us latvians have got some talent

my artistic cousin aleksandra is one brave, talented chica. 

a freelance stylist, she also provides creative direction for embellishing a space or setting for events, makes botanical flower arrangements look impossibly perfect and her bespoke handwriting makes me hope those hands of hers are insured. 
recently launching her website, you should check it out here and make sure there's something beneath your jaw.
i was going to put up a pretty picture of the young lass, however, i fear that reindeer ears may be too incriminating. i'll play it safe...
well done aleks 

two tablespoons this time

I’m beginning to speculate that upon entering an establishment that could quite possible provide honey alongside a myriad of toasty sourdoughy goodness, whether there is a sign on my forehead that perhaps announces that without a suitable honey quota on offer, this lady (yes, I’m calling myself a lady, though others may question my suitability to such a title adorned by the likes of gracious females like Audrey and Greta) may lose the plot and create a sticky situation for all those involved in lack of proper honey portions, delivery, and ideal treacle quality.

I continue to be impressed.

And not only does 60 reservoir street bestow us with the cutest rustic wooden stools to be seated upon whilst imitating Winnie the Pooh, yet they also bring out the most seductive and dreamy crema: Single Origin coffee, for which we ultimately came here for, brewed by Big Boris himself (an affectionate name for the roaster). 

These guys roast and blend only the finest- sustainably grown coffee for the caffeine fix and sustainably grown produce for the grumbling stomachs. Friendly staff finish it off and so do the choc coated coffee beans for the walk home.

No need for outbursts due to diet deficient in honey rations for the day. No tantrum required for daily caffeine quota not being met.

Till next time, make sure you head along here:Single Origin Coffee, 60-64 reservoir st, surry hills

and did i mention...?

i had a dream.

that my tea came with honey.

and guess what...?

i wasn't dreaming.

how amazing is this. this is what honey is meant to come with. a side of earl grey.

pooh likes very much.

darby street goodness

my best friend fred who is over yonder in ol London town, introduced me to darby street. with a shared likeness in all things cute and tea-associated, it's no wonder i was up there in no time.
next event in timeline: no surf of a sunday meant i dragged the g man up with me and we were well surprised (courtesy of pom friends indeed, cheers).
a pocket strip in newcastle, the darby street precinct is brewing with trendy bars and cafes that of a weekend will have their street side tables overflowing with hip novocastrians, succumbing to the aromas of freshly ground coffee beans being poured into sleek latte glasses.
there's also no doubt that necessary pedestrian footsteps prior to such gusto hits of caffeine will require g and myself to yonder on past the many eclectic shops that are squeezed in between the eating spots. with some of the best shopping in newcastle down this street, i'm cursing cars and registration.
i'm not however objecting the inspiration that is stemming from all the unique boutiques and homeware stores, many of the items being from local designers. 
obligatory stop due to other half's stomach making curious noises related to hunger. common occurrence every few hours and must be attended to immediately otherwise patience may wear thin in next boutique where my attention must be commanded...
the kitchen it is. No, not us cooking. Jeez, give us a break. 'The Kitchen': 133 Darby Street. With an award winning barista at the annual darby street coffee festival in june, and customers galore, this is a good sign. we settle. and for some reason, don't order caffeine?

we do however, decide on a lamb burger with beetroot relish and hommus with crispy potato skins for the grumbling stomach, nicely presented on a rustic wooden board

 and for moi, a sweet potato and roast vegetable toasted turkish...

happy chappies: indisputably. 
we leave the dishes in the kitchen, because we are good housemates and continue down the end, returning to car brimming with ideas for our own little place one day. 

oh and this little lady. excuse the ear, it was an attempt of subtilty. 
go darby.


a coastal drive home is on the cards, along with a touch of lamb odour emanating from other half, soliciting a chilly winter breeze from car window on drive home. 
a heartening afternoon indeed.

tao of pooh

"Rabbit's clever," said Pooh thoughtfully.
"Yes," said Piglet, "Rabbit's clever."
"And he has Brain."
"Yes," said Piglet, "Rabbit has Brain."
There was a long silence.
"I suppose," said Pooh, "that's why he never understands anything."

I love it.

Paddington

I would just like to share the fact that I discovered that this cute little fella was originally from Peru, of all places, and his name was 'Pastuso' before his adopted parentals aptly named him after the London station they found him at. Awww...

Pastuso, how exotic is that? 
For more biographical details about this secretive little character, check out his page Paddington Bear

cafe con leche

I am somewhat, ashamed, perhaps (yes Coralie, me using and abusing) to admit that I like Starbucks. I'm not going to go into detail as to why, why not. It just happened. Albeit, I'm not a devotee nor a star and am only a frequent customer for the green aproned employees when the drizzle outside sets in and an old amiga requires boredom interference, with which I'm well trained in, and more than willing to offer my skilled services.

In comes two grande cafes, extra hot, one with straw, one without.
Two hours of talking are what follows.

Also involved is the SMH from the neighbour who enjoys soy lattes on skim and toasted banana bread with no butter.

Thoughtfully, he's left my favourite page untouched.

Not so thoughtfully, I decide two minutes later.

Outrageous thoughts interrupt the two hour Star session as to what on earth 10-across is and why Tuesday's puzzleman is so evil, but the Monday and Thursday puzzler teases you into thinking you are smart and suddenly able to pen in answers that don't require yesterday's answers for assistance. There is strong urge to succumb to the calling of the thesaurus app recently applied to the iphone. There is also a strong urge to maybe leave the coffee shop and walk around?

eh.

There is also a strong urge to wring that Bombers scarf around Kathleen's neck in hopes that the colours change from black and red, to white and red whilst simultaneously altering the chemical imbalance in her head that has seen her support such a team instead of the gracious pond dwellers, most commonly known as the Sydney Swans. 

Yes, I'm talking to you, penguin umbrella lady.

Round two. Opting for the chai this time as afternoon light sets in and the umbrella sitting at home is of no use. Plenty of laughter occurs when yet another application on the iphone becomes quite the novelty and I fear for my life if I was to post the results.

Let's just say, fat booth. Or shall we blame it on the double mochacino, full-fat, extra whipped crema?

I don't care what you coffee aficionado's say, I still had a nice afternoon.