Shopping in Kyneton

I've been going through my pics of our trip, and thought I'd share some great new shops and cafes in Kyneton, Victoria. Such a pretty place. Nothing but rainbows! Really. I still can't believe how many great shops and restaurants are packed into this very small town. I could live in any of these shops.

Prunella is a beautiful flower and gift shop. We bought a piece of the lovely pottery and an olive tree for my in-laws. Caris and Vanessa, the owners, make a talented duo!

The Vintage Yard Sale is a brand new shop on Piper Street. Lots of collectibles, and some fantastic re-worked furniture. Their mid-century pieces are almost free compared to the cost of that particular style here in Vancouver. What's up Vancouver?

We went to Steam Mill Cafe pretty much every day. I loved their avocado and dukkah (an Egyptian spice) and their scones and Devonshire cream.

While away, I did a post for Poppytalk about another amazing shop in Kyneton called StockRoom. Click here for the story. You'll want to move right on in!

Have a lovely day! Back soon.

janis
x

Hello 2011

An image from our New Year's celebration in Kyneton. Wishing you all a fantastic 2011!

Back soon. janis x

Baked (in Kyneton) - Orange Blossom Friands

Have you all survived Christmas? Anyone brave the boxing day sales? I'm not one for boxing day shopping...I think I'd lose it ;)

We're having a fantastic time, just hanging out with family, but this morning I felt the need to bake. After flipping through my mother-in-law's Australian Women's Weeklys, I came across these Orange Blossom Friands. Holy delicious, and really easy to make.

Orange Blossom Friands - makes about 28

butter for greasing
6 egg whites
185g unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon orange blossom water
1 cup ground almonds
1 1/2 cups icing sugar
1/2 cup plain flour
1/2 cup flaked almonds

Honey syrup
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons orange blossom water

Preheat oven to 180c/350f. Grease patty tin with butter.
Place egg whites in a medium bowl; whisk lightly with a fork, until combined. Add butter, honey, orange blossom water, ground almonds, sifted flour and icing sugar, and stir until combined. Fill each patty cup with about a tablespoon of mixture. Top with flaked almonds.

Bake for about 12 minutes. Let stand in pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Repeat with the remaining mixture and flaked almonds.

Honey syrup: combine the honey and water in a small saucepan and bring to boil. Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom water. Cool.

Serve friands drizzled with Honey Syrup. I might add that these are delicious paired with champagne! Enjoy.

Back in a few days with some images of Victoria! Have a lovely day.

Janis
x

Silent Night in Kyneton

It's Christmas Eve, all is quiet and I have a moment on my own. A few images of a very warm and sunny day here in Kyneton....

 

I hope you're all having a fabulous time with friends and family, and eating heaps! Catch up again soon. Merry Christmas!

janis

xo

Abandoned and Beautiful

I've been going through my pics of our trip to Australia last year. We're trying to put together an iBook, finally. I have to say, I love iBooks. Easy, fast and inexpensive. "My Publisher" is another good one.  How do you put your travel and family photos together?

I came across some images of an abandoned old hospital in Kyneton, Victoria. We found a door that had been kicked open (I promise, we had nothing to do with that), and ventured on in. I have a crazy curiosity for boarded up old buildings. Love them.  Kind of Scooby Doo, no?

Have a lovely weekend everyone! Back on Monday with a little something savory.

I'm a little bit country

Well, Kyneton has proved to be a pretty fabulous little town. Love it. No big box anything here, just great independently owned shops, cafes and restaurants. Piper Street is where it's at.

Newly opened Kabinett is owned by Melissa MacFarlane and Frank Moylan, previous owners of the Royal George Hotel in Kyneton. Incredible mix of vintage pieces sourced mostly from Eastern Europe and Australia. I adore this shop. I have my eyes on a vintage map of Australia, and two happy blue enamel light fixtures (not pictured unfortunately).

 
Little Swallow Cafe has quickly become our spot for coffee and delicious breakfasts. Love the decor, so simple.

If you visit Kyneton, and you should, check out no. 2 sweetheart for pretty organic fashion and beauty products (I'm wearing a sweet little bamboo top right now!), Slow Living is a great restaurant that uses local organic produce and meats and makes a fab coffee too.

Have to dash. Off to Tahbilk to sample a few wines today. 

A Day on Earth

I found my personal mecca the other day. We went to beautiful Daylesford, about 90 minutes out of Melbourne, and checked out Shed 4 - A Day on Earth. I think I heard angels singing. This shop (it's actually a huge warehouse) is owned by David Bromley, a fabulous British born (raised in Australia) artist. He really is one of my favourites. 

The warehouse was full of vintage crates, old worker's lockers, David's art, pottery and even a couple of Japanese coin operated kiddie rides. Absolute heaven. So sad to leave it all behind.

A fabulous box table featuring art by David Bromley, coin operated kiddie ride, and the chair that I can't get out of my mind. Love that colour.

Vintage paddles adorned with Bromley faces (my friend, Nikki, would love these), the backside of a plate, and a quartet of illuminated children. My husband plans on purchasing the blue girl. We adored her. Wouldn't she make a fabulous "greeter" in a front hall?

The last few days have been incredible. The air is so clean and fresh here in Kyneton, and the smell of gum trees is amazing. Ahh, Australia.