A Night at the Ballet

My husband and I took a romantic road trip down to Wellington a few weeks ago.  I'd only been there once before and had fallen in love with the vibrant city, beautiful old buildings, and artsy atmosphere.  Upon arrival we found out that the Royal New Zealand Ballet was currently on tour and would be performing in Wellington the next night.  Having never been a ballerina but nevertheless could appreciate this demanding style of dance, I begged Presley to go.  Surprisingly it didnt take much to convince him! 

'Tutus on Tour' has been divided into a North Island team and a South Island team.  We attended the first show of the South team and they were magnificent.  The ballet began with all of the dancers dressed traditionally in white performing Verdi Variations.  The women wore exquisite costumes with stiff tutus and sparkling tiaras that almost made the little girl inside me wish I was the princess in Swan Lake...almost.  The men were extremely agile on their feet for the types of bodies that they had - surely it is difficult for a man to jump high in the air, do a pirouette, and land as light as a feather?!  And these are men who could just as easily lift the ballerinas again and again when required!  Verdi Variations lasted for 30 minutes and then the real show Pinnochio began. 

And what a show it was: amazing costumes, props, lighting, and dancing swirled together in a 60-minute showcase of ballet that superseded any language or cultural barriers.  I particularly liked the dancers who portrayed Columbina and Cat.  If you get the chance to catch a performance by 'Tutus on Tour' they come highly recommended as a great night that can be enjoyed by women AND men alike!

Mars Bar Cheesecake

A Mars Bar Cheesecake is not for the faint-hearted.  It is rich.  It is sweet.  It is even better the next day.  It is everything your body doesnt need, but we all deserve a treat every now and then, so spoil youself!  This recipe comes from a great cookbook published by the Australian Women's Weekly called Food We Love:

INGREDIENTS:

250g plain chocolate biscuits

150g butter, melted

2 tbsp brown sugar

20g butter, extra

300ml thickened cream

50g milk chocolate, chopped finely

3 tsp gelatine

60ml water

500g cream cheese

110g caster sugar

3x60g Mars bars, chopped

METHOD:

Crush the biscuits and mix with the melted butter. Press the mixture evenly over base and side of a 20cm springform tin. Cover and refrigerate for about 30min. 

 Combine brown sugar, extra butter and 2 tbsp of the cream in a small pan, stir over a low heat until the sugar dissolves to make butterscotch sauce. 

 Melt chocolate and another 2 tbsp of the cream in another small pan over a low heat or in a dish in the microwave.

Sprinkle gelatine over the water in a small heatproof jug; stand jug in small saucepan of simmering water. Stir until gelatine dissolves; cool 5 min.

Beat cheese and caster sugar in medium bowl with electric mixer until smooth. Beat remaining cream in small bowl with electric mixer until soft peaks form. Stir slightly warm gelatine mixture into cheese mixture with mars bars; fold in cream.

Pour half of the cheese mixture into prepared tin; drizzle half of the butterscotch and chocolate sauces over cheese mixture. Use skewer to create marbled effect. Repeat process with the remaining cheese mixture and sauces. Cover and put in fridge for at least 3 hrs.

Colour Palette

Yesterday I got lost in the circus,
feeling like such a mess.
And now I'm down,
I'm just hanging on the corner;
I can't help but reminisce.

'Cos when you're gone,
all the colours fade
When you're gone,
no new years day parade.
When you're gone,
colours seem to fade.

Your mama called, she said
that you're downstairs crying,
Feeling like such a mess.
Yeah, I hear ya,
You're in the background bawling,
What happened to your sweet summertime dress?

I know we all,
we all got our faults,
We get locked in our vaults
and we stay..

But when you're gone,
all the colours fade
When you're gone,
no new years day parade.
You're gone,
colours seem to fade,
colours seem to fade.

- Colours, Amos Lee

Three colours are really standing out to me at the moment:  The first is fuschia.  I have had an on/off love affair with fuschia for years but right now it is a must-have for my wardrobe.  Slowly but surely my collection of fuschia items are growing.  It appeals to me because I've never been a fan of pink apart from either the dusky or the outrageously bright variations, but fuschia seems to mix just the faintest hint of pink with the vibrancy of purple to create a beautiful, feminine colour.  Fuschia is incidentally also the name I wanted to call my first baby girl!  But luckily I grew out of that phase.

If I could have a pair of fuschia shoes then I would count myself very lucky indeed!


Preferably these Christian Laboutin's thanks!


The second colour I adore is mint green.  I love pastels and mint green is one that I dont see too often, but when I do it always looks fresh and delicate.  I would love to have a bedroom in my future house painted mint green mixed with huge floral wallpaper like that seen in the Pretty by Elizabeth Arden advertisements, with white french furniture and perhaps even a chandelier.

Third is midnight blue.  There is an element of mystery and depth in this colour that can almost pass for black.  Last year I bought midnight blue nail polish after I saw it on Lauren Conrad and it got me through Paris, London and a New Zealand winter!  I also went a bit crazy on dark blue make up, accessories and clothes but since it's the type of shade that never goes out of fashion (much like its neighbour navy blue), I know that they will serve me well for years to come.

Blue eyeshadow and earrings in Paris

New Additions to the...Wardrobe

Some people spend money on alcohol, others on things for their house.  I spend money on clothes.  You could say that I 'collect' them.  More specifically, I love grabbing a bargain so the bigger the discount the better.  Nothing pleases me more than spending minimal cash and getting maximum in return.  Here are some of my latest purchases:

1.  Max wool-blend hat.  I was inspired by Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl and think this hat has a prim, aristocratic feel.  Plus it's wool which means a warm head for winter:

2.  Max tulip skirt.  I've never seen such a beautiful colour on a piece of clothing before, it's like liquid silver!  There's also hidden pockets in the front and a super comfy stretch waistband:

3.  Lastly is the buy of the century - brand new authentic leather 2010 Jimmy Choo's retailing right now for $1200 and I paid under 10% of that!  What a lucky, lucky find:

6.5/10 for 'Limitless'

Limitless is an action thriller starring Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro.  It's about a struggling writer who is introduced to a pill that allows him to access 100% of his brain.  His world is suddenly transformed and he is able to write a fantastic book, learn a multitude of languages and become a rich financier all in record time; not only this, but he is able to recall everything he has ever seen or heard in his entire life.  Sounds too good to be true, and it is - among some horrible side effects are dangerous enemies, dependance on the pills daily and always the fear that they will run out.

Bradley is a really good actor who is able to show a lot of emotion through his eyes.  He is equally believable as a down-and-out writer and wealthy drug addict.  Robert De Niro brings his usual charisma to the screen but doesnt get a lot of air time.  It is a great concept but I would have thought he'd be able to do so much more with the increased brain stimulation, like levitation and telekinesis.  The plot also seems to plod more than pace and the twist is rather predictable, but I like how paranoia and desperation is portrayed through different camera angles and sound effects.  Overall a good movie that could have pushed the envelope further.

THINGS I LOVE: Perfume

For the last couple of years I've had only one request from Presley for my birthday present: a new perfume.  Both years we've been together I would carefully choose a fragrance after test trying countless Givenchy's and Cacharel's in search of the perfect scent, and both years he has handed me a familiar-looking wrapped box.  I would open it with glee and we'd be 100% satisfied in our roles as Giver and Receiver.  My other two perfumes were from a trip to the Gold Coast with my sister in which we stumbled upon a 'Tester' sale of barely-used bottles of perfume, and at Heathrow Airport en route to LA.  Here they are:

1.  Yves Saint Laurent 'In Love Again'.  It has  notes of raspberry, brimbelle, gentle peony and sensual musk.

2.  Vera Wang 'Princess' with water lily, lady apple, mandarin meringue, golden apricot skin, ripe pink guava, Tahitian flower, wild tuberose, dark chocolate, pink frosting accord, precious amber, forbidden woods, royal musk captive and chiffon vanilla.

3.  Nina Ricci 'Ricci Ricci': top notes of rhubarb and bergamont, middle notes of rose centifolia, Indian tuberose, and beauty of the night (a type of flower), and base notes of patchouli fraction and sandalwood.

4.  Stella 'Nude' is extra special because it reminds me of my Nana.  It has notes of Morrocan rose, grapefruit, peony, pink pepper, vanilla and amber.

With another birthday looming I'm on the lookout for the next It Perfume.  Do YOU have a favourite?

Destination HAWAII

Aah, Hawaii, the land of contradictions.  My brother, sister and I holidayed there in 2007 and it was a strange, beautiful, puzzling place - the latest Chryslers pulling up to tiny rundown flats, waitresses in traditional muumuu and tennis shoes, a tropical garden in the middle of the Hilton...I thoroughly enjoyed my time there but must admit there were a few occasions when my brow would knit in confusion and I just wouldnt get it.  It was still fun though.  We visited the Ala Moana shopping centre and stocked up on Revlon and Loreal make up that was a third of the price of what it cost in New Zealand, and who could walk past American candy without grabbing handfuls to take home (my favourites are Hot Tamales, Jolly Ranchers and Reeses)?  We also gorged ourselves on Mexican food and took a trip out to the PCC to visit some family and friends and catch the Night Show.  Waimea was surprisingly flat on the day of our beach trip but that didnt stop us from frolicking between the water and the sand under a gloriously warm sun. Honourable mention goes to the Cheesecake Factory Restaurant which was absolutely delicious and well priced.  Most memorable moment?  My sister, parched and desperate for a drink was handed a bottle of water and she quickly took a few huge gulps.  No sooner had she swallowed that her eyes bulged and she started coughing and gurgling and gasping for air all at the same time!  It was vodka.  How in the world did vodka get into a bottle of water??  Only in Hawaii!

Waikiki Beach

Waimea

Hilton Hotel

'Le Dossier - How to Survive the English' Book Review

According to French author Hortense de Monplaisir, Le Dossier is a study of 'English behaviour'.  Having moved from Paris to London 10 years ago, Hortense has learned to love and hate many things about the English and formed strong opinions about the vast differences between them and the French in areas such as education, food and family.  While some parts are witty and humourous, most of the book is pretentious.  An example is when she writes about how the English queue for everything.  Queues make sense to me - if other people have arrived before me to buy something, then it only seems fair that they get served first.  Au contraire says Hortense, for the French are far too important and intelligent to waste their time waiting in line when they could just push to the front and be served straight away!  Hmm. 

I learned  a lot of interesting aspects about the French while reading this book.  They are remarkably disciplined, take pride in their appearance, are passionate and understand the importance of good parenting.  They also lack in certain areas too, such as the ability to have a carefree attitude even for a second. 

Three things I should note:

1.  I was told that even French people hate Parisiennes and Hortense is one through and through, so it wouldnt be fair to generalise too much.  My comments are based only on what she has already described the French to be.

2.  There is a bit of French blood in me, so I'm careful not to be too unpatriotic!

3.  I love anything French - the people, food, and any books that provide an insight to their culture, so Le Dossier is still very enjoyable to read.

My Handbag Wishlist

I remember hearing about a woman who was gifted diamonds from her husband every time she had a baby.  Over the years she received a pair of earrings, a necklace, two bracelets and two rings all bedazzled with the sparkling jewels (and five beautiful children I might add).  It made me wonder, when the time comes could I persuade my husband to spoil me in the same way?  And would I choose diamonds or Dior?  Pearls or Prada?  Gold or Gucci?  Joking aside, healthy children would be the greatest gift and blessing I could ever receive...but a little something for my efforts wouldnt be amiss either!  Here are the top three handbags on my Wishlist:

1. Dolce & Gabbana 'Miss Sicily'.  It is ladylike and oh-so-pretty.

Black version as seen on Madonna

2. Mulberry 'Bayswater'.  Classic, versatile and timeless.

Tan version as seen on Alexa Chung

3. Prada 'Cervo Frame'.  A little bit different to my usual choices but I just love the colour and size.

As seen on Frankie Sandford

THINGS I LOVE: Randy Crawford

"Tender falls the rain
As I speak your name
And what it means to me." - Tender Falls the Rain


"There he goes,
Doesnt he need me?
How could he leave me?
Was he ever really there?" - In Real Life


"She only smiles, he only tells her
That she's the flowers, the wind and spring
In all her splendour sweetly surrend'ring
The love that innocence brings." - Almaz


"I feel like it's raining all over the world." - Rainy Night in Georgia

We were brought up with some quality music as kids, and Randy Crawford's Secret Combination album is one I distinctly remember.  Her voice is strong yet soft at the same time and quite unlike anything I've ever heard before.   Her lyrics have a way of describing certain sentiments and situations that I've experienced myself.  They also make me think about the true messages of her songs, like her lyrics "tender falls the rain, as I speak your name and what it means to me."  There are so many thoughts, feelings, experiences, dreams, and hopes all associated with a name, so how do you speak the name of someone you love in a way that aptly portrays everything it embodies?  Are tears an outward manifestation of all of the inward emotions you associate with that person and their spoken name, as they fall "tenderly" like rain upon your cheeks?  Perhaps.  In any case I got to see her perform Tender Falls the Rain  live in 2007.  She sounded exactly the same in person as on her album and her stage presence and persona were captivating.  Randy Crawford is one of a kind.

Tray Baked Chicken a la Jamie Oliver

My lovely mother-in-law gave me Jamie Oliver's latest cookbook for Christmas and I'm crazy about it!  While it's nearly impossible to create his three-course meals in only 30 minutes, I try to focus on getting the main dish finished and plated in that time frame.  One of his recipes, 'Tray Baked Chicken' on pg 103, is delicious and very easy:

INGREDIENTS:

dried oregano
sweet paprika
a knob of butter
4 skinless chicken breasts
1 lemon
300g cherry tomatoes on the vine
4 rashers of streaky bacon
a couple of sprigs of fresh rosemary
olive oil
salt & pepper

METHOD (in Jamie Oliver's own words):

Turn the heat under an empty frying pan to high. 
Get out a large sheet of greaseproof paper.  Sprinkle over a good pinch of dried oregano, salt and pepper and paprika, then drizzle over some olive oil and add a lug to the hot frying pan too, along with the knob of butter. 
Lay the chicken breasts on top of the greaseproof paper and roll them in the flavours.  Add to the hot frying pan and fry for 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden on both sides.  While this is happening, clear away the greaseproof paper and wash your hands.
Get out a nice roasting tray, then quarter the lemon and chuck it in the tray along with the vine tomatoes. 
Tip in the chicken breasts and any juices from the pan.  Use tongs to arrange everything nicely, then lay the bacon on top of the breasts.
Add the sprigs of rosemary to the pan and move them around so that they get coated in the juices.  Pop them into the tray, then whack the tray under the grill for at least 14 minutes.

Serve with wilted spinach and potatoes crushed with rosemary, bay leaves and garlic.  The chicken stays juicy from the bacon and the lemon adds a delicious tang to the dish, while the tomatoes burst to release a sweetness that perfectly rounds off the flavours.  Dont skimp on the juices either - lather the chicken in spoonfuls of it and in no time you'll be mopping it all up with the potatoes!

I made this for a dinner party recently and just managed to take a photo of it (or half of it) before it was gone.

A World of Opportunity

My mum instilled in my sisters and I a passion for opshopping.  While I admit I dont have enough patience to sort through all of the racks and inspect each piece of clothing to find the truly unique, every now and then I crack it.  Some people get unsettled at the thought of wearing second-hand items ("What if someone died in that top"? and other misgivings), but not I!  I've picked up a Fendi bag, gorgeous leather shoes, an Italian wool coat, and so much more all for about $10 a pop.  Here are some of my latest purchases that I paid around $3 each for:

I pair this with a round straw hat, thin tan belt and tan wedges for autumn chic.

I keep this skirt light 'n bright with a crisp white shirt, dark brown leather belt and nude peep toes.

This black and white pleated skirt is something special that I found at a market on the side of the road.  It is a French brand and when you separate the pleats there is a picture of a little French town running the length of the hem.  Beautiful!  I like to wear it with neutrals and a splash of colour like a fuschia scarf or a mint green chunky bracelet.

THINGS I LOVE: Poetry

I whispered, 'I am too young,'

And then, 'I am old enough';

Wherefore I threw a penny

To find out if I might love.

'Go and love, go and love, young man,

If the lady be young and fair.'

Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny,

I am looped in the loops of her hair.

O love is the crooked thing,

There is nobody wise enough

To find out all that is in it,

For he would be thinking of love

Till the stars had run away

And the shadows eaten the moon.

Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny,

One cannot begin it too soon.

- Brown Penny, William Butler Yeats

 The above poem is one of my most favourite.  You see, I have a thing for English; I studied it in fact (along with Media Studies).  Something about how symbols can become words that describe human emotions interests me.  It is astounding.  It is exciting.  Words are completely inferior to feeling, and yet they invoke feeling.  I have dabbled in poetry myself.  Poetry unlocks a world of hidden imagination in me.  There is something innately personal about abstract writing making perfect sense only to the author.  Of course, some poems are straightforward and a lot of mine are, but most of them are hidden beneath layers.  Why?  Because I couldn’t bear for them to be interpreted the wrong way, or worse – critiqued!  So they shall stay safely in the one and only published copy of my book of poems,  ‘This is How She Wept”...for now!

Salutations!

Seldom the wind blows thoughts of refrain
As long as I'm nimble I'll locate your name
It powers my shield whilst I'm on my way

This love is simple nourishment for soul
Distance will strengthen until it's you I hold
Make yourself seen in my heart until your home

Verbalise how I feel when I'm with you
Centralise all energy 'til I get through
'til I get through, 'til I get through, 'til I get through

- Waka, Che Fu

Welcome one and all to my online journal!  I’m really excited to be able to share my thoughts, inspirations, journeys and pictures with the world.  So why is it called Verbalise?  Che Fu’s Waka is one of my favourite songs because it enlivens me!  The lyrics are strong and they capture the yearning that one can feel for another; it is simple yet powerful in the way that one’s love can overcome distance and time.  Waka is an ode to conquerors of the heart.  You’ll find out soon enough that I love love LOVE analysing song lyrics!

Other things I love are…you’ll have to wait and see!  I’ll introduce different things from my long list periodically.  First up:

 


My first love is my husband Presley.  This picture was taken in Paris in 2010 and epitomises how far we've come in our relationship.  We dated briefly at 16, again at 18-19 years old and finally got married in Fiji 2009.  He is funny, handsome, intelligent, uplifting and everything I’ve been looking for in a man.  Here’s to an eternity together my cherie!