Sudan

He got the Job!!! Working with Dan Church Aid. And is headed to Sudan sometime in November maybe. BIG Changes, I mean Huge. And all of a sudden, but hey, isn't this what we wanted? More on this later when I know more.

Blog is going to be about America and all the travels based out of there.

Revised topics:
New City, Suburbia
Family Life
Americanisms
Food (of Course)
Travel excursions (in the US and internationally for work and play)
Etc.

Online Shopping: Stone and Honey

I love this jewelry artisan!

Stone and Honey

(I'm christmas shopping already ((and making my Xmas list already)).

Ramblings

The theme of this month seems to be food, this is apparent as I scroll down through the recent posts and peek down at my expanding waistline. I am feeling the extra poundage, which I have been ignoring as simple "winter weight", but I can't stand it any longer! (I say this after I made the trip to the local chocolaterie for a tasty treat yet again - these trips are my excuses to leave the house and provide a destination/purpose for an exercise outing). I'm off bread and sugar for the time being as of now. I don't think this declaration will do much good in time for Bali next week, but it will make me feel better to be doing something, taking control. And I am glad that bread is not a staple in Indonesia.

To change things up, I'll try to post something other than food here:

Melbourne is turning into spring making the air so floral and fragrant! I am very grateful that I do not have allergies as I see the pollen float around in the breeze.

Richard is exploring the possibility of working in Sudan, he is in Copenhagen now for his final interview. Finger-crossed. But this means big changes will take place sooner rather than later. So I am almost in packing mode, trying to restrain myself until I know more definitive details. Regardless, we are gonna move soon, and time is running out to enjoy things here. I will have to revise this blog and focus on experiences in my next new home. Anticipating a whole new life chapter, apprehensive, nervous, excited, all those feelings in more running around in my head creating wrinkles and premature aging. ARgh!

I am enjoying my current solitude uncharacteristically - hence the trips to the chocolaterie, yesterday it was the fancy bakery. I make it a long brisk walk to get some exercise into my routine. I write lists of things to do, tidy, organize shit, bask in the cleanliness of the house now that there is only me to mess things up. And I am knitting like a crazy woman. In anticipation of packing up, I want to use up all my yarn - everyone is getting something knitted for Xmas. Maybe not, but I'm trying.

And I am waiting..... security clearance...... still pending....... Still a lady of leisure........ "Enjoy it while you can", I keep saying to myself.

Waiting some more.....

Images of Melbourne:

Also of note:
Grand Finale (kinda like the Super Bowl for Aussie Footy) was last Saturday, Collingwood Magpies and St. Kilda, which ended in a draw (tie)! What sporting event organization lets that happen? They have to play again this Saturday!

Hardware Societe

Down a little laneway in Melbourne CBD, this little hidden gem of a cafe was a surprisingly delightful treat one Saturday morning. We ventured here after a Saturday morning dentist visit looking for a light and creative brunch meal. I had come once before during the weekday and though R would appreciate the mixed ambiance of modern/french/vintage and we are always suckers for a place that makes their own macaroons. 

I love the mismatched teacups and saucers that they serve their tea in and I deliberately ordered tea to experience the tea service. I especially love the little doughnut that they serve with every cuppa. I could eat a whole plate of those, but I guess the whole charm is that your taste buds are teased with that little burst of fried sugary dough and you don't have to feel guilty about indulging in a whole one. So you are left with room for another tasty treat. For breakfast I opted for the simple scrambled eggs which were perfect, creammy, not overdone or too runny. And R got the special duck omelet. I loved the simplicity, yet gourmet aspect of the whole meal, and of the place. We walked away with two of the macaroons, which we've rated the best in town so far. 

Its a tiny place, and increasing in popularity so be prepared to get cosy with the other patrons and maybe wait for a table. We sat outside, hanging out into the sidewalk, which isn't so picturesque (or tranquil), makes for a very urban experience, which isn't terrible. I would also say, its nice to stop into during the week for a quick gourmet bite, note - the menu is different on Saturdays. Not open on Sundays.

The Hardware Societe on Urbanspoon

Baking frenzy: key lime bars

I've was recently experiencing a renewed baking frenzy. I think this phenomenon that comes and goes like a mood. I was saving this recipe for just this occasion in order to use up my stores of fresh lemons and limes that are steadily rotting away because I can't consume them fast enough. This recipe only used up about 2 of my limes, which are yellow and look like lemons, so I ended up adding a lemon in there as well. So I have plenty more for another recommended tasty treat. Though I don't know if my waistline can handle the sudden influx in sugar. Thank you to Amy for the recipe. Won't publish it here, but hit me up if you want it. This is the same tasty treat that Amy included in her Xmas goody bags last year for those of you who were lucky enough to claim them before they were gone. These were very easy to make, uses a ton of coconut. I didn't realize they involved cream cheese, which I hate, but I loved them despite. Next time i will just use more lime juice to cut through all the creaminess. They apparently freeze well, but we didn't have any leftover for storing after I gave a bunch away to my new culinary fans.

Low-Brow Fashion Show

Weekend antics

Man, Time is just flying by and it is already the middle of September. What have I been doing with myself. I keep myself pretty busy during the week with mundane household chores and the odd lazy hour splurge at my favorite cafe for a Chai (mostly just to get out of the freezing house). Now that the days are warming up, its nice to catch some real sunshine in the blooming neighborhood.

We had a visit from Lindy a few weekends back. It was nice to have some company. We took the opportunity to have a night on the town during Melbourne's Spring Fashion Week. First stop was a brief meal at a new favorite restaurant "Cookie" with friends. Very hip and trendy, right in downtown CBD. Again, its one of those places you need to book in advance (more than a day), but we did end up getting a table for a quick hour. Though we didn't get the chance to leisurely peruse the menu or eat a big meal, we sampled something small and promised to come back again. On recommendation from another food blog that had sparked my original interest in the place, I tried the betel leaves with some spicy chicken filling. Very tasty and the combination of tangy flavors really complemented each other. Its on my list of places to go again to really get the full experience. On this night, it was just nice to feel trendy for once. 

Then we caught a very strange launch party and showcase as part of Melbourne's Spring Fashion Week, and here we learned the true meaning of "low-brow". Poor Lindy, I think we've scarred her for life, with the cross-dressing/male models and their indecent exposure runway show, a wailing 80's band, outlandish low-brow fashions, and underground emo/hipster scene at the event. It was actually very hilarious. A little taste of some Melbourne culture. I'll post more pictures.