Last weekend all I could think of was being beachside. It was a sweltering down 40 degrees when the plane touched down on the Saturday afternoon and I wanted to be anywhere but the airport and instead feeling the cool breezes of the ocean streaming across my face.
Even though temperatures aren’t quite in the 40 degree range it’s still hot here in Sydney and today I’m giving away the perfect prize for some lovely summer’s sunny weather! It is a lunch for two at the stunning Nielsen Park Beach House Cafe! Nestled in the exclusive area of Vaucluse it is a lovely beachfront location. The menu offers freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, the famous Shark Beach burger (a local fillet of fish and crunchy chips with home made tartare sauce) or crispy sourdough-crumbed cutlets served with zesty preserved lemon and caper aioli or delicate smoked salmon bruschetta with fennel, watercress horseradish crème and sweet cherry tomatoes. They use produce like Kangaroo Island free range eggs and Sonoma bread with their home made soups. And did I mention the view? It’s pure beach baby!
Thanks to the lovely people at Nielsen Park Beach House Cafe, one lucky Not Quite Nigella reader will win a $150 lunch for two at Nielsen Park Beach House Cafe! For a chance to win this all you have to do is tell me what view you see when you look out your window ! Simply add your answer as a comment to the story. The competition ends at midnight AEST 13th March, 2011. You can enter this competition once daily and the prize is not available on Mother’s Day and is valid for a period of three months from date of being drawn. This is open to anyone in Australia but transport to and from the venue is not included-you don’t want me to drive you trust me! 
***The winner is: Jaqi C. of NSW!***
Best of luck!
Lots of love,
Lorraine
xxx
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Very sadly I look straight onto a neighbour’s balcony, so I tend to draw the blinds! A view of Nielsen Park beach would be a tremendous ‘cleanser’ indeed, thank you very much.
Gobsmack’d
This used to be my favourite beach when I lived in Sydney! The cafe still looks the same like back then, in the mid-nineties. I can’t tell you how much I miss this time.
By the way, I love your blog. It makes me even more homesick, but also incredibly happy to read your beautiful stories and to look at your lovely photos.
Kind regards,
from a long time reader – first time commenter
Wow what a great giveaway! Nielsen Park Beach House Cafe looks beautiul!! We unfortunatley don’t have a nice view from our window, only other apartments, but we do have our lovely little herb pots on our balcony to distract us
When I look out my window, I see…chickens! Hahahaha
How beautiful is the ‘beach house’, so cute.
I can see out my window the dim glow of the early morning world covered in the glistening gleam of freshly fallen rain!
Looking out of my window early in the morning, i see trees swaying side to side with the wind. I can see the slight glow of the morning sun trying to appear among the clouds in the sky and I can hear the birds chirping to greet everyone when they awake.
Time to go and cook something nice to eat for brekkie!
Looking out my window I see trees, lots of green trees and I see the early morning dew on the grass. Usually there are kangaroos grazing on the grass but not today – I guess because it’s the weekend they are sleeping in.
Hi Lorraine.
I see lots of trees, a couple of birds on my balcony, rainy sky and the buildings in Chatswood in the distance.
Thank you!
When I look out my window I see a huge gum tree. The tree is a reminder of just how much my family has grown since we first moved into this house. As we have grown and matured, so has the tree and it will only continue to do so as the years pass by.
Food (and location) looks gorgeous! I have a trip to Sydney coming up and would love to lunch there. Thanks for another great giveaway!
Right now I am looking out on rain!!!! I have my boys’ birthday party today and I have to go and put up a tent for their “Camp
Out” in our bush backyard!!!! Why do I see RAIN?????
I moved to Pokolbin 5 months ago and when I look out I see the most stunning vineyards. This view will never get old.
I see big trees filled with lorikeets and cockatoos in the foreground and the Blue Mountains in the background!
blue blue sky, ochre sand, olive coloured foliage and after the recent rains (the Todd flowed 12 times in 2010 and cyclone Yasi’s tailend) lush greenness in a summer desert = unbelievable!
I see trees filled with Lorikeets and Cockatoos in the foreground, and the Blue Mountains in the background. I love it, but would LOVE this view!!
When I look out my window I see down a long strip of wide green pathway,between homes, accross some lower lying houses to a beautiful little farmlet nestled by some hills.(actually in NSW, not ACT) These are framed to the side by the lovely Brindabella mountains that get a sprinkling of snow like icing sugar, in winter.
We gauge the weather/rain/fog by our view. First the mountains are misty, then then obscured, then the hills, then the farm, then we know it’s only seconds till we cop it.
So restful to see a distance and this way we don’t feel cooped up in suburbia.
The view i see, and the view i would like to see, are two very different things.
As i look out my window, like most mornings, i see the same old thing.
I see my broken curtain that drapes drearily over the right side of my window. I see the wet railing that surround the front balcony; on it, a table and some chairs. I see the outside stairs that lead to the separate study of which i can only see the dull brown roof. When i look further i see the grey sky and the trees wrestling with each other in the wind. Coming back to my room, I think of the view I could have. The view I want. This is the view I have though, and it is the view I share, with those I love.
Rear Window: No it’s not the scene of a Hitchcock thriller thank goodness, but aah yes, there’s my beautiful new barbecue! Already the star of summer and every time I see it I’m salivating as I plan the next offering…..am off to buy some figs to wrap in pancetta. We’ll grill them and drizzle with honey. And maybe to follow, lamb shoulder marinated in lemon oregano and olive oil…smoky and tender….
The view from our bedroom is really lovely, and looks over the back of Glebe. It’s mostly blue skies, dotted with trees and a few rooftops.
Btw, is that a chocolate cake? Looks scrumptious!
Just looking at your delicious pics is making my mouth water.
I really need a change of scenery – when I look outside my window, all I see is a bus lane and cars as I live right on a main road.
We look out to lots of trees and the base of the Blue Mountains.As lovely as is it, a day at the beachside would defintely be a welcome change.
So love reading your blog everyday !
There is something strikingly real about those foodie pictures that make me crave to be at the cafe. It’s so much better than staring out my window and seeing my neighbors’ underwear hanging all the way. Your pictures are worth a million words and worthy of a foodie Oscar. I don’t mind staring at them all day instead of the busy street and passing cars!
Hi Lorraine
This is the first time I’ve entered one of your competitions. After sweltering through Sydney’s recent heatwave without airconditioning the thought of lunch by the beach at Nielson Park is just toooo tempting…I can feel the seabreeze already! What do I see when I look out my kitchen window? A cubby house and slide which has been converted into a chicken run and coop, our two cheeky chooks, Angel and Caramel (who lay 2 beautiful brown eggs almost every day) and a vegie and herb garden which has been ravaged by the Sydney summer heat and said feathered ladies. Lunch at Nielson Park would be the perfect surprise for my hard working husband & a chance for some much needed “grown up time” (we have two boys). Bliss! 
I’ve been following your blog for ages – I love the reviews and have cooked many of your recipes which (thanks to your wonderful attention to detail) always seem to work. I also share your passion for Mad Men
Tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber and lettuce in our summer garden
Distance and lack of transport do not make entry into the comp feasible for me. However, having been an Eastern Suburbs gal for some three decades – some of my most enjoyable, relaxed and happy long,long lunches were spent at the beautiful Nielsen Park Cafe. DO enter and say a prayer!!
At the moment when I look out my window I see our pug suspiciously scruffing around the tomato plants, I’m sure in a few seconds he’ll arrive back on his bed in front of the window with a tomato to munch on, cheeky blighter.
In the mornings, when I am the first to wake about 5.45 am, I can see the first blush in the sky from the sunrise. simply beautiful!
When i look out my window i see the a church steeple from Surry Hills, a sprawl of sky scrapers and apartment complexes. Oh and my work building in the far distance!
WOW! This place looks amazing. The perfect place to visit and leave some of the heavy load on my mind behind.Would love to share it with my husband as one of his first visits out since his recent surgery…….
Thank you for the opportunity!!
I see from my window – next doors garden & a massive Prickly Pear tree.
our view – is of our little sanctuary a small garden where my husband spends many an hour tending to the veggie patch & pruning the already much pruned hedges, but we love it – we have the sun streaming in or watch the current thunder storms a perfect haven. but I have to say moving from the beach I do miss the water views and lifestyle of the beach – this would make an ideal upcoming birthday treat for me
I see the garden shed and some of my four legged critters and then the mountains of the Scenic Rim in the background. I love the ocean though, miss living by the sea so badly. I love the mountains but my heart belongs to the sea.
I see a tree of green, and cars of blue, White fluffy clouds and a bird or two, and I think to myself – what a wonderful view, yes I think to myself, what a wonderful view – oh yeah…..
I can see a dirty balcony with a dead herb garden…with the city in the background.
We were in your hood last weekend, Lorraine and boy did we melt! When I look out our window, I see a very suss scarecrow that Soy made, hanging atop a fig tree. Though I cringe at the scarecrow, I hope it’s doing its job and protecting the beautiful plump fig babies below!
when i look out my window, i see my neighbour’s newly erected car port and a very tall tree of pink roses next to a generic garden shed. boring.
i wish the view out my window would be the beach, a lake would make a good one too.
When I look out the window of my office I see straight onto our balcony. Today there is a candleabra on the outside table, plus pots of lettuce and herbs. Sometimes one of the cats is sleeping on the table and/or magpies or crows are looking in. Looking up towards the end I see the windchime, a frangipani tree, blue sky and the chimney of the house next door. I love this view and find it really peaceful.
Dreaming view – glistening yellow sands of Mykonos where I can jump down from my chair and table where I drink cold white wine and eat lobster and Greek salad, then run down to splash in gentle waters and cool off. Reality view – delightful water fountain plays bubbles on my balcony with a huge dead eucalypt on the opposite green stands impressively offering a last nightfall perch to cockatoos and maggies before they fly off for their night time sleep. There are lots of dreams and reality through my window.
out of my window i see
a really big gum tree
you might think that sounds pearly
but the cockatoos wake me up early!
I look straight out onto the neighbours’ clotheslines. I always know when my 40 year old neighbour has had a good night because her frilly, lacey red and black g-string swings there proudly amongst the boring white pillowcases and singlets!
I see a balcony garden of herbs, spicy pepper plants, tomatoes, crispy greens and Lebanese eggplant. There are birds who come for the grubs, a lizard who loves the coriander, and beyond is wonderful cove of gums, filled with native birds … very close to paradise, don’t you agree?
I get to see lots of trees, my future lovely vegie garden, and unfortunately the school next door as well as partially into the neighbour’s backyard.
Looking out my window right now I see my magnolias and my little waterfall, my outdoor table and umbrella, the neighbours beautiful big tree and a little of the top of their washing poking over the fence.
Years ago I used to rent in Vaucluse and can’t believe I missed Nielsen Park Cafe. This quaint eatery, food and presentation look amazing.
May sound gruesome to some but from Monday to Friday I work in the office of one of the best kept crematoriums on the Central Coast. With a 360 degree view, I see every plant and tree imaginable, a waterfall, crystal sculptures and themed gardens. I experience this view from a different light 4 times a year as the seasons change.
I love Nielsen Park. Such an oasis so close to the city!
When I look out my window I see the leaves and branches of a big old tree. Lucky cause just beyond that are some ugly apartment blocks!
Another building unfortunately (partial thank goodness) and some trees. If only I were a 2 floors up!
I know I can’t win since I do live in Australia. My view is of the Phys. Ed field of the elementary school behind my house. My children went to that same school when they wee youngsters. Now they are grown and two of them each has a son, so I am grandmother to to boys, no granddaughters yet.
I live in King’s Cross, so am most often greeted by the sight of police cars, empty beer bottles, ambulances and friendly homeless people. Except for the one memorable occasion when I witnessed a ‘merry’ man sliding down the hill on a garbage bin at four in the morning wearing a santa hat.
My view is never boring
I look out at lovely rainforest reserve that has had a severe tough up from cyclone Yasi – it is still in tact though. This would be a sublime dining experience – however I would love to give this voucher to my sister and brother-in-law in Sydney who are in desparate need of a romantic outing (have two young children and no family support nearby)
Every time I look out I am reminded of my mother, her ponytail plant is the first thing I see, Also my common fence is down out at present, so I can watch my neighbours 2 chooks. Every sound they make makes me giggle, I have no idea why.
The food in your photos looks delicious! My view is good and bad. I see a whole lot of brick apartment buildings as well as a small patch of sky and a leafy park. Not the best view but not the worst view.
Looking out I see my two dogs playing around and … barking at the neighbour to get his attention (poor man made the mistake of giving them food a while ago and they have not forgotten his kindness)
A power pole and spaghetti wires… *drools over the thought of spaghetti*
I have an amazing view of the city from my office window… If I stand on my toes and tilt my head awkwardly to the side…
when i look out of my window i see this ugly bush and a street light
not the best view!!
When I look out my back windows I see our bonica roses in full bloom resulting in a pink line of flowers bordering the pool. Beyond the roses are two enormous Box Elder trees which frame the garden at the back, with Manchurian Pears as borders along the sides. Between this dense green frame,which gives us complete privacy from our neighbours, is a patch of grass which is green for the first time in 5 years, and a cubby house surrounded by lemon and lime trees. We can’t see the vegetable patch because of the purple Budleia bushes which attract the Monarch butterflies which are flitting between the plants in the sunshine. Finally, behind the pool fence, we have our peach orchard which was so prolific this year that the weight of the fruit snappedtwo of the branches. The trees still have some gorgeous fruit on them which glows a bright peach pink as the sun sets on them. The fruit are still warm from the sun as I pick them in the evening for consumption at breakfast the next day. And all this in suburban Adelaide!
I am coming to Sydney in March for 4 days, so could take my family to lunch at Vaucluse if I was lucky enough to win!
The view out our window is gum trees, with an apartment block behind it. We love it because we are in Newtown and should have views of building walls or alley ways like our friends. But our town-house complex has room for trees! Would love to see the view from Vaucluse, I’ve only been there once and it was stunning!
I look out my window and see a crane. It’s been there for three years because a builder went broke. Now every time it gets windy, I sit and watch the crane sway and try and imagine how quickly I could get out of the way if it fell over. Sadly, I doubt I’d make it downstairs! I hate the crane…
I see the Telstra Tower when I look out my window. When I first moved to Canberra I thought it was rather unsightly, but after visiting it several times to enjoy the great view, it grew on me and now I love it. Whenever I drive back from Sydney and finally see the Telstra Tower rising up through the clouds, I feel a bit nostalgic and know I’m nearly home.
We are very lucky with our view, we look out to the harbour bridge, the city skyline, anzac bridge, and hmas waterhen base below, there is always someone on the harbour, and the night views are so pretty with all the lights in the city !
I see my fluffy white cat sitting on the table on our back deck amongst doll houses and zoobles…..
Looking out my window I see my two chickens, ebony and Ivory running around my garden
I remember reading your post about the Nielsen Park Beach House, and I also remember that the photos of the food looked amazing… hmmm…I might have to go and revisit that post right now!
What do I see when I look out my window?
A fence.
Looking out my window I see palm trees, frangipani, blue sky and making me dream of paradise…
Again, I need to move to Australia. You keep giving away these totally awesome prizes that tempt and tantalize me, yet are beyond my reach here in the States. Curses, curses, curses…
I see trees of green, red roses too; I see them bloom for me and you; And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
We look out at aircraft trailing fuel over our house….a view over water would be a nice distraction!
When I look out the window I see the cool change arriving, a wattle bird in the guava tree and the electricity wires overhead…
I see the tree I’ve grown to soften and hide the starkness of the blond brick of my neighbour’s 3 storey monstrosity (and some of this is still visible)…the sky peaks through the leaves of the tree and birds occasionally stop to feed on it.
Sadly my front window looks out on the street. I see the fence a tree and then the town houses across the road. My parents used to have a fantastic view when they lived near Ballina. The view was the river winding past, so relaxing and a good spot to fish from, was the jetty that went with the house. Night fishing was always fun.
I have lived in Sydney for nearly 20 years and still haven’t been to Nielsen Park, really must get there. One day>
A lot of people here have lovely views! Alas, on one side I see the pool that all the flats share, full of obnoxious kids trying to drown each other, and on the other I see the Hume Highway
Suicide Towers….how depressing.
From all my windows I see my Pets, Pool, Neighbours & gardens filled with all the plants that make me Smile
hi how are you out side my window l see atree blowing and swaying soon l may be evicted out of my house
Love the look of that beach house Lorraine
…. my view is quite lovely … my work desk looks out to my back deck and can see some of the pool quite relaxing … and at the moment all lovely and glistening with some late afternoon rain …. it always helps when i am having one of those bad work days 
I see the tops of the gumtrees outside our top floor balcony, not very interesting then again I dont want to look into the neighbours windows that would be incredibly creepy. At least its a beautiful nature surrounding and not gross high rise buildings! Quiet and peaceful
Out of my window I see straight accross Fitness First and it makes me feel very unfit right now! These guys on the bikes are HUGE
Your giveaways are always so ymmuy and exciting. I hope to be the lucky one this time!
Anyway, when I look out I see trees, birds, a grey sky and a couple of modern unit blocks.
I see my kids jumping on the trampoline and having loads of fun. As a mother of 4, I also see the loads of washing that needs to be brought in and folded -YIKES to that!
In my mind I see Neilson Park in the late 50′s and children enjoying a traditional workplace Christmas party having travelled there from Circular Quay by ferry. My Aunty who lived in The Rocks for many,many years worked at Malley’s (they used to make washing machines) and each Christmas she would put the name of my sister and I down to attend the annual Christmas party at Nielson Park. Times were hard then so a trip on the ferry ,soft drink and cake as well as a present from Santa was were receivced.
I live in a studio apartment in Newtwon and feel so grateful to have floor to ceiling window and see the treetops and it is overlooking Erskenville can even see the sky and trees from my bed .. Im a beach baby but this is very nice ..
Our view looks far into the horizon but is a sea of rooftops with the city to the north and Parramatta to the west.
A dark grey fence….
I see my chookies scratching for bugs…Biggles and CC…and it makes me smile
Here in Harrogate in Yorkshire UK I am lucky enough to see the valley and the hills and woods on the other side. I live in an upside down house so the garden in front of the lounge window looks down to the barbeque table and the birdtables and the nut holders where we have so many different species of birds from pheasants and pigeons to 4 robins!!!!!
When I look out of the window I see pheasants clucking on the wet grass and a misty, sunless English morning. But then I look again and I am back in Sydney and the sun is in a cloudless sky and the kookaburras are telling me to get a move on and get out there and enjoy God’s Own Country
Glorious Maroubra Beach to the left – then skimmimg over the top of Long Bay Jail there’s Botany Bay to the right with all the derricks at the shipping terminal. I’m not sure whehter it’sbetter by day or by night, but I’m never tired of it.
Great competition!
Sadly all I see is a fence … and the lovely plants I am trying to keep alive during the heatwave. However my kitchen has no windows at all, so at least I stay focused on the cooking!
Oooh, ooh, please, I’d like to go to lunch
We used to see the block of units across from us, but luckily the screening trees in the common area have grown quickly so we see lots of greenery, feels like we are in our own private oasis.
Framing the left hand side of my view is the brick wall of the neighbour’s new bathroom extension which has that sort of Coldidtz je ne c’est quoi. To the right I see the never-ending washing hanging out on the balcony of the young family who have moved in next door. As I look directly out I see right into two of the three apartments which face right into my kitchen/living area. Often I catch a glimpse of the inhabitants turning away, pretending that they weren’t staring. I used to wave at them hoping to strike up some sort of relationship – but they weren’t interested. I live so cheek-by-jowel with ultra urbanism that I could sure appreciate a harbourside aspect for a day.
Cheers.
I see my neighbours constantly in the garden and hear the regular sound of lawn mowers and blowers. It’s hard living in a street of such garden proud neighbours but I will not be intimidated.
To my left I see rolling mountains, directly in front I see beautiful Newcastle and to my right I have ocean views! Theres nowhere else on earth I’d rather be!!
Looking out my window I see the stars.
I Look out of my window and see green and red lorikeets feeding on the trees next door. Equally so it would be a treat to look out on the beach and have a beautiful lunch
I have an amazing view looking north-east, up the coast from North Wollongong to Stanwell Park. My view includes mountains and beaches. I get excited every time I open the blinds in the morning. I’m so lucky!
unfortunately all i can see when i look out my bedroom window is the window of my neighbour’s bathroom. luckily its a tiny window.
hi lorraine
you know that Vaucluse is a little bit part of France that’s where Avignon is !!
And can you tell what is the dessert photo ? chocolate cake and coffee creme anglaise?
pierre
from the bedroom I can see the complex’s Swimming Pool – it’s the perfect ‘Aqua’disiac!
I can see my place of work – open my curtains and see that place of dread arrrggghhh!
From my window, I love watching the misty rain enveloping Parramatta River, over the lush green trees across to Putney and Ryde Bridge … Yachts bobbing up and down and best of all the slow crossing of an era gone by on the Putney Punt. What a spectacular view!
I see a pair of forraging rainbow lorrikeets hopping around on my balcony! (Unfortunately I also *hear* them at 6am in the morning too.)
From the window I see our neighbour’s company truck. He parked it right in front of the small park we have in front of our house. arrrggghhhhh!!!
Its pure beach baby
I see the beautiful Mt Taranaki, an awsome site in summer as well as in winter.
Great location!! Nielsen Park is one of my favourites and the lovely cafe there with fabulous food. Yummm!!! Marita
When in Switzerland over Xmas, the view from my cottage window was of snow capped switz alps. Absolutely sublime.
My window is right next to me, i have it wide open at the moment because it’s raining and it smells fantastic. Although it’s not really raining.. the rain is so fine it’s more like a swirling mist that’s gathering on the huge fern outside my window so every now and then a big drop of water plops down into the garden below. The sky is wonderfully grey and the wind is rustling the tips of the trees. It’s so beautiful =)
mm that chocolate cake look deliiicious!
the view from my kitchen and living room is that of a very popular and renowned dining and shopping strip in sydneys inner suburbs. i love living here; so close to everything good! plus the street theatre provided by the crazies and hipsters is always amusing.
I look out onto a lovely garden with birds singing and I imagine it’s a far away exotic place near the sea!!
It’s good to have found out about Nielsen Park Beach House Cafe – I’ve added it to my “things to do” list!
I look out across parkland on one side, and a railway line on the other side. It’s all good ‘cos I love having some distance, some space.
We have a view of the back garden and out to the kids’ primary school – plenty of space and sunshine (sometimes!)
When I look out of my window, I see nextdoor’s red tiled rooftop but it brings back memories of my darling cat walking along the guttering and looking at me and wondering how to jump across. I would love to go back to Nielsen Park as I also have fond memories of each year travelling on a double decker bus to Nielsen Park for our annual Qantas Christmas party – how much fun we had!!
hmm, my view right now is less than inspiring, 70′s red brick apts…
Love Nielsen Park, I went there with my boyfiend on one of our first dates so it’s a special place for us.
Right now I can see the remains of the most enormous spider web, that crossed our garden from a tree (I am not good at trees) all the way to the rose bushes – until my 3 yr old walked into it… I’m quite surprised everyone in Sydney didn’t hear the scream.
At the moment I can see dried pastures burnt leaves,dead looking plants and cracked ground,Guinea fowls,chickens, goats and unwelcomed Rabbits.Clouds all around but no rain.
Sydney 2.5hrs away,great for a visit in the end of the day it’s loveley to be back at home in the country.
Love your blog,reader for few years, thanks to Finnish connection.
The clouds
Weddingcake island and the horizon beyond. Lovely post!
I live in a high density appartment area and when I look out every window the view is always directly into someone ele’s appartment!
I live in a high density appartment area and when I look out every window the view is always directly into someone else’s appartment!
Oh I’ve never eaten there although i’ve been to the kiosk a million times, in high school (RIP Vaucluse High) we used to walk down to Nelson Park every wednesday during summer for swimming! Oh and plenty of lying in the sun
the view out of my kitchen window is some mondo grass and a fence…joy…
unfortunately i dont have a great view, I can mainly see the road and the train station- however there are two oddly shaped trees that I can see in the distance, one looks like a rabbit and the other looks like a duck =)
My view from my kitchen window is a planter box with a passionfruit vine growing from it. Every time I look at it, it seems to have grown a foot. We got one passionfruit this season and it was amazing! Hopefully we get a couple more next year.
Sounds lovely! We mostly see other apartments, but if you look down, you can see our neighbour’s back yard, and his bee hive… Needless to say, we’re very attached to our fly-screens…
My view is a teenie tiny backyward with an extra teeny tiny patch of lawn…but it is lovely to have a patch even if it is teenie tiny
unfortunately i look out into my garden that badly needs rejuvinating
Thanks for this review. This brought back memories for me as we used to go to school picnics at Nielsen Park. I also remember getting sunburnt and having to sooth the burn with cold tea! I love the view from our kitchen window when the cows are grazing on the hills and the sun is setting….priceless!
I’m lucky enough to have the beautiful Hyde Park to look at when I’m at work, daydreaming of all the places I’d rather be…
I see grey sky and the reflection of my office building in the window of the office building directly across the street! I would love the much more picturesque view at Nielson Park Beach House Cafe!!
luckly i am very fortunate with both of the places that i stay at. as i stay at my parents through the week (due to work commitments) i wake up to the best view! Surrounded by National parks mountains with open paddocks with fat cows munching on grass, olive groves and a creek between us and the mountains on the back side and open paddocks and cows out the front. My other home that i live at with my partner overlooks the hunter river in the picturesque towm on morpeth with its sandstone street edges and historial buildings and cafes. (well worth a visit).
mostly I see trees, backyards and birds but occasionally i get a glimpse of a naked man! Unfortunately not an attractive or young one.
As weird as it sounds I actually see horses out my window! I live in a townhouse and we have a riding school in our backyard! Sometimes I get the occasional ‘YEE HA’ with some kid pretending to be a cowboy!
Very entertaining indeed!
From my bedroom window I see a canopy of trees, primarly composed of the neighbour’s rather well established Paperbark and Gum trees. Much as I love the view,I detest the constant raking of the garden below. Could there be any other trees that shed quite as often and with such ferocity as these?
PS I love Nielsen Park Cafe, just need to find a time without the children to go!
When I look out the window I see our little courtyard that my husband works hard maintaining. I see my 2 year old sons’ mini lawn mower (so he can be like daddy), trucks & trains on the grass. I see my struggling herb garden that can still jazz up any meal. I can see trees and hear the wind flowing through their branches. I may not have seaviews, but it’s perfect to me.
I see the lovely toowong view in brisbane with lots of green trees. But I miss teh views of Sydney.
When I look out my window, I can see our pool surounded by plants & trees. There are 2 birdbaths & seed dishes for the birds to come & enjoy themselves. Helps me to transport myself to a holday place.
oh lovely! always kind of fantisised about having my wedding there…. lovely!
hmmm i look out directly at the fish markets and blackwattle bay! and a hymix concrete/cement building thingy which i try and ignore, and look past it to the boathouse restaurant where i’d prefer to be eating a snapper pie!
If I’m to look out the bedroom window – I see gorgeous terrace houses lining our leafy Newtown street. If I’m to look out the kitchen window, i see the neighbours fence adorned with my big white fluffy cat Charlie having a nap.
Looking out of my kitchen window, is the pergola stuffed with kid’s toys ( my eldest daughter and two grand-daughters are living with us atm). Further along is the Hills hoist with laundry flying in the wind, a playgym then lots of gum trees, and brush. To the left my ‘herb’ garden which is overrun by weeds and in dire need of a major clean up, a project assigned to the weekend that never eventuates. To the right a small paddock with the two ponies, one white the other black both called Milo.I never tire of the calls of native birdlife. I love to look out of my kitchen window when baking, making pasta and cooking the evening meals.
However, coming from a seaside port I love the sea and it’s fresh, salty smell, so I could easily swap my kitchen view with the Nielsen Park view for a day.
Hi Lorraine,
I can see my little courtyard, with a garden which needs a little TLC.
=)
I see the beautiful Royal National Park – nothing else just trees, birds and the occasional wallaby. Lucky me!
Sadly, I see another row of industrial gray colored houses with a road separating that row with mine.
I’m stuck at home doing work, so lunch at Nielsen Park will be AWESOME!
Hi Lorraine,
Thanks for the competition! When I look out my window, I see a whole lot of gardening that really needs to be done but I’m 7 months pregnant and I think it may need to wait until I can see my toes again!
I have a fantastic view out my Maroubra apartment window, my kitchen overlooks my neighbors stairs which has a chair installed so sometimes I get to watch my elderly neighbour throw her rubbish down the stairs with gusto, follow it oh so slowly in the motorized chair, put it in the bin and catch the chair back up!
I see people walking to work on a warm summer morning
Perched at my desk on Floor 23
The view out my window is very hazy
A blanket of mist obscures West Sydney
My focus either way is on the QVB!
Love your work Lorraine!
x
This place looks stunning!..and very appetising. Outside my window I see a beautiful array of big, old gum trees with cockatoo’s, kookaburra’s and rosella’s. Also…lots of water, rain, rain and wet flooded farms everywhere..
My view is unfortunately our apartment block carpark. But occasionally I see one of the kittens that lives in the carpark
Ahhhh… my summer project has involved painting old wooden chairs I’ve found at flee markets, tiling a table, spilling the colours of Mexico on canvas’. When I look out my window, I see my very own Mexican Fiesta.
The big hill at Sydney Park. I love it, there’s always something happening there any time of the night or day.
Well at the time of reading this post, I’m sitting in my office at work. I have no window in my office. I am looking at plain cream wall, merely dreaming of the fresh outside world
The two thirds of the view not covered by a protruding wall shows lawn, flower bed (minus the flowers lol) and a car park area for commercial building behind our house. Nothing fancy but i don’t mind so much. It grows on you:)
I spend my days at work in an office with NO windows. The idea of lunch by the beach is a very attractive proposition!
Treetops, rooftops, blue sky – plus a clothesline and the frequent visiting lorikeets! Its quite nice for a suburban view. Beach view though would be perfect!
Our lovely lush backyard, its quite an oasis in suburbia
At home, we have lovely views of the apartment block opposite and it just happens to be of the unit of the Strata committee’s Nazi chairwoman, so God forbid we EVER have something on the balcony we aren’t allowed according to the by-laws she know like the back of her hand!
Gazing out from my beloved, picturesque windows at my humble abode, I see my dreams. Dreams of a beautiful day, with delicious morsels to enjoy and a yummy glass of vino in hand, conjuring up the wonderful adventures that await outside in the future. Ah, the wonders of our dreams! Free for us all to indulge in.
I am fortunate enough to have a great view from my office window. I see the top of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Bats are flying around. It’s like a tropical version of Central Park in New York!
I see outside my window a view of the Anzac Bridge with all the cars driving past going off to a much better location than where I am right now.
Oh, and I also see a half naked man attempting to renovate on his balcony in the residential block directly across.
I have a beautiful view over Sydney from my kitchen/balcony but it faces west and has been so hot for the last few weeks that I have had to give up turning the oven on until the sun sets
We did have a gorgeous midnight paella feast though…
What’s outside my window? A table for two, adorned with a white tablecloth and a single candle. The table piled high with an assortment of mismatching crockery, freshly baked scones, whipped cream, a choice of fig or quince jam and a fresh pot of organic sencha tea. And sat waiting for me is a dear friend, ready for afternoon tea!
All I see out my bedroom window is a brick wall and a strip of blue sky above it. I have a little green creeper crawling up the wall so it’s not too bleak!
Out of my study window, half of the view belongs to my my neighbours toilet window and the other is half of her back yard. Charming isn’t it?!
A backyard that is lovingly kept by my elderly landlords, their grapefruit and mango trees, and their speedboat in the garage that I wish I could have a spin in! We are surronded by home units who share the same view and also means you can’t sunbake nude in the garden!
When I look out my window I see nature – the man made things are not important. Having just been diagnosed with cancer (for a second time) when I look out I see the present, often the past and sometimes (I hope) a glimmer of a future.
I look at huge piles of dirt a yard renovation that has been halted for the last six months
The view out of my window spells CLOTHESLINE.
Unfortunately my view is of a dark and dreary brick wall,
Built eight feet tall!
A horrendous sight,
Bringing in no natural light!
Languishing to feel a swift breeze,
Luxurious dining overlooking the seas,
It’ll epitomise pure bliss,
An experience I don’t want to miss!
At work I see buildings, at home I see trees. But my favourite is when I lie in bed with my two little ones and we watch the trees sway and look for the birds in the day and the stars at night. My two year old tells me the sun is hiding behind the big tree at night! xxx
We see the tops of the city buildings from our backyard here in Melbourne. All manner of weather is observed throughout the year. Fantastic position.
OMG I almost booked my wedding venue here, I love the waterfront
From my window I see the palm trees that Planted ten years ago, desperate for greenery. Between them I see the joggers go past on the path outside my fence, steadily thumping down sweaty feet to steady grunts. I think about how healthy their aerobic system is, then I brew more coffee and smother my sourdough toast with raw honey and forget them entirely.
For lunch at Neilson Park Beach House Cafe I might even join the joggers. Maybe.
A view is like the film the “Castle”. I look onto a perfectly mowed bowling green, rolling hills of trees, doted houses. Nice but not perfect but I appreciate everyday I’m here.
I see potential. The potential to grow my own herbs like I have always dreamed of if I had the time or a green thumb.
The potential to make my garden beautiful so I could have picnics with my family there.
From out my window i see
a super big gum tree
you might think that sounds pear-ly
but the cockatoos wake me up ear-ly!
Would love to win this for my mum to share
From my window, I see a panoramic view of Llanarth landscape in Bathurst, including the hilltop where Lord Llanarth himself was apparently re-buried upside down by the local indigenous many years ago. Blog interview with Anthony Bourdain..best interview ever read.
My Hills Hoist. Oh to be saved from washing for a day. Hey Lorraine if you drive I’l pay.
Trees of all shades, birds on neighbour’s roof, blue/grey sky
Hi Lorraine, The view out my Window!
Just viewed last night Oscars…I’m stunned and transported there by some of those beautiful dresses…the wispy floating fabrics….those incredible colours! How great would it be to be a guest at the after party….imagine what they had on the menu at the Vanity Fair party…the incredible table settings, with all the fresh flowers…conversations…clinking crystal glasses full of bubbles …wine..music and song…a dance or two…all this I see as I ‘Day Dream’ looking out of my technicolour window! Susie Q
P.S. have given myself a challenge and will try to find what was on the menu at the after party.
Lorraine! Here it is…just found the menu…Wolfgang Puck was the chef!
Susie Q
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12572949
Today I can see in an adjoining paddock some very beautiful cows, some white, some black..mooing
and chewing.
I face a dead tree from a dry summer just gone , 3 broken kids scooters ,the money I mourn I spent on!
Wow the food looks gorgeous. I see a barren garden because we are in the middle of renovating!
I see suburbia; other houses with green trees and neat gardens and a road with cars passing every few minutes. It’s not the sea or rolling green hills but it’s good enough for me!
I love the view I see from my kitchen window.I see my 7 children running around the backyard laughing and smiling.I see my fiancée playing with them.I see scooters and bikes littering the yard and I see the love the kids have for each other and for their dad.I feel that my life is complete.
I’m a teacher in one of Sydney’s toughest High Schools. When I look outside the window of my classroom I see the staff carpark. I can also see my own car!
Those images mean freedom- the wind in my hair when I can get out of here!
When I look out my window I see the colours of the season. My neighbour has been nice enough to grow a beautiful vine over their wall which changes colour according to the season! Some of the juicy green leaves are already turning golden. What I WISH I could see are the streets of another city so I could go snowdome collecting!
Hi Lorraine,
When I look out my window I see red and blue clouds shaped like dolphins and octopus. I see a giant rainbow with fish dashing and diving through the colours like a vibrant waterfall. I see a beautiful grocery shop with fresh fruit and lollies being waved about by cheerful children dancing around a giant purple puppy. I have a vivid imagination, there might only be a boring backyard out my window, but ohh the joy to see the world through a childs eyes! Sometimes it’s not about what you see but what you’d like to see.
Mel
Pesky Indian Myna birds making a mess on the balcony. Last week they came right into the living room (the CHEEK of them!) so I’m happy they are part of the view rather than a living room feature today.
I see the courtyard wall, but in my mind’s eye I see masses of delicate pink cherry blossoms and purple clouds of jacarranda blooms.
Looking up I see tall gum trees and clouds…… sometimes birds. Further down I see the primitive chaos of Cold Comfort Farm – and remember that one day we may have reliable solar power and solar hot water but for now be glad to be alive and living in the bush…
I see lots of Tree`s out of all our windows and since my last name is Tree (truly) I consider my house to be a Tree House!
when i look out my window, i see our back yard, our lovely cats playing, but I also see the next door neighbour walking around his yard in a singlet with a stubbie, or the broken down cars in the other neighbour’s yard. I would love the beach as an alternative, even if it is just for a lunch!
We are on a small 405m block so we look directly onto the back deck of our neighbours – we can’t both be outside at the same time or it’s like we’re in the same house! Ouch!
what I see is very little, for my beloved cat is sitting it her favourite spot, sunning herself and completely blocking my view
A gloomy brown brick wall,
Over 6 feet tall,
My mornings commence dull,
Much preferring to see the ocean and a sea gull!
Feeling the windswept breeze,
Ocean views would surely please!
It’ll epitomise bliss,
An experience I hope not to miss!
I see hair, chest, beer belly and king gees not quite covering appropriate parts. He’s over eighty and loves his lawn. I see this through my window every single day. His lawn does look immaculate though!!!
Haven’t been to Vaucluse’s historic house, so a trip to the cafe and a view of the house sounds like a wonderful day out!
I see the lovely Australian sky and I look at it for inspiration and for answers.
Sleep-deprived and feeding my baby in the middle of the night, I’m always gazing outside my window. I sit in a dimly lit room and gaze out at all the neighboring units wondering why random people are awake at odd hours in the night.
Love your posts!
I look outside my window and see builders,builders and more builders .I want a more attarctive veiw !
When I look out my window I can see our front yard which is filled a variety of roses, seaside daisies as well as a camiella bush covered in passionflower vines. There’s also a grape vine in front of my window unfortunately the grape are pretty sour..
Looking out the window I see
traffic and people in a hurry.
Life’s busy-ness is all about….
worlds away is lunch at the beach house.
out my window i have a large dry grassy field with donkies! how nice would it be to sit and have a change o scenery
It’s time we sold,
Waking every day,
To a brick wall that’s gray!
Not a ray of light,
The days feel like night,
An unsightly view,
Even my cat thinks this is true!
Languishing to feel the windswept sea breeze,
Nibbling on crackers and artsan cheese,
Eptimosing bliss,
An experience I hope not to miss!
I see a patch of dead lawn, weeds, a rusty bbq and some half chewed dog toys. Help me escape!
Cobwebs needing clearing, washing needing folding, paving needing sweeping, gardens needing weeding, pets needing bathing, kids needing feeding…oh, let’s get outta here and do lunch!
During day time; I can see a beautiful, big and tall pine tree from my window; at night time, I can see the moon at certain times. I enjoy both of them very much.
Working long hours, six days a week, doesn’t give me much time to cook a gourmet meal anymore, so this prize would be a real treat for my partner and I…
I’ve been looking out this same window for 32 years, but every day it’s as if I’m seeing it for the very first time, as the daily weather patterns, and evolving seasons alter the light, the wildlife, and the environment. Through decades of drought, and now life threatening rains, as I scan the magestic mountains of the Toowoomba Range Escarpment, and the tragic but recovering Lockyer Valley below, I ‘see’ Nature at her most awesome.
My neighbours dirty old fence!! LOL.. I really need a change of scenery!
A highway! Screeching breaks, beeping horns, road rage. happy to be inside!
Two days ago I was sitting at my desk studying when a movement from outside caught my eye. There was a metre long tree snake sitting on my window sill! It looked in my window to check me out and has been hanging out in the tree right outside my window ever since. I think that is the more amazing thing ever to look out my window to
As I look out my window I see the neighbour’s kid’s chasing each other with the hose and I think back to my own childhood when life was much simpler and your biggest worry was if your sister was getting a bigger scoop of icecream than you !
The windows of my (rented) house overlook a vista of trees, eclectic houses and glimpses of Brisbane Water. Now all I need is a barista!
My backyard with its beautiful garden, and the front of my neighbour’s house. So I can see who is there to visit her.
I see a Garden Feature that my newly “semi-retired” husband has been creating for past few months! He is SO proud of it but….I can not be as enthusiastic. Today we have ordered the “Grecian” replica bench seat, which will take pride of place beside a Windmill complete with rain guage, dotted about are garden lights and soon a wagon wheel is to be delivered…need I say more. As I look out my window I can see it being transformed more each week..
when i look out my window as i am right know i see trees flowers my favourite wooden fence and my emu edith eating bugs it actually quite nice
A tranquil view I yearn,
One look through my window and I turn,
Away from the gloom,
A dark brick wall looms,
Languishing for an afternoon treat,
A deeply delectable meal to eat,
Admiring the seas,
Feeling the windswept ocean breeze…
I see the glittering blue waters of my canal, skyscrapers in the distance and a pair of kookaburras on my fence.
My Yukka’s, and then regretably a grey brick wall and then the neighbours staring back at me
I see our local characters walking down the street for their morning swim. My husband and I have given these people nicknames eg; “walks with mouth open”, “walks with one shoulder up” or “walks with blue stripey shirt” because they look exactly the same everyday we see them!
The plane fumes are still choking us….a spot of lunch by the water will surely clear the lungs!
Love your ‘dietary offset scheme’ (especially after watching QandA last night). certainly ‘emissions trading’ would have been an unsuitable approach for foodies
Today I can see misty fog and rain, (thankfully the cows have stopped mooing constantly!) and so I googlemapped the cafe and also saw my fav childhood swimming spot…Parsley Bay! and I wonder why I never thought to have taken my own kids there, and they’re now teens (??)
Thanks for such a nice blast from the past.
I will definitely take them now AND to the cafe seeing it looks divine as well, and they’re now civilised enough to be taken to such a delightful cafe!! (and that they have an appreciation for finer foods as well).
Love your work!
I looked outside on this cloudy, foggy morning & it is amazing how apparent that toxic trail (escaping the aircraft),is on days like this.
Buggles and Squeak need to be restored!
When I look out the window I can just see the ocean. Its the same ocean as Vaucluse by I live 200 kms away. I wouldn’t mind a daytrip to have a nice lunch!
I see my laundry hanging and to my right I see my herb garden which is blossoming.What a contrast.
I live in the south west and we have nothing like this to visit. I would like to treat and surprise my husband with a visit.
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