Adelaidean's Profile

Peppermint Crisp chocolate bar crumbled over the cream (over the fruit over the pav, heehee) is very nice too. Not that my pavlova actually worked out. But I do know how to eat it quite well. Kiwifruit, mango and strawberries are very yummy with pav. If you're diabetic just say no.

This is hilarious. Never heard of dirt cake. Worms and bones. HA! I'm from Australia, so that's why. Thanks. I like gooey desserty things.

This is quite helpful, especially all the links. I've only recently learnt about the apple "issue" and I think it was here. Thanks.

May I join in? Perhaps I imitated my parents when I came up with my guest etiquette? At around 9 years I remember thinking I can't leave until I say "thankyou for having me" to my friend's mother after a birthday party next door. I was so earnest and I think I made her smile. I've been a guest far more times than a host and think my attitude and behaviour have endeared me to my hosts, even though I do feel a little old-fashioned. Not saying thankyou or "I've had a great time" when I'm saying good-bye seems careless and I'd feel rude if I didn't. Not everyone cares, but many appreciate it, I can see it clearly on the face, possibly because they enjoy entertaining, maybe because they have put a lot of effort into our time together, or just because they would simply like to know that I did actually enjoy myself. Gratitude is usually appreciated. I appreciate it. I just think when someone's gone out of their way for me I should express my gratitude. And because it's genuine.

May I suggest simply be considerate, watch what's going on around you, and try to adapt to the host's way of doing things. As a good host tries to make you comfortable or at ease so you'll enjoy yourself, so I think a good guest tries to be amenable, ie. eager to join in with whatever's going on, pleased with whatever is offered, willing to lend a hand, easy to get along with. Never difficult to please, difficult to get along with, out of step with what's going on or disinterested, expecting to be entertained and waited upon. Some of the stories above are crazy! How awful some people can be! Some people have yet to learn manners it seems. And why are some people determined to be upset, or easily offended? Please don't be doormats just because you're a host. Remember there are good hosts but there are good guests too. It's a two-way thing!!. Communicate politely about expectations and rules if you're a host (remember no-one is a mind-reader and subtlety can be, well, too subtle), but give your guest some lee-way (we're all a bit set in our ways). If you're the guest, ask questions and let the host know you want to fit in, and invite them to let you know their preferred ways of doing things. Well, that's what I do anyway.

I recently spent a week with my aunt & uncle in Melbourne. We all had to adapt and I had to bite my tongue when my aunt and I had a disagreement. Over me moving the car, immediately, that was to the side of the double driveway as per previous instructions, immediately, after just getting in with a heavy, grumpy cat cat stuck in a box, immediately, that had been stuck in a cage, all day, at a cat show. Knowing full well my uncle wouldn't care less about my car being there, IF he actually got back in the next 2 minutes it would take me to let poor cat out and return to car to put back on street as usual. Phew, raving. Hmm. I stood my ground, released cat into guest-room, then moved car. Uncle's arrival much later. Hmm. For a few minutes I wanted to escape. I texted my mother and her hilarious response made me put things back in perspective. Meltdown reversed. And the whole no outside shoes to be worn inside thing took real effort... But really, all in all we enjoyed one another's company and I never took their generosity for granted. I am welcome back, even told I must come over more often, even though I've taken my cat with me the last two trips (and my aunt is allergic!) Looking at the list above and the many suggestions, I really am a good guest. And please, don't stay with, or invite, people you don't like or get along with. What's the point?? As dear Daddy always says, "You just can't please some people", so do yourselves a favour, and please yourself, and don't feel bad. The best guest can't do anything about a lousy host, and vice versa, if you know what I mean.

And if you do have a bad experience, just remember, this too will end. It's only temporary. Lucky escape.

Wow!

I've long thought of myself as pink with green and blue stripes and brown polka-dots. Not white at all. Sorry. Hope the next comment is more enlightening. Hmm.

Getting the four pillars to measure the EXACT same height when composed of an assortment of books must have taken dedication. A set of encyclopedias would be easier but dull visually. I guess the wooden edging stops the glass moving. Hmm. Very good to look at in this particular room. My cats would use it for a back scratch and a face rub and knock books out of alignment, and I'd be sure to bump into it. But I admire it. Many times better looking than bricks and wood or crates with anything. I saw a trunk coffee table once, years back, that was quite unpleasant, but with a more appealing trunk I'd love it. No creative ideas from me either. I like seeing what other people do. But watch out for spines cracking!!

Wow to the photos. Some are so fantastic, I just had to comment. Some people really do have a talent for "artful arranging" don't they? Great to look into homes like these. Good for inspiration and good for voyeurism too? Like taking a walk at dusk when it's getting dark and people haven't closed curtains and you just casually incline your head to take a quick peek. Hehe. Or is it just me?

Mmmm. Dead animals are a lovely decorating tool, such whimsy isn't for many. So to dare to criticise as it was kind to share your home and now you're at the mercy of awful people like me.

Some time in the future someone buys the place and goes white is too bright and strips paint to original woodwork.
Anyway, I think before and after are fine although furniture, floor coverings and art not my personal taste, but that is normal as not my home.