700 posts giveaway and Cooks Hill

On Friday morning we had the usual school routine, hopped in the Corolla and dropped the kids off at school, reminding them about going to after school care until daddy picked them up, and then headed to Kell's to drop Cedar off (along with his car seat). Once he was settled for his morning nap, I headed to Melbourne airport's long term car parking, took the courtesy bus to the terminal and pottered in to check in for my flight. I was quite unnecessarily pleased with how smoothly the schedule worked out!

After arriving at Newcastle airport, I headed straight to the Hunter Valley, spending Friday afternoon, Saturday and Saturday night there. First thing on Sunday morning I drove to Newcastle, intending on at least having a look around before flying home!

Since a friend had pointed me to the area, I stopped at Darby St, Cooks Hill, an inner city suburb. I had stuffed mushrooms for breakfast at 3 Monkeys, which was really tasty! The coffee (with an extra shot) was not strong enough, but a nice flavour. Service was sweet :)

This display was in the window of High Tea with Mrs Woo and it was probably best for me that the shop isn't open on Sundays ;)

This is Blackbird Corner, which the lovely Jane of Kabwares suggested I visit as they stock her funky garden markers (the next pic shows the spoons and forks in their Blackbird Corner home).

I also visited a shop called Blue Star Elements and bought some gifts, some accessories for Sienna, had a long look around and they also let me use their toilet - always nice! There was a retro boutique called Ramjet that had some awesome men's tshirts and I also bought this dress as a special treat for myself... can't wait until it's boots and scarves weather to wear it. Today Kell and I went to Savers and I found a great, really wide, brown belt that will look fab with my new dress, happy days :)

And last, but not least, to celebrate getting to 700 posts, I am giving away 7 things to one lucky blog reader! Doesn't that sound fun?

What you can win: 7 things! Ok, I already said that. Here's the rundown:

1. A Curiouser magnet
2. A Curiouser photography print
3. A blank Curiouser card
4. Another blank Curiouser card
5. An 8"x10" mixed media canvas
6. Something little I will sew for you
7. A vintage treat (I love surprises!)

What you have to do: comment below (thanks to Maxabella's passionate feelings on the matter, I've changed to pop up comments - do you like? I was also thinking of switching to Disqus for commenting, which would allow me to reply...). Oh, anyway, just comment, say whatever you like! As long as it's nice!

When it will be drawn: Thursday 24th March 2011, sometime after school drop off ;)

On the blogging front, the last set of sneak peeks from the Hunter will be up tomorrow...