Starters… South coast oysters- Wonboyn Rock, Merimbula Lake and Pambula Oyster.
My husband Richard and I.
My girls and my mum.


I woke up to a full english breakfast from my wonderful husband and youngest daughter Millie… Then we met my eldest daughter Kate and had a gorgeous long lunch at Boathouse at Blackwattle Bay. I hadn’t been in years and it was just as good as I remembered, the restaurant was full of families and the service was impeccable. I should have had the snapper pie, but I left that one to the girls! I had a roast hapuka fillet with a duck confit sausage and lentils… which was nowhere near as naughty as the pie! Shared a fabulous bottle of Spanish wine- Telmo Rodriguez Gabo do Xil 2007- and let Kate drive us home.

My daughter Kate directed me to this site, “It’s Lovely! I’ll Take It!”- A collection of poorly chosen photos from real estate listings. Sara’s captions are usually as hilarious as the picture itself.

Thomas Keller’s Tuna Niçoise tartine

Photography: Chris Colls
Credit (& recipe): Gourmet Traveller

Honey-baked pear breakfast crumble

Mothers Day is coming up, and you know what that means… Breakfast in bed! While I’m more than happy with some toast, yoghurt and a cuppa tea, this would be sublime.
Recipe here, courtesy of Gourmet Traveller., courtesy of Gourmet Traveller.

I’m off to send this to my daughters!

Follow me on twitter here.

It’s not that hard to change the world… I’m sure deep down, we’d all like to make a difference in the world, but sometimes our day to day lives get a little hectic and we don’t get around to it. Here’s 3 ways you can make a difference right now:
1. Go donate blood (you can save a life, help someone with burns or cancer RIGHT now)

2. Find a cause online and get out the credit card (it’s simple and you’ll get a happy buzz that’ll last you all day long – check out www.hollows.org as one great example)

3. Send someone who makes your world a better place a handwritten card and let them know.
4. Antoinette Wood (sensational event organiser in Townsville) gave me this fantastic idea. Get together a bunch of friends (fellas, sorry I think this may work better with the ladies!) for a cocktail and have them all bring along any clothes they have that are in good condition but just don’t get worn any more (perhaps these items are the wrong size or were impulse buys). Then auction them off amongst your friends with all the funds going to charity (and consider donating any left overs to charity as well!).So simple, and do-able right now. How have you changed the world for the better today?
Thank you to Kirsty Dumphey for this great idea!!!

Simplistic yet with an added warmth created by matching chandeliers, textures and lamps.

White is so strong when other layers are introduced the stark minimalism of the late 90′s is now a thing of the past… how pleasing it always felt so stark and uninviting

Simplistic style borrowing ideas from the shaker style.

Large windows enhance this beautiful kitchen space, what a fabulous place to cook and share time together an extention of the garden.

Great sink, freestanding bath, fireplace and ample light to create a warm bathroom with the layering of different whites.

Sensational fittings

Country feel with mixture of textures and timber wall panels ads warmth

Mother of Pearl inlaid chest adds interest

A to die for bathroom with the chic attitude one would find in a resort

Lots of light and large usage of glass to incorporate the indoor / outdoor living
a mixture of finishes including stainless steel, tiles and timbers

A cosy retreat to bathe and rejuvinate

A small but warm environment to gather around and share family time

Mix antiques, marble, light and limned timber and create an opulent and personalised haven….remember the secret to using white on white is to personalise it to create an ambiance otherwise you risk looking funereal…lots of white, lilies and soulless !!!!

I simply adore this room..a collection of loved treasures combine to show personality and create a room that invites you to sit down and relax

Another angle of a treasured space

Mismatched photos always ad and element of chic design…mixing it up is always a more creative design element

Clever architectural elements makes this a wonderful modern living space

A heritage room modernised with industrial elements works just so well

Great modern space with wonderful balance introduced by metal light fittings

Simple yet inviting

tres chic

How gorgeous, Phillip Stark lights, cleverly designed freestanding bath, plantation shutters and an armoire all add to create a wonderful ambiance.

Carrara marble, black and white photography, glass and textured fabric add up to one very sophisticated bathroom

A perfect way to personalise an area in your home with treasured china

Rattan lights over kitchen bench, white walls and black timber surrounds frame outdoor living space to add a sophisticated flavour to this enchanting space

marble, timber, plate racks, bowls of apples, jugs of flowers all add up to a warm and welcoming environment

oops holidays in January found their way into my folio what a great time we had and yes the snow was amazing and the homes so very pretty

glamerous bathroom to enjoy

Personality makes such an enchanting statement

Fabulous clean modern with architectural fittings

Modern space offering a great lifestyle

Clever treatment to create a feeling of privacy to a work area

What a clever bathroom