just a glimpse: 02/10/11

Well we are going back in time just a little, to my birthday which we celebrated on the weekend of January 15. For a special treat Peter took me into town for dinner and a night at the Sofitel. The hotel was just stunning, everything we could need for a nice relaxing weekend, lovely accommodation, lovely food, lovely staff.

You can see below the view from our room which was on the 50th floor! Melbourne looked just beautiful with views across the Arts Centre, Tennis Centre, Albert Park, and the Bay in the background.

Our room with a great set of windows with a stunning view

The view from our room

The room had all mod cons, with a fully electronic system for managing the lights and tv and anything else electronic in the room, all via a little console next to the bed which I thought was terribly clever - I wonder if Dad can make me one for home?

Part of our room

A big surprise were the Hermes toiletries, my favourites of course! They were arranged nicely of course... this is how they look at home now as they came home with me.

After settling in Peter and I went for a walk around town and we checked out a few shops, as we set out the first shop we walked past was Hermes, but Peter was insistent that we leave that one for last.... after a lovely stroll around the lovely shops of Collins Street and surrounds we headed back up towards the Hotel and past Hermes again, where we popped in to have a look.... whereupon Peter told me that he would like to buy me something here for my birthday.

After LOTS of looking around (its nice fun) we left with two perfect orange boxes, well, aren't all orange boxes from H perfect?

Inside the little box is Hermessence.....

Hermessence

The most wonderful pure scents I have come across....

From left to right: Rose Ikebana, Vanille Galante, Vetiver Tonka and Ambre Narguile

This is the description of each from the Hermes website ---- for those who are interested in any event!!!

Rose Ikebana

The contrast of rose petal and crisp rhubarb. Airy, delicate, sparkling.

Vanille Galante

A sensuous vanilla murmuring gently. All its depth with an unexpected lightness. Airy, sensuous, paradoxical.

Vetiver Tonka

The strength of vetiver softened by delicious hazelnut. Comfortable, fresh, confident.

Ambre Narguile

Amber honey with swirls of smoke from the East. Savory, sensual, enveloping.

We then asked about the 70cm classic scarf called 'Ferronerie', I have been longing for this scarf ever since the first time I saw it - high on my list of 'must have H scarves' (yes still a couple more to collect). It had been released for 2011 in a beautiful pink colourway with orange highlights, delicious! Given the few they release of these I doubted they would have it, or that I would get my hands on one!

We asked the Sales Assistant who said she thought that they didn't have it...they were still waiting for new items from the 2011 collection to come in, but as we stood at the scarf counter a pretty pink colour caught my eye... I wonder I thought, could that be it????? and it was!!!.... it had only just come in and I knew it really needed to come home with me from that first glimpse. I tried it on and its just PERFECT! Wow... what are the chances they would have it?

Safely folded in the box

I will have to provide a photo of me wearing this.... I think you will agree its perfect!

Stunning!

In the early evening we met with Natalie and Kieren on the 35th floor canapes and drinks - champagne of course! It made the day very special to have some time with them both, and particularly to meet Kieren and to see Natalie outside of work. I had a lovely time relaxing indeed.

Then we were off to dinner at PM24 - a new restaurant run by Philippe Mouchel. The atmosphere in the restaurant was lovely and relaxed, and we were made to feel right at home.