Desire Empire

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Last Days in The Cotwalds

A fantastic last few days in the Cotswolds. Roman Villas and ancestral homes have occupied and thoroughly entertained us.

Chedworth Roman Villa

Well it had to happen. English rain. So we stayed close to home. Today was all about Layne, birdland, Jurassic Park and a maze in Bourton on the Water. Bird land with faux dinosaurs was surprisingly enjoyable.

Stow on the Wold, The Slaughters and Sudeley Castle

Terrific couple of days in the Cotswolds. I have got Google Maps to behave, so much happier driving, now I have some idea where I'm going. And where we are going, is

From Bath to Bourton on the Water in The Cotswalds

Well we made it to Bourton on the Water in the Cotswalds today. Was so nervous driving out of Europcar and out of Bath.

Cute Cottage Makeover

Taking a break from my travels today, I would like to show you this lovely renovated cottage in Baukham Hills.

Postcards from Bath

Arrived yesterday from London by train and found our lovely apartment in the middle of Bath.

Last Day in London

Last day in London. Finally got to eat at Dishroom. I had the big Bombay breakfast. Kind of like an

English breakfast, bastardized with curry powder and coriander and weird hot bread. Good but not great. One day I will brave the hour long queue and get there for dinner.

Thereafter we did a lap of the British Museum. But there are only so many naked Greeks and Romans a woman and little girl can take. No wonder Victorian England loved this place. Other forms of entertainment in those times included viewing the nutters in the Bethlehem Hospital for a penny for the afternoon. Free on Tuesday's. The hospital's name was shortened to Bedlam and there we have the origins of the word. There is always something to learn isn't there?

Next we took Edwina's advice and went over to take in the magnificent views at the Shard. It's not cheap $110 on the day (5 pound off if bought before the day online) for us both to go to the top, but defo worth it.

Make sure you get the commentary device though. We were not offered it but noticed others with it up the top. We enquired and a lovely staff member went down 68 floors to get us one each. After that the whole vista came alive. It is brilliant and explains a lot about how London was settled and developed.

The Shard is right near the Borough Markets, famous for food. Very crowded on the weekend, so didn't last long past a coffee and palmier.

Then a whistle stop at Harrods. The food hall is just out of this world. Hot tip, we ordered 2 truffles and the lady said they were free because everyone gets a try gratis. Nice one.

I also love looking at all the designer clothes, they are each a piece of high art in themselves.

Finally was able to stay up late enough to go to the theatre. We saw Matilda which is in its 6th year in the West End. I had a smile on my face the whole time. It was lovely. Layne loved it too. I know we are a little late to the party on this, but it was great to finally see it.

Off to Bath today where I have rented an apartment. Looking forward to cooking a meal.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Visiting the British Parliament Was Fabulous

Today we took a guided tour of the British Parliament. You can do this when members are not sitting, or on Saturday's at other times. Because I am really interested in politics, I booked this one from home to make sure we got in. The tour was brilliant and completely fascinated me.

Back to Galleries and Museums in London IWM and The British National Gallery

So today it was back to museums and galleries where I am much more at home. I took Layne to the Imperial War Museum and surprisingly she loved it. It's interesting to see how other countries portray their role in the conflicts of the 20th century. Britain is not on her own in letting patrons think they won both wars single handedly. Australia does the same at home.The French are much more gracious, as I remember it.

Shopping in London

So today was shopping in London. I loved the series Mr Selfridge, so started there. The trouble with me and shopping, is that I am more interested in the architecture of the buildings than the merchandise. The clothes here in London are magnificent and my gold star goes to

Portobello Rd Notting Hill Kensington Palace and Dog Poo

Magnificent day in London. 26C. We have almost broken the back of jet lag. Although I am typing this at 5am. My plans were not assisted by a real estate agent ringing me on our first night from Sydney, about a property I had viewed last weekend. That will teach me not to turn my volume down. Anyway yesterday we took a stroll down Portobello Rd Notting Hill, which is all its cracked up to be and much more.

Jet Lagged in London

Made it to London in one piece. Qantas were fabulous. Drove Layne hard in an effort to stay awake all day, walking her all over London in order to get over our dreaded jet lag ASAP. She's a trooper and had several second winds.

Gorgeous Hamptons House in Queensland

Hamptons Houses in Queensland, beautiful one day, perfect the next. Simply stunning.

Gorgeous Hamptons House in Wahroonga

Here's a stunning Hamptons style house on Sydney's upper north shore.

Stunning Hamptons Style Beach House in Collaroy

OMG I think I've found my dream house.

Christmas in July 2016 Recipes and Craft Ideas

Here are a few new and old ideas for Christmas in July.

Fairy Bread Christmas Tree

Whale Beach Deli Brought to you by the Boat House Group

The people from the Boat House have installed themselves in the little cafe just down from Moby Dicks on Whale Beach Road.

Beautiful Brighton Mansion

When I lead with a shot of the bathroom, you know this house is going to be good. Go forth and swoon my friends.

Laynes Loves Youtube Cooking Channel Banana Choc Chip Mini Muffins

My daughter has started her own Youtube channel and today she is bringing you her recipe for easy Banana Choc Chip Mini Muffins.

A Beach Cottage at Norah Head

Just wow!!!!! On the Central Coast of NSW, this beach cottage at Norah Head is beyond cute.

Stunning Paynesville and Raymond Island in the Gippsland Lakes District of Victoria

If you have never ventured to the Gippsland Lakes Region in Victoria in the south east of the state, it's time you did. It is truly beautiful. We stayed in Paynesville, from where it is just a two minute free ferry ride over to Raymond Island, where you will see koalas roaming wild.

Stunning Church Conversion into a Beautiful Home

Located just east of Geelong, in the settlement of Curlewis, making it a reasonable commute to Melbourne, this stunning church conversion is definitely worth considering. With bay views, 4 bedrooms, 3 living areas, a gorgeous kitchen and a huge garage spread across 2 acres, what a wonderful way to spend your days.

Really Moist Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Because I'd rather contribute to the world travel fund, than spend upwards from $65 a head in a cafe on average food, purely because it's Mothers Day, we decided to picnic at Brooklyn on the big day. We did end up spending about $65, but

Original Queenslander for Sale

Be still my beating heart. 'Glenelg' is an original Queenslander, built in 1914 and named after the a family member of the original owner, who sadly perished in WW 1. Glenelg is a stunner and a beautiful window into Australian social history of a century ago.

West Head Army Battery on Sydney's Northern Beaches

This weekend past we attended the official opening of the West Head Army Battery on Sydney's Northern Beaches. What was terrific about walking through history last Saturday, was that there was a living link with the battery in attendance, by the name of Bluey Mercer.

Sutton Forrest Public School is for Sale and It's Stunning

Having served the community of Sutton Forrest in the Southern Highlands of NSW for over 100 years, this beautiful little public school is now for sale. She looks like she also once doubled as the local church, with her Gothic shaped doors and vestibule, which now serves as the school hat room.

A Lemonade Stand And School Holiday Fun

Well there's nothing like inspiring the kids to start a small business to keep them busy in the school holidays and earn a bit of cash on the side.

Profiteroles with Vegan Chocolate Sauce using Avocado

I don't know about you, but I am addicted to chocolate. I seems I can go cold turkey on alcohol, coffee, pasta and potatoes, but if there is chocolate, I will find it and devour more than a recommended portion in one sitting, without batting an eyelid.

The Newport and Justin Hemmes Northern Beaches Coup

Well one thing is for sure, Justin Hemmes sure knows how to throw a party. Last time I was at the Newport Arms, or The Newport, as it is now officially known, you could have shot a cannon into the beer garden. What you would have hit, was a couple of tables of Bogans in singlets, slamming scooners and my kids playing in the sand pit, whilst intermittently downing chocolate milk shakes and over priced banana bread.

Stunning Stone Beach House in Avalon

Words are not really enough to describe this stunner.

Beach House Front Door Makeover To Revive a Tired Space in Our Home

Garden Makeover to Greatly Improve the Entrance to My Home

To think these garden beds were beautifully coiffed when we bought the Beach House 11 or so years ago. A couple of babies later, which zapped all my energy for gardening and a husband who would rather sail on weekends than garden. Accordingly, they were a real mess.

Chicken Larb and a Low Carb Diet

There is no doubt that eating fewer high GI carbs, leads to weight loss. It's just that bread, pasta and rice are so easy and natural for us to combine with a meal.

The Grounds of Alexandria, A Great Place to get Coffee and a Hit of Visual Splendour

One of the best things about getting out of bed at 6am for Saturday sport, on the other side of Sydney, is that it really gets you out of your comfort zone. And we all know what that means, when we dare to take a step outside the usual.