The other seasons

Although lately hasn't been great for cycling (apart from the odd trip to the supermarket), we are getting into winter which is ski season.
I'm not a sporting person, my overall coordination is bad, when I played netball I was good at getting goals but my team mates had to bounce the ball to me as catching wasn't my forte.
Sailing, Skiing and Cycling are my favs!

When the weather warms back up, sailing occupies much of my time!

A lovely sunny day at Mt Hotham.

Perched in my favorite spot, despite the casual appearance and lack of shoes we were actually racing.
Normally hanging on, head to toe in wet weather gear with water dripping off my nose.

I look forward to the summer warmth!
xoxo

Bike Parking Paris Style

I snapped this photo outside the apartment we stayed in in Paris last year! Soo many bikes and soo little space.

We are also facing the same dilemma at our house. A and I rent a small house with a massive open plan dining, kitchen and living (not many walls!) two bedrooms (with impractical built in wardrobes) and a bathroom with a euro laundry.

We have a small back yard which I park my car in and a courtyard out the front. We don't have a shed or garage. Currently our bikes are living in various places  around the house including the kitchen and hallway.

As we are renting we don't have a huge amount of options for wall attachments.

I think we will have to look into portable sheds! My old bike lived under the veranda locked up out of the rain, but our new babies are worth a whole lot more so that isn't the best option!

Pizza

I manages to get a photo of my second batch of pizzas. Although they were prettier the first time round I was too tired to make much of an effort!

 My rolling pin is a vintage french one from Ashby House Interiors. I acquired (took) it from my mum's shop! She still has few...but you will probably have to pay for yours!
It makes baking soo much prettier!

I was looking forward to my pizza for lunch at work, I took it out of the fridge and left it on the bench :(

I think i managed to take clearer photos this time.

xoxo

One for the groceries!

Here is the crate ready to be varnished!

Both sides have the same pale ale stamp which has been branded into the wood.
The inside and outside ends have an E C & Q inside and diamond in indian ink.

The crate pieces were in the cellar of the shop and had been cut up for shelves which we pulled down. There were also some sweet huge crates that were still together which are also very cool. Dad is thinking of making one into a coffee table. most of the crates had beer and wine company stamps.

It is a great addition to A's bike!

Dinner

I have been home unwell today but feeling much better this evening felt like cooking some homemade pizza. My friend T popped around and is always keen for a cooking lesson!

My stand mixer makes whipping the dough up quick and easy. I also feel the need to measure out everything. I'm not usually a precision cook but I just like my measuring cups, which T told me were very impractical, such a boy!

I didn't get a chance to take a photo of the finished product as T and A were starving. i do have some dough left and will make up some more for lunch and will try and remember to get a quick snap in!

I'm trying to take more photos, even if they are just on my phone. Although these ones were a bit blurry even though I sent them across at the highest resolution. A manages good photos off his phone which is the same as mine, odd!

With a full belly i'm off to make the last of the pizzas and some lemon and honey for my sore throat and tuck myself into bed!
Goodnight all
XOXO

Busy weekend

I had a busy weekend and didn't manage to do any baking or taking of photos.
I did catch up with lots of people and attended a baby shower.

We also managed to find some time to potter around the house and finally treat out new oak island bench. I'm sure I will eventually manage some photos!

Dad finished A's bike crate we just need to varnish and attach it! It does look awesome!
We did get a few rides in, but nothing too far from home due to rain!

While searching through a nice photo of A and I to frame for our house I found this one I took in a park in Amsterdam.

I can't wait for the sun to shine! This was taken on a beautiful day in Amsterdam, I hired a bike and just cruised through the streets. It was almost at the end of my trip and I was exhausted so I got a book and some lunch and found a sunny spot to chill out for the afternoon. Bliss xoxo

Blog Envy

I love trawling through blogs and finding more and more and more! One of my favorites would have to be Making it Lovely by Nicole Balch. It follows her transformation  and renovation of their family home.
I have major house envy, particularly since i'm renting and saving up to buy a house. Currently we live in an ikea showroom. I do love my little house but i'm not too keen to invest in any key pieces until we have a space of our own.
This is their library...

from Making it Lovely 

I aspire to have a library...or room to have a library!
What an amazing space!

Which blogs do read frequently? I'm always keen to expand my list!

Happy Friday

I hope everyone is having a happy Friday!

My aim for the weekend is to take more photos. What is yours?

via the cinderella project

It's on!

I just found this recipe from Joy the Baker blog. CINNAMON SUGAR PULL APART!
It looks amazing!

via Joy the baker

I will need a big ride after!

On that note, goodnight xoxo

Weekend Baking

This weekend it may rain on saturday, so I feel like some baking. Maybe some cute cupcakes for the baby shower i'm going to Sunday.

I am completely in love with my pink mixer from Kitchenaid.  I will find any excuse to whip something up.

image via pennywinkle

In case you haven't noticed, i'm into pink. I have toned it down since moving in with A, the house was a bit girly as I had most of the furniture. A's mum enjoys making him cringe with the pink and trys to get me the girliest pressies for Christmas and birthdays.
including these...

via Chalet

They come in measuring cups and spoons!

I think I may like this kitchen

Via Sikamo

Somehow I don't think A would be so keen. I can still dream 

xoxo

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Manly Carriers

It took my about 12 months to coerce A into getting a bike, so we can have bike dates. I love riding on the weekends and have a few riding buddies but would have enjoyed if A could come along too!

The decider for him was a beautiful night a few months ago. We were heading to our friends place and felt that a bit of exercise was needed so decided on a walk. We had our drinks and things to carry so I took my bike and A quickly walked beside.

On the way home after a few drinks we decided dinking was a good idea...it wasn't, we failed and decided to stop before there were tears!

A jogged home while i rode... puffing he announced that it was time to get a bike. Hooray!

Now he has the amazing Pashley Roadster Classic with a rear carrier.

via Bakerlite Trading Company

I love baskets a panniers and all things girly, but what do you put on a manly bike? Currently I'm carrying the groceries in my big basket, but that makes for a limited shop.

We decided on making a sweet crate to put on the back. My parent have an antiques store which has a massive cellar and used to be a grocers. In the cellar were shelves made form old beer and wine crates. We have collected a few panels and Dad and I are making a crate. 

I haven't got any photos of the process yet but will get onto it this weekend. We have sanded and cleaned up the pieces and cut them all to size ready for a layer of marine varnish to protect them from the elements.

I also had a hunt for other manly products. I found these to be rather suitable!

both via bent basket

This baby is from Bent Baskets and adjusts to carry almost anything you want. I found this product while trawling through blogs via sfgirlbybay.

The next one i found was the porters crate from Beg Bicycles.

via Beg

And lucky last these handmade crates from Bates Crates.

via Bates Crates

The coffee cup holder is a sweet addition and oh so handy! It would be very practical on a front carrier.

I am excited to see how A's crate will turn out (I am also excited for him to be carrying the groceries up the hill!)

XOXO

J'adore fleurs et bicyclettes

This weekend I may just pop down to the farmers market and find me some fresh flowers. There is nothing better than a freshly cleaned house with some fresh flowers to brighten it up!

I have my fingers crossed for a rain free weekend!

via Oh, hello friend

I may be in luck, but the weather on my phone does lie xxx

On that note, i'm off to have dinner, with no rain i'm riding to the restaurant...with gloves and a scarf xoxo

Sweet Saturday

It has become cold very quickly in my neck of the woods but on Saturday we had a beautiful (but odd) warm day with a lovely northerly wind blowing. It felt like a summer afternoon, so we made the most of it with a ride around our favorite parts of town.
We started in the Eastern Gardens where the leaves were all kinds of lovely!

And then down along the waterfront and into town for a spot of shopping.

Hopefully we get some more nice weather this weekend for a ride along the river or a picnic xxx

Help!!!

My bike has Sturmey Archer Hub gears, which require less servicing and easy gear changes, however, while we are breaking them in they require adjustment.
I can't get mine correct, I can get 1st and 2nd gears but not 3rd!

I think we are going to head back to the shop for some help, but no time til Saturday which means Poppy is just handing out in the kitchen for a few more days!

I think some shoe shopping may cheer me up!
I love this site. Shoes of Prey lets you pick out the colour details and fabric of your new shoes!

I might like these...

     

Monday Blues

Today it is raining so no ride for me.

Picture from Freedom Cyclist

Pretty bees

I love Bees (not real stinging ones!) This cute bee cutlery is Laguiole by Jean Dubost.

I already have the coloured set for everyday use but would love a cheese knife and a butter knife for my picnic set! Maybe in green to match!

I got my laguiole here, at the moment Ashby House is shipping laguiole anywhere in Australia free!

image: Ashby House Interiors


I love it for my everyday use, it can be popped into the dishwasher (although we don't have one)
They brighten up any table setting.


xxx

Picnics in the Park

I love a good picnic, is there anything better than a baguette with some cheese on a lovely sunny day!

For my birthday my lovely friend Naic got me these two melamine plates!

Both (and some more) can be found here.

I think they will make a sweet addition to my picnic basket!
They are soo bright and fun!

xxx

Sun shining on a shiny new bicycle

He is a another photo from Poppy's first trip. The lighting isn't good, but you get the idea. I also have my new helmet on too which is really comfy!
I'm wearing my black cape from asos as it was cold!
 xxx

Cycle Style

Cycle Style by Salvadore & Inkle featuring a reversible dress

ASOS reversible dress, $90

ASOS toggle duffle coat, $45

Swedish Hasbeens platform shoes, $250

Zeiss-Ikon Contax IIIa Black Dial 35mm Film Camera Sonnar 1:1.5 f=50mm..., $1,250

Now that I have my new ride, why not add a few cycle ready outfits to my wardrobe?
Im in love with the stripe dress from Asos, I think I might have to get that one!

I don't mind riding in clogs it makes it nice and easy to reach the ground!

In case you haven't notice, I still want a puppy! xxx

We shall call her... POPPY!

Yesterday I got my new bike!
She is a Pashley Poppy... customised to look like a Britannia! She has the pretty curved handle bars, a massive fromt basket, a shiny light and the best part...PINK!

I am awaiting the arrival of a silver back rack as black just didn't seem right.

The photo isn't amazing, taken with an iphone. I'm sure I will add some more!

The other bike is my bf, A's new bike. It is a Pashley Roadster Classic. We got the bicycles from Bakerlite Trading Company in Port Melbourne. They have a shop with lots of different bikes to check out, which does make it tricky to decide!

The sun is shining in this photo, but it was a freezing and the only hour during the day where it didn't rain!

We took the new beauties for a ride along the Barwon River for their maiden voyage! The next trip will be to a lovely local bluestone pub about 40 mins ride away for Sunday lunch with A, my sister, her fiance and my dad, all who love a good ride (and lunch!)

My sister has a classic Gazelle in black and her fiance, L has a sweet single speed classic looking Bianchi in cream with tan leather grips and seat! Dad being the serious rider of the group has a road bike and a mountain bike and is more for the practical than the style!

Tonight I will be nose deep in the manual, which is almost as pretty as the bikes, what do you think?

 I do hope the weather improves, I don't mind the cold, it is the rain that bothers me!

xoxox

The Helmet

I got a helmet today. I didn't get the velvet one that I saw previously. It was beautiful, but when I put it on I looked like a bobble head!
I got this one!

The silver bit on the front of mine is much darker, almost black. It is surprisingly comfortable and suede type fabric.

I purchased it from Horseland. Not being a pony club kind of girl, I had never really been into a horse shop. I imagined it would be fairly boring. NOT SO!

It was beautiful with amazing quilted accessories for you and your horse. Everything was stylish, it was every 10 year old girls dream. Think Barbie and Tawny!





I think my bank balance is very lucky I don't have a pony, I am the kind of girl that would like to accessorise my pony to my outfit of the day.

I also found an amazing pair of leather riding boots I may just have to have!

If you haven't ventured to a Horse supplies shop, do it! It will amaze you (particularly if you are into quilted vests!)

xoxo

Back to the Pashley

I think I have decided that I will get a Pashley bicycle, but which one?
The Pashley princess, the britannia or the poppy?

All have their different features and styles.

Photo by Jill Murry- found via Pashley 

The Princess is the classic bicycle. The one I always imagined I would get, however when I saw her I didn't fall in love straight away. 

She is beautiful don't get me wrong, but not for me, maybe too serious? 

I do enjoy the green and the size would make for a smooth ride.

The back rack and huge basket are fantastic features. 

Lets not forget the beautiful silver bullet lights too!  

The Poppy is an amazing colour and is even better in real life!

The Pashly princess, poppy and britannia are all the same shaped frame, just different features.

As Much as I love the poppy's colour, i dont love the straight handle bars.
I also require a basket, back rack and lights for those evening trips!

This model has three speed gears which is all I need. I do love the cream wheels, soo pretty! 

The britannia is a beautiful bike, it is classic but still zippy. The cream wheels, basket and lights are fantastic features.
It also has the big bendy handlebars.

It comes in navy blue, red and white. I think my favorite is the navy! There are too many red bikes out there for my liking.

This baby has five speed gears.



All the Pashley's  I have looked at have Sturmey Archer hub gears and breaks and a cute chain guard.

You can check out the uk site for full details and for stockists! 

BEG bicycles

I am in love with these bicycles

They come in such pretty colours and are functional with front and back racks, a trip to the market would be a breeze!

Which colour do you love?

They make lovely bikes for men folk too!

Hunt them down here.

Beg also make an amazing collection of accessories to style up your new ride.

 This handle bar basket could be filled with goodies for a picnic or a lazy afternoon in the park!

They also make a manly crate for your Bertie or Billy bicycle.

The Betty in flirty 30's green is a high contender on my list. With 3 speed gears and plenty of room for groceries it meets my criterion!

The website is beautiful, check them out.

xxx

Lazy Weekends

Lazy Weekends by simonemelican featuring gold plated jewelry

Lanvin silk jewelry
$335 - kirnazabete.com

Lanvin silk jewelry
$335 - kirnazabete.com

Lanvin jewelry
200 GBP - net-a-porter.com

Kate Spade gold plated jewelry
$55 - zappos.com

Kate Spade gold plated jewelry
$55 - zappos.com

Kate Spade gold plated jewelry
$55 - zappos.com

Flower hair accessory
$28 - topshop.com

Pom Pom Blanket Pink
$60 - calypsostbarth.com

flower and feather hairclip
4 GBP - janenorman.co.uk



The bicycle featured is by Velorbis and can be found here.

I have got into polyvore in a big way. You can mix and match the prettiest things!

I do want a puppy for my bicycle basket, but he will have to wait until I buy my own home xx