We're into the second week of the school holidays, and my three little madams (bless them) were pushing some of my buttons today! All is peaceful now, and I have a bottle of wine chilling for a well deserved glass of sanity very shortly. But earlier today I was searching for my 'happy place' on more than one occasion. So these images are mostly for my benefit... things that make me smile and relax! :)
Ellen DeGeneres is one of my favourite TV personalities, I mean... have you seen her dance?! You know that question - "if you could have anyone to a dinner party, who would you invite?" - well, Ellen would definitely be invited. She's funny, kind, infectiously positive, the sort of person you want to have around you - gush, gush! To top that, the girl likes to decorate! I was really interested to read how much she loves real estate and interior design. In an interview with Architectural Digest she talks about how growing up they always rented, but she and her Dad would dream about owning a house. They looked at real estate together and Ellen would pick out her bedroom. So, naturally, when she became a super successful comedian and talk show host, the first thing she did was buy houses, lots of them.
I love this home she shares with her gorgeous partner, Portia de Rossi, in Beverly Hills. It has a lovely eclectic style, with some beautiful pieces, but also a relaxed, inviting feel to it. Some of my favourite things are the artworks, particularly the Andy Warhol paintings (note the sneaker work in the dining room, Ellen's trademark shoe of choice), the inlay mirror in the bathroom, and the shelves of shoes (easy to see whose shoes are whose!), oh, and that pool! x
It was my birthday on Wednesday, and that evening we took the kids to one of my favourite places Pipi Cafe. Not having to cook is a present in itself for me, and pizza & bubbly is my birthday dinner of choice (I'm an easy girl to please). With it's chandeliers, pink interior & exterior, and candle lit ambience, it's easy to see why I love it. But it's also because Pipi's philosophy is about family, fun and good simple food. It's a brilliant place to take kids, (mine love the jar of complimentary giant jaffas at the counter), the food is delicious without fail, and the whole experience is relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable.
Alexandra Tylee, the owner and chef, has recently published Pipi the cookbook with the most fabulous photography by talented Hawke's Bay photographer, Brian Culy. It's more than just a cookbook, it's also a searingly honest account of Alexandra's life so far, including the terrible grief of losing a baby, and how she came to open a hot pink restaurant and bar in Havelock North. It's an absolutely beautiful book, and too pretty to leave in a cupboard, it definitely deserves to be out on display.
And last, but by no means least... I bought these stunning Lindi Kingi neon pink tassel earrings, aren't they fantastic?! And Lindi, being the lovely person she is, slipped in this amazing neon orange Swarovski pearl bracelet - what a perfect birthday gift for a lover of colour and pretty things! x
