The way to a man.........

                                 poulet roti estragon (roast chicken Tarragon)

                                             prune gateau (plum cake)

                      Speculoos and vin chaud (spiced biscuits and mulled wine)

                                    All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012

The way to my man's heart is through his stomach. With all the hype over Valentine's day, I know no matter what day it is, if I want my man to feel loved I can make him a gorgeous dinner and he is like a pig in mud! Especially if it is a roast. Add anything else to the menu and I know he'll be happy. Plus, I enjoy giving love that way, and we can enjoy it together. These shots are of one such feast, my very yummy poulet roti estragon (roast chicken Tarragon), prune gateau (plum cake) and vin chaud ( mulled wine) and speculoos (spiced biscuits). I made this yummo menu earlier this week and we enjoyed it imensely. Anyone else have ways of showing love to their special person? Let me know xxCorrina.

Green

                                                                Vineyard

                                                    succulents and conifer

                                                          Peacock feather

                                                                chameleon

                                                   race on the lawn

                                                             Mulberry tree

                                                               Carlton Ware

                                                     Water plants in pond

                                                       Historical building

                                                         feather boa

                                                    butterfly magic

                                                           peeling paint

                                                             potager

                               All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012
Cool, calm, green represents growth, new life, fresh, food... Sometimes it hides in the background but it makes other colours pop! It can be subtle, rustic, vibrant, electric, olive, lime, pale and bright. I had to stop to think about green today. Here as the gentle rain washes the earth and everything green seems clean and bright. I trauled through my photo archives to find anything green that I could share with you. What do you think about green?xxxCorrina.

Momentus day momentus year

                                       Copyright Corrina Tough 2012

Hi all, today was a momentus and very emotional day as I sent my youngest child Curtis for his first day of kindergarten at school. This week has been huge with my seven year old going back to school on Monday- however we changed schools so first day at a new school. My son Jesse (19) started his transition to work program as he has finished school. This is for people who are disabled or disadvantaged and is a wonderful start for him. Finally, my daughter Phoebe (19) was accepted into Uni and we have spent the week emailing, filling in forms, organising accomodation etc etc. So in three weeks my oldest baby will be moving out of home!! How much can a mother take! Anyhow, back to Curtis- he has been hanging out for school for nearly 2 yrs and was so excited to finally go. He is extremely happy and had a wonderful start to his first day. I got lots of cute pics of him in his uniform - needless to say this is one of my favs- I love my little darling and will miss his company immensely. He is continuing on his journey of learning and it's very exciting. xxCorrina

The weekend and the unmade bed

I love perusing decorating blogs, magazines and books. All those beautifully styled rooms with everything just so. It does pressure you sometimes to feel like you need to have everything just so in your own home. I have four children and this is probably not the kind of pressure I need. I do feel like I can think straight if my house is tidy, dishes done and bed made. I love my bedroom- it always feels like a beautiful b&b to me and each time I have to go in there I feel like I am on holidays. But come the weekend and unless visitors are coming I like to give myself a break. I woke up last weekend and went about making pancakes for everyone, when I went into my room to make the bed I saw the beauty in its unmade form. The light was just hitting the bed so beautifully throught the leadlight windows. I decided this is beauty too, even some of the masters of the art world have captured the unmade bed as a still life. Here is my version. Go ahead- let yourself go this weekend- leave your bed unmade! It is liberating. xxCorrina.

The little drummer boy

                                       Copyright Corrina Tough 2012

Here is my little drummer boy- Curtis. He hassled us for some time to get a drum kit- and he is all of 5 yrs old but look at the sheer joy on his face. He comes from a long line of drummers in both families. My husbands great uncle being world famous in the days of Charlie Parker, Billie holiday, Glen Miller big band etc etc and played with famous people in the USA and Europe. He formulated and wrote the famous drumming text book- a precursor to what we know today. I can't wait to see how this little guy goes. We started him on a snare and high hat and we'll add to the kit if he's serious. I love how he hears the rythm in everything even tv comercials and will break out in a tap or break dance. I am willing to let my ears get a bashing for him to follow his creative dream. Its great for boys too- they get out their aggression and energy when they hit those skins! xxCorrina

Tale of a dancer part 2

                                    Copy right Corrina Tough 2012

                              I just love to dance- even dream of it......

                                  Will you come dance with me?

                                                 today at 4pm?

                                                   Just give me a call....

The devine miss Ruby calls a friend to come and dance a dream ballet. Wear your prettiest tutu and ballet shoes,
"Some people move our souls to dance" (Anon) that's what you do for me dear friend. Please come- lets dance together to our favourite music. When was the last time you really let go and moved to a special piece of music- like a child with no inhibitions? Wait til you're alone, put on your favourite piece of music and dance your heart out- it feels sooo good. My favourite at the moment is 'Caravan' the last track on the soundtrack to the movie Chocolat. Even better if you're in the arms of the one you love.xxxCorrina. click the link below to hear caravan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0AGs5CTdsY

Tale of a dancer part 1

                                  Copyright Corrina Tough 2012

I know... I am a little biassed when it comes to my own babies but how beautiful is my Ruby? I must brag about the others next time but here is the first of two installments on a photoshoot with Ruby in her new outfit from Tutu du Monde. One of her chrissie presents. How devine is the beading on the top and the skirt is something else- so delicate and the perfect shade of shell pink. Ruby wanted to wear her ballet headband and shoes. The vest on the chair is from pumpkin patch a few years ago. Its so cute Ruby can still wear it but not for much longer. Pics were taken on location in our dining room! Doesn't it look gorgeous! xxCorrina.

Parisienne Farmgirl Giveaway!

Hi all, one of my favourite blogs is Parisienne Farmgirl and I am very excited to pass on the great news that Angela from Parisienne Farmgirl has a give-away to promote her new online magazine 'Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine'. You just have to go to her blog and check out the awesome  generosity of Parisienne Farmgirl as well as a sneak peek at what may be to come in the magazine. xxCorrina.
http://www.parisiennefarmgirl.com/

                                    French iron chair in autumn light
                                    Copyright Corrina Tough 2012