Melanie's Style Blog

A taste of different flavours

2011-02-14T09:45:00.030+11:00

This stunning photo of The Golden Gate Bridge at sunset was taken on on a ferry from Sausalito back to the Port of San Francisco.
Visiting the Port of San Francisco we found some great food stores, especially one of the best coffee shops called 'Blue Bottle'.

Ex-musician, coffee lunatic and founder of Blue Bottle started using a miniscule six-pound batch roaster, making a historical vow: “I will only sell coffee less than 48 hours out of the roaster to my customers, so they may enjoy coffee at its peak of flavor. I will only use the finest organic, and pesticide-free, shade-grown beans.”

Probably one of the best machiato's I've tasted in the world, they also offer traditional drip coffees plus a small eating menu, plus many delicious morsels. All beans that are left over after the 48 hour period are donated to charity - how divine!

Discovering what we thought to be one of the greatest crab places in San Fran, is Crustacean. Owned by the An family, holding 6 restaurants, 2 of which being Crustacean in San Fran and one in Beverly Hills, they have built their reputation for their special crab, garlic noodles and much more from the menu.

Employees are bound to a special contract, due to the secrecy of the some of the recipes. So much so, all orders on the special menu are given to one of the two kitchens in which no employees except for family members are allowed in or allowed to know the recipes!

Delicious prawns as a started in preparation for our crab and garlic noodles!

These cutlery didn't stay clean for long...

It didn't taste as good as it looks.. It tasted even better!

Some of the pinots that were thoroughly enjoyed...

Nothing like having lunch in overlooking San Fran's ice rink and union square!

So naughty.. but oh so nice!

Dinner in a traditional American Diner - to die for pork chop!

We couldn't decide if there was any particular reason for a basket of eggs above the cashier...

One of the many small and discrete features about the decorating in this diner.

Silver dollar pancakes at Sears Diner! So tasty and plentiful!

Francis Ford Coppola's cafe (director of The Godfather film)

A clear view of the hills of San Francisco - how stunning!

I just LOVE different architecture. San Fran has so much to offer in this category and here are a taste to share..

Giants MLB Stadium! Winners of the World Cup series.

Going into the merchandise store, Millie bought a few kitsch souvenirs - a gold baseball and a 'authenticated keyring ring infield dirt' glued on!!

Rear view of stadium.

How clever... even the ledges have small detailing connecting to baseball!

Again! Baseball featured sculptures

Fisherman's wharf seals up to their daily schedule... sleeping

Famous bakery - Boudin Bakery. Famous for their sourdough bread and entertaining to watch them make turtle shaped bread!

Sculptures at the end of Fisherman's Wharf

I just love how well kept this park is and the atmosphere surrounding

Lombard St! A must if travelling through San Fran. Packed with tourists but still a tonne of fun driving down.

I just love how steep these hills are in San Fran!

You'd hope your handbrake works!

Some truly stunning flowers in a cute florist in Union St

Look familiar? Yes! It's the Mrs Doubtfire house!

These stunning Victorian painted ladies are situated throughout the suburbs of San Fran...

... As well as these modernists styled houses

The Golden Gate Bridge!

Truly outdoing themselves this Christmas! Have to say the Griswolds are looking slightly pathetic compared to this family!

A modern Peruvian restaurant known for their really delicious ceviches.

Ceviche of Californian Halibut, Ahi Tuna, Mahi Mahi and mixed seafood.

Trio of whipped potatoes with the toppings of Dungeness crab, Ahi Tuna, Fried Calamari and Vegetarian toppings. Delicious!

Lamb Skewers on a bed of mash with pesto

Another type of architectural styled townhouses. I just love the mix of era's within the houses and apartments throughout San Fran!

Christmas is such a good time to play in the house

2010-01-01T17:10:00.003+11:00

A touch of India mixed with an English ginger jar and Antique architectural artefacts is what makes our home snug

Gardenias from our garden in my great grandmother's silver vase ...cherries , a must at Christmas, and my very precious french handmade chandelier lamp....note a touch of today in the background with the ipod on the dock!

A girls best friend in the kitchen my kitchen aid... with fresh basil and sage from Tall Gums and Millie's Christmas gift from KP Bourke Street Bakery cookbook with Poppy's tea cup

Shells from McMasters Beach and flat pebbles from Rossco and Ali's Sawtell Beach ( must admit copied this idea from movie " Somethings got to give ")

Christmas pears, antique Thai architectural timber sculpture and glitter votive candle holders...I love a bit of Christmas bling, creates a gorgeous glow in the evening ...

Such a gap between Mother's day and Christmas!

2010-01-01T13:46:00.001+11:00

Delicious bean, tomato and prosciutto salad...who said Chistmas is naughty!

King prawn salad, bowl of raspberries and strawberries with a cocktail which featured mango, orange and pineapple juice...problem with this is it was too easy too drink.

King prawn salad with basil and thai basil with a dressing of homemade mayonnaise dressing.

Raspberries and strawberries to accompany Lizzie's pavlova.

Geoffrey's home grown floral arrangement.

Mongolian studded dress featured in guest bedroom.

Chic side table decor, the flowers are companion planted next to the vegetables in the portage garden

This is a work in progress, a natural amphitheatre just too beautiful for words to do it justice. The first time I visited this part of the garden none of us had any idea what was behind all the overgrown vegitation

All the timber gathered at Tall Gums being stock piled waiting to be mulched and turned back into the gardens

Love this tree it looks like a sculpture...look closely to the left and the table you can see is made with a naturally split tree found when clearing Tall Gums

Looking back up to the property

The hard work of the past 12 months are starting to really pay off

Lots of local sandstone used throughout the garden features as sculptures

At the bottom of the garden another part of the garden emerges and a natural rainforest starts to raise its head

Mothers Day!

2009-05-10T18:41:00.006+10:00

Starters... South coast oysters- Wonboyn Rock, Merimbula Lake and Pambula Oyster.

My husband Richard and I

My girls and my mum

I woke up to a full english breakfast from my wonderful husband and youngest daughter Millie... Then we met my eldest daughter Kate and had a gorgeous long lunch at Boathouse at Blackwattle Bay. I hadn't been in years and it was just as good as I remembered, the restaurant was full of families and the service was impeccable. I should have had the snapper pie, but I left that one to the girls! I had a roast hapuka fillet with a duck confit sausage and lentils... which was nowhere near as naughty as the pie! Shared a fabulous bottle of Spanish wine- Telmo Rodriguez Gabo do Xil 2007- and let Kate drive us home.

It's only once a year but us mums deserve to be spoilt! And spoilt I was... thanks girls!

Mothers Day (hint!)

2009-04-29T11:53:00.003+10:00

Honey-baked pear breakfast crumble

Mothers Day is coming up, and you know what that means... Breakfast in bed! While I'm more than happy with some toast, yoghurt and a cuppa tea, this would be sublime.
Recipe here, courtesy of Gourmet Traveller.

I'm off to send this to my daughters!

Follow me on twitter here.

Hump Day Humour

2009-04-01T12:53:00.004+11:00

My daughter Kate directed me to this site, "It's Lovely! I'll Take It!"- A collection of poorly chosen photos from real estate listings. Sara's captions are usually as hilarious as the picture itself.

Sandwiches

2009-03-30T10:39:00.005+11:00

Thomas Keller's Tuna Niçoise tartine

Photography: Chris Colls
Credit (& recipe): Gourmet Traveller

2009-02-27T10:28:00.005+11:00

It’s not that hard to change the world… I’m sure deep down, we’d all like to make a difference in the world, but sometimes our day to day lives get a little hectic and we don’t get around to it. Here’s 3 ways you can make a difference right now:

1. Go donate blood (you can save a life, help someone with burns or cancer RIGHT now)

2. Find a cause online and get out the credit card (it’s simple and you’ll get a happy buzz that’ll last you all day long – check out www.hollows.org as one great example)

3. Send someone who makes your world a better place a handwritten card and let them know.

4. Antoinette Wood (sensational event organiser in Townsville) gave me this fantastic idea. Get together a bunch of friends (fellas, sorry I think this may work better with the ladies!) for a cocktail and have them all bring along any clothes they have that are in good condition but just don’t get worn any more (perhaps these items are the wrong size or were impulse buys). Then auction them off amongst your friends with all the funds going to charity (and consider donating any left overs to charity as well!).So simple, and do-able right now. How have you changed the world for the better today?

Thank you to Kirsty Dumphey for this great idea!!!

2009-02-20T16:11:00.008+11:00

Simplistic yet with an added warmth created by matching chandeliers, textures and lamps.

White is so strong when other layers are introduced the stark minimalism of the late 90's is now a thing of the past... how pleasing it always felt so stark and uninviting

2009-02-20T16:10:00.011+11:00

Simplistic style borrowing ideas from the shaker style.

2009-02-20T16:10:00.010+11:00

Large windows enhance this beautiful kitchen space, what a fabulous place to cook and share time together an extention of the garden.

2009-02-20T16:09:00.003+11:00

Great sink, freestanding bath, fireplace and ample light to create a warm bathroom with the layering of different whites.

2009-02-20T16:08:00.002+11:00

2009-02-20T16:07:00.003+11:00

Sensational fittings

2009-02-20T16:06:00.002+11:00

Country feel with mixture of textures and timber wall panels ads warmth

2009-02-20T16:05:00.006+11:00

Mother of Pearl inlaid chest adds interest

2009-02-20T16:05:00.005+11:00

A to die for bathroom with the chic attitude one would find in a resort

2009-02-20T16:04:00.004+11:00

Lots of light and large usage of glass to incorporate the indoor / outdoor living
a mixture of finishes including stainless steel, tiles and timbers

2009-02-20T16:03:00.004+11:00

A cosy retreat to bathe and rejuvinate

2009-02-20T16:02:00.005+11:00

A small but warm environmemnt to gather around and share family time

2009-02-20T16:01:00.007+11:00

Mix antiques, marble, light and limned timber and create an opulent and personalised haven....remember the secret to using white on white is to personalise it to create an ambiance otherwise you risk looking funereal...lots of white, lilies and soulless !!!!

2009-02-20T16:01:00.006+11:00

I simply adore this room..a collection of loved treasures combine to show personality and create a room that invites you to sit down and relax

2009-02-20T15:59:00.003+11:00

Another angle of a treasured space

2009-02-20T15:58:00.009+11:00

Mismatched photos always ad and element of chic design...mixing it up is always a more creative design element

2009-02-20T15:58:00.008+11:00

Clever architectural elements makes this a wonderful modern living space

2009-02-20T15:57:00.002+11:00

A heritage room modernised with industrial elements works just so well

2009-02-20T15:56:00.001+11:00

Great modern space with wonderful balance introduced by metal light fittings

2009-02-20T15:53:00.003+11:00

2009-02-20T15:52:00.003+11:00

Simple yet inviting

2009-02-20T15:51:00.004+11:00

tres chic

2009-02-20T15:51:00.003+11:00

How gorgeous, Phillip Stark lights, cleverly designed freestanding bath, plantation shutters and an armoire all add to create a wonderful ambiance.

2009-02-20T15:48:00.006+11:00

Carrara marble, black and white photography, glass and textured fabric add up to one very sophisticated bathroom

2009-02-20T15:46:00.007+11:00

A perfect way to personalise an area in your home with treasured china

2009-02-20T15:45:00.002+11:00

Rattan lights over kitchen bench, white walls and black timber surrounds frame outdoor living space to add a sophisticated flavour to this enchanting space

2009-02-20T15:36:00.006+11:00

marble, timber, plate racks, bowls of apples, jugs of flowers all add up to a warm and welcoming environment

2009-02-20T15:35:00.003+11:00

oops holidays in January found their way into my folio what a great time we had and yes the snow was amazing and the homes so very pretty

2009-02-20T15:33:00.003+11:00

glamerous bathroom to enjoy

2009-02-20T15:32:00.003+11:00

Personality makes such an enchanting statement

2009-02-20T15:31:00.001+11:00

Fabulous clean modern with architectural fittings

2009-02-20T15:30:00.001+11:00

Modern space offering a great lifestyle

2009-02-20T15:29:00.005+11:00

What a great family space!

2009-02-20T15:29:00.004+11:00

Clever treatment to create a feeling of privacy to a work area

2009-02-20T15:28:00.004+11:00

What a clever bathroom

2009-02-20T15:27:00.002+11:00

No reason art should not be a feature of a bathroom

2009-02-20T15:26:00.004+11:00

shabby chic still looks so inviting

2009-02-20T15:26:00.003+11:00

Sensational family space

2009-02-20T15:25:00.004+11:00

I love this space
A great use of colour
Windows/ doors galore
and what a great communal area