Moving Notice!

The Turquoise Notebook is moving!  Over to my own URL so that all photography content can be managed on the same site.

www.donnavercoe.com/notebook/

Tessuti Fabrics

Tessuti Fabrics

110 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills

(Other locations as well)

The small window front belies the plethora of fabrics inside waiting to be discovered.  All the fabrics you see in clothing stores and wonder where you could buy them to make your own garments!?  You will find them here.  Printed chiffons for summer caftans, brocaded suiting for autumn outfits... any project imaginable and you will find the fabric here.  There is also a large selection of buttons and trim for your sewing and crafting projects.  Again, if you cannot make it into the store, you can always buy online... http://www.tessuti.com.au/

Morris & Sons

Morris and sons exterior

Morris and Sons, 50 York Street, Sydney

Not sure how Morris and his sons got into knitting and needlecraft, but there you go!  The entrance off York St leads into the needlework area, but the magic is in the basement!  Wooden cubbyholes laden with balls of wool of all colors and textures.  Oh the projects!  Must focus on one thing at a time though... one ball of wool to finish up a project that I can hopefully feature here soon.  (Providing I finish it!)  Not just a stop off for all your needlepoint and knitting needs, there is also a haberdashery section as well. In typical style, I forgot to buy much needed bobbins for my sewing machine.  Oh well, I am always looking for an excuse to go back!

If you can't make it to the York Street location, you can shop online as well.

http://www.morrisandsons.com.au/catalog/main.php

Side note: the basement exits onto a laneway leading to George St.  Apparently there's a little restaurant near there, Grasshopper, which serves ridiculously good food.  Another reason to go back... if I needed one more excuse!

Opera Kitchen

Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen in the foreground

Miss Chu rice paper roll and steamed veggie bun / Looking down on the Opera Kitchen

Between the two sets of sails / Detailed tile finish of the sails

More tile finish close ups / Reflection of the Royal Botanic Gardens

Black and white portraits covering a construction fence at the Opera House / Thousands of different colored tiles

Opera Kitchen

Long a fan of having a latte at the Opera Bar, with the spectacular view of the Opera House, Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge... it was neat to discover that there is now a kiosk just down from it.  No ordinary kiosk... Kenji, Cloudy Bay, Miss Chu, Becasse Bakery, Charlie and Co. is the going fare here.  Well priced food, in what just might be the best view in the world.  Everyone wins!

You are well positioned to work off lunch, seeing as you are positioned just under the Opera House.  Pose for photos on the stairs, or in the forecourt between the sails, or with the Harbour Bridge in the background.  You can study the the exterior shells from this area... and realize that that there are thousands of small tiles in varying shades of white and cream that make up the white sails of the Opera House. 

www.operakitchen.com.au

Toasties

Toasties

I am now an open-face toastie convert with the switch over to Tasmanian Camembert.  I usually have closed-face toasties as per Bill Granger... tomatoes soaked in garlic and olive oil... then pile on bread with cheese, basil, cover with another piece of bread and toast both sides in butter in a fry pan.  This method is slighly easier.  It used to be made with cheddar cheese... but the cheese ended up sweaty, and gritty in texture... bringing back bad memories of cheese sandwiches in a lunchbox!  (I've always been a food snob!)  Since switching to the melt-y Camembert, I've not looked back! 

Method is: toast bread... on a cast iron grill makes the bread especially tasty.  While it's toasting, slice Camembert, tomatoes and shred basil.  Removing toast, brush bread with olive oil and work in with a garlic clove sliced in half (cut side down to infuse the flavor!).  Add cheese, and put back on grill.  (Ensure grill is turned off... you want to melt the cheese in the residual heat.)  Once cheese is melted slightly, add tomatoes, basil, then sprinkle with a touch of extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.  Lunch... yum!

Urban Rituelle

Urban Rituelle

I had discovered these vegetable soaps on a previous trip to Australia.  Having moved here, I hadn't been able to find them for a while, when one day I happened upon them in Holy Sheet in Balmain.  A quick look on the website reveals that they are now available in Myer.  Oh well... I know where to stock up next time around.

The above colors don't really go together, but they are my favorite ones... Vanilla Bean, Raspberry Spritzer and Passionfruit.  Their scent is divine and leaves your skin feeling very soft.  Available in other countries besides Australia and New Zealand... check the website for stockists.

www.urbanrituelle.com.au

Peter's of Kensington

Peter's of Kensington exterior... it's pretty pink!

A love seat to go with the pink branding!

Front car seat turned mini photo studio

Cupcake holders purchased at PoK

Peter's of Kensington

I was looking forward to checking out the Peter's of Kensington store, as their website has great products at discounted prices.  I was not prepared for the pink-ness of the building!  For someone who's favorite color is pink, this was too much even for me... haha!  For the clean shopping on the website, I was also not prepared for the very strange layout of the store.  It seems to be they have taken over a building and a half!  Product is stuffed into every nook and cranny... perfume on the first floor, china and glassware stuck into a mezzanine, bakeware and homewares piled into the attic.  Having said this... it is a great place to wander through and discover all sorts of treasures!  They have the Gordon Ramsay Maze collection at half price, Riedel glassware also discounted.  My favorite is the homeware section on the top floor... everything imaginable for cooking and baking, all at reduced prices.  What's not to love!?  I love my Robert Gordon ceramic espresso shot glasses that are designed to look like paper cups!
If you can't make it to the store, shop online... their shipping prices are very reasonable.

57 Anzac Parade,
Kensington NSW
www.petersofkensington.com.au

Cockatoo Island

Entrance to Cockatoo Island / Camping facilities on the island

Crazy wall mural on an outbuilding / Island Bar complete with reggae music and Astro turf!

Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island is rich in history, having been a convict prison, and then a ship building yard for the Royal Austalian Navy.  Cockatoo Island is now a destination for those looking for an escape from the every day.  There's the Island Bar, complete with Astro turf and steel drum music.  Order one of their pizzas made in a special oven in one of the converted shipping containers doubling as a kitchen, and enjoy under a market umbrella with a view of that stunning harbour.  There is plenty to explore and discover on the island.  If you want to stay and absorb the history of the place, the island is home to the world's first urban campground... "glamping", if you will!

Chowder Bay

 

Pull up a chair / Chowder Bay

 

View through the fence / More chairs lined up

 

Bacino Cafe Chowder Bay

More deck chairs / Sign in Bacino Cafe

Chowder Bay

Google Maps + iPhone has been a lifesaver for finding my way around my new hometown.  And for finding great new spots!  Sitting in Bacino in Mosman and checking the map to see where I was, I noted that Clifton Gardens was just down the hill.  Having been there years ago, I thought to drive down the hill to take a look.

More research revealed that the bay was called Chowder Bay... a spot my friends had spoken highly of.  Entering the park, I clued in as to why.  Relatively secluded, there are spots for picnicking, and an enclosed playground for kids.  (Am informed by my mom friends that this is a very good thing!) 

Clifton Gardens and Chowder Bay are part of Headland Park that stretches from Chowder Bay around to Balmoral Beach.  Indeed, there is a 1.5km / 60 minute walk along the headland between the two bays.  Headland Park is a decommissioned military base, now turned into a park full of interesting history and architecture.  Diving in the bay is available, if that is your thing. It is also home to Ripples dining, and another Bacino cafe... imagine that!  You can relax on the red and white striped deck chairs and enjoy a coffee... or an icy treat.  It is the perfect way to while away a Saturday afternoon.

Headland Park... www.harbourtrust.com.au
Snorkeling and Diving: www.plungediving.com.au

Mosman

Mosman

Saturday markets in Mosman are held on the first Saturday of every month.  I had brunch at Fourth Village Providore.  The back half of the store, the cafe, backs onto the square where the markets are held.  The front half of the store faces the street and is chock-a-block with all sorts of amazing provisions for the kitchen.  As always, my eyes are drawn to the floral display out the front.  Still can't believe I live in a country where tropical flowers are the norm!

To be honest, the coffee at brunch wasn't the best I've had.  What to do when coffee is subpar!?  Make it right.  So a trip down the road revealed Bacino Espresso - corner of Prince Albert and Raglan Streets.   Coffee was much improved... I'm sure the flirty baristas didn't hurt!

Following coffee, I did some further exploring down Military Road ... and found the most gorgeous florist... Matt Bisaro.  A rough-hewn interior filled with gorgeous flowers and funky home accents, including various styles of glass bottles.  Another one of those spaces where you just want to pull up a chair, sit for a while and take it all in.

Fourth Avenue Providore - 5a Vista St, Mosman, NSW

Bacino Espresso - corner of Prince Albert and Raglan Streets, and various locations

Matt Bisaro - 773 Military Road, Mosman, NSW

Woollahra

Donna Hay General Store

Terrace on Queen St

Front verandas on Spicer St

Woollahra


The tree-lined streets of Woollahra have fabulous names such as Jersey Road, Spicer St, Ocean Ave, Queen St. The store fronts are subtle, and driving past, you only clue in to the fact that you are in the middle of a lovely shopping district once you spot a great store front such as Terrace.  Terrace is chock-a-block with gorgeous alfresco items necessary for outdoor living.  Clean, fresh prints in bright beautiful colors are just what you need to taking your interior decorating sense outside!

Along with high end fashion, there are some more reasonable priced stores... Simon Johnson for gourmet ingredients, The Bay Tree for homewares, Victor Churchill butcher  (as one chef called it... the Tiffany's of butcher shops). There's also the classy Jo Malone shop, should you feel like splashing out on some pricey scents!

My all time favorite, however, is the Donna Hay General Store. If they let me drag in a sleeping bag and live there, I would. A general store in the front, a bakery in the back... and just when you think you've seen it all, there's more upstairs.  The last time I was in there, they took my coffee request upon arrival.  Having just had one, I was loathe to say no!  I hope it's on offer next time!  As usual, I drooled over the paper products and bakeware.  But this time, there are new products to oggle... the enamelware line.  I've been a fan of enamelware for a while now, and had even designed a few pieces in my head!  So when I saw Donna Hay had come out with a line, I was excited.  Seeing the items in store only made me want them all!  Not sure which to buy first... the set of bowls?  The roaster?  The mini pie plates?  Perhaps when I move in, I can try them all!

The Upper Crust

Green and yellow shop front / Pie, Lamington and ginger beer lunch

The Upper Crust - 1003 Pittwater Road, Collaroy, NSW


One wall in the shop is covered with signatures of happy customers.  One, from Canada (not mine!) read... "Came from Canada, just for the pies"... to which I could only reply a hearty "Amen"!  These yummy pies have numerous gourmet fillings... Beef Burgundy, Tandoori Lamb, Mexican Curry.  My favorite used to be Chicken, Avocado and Brie.  One time I went to order it, they were out... so I tried the chicken and asparagus.  I do believe I have a new fave!

Grab your pie, drink and dessert... the dessert display is well stocked with lamington's, Neenish tarts and caramel slice... and take a seat at one of the tables out the front, or a bench off to the side.  Or you can always take it to nearby Collaroy, Long Reef or Narrabeen beach.



Alfresco Emporium

Alfresco Emporium exterior

Pretty bouquet from the flower shop

Cafe interior / Cappuccino served in china on a rattan plate

Alfresco Emporium - 1021 Pittwater Road, Collaroy, NSW (Sydney's Northern Beaches)


 

Having had past this store on Pittwater Road a few times, I had assumed it was a large, generic store.  Pretty striped cushions in the window made me reconsider my assumption.  Stopping to explore one day, I didn't know what to do first... gape at the gorgeous flowers in the flower shop, have a coffee in the cafe or peruse the homewares in the large shop?  I took a breath, calmed myself down and took a look around!  The large homewares section has all kinds of fabulous items for making a house a home... from the striped cushions and other patio pleasures, to china and glassware, home scents, a baking/cooking section, a fun corner for children's gifts.  As well, there are cards, wrapping paper and ribbon... making this a one stop shop for a lovely gift.

That is... if you manage to make your way past the flower section.  Pots of tropical plants, succulents and other greenery are on sale, as are made up bouquets of flowers.  If you don't see anything you like, you can also have a bouquet made to order.  Which is what I did... and had a lovely coffee in the cafe while I was waiting.  They also have high-tea Tuesday's... which I will have to keep in mind!

So the next time you are driving down Pittwater Road through Collaroy, don't drive by... stop in and explore.  (Half a block down the road from The Upper Crust.)

Marimekko Cushions

How do you get me out of bed before 7am on a Saturday?  Promise of a sample sale including lot's of Marimekko product.  Arriving at the warehouse (location to remain undisclosed) sale just before 8am, we realized we weren't on the ball enough as there were about fifty women ahead of us.  Fifty prepared women, mind you.  They had large Ikea bags and were stuffing them full of anything they remotely liked, to decide later if they wanted to buy or leave behind.  Yes!  These women were organized.  (So will I be... next year!)  I happened across a set of napkins that someone had tossed back onto the display.  (I'm not proud... I walked around looking for discards!)  The napkins fit perfectly around some cushions that I had found at the sale as well.

Some unpicking and sewing machine work later, the napkins were transformed into a pair of pillows, the green matching the new desk chair perfectly.  Now for some wooden buttons for the finishing touch...

Coffee Break



Mecca Cappuccino

In 1917, following the introduction of the Literacy Act to curtail the flow of immigration into the US, Italian immigration to Australia increased.  Along with this immigration, they brought their tradition of coffees, which were adopted by the Australians. Living in Australia as a young girl, I recall my mom always enjoying a cappuccino when we were out shopping at the mall, or such.  I remember her commenting on the lack of decent coffee in White Rock (BC) when we moved there in the late 70s.  Dad had often thought of opening up a decent coffee store back in the early 1980s.  If only he had of... ah... hindsight!

I was remembering mom enjoying a daily coffee, over my own cappuccino the other day.  Sydney has a wealth of coffee bars and cafes... it is hard to find a bad cup of coffee here.  I have found myself craving that coffee break in the middle of the day... time to sit down and let your world stop while enjoying the thick foam and caramel-y espresso if a yummy cappuccino.  Out and about on errands most days, I wonder where that day's coffee break will find me.

Photo above - afternoon coffee at Mecca... 1 Albert Street, Sydney (various locations)
Single Origin - Surry Hills. Side note: jam-filled Lamingtons are a must, but you have to get there early.
Utopia - 2/7 Macquarie Pl, Sydney
Klink Coffee - 281 Clarence St, Sydney
Europan, Newcastle St, Rose Bay
Zubi Espresso Bar, Newport Beach - Beautiful garden out back where you can sit and relax.

To name a few...

The Boathouse, Palm Beach

Way up north... at the top of the Northern Beaches lies Palm Beach.  The point the beach sits on is sandwiched by the Pacific ocean on the starboard side and Pittwater on the port side.  The Boathouse sits on the Pittwater side.  It's a gorgeous spot for a long lunch on a sunny summer afternoon; a deck out the back with water views or a spot at the tables and chairs scattered in the garden out the front.  Meal service, take away service and flowers for sale are on offer.  Fresh green succulents in white pots dot the interiors and lawns.  Short of moving in, you can take away inspiration for your own garden design.

Riverside Park

A busy morning shopping at the DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) at Homebush required a refuel of nourishment and nature.  Enter Blaxland Riverside Park.  Set on the banks of the Parramatta River; within the park you can lunch at the Armory Cafe right on the water while the kids play in the park (just out of hearing distance) and watch the ferries cruise up and down the river.  Take your bike and cruise along the bike path.  While we were there, we sat and watch a wedding being photographed.  That is the wedding car you see above.

Update

Big changes in the past few months!  I moved my father and I to Sydney, Australia at the beginning of November.  I has been pretty smooth, settling into a new life in our old stomping grounds (we old dual Canadian/Australian passports)... but certainly not without it's stresses... he suffers from late-stage Parkinson's disease.

This morning I was feeling pretty down about things... even though he's in a care home, there is still a lot to deal with.  Without going into it all, there are a lot of serious responsibilities and decisions to make... and the burden gets heavy at times.

I had been invited to a friend's house for a morning of sewing and creating things.  A few conversations in, and I was feeling inspired by talk of knitting, sewing, paper crafts.  I got to work on a very simple, basic sewing project... but it was so therapeutic.  Creation lifts the soul! What's more, I am now in possession of fat, loaner knitting needles for a brand new project.  And a list of knitting/sewing shops around the city!  Black mood lifted.

So in light of all this, I am going to try and keep this blog updated a little more regularly.  Outside of caring for dad, I have done a few, fun things around town and I don't want to forget them!

Arden Wohl

Vogue August 2011

Oh to have a career where "foraging for flowers" is part of your job description! I do like the recipe for making candy thyme to garnish ice cream. Click on the picture to enlarge and read!

LaDuree New York

Vogue August 2011

Discovered this fabulous bakery in Paris... can still recall biting into a raspberry macaron... the thin crip exterior and the perfect raspberry marshmallow-y interior. Worth another flight back! Except now you don't have to travel as far, as LaDuree, is opening it's first NY store on the Upper East Side... 864 Madison Ave. Defintely worth another trip to NY!