Anyone for a Little Powder Puff Blue?

...and today, for some super sweet, girly fun I bring to you the cutest bathroom ever created...

If I owned this bathroom I would never come out...

I'd be floating around in that bath, drinking tea from a china cup and eating pastel-coloured macaroons!

x

Image from here

Clever Under Stair Storage Idea

I have been very taken with the idea of small, perfectly formed homes of late.  In small houses, you need to be highly creative in terms of storage solutions.  I'm always amazed by how much storage you can build into a home... all those wasted nooks and crannies can be easily turned into excellent cupboards, drawers and shelves.  I love the great under stair solution above - it provides the perfect combination of practical storage space with aesthetic appeal.  The little reading nook is ideal for small bodies and cats!

Image from here

The Crossroads

I have meandered my way through my life, taking scenic route after scenic route.  The views have been pretty, the journey sometimes tough but I have trodden the rambling path with a happy heart.  I have married another meanderer... another dreamer... another romantic.  We now find ourselves at a crossroads and true to form, we don't much like the idea of jumping on the highway.  The air around us is buzzing with the hum of a thousand possibilities.  The world is waiting with open arms.  What will we do?  Where will we go?  

When we finally figure it out, I'll let you know!

Happy Saturday

x

Sea Pretty

Here's a little fact about me:  I'm obsessed with coral, shells and starfish

When I was small, I wanted to be a mermaid and live on the bottom of the ocean in a salmon pink house with a pearl-encrusted front door and a seaweed garden.

No kidding x

Image from here

Children's Vintage Art Idea

I was so smitten with the beautiful vintage-inspired artworks created by Sarah Barnett of Twice Designs that I decided to have a go myself (if you missed my Creative Little Soul interview with her, check it out here) .  I found some quirky vintage playing cards on ebay and then turned them into an artwork for my little boy's room.  The cards cost about $6 (AUS) and the white Ikea frame cost $39.95 (AUS).  It's not quite as good as Sarah's but I love the idea.

I'm not sure about the white backing board... I'm considering making it navy blue.  Any thoughts?

Photos by me

A Chair Just for ME

I love to read.  More specifically, I love to read while curled up in an armchair.  A comfortable armchair with feather cushions and enough room for me to tuck my legs right up.  Do we own such an armchair?  NO.  What is the closest thing we have?  My husband's Eames chair (...it's black and masculine and thoroughly uncomfortable!).  I'd love to own this chair above - it would sit in the sunny corner of our bedroom where I could lounge to my heart's content... if only I had time for lounging... one day, perhaps when a certain little person no longer requires constant, round-the-clock surveilance, I will be found tucked up in my chair, fast asleep with a book open on my chest!

Image from here

Photographer: Andreas Trauttmansdorff

Some perfect Sunday perusing from the incredibly talented photographer, Andreas Trauttmansdorff

Instagram Tragic

Now you know how technologically challenged I am?  You know how incapable my brain is of processing anything remotely connected to computers?  You know how much I loathe internet jargon and techy speak and people who are obsessed with their gadgets?  Well, finally, after months and months of deliberating (to the point of ad nauseum), I am the proud owner of a brand spanking new WHITE iPhone 4 (hip hip hooray, clap, clap, clap!).  And. I. LOVE. it!

I must say, that it does seem to be taking me an inordinate amount of time to figure out how to use it (unfortunately, it didn't come with a 14 y.o that I could conveniently carry around in my pocket to give me instructions!).  Yesterday I installed some cool rock'n apps including Instagram.... look, look, LOOK what I can do:

Please share your apps secrets with me!

Photos by me

A Well Worn Floor

I love the subtle, muted colours of this interior but to me, the star of the show is the rustic, worn and scratched wooden floor!  The imperfection of the floorboards grounds the entire scheme, giving it a sense of place and authenticity.  It is such a peaceful environment and a home that feels real and lived in.

Images from here

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

In my world there is no such thing as too much mirror!  Time and time again I've seen the transformative effects of reflective surfaces.  Not only do mirrors double the size of a space, they introduce light, create a sense of tranquility and provide the perfect, non-competitive solution for an empty wall.  At the moment I'm loving over-size standing mirrors and mirrored wardrobe doors... what's your latest favourite?

A Tall Measure

I don't know about you, but I grew up in a household where our heights were recorded on the bathroom door jam.  When my parents eventually sold my childhood home, my mother threatened to remove the entire door frame just so she could keep the scribbles and etchings of all our milestones (... you'll be pleased to know that I did finally make it to 5ft 4 inches despite a harrowing few years hovering around the 4ft mark!).

So when I came across this fabulous 'measuring tape' style height measure on Etsy, I thought it was the answer to every parent's dilemma... when you move, just roll it up and cart it along to the next place... easy as pie!  The fact that it looks suitably vintagey and retro is just an added bonus really!

Come Nest With Me!

Today I have a very exciting little discovery to share with you....

the quirky wonders of online store, Nest Emporium

The creative duo behind this great collection of charming, bohemian homewares are sisters Donna and Angie who are busy celebrating their store's one year anniversary of going online.  Pop on over to their store to wish them a happy birthday and see their gorgeous products!

My favourite find... this super cool Indian headdress!

My must-have purchase... this retro inspired Ceramic Palm Lamp!

x

Images from here... compiled by me

Perfect Harmony

I love the simplicity and balance of this scheme.  From the perfect proportions of the furniture, to the understated elegance of the pendant light, the overall effect is stunning.  I also adore the way the fabric colours compliment the outside vista, pulling the eye through the window to the view beyond.  

Image from here

Motherhood

Sunday was Mother's Day... my very first ever... my time to reflect on the wonder of being part of the perpetual miracle of life... my time to treasure the warm little body that clings and flings and wriggles in my arms as I try to kiss his sweet, sticky face.  I am now part of a collective body of souls united by the simple, yet incredible act of mothering.  We are an army of sorts - we are protecting a city of angels from the ravages of an uncertain world - determined to preserve their white feathery wings and their glowing halos so that their little cherub faces can turn forever towards the light and know peace.

I was loved and hugged and showered with kisses but what my little boy may never understand is that he alone is the gift.

My love to mothers everywhere

x

Image from here 

Friday Collector

Some yummy bits to send us into the weekend!

Have a lovely time...

I will be celebrating my very first Mothers Day!

x

Girls Own Shed

I'm a girly girl (I know... you're shocked, right?!).  I've often whinged  and wined about the fact that I now live in a male dominated world that is literally dripping with navy blue clothes and yellow tonka trucks!  I desperately love my boys (both the big one and the little one) but I do occasionally dream of pink tulle skirts and silver fairy wings, of lavender cupcakes and sparkly shoes.  

So I've decided that the only thing for it is to create my very own backyard shed (...I don't actually have a backyard yet, but I'm working on it!).  I would have it totally decked out in white and pastels with a huge, jangly, glittering chandelier hanging from above, fairy lights strung all around, a kettle and a chair for my cat Daphne (... Daphne doesn't exist yet either by the way!).  Would you care to join me for tea?

Image from here

Photographer: Clayton Austin

I recently came across the beautiful work of wedding photographer, Clayton Austin... wow, what a talented individual!  I was blown away by his brilliant compositions and quirky styling.  His blog and website are a feast of deliciousness - pop on over for a big dose of inspiration.

New Eyes

Today I'm challenging myself to look at the world a little differently...

to think of alternative uses for the mundane...

to find beauty in the unexpected...

want to join me?

Images from here