browsing at pretty lovely diamonds

exciting times lie ahead. big decisions. first and foremost, choosing diamonds.

I had no idea I would be having to make this decision so soon so fair to say not prepared in the slightest. I do know I like lots of sparkle.

crafting

I have been hideously slack at posting of recent. Most of my time has been consumed by exercise and furniture hunting.

Hunting opposed to shopping because that's exactly what it is! The hunt for exquisite second-hand furniture is harder than I anticipated. Few and far between.

The Mr and I made a decision from the beginning to get hold of second-hand pieces to make our own.

Today was my last holiday day so I made myself busy working on our collection!

monday memories

 St Kilda followed by new years eve partying at Laundry Bar, Melbourne

31st December 2011

A special little lady is soon to depart Melbourne in preparation for her impending 2013 travels. Today I'm sharing photos from New Years Eve 2011, just to add to the bank of existing memories I've shared with her already.

 Backyard mayhem at our little cottage before leaving in a rather messy fashion to carry on the night at Laundry Bar.

Here's to many more special memories beautiful little lady. 

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the day for braising beef

Today I dabbled in the kitchen and followed a recipe for braised beef. My first time braising.

Shopping for 22 ingredients at multiple stores can get pretty pricey! Im so glad I made a trip to the glorious Gewurzhaus for my spice supply though. That place never disappoints! Who said $14 for spices was expensive anyway?

 So..everything iscooking and as I type the house is filling with the most heart-warming aroma of dark ale, ginger, allspice, nutmeg and cloves. I am sooo looking forward to the final goods.

The Mr won't know his luck with dinner tonight!

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the day that Isaac likes replied.

Who: My blogging idol

I have been mad about Isaac likes ever since I discovered his phenomenal writing style back in January. Very rarely do my blog flavours of the month transition into daily essential reading. However, Isaac likes made that transition after just 2 reading posts. I guess I just liked his steez. Anyway...the point of this rambling was to brag tell you that I contacted Isaac and got a personalized NYC recommendation list! Fellow pretties planning NYC trips should jot down these notes.


Daniel: Why don't you contact him, he lives in NY
Me: Daniel, I am not cool enough to contact Isaac
Daniel: Just say what's up let him know you'll be in town


It went something like this:
I commented on one of his posts while simultaneously and unknown to me Daniel added him as a friend on Facebook then messaged him requesting he email me. He may have mentioned it would mean quite a bit to me, ha.

So look! Here's my own personal email (which did by the way mean the world to me!!)
Things to do in NYC the Isaac edition.


Hello Larelle,

I hear you're coming to New York City! That is very exciting indeed. I've never loved a city more in my entire life.

Here is a list of places to go, and things to do. Make sure you do everything on this list!!

1. Eat the daily special at The Meatball Shop in Williamsburg, then the ice cream sandwich for dessert. Choose peanut butter for the cookies and chocolate for the ice cream. It's the best! Trust me!

2. Get the avocado on toast at Cafe Gitane. So good.

3. Get either the chicken quesadilla or the pulled pork sandwich at Cafe Habana (it's where Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis eat in Friends With Benefits).

4. Walk the Williamsburg Bridge!!!

5. Go for a drink at the Boom Boom Room or Le Bain (both are at the top of The Standard Hotel) at sunset. Best view EVER!

6. Go to karaoke at The Woods in Williamsburg on a Tuesday night. Most fun ever!

7. Walk the Highline! Do that before you go for the drink at The Standard.

8. Go to MOMA and The Met! Look at some amazing art!

9. Party at Darby and One Oak! So much fun.

HAVE THE BEST TIME!

I LIKE YOU!

Isaac

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NYC

The official countdown, 2 sleeps until the Mr and I are off to explore NYC. I have anticipated this moment, let's see..all my life!!

If it were any other city I'd find it exhilarating traveling to a new place and experiencing everything for the first time with no preconceived ideas and expectations. However, it has been of utmost importance to me that I am well prepared for impending NYC trip to avoid missing a single beat. Over the last few months I have been furiously researching.

Of the rap, my regular playlist goes something like this: Nas, Jadakiss, GZA, Raekwon, Kool G Rap, Jay-Z, Guru, Aesop rock, A Tribe Called Quest, Eric B. & Rakim, French Montana, Pete Rock, Smif-n-Wessun and of course Wu-Tang Clan. I have been homied up to the eye-balls. All in good prep.



Some reading candy:

• Lily Brett - New York 
• Tama Janowitz - Area Code 212: New York Days, New York Nights
• Decoded - Jay-Z

A blog I just cannot shake:
Isaac Likes

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lovely Lorne

A bunch of six sweet peeps ventured to the seaside town of Lorne for the weekend. Two of the bunch had been furiously training for the last 6 months to compete in their first ultra marathon. History in the making. The rest of us just tagged along for the fun of it and had the chance to explore the Great Ocean Road.

I hadn't counted on being lucky enough to spot so much wildlife. After spending the better half of Saturday morning feeding about 15 Cockatoos with some salvaged crackers from the night before, we realized this act was not remotely encouraged by the owners of the house. Oops. Worth every bit of rebellion I say!

We spent Saturday afternoon road tripping along the Great Ocean Road, passing through Apollo Bay and ending up at the 12 Apostles. Along the way we were under strict instruction to spot Koala's among the tree tops - which we did! We also saw a small fox dash out on the road!

After retiring from exploration we refueled in a daggy tea room before beginning the drive back to Lorne for a cozy night in.

Sunday finally came around, the hard work paid off and the boys had a triumphant finish! What an experience watching them cross the finish line!

I cannot wait for more Great Ocean Road adventures.

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monday memories

Sydney, Australia

23rd January 2012


A girls trip to Sydney was the perfect finale to top off my Summer holiday. Especially when the bulk of the trip revolved around spending great quality time hanging out, exploring and indulging in great food and wine with the best kind of friends.

 I cannot believe May is upon us already and this trip took place over 3 months ago, crazy town. While the cooler temperature of Autumn welcomes warm soups and cozy nights in I still miss sunshine and beach time.
Keep warm lovelies. 

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piers and pies.

A few weekends ago my sweet friend picked us up in her new car and we had 'Sunday Funday' in Brighton. It was my first visit to Brighton and boy I wondered what took  me so long to discover the little slice of Paradise.

No less than perfect was the sunshine, we swung our feet over the wharf side on Brighton pier and ate lemon meringue pie and apricot slice compliments of Mr Bradley (bought not made...duh!)
 

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Williamstown.

animated clouds

 A wee trip to the west of Melbourne to a cheerful spot Williamstown. Quaint, idyllic, sleepy and coastal.

Lucky for us we visited just in time for some Williamstown annual festival action. We celebrated amongst the locals, ate gelato and saw a traveling mini-farm.

a happy Mamma

potato donuts

Williamstown festival

lazy little goat

gelato silly fun

dreamboat

saw this

 I was lucky enough to share my first Williamstown experience with 3 of my favourite peeps.

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