Baskets of unconditional love

Thank you my beautiful friend Mooey, the big rig and their divine children Coco, Z girl and the little rig, my three gorgeous god kiddies for such a memorable visit. 

The warm welcoming hugs, the heartfelt kisses, the stories, the delicious homemade food, the cheeky laughing out loud, the drawings (yes Z girl you gave me a drawing, not a painting), the impromptu yet greatly appreciated car service and the overflowing baskets of unconditional love. 

Such visits are never long enough, if only the clock would stop for a few extra magical moments but to have some time is better than no time.  

Thank you again beautiful peeps. Your cuddles, kisses, smiles and love are true blessings and ones I treasure each and every day. 

The Svelte Brown Fox

...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

The joy of a jade that flowers

So this morning I'm watering my plants. The poor darlings were crying out for a drink...aren't we all post the week that was?! Anyhoo, I noticed one of my jade plants is flowering, yes flowering! Not a single one of my umpteen jade plants has ever flowered. In fact I wasn't aware they did flower.  

Naturally straight to the phone to call my darling papa bear and then to the encyclopaedia aka Google to suss out what this all means.  Yes gorgeous peeps, jade plants do indeed flower. It's well documented and widely known among green thumbs, jade plants are symbolic of prosperity and luck in predominantly Asian cultures.  What I learnt thanks to Google is jade plants are also known as the friendship tree. If a jade plant flowers, it is allegedly the result of great care given to the plant, reflects well on the owner (thank you) and symbolises great friendship, luck and prosperity...I'm celebrating each and every one of these little flowers this morning and beyond - extra water all round! 

As I write about these cute wee flowers, I'm thinking back to the day when my darling papa bear gave me a baby jade plant when I moved out of home - only a couple of years ago of course (wink, wink).  It's now the "mumma" jade plant responsible for the family of jades I have today including the very content flowering one.  Thank you papa bear and three cheers for jade plants...I'm smiling and celebrating. 



The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

The LOL I needed

It was one of "those" days. We all have them. Nothing bad had happened or was happening. It was just a bit "blah". 

It's like the Universe knew I needed a good laugh. You know, one of those hearty, deep belly, laugh out loud chuckles. Well did the Universe deliver and in the most unlikely form. Thank you Universe. 

Fun Stuff by Lynda is a shop in Port Douglas run by the hilarious and highly creative team of the lovely Lynda and terrific Todd. Lynda and Todd, local residents and artists have combined their love of art and wonderful sense of humour to create some seriously cool and very funny pieces of art. 

Lynda and Todd create a number of different pieces of artwork encapsulating the far north and quite possibly the dry sense of humour found in the more remote parts of Australia. Honestly I cried tears of laughter reading some of the pieces Lynda and Todd have created. Needless to say I didn't walk out of there empty handed and already one of my purchases has summed up my sentiments relating to the recent death of my mobile phone. 

When you're next in Port Douglas, do pop in and say hi to Lynda and Todd. Lynda is an absolute hoot. Her infectious sense of humour and cheeky wit will make you smile and without doubt LOL. 

www.lyndesign.com.au/ 

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

Vegemite sourdough toast...the best!

A scrumptious fresh loaf of bread, a toaster, a scraping of Vegemite and marg... a winner combo and one of my favourite brekkie options. Thank you Bum Gummer and RaRa for gifting the delicious loaf. You've made my morning. 

The Svelte Brown Fox

...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

Growing and maintaining a bed of roses

I've often considered relationships a commitment that is similar to looking after a beautiful garden. Quality time, nurturing, patience, trust, understanding, maintenance, love and tender care just to name a few "tips" usually reaps wonderful outcomes.  

The world's best mumma and papa bear have well and truly created and maintained  a loving and inspiring relationship over the past four decades. A bed of roses it hasn't always been but what relationship is? And like gardens, not all relationships bloom to their full potential, some don't work out as planned. 

I'm so incredibly proud of their relationship, knowing it's been through such an amazing journey thus far. Last night, we celebrated their commitment. Not just the date, the day and the term anniversary, but what it means to be committed to each other and our family for so many years - the time, the nurturing, the patience, the trust, the understanding, the "maintenance" and of course love. 

Congratulations to the world's best mumma and papa bear. The Bum Gummer and I love you dearly, proud beyond proud and thank you for being such wonderful parents. We are truly blessed. 

The Svelte Brown Fox

...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

The BIG deal about a Sydney based baby shower

It was always going to be a big weekend, but just how BIG wasn't apparent until a quiet moment of reflection during the flight home. 

Thank you to my gorgeous girlfriends for a fabulous 24 hours in stunning Sydney for Princess Sienna Moss's baby shower. The pull of family, distance, careers and the daily grind equates to fewer than desired "in person" catch ups and raucous dinner parties but when we do catch up, many a laugh out moment is shared. 

Saturday night well and truly made up for our lack of regular, in person catch ups. Not sure whether the staff at très chouette restaurant Vincent were ready for the girls on tour...bottles of champagne for the non pregnant gals, mouthwatering entrees, tradition plats principaux - bonjour Steak Frittes, and of course a dessert to share.  

No we four girls didn't hold back on the food or the conversation for that matter. There is never any censorship of vocabulary, in particular adjectives and verbs. It's  authenticity and solid banter at its best.  No subject matter off limits...Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte would be most proud. And laugh, we laughed until we cried.  There was a point I couldn't draw breath due to laughing so much. The sort of laughter that fills your heart and soul. 

Upon realising we were the last table standing, it was time to make a graceful exit back to homes and hotels. The beautiful Piper Hibee and I continued laughing ourselves silly in our hotel room until our full belly, champagne enhanced, sleepy states took hold. 

Good morning Sunday and off into the city for some much needed brekkie, a catch up with friends and window shopping.  While waiting at an intersection, the weekend became even more big, very BIG! The beautiful Piper Hibee and I locked eyes with Mr Big, yes ladies, THE Mr Big...or Mr Chris Noth to passport officials and any non SATC fans.  Straight after such a BIG moment, we spotted a well known former rugby league player. It didn't quite have the same impact as Mr Big! Apologies Shane Webcke.

Princess Sienna's official baby shower was so delightful, so relaxed, so delicious and the most perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I wouldn't have missed it. Thank you again gorgeous girls for a big 24 hour celebration of life, fabulous friendships, magical memories, laugh out loud moments and making time to be together whatever the cost. 

Oh and yes my small amount of window shopping may have resulted in some additional carry-on. But as we girls know, big savings on beautiful shoes equates to big smiles. Once again the SATC girls would have been proud because what's a girls' weekend without beautiful friends, new shoes and many BIG moments in time. 

The Svelte Brown Fox

...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

My first mango for the season...yum!

The first day of November and what better way to kick start the new day, the new month, the weekend and my brekkie with a delicious first season mango. Oh my, how I love mangos. There isn't anything quite like the taste and texture of a juicy, ripe and moorish mango.

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

The sometimes painful yet helpful truth about honesty

That moment in time when complete honesty is shared, especially when it's not easy to hear or comprehend, can make you feel a thousand emotions all at once. A loss of breath feeling, almost a sick, sinking feeling in my tummy just to name a few.  

What's with October 27? Two years in a row this day has delivered such unexpected honesty which has taken my breath away and left me feeling a mixture of sadness, numbness and disappointment. All sounds rather dramatic doesn't it lol..well at the time it was, a heady combination of pain, hurt, confusion, disappointment, shock, bemusement and loss.

Despite all those feelings, such honesty really is helpful. And it may take a while to realise just how helpful.  I needed to remind myself out of not so good, always comes good...a time for reflection, growth, change, conversation, nurturing and opportunity. Take such time, grasp it with both hands, hold onto it, run with it, be with it and above all be true to yourself all of the time. Let your smile shine through, spend time with those who love you for you and engage a sense of humour knowing life is a journey, not a destination. 

Invest in, be one with, do and most importantly celebrate the little and simple things...they make you laugh, smile, cry tears of joy, fill your cup, remind you of what's important and that life is good - it's what you make it. 

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

Sunday morning sleep-ins...a slower start to the day

After a full week of living life and getting up rather early each day to an alarm, I cherish waking up naturally on a Sunday morning. Even if it's just an extra minute more than normal. The sleep you experience always seems more nourishing, sound, deep and healing. 

As children growing up, Sunday mornings were always slower and a time to wake naturally...even if it was 6am in the morning! But instead of us all getting up for the day ahead, I remember fondly The Bum Gummer and I making our way into Mum and Dad's bed for Sunday morning cuddles. Mumma and Papa bear with their two baby bears reflecting on the week that was, ABC radio on in the background, lots of laughter and talking, the sharing of stories, the creation of memories. All before a homemade brekkie/brunch usually overseen by the master omelette, bubble and squeak and crispy bacon maker, our darling Papa Bear. 

There's definitely something special in slowing down on a Sunday morning. 

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

"We're really friends Mum"

How utterly gorgeous and innocent are the thoughts and feelings expressed by the little ones in our lives?! 

Thank you to my lovely cuz for sharing a heart warming email about her son, the marvellous wee Master M.  Master M and I have had a couple of opportunities to see each other this year and get to know one another better. Such a bonus when you don't live in the same country.

Our most recent family gathering was under very sad circumstances but as I always say, out of not so good always comes good. Quality time with all my cousins, in particular the marvellous wee Master M, was one the many good things. We read storybooks, sang songs and even created video clips thanks to a cool app he knew all about and educated me accordingly...."I'm a cat, meow! Check me out" - hilarious! 

Upon going to bed recently, post his bedtime story, the marvellous wee Master M and his mum were talking about the family and their holiday in Oz.  His mum said, "you know when we had lunch with Aunty K, Uncle R and cousin E" His face immediately lit up and he said "Yes cousin E! We're really friends Mum!" 

Yes, the marvellous wee Master M, we're really friends - thank you darling one.  Thank you again to my lovely cuz for sharing and making me smile. Love and hugs always to you the marvellous wee Master M, your lovely mum and all my beautiful family here and a hop, skip and a jump away.

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

Laugh out loud moments in time - thank you Prigrave Family and added extras

Thank you to the Prigrave Family and added extras for a delicious and as expected, outrageous, raucous family dinner last week.  Never a dull and boring moment when in the company of any Prigrave family member, let alone four at once.  Hilarious, side-splitting banter and story telling combined with a hearty meal and glass of vino, made for such an enjoyable, memorable evening.  Knee pads, a red lip and certain types of eating habits have never been so funny...and quite possible won't be again until the next Prigrave Family dinner. 

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

A full weekend of just being

A heartfelt thank you to my dear and darling friends Mr and Mrs Beaver, for flying to Bris for some fun and fabulousness.  Their visit was a ray of sunshine, the perfect way to spend a weekend - dear friends, yummy food, a few too many drinks, no plans...experiencing life as it comes and just being. 

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

It's nice to be nice

Makes a lot of sense really, being nice to people, treating them how you wish to be treated.  Yet we all seem to forget these few wise words from time to time.  

I've witnessed a couple of really lovely acts of patience, consideration and thoughtfulness over the past week.  The first in an airport lounge - an endearing younger gentleman had assisted a lady of similar age to his own Mum because he had seen her struggling with her luggage at the first of two airports. Yes two airports! Instead of only helping her with the luggage and saying goodbye at airport one, he continued to look out for her for the next 24 or so hours...priority check in, airport lounge access at both airports one and two.  Further he ensured she was ok through to the boarding of flight two and followed up on her well being at the final destination...well over a day later. 

Thinking they were family or good friends, it wasn't until later I was told by this younger gentleman they had in fact only "just" met the day before, ie two flights ago at airport one and he couldn't not help someone in need especially someone who reminded him of his own Mum... "it's nice to be nice" was his response.  When I spoke to this dear lady, she couldn't express her appreciation and thankfulness enough. She shared what a huge trip it was for her to make due to personal circumstances; to have "an angel" take her under their wing had made the world of difference.  Further what a coincidence they met as they did and happen to be travelling on the same three flights. Such a little and simple thing to do yet what a positive outcome for all involved. 

The second was a man waiting ever so patiently while his female companion (wife partner, relative, friend - not sure) took her time exiting a car. It would appear the female had suffered a stroke or some form of disability. The man helped when needed but didn't fuss or rush her. As they slowly walked off, she took his arm and he provided the much needed support for her to walk the short distance to their destination.  It made me smile to see such companionship and patience. 

It is nice to be nice and give friends, family, colleagues or complete strangers your time when they need it most.

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

Happy Father's Day today....

...and every other day ending in "Y" to each and every Dad out there, especially my darling Dad.  I'm so grateful for the wonderful, loving relationship I have with my Dad. Like most relationships, ours is not always harmonious and peaceful, though the love, respect and admiration I have for him is so very strong.  Dad's strength of character, determination and drive never ceases to amaze me. 

A simple yet delicious and memorable lunch at Dad's favourite restaurant, China Sea, was enjoyed by us both. Father and daughter sitting there nattering away about life and all the ups, downs, swings and roundabouts it brings while remembering my mum and brother who are both away. It makes me smile as I write and reflect on our time together.  While I believe everyday is both Mother's and Father's Day, it was so lovely seeing many families and friends out and about taking time to be together. Whether it was out for lunch, riding bikes, enjoying picnics, Sunday drives, morning teas, afternoon teas, the community was abuzz with "togetherness", creating memories and stories.  So important because family, in whatever shape or form, is the glue of society. 

I know there are so many people who won't see their Dads today for numerous reasons - my own Dad, Mum and brother just to name a few. I'm so thankful for the few hours Dad and I had today...you just never know what the universe has planned for each of us. 

Happy Father's Day Papa Bear. 

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

Fresh, clean sheets on a Sunday

Getting into bed on a Sunday evening with fresh, clean sheets is one of the little things in life I look forward to and always makes me smile. The soft yet crisp feeling against your skin as you jump into bed and nestle under the sheets is such a good, relaxing feeling.  It always makes for a sound, dreamy sleep, setting you up for the week ahead.  How good is that?! 

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good. 

Stoke Bar - a birthday lunch in South Bank, Brisbane, Australia

After much deliberation, actually more procrastination, the venue for a birthday lunch was finally decided - Stoke Bar. Why Stoke Bar over the multitude of restaurants to choose from including its "sister" Stokehouse within the same building?

Firstly both Stokehouse and Stoke Bar are open on a Monday.  An important consideration given it's traditionally the "day off" in the hospitality world.  Secondly, those in attendance including the birthday girl, were keen for a more relaxed, casual setting but with the high level of quality hospitality given next door at Stokehouse.  Lastly, the spectacular view over the Brisbane River and into the city makes this the venue perfect for celebrating and socialising. 

It goes without saying, the Stoke Bar is a well stocked bar. A quality Prosecco by both the glass and bottle is always a good indication. As too the mix of a Caprioska.  I'm happy to report both the Prosecco and Caprioska are excellent.

For "bar" food, the menu is excellent. You are seriously spoilt for choice. Options include the usual small plate options such as hot chips, nuts and olives.  You can also order oysters, a salad or even meatballs - yum. There are share plates, main plates including a 170g steak and for some the best bit, a number of desserts are available including the very famous Stokehouse "Bombe" - quite possibly my favourite dessert.  Our food was top notch, well and truly living up to and exceeding expectation.  

Life is always good when you're enjoying quality food in a quality venue, overlooking a quality view.  I smile a huge smile knowing life is even better when you celebrate the little and simple things like a birthday with the people you love and mean the world to you.         

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

The Larder - a family lunch to remember in Miramar, Wellington, New Zealand

The capital of New Zealand, windy yet wonderful Wellington, is one of those places worth a visit at least once in your life.  Not only is Wellington a good looking city with architecture similar to that of San Fransico, it's allegedly bursting with more cafes, bars, restaurants per capita than New York City, the mighty Big Apple.

One of these fabulous Wellingtonian restaurants is The Larder, located in Miramar, just near Wellington's airport.  Like a larder from times gone by, this magical spot is overflowing with delicious food and attentive yet warm, welcoming hospitality thanks to the beautiful co-owner Sarah and her team. Chef and co-owner Jacob Brown is the cornerstone of The Larder. From baking the house breads to creating some seriously memorable, mouthwatering food, Jacob's creativity is ever present at The Larder.  Local produce are the primary ingredients for Jacob's heart felt creations.  His famous Cauliflower soup is beyond yummy...I smile every time I think back to our family lunch where each of us ordered the soup, and still talk about its perfect combination of flavours and presentation. 

Whatever the weather, and who are we kidding, Wellington dishes out some diverse weather at times, The Larder provides a memorable sanctuary and quality food for all those who visit.  www.thelarder.co.nz/  

The Svelte Brown Fox 
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good