Look where I have been ...

Yes it is Laduree, but not in Paris, in Sydney. We spent last weekend in the city for my partner's work Christmas celebration. After being treated to dinner at The Rocks, followed by a show - Stephen Merchant the British comedian, at the Theatre Royal - we enjoyed seeing the Christmas decorations around the city, and the iconic David Jones traditional window Christmas scenes.
After more exploring on Sunday (not having been into the city for some time, we really felt like tourists) we stumbled upon the Laduree store in the upgraded Westfield centre. I couldn't believe it, I had no idea. It opened on 11 September this year and I hadn't heard a word about it.

Having just had lunch we still managed to indulge in a couple of macarons and a pot of tea. My favourite so far is the Violet, Brad liked the Raspberry. I was tempted to buy a box but decided to leave that for my next visit.
I thought some of you might like to see some of the gorgeous shopping areas in Sydney, namely the stunning Strand Arcade. It opened in 1892 and is the only Victorian-era arcade built in Sydney that remains in its original state.

The unusual Christmas tree was just fabulous. There are two upper levels where I found a stunning wedding-cake shop. Some really cute cupcakes too.

 

 And a wonderful chocolate shop with a cafe downstairs where we had lunch.

I have recently moved, again, and I realised it is the 22nd house I have lived in. One reason why I haven't been blogging much lately. I have been doing a few mini things though and will post some pics soon, nothing earth shattering.
I would like to welcome new followers and thank everyone who has visited lately, I hope to have more to show you in the new year.
A bientot.

Thank you Natalia

Mathilde's lovely needlework prize from Natalia at Scarlet Sails Miniatures arrived on Friday, I (er, rather she) was really excited. We cannot believe the fine stitching involved, I can only see it with my strong glasses on. Mathilde will enjoy working on the background, although she likes to have a 'work in progress' on show for visitors to admire, so it may remain like this for some time. She will be putting the delightful slippers away for next winter. The chair is lovely too, so with the little box of threads won from Susan at Mini Crochet Mad some time ago, she can get comfortable and indulge herself in doing some quiet needlework.  

The little dog is a spaniel I have had for a while, but Mathilde would dearly love a Golden Retriever to add to the menagerie.  Speaking of which, I couldn't resist taking a shot of my Puddles, who took the opportunity to explore the interior of the Petit Parterre after I removed all the bits and pieces that had accumulated in there. Eeeek! Giant cat on the prowl.  

Mathilde has been looking at fabris etc for her rooms above the shop, and you can see a glimpse of what has been keeping me busy (and a bit frazzled) lately. More pics of that later. Meanwhile WELCOME new followers and all visitors, it is always good to hear from you. Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend.

A bientot!

Snip, snip...

Mathilde has been scouring auctions and markets for suitably 'shabby' furniture to decorate the Petit Parterre and this is her latest acquisition. It looks like it has a few more years left in it and I think it will be great for displaying small plants and pots etc.

This is my first piece of furniture built from cardboard, inspired by Kris's blog, one inch minis . I had fun making it and will try something different next time.The legs are cut from some turnings I bought at the Sydney Miniatures Fair in May this year, I knew they would come in handy. Lots of glue, some metalic paper trim, paint and voila! It has its little faults but nothing too noticeable, it is meant to look old after all.

Welcome to all new followers and visitors I will be catching up with what you are all doing, I can spend so much time browsing blogs I really have to limit myself.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend, the weather here in New South Wales has been absolutely perfect the last few days, the start of spring.
A bientot!

Looking Rosey

More flowers, I thought I would try my first floral arrangement, the result of the last several days of fiddling. The roses are Rosa Grandiflora, a kit by Bonnie Lavish, with some white lilies, fern and some daffodils. I added a little ivy around the rim of the pot. I photographed it in a couple of 'locations', I hope you enjoy it.

This display will be in the Petit Parterre, and luckily the plants are very long lasting as I have yet to make up my mind about the interior decoration.
We are enjoying some lovely sunny winter days here, with spring officially almost upon us and I am certainly looking forward to the warmer weather. I think I might have to keep moving north as I seem less and less able to cope with the cold, I go into a type of hibernation.
I hope everyone is have a happy and productive week.
A bientot!

Spring is Almost Here!

Whew, Mathilde is looking just a bit dishevelled after tending to all the early-flowering spring bulbs. There will be many more needed for the Petit Parterre and I have had fun making some roses too, photo of those later. All are from kits I bought some time ago, by Bonnie Lavish. I would like to try making some of Pascale Garnier's flower kits, if anyone has her contact email can you please let me know as I lost it when my old laptop's lights went out.
Flower-making requires concentration and, for me, strong magnifying glasses but I love to see how they evolve just from flat little pieces of paper.
A bientot!