Marbella Mummy's Home Page

2012-01-30T03:07:00.000-08:00

Arrived home last night from our annual ski trip to Sierra Nevada. We had a wonderful time. The weather was perfect, our studio flat was bright and fairly spacious although very basic, and best of all, daddy Tancrede had a brilliant, accident free ski. He had been extremely nervous about his knee as it´s only been 2 months since his arthroscope but it held up beautifully and most importantly pain free. Unlike today where his entire body is aching and he feels like a very old man. The down side of a great ski trip!
Willow had an absolute ball and really loved the snow and skiing. She had 2 lessons over the weekend and was truly amazing. Yesterday she went and jumped on the chair lift and her teacher had to race to catch up as they headed off up the slopes. I was nervous and excited waiting for them to come down, didn´t know whether she would be crying or laughing or could even manage to stand up. So when she zoomed down the hill to where we were standing, showing off her new skills, mummy and daddy were very proud! She is still very shy and barely spoke a word to Raphael her instructor but he seemed very patient.
So we are all tired but happy this morning!

2012-01-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

2012!

Willow played Mrs Claus in her Christmas concert!

Proud daddy after the show

That's me, wrinkles and all! Taken by my daughter!

Packing to go to UK on Christmas Eve. Willow (helping?) having an Alexander Calder moment with the coathangers!

Granny Lois' new kitten Alfie was never long out of Willow's arms. In the end he just gave in.

Willow and her cousins at The Mill in Elstead.

With Auntie Amanda at The Mill

2011-11-11T01:32:00.000-08:00

Last Friday's pony lesson was inside as it was raining The kids learnt how to put on a saddle etc. Willow thought it was hilarious having a pony inside!

2011-11-10T04:39:00.000-08:00

Isn't it funny how your tastebuds change as soon as the weather does! My fridge was filled with salad leaves and salad veges ready to make quick lunches but now the thought of a salad just doesn't do it for me. It's out with soup recipes. Love them! Here is a quick lunch when you need to warm up! Spiced Moroccan Soup with the recipe from my guru Donna Hay...

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add 1 chopped onion (I used a red onion because that is all i had) and 2 cloves crushed garlic and cook for 5 mins.
Add 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 stick cinnamon, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika and 1 tablespoon harissa paste (I got mine at Iceland) and cook for 1 min. Add 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes, 1 x 400g can drained and rinsed chickpeas (garbanzos) and 1.5litres (6 cups) chicken stock (i used stock cube), bring to the boil and cook for 10 mins. Top with yoghurt and coriander (cilantro) to serve. MMMmm delish!

2011-11-09T06:20:00.000-08:00

My lovely daughter was very upset that I didn't have a birthday cake on my birthday so we made one together and she decorated it for me. Then she put candles on and sang happy birthday to mummy in Spanish and English. And she has done this 3 nights in a row now! Anyway the cake was/is delicious! It is the Devil's Food Cake from the famous Magnolia Bakery (using rice milk) and we frosted it with the Orange Buttercream Frosting from the fantastic recipe book Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World. This book is incredible!

You can see the gorgeous new paint colour in our sitting/dining room - it's Farrow & Ball Charleston Grey

Thankyou to my wonderful family in Australia for these gorgeous birthday flowers and to my wonderful family in London who also sent me some beautiful roses! How special do you feel when you receive flowers!

Cute!

The hallway now has a POP of colour! Was supposed to be more like chartreuse but I actually like it... alsmost lime!

The bedroom end of the house is now in a grey/mauve

Willow's girly stuff

Her new bedroom design, very workable (very Ikea!). The rug came across from Tangier on the ferry when I was pregnant!

2011-11-09T04:44:00.000-08:00

Halloween is such a busy time.... what with my birthday, all the kids parties and events and this year our friends Nicola, Livio and Tiara and baby Isabella were over from south of France so we had even more celebrating and getting together to do.

Eva, Harry, Poppy and Willow at Sunday lunch

eyeball cupcakes by Alley!

scary Harry!

This was Willow exactly a year ago dressed for Halloween party at nursery

2011-10-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

Home made wholemeal pizza

Sweet potato, chickpea and spinach soup

Our new terrace furniture and newly painted wall, gone is the boho, hippie, shabby chic

Leftovers make an impromptu midweek alfresco lunch with my hubby

The weekend was filled with birtday parties... Gaby's on Saturday...

The gorgeous Gaby with the butterfly cake I made her...

Sunday was Eva's birthday party at the pony club...

My big girl in her Marbella Montessori uniform

2011-09-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

My daughter has recently started 'big school' at the Marbella Montessori and I am so delighted at the way it has all gone so smoothly. She can be quite shy so I was certain there was going to be the usual separation anxiety scene but it never happened. She was obviously so ready to move on and learn that actually she sometimes forgets to kiss me goodbye before she runs to sit on the mat! So the only anxiety is coming from me! It is only a tiny school where she receives so much attention and care that I couldn't ask for more. After her second week she was given Barney the Bear to take home and look after for the weekend and write and photograph his adventures in a diary, as she had been the star student of the week! Very proud we were and here is a pictorial record of our weekend with Barney...

2011-09-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

Jerez de la Frontera

Before our daughter was born, 4 years ago, we used to go on lots of little trips, visiting new places and experiencing the Spanish vida! Understandably it came to a halt but we are now feeling the need to get travelling again, just locally. So last weekend we headed of to Jerez, famous for its sherry and sherry vinegar. It's under 3 hours from our house, between us and Portugal so not a difficult drive. On the way we stopped at Arcos de la Frontera which is a gorgeous hilltop town with 2 huge churches on the top. The town gained its name by being the frontier of Spain's 13th century battle with the Moors. (Wikipedia)

Jerez was a lovely, slow paced, very genteel and civilised place. Unfortunately, in typical Spanish style, none of the bodegas were open on a Sunday or during the summer (too hot) so we weren't able to do a tasting but we tried several sherries on our tapas bar crawl on the Saturday night and we believe dry sherry deserves some attention. Unlike its sweet partner, the drink of housewives and old ladies by reputation, dry sherry is a perfect accompaniment to cured meats and pickled foods like boquerones and anchovies. Give it a try!

2011-08-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

Summer Holidays

We have just returned from our summer (?) holiday in England. You may well laugh... it was a shock to our systems. We left behind 30 degrees and sunshine and flew in to grey, cold and rainy. It was however all about the people this trip... We hired a car and drove all over the countryside visiting friends and family. Despite the lack of summery weather we still had a wonderful time and I feel Willow is definitely a country girl in the making. She really was comfortable in the country environment and keeps talking about us getting a big house with a stable and vegetable garden like Grandpa Norman's and ponies and chickens and 2 dogs and a kitten... We did actually find a perfect house and put in an offer. Needless to say it was rejected. A little too cheeky at 100,000 less than asking!!

2011-06-13T05:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a beautiful weekend here in Marbella, in contrast to many other places around the world (we watched Queens washed out, Canadian Grand Prix washed out and restarted...). Willow has made huge strides of late, conquering the bicycle without stabilisers and jumping in the deep end of the pool (wearing her flotation vest) and swimming to the side of the pool then climbing out. All this right before she turns 4!

This week was also the San Bernabe feria in Marbella so lots of fiestas!

2011-05-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

2011-05-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

Mum and Dad letting their hair down.... at Suzy's 40th

2011-05-08T00:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

Easter 2011

2011-04-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Nicola's Leaving Picnic

2011-04-15T04:27:00.000-07:00

A blast from the past....

2011-04-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

Really pleased with how these are looking... they are all pickings from the Puente Romano Hotel garden (shhh!)

We love our spring bulbs. The smell of hyacinths is Spring to me.

a bit of baking...

Willow's makeup still interesting.... doesn't this just remind you of Richard's mannequin photos that he won the Age award for? That's what I think of when I see this.

Studying the form guide for the Grand National

Last Sunday at Palm Beach with the girls

Willow and William, a day on the beach on Tuesday. They had not seen each other for ages.

2011-04-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

Willow's riding is improving plus she has grown 3cm so she is now riding Duende, Chocolate is no longer the favourite

Spring has sprung! Out come the cushions.... these poor cane chairs get a belting during the winter. I really need to give them a coat of TLC. We got them for nothing too!

Our long legged 3 year olds!

Rascals!

See the snails Ela?

2011-03-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

We have just returned from our annual few days skiing holiday in Sierra Nevada. It is only 2 and a half hours away, just past Granada. I always say the same thing, it's not really a holiday, it's more like boot camp. Absolutely exhausting! Especially now Willow is so heavy. When she gets tired she still wants me to carry her so that's 20kg plus a pair of ski boots that I have to carry, often with my own skis as well! The hubby loves it... it's something he looks forward to all year so I have to grin and bear it! I do enjoy skiing but it's hard work! Willow had her first lesson this year. One on one with Joanna, an English girl who was particularly good with children. She worked for Jonathon at the British Ski School. Willow was fast asleep on my knee in the cafe at the time of her lesson so we had to put it back an hour. Apparently she spent half the lesson calling for me but was starting to chat by the second half. I watched her from above on the chair lift and she was doing really quite well. She keeps talking about Joanna so I think she enjoyed herself.

We were delighted that we were able to find a ski suit for Willow at the car boot sale in Benahavis the Sunday before we left, for 2€ (thanks Danny!) plus a fleece jumper for 1€ then on the way up the mountain stopped at a supermarket and picked up some mountain boots for 5€ so her entire ski outfit cost us 8€! Definitely the only bargain of the trip. Apparently Sierra Nevada is now the most expensive ski resort in Europe. I think we will do France next year.

2011-02-26T15:18:00.000-08:00

2011-02-26T15:01:00.000-08:00

Tiara, Poppy and Willow enjoying an alfresco picnic

3 Wise Monkeys?

Willow taking Poppy and Lisa for a walk on her favourite pony Chocolate

Dressed up for el dia de Andalucia

Willow, aspiring make-up artist?

My gorgeous ones outside our apartment in the gorgeous sunshine

Well accessorised as usual

...making our Valentine's

Is this the largest pom pom you have ever seen?

Another portrait by Willow

A sensible dinner party...

Poppy and Willow, so cute...

2011-02-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

2011-02-04T02:57:00.000-08:00

Dia de la Paz!

Willow's nursery celebrated last Sunday's International Peace Day on Monday. They did lots of different activities and had to throw any violent toys they may have in a large bin at the gate and have them replaced with a new toy. Of course Willow doesn't have anything, possibly a light sabre if we were pushing for a new toy... Here are some pics, so cute...

2011-01-19T04:05:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Hope this one brings happiness and health to all!
Willow is 2 days back at nursery. After such a long break it wasn't easy to prise her off me. I know she enjoys the time when she is there but it is hard (for both of us) to make the separation! Nearly all her friends have left and moved to their 'big' schools. Although not a legal obligation until 5, as in other countries, the majority of parents put their children into school at 3. Can you believe it? She is doing really well learning Spanish at her nursery which is international but mostly Spanish speaking. It's exciting to see her progress. And besides, she is still on the list for the school we want her to attend in September, St Georges, so fingers crossed till then.

2010-11-29T11:18:00.000-08:00

We have had a downpour this past 2 weeks but Sunday was a day of respite, the sun came out so we made the most of it and enjoyed some outdoor activities... Tanc and Willow hit some golf balls at the driving range...

and we took Willow to her favourite stables. She was delighted to be able to ride Princess Lobada for the first time. She was a wonderful pony. Willow insisted on wearing her jodphurs and riding boots that we bought at the car boot sale for 6€, what a bargain. They fit her a little bit better this time...

2010-11-25T05:35:00.000-08:00

I'm really happy with how my bunting for the baby shower turned out. It's now in Willow's room!

Such a cute pic of Barbara and baby Lana at the baby shower!

The letters are all going in Willow's room too, in process of making the whole alphabet out of cereal boxes!

Willow is very proud of her new riding hat. Supposed to be a Christmas present!

This is the cake I made for Mikey's birthday party

This is me at 8am in the morning decorating the cake! Taken by Willow

2010-11-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

I so love being mother to Willow. She is a pure bundle of joy, however cliched that sounds and brings me such happiness. I am loving her 3 year old self. I do miss baby Willow though and still try to baby her at times but it's not easy with 1.04m and 18kg!

An example of her gorgeousness.... I was sitting doing my blog entry (8.30pm) and she called out from the bed that she was finished with her DVD (I told her I would come and lie with her only when she had turned the DVd off). So I lay next to her in the dark holding her hand and said goodnight precious girl and she giggled and said goodnight precious lady then said let's go to sleep shall we. 5 minutes later she was snoring and I came back to the computer. Sweet! I'm afraid I don't do things by the book at bedtime. I lie next to Willow everynight until she falls asleep. Mostly this is a short time and to me it's a wonderful peaceful time for both of us. She can do it without me as proven when we have had a babysitter, but when I'm here it's our routine and I wouldn't change it for the world.

It's quite a luxury for her being an only child, so much attention! I guess we have to watch that she doesn't get spoilt. She doesn't appear to be so far. She has inherited my shyness though. After 2 years of the same nursery she is still shy every morning with her teachers and friends. Apparently this doesn't last long!

Hubby and I had a barney of an argument this past weekend with lots of shouting (long overdue!) and poor Willow was in the middle. Instead of getting upset she was so adorable and sat with me, stroking my head, wiping my face, telling me to drink water and saying it's ok, it's ok. So adorable! Although she did stand by me, when I told her to, she went and gave her dad a cuddle to make sure he was ok too. And then when we kissed and made up she was right in the middle, arms around both our necks!

2010-11-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

Thankyou to my wonderful family for my birthday parcel! It arrived yesterday and was all fab! I had a lovely birthday lunch on Sunday. Here are the sweet, well behaved kids, (I'm serious!) they had a ball too!

2010-09-22T05:14:00.000-07:00

Weekends

We shared a stand at the Benahavis Car Boot Market on Sunday and sold some Fiesta Fiesta cakes.... I think the girls ate more than we sold! I was very happy to purchase some jodphurs and riding boots for Miss W, 2 sizes too big but she loves them! She is going to ask Papa Noel for a riding hat.

Here is Willow earning her keep!

Had a fantastic girls night on Friday night at girlfriends villa as her hubby was away. She cooked delicious Mexican food and did some killer flower arrangements! Left at 1.30am and thank goodness we did as I had quite the hangover next morning!

Took my girlfriend to my favourite furniture and accessories shop the other day, El Trastero de Macarena in San Pedro (on the corner opposite McDonalds and next to Salamanca). It is packed full of fabulous stuff . She went crazy for it as well. If you haven't been I thoroughly recommend it. You need to spend an hour there just browsing (and dreaming!). The great thing is that they have little everyday bits and pieces as well as large feature pieces. I bought a cute pink koala for Willow, some rose napkins and a watermelon shaped rubber spatula for making cakes.

Here is Willow and her girlfriends in Puerto Banus....

We have decided to meet on a Thursday afternoon so the kids all stay friends as they are all going to different schools now. OMG it's exhausting when they are all together! Such excitement! Notice Willow is prepared for all events in her safety helmet! (We were actually cycling she's not just eccentric, well maybe a little...)

We stopped at the park behind Polo House after nursery yesterday. So lovely in the gardens. I love this bouganvillea in tree form.

Here is Willow wearing the gorgeous headband that her Auntie Claerwen from Melbourne made her for her birthday. So adorable.

Here are some arrangements that Claerwen has done in her house. I just love these.

The weather is so difficult right now, it's so hard to wear the right thing. Hot and sticky one minute then cold and wet the next. Reminds me of home in Melbourne actually! I think this outfit would do the trick...

Juicy Couture Dress, Michael Kors shoes and Alexander Wang bag

(via Net-a-Porter)

2010-09-16T02:15:00.000-07:00

I was just doing a few errands in Marbella the other day when I came upon a new little kitchen shop. Now I love a good kitchen shop and must admit to a bit of a kitchen gadget addiction (my husband too). So I was so pleased to enter and find all my favourite bits and pieces, inlcuding things that I usually have to buy when I am in the UK or online. I made a purchase, a cute egg shaped rubber spatula for non-stick pans that I am very happy with. Speaking with the man in the shop I found they had only been there 3 months and were only an online shop before this. I told him I was very happy they were now in Marbella and that I would be seeing him again soon! The shop is called Cuisine Paradiso and is situated just up from the corner on the right hand side of the street running between Ricardo Soriano and the Mercado (before you get to La Pesquera Old Town) Apparently the street is called Calle Huerta Chica.

2010-09-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

Gabby's Birthday Party!

One of Willow's best friends is Gabby. She had her birthday party on the weekend. Hello Kitty theme... all the girls are Hello Kitty crazy! I made her a cake....

Willow was very impressed!

My Hello Kitty Princess.... she had been looking forward to this party for ages!

2010-09-08T04:32:00.000-07:00

Willow and Tiara

Nicola and Tiara have been in the south of France for a month, in Antibes where Livio is working as a Captain on a large boat. They have just returned home and we went to visit them yesterday. The girls were very happy to see each other. It's cute to see how well they play together. They have always clicked as friends and I am sure it will continue throughout their lives!

2010-09-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

Grand Prix BBQ

Last weekend we were having a couple of people around for a bbq to watch the grand prix and it turned into 12 people and ended at 12 midnight with everyone dancing in the lounge!

I would say the foodie highlight of the day was the chocolate cake. It was a new recipe and one I will repeat often! Called the chocolate buttermilk cake it is one of Donna Hay's recipes. So moist..... I will put up the recipe when I have a minute. It's very easy too... And of course the kids demolished the marshmallow skewers in a flash... the big kids that is!

She's a Horsey Girl!

Willow is obsessed! She loves everything about horses, ponys, riding hats, jodphurs (wants her own pair and riding boots for Christmas!) even loves being in the stable. In her own words she is a horsey girl now mummy! Seeing she is only just 3 we have a long, expensive road ahead!

2010-09-01T00:02:00.000-07:00

You may remember that last year at this time we had a very successful first trip to Portugal after living on the doorstep for 6 years. We visited various locations to get an overview but this year we decided to head for the Algarve and stay put and have a relaxing beach holiday. We managed to locate a wonderful sounding B&B near Tavira which is just over the border from Spain into Portugal. We booked 5 nights getting home late on Tuesday. It was just the most lovely relaxing holiday we could have hoped for.

The B&B was a townhouse called Casa Rosada in Castro Marim, a tiny, fascinating, mediaeval town sitting at the foot of a castle and a fortress. We actually left a day before the annual famous Mediaeval Festival. Willow loved it. She is going through a princess stage where she believes that she is a real princess so living at the foot of 'her' castle was just perfect. Casa Rosada is run by Rupert and Andrew who left high profile careers in London to come and run this perfect place. Here are some views...

Breakfast in the garden every morning, with crisp white antique linen and silverware, fresh fruit, yoghurt, muesli, honey, toast, home made jams and marmelade, and the famous Portuguese baked cream tarts when Rupert could get them at the market... we love them!

Willow loved to play ballet school in the secret room at the back of the garden...

View of the castle from the garden. It was lit at night.

The castle of Castro Marim

The rebuilt Fortress of Castro Marim

Over the bridge into Spain

We visited Cacela Velha, a gorgeous little village on a hill, then took a boat ride to the beach.

We fell in love with Tavira, the Venice of the Algarve!

On our last morning, Tanc went fishing, as he always has to on our trips...

He caught lots of mackerel and brought it back for us to have for lunch. Rupert whipped up this bountiful, delicious feast, only hours out of the sea...

Thanks Rupert and Andrew (and Poppy of course) for a wonderful holiday in your inspiring home!

2010-08-09T02:29:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun!

Our neighbours' puppy Juicy spent a lot of time in Willow's arms while they were here. She even tried to keep her by locking the doors so Juicy couldn't get out, and putting her in her bed uncer the bedclothes!

Delivering eggs!

Willow rode her favourite pony Chocolate on Saturday

A fiesta fiesta tea party!

2010-06-20T02:32:00.000-07:00

Carlota's Party

The pinata!

Willow's Caribbean Hideaway!

2010-05-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

Willow and her friends...

2010-05-03T01:47:00.000-07:00

Elise's 3rd Birthday Party - Princess theme

It's now the start of the 3 year old party season. It was a beautiful day on Saturday and a lovely relaxed party (it helps when you have a large villa with big lawns and a swimming pool!)

Princess Tiara

Princess Willow and Princess Coco

Willow wore 4 tutus under her skirt to give it some oomph and her fairy wing Tshirt from Auntie Claerwen (it's a real favourite!)

The princesses all stripped down to their knickers for a cool down dip...

Games and facepainting were hosted by Tina (Animadora Creativa)

2010-05-01T02:11:00.000-07:00

Up Close and Personal...

Last of the chicken pox... poor baby!

Willow's portrait of her mummy...

Self portrait with birds

Mummy and Daddy with flowers and trees

2010-04-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

Don't know if you guys in Oz get the Pineapple Dance Studios show yet, but it is hilarious.... Here is Louie, creative director, and new national treasure..... Claerwen, I thought you might appreciate his creative genius, as I do!

2010-04-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

We went skiing in Sierra Nevada for 3 days, got back late Tuesday night. Was hubby's birthday present to himself. He has been dying to get up there but not had a chance until now, and fortunately there was enough snow to extend the season by a few weeks. It was incredible weather.... clear blue sky, sunshine, hot, hot, hot.... a beach day down on the coast. But we were skiing 3ooom above sea level. Weird really. Willow loved being in the snow, particularly eating it. She had a turn on skis, on the chair lift and skiing down the mountain inbetween my legs. She just wanted to go straight down. As i started to meander down the slope she said mummy big one, which translates as go faster!

Cool cats... Bianca, Fulvia and me at Bianca's birthday party

2010-04-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

Rustic Supper

I made wholemeal bread today and we had it with pea, broccoli and asparagus soup. It's amazing what you can whip up even with nothing apparently in the pantry... frozen peas.... how often have they saved the day! And unusually Willow will eat green soup, but not touch a green veg in it's natural state.

Nerja Weekend

Last weekend we visited friends Nikki, Guy and Monica in Nerja. Fulvia, J.M. and Bianca came too. We had fun. It was extremely windy. I made strawberry daquiris and passed out. Was very sick. How embarrassing! Anyway, Willow had a ball with the girls. She has grown up so much so quickly. She's a little girl now , very independent and full of life. And can she talk!

Willow and Monica

The girls hangin out in Nerja

2010-04-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! I hope you are all happy, healthy and enjoying some family LEISURE time! I know I have been off the radar for a long time but I am so pleased to be back in blogland! If you don't know, I have been travelling in Australia, Malaysia and the UK since before Christmas. I enjoyed a fabulous family reunion in Melbourne which happens every 2 years and lasted for 3 weeks. As you can imagine it was all too short and sweet. Then I moved on to an island in Malaysia called Langkawi. It was amazing. I have to say that the Malaysian people in general are the the nicest, kindest and most pleasant people I have ever met. Then I spent over a month in the UK where I (underwent) a cycle of IVF treatment. The treatment unfortunately was unsuccessful which came as a big shock to my husband and I as the first time we did it resulted in our beautiful daughter Willow. We assumed it would happen for us again so we were very upset and disappointed. However it didn't last long as we realised how fortunate and happy we already are. Que sera sera.... etc.. etc...

Homemade hot cross buns..... delicious!

Willow's nursery had a gallery of decorated eggs. We had a go but unfortunately Willow was too sick with a bad cold on Wednesday to be there for the prizegiving. Somehow I don't think we were in the running. You should have seen some of the pieces the children/parents displayed! Works of art!!

This photo was taken by Willow, and she decorated the cupcakes too. I was trying to tell her that less is more, but at Easter time I guess it doesn't matter!

The weather has been glorious! Thankyou Mother Nature! x

The Hello Kitty Birthday cake and cupcakes I made for Bianca's 5th birthday party. Happy Birthday Bianca! She had a wonderful kitty cat birthday party.

I took the time to swap Willow's bedroom into the spare room so now she has a full on playroom/bedroom. It's so much better as now there are no toys in the loungeroom

She really loves her new bedroom/playroom

You know they are up to something when it goes very quiet for at least a few minutes...

This is a photo that Willow took of one of her paintings. I love it!

Easter (Semana Santa) in Spain is such an important religious and family time. Marbella goes from being basically a sleepy village to a bustling international town. Fortunately the weather gods shone down upon us and gifted us with sunshine and warmth. It has been a very pleasant holiday period. Willow is now in bed asleep, which is a blessing in itself considering the amount of chocolate she has eaten. We are not long home from a wonderful lunch which turned into dinner.... the best ones do don't they..... We dined at Fulvia and JM's apartment, overlooking the sea, on the terrace, in the sunshine.... delicious Italian food, fresh, tasty ingredients and amazing flavours.... Burato mozzarella, tomatoes and pesto, Saltimbocca, pasta, plenty of white wine, coffee and chocolate. Willow and Bianca played together nicely, mostly...

Good Night and Sweet dreams... xxx

2009-12-14T04:28:00.000-08:00

Getting very excited about our trip. Can't sleep, got so much to do and organise and remember... We leave next Saturday for UK, then to Australia on Christmas Eve! Not too busy to fit in some pre-xmas parties and lunches though... had a brilliant time at the Fashion TV party at Bono's Beach last Thursday. Free champs! Left at a respectable 1.30am so was fine next day (bit dehydrated!) Caught up with Simon and Emily and Ela at Shiraz on the port for Sunday lunch. Good fun. Willow had a ball....

2009-11-25T04:50:00.000-08:00

Cute Pics...

Benahavis Sunday Car Boot Sale

Fiesta Fiesta Kids Art and Craft Workshop

de Pola family antix

2009-11-22T00:22:00.000-08:00

Willow's Weekend Antics

We all know Willow loves a party frock, well this one we bought from the Lindsay at Box Rooms and Frocks. She has a stall at the Benahavis Market on Sundays. This will be Willow's Boxing Day Lunch dress in Melbourne. We had to fight her to get it off!

She loves to help me cook. Here she is making her own spaghetti sauce.

2009-11-09T03:03:00.000-08:00

Gosh it has been a busy old time. I apologise for my part-time blogging! First we had Vanessa and John to stay which was so fantastic. They are our very good friends who live in Newcastle in New South Wales and even though it's been a few years since we saw each other it was just like it was yesterday. We went to meet them off the ferry in Tarifa (they had been in Marrakech) then we all stayed in Tarifa a couple of days at the Posada La Sacristia, a gorgeous boutique hotel that has been there a while but is still very stylish. http://www.lasacristia.net/

Willow with John and Ness

After they left I had to quickly organise a kid's Halloween party for 12 in Sierra Blanca. It was a lot of fun. As it was also my birthday on Halloween, I had to race home and change into my Mortisha outfit and head off to our adult's Halloween/birthday dinner party, held at Evita for Buenos Aires, in Nueva Andalucia. This was a brilliant night with a great group of friends. We then went out to Studio 10 for a boogie and ended up at home at 5am! Poor Maria from La Latina was babysitting Willow and I think she was hoping to go out after herself!

Willow dressed as a Ladybird to go to her nursery Halloween party

Willow and Dahlia, one of her teachers at La Latina

Willow and Gaby

Tanc or should I say Drac and Nicola ....

Mortisha and Witchie

Cruella, Monk and Tony Montana...

Then last Saturday I had a 9 year old girls party to host in Hacienda Las Chapas. They were a gorgeous bunch of girls and it was lots of fun playing games then dressing them up for dinner with hair and makeup. They were served Babysham by a black tie french waiter (her dad) before sitting down to spaghetti dinner. Very cute.

We are also organising/designing our ensuite bathroom at the moment. This has moved up a step as we are hoping to have it done while we are in Australia.

Off to clean up the organised chaos (i wish) in which we are living right now...

The good news is Willow is toilet trained successfully. The bad news is she is hitting people (including her friends) a lot...

Checking out the latest Agent Provocateur catalogue!!!

Making a train out of the box that my birthday flowers arrived in.... thanks Mum and Dad!!!

2009-10-19T01:30:00.000-07:00

Here is Willow in the morning before nursery, in her uniform plus additional accessories du jour...

Some props from the Fiesta Fiesta stand at the Mother Baby & Toddler Show last weekend

Cupcakes some by me and the cute ones with pictures of Willow from her birthday party and our logo on by The Icing on the Cake Spain

The stand

Emily and baby Ela visited us at the stand on Saturday

Willow had lots of fun with all the kids. Here she is dancing with Tiara. She had several costume changes throughout the day...

2009-10-19T01:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome my new baby boy nephew Flint into the world

He looks very happy to be here with his daddy!

2009-08-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

My Flamenco Fairy...

An evening spent on the beach in San Pedro, with her best friend...

A few of my favourites from the recent trip to Portugal...

2009-08-11T02:07:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we went to visit our friends Mike and Michelle up past Casabermeja. It is always a great trip as it is such a stunning place. And they are great hosts....

Michelle picking almonds

Willow loves to follow her friends Nico and Sasha around

always managed to find something to accessorise with

Early Saturday Morning...

Fully accessorised as the sun comes up...

It's tough being a model....

We had 2 parties in one day last weekend. First there was Jasmine's 10th birthday party where she and her friends serenaded us to all her favorites.

Then it was Max's 2nd birthday, where we were able to cool off...

Here are some from before Willow was sick. Saturday morning out for breakfast in Marbella Port.

Feeding the fish

2009-07-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

Poor Willow has been very sick with a virus and I have been by her side day and night for a week. It was so sad to see her beautiful spirit disappear along with her energy and bodyweight. Very worrying too but the hospital kept telling us she wasn't dehydrated which was the main danger in this heat. I was so worried about the fact that she wouldn't eat that I used a syringe to put carrot and honey puree into her a couple of times. Thank goodness all is well now, she is back at nursery as of today and has a good appetite back. So now to clean the house and linen of vomit and bile stains. Pleasant...

This was Willow's attempt at doing her makeup (pre-illness)

And this is her trying out her new big girl pants....

See how big and bonny she was......

This is her now (post-illness)...

Over the weekend I managed to sort out the terrace and make it useable again. It had turned into a tip very quickly with lack of attention by me. So I'm pleased with the result and we now have a lovely space to enjoy again....

2009-07-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

I'm having a do nothing day today to recover from the weekend. Willow's party was delightful. Everything was perfect. I only had 3.5 hours sleep the night before but that's the way it goes!

It was worth it!

Here are all my photos from the party....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31397201@N08/

I have some more coming from Dani, my friend and neighbour who is a brilliant photographer....

Here are a couple of his...

This is the beautiful birthday girl the day after, she wanted to continue being a fairy....
but with the smaller, everyday wings that her lovely granny and pa sent from Australia xxx

2009-06-26T02:55:00.000-07:00

Back from our whirlwind tour of England... Visited Brighton and Hove, Chichester, Nutbourne, Chelsea, Battersea and Elstead, Surrey. Used a variety of modes of transport as didn't hire a car on this occasion. So little Willow is definitely getting the travelling bug. She screamed to get on the big red London buses, danced with delight at the prospect of going on the train again and enjoyed every minute of the flights which was fantastic for us! A big difference to when we flew to Florida when she was 15 months! So maybe the trip to Oz in December won't be as difficult as we are anticipating? MMMMmmm i can only hope!

New dress and shoes, accessorised by Willow....

First stop, Brighton, England...

Bob's daughter Dom with Willow

Bob's girlfriend Carol enjoying the wonderful view from the window seat in his penthouse

Next Stop, Chichester...

Family pub lunch in Nutbourne

(Great) Aunt Jane, Willow and Daisy

Willow and Daisy

Ben and Megan

Willow showing Megan her bling

Willow met Daisy, Grace and Megan, her cousins, for the first time and had a wonderful time

She particularly took to Daisy. It was very cute....

The walk to the Bunny

Proud daddy/uncle

Picnic at the Bunny, on Gran and John's memorial bench

Strawberries by Jane and Jo, cupcakes by Jo and beautiful picnicware by Rice, available online at Ben and Jo's company http://www.nettlegreen.co.uk/

Another proud daddy/uncle

The beautiful girls....

The beautiful birthday girl cousin Lucie

Cousin Harry's band Rob the Rich played an acoustic set which was very cool

www.myspace.com/robtherichtheband

The girls were a bit starstruck by their Uncle Harry

Young groupies!

A very tired little groupie

Next stop London, Battersea

Auntie Amber, Uncle Rolfie, Sienna and Caspian kindly put us up at their place in Battersea, again. Willow enjoyed a brief play with her cousins before they went to bed and again before they went off to school. Then we took to the streets of London for a fast-paced look around. We had lunch at Carluccio's in Chelsea which is always fantastic, and great for children. We made a few purchases, rode a few big red buses to keep Willow happy then back to Amber's for a delicious dinner that she had prepared, gourmet Indian followed by Chocolate Mint mousse. Deelicious!

Next morning we strolled along Northcote Road in the sunshine, spending time in Jamie Oliver's new venture Recipease. Wonderful place, as is everything he does. Check out http://www.recipease.com/. We bought some yummy bits and pieces from the bakery stand and took it back home to eat before our train to Surrey. Oh and husband bought his prepared crab from the seafood caravan that he always has to have.

Our conclusion is that it is now a lot cheaper to live in England (retail speaking....)

Auntie Amber, daddy and Willow had a little singalong before we dashed off to Grandma's

Final Stop, Elstead, Surry

It was a perfect summer's day in the countryside and a perfect way to end our hectic week, with a bit of nature loving and relaxation. We took a walk around Grandma Lois and Grandpa Norman's wonderful garden and so I leave you with some images of summer in Surrey...

2009-06-06T23:26:00.000-07:00

Amanda and John's visit....

Amanda and John arrived safe and sound on the Delta flight from Orlando via New York to Malaga. Said it was pretty easy... not a full flight so they could stretch out and get some sleep. The boys played golf yesterday and the girls had a very girly time, watched Sex and the City movie, ate chocolate truffle pudding, then went for a long walk from home, down to the beach via Puente Romano to show Amanda (a fellow botanical appreciator) the beautiful and inspiring gardens, stopping to feed the swans (one of Willow's favourite things to do).... to Marbella Club for coffee, then back up the hill to home. By this time Miss Willow wanted to be carried the whole way home so it was an excellent workout. No guilt about the chocolate pudding...

Willow and Auntie Amanda

Feeding the swans at Puente Romano hotel

Marbella Club for coffee (and icy treat to keep her quiet...)

Note bride and groom in background

Madame making herself comfortable

We are off to Granada this morning to visit the Alhambra Palace and stay at a cute hotel in the old town so very excited, weather is perfect and should be great trip. Will no doubt have lots of photos to post...

2009-06-02T03:08:00.000-07:00

Stop the Press.... i would like to announce that Willow did her first poo in the potty without me asking her to this morning, before school..... so clever!!!

Lip Gloss...
Madame is really enjoying the feminine touches these days.... makeup, jewellery, anything shiny....

She is loving her new crib.... the routine now is to sit in bed after bath and watch The Hungry Caterpillar dvd. v cute... doesn't last long though as she still jumps up about 20 times before she falls asleep, usually in our bed. But im sure it will happen eventually....

Social Summer is upon us....

Sunday was a BBQ at Brian and Kinga's for Kinga's son Karol's 3rd birthday. Lots of lovely food..... too much sugar for Willow, although she did enjoy her first lamb chop!

Karol the birthday boy

Was the Nikki Beach White Party on Thursday night. We had a super time! Willow spent the night at Tina and Janus' place, playing with her bfriend William....

2009-05-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

That was my favourite MAC lipstick...

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Beach Day out with Tiara and Nicola

2009-05-05T04:40:00.000-07:00

My Moroccan styled terrace

One of Willow's favourite activities is watering the garden. I guess this is a luxury in many countries but we are extremely fortunate to have a full reservoir close by in Lake Istan.

She hasn't grown tired of riding Brandy

Friends gathered at Tanc's birthday party

The fairy outfit gets a lot of wear....

Here Willow is trying to convince Tiara that her second hand dried apricot would be really nice...

Tiara is not convinced but Willow goes in for a fresh one....

Sleepy morning look holding trusty puppy's, Duffy the grey poodle (!) and Bijou the labrador...

Cheeky monkeys....

Our friend Jackie has just moved in with her boyfriend Mike (they met on an internet dating site and have been together a couple of years now). They had a party on Saturday to celebrate... beautiful house, now completed with Jackie's style and touches.

Willow was very shy to begin with, taking after me, rather than her extrovert dad...

She preferred to go and move furniture....

By the end of the evening she had taken a fancy to Alex, a local Spanish boy who was very charming

Willow and I went to visit my friend Sandy yesterday. She lives up the hill towards Lake Istan. It was a beautiful day and her property looked gorgeous. I hadn't been there in a while and her plantings have really taken off. It is a truly stunning spot, especially this time of year.

Sandy is off to Cairns tomorrow to visit her boyfriend Peter, an Australian whom she met on an internet dating site. They have been together 2 years now and he has even bought a house near her here in Spain. In actual fact it is partly due to me that they got together as I took a series of photos of Sandy for her profile on the website and Peter was so impressed by how gorgeous and glamourous she looked that he couldn't resist her!

2009-04-30T04:06:00.000-07:00

Well I threw Tanc a Moroccan Tea Party for his birthday last Saturday. It was a fun day. I didn't get all my decoration up as it was too windy but i don't think anyone really noticed or cared...

2009-04-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

Pirate Party

You may or may not know that I have started a party planning business with my girlfriend Nicola (Tiara's mummy). Well our first event was a pirate themed birthday party for 6 year old Jude. It was a great success. The only downside was that it coincided with the arrival of our family, the Depolla's, from London so it was mayhem in our house for a few days. I was up till 3am the night before baking, and it would have been later had Amber not helped by making the carrot cake cupcakes! Thankyou my darling Amber!! And while I was away all day working at the party, Willow was sick with a fever and throwing up. What a great start to their visit! It did calm down (a bit) and we had a great time with them, visiting Tarifa before they headed off to Orgiva for a few days of peace and tranquility.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31397201@N08/sets/72157616504904557/

Easter Sunday

The kids enjoyed a great easter egg hunt and Willow ate more sweets than she has ever seen (no repercussions thankfully)

Luis and Willow in discussion

Willow took off with my handbag at one stage.... and Luis had to intervene

Party girl!

Easter Saturday - Nicola, Livio and Tiara's

The boys played golf and the girls made easter baskets

2009-03-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

Our terrace is being revamped ready for spring/summer 09 and the imminent arrival of the Depolla's from London

This garden bed has looked tatty ever since we lived here so we are very proud to have finally smartened it up.

I'm right into lime green and fuschia pink right now. It's my theme for the terrace...

and everything/everyone else!

Willow loves her new tea set

Weekend fun with Lily

2009-03-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

This past weekend...

Tiara and Willow enjoying Sunday lunch

Willow is wearing a gorgeous dress that Barbara gave her

Nicola and the girls rocking out in the park

Jayne took Willow and I to the Equestrian Centre

Willow loved it...

She had her first ride on a real horsey!

She was very calm and seemed a natural

A girls night out in Puerto Banus for G's birthday

This game kept Willow occupied while i was cooking dinner

2009-03-02T05:05:00.000-08:00

Weekend Fun!

2009-02-21T05:03:00.000-08:00

Carnival!

Willow's school La Latina celebrated Carnival Day this week

Too cute!

The lion is Willow's boyfriend

Willow and Tiara playing in Tiara's backyard jungle (the next day it was all mowed)

My little Picasso
I thought i was so clever putting plastic down

but the painted feet were soon all around the house but thank goodness we got her in the bath before the hands found the walls!

Pancakes are a family favourite

Willow and Pen. We took her sling off as she kept falling over and hitting her head which seemed more dangerous

My little baby.... she didn't let an injury hold her back

Still managed to muscle in on the toybox

2009-02-10T07:57:00.001-08:00

I'm feeling very sad for my poor old state of Victoria. Very upsetting these fires. I heard some personal stories on CNN and was a blubbering mess. Of course I'm extremely pleased that all my loves ones are safe (and have airconditioning!).

Willow saw the traumatologist last night. Confirmed everything we knew really. Will heal quickly at this age. I put her in nursery for a couple of hours today and she had a great time but in consultation with the teachers I decided to keep her home till Monday just to give it a bit of time to repair, in case she falls over (or is pushed over!).

After the doc appointment last night we crossed the road to the beach. Was a gorgeous evening in Marbella. We wanted to stay for a glass of wine but remembered we had a roast chicken in the oven!

In the picture below you can see Africa on the left, Gibraltar in the middle and Spain on the right.

2009-02-09T01:42:00.000-08:00

Fancy french toast to try to tempt fussy morning eater (that's Tanc if you're wondering)

Trying out recipes for my new birthday cake making business

Willow taking after me in the frowning department...

Yes she does watch a lot of television!

The Ikea stuff has been very successful

Well it's been quite eventful the last week with one thing or another. My crown fell off so I had a quick trip to the dentist. I had to help hubby move out of his office and into a temporary office. In fact i did all the packing while he continued working and talking on the phone. Thank goodness for wives! Then on Saturday Willow fell of the back off the couch and on to the marble floor. We had the ambulance service come out and take a look at her because she was in a lot of pain. They didn't think there was a break but said to keep an eye and take her to the hospital if concerned. Well after speaking to Granny Ros the next morning I decided immediately to take her to the hospital and sure enough she has a fractured clavicle. It's been a horrible experience for her, with the doctors poking around the painful area, the x-ray etc. but we are very proud of her. She is still full of spirit and it's amazing to see how quickly she has adapted to using one hand with the other strapped up. I thought she would be so frustrated and miserable but she is coping so well.

Straight after the hospital yesterday

By the afternoon we were at the tennis club

This morning she was in good spirits

Still managing to look glamourous!

2009-02-02T02:31:00.000-08:00

Had a fab weekend. Attempted to play tennis at Manolo's on Sat but Willow wasn't having a bar of it, so home we went to watch it on tv instead. Sat night we scrubbed up and threw on our glad rags, dropped Willow at Zoe's to be babysat for the whole night then went out for Nicola's b'day. Was a very successful night, and as much as I was very intoxicated, didn't throw up next morning which is always a blessing! We dined at Evita de Buenos Aires and thoroughly recommend it. Brilliant atmosphere, lovely hosts and the food to die for... even if you don't eat meat... you can have the chicken, or the vegetable brochettes. Next we went on to Suite which was surprisingly crowded for this time of year. Nicola and I had a good boogie while the boys got the drinks in.... Then we finished off at Vanity. Very crowded but great. And stumbling distance home! In bed by 5.15am but don't remember much.

Next morning i picked Willow up around 11am (yes i was probably still not in a fit state to drive) and she was perfect. Zoe hadn't heard a peep all night, and she had a great morning playing with Zac and eating Zoe's breakfast. So it's great to have that overnight option now.

Then Sunday afternoon we went to visit Simon and Emily to meet their new addition, Ela-Jo. She is beautiful and tiny but quite feisty for 7 pounds! They seem to be adapting extremely well and were as relaxed as ever. Their villa in the centre of Marbella is gorgeous and I am quite jealous! Thanks to Emily's mum for doing a fantastic roast chicken and veg and that tomato and basil tart was muy delicioso. And of course we had to wet the head, so more champagne.... and more wine.... ahhh, it's yoga and green tea today for me.... well plus my morning cup of coffe to get my blood pressure up for the day!!! Oh and it's slippers for me today as I gave my Galliano skyscraper heels an outing on Sat night, but they are definitely not designed for heavy dancefloor action. More like standing in one place all night looking glamourous. Blisters!!

Talking of glamour......the queen of accessories (or the mardi gras?)

2009-01-30T03:21:00.000-08:00

Time for a new look and more action on the blogging front. I've gone for a minimal, organic look, antidote to the stressed, credit crunch world we are currently living in.

Willow is happily ensconsed (is that a word?) at nursery for 2 more hours, the house is reasonably tidy (enough to receive visitors) and the sun is shining. I've had my coffee and am feeling very positive about life. (Puccini is on the stereo). I am going to upload some photos and then work on my painting (a commission for my girlfriend Gabriela). Just spoke to Mum in Melbourne who is sweltering in the 4th day of over 40 degrees!

Weekend stroll in Puerto Banus

At the garden centre

Sorry about the blurr but wanted to show you her Matrix look! Her friend Zac's glasses.

Bosco, Indira and Willow in London pre Christmas

Christmas Fair in Hyde Park

Enjoying a moment with Auntie Amanda

A family outing to the Tate Modern.... Fantastic! I really miss the galleries, living in Marbella

Willow and Sienna being part of the installation...

In grandma Lois' kitchen at Christmas