My Bloggable Day

Kalgoorlie Cup 2014

Posted on September 21, 2014 by Bec

I almost thought we wouldn’t make it. But we did. Race Round; its three race days and one cocktail party are done and dusted for 2014. I’m half sad, half relieved. Time to rest my blistered feet and hang the fancy headwear up for the rest of the year.

I love Kalgoorlie Cup Day. It feels like everyone saves themselves and their most colourful outfit for the day. It’s like Christmas here. And what’s Christmas without a bit of sparkling wine before midday?

My housemate Bec and I

Bec’s sister Paris, Bec, Me (Bec) and Bec’s mum Jo. Confusing.

Dapper boys.

After a few pre-drinks we moseyed on over to the race track. Which was like being hit in the face with a handful of Skittles. In the best possible way. #COLOUR.

These ladies, blowing us all away again with their outfits (Olivia, Paula, Carly)

The parasols were inspired as it was a sweaty 33 degrees. And my hair clung nastily to my shoulders.

Much colour. So rainbow. Wow.

Strawberry game: strong

Lauren and I

Mike one-upped his breezy ankles from Boulder Cup Day and went full breezy shin:

Much to the jealousy of the full-panted lads sweltering around him.

Emily and Lauren made further incredible headwear to match their outfits:

❤

And Kadn worked a charming pocket square:

Crisp.

Looking good

To my delight many of the surrounding inanimate objects on the day were also cheerfully bright.

From the noodle boxes…

… to the beach umbrellas

Kendal, Owen, Em and I

Em, Paris, Bec and I

Patrons

The gang, half eating

As per usual I proved myself to be a lacklustre punter. Bec managed to pick several winners in a row, developing some mysterious superstitions along the way (she had to watch the race from the marquee and not the grass).

I think I won about $25 on the Cup.

The Kalgoorlie Cup about to end

But if you don’t win, commiserate with friends:

Hug someone:

Find a colour-coordinated new accessory:

And watch the sun go down and the band strikes up.

A ripper week! Time to detox I think, from bad food, alcohol, high heels, hairspray and social media. Which should be easy because on Wednesday my boyfriend and I are headed off camping in Karijini National Park in the Pilbara, where there is no phone reception. Pretty much the polar opposite of this week just gone, I’m so excited!

How was your weekend? Have a great week.

Ladies Day 2014

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Bec

Wednesday was the Hannans Handicap (aka Ladies Day) at the races. I went to work in the morning, ran home and threw on my dress and fascinator and off we went. I decided to take the tiny point and shoot camera that kept me company on dance floors all around Europe in 2010 (a decision I would immediately regret) but took some decent ones with my DSLR before we left the house.

And that’s where the decent photography ends. Oh well! Grab a drink.

Cheers!

My housemate Bec’s mum, dad and sister made the trip to Kalgoorlie for Ladies and Cup Day (tomorrow). How lovely it must be to have visitors! (HINT HINT)

Bec’s mum Jo, Bec, Claire, Bec’s sister Paris and Em in the front

I quickly learnt that those not invited to take part in a photo would make an effort to lurk creepily in the background.

Case in point.

There was some pretty impressive head wear on course:

Em, Carly, Paula and Olivia

Carly won the best hat award last year and Olivia designs hats, we wore them for the Fossick Fashion Show last year.

The Curtin family

Em got plucked from the crowd along with a few select others to take part in the best hat competition. Look how cute she is:

She made her own fascinator. Made it.

Unfortunately she didn’t win, but she was the winner in our eyes.

Celebratory trip to the bar

I won $26.70 on the first race and then nothing else for the rest of the day. Boo.

Fun times. Exhaustion well and truly setting in (insomnia has made its evil return), so it will be interesting to see how we go at the Cup tomorrow (the BIG one).

Posted in Fashion, Misc | Tagged Hannans Handicap, Kalgoorlie, Ladies Day, Races | 9 Comments

Welcome to the Round Cocktail Party 2014

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Bec

Tuesday night was the annual Welcome to the Round Cocktail Party at the Hannans Club. ‘The Round’ refers to Kalgoorlie’s annual week of racing, known as Race Round. The Hannans Club was built in 1896 as one of the first stone buildings in Kalgoorlie with the first bowling green. It’s one of my favourite venues in town. But there was no bowling on Tuesday night, we walked in and were greeted with this:

I need this in my backyard

So fabulous. We were entertained by two ladies from Fliptease for the evening, which is a boutique aerial and circus troupe.

Grab a drink.

Usual suspects.

One of the performers was an incredible contortionist.

#ouch

We just sat there in awe, wincing every so often as we imagined our own inflexible bodies attempting similar feats.

Two less flexible, but no less fabulous ladies

Dylan, SJ, Andrew, Tristan, Em

The same lady did some very impressive moves on silk. You can’t even tell she has a fear of heights (which she told the audience later).

Meanwhile I’m like:

Delicious paella!

Time for more photos!

Claire, Bec and I all wore sequins… Em didn’t get the memo

Friends and fun

Fun and friends

I love this guy

And these ladies

These people are pretty great

And these ones too

Before long it was time to head up the street to the Calcutta (this thing where wealthy people bid for a place in horse betting syndicates… I think).

Down those drinks!

We stayed a while and then headed back to Lauren and Dave’s house for a nightcap, which turned into an impromptu hat party. Lauren and Dave have a lot of hats.

Seriously.

An excellent evening.How was your Tuesday night? Would you have enough hats to fit out an entire party?

Posted in Misc | Tagged Cocktail Party, Kalgoorlie, Race Round | 8 Comments

Boulder Cup 2014

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Bec

Race Round has arrived! One week, three race days, a cocktail party and a whole lot of fun are on the cards this week. Proceedings kicked off yesterday with the Boulder Cup.

After a last minute costume change I wore the dress I wore to Esperance Cup, and threw on a fascinator my Mum made for me that I had only worn previously at a wedding overseas. Bec, Bec’s boyfriend Scott and I headed track side and wasted no time getting a drink and placing a bet.

Cheers!

After losing a whopping $3 on a mystery bet we went up on the head frame to meet some friends. Yes, a mining head frame, but instead of hoisting ore and equipment from underground, it hoists Kalgoorlie-Boulder Race Club members onto a viewing platform.

Take a closer look at Vanessa’s incredible clutch.

Love it.

The boys were donning some pretty flash (and expensive, I later learnt) shoes.

#breezyankles

The view.

I then went to catch up with Lauren, who was hiding under a sizable pink hat, and friends.

Meg, Me, Lauren and Anthea.

I had to employ quite a lean to be in a photo with the hat.

Ouch.

I always make sure I actually see some horses.

Horse: tick.

Bec and I did pretty well on the second last race, $5 both ways on the horses that ended up winning and coming second. We ended up with about $72, too bad we aren’t high rollers.

Winner winner chicken dinner.

The shadows grew long and we reluctantly left the race track and headed to the pub for some dinner.

See you on Wednesday, head frame.

An excellent start to the week. How was your weekend?

Posted in Misc | Tagged Horse Racing, Kalgoorlie, Races | 5 Comments

Links and lately

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Bec

TGIF friends, TGIF. This week has been long and relentless and next week is the races and I just want it to be here NOW.

Links:

Do you channel slob chic on airplanes? In defense of dressing up when you travel.

Are you a social media fiend on vacation? Making all those peeps jealous? This woman engineered a 5 week trip to South East Asia using photoshop and had her family and friends fooled.

This movie looks awesome and I can’t wait to see it:

What women could achieve if we weren’t so busy counting calories. Food for thought (pun intended).

Lately:

We have wisteria at growing at home! It popped up randomly and smells amazing.

We are not responsible for cultivating this magnificent plant, sadly.

I procured yet another striped dress to add to my collection (of 5? 6?). But this one is different.

Very different.

I’ve rediscovered the joys of walking this week. I’ve been traipsing around Karlkurla Bushland Park with the gang and enjoying the sunsets.

Yesterday I walked 8km solo though, and was more sore afterwards than after running. Weeeird.

What’s on for the weekend? I have another meeting with the Parmi United Party, we trial chicken parmigianas in the local area. Then I’m heading to some stables to do a story for the races. I’m going to watch my housemate Bec’s football team on Saturday evening and have a quiet night because we have the Boulder Cup on Sunday. Can’t wait!

Have a lovely weekend.

Posted in Misc | Tagged Weekend | 4 Comments

A sunny Melbourne Sunday

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Bec

On Sunday morning Mum and I woke bright and early at our airbnb apartment and headed to a lane way I’m confident most Melbournians will be familiar with:

You know the one?

Look familiar?

This will give it away.

Yep, we braved the Fathers Day crowds and went to St Ali for breakfast. We being my sister Sarah, her partner Nick, Mum, our good friend Uncle Tony (who isn’t our uncle) and I.

Hawt couple

It’s a big call, but I reckon St Ali is probably one of Melbourne’s most loved cafes. I’ve been there on the last few trips home, randomly.

The coffee is great.

My sister had poached eggs with avocado, toast and kale. She is far more on trend than I.

#KALE

Nick and I had My Mexican Cousin, a delightful combination of poached eggs, corn fritters, halloumi and rocket.

What did the cheese say when it looked in the mirror?

“Hallou-miiii!”

Cheese puns are the best.

Something seems to be wrong with my camera’s point of focus, so annoying.

Uncle Tony had pancakes and I had food envy.

Delicious

St Ali was surprisingly quiet, I think many people must have been scared off by the combination of a Hallmark holiday and a no-bookings policy (which Melbourne eateries seem to prefer; maddening).

After breakfast we bade Mum farewell and Sarah and I went to visit Dad. Dad and I teamed with the nautical theme. Sarah and our brother Nick did not.

All his children in the same place for Fathers Day, so spoilt

We went for a walk to the park which was full of picnicking families just begging to be terrorised by the dogs.

My step mum Robyn is in a wheelchair at the moment due to an injury, so pushing her up and down the hills to the park made an excellent workout.

Hugo isn’t as innocent as he looks

After working up a hunger we opted for a lunch of quiche and fridge finds.

I can’t think of any more cheese puns

I could live on bread, oil and balsamic vinegar

Jillybeans (my grandmother Jill) was also there. She’s off to South Africa this week. She has also been to Vietnam and Cambodia this year and has a busier social life than I do. Oh and runs her own business full time.

My lady friends also joined in.

A Sunday with my three favourites: food, family and friends.

Oh and sunshine.

Sigh.

It was pretty hard leave.

Posted in Food, Melbourne | Tagged Breakfast, Cafe, Lunch, Melbourne, St Ali, Weekend | 4 Comments

Have you used airbnb?

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Bec

I know I’m very late to this party, but have you used airbnb before? It’s been around for a while but if you haven’t heard of it, it’s a website that lets you rent apartments, rooms, castles, log cabins, grannie flats, igloos (well, probably not) and all kinds of accommodation all over the world.

I had my first airbnb experience on Saturday night in Melbourne. We rented an apartment in South Melbourne for a night from a lady whose name I can’t recall. I know I’m from Melbourne, and so have plenty of lovely people I could stay with but I was looking for a place for Mum and I to stay for the night and I kind of have a thing about staying at peoples’ houses. I sort of hate it. I feel like a total impostor.

Anyway, the apartment was fantastic; excellent location, great view over Albert Park lake, tastefully decorated, clean and a really good price.

The balcony.

There was also a seriously well stocked fridge (cheese, juices, cold meat, sparkling mineral water), a Nespresso machine and an excellent range of teas that we were welcome to help ourselves to.

Bread wrapped in a tea towel. Seriously.

Staying in someone else’s apartment without them being there also satisfied the voyeuristic snoop inside me, I loved lurking through the books and kitchen cupboards.

So many cookbooks.

I also enjoyed watching the sunset from the warmth of the lounge room.

Cosy.

It was really great. Screw hotels! My sister has used airbnb all over the world with excellent results. She and her partner have also hosted people at their place, which gives travellers the added bonus of local knowledge and tour guides.

I have a night in Perth coming up soon, so I’ve booked a place with airbnb there too. I’m hooked! Have you used airbnb before? Would you?

Posted in Travel | Tagged Accommodation, Airbnb, Apartment, Travel | 10 Comments

David’s Restaurant

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Bec

I don’t think I’ve ever eaten as many dumplings as I did on the weekend just gone in Melbourne. It started on Friday night with two of my closest friends and my sister at China Red. China Red has a snazzy touch screen ordering system that becomes particularly fun to use the more wine you have. Things got pretty out of hand, in the best possible way.

The next day my sister and I took my Mum to David’s Restaurant in Prahran to celebrate her birthday. David’s has the best of both worlds: delicious yum cha and tasteful, relaxing surroundings. Not a hint of red wall paper, gold dragons or a steam cart to be seen.

Mum and I.

But onto the food. David’s operates on an all you can eat model, waiters bring around trays of steaming hot delicious food which you can choose as you please.

Ginger prawn dumplings, a favourite.

Pork dumplings.

Sticky rice in banana leaves.

Xiao long bao, steamed meat dumplings with broth inside

I probably photographed about an eighth of the food that was brought to us, from memory we also had duck wings, edamame, duck dumplings, prawn dumplings, salt and pepper squid, spring rolls and rice paper rolls. But I’m probably missing a few things… And that was before dessert started doing the rounds.

My sister and I.

For dessert there were chocolate dumplings, white chocolate dumplings, custard buns, some kind of almond dessert and probably more, but I think we’d admitted defeat by then.

White chocolate dumplings.

It was excellent. It was my second visit to David’s and I will definitely go back again.

Do you do dumplings?

Posted in Food, Melbourne | Tagged Food, Melbourne, Restaurant, yum cha | 5 Comments

An average Wednesday night

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Bec

Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Lady Shadow:

“Just feed me, incompetent human”

My neighbours have entrusted me with feeding her until they return. Until I was tasked with dishing out a can of Fancy Feast every evening, Lady Shadow wanted nothing to do with me. She gave me nothing but icy cold blue stares from over the fence. But now she (eventually) runs over to meet me and brushes up against my legs, but only after I pretend to leave without feeding her. It’s a complex relationship. She is gorgeous.

This evening Lady Shadow dined on Filet of Chicken, which incidentally, I shall also be dining on. Only my chicken dinner will smell a whole lot better and will be wrapped in a tortilla, doused with hot sauce and importantly, not scraped from a can. I’m trying to be healthy so I bought light cheese, an odd choice seeing as I abhor low fat dairy. Beauty is pain.

In other news, my housemate Bec has been doing pretty things to the garden:

Pansies

She planted pansies in the random horse trough thingy. Our backyard is home to a lot of strange items…

It looks delightful. I’ve seen people put pansies in salads, which I won’t be doing. I doubt Bec would appreciate me eating her plants.

We are now on a downhill slope to the weekend. I’m attempting to make it to Melbourne again; my flight last Friday afternoon was cancelled due to an engine problem. The plane lost power as we were sitting on the tarmac and thankfully not in the air. Six hours later we were told we wouldn’t be going anywhere. Air travel is a lot like wifi in that respect, when it’s good it’s great but when it fails it’s AWFUL #firstworldproblems.

How’s your Wednesday night looking? More importantly, how’s the weekend outlook?

Posted in Misc | Tagged Misc, Wednesday Night | 4 Comments

Travel Tuesday: 7 things you probably did in Prague

Posted on September 2, 2014 by Bec

We all like to think we had a unique travel experience, dined at a ‘tiny hole-in-the-wall cafe down a lane way in Paris’ or discovered an ‘underground gallery so obscure and unique it didn’t have a gift shop’ (fools! the gift shop is the best part). But the fact is, unless you make a concerted effort to stray from the well worn path, you will simply end up ticking a bunch of must-see destination boxes plenty of other people have ticked before you. There is nothing wrong with this.

There have been some places I’ve been where I managed to do or see something a bit different, but not in Prague. In Prague I traipsed the tourist trail like a pro, ticked those boxes and had a wonderful time.

Here’s what I did (and what you probably did too):

1. Stood in Wenceslas Square and thought ‘so this is where good Kind Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen…’ And then got the Christmas carol stuck in your head.

Deep and crisp and even.

2. Waited for this clock to chime and then wondered what the big deal was:

Strategically taken photo that doesn’t show the 5000 other people waiting for the clock.

What is the big deal? The view from the clock’s tower was actually really great though:

3. Dodged literally hundreds of other tourists to cross the Charles Bridge:

4. Checked out the brick faced babies:

Oh modern art…

5. Visited the Communism Museum and enjoyed the irony of its placement atop Macdonalds:

Capitalism underneath communism! Oh the juxtaposition!

Diet coke please

6. Posed for a photo in front of the Lennon Wall:

That hair…

And looked for the dirtiest/strangest scrawled on graffiti:

Friends ARE like potatoes

7. Did that pub crawl with the ‘power hour’ of free drinks at the start, the one that ended in a 5 storey nightclub. You probably still have the free tshirt they gave you and sometimes wear it to bed: