Old friends, new links

Last week I met a group of women in a cafe who had been regularly getting together for more than 40 years. They were all in their 70s, enjoying coffee and cake and gossip with each other and a handful of grandchildren. As I apologetically manoeuvred Madeleine's pram past their table, they told me "We understand, that's how we met." Turns out they were all from the same mothers' group and had been friends ever since. Isn't that incredible? It's been a long time since I've shared any links to my writing elsewhere, and I feel like I'm neglecting my old friends, the wonderful websites and publications who support me. Here are some bits and pieces you might enjoy.

Unexpected snail-mail connections

Have you heard of 'slow blogging'?

Amazing (colour!) photographs of Paris a hundred years ago

How to score a business loan (pdf)

What's inside Frida Kahlo's closet?

The nights are long but the years are short

The food of love

Can your business outlive your career?

Dear celebrity, I thought we were friends

(Photo by aftab)

Little artists and weekend links

This weekend is brought to you by the decidedly unspooky but utterly adorable homemade Halloween costume series from Jordan on Oh Happy Day. It was so hard to decide which costume to show you on here. There are clouds and little French girls and robots and vintage pilots and so many others, but in the end I settled on these wonderful artists. Aren't they just the cutest little troubled geniuses you ever did see? Right down to Frida's monobrow. I die! Costumes like these make me want Madeleine to grow up quickly, so I can dress her in all of them. And then she smiles a toothless smile at me out of her sweet, dribble-covered face and I think DON'T CHANGE in a sudden panic.

Meanwhile, here are some lovely links to take you into the weekend.

* While we're on the subject of Halloween costumes, this dog is too cute for words * A touching story about blogging and connections * What would you say to the you of seven years ago? * This music paints a beautiful picture * Where can I find alpine strawberries in Australia? * A poignant response to the senseless murder of Jill Meagher * Swan wig! Oh yes please * Pip's free printable work-planner * The tastiest optimists v pessimists decider

Happy weekend, and may you have grand adventures and good times!

Spring love + links

How was your weekend? We are soaking up the warmer weather, and I think the best part is that Madeleine gets to bare her fat little arms and fat little legs and chubby little toes. There is just so much more of her to kiss all the time! I have ordered two pairs of espadrilles from the The Iconic, ready to pound the pavement in ice cream pastel style with my little darling as much as we can, before the weather gets too hot.

To ease you into Monday, here is the cutest little across-the-ages love story (originally seen here), plus some more fun links from around the web...

Balance your roles and be the best you

What would you make from this collection of polka dot DIYs?

Let's do ice cream

Squeeze 'n spray this lemon

Festival des metiers

Adorable zines (ferns! thrift stores!)

This strawberry wildflower cake makes me so excited about spring

Ralph Lauren's new Downton Abbey inspired collection

Orange bunting: on pants, on a purse

Hello stranger on the street, could you please tell me how to take care of my baby?

Flapper inspired champagne cocktail. Cheers.

Get to bed!

And on another note, happy birthday to my wonderful brother Adam. We fought like cats and dogs when we were little, but we have been best of friends for many, many years. Even though we don't see as much of each other since I moved away (to New York, to Queensland, to Adelaide, to Melbourne), you are still very, very dear to me. I'm so proud to be your sister! Love you Hulbs.