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