everything goes a bit slower and tea is taken like a ritual. They have really nailed it here- the menu consists of extensive range of teas and if you must diverge they'll do plunger coffee. You'll find a small but gorgeous range of cakes/biscuits/scones which are housed in glass cloches on a table up the back. I find this adds to the stress free environment as sometimes in cafes you end up with a headache trying to choose. When served you are delivered a delightful brew in your own individual pot with an antique cup amnd saucer. Whilst you wait you can peruse the store for all the tea and cake paraphernalia you might need to make the perfect brew. Whilst you sip you will be soothed by some Billy Holiday or Ella Fitsgerald which adds to the experience of living in a slower era. To top it off the hosts/owners clearly love what they do and have a true gift of hospitality. You'll feel replenished if you visit here. Berry is 2hrs south of Sydney. Its worth the trip! xx Corrina.