Love and Other Drugs

Some things simply remain anchored in your memory - like Jake Gyllenhaal as Jack Twist in Brokeback Mountain.

Perhaps now as Jamie Randall, a salesman and notorious ladies man, he will be able to break away from that (some would say) controversial role.

Jamie has found that he can sell anything to anyone, that is until he meets his match in Maggie Murdoch (Anne Hathaway) who just isn't buying.

Love and Other Drugs will come to Australia on December 16 so make a date with a best friend. I suppose this would qualify as a chick flick...

All I want for Christmas ...

I am torn.

It was going to be a boring Christmas in Bangkok, where the new year is a blast but Christmas is more of a food & beverage extravaganza at the cirty's hotels and eateries.

Then I bit the bullet and decided to remain a tad longer in Perth, to spend the Yuletide holidays with my darling Aimee, who is doing her darndest to make sure I have a great Christmas.

Then my much-loved Allan asks me to spend Christmas with him in Singapore! He has decided to escape the drudgery of Dubai to visit Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

I so would love to see him - haven't done so since March! And he too spoils me rotten.

But to fork out more than $1,000 for a five-day trip is just obscene, even if I'm not the one doing the paying.

*sigh*

So, it's Perth for Christmas, with Aimee and a house decorated to the rafters - and I know I will enjoy every minute, even though half of me will be in Singapore in spirit.

All I really want for Christmas is to have both my children with me ....

Who is the Westfield Insider?

If Westfield has its way, before too long Alyce will be a household word when it comes to retail therapy. This lucky duck is the Westfield Insider, a plum $100,000-a-year role to entice shoppers of all ages to make Westfield their second home.

What makes a good shopper? Sniffing out the best deals, making the most of our shopping dollars, and mixing and matching - turning ordinary pieces into memorable ensembles.

Anything else?

"I Spy - Letter "K" - The Natural Confectionery Co.'

Harley-Davidson: Judgement Day

There's something about a Harley that just turns grown men into little boys with their big toys...

Who would have thought that this motorcycle manufacturer, which was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the early years of the 20th century (just a bit of trivia), survived the Great Depression and withstood a barrage of competition from those competitive Japanese, would evolve into a household name and the dream ride for countless men of all ages?

Well, if you have always aspired to own one, now's your chance ..... and it may not cost you a cent.

Over 48 days, 58 Harley dealers will customise 48 new forty-eight bikes. You get to choose the best bike. The 49th day will be Judgement Day, when the winner of a new forty-eight will be announced.

Oh yes, and it's fair game for everyone, men and women alike. Go for it!

Of naked figs and Sundays sunny side up...

Perth is just the place for a lazy Sunday breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Imagine seated on a verandah on a sun-swept day with splendid views of the open sea, waves churning away creating the perfect conditions for avid wind-surfers.

And minutes later, the most eye-pleasing palate tempters being placed on the table in front of you by a naked (not nude) figger.

The place? The Naked Fig by the sea in Swanbourne.

Families with children scampering about on the restaurant's lawns, couples, mates - they were all there, many for a late breakfast and many more (like us) for lunch.

It was my first visit and I found it all so pleasant - from the ambience, to the food (worth writing home about), to the friendly staff, who really looked like they enjoyed being there.

Stu opted for (surprise surprise) a steak sandwich, Aimee had the Poor Boy salad and moi pigged out on a blue cheese tart with salad, PLUS potatoes with chorizos (the name escapes me).

To wash it all down, I (with Stu's help) thoroughly enjoyed a bottle of Amberley sauvignon blanc.

Next time you're in Perth (or if you are in Perth, the next time you fancy a meal out), head on over to the Naked Fig or one of its other two sister restaurants - also named after the cheeky fig.

Becoming the Westfield Insider

Alyce Cowell must be in seventh heaven in her new role as the Westfield Insider, who is also supposed to be Australia's savviest shopper.

That's all well and good, and it is always nice to see someone rewarded or do well.

She is obviously in for the ride of her life and if she is truly savvy, she will make the most of this one year. Memories galore just waiting to be cherished.

Well done Alyce. You go girl....