Sunday Sun

Today we’ve had one of those Sunday’s that you wish you could have more often. Well, perhaps we could have done with sleeping in past 6.15am, but after that it was perfect. First of all, Pebble had a two hour nap! …pause to revel in that awesomeness….I got a few small jobs done around the house, but nothing too stressful, just the kind of jobs that make you feel better for doing them. Then we trundled off to enjoy a glass of wine or two, a divinely scrumptious meal and good company at Woodstock Winery, where we hosted our wedding reception. They had sent us a $50 voucher to spend and it was just the thing to encourage us out of the house and indulge for an afternoon. And the FOOD! Oh, it was really too good. I kept taking bite after bite and saying, “I want to know how to make this!”. Perhaps even better than the food itself, Pebble fell asleep right on time for lunch!

The restaurant was buzzing, there were quite a few big tables of people celebrating, and lots of babies and children adding to the lively atmosphere. Instead of feeling frantic, the three piece jazz band played light and sparkling music which relaxed our shoulders, and our minds. Our friendly waitress kindly offered to take our order quickly, so that could get in ahead of a large group that had just arrived. Our meals arrived promptly, and the oohing and aaaahing began. Paul and his Mum, Kath, ordered the juicy, minty lamb cutlets, served with potato, feta, pea and mint salad. The jus was absolutely lick-able.

I ordered the market fish special, a crispy skinned lemon and butter king fish with a meltingly soft potato gratin, asparagus and a creamy capsicum sauce. The flavours exploded in my mouth, this was just so, so tasty. I wish I could cook this well. I think the local, seasonal and fresh produce made this dish, and of course the excellent technique of the chefs. Practice makes perfect, I’ll have to give it a go at home.

We all shared a generous serve of butternut pumpkin with caramelised onions, blue cheese and pine nuts. The soft, creamy flesh of the butternut paired perfectly with the sweet and rich caramelised onions and just a hint of blue cheese. The crunch of the pinenuts was the icing on the cake, so to speak.
 
But we couldn’t stop there. Could we? Really? Not when the food had been SO good. We just had to try the desserts, of course we did! Usually we share a dessert, but the offerings looked so delectable that we had one each. Kath had the dark chocolate mousse cylinder, with layers of dark and white chocolate mousse, mandarin foam and mandarin and ginger syryp. It was rich and decadent, and she needed a bit of Paul’s help to finish it off!

Paul had the pithivier (tart, I believe) of local apple and cherries, with local almonds and baileys ice cream. Paul raved about the almonds – you just don’t realise how good something should be until you taste it fresh and well grown.

I’m a sucker for cheesecake and chose the mini baked goats cheese cake with sable pastry, balsamic strawberries, roasted rhubarb, crystallised rose petals (lovely) and balsamic ice cream. Oh MY, this was good! A little bit of yum, with a side of scrummy and topped with delish! It was rich, creamy, fruity, juicy and zingy. Y. U. M.

Topped off with smooth coffee we were well and truly full. We rolled on out of there with mumblings of not having any dinner tonight (but really, those of you who know me know that I never skip a meal). I think one of my favourite parts of the day, though, was using the toilet. Yes, that’s right. Strangely, that’s where I got the strongest memories from my wedding. The reminder of lifting up the train and voluminous skirt, and having a rare moment to myself that day to reflect on the pure and simple happiness that was our wedding day. I loved our wedding. It was the happiest day of my life. If only it took something a little more romantic than a commode to remind me of it.
If you’re in SA get yourself into Woodstock winery. You won’t regret it! (no Woodstock are not paying me to write this. I just love that place!).

Point + Shoot

First anniversary lunch @ Brighton Jetty Cafe.

Brighton Jetty

The girl: Snapper with polenta, asparagus, tomato and hollandaise

 
The boy: Fish and Chips

The girl: Portuguese Pudim with almond icecream, caramel and cream (the boy had tiramisu).

The boy + the girl.

Love

Today’s posts are brought to you by the wonders of technology. I’ve scheduled these to fly off into the ether while Paul and I are off celebrating our one year wedding anniversary.

One year ago today I walked down the aisle to this song. It makes me cry to remember… tears of joy. Pure. Joy.

Thank you to Mel and Lisa. Without you both we might never have found each other. And that is something I just can’t bear to imagine.

Monday Cuteness

Happy Monday!
I’ve got a busy, busy week ahead. I’m cleaning the house (again)and baking today (again) before my mum’s and bub’s group come for a visit tomorrow. I’ve got errands to run here, there and everywhere, and plans to make for our 1 year wedding anniversary this weekend ♥ What’s happening at your house this week?
Here’s a little Monday cuteness: Pebble in the hat that I bought her at Mathilda’s Market (my one and only purchase, not that I didn’t want to buy, buy, buy). It’s from Pink Apple, if you’re interested. I love the hat a lot, but I will have to stitch the flower on – it’s attached with a brooch at the moment. A sharp, pointy, metal brooch. I just don’t feel like it’s a nice thing to have on Pebble’s skin! I didn’t really think that through when I bought it, but no regrets, it’s cute as a button.

Have a happy Monday, and please do tell – how did you celebrate your 1st anniversary (maybe it was of your wedding, or relationship, even your blog, or another significant time in your life)?

Sneak Peek – Official Wedding Pics

Sarah sent me a little sneaky pic of our wedding pics. She’s not all finished yet, but here’s a few that she shared. I think they’re quite lovely.
Falling asleep. My fav.   Look into my eyes. Hahaha. So jolly.

To do list is shrinking

Paul and I pulled a mammoth wedding planning day yesterday, ticking lots of boxes, including:

• buying wedding bubbles
• buying boxes for said wedding bubbles
• buying rose petals to scatter on the tables at the reception
• buying long lasting tea light candles for the tables at the reception
• buying a little bag to hold the rings at the ceremony
• meeting with the celebrant, finalising the vows, and paying off the last of his fee
• paying the final amount for the cars
• paying the final payment for the cake
• confirming and paying for Poppy’s ride home
• triple checking the bus details and making the final payment
• confirming the B&B booking, and making final payment
• confirming the photographer arrival time and making final payment
• buying new wedding underwear for moi
• burning CDs with tracks for the aisle walk and registry signing
• burning a CD for a first dance at the reception
• booking in the boys for their final fitting and suit pick up
• emailing all the guests with final wedding details
• emailing all the bus goers with bus details
• confirming beauty times for the ladies on Friday night
• sitting on the toilet a lot because I’m starting to shit myself

Phew! Yeah, the bank balance got a workout yesterday!!! There’s only a couple of things left to do, the main one being WRITING OUR SPEECH! Eeek! Neither of us is looking forward to that part.

Here comes the bride, yo!

Venue relief

Paul and I went to our ceremony venue yesterday to check it out and pay the final amount due. I have been worrying about everyone fitting into the small space, especially extra visitors who are coming for a look. I have also been worrying about dragging my dress down a gravel path to get to the door of the venue, especially if it’s raining and muddy!

I had all my fears put to rest yesterday though. I found out that the cars can be driven literally to the door step of the venue, all I need to do is step out and under the veranda, and they will be there will an umbrella for extra security if it’s raining. We also could see that there will be plenty of space for all our invited guests, and any extras will be able to fit, although they may have to stand on the veranda, instead of inside with the fire.

I just wish I was loaded, there are so many things I’d like to do to make it extra special for our guests. I thought it would be awesome to have a little cafe, because it’s going to be cold, and people could get hot chocolate, tea and coffee. We’d also love to have champagne and nibbles at the ceremony, but we can’t really afford to pay for what would be like having two receptions.

I think it will still be a very lovely, low key wedding ceremony, in the surrounds of an old building with Paul and I standing next to the fire. Of course if it’s a beautiful day we’ll do it all outside, but I kind of like the idea of the fire indoors. It’s what we always said we wanted.

12 days to go!

What really goes on after hours in the staff room…

My work mates very kindly threw me a shower/hens do on Friday after school. It was a good laugh, and great to see the guys get involved. They also treated me to three hampers of gifts, which was totally over the top and unexpected. Here’s the photos (there’s nothing quite like seeing your boss wearing a fig leaf…..)

Wacky dreams

I had two very wacky dreams last night.
In the first one I was getting ready for the wedding, I was running late, I didn’t have any make up yet, and then realised that it my dress wasn’t ready yet. I was trying to get to the wedding but things kept getting in my way. It was the slowest journey down a road ever. This is only the second wedding nightmare I’d had, which is not too bad considering!
Then I had a really trippy dream about flying cars that landed in my backyard and possessed people, turning them into freaky zombie like creatures. Paul and I were hiding in the house, locking all the doors and windows and trying to keep our eye on the spooky cars. They were old fifties style cars. I wonder if it’s relevant that I’m studying vehicles with the kids at school and we’ve been looking at old cars?

Meanwhile, right now I’m loving fruit. Last week it was watermelon, this week it’s oranges. And apples. Can’t get enough of the stuff.
Over and out.

Wedding Make Up

I had a second make up trial today, just a $15 job to test out liquid foundation, compared to the airbrush foundation. She didn’t do my eyes, just the foundation, and a touch of mascara and blush. I liked the endurance and photo-friendly quality of the liquid foundation, but felt that it looked really heavy compared to my usual look. Today I feel a lot more comfortable in the liquid foundation, but worry about it’s wearability and how it will turn out in photos. I made this little vid to show you all and compare – it’s tricky though, as one is night time photos, and one is day, as well as one being with hair done, and one without. Not to mention the classy hoodie, compared to LBD.

Let me know your thoughts – which do you think looks best?

Getting Hitched in 23 Days

Time is flying and it's only 23 days until the wedding! I am feeling excited, and am just looking forward to trying to enjoy each moment in the day, and then enjoying the rest of my life as Mrs G!

I bought some table scatters on ebay the other day, they're little heart shaped diamantes which I hope you can see at that link. These will go with little glass tealight candle holders and white tealight candles. Simple and hopefully pretty.

I am really looking forward to the hens shenanigans! :) It will be fun to have all my friends in the same place.

I have a list of things to do:
- get a bigger bus for the guests!! This has been popular, but the bus I booked has turned out to be a few seats too small, so I need to upgrade.
- get the final music list to the DJ
- meet with the celebrant to go over the ceremony (we wrote our vows last weekend).
- spray tan trial next week (eek! hope it goes better than the trial I had for my 30th!)
- final dress fitting and pick up the girls dresses.
- pick up the rings
- confirm all the various bookings for bits and pieces (cake, florist, food, photographer, DJ, etc)
- get a wishing well/basket/thingamijig

I think that is most of it. Not too bad really, it should all be done in a day.

Here comes the bride!