A Winning Weekend

I was looking forward to this weekend - I had some crafty fun planned and it didn't disappoint!
Friday night I was unexpectedly treated to dinner by my lovely boyfriend - it always tastes better when it is a surprise and a treat!
We went to the Rum Diaries just down on Bondi Road which is a cool little bar/restaurant specialising in rum cocktails and tapas style food.  They were very busy on a Friday night so we sat at the bar and had a glass of wine before sitting down to eat.  Whilst at the bar we were kept entertained by the barman who was creating all sorts of interesting drinks with bunsen burners and the like..this time we weren't in the cocktail mood but will be back to sample from the extensive menu for sure.

By the time we sat down I was starving and a bit worried that we were not going to order enough so I ordered the bread plate which came on a wooden platter and had a lovely sweet roasted head of garlic to spread, white bean puree, olive oil with balsamic and a pesto - I really enjoyed this but I did find the bread a bit dense and dry (but of course I finished it).  For our main course we ordered the meaty platter and two sides (again the fear of not having enough food) the standouts were the jerk chicken with rice and beans and the steak which had a lovely jus.  The sides were green beans and "naked wedges" with chipotle mayo and sour cream - Craig described the wedges as being like "pillows inside" - this was a good thing and they were very soft and fluffy - the chipotle mayo did it for me too.

Needless to say we over ordered and we wandered home feeling very full but content, I would go back but this time perhaps order two of the platters (you can also get a vege and a fish one) and pass on the sides.. (next time I will also take some pics before the food is devoured).

The before shot...

Saturday was a day of food and fittings (curtains that is).  My sister Penelope has been wanting to replace her lounge curtains forever and I don't blame her - they are a kind of seventies floral pattern and at least 10cms too short, not a great look.  So the purchase of my new sewing machine was the chance to have a day of curtain making and a mini makeover for Penelope's lounge.

Howie got attached to the old curtains.

  First a visit to Spotlight was in order and we wandered around aimlessly for a while not knowing where to start before asking for some help.  The very helpful saleswoman found it quite amusing that we were attempting curtains when we obviously didn't have a clue..we both looked at her blankly when she started talking about drops.  Her advice was pretty sound though - "get a couple of bottles of wine and some nibbles".  We had the nibbles sorted already but we didn't think it would be a good idea to drink and try to sew straight lines so we stuck with juice.
Penelope actually had a pretty good idea of what to do and it didn't take all weekend as we were were warned it might - there were a few stops when Howie (our kitten) decided he wanted to get involved but for the most part it went pretty well.  My contribution to the day was a chicken and leek pie to keep us going, I adapted the recipe a bit to use what we had in the fridge and it was pretty yummy - washed down with some lamington fingers and what more could you want?  Oh maybe some trashy telly (a.k.a Jersey Shore) - could it get any better?  I think not. Penel went home with her new curtains and I knew that my sewing machine worked - and also who to call if I ever need curtains :)

Ta da!  

So the last day of the weekend has been a day of baking cupcakes - 4 batches to be exact.  I am taking them in to work tomorrow for the RSPCA cupcake day.  Hopefully everyone will enjoy them and donate generously to a good cause.  I am still trying to decide whether to make the icing tonight or get up extra early tomorrow....still undecided.....