Fish Market Visit

A trip to the fish market on a day with a perfectly blue sky.

An amazing array of fish varieties available to the public.  The fish auction is for registered buyers only and I didn't get to view that area.

Crustaceans 

Whole salmon and mollusks 

There were throngs of people enjoying the fresh catch

Of course we sampled the seafood too.  Hubby has this plate with a variety of fish, calamari, prawns and scallop.  Add an icy cold beer and you've got a bit of heaven.  

On the walk back we took a detour through The Star Casino and had a treat of gelato at a vendor in the casino food court.  

I had a salted caramel scoop...YUM!

And dinner was grilled prawns that we picked up at the market.

Happy Monday

Happy Monday! 

I hope you had a lovely weekend filled with family and friends, celebrations and good times.

I had the most spectacular of weekends.  Lots of long walk around Sydney harbor and the through the botanic gardens.  The weather was fantastic with lots of people out and about.   

Opera House Roof-line

Saturday night we had dinner at the Opera Bar which is an outdoor setting at the famed Opera House.  Not only were there fireworks from the nearby outdoor performance of La Traviata but we were treated to the splendid sight of a cruise ship leaving the harbor at night with all of it's lights on. 

After an amazingly moving Easter service at the beautiful St. Andrew's Cathedral, our son showed us around the North Sydney and some beautiful vistas.  We are in Sydney primarily to visit our son who lives and works here.  

Have a wonderful start to your week.

On Vacation "Down Under"

I just "hopped" over to Australia... 

...and boy, am I tired.

Have a good weekend and a joyous Easter if you celebrate.

See you on Monday.

Mar Y Sol Bags: Purse with a Purpose

I am smitten with the Mar Y Sol collection of bags.

Created and designed in New York,  handcrafted in Madagascar, Mar Y Sol is a fair trade partnership.  Artisans crafting these bags, hats and home accessories earn a living wage.  Sales also promote environmental conservation.  These bags are available on line on in many fine stores which you can view by clicking here.

Antigua North South Tote  $98

Cotton lined, snap closure, available in 4 colors.

Daphne Foldover Flower Clutch  $85

Three color combinations, zip closure

Wellfleet Shoulder Bag  $98

Seven colors and combos, lined with inside pocket, snap closure and contrasting crocheted raffia edging.

Guadaloupe Flower Tote  $98

Nine varied looks with wooden handles, cotton lining, snap closure.

Inez Woven Wide Brimmed Fedora  $79

Three styles of hats in lots of colors.

Maybelle Crocheted Rose Pillow  $125

Home collection of various pillows.

Don't you think one of these bags would make a lovely Mother's Day gift. 

Poufs

What's a pouf?  

Image  Apartment Therapy

A pouf is an ottoman.  A Moroccan pouf, as in the photos above and below, is leather and marshmallow shaped and comes in a rainbow of colors.

Image  Decor Pad

Poufs are a great way to add color and texture into a room as well as extra seating.

Knitted Blood Orange Pouf   CB2

Rattan   Pier One

Banana Fiber   Ikea

Add pattern without a huge investment of money.

Zigzag Pour   West Elm

Patchwork Kilim   Viva Terra 

What do you think?  I think I "need" a knitted orange pouf for indoors and the Ikea fiber pouf for outdoors.

Easter Table Decor Ideas

Some Pinterest Picks for table decor inspiration.  Aren't they lovely?

Source: inspirationforhome.blogspot.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Source: astrongaesthetic.blogspot.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Source: bit.ly via Deborah on Pinterest

Source: sweetpaulmag-digital.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Monday Musings

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a weekend of recreation and relaxation.  

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Deborah on Pinterest

How true is this quote?  I think I'm really drawn to this Pinterest Pick because of the image!  But it is apropos for me as I have just started another online photo class.  I like a challenge and a goal.  

I started reading The Hunger Games.  Everyone I talk to has read it and loved it and now that the movie is out I figured it was about time I read it.  I'm just getting started but I can see how you can get hooked on it.  The writing is quite simplistic but that will make for a quick read.  Have you read the books or seen the movie?

On Friday I picked up this awesome scarf at The Gap.  It goes with just about anything except red or purple.  I'm going to get a lot of mileage out of this one.  

I hope today is a great start to your week.  Happy Monday.