Death by Doxie x Flickr Finds

Yes, my two doxies are completely adorable but I have to be honest and acknowledge that there are many handsome dachshunds in the world.  And also many people who take much better photographs than I do.  So in Death by Doxie x Flickr Finds I get to share some photos I wish I could have taken of my hounds.

These two - of the gorgeous Lucas and Otto - are from Nicolas Penna.  You can see more of his dog related work here.

ps. One of my all time favourite dachshund photographers is the Brisbane based Serenah Photography,  They have disallowed downloading of their work, so I can't do a blog post on them (well I could, but it would be all words), BUT you absolutely MUST go and have a look at their photos featuring Ralph, the mini dachshund here.  Or at least check out my personal favourites here, here and here (and here. Oh damn it the whole set is a favourite.  They'll make you laugh, they'll make you cry, they'll make you want to rush out and get a dachshund (and a really good camera)...

Four days in Melbourne

Apologies for the total blog neglect but I have a good reason, I promise.  I just spent a weekend in Sydney with the step-sons and then four fabulous hectic days in Melbourne catching up with friends and family, so wonderful!  As typical of my Melbourne trips, it was a total food fest from start to finish - hurrah!

Some good things:
- Dinner at The Toff with my Mum and big sister, a seriously good family catch up.  And the food!  Freakin' amazing!  Fresh, flavoursome Thai influenced food in smallish to-share serves which let you sample lots of different dishes (my favourite way to eat!).  The spiced coconut, lime and lemongrass broth is heaven in a glass.  And the Thai inspired cocktails are equally delicious.
- Hanging out with my Mum's new dog Jack, who is a bundle of energy and quite the charmer.  (If Ferdi and Elfi are reading this, you know you are my favourite hounds...)
- Discovering some surprisingly good retail in my old hood (Kew), including Bingo Betty (note the lego light fixtures in the photo above)
- Spending time (though not nearly enough) with the nephews
- Lamb!  Lamb is rather scarce in Asia (it's all about the pig and the chicken here) so whenever we go back to Australia it's nice to indulge - lamb roast, lamb cutlets, lamb skewers...
- Taking my completely mad but seemingly happy Grandma to lunch at the McClelland Sculpture Park - I never knew this place existed but it is fabulous.  Beautiful native gardens full of sculpture, plus a gallery with interesting exhibitions and a lovely cafe.  If you're ever in Melbourne's south east it's well worth a visit.
- Raiding my Mother-in-law's fabric stash.  She's an avid quilter and has the most amazing fabric collection - a whole room full.  And she's currently de-cluttering so she let me loose in there.  Hurrah indeed!
- Lusting after all the mid-century modern goodness at 20th Century Scandinavia

ps. I also picked up a hideous head cold while I was there, not so good.  If you have any fail safe remedies for clearing sinuses please let me know.  I need help!

Super Stationery Swap Surprise!

A little while ago I signed up for the Calico & Co Stationery swap.  It was organised by the fabulous (I think I use that word way too much, but I always mean it, I do!) Amanda Fuller who, by the way, has just launched her own fresh stationery line (you can have a look at her Etsy shop here).  Amanda has got to be the best swap host I have ever encountered, seriously - she gives great information and clearly cares about every participant and wants them to have a fabulous swap.

So the other day I was a wee bit excited when my swap package from the wonderfully talented (I'd say fabulously talented, but I'm rationing myself here...) Melinda arrived.  Melinda has her own line of fabric greeting cards (under the lovely name 'Here We Go Loopy Lou') and I am now the lucky owner of some!  I adore them!

Me + two million Koreans visit Busan

A few weeks ago I had the chance to tag along on one of my husband's work trips and head south to Busan, also known as Korea's 'summer capital'.  

We just happened to be there in the week that is the absolute height of the summer holidays, when local newspapers claim that 2 million tourists descend on Busan's five beaches.  2 million!  Really?  Whatever the numbers, it was quite a sight and gave the place a wonderful happy holiday atmosphere - most enjoyable, provided you don't actually want to get near the water.

[aside from it's beaches, Busan is also renowned for it's crazy fresh - as in still wriggling - seafood.  After witnessing a rather lively eel being 'prepared' for a diner at one of these seafood stalls, my squeamishness got the better of me...]

Underground Shopping: Vinyl

Hidden under Seoul is a labyrinth of underground shopping centers.  These subterranean wonders begin to make a lot of sense as you swelter through a wet rainy summer; or start loosing the feeling in your fingers, nose and toes in the heart of winter.

Each of the underground shopping centers has a fascinating mix of goods for sale.  They also tend to very much specialise in particular items, with groups of shops selling the same things gathered together.  Among other things, the one closest to our apartment is full of shops selling vinyl records by the box load.