Friday Fun :: Can we turn back Time?

If you could turn back the clock,

would you?

I wouldn't! 

Life just gets better & better

with every single day, 

bringing (hopefully) a little more wisdom with it.

(This is the infamous Clock Tower stunt,

from the 1923 film Safety Last,

with the actor Harold Lloyd.)

:: image via ::

Elements :: Wrought & Cast Iron Lace

The twirls & swirls of iron lace,

in their filigree patterns throwing charming patterns of shadow,

can instantly change a building from serious to romantic.

Reaching a zenith of popularity in the late 19th century,

iron lace was mostly used on balustrades, column capitals, 

gates & fences

to impart ornamentation & display wealth.

On balustrades,

where the lacy openness creates views through,

the lace iron adds a sense of lightness,

rather belying the actual weight of the material.

Baking :: Rose Petal Cheesecake...

 Having an abundance of fresh roses in the garden

made me wonder what the sweet petals would taste like 

in a cheesecake.

So last night, I experimented.

And this is the result. 

Smooth from cream cheese, slightly tangy from ricotta.

Scented with vanilla & rose,

scattered with fresh rose petals,

it's the most heavenly~luscious cheesecake I have ever made.

A chic little cottage by the water...

If you have ever dreamed of having

sparkling turquoise water at the bottom of your garden, 

where water nymphs & fairies might frolic in the moonlight,

then this little cottage in Sydney's fabulous Palm Beach 

may just tickle your imagination.

A Door of Blue...

Pale blues take on an illuminance,

almost a glow,

which makes them particularly welcoming & inviting

for front doors.

A patina effect works especially well in this colour, 

highlighting the contrast between pale blue & a darker substrate.

(The effect above is achieved through copper paint 

with a patina solution applied.)

And adding a little dark, dark blue 

(like the Magnum)

gives the pale blue a dramatic, sophisticated edge.

Alfresco dining, sounds good. With a chandelier? Sounds fabulous!

 Tucked daintily next to a swimming pool,

this alfresco dining area is redolent with grape vines,

a chandelier & a stone fireplace. 

But my favourite bit?