Hit pause

Hello world!

Unfortunately I'm going to have to make this quick and confess that I'm taking a little break from Planet Blog. There's really no dramatic reason for the break, but I guess the ole proverbial (creative) jug seems to be running out of juice, more often than not. I'm hoping that by hitting the pause button, the brain battery will fully recharge and hopefully provide the stimulus for some fully sick posts in the future.

For now it's au revoir, or as used to say as a kid ' o river' but I hope to catch ya'll real soon.

Until next time...Rose. xx 

Daggy awesome dads

Hello world!

Today's post is about my dad, and what a lovely man he is.

Even though he has this insane habit of arriving a half hour early to EVERY event known to mankind, and a general propensity to lecture on boring stuff like superannuation and tax, overall he’s pretty alright.

Plus, I think his general interest in current affairs and history has probably played a big role in cultivating my inquisitiveness (translate - nosey parkerness) and love of ole timey stuff, so I really am thankful to have him in my life.

Speaking of old timey stuff, my dad has also recently joined me on my quest for collecting old skool knick knacks.

Given this, I was really touched when at a recent family dinner; he presented me with a vintage German beer stein from the Tuggeranong Homestead Markets. Inne nice?!

I think the stein/mug pre dates the fall of the Berlin Wall and is quite the collectors item, so thanks dad!
That's all for me today folks, hope ya'll are keepin it real, and say hi to your dad for me, cuz dad’s rule!

Until next time...Rose. xx

Sydney Weekender

Hello world!

Hope you're still with me cuz I know it's been a little while between drinks. So, you know I had an awesome but incredibly busy time in Sydney over Easter. Somehow in the space of three days we managed to:

• pick up the ultimate nanna blanket on the way to Sydney, via a market at Exeter

• schlep to our fave daggy Asian joint, Harry's Singapore Chilli Crab (yes, that's the ACTUAL name) and consume a 2.2 kilo mud crab between the three of us (oh man, the sweetness of the crab, with the fiery chilli sauce was so good)

• race through the Museum of Contemporary Art, where I unfortunately missed the Anish Kapoor exhibition, but managed to eat the most delicious eggs cocotte at the MCA cafe

• meander around the The Rocks market, where I picked up a beautiful Silk Diva Tunic  from Anna Pryor

• scoff one of my fave dishes of all time, the roti canai, at the once hatted, yet still awesome Mamak 

• Nip into the Sydney Antiques Centre, where as someone who collects tea pots and vintage tins,  picked up the Holy Grail = a tin tea pot (what are the chances?!)

• Dash through IKEA, because I physically do not know how to visit a city without nipping into a furniture store (oh I also went to Matt Blatt on Oxford Street). AND to top it off...
• attend a Big Fat wedding of 500 (yep that's 50 with an extra 0)

Phew! Summing it all up, I'm not sure how we managed to do it without going insane, well we kinda did, but that's what happens when you travel with an 8 year old and my Mother.

Oh did I not mention that my Mother, who also travelled from Canberra, insisted we visit a random distant relative with her, in some unknown part of Sydney, because you know, we had so much spare time.

When picturing said Mother, think, Imelda Marcos/Margaret Thatcher/Martha Stewart/Oprah Winfrey rolled into one. So basically a scary perfectionist dictator with a penchant for shoes and a heart of gold, who always gets what she wants. Bless.

I'm hoping this weekend will be way less cray cray, but ya never know with me!

Until next time...Rose. xx

Much ado about nothing # 6

Hello world!

For those of you not living in Aus, sorry to break it to you but we've got yet another long weekend coming up. For those of us in Aus, huzzah!!!!!!!!!!!

So what have I got planned? Plenty.

The fam and I are heading to the big smoke aka Sydney for a long overdue weekend getaway. We're staying at Circular Quay, which means access to the most beautiful harbour in the world, more food than you can poke a fork at, and a trip to the promised land, IKEA. Woot!

I also plan on using my time in Sydney hunting for a collared shirt, because I’m seriously obsessed with them. I know its totes weird, but you know that feeling when you realise something's missing from your wardrobe, and if you find it, your 'style avatar' will be complete? For me it's the collared shirt. 

And just in case I haven't talked enough about collared shirts, check out this sweet one at ModCloth

Also I have to report on what a fabbo weekend I had catching up with Miss E and the LSR ladies.

Hanging out with Miss E always gives me the warm and fuzzies. She is seriously one of the most 'alive' people I have ever met.

I realise, unless you're friends with Casper, most people's friends are um alive, but what I mean is Miss E doesn't just live life, she eats is up.

This is a girl, though currently on Mat Leave,  who still manages to build her own outdoor setting (yep you heard me), run a household, raise a baby, and volunteer as a marketing manager for a not-for-profit org supporting mothers with post and anti natal depression.

Seriously, what a dynamo!

Also, hanging out with the LSR ladies recently, catching the French Film Meet me in Real Life and checking out new Italian restaurant Bicicletta was another reminder of how amazeballs they all are.

The succulent lamb at Bicicletta

Though these women are all unique, what binds them together and makes me gravitate towards them, is their shared capacity for compassion, empathy, excessive laughter and incredible intelligence. 

On that note, here's to the long weekend, excessive laughter, collared shirts and your circle of friends. After all, love, friends, family and um collared shirts, really do make the world (and weekends) go round. So does gravity, I think.

Oh here's a picture of a cat on a hot tin...car (aka my cat Gibi) 

Until next time...Rose. xx

Puffing with pride

Hello world!

Thanks to the super kool Rachi over at le-bonvivant, I've been nominated for a Liebster Award.

To say I'm a bit puffed and chuffed would be an understatement.

What's a Liebster Award you say? Well a 'Liebster award is a blogger to blogger award, almost like a chain letter between bloggers' but waaay less annoying (quote from Rachi's blog...well you know how it is, if it ain't broke...).  

Anyway, I think it's an ace gesture and one that works on the principle of paying it forward.

 

So here's the low down, the nominee has to answer 11 questions from their nominator, plus declare 11 random facts about themselves and then nominate bloggers with less than 200 followers to win the award. Plus you gotta thank your nominator by linking back to their page (well that's just good manners!) and let your nominees know on their page.

So first here's my nominees and questions:

M at AfterLComes Mmmmm
Maadz & Mari at My Pretty Sydney
Teak at Cider Teak

1.      Favourite movie of all time
2.      Favourite song to sing at Karaoke
3.      Favourite subject in school
4.      Three ultimate dinner party guests ( dead or alive)
5.      Career aspirations as a child…when I grow up I want to be…?!
6.      Favourite item of clothing
7.      A travel destination on your wish list
8.      Sweet or savoury, and why?
9.      First childhood memory
10.  Where do you think you’ll be 5 years from now?
11.  Random deal breakers for relationships (friends or partners)

Rachi’s Questions to me!

1. Who inspires you the most? 

The Husband. Even though we disagree on stuff and always have spirited debates, he's my sounding board for most things.

2. Describe yourself in three words?

Baaah hard one without sounding like a total douche, but I’ll have a crack. I’d say I’m a…

Funny
Fickle
Dreamer

3. What's the first thing you do every morning as soon as you wake up?

Sad…check Facebook and then pee.

4. What's the biggest fashion faux pass you've ever made?

So many to choose from… where to begin?!

I was a blind trend follower until my early 20’s, so I’ve done everything from Spice Girl inspired platform shoes to J Lo inspired white pants. No one should ever wear white pants.

5. What's one skill you wish you had?

I love art, so the ability to draw and paint.

6. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?

Manhattan, without a doubt.

7. What was your first ever job?

A customer service ‘consultant’ at Hungry Jacks.

8. What's your favourite book of all time?

Pride and Prejudice.

9. What's your number one guilty pleasure?

A bowl of potato mash with lots and lots of butter.

10. Which fairytale is your favourite and why?

I’m not sure I really have a favourite fairytale. I guess I grew up watching Disney interpretations, so does Aladdin count?!

11. What's your favourite song at the moment?

Retrograde, James Blake. I'm obsessed.


11 Random Facts about Me 


1.       I went to 7 different schools in three different countries by the time I was 12. My dad was an academic, so we travelled a lot.

2.       I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time when I was 13. I’ve read it every year since. I’m now 29.

3.       I am obsessed with Jane Austen.

4.       I love violent, melancholic movies. My favourite movie of all time is The Godfather.

5.       My sister and I have the exact same initials, middle name included.

6.       My sister and I sound so similar that for many years my husband couldn’t tell us apart on the phone.

7.       I wore braces till I was 21. I had no issues with vanity, but they were a total pain when it came to eating steak.

8.       I love steak.

9.       I’m kind of a neat freak, but only with certain things. Hence my hatred of unmade beds, but total disregard for the linen cupboard.

10.   I haven’t eaten cereal since I was 15. I’m now 29. Something about crusty things floating in milk freaks me out.

11.   I’d much rather nap than go out clubbing.

Well friends I hope the facts above have enlightened you all as to my person, and please do check out my nominees, cuz they're all awesome reads. Thanks again to Miss Rachi for the shout out!

Until next time...Rose.
xx

Much ado about nothing #5

Hello world!

Sorry for the delay between posts. No excuses, just been too lazy, least I'm honest eh?

Anyway, since I'm being lazy (and honest) though there's not much of a write up today, hopefully the photo recap of my weekly purchases and a plug for my new fave clothing website entertains you, even a little!

So I've been cyberstalking Pernia Qureshi's awesome online store Pernia's Pop Up Shop this week. Pernia is an Indian stylist/designer who's part of the big push of designers mixing the best of the East and the West. Her shop has some really quirky pieces which I love. Check it out!



Also, I went a bit nuts shopping for Petite Rose recently. But I had to ya'll, the kid seems to grow at the same rate as Rihanna's nude Instagram collection, which is, you know, a lot.

Plus, I 'm gonna fess, I'm one of THOSE mothers. You know, the one's that like dressing their children as much as themselves. I mean really, why else would you have kids, if not to assert full control over their wee little lives. I kid...kinda.

Anyway here's some of the haul:

Super cute, patterned duffel bag from Seed. Buy here.

 I so want this in adult size, how cute is the Peter Pan collar? Thanks Pumpkin Patch. 

Cable knit from Witchery Kids

Well it's a Hoo Roo for now troops. Until next time...Rose. xx

Friday Face Art

Hello world!

Another quick one today.

Just lately I've noticed something very unusual about me. It appears the more craptacular my week, the brighter my lips.



That's me with the unfocused eyes and fuchsia lips.

Weird I know, but it's true. All this week, I was dreading going to the doctors, because the doc wanted to discuss the results of my recent blood tests. Turns out everything is fine, but um when a doc says he needs to see me after a test, my mind generally goes straight to the hospice.

Anyway, to cheer myself up, I've been wearing the brightest lipsticks known to man kind. I know it's totes weird, but I feel like, even if the world's falling apart, if I can manage to pull out the red lippie, I'll be ok.


Which brings me to the topic of lipsticks.

Now I know lipstick scares a lot of women, but if worn correctly, I think it brings so much femininity and glamour to a look.

I mean really, all women are beautiful, so why not enhance it with some trout pout.

My favourite lipstick of all time is courtesy of Aussie brand Chi Chi. Stocked in MYER, Chi Chi is one of few brands that still do a fantastic matte lip. I know we've been on a decade long love affair with pinky/peach lip gloss, but it's time to move on people, we're not in high school anymore! (and if you are, then um, carry on)

CHI CHI VIVA LA DIVA LIPSTICK
Brick Red / Matte

Femme Fatale

Buy it here:

Even if your lips aren't cut out for the hard stuff, try a creamy lip in a soft hue, like this Loreal Colour Riche below.

Loreal Colour Riche Toffee & Chocolate, buy it here:

Anyway, that's all I've got for today folks! Happy lip smacking.

Until next time...Rose. xx

At the talkies

Hello world!

Well I’mma get straight to the point.

As a fully-fledged movie nerd, this is MY time of the year. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but me loooove da movies.

And because of this, I also like seeing the ones I admire recognised at glitzy award ceremonies, which sometimes are hosted  by brilliant, satirical, intelligent hosts (Amy Poehler and Tine Fey, I'm looking at you) while others are ushered by a sexist, humourless, tasteless excuse of a comedian (Seth Macfarlane, I’m givin you the stink eye).

Which brings me to my take of the recently completed 2013 Academy Awards.

I gotta say, I was super bummed to see Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) lose out to Jennifer Lawrence for Best Actress for Silver Linings Playbook.

Don’t get me wrong, I recommend you watch both movies, as I thought J Law was really fantastic in SLP.

The movie, which centres around the love story of two people struggling with mental illness, is beautifully told. It’s funny, quirky, and kinda in your face, and even though it has its fair share of flaws, it features fantastic performances from the entire cast (who knew Bradley Cooper could act eh?) and is filled with heart. I happily give it 4/5.

So having praised it to the hilt, why am I bummed that J Law won over J Chas?

Um cuz J Chas is like the next Meryl Streep. I’m putting it out there guys, she is like seriously amazeballs.

Based on the real life 10 year hunt for Osama Bin Laden, Zero Dark Thirty centres on the female CIA agent (Chastain) who essentially, through meticulous research, tenacity, and let’s be honest, some pretty brutal interrogation methods, manages to find and initiate the capture of the most dangerous person on earth.

The movie, brilliantly directed by Kathryn Bigelow (seriously, how she missed the Oscar nom is beyond me) is nuanced, suspenseful and just plain smart.

It’s so rare for Hollywood to release movies where messages aren’t spoon fed to an audience. Like Bigelows The Hurt Locker, there’s no long winded sequences which explain the plot, nor are there conversations on the audacity of war.

Instead, you as the audience are left to decide the meaning of the film, which is like super unconventional, esp for Hollywood.

I could seriously go on and on and on about this film, but basically I give it 5/5. Seriously, go watch it NOW!

I also watched the two of the other Best Picture nominees, the visually awe inspiring Life of Pi, and the disappointing Django Unchained.

Tarantino’s movies are always a visual spectacle, with their overt violence and exaggerated plot lines. But what makes them usually so fantastic is that along with the visual feast, he creates characters, who despite enacting heinous violence, have a story and a soul.

Unfortunately, that’s just not the case in Django, despite the emotive backdrop of American slavery and Django’s quest for justice.

Plus, even though Christoph Waltz was amazing, and truly deserving of the Best Supporting Actor, for me, Jamie Fox’s uneven performance, and Tarantino’s original, but indulgent screenplay left me feeling totally ‘meh’. For those reasons, I’m stretching to give it 3/5. 

Pi was just beautiful, and confirms why Ang Lee remains one of my all-time favourite directors. I fell in love with him after watching Sense and Sensibility and Crouching Tiger, so a well-deserved Oscar for this mercurial, genius of a man.

My next movie on the list is the other Oscar nom, Beasts of the Southern Wild. As most of you prolly know by now, the star of the movie, 9 year old Quvenzhane Wallis became the youngest nominee for Best Actress this year, and having already cried while watching the trailer of the movie, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Doesn't this image make your heart sing?!

Plus Miss JJ, Teak and Miss A and I are also catching the 2013 Alliance Française French Film Festival later next month. As lovers of France, films and food, we’re super excited to combine all next month. Will of course post on our adventures as it happens. See more info on the Festival here.

Poor Lilz is still without the interweb at her new home, so not sure when we’re going to hear from her. As for me, I’ll catch ya ASAP.

Until next time…Rose. xx

A hairy situation

Hello world!

Quick Monday wrap up, slash, whinge session about the bigger things in life, my hair.

Basically, I am really hatin on it at the mo. It's not a new sensation as I tend to experience this hair angst at least twice a year.

Normally, it results in either talking myself out of doing anything crazy, and sticking to a trim and conditioning session...or losing my mind and chopping it off.

As I have amazingly fast growing hair, I have literally gone from elbow to chin length hair at least three times since 2008, and I think I'm going to do it again.

And before you ask, of course I have a celebrity hair cut in mind, which I will of course show to my hairdresser, who will no doubt tell me that it's impossible, and I will insist she does it anyway, then it will end up looking horrible and I'll end up in tears.

So basically it's on. Wish me luck!



Until next time...Rose. xx

Flowers on the wall

Hello world!

This week’s post is all about flowers, both literal and metaphorical.

I love flowers, I like them in the garden, freshly cut in a vase, I like them on fabric, and I like being one.




Cue screech to a halt noise. Say what?? She likes 'being' a flower, lady be cray cray.

What I mean in my own weird way is that I like being a wallflower.

Wikipedia defines wallflowers as people who are inherently shy but once you get to know them, they are like the definition of awesome...

And even though many people, including some of my closest friends are still shocked by my admission of wallflowerness, it's how I've always rolled.

Like I said, it's not like I'm a total anti-social pariah or something, it's just I'd much rather stand back against the wall and observe people than be the female incarnation of Redfoo, know what I mean?

Anyway, all this talk of walls has reminded me that I recently papered one. You know so that I could stand against it, being a wallflower and all.

 The Husband doing the leg work.

 The result.

Even though I have no segway, here's some snapshots of my Birthday.



I gots me a coffee machine from super store Aldi. Now I get cafe quality coffee right at home and get to be even more manic. Yaya!

The Husband took me to the Nishi building at New Acton. Check out the amazing wooden frame that envelops most of the multi story building. It's so post modern and awesome, I really love it.

 We also went to Lonsdale Street Traders, a unique warehouse space that houses a whole range of groovy pop up stores.

 Cute vintage clothing store Hipsley Lane  is one of the many groovy stores in the Traders. I would have bought a dress had I been able to try one on. It was 38 degrees (again) and none of the stores had air conditioning. Stinkin summer!

  
On that happy note, I'mma say Sayonara.

Until next time...Rose. xx

Much ado about nothing #4

Hello world!

Firstly, no photos this week, cuz I'm working off my tablet and the uploady thingie sucks.

Well what a week it's been. I've had a totally crazy, but incredbly satisfying week at work.

Even though work can sometimes be a total drag, I do actually get to do some pretty kool stuff.

I work in a policy area that focusses on young people, and this week I got to meet some amazing examples from rural and regional Australia (check out their stories on the ABC's Heywire website) and the 2013 Young Australian of the Year, Akram Azimi, who is like a social justice warrior, slash, poet, slash, ball of awesomeness.

Plus, I got to hang out at Parliament House and score free food all week, so yeah, it was the shiz.

Oh and the other thing, I turned 29...which I am like totally kool about...:-S

Ok it's not that bad, and before any of you get all "age is just a number, you're only as old as you feel" my freakout isn't so much about the number, as it is about what lies ahead.

I know I said in my earlier posts that I would  learn to 'chill', but dammit I still like to plan!

It's really hard to go with da flow when you're a born control freak. But whatevs.

I'm not going to turn vegetarian and save the world before I turn the big 3-0 but it would be good to accomplish something (anything!!!) in what is officially, according to the Commonwealth definition, my last year of youth.

So, with that sobering statement, I bid you adieu. I will post on actual happenings next week, and Lilz has promised to post on her move as soon as she secures the net in her pad!

Until next time..Rose. xx

I bought a zoo...I mean a sofa!

Hello world!

Just wanted to report what a lovely weekend I've just had. Even though it was a relatively short long weekend (stay with me) as in only one extra day off, I had just enough leisure time, combined with fun outings as to render me very very satisfied.

I also bought some stuff, some much needed, other's catering to my horrible shopping addiction, like the cardi below, courtesy of Aussie discount store, Big W.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I love Big W knits. Seriously, for a fraction of the price of high street labels, you get really good quality, comfortable knits. I paired my new purchase with my favourite polka dot dress from my trip to London last year, thanks Topshop!

See, my love for polka dots also extends to my wardrobe.

Since Lily has recently moved out of our parents’ home (which I'm sure she'll be reporting on soon, right Lilz?!) we thought it only fair (and kinda convinient) to off load some of our old furniture, including my beloved Ikea (Ektorp) two seater which previously sat in our study/den.

But, in its place now sits this super funky 1950's vinyl sofa, purchased by the Husband. 

Even though it's not something I would normally jump on (I mean this is a metaphorical sense unlike Tom Cruise), it looks wonderful our home. As I've said in the past, your home is where your heart is, and I think it should be a reflection of you.

So the Husband, who cites Frank Lloyd Wright as one of his architectural hero's and loves furniture from his era, is chuffed to have this sitting proudly in our home.  

For those in Aus, hope you're all enjoying your short week, and for those sitting in faraway lands, sending good vibes for the one ahead. Until next time...Rose. xx

An Ocean of talent

Hello world!

A quick one today. I've been meaning to shout out to Frank Ocean for a while.

I have to admit, it took me a while to get into his music, having only heard snippets of his first album Nostalgia Ultra, but the Husband, who has been a true believer from the beginning insisted I listen to the track Pyramids from his latest record Channel Orange and as they say...the rest is history.

Seriously, what a revelation!



I truly believe Frank heralds a new era in R&B and Hip Hop, which had taken a turn for the worst over the last decade with records filled with sleazy, crass, lyrics played to the loop of inane auto tuned vocals.

But Frank is like, the antithesis of all that. 

While his first album Nostalgia Ultra is awesome, Channel Orange leaves it for dead. Engaging, witty and insightful lyrics, intertwined with smooth vocals and killer tunes, the album is simply sublime. 

My favourite song Super Rich Kids, which features a sample of Elton John's Benny and the Jets is genius, exploring the hollowness and superficiality of material life.

It's my favourite record of 2012, check it out, you won't be sorry!

DYI dreams

Hello world!

Inspired by my darling friend M (who is a prolific DIY'er) and MacGyver I have started my first ever DIY project.

I bought these chairs, featured here years ago and had always planned to revive them with a bit of colour.

It's still a work in progress as you can see by the uneven paint job, but after trying various colour combos (all white, all red, green and white etc) I've finally settled on white with dinky red arms.

We've also added more colour to our deck thanks to a vertical garden created by my very own husband. He's a bit clever I have to admit. All courtesy of a few planks of wood, a drill, some terracotta pots and wire!

My next DIY gig is wallpapering Little Rose's room. I love Cath Kidston patterns, but not the prices! so I'm thinking something like the stripes below.

Check out another of my creative friends recent dinner spread, complete with tissue paper pom poms and self dyed crochet tablecloth:

Even though I've been scared of DIY for years, it's amazing what you can do with a lick of paint and some imagination!

It may not be perfect (ever in my case) but at least it's a reflection of you!

Happy DYI'ing.

Until next time...Rose. xx

Back to reality

Hello world,

As Eminem once said...it's back to reality (ohp that goes gravity) for Da Rose. It's my first five day week at work after Christmas and let me tell ya, it ain’t pretty.

While being a work isn’t always super fun, my spirits are definitely kept alive through my weekly ritual of arranging fresh flowers for the house.

My friend, M, who is also a blogger (check out here:)  has the most amazing garden. Plus, as she lives literally down the road, I’m always popping over to drink in the deliciousness of  it.

Luckily for me, her garden, along with a myriad of other plantation, houses sweet clumps of my favourite flower, the hydrangea. Here they are sitting in my first ever teapot (one of many in my ever expanding collection).

On the Radio

Other spirit lifters for me this week, include the awesome British band, Everything Everything. Their album Arc is currently the feature album on Aussie Radio Station Triple J, and I’m loving listening to their sweet tunes on the way to, and from work this week.

There’s something so wonderful about discovering new music, or in this case, seeing a band who you’ve admired for a while, come into other people’s consciousness.

Everything Everything



This brings me to my resolution of  indulging in as much music and cinema as I can this year.

At the movies

Next on the reel is Katherine Brigalow’s, Zero Dark Thirty. I was, pardon the pun, blown away by her last (Oscar winning) movie The Hurt Locker, so am super excited to catch it when it comes out end of this month. I'm also hoping to see it at Canberra's newest premium cinema, the Palace Electric.

The Palace, located in the uber cool Nishi building in New Acton, will offer a range of cinema, including hopefully excellent, independent, arthouse and world films It is also hosting the Canberra Italian Film Festival, which I am super excited about. Check out info on the Palace and the Italian Film Festival here.

Well that’s all for now folks!

Until next time…Rose. xx

Much ado about nothing #3

Hello world!

Welcome to 2013! I hope you all rang in the New Year with fun, frivolity and panache!

My NYE celebrations included a quick trip to the city to watch the 'family' fireworks (at 9:00 pm) and then safely tucking myself in bed, to watch Kylie Minogue ring in the New Year by setting off the giant fireworks in Sydney, on the telly, and then promptly falling asleep. So, seriously rock n roll stuff.

Anyhoo, now that we're well and truly in 2013, I plan to set the agenda early and repeat weekends like the one I just had.

Yesterday I caught up with my fave Laughing Ladies: Teak, JJ, and Miss A for a spot of lunch at Mocan (pronounced Mochchan) and Green Grout, aka the new Canberra hip(ster) spot (see more info on M&GG here) and then proceeded to cry me a river, watching the much anticipated screen adaptation of the musical, Les Miserables.

Firstly the food. I've been hearing about Mocan and Greet Grout for a while now, with many a Canberran hailing this joint as a truly unique establishment. The visuals of the restaurant are very beautiful, with hanging potted plants, recycled timber walls, exposed light bulbs and vases filled with fresh flowers.

The food and coffee were also outstanding, with lovely combinations of light summer flavours, like the smoked trout, asparagus and fluffed egg dish which I devoured.

My only gripe is the lack of weather control. With Canberra experiencing 38+ degree summers, the fact that the joint had no cooling arrangements, for me, really detracted from the experience. I will be back no doubt, but most likely on a much cooler day!

As for Le Mis. Well what can I say, just go watch it for Anne Hathaway alone. She is magnificent as the tragic and fragile, Fantine. The story, set against the backdrop of the continuing French Revolution speaks of many universal themes, like, redemption, love, courage and mistaken values.

The direction by Tom Hooper clearly brought out the best in many of his principle cast, including the wonderful Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean. However, I agree with many film critics, in that while it is an epic story, it needn’t be as laborious and heavy handed in its messaging as it was in the film. I do however, disagree with other critics who said the songs should have been pre-recorded. I think the live singing brought an emotional depth to the scenes which pre-recordings may have missed. See the opening scene of Hugh Jackman for proof.

Overall though, I loved it for staying true to the operatic form of the musical, with almost all dialogue delivered in song. It was visually beautiful, as was Hooper's Oscar winning movie The Kings Speech. I was contemplating 3 and 1/2 out of five, but I'm going to bump it up to 4/5 for Anne Hathaway, who continues to haunt me with her Fantine. Go dream the dream!

Until next time...Rose. xx