Morning tea

Australian Country Style

As well as being one of my favorite magazines, it's also how I like to spend my time: namely getting into the countryside and finding nice nooks and crannies.

Last weekend I very generously gave Mr Cosy the lovely birthday gift of a stay at Chateau Yering in the Yarra Valley. I know - very good of me to put myself through it!

It was a return to the old days, pre-kids. We don't often depart overnight without the young ones but Nanna stepped in and away we went.

First stop was St Hubert's Winery for some grown-up chat and sipping. Very leisurely and delicious. Did we spit? As if!!

Then we trundled off to check in at Chateau Yering and be introduced to our privacy cat:

Apparently he would stand guard and stop the under-footman from treading where he wasn't wanted.

Then it was a meander through the historic garden and over into Yering Station where we bypassed the tastings and went straight for Matt's Bar for some Late Disgorgement. (Sparkling wine, in case you were as curious..).

A little French cheese and charcuterie and then it was agreed that the lady's maid had probably set the fire in our lodgings and it would be nice to perch there before dinner. 

The cellar door kindly provides with chilled bottles, so off we went to continue

The discussion in beautiful surroundings.

Then it was to dinner here:

In the end, Mr Cosy was begging to "please make it stop!" as we limped across the finishing line of the chef's tasting menu. 

The next day, we did some actual browsing at length through a terrific antique store in Yarra Glen. Picked up the retro cake tins in today's Facebook post and this gorgeous oil painting:

$45 for that painting in a gorgeous frame! Perfect for the Homemade House.

Friday baking

Today's Friday baking is an apple cinnamon tea cake I made for friend recently.  it was for her to take away and enjoy while going through the traumas of divorce and moving.

I made it again today for a friend I haven't seen since 2008!  It looks so sweet, tastes delish and is reall very easy. Chances are, you have the ingredients in your kitchen right now.

Cosy Life

Welcome to Cosy! 

I spent last year blogging the owner-build of our period-inspired home. We designed it inside and out, was such a wonderful experience. Www.homemadehouse2013@blogspot.com.au

This year we are delving down into the details of life in the Homemade House. But I didn't want to just write about the house itself, there are so many other aspects to this cosy life. 

As a lover of all things to do with classic interiors plus cooking, plus family life I decided to create my own pigeonhole. You never know, I may even blog the occasional craft! (Sound the trumpets, bang the gong!).

(note daffodil-trumpet reference..)

Looking forward to doing this thing!!