Celebratory Dinner

Last weekend we invited some friends over for dinner to celebrate the coming holidays, my graduation and birthday.  We agreed that as birthday boy I would choose the menu and be chef du jour for the main course; lamb loin with couscous and capsicum chutney.  Meanwhile Helen prepared the entree and the all important birthday cake.  Earlier in the week Cathryn had directed me to a recipe for Fruit Tingle cake (the Fruit Tingles, otherwise known as Lifesavers, are the round sherbet lollies on the top, recipe from Sydney baking blog Raspberri Cupcakes).  The recipe called for three layers of orange cake with butter cream icing infused with crushed up fruit tingles.  Thankfully Helen was keen to try the recipe so now I have my own one. Yum!  It was a great evening shared with good friends.

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A Beach Cottage

Cake Days

It was James' birthday on Friday and we have been busy making cakes all week!  James and I put in a team effort on Thursday evening to whip up this coffee walnut layer cake to take in to the office for birthday morning tea.  I loved the way it looked with the coffee buttercream, chocolate shavings and fresh strawberries.  It definitely tasted very decadent!  Another cake to follow shortly...

Manly Marina and Afternoon Tea

A few weeks back we met up with Dad and Leonie for lunch and sweet treats.  The week prior had finally signalled the end of our studies for the year so we had no guilt in eating, drinking and chatting the afternoon away.  We headed down to the William Gunn Jetty at Manly Marina for a seafood lunch before returning to the family home to continue celebrations over afternoon tea and plenty of sparkling wine.  The bay is so beautiful on a bright sunny day.

Sunday Breakfast with A+O

A+O invited us to Sunday breakfast at their lovely home yesterday.  You may remember that James contributed to the initial design concept for the house and it really appears like it's all coming together quite well after almost a year.  Their garden is thriving, furnishings are in, everything feels homely and lived in now.  French toast made with the yummiest brioche, homemade ricotta and fresh berries were so delicious...

The table setting on the deck was beautiful in my favourite colour scheme of course... blue and white!  How can you go wrong?  So summery...

O+A recently put their vintage scalloped mirrors up in their entrance way... I love the way it all looks!

I had fun wrapping our Christmas gifts for A+O in this bright turquoise patterned paper... the pattern reminds me of David Hicks wallpaper...  I hope they like what's inside too!  

It was the loveliest start to Sunday and a much needed break from working at the office all weekend to hit today's project deadline.  I felt refreshed and recharged.  Thanks again A+O!