Dec 1, 2010

TOR returns! With Christmas nigh, some special treats xx

Some wonderful decorative ideas I found over at me and Alice.

Just love the simplicity of white and green, with a touch of red.

I do apologize to those who have waiting for a new post here. Its a busy time of the year for all and i hope to squeeze a few extra goodies in before the New Year.

Have a beautiful weekend xxx




Nov 13, 2010

Flowering Rose.



As promised, this images are from our new garden blooming away as the days get warmer. These roses were planted in one of the ficus a few years ago by my lovely sister Lauren. Thank-you Lauren because not only do these roses look so very beautiful, but their fragrance is just divine. Repotting them a few weeks back, has given these roses have a whole new life. They have flowered so perfectly, they just look a treat on entrance.

Nov 1, 2010

the little round leaves

I wanted to share these beautiful leaves with you I found at a friends on the weekend. I originally thought they weren't real, but was told otherwise. They sit in a sharp base whilst looking naturally peaceful and organic. If you look closely you can see what looks like stitching, but is the veins of the leaves themselves, I just adore them.


Oct 29, 2010

wooden lighting & centrepieces





This is a first....  a Saturday morning post! Well, I had to share these gorgeous little pieces I found at my fathers place when I was there a few weeks ago. I'd invited you all to view his eye-catching garden furniture and home design at his country property in East Gippsland.
These pieces today, I adore. The hardy cacti centerpieces for the Australian outdoor table and BBQ area, perfect for a little colour, bringing a natural feel to the table. The light is on entrance to the home, and blends naturally once again with the white walls surrounding. It is small pieces like these that really stand out and bring the outside in.
I will be finding more small pieces of home-love that I cannot wait to share with you.

Have a lovely weekend. xxx

Oct 27, 2010

A great motivational poster.


I found this poster over at Little Things. Its straight to the point which is what i really like about it. I mean, if you are feeling a little down and are struggling to pick yourself up again, then it is true, something you are doing needs to change. Whether its a mindset thing, or an attitude, the best way to get yourself out of a dark hole is to look to something different and new, something refreshingly inspiring. Time is of the essence in this life. Love is all around you. x

Oct 26, 2010

Bringing our quiet space to life!

On this lovely day, Tommy Boy and I had begun the story of repotting and planting of Ficus, Miss Maple and Herbs. This is a job I have longed for to be complete, the poor ficus suffered many years ago during our heat wave and tended to shrivel in the meantime.. and hearty thyme and mint I had growing for 2 years was unfortunately eaten by the hungry possums during winter. It was in this event, that this days job was to inspire a new fresh look and bring the verandah to life with a lush garden, ready for summertime. Its on this verandah,  many books are read, and many hours spent with friends, where we will soak up the sun and enjoy what life has to offer!

A big thank-you to to my helper on this day... after our trip to the nursery, Tom began to redecorate our little quiet space, whilst I did a lot of camera shooting! The job wouldn't have been done without him. 

Today our new herbs have taken to the new soil, and are all smelling and looking fabulous.

I now invite you to see the story of these luscious greens, as they take part in making our home feel pure and peaceful. xxxxx


This maple was given to me from a great friend, one who I have not seen for too long as she now resides in Thailand. Sarah darling, Miss Maple is ever so free as her soft leaves move too the wind. xxx


We have a rose that grows in one of the ficus, she is just about to bloom. (I'll be sure to capture that moment. Watch this space!)

  

Oct 24, 2010

Recycled jars for cooking use!

Over the weekend I found these fantastic recycled jars at a store at my local market. They were using them to display tastings of dried tea leaves. I bought them home, soaked them in hot water and began pulling the labels off and getting them ready for reuse. I am very excited about using these jars as part of my Christmas gifts for friends and family. Its what I'm putting inside them that will be the secret, until Christmas, when i will post you the recipe xx



Oct 18, 2010

a place in the country, a treasured experience.

This post is in admiration for my father who's birthday is today. Happy Birthday Dad! xxx

In dedication to Arthur and his amazing work with wood, and the passion for designing a stunning home with garden to match, I have taken some sneeky shots of his, and partner Cynthia's property, in Paynesville Vic, to capture and share with you the true dedication and beauty that they have always dreamed for, and now abode.

Whilst staying with my father and Cynthia recently, I was lucky enough to experience three amazing things that truly made my stay memorable. Firstly, as I entered the home and took sight of the lake front (click on image right and you can just see the blue water through the house), I instantly thought I saw someone swimming. The problem was that it was a freezing 12 degrees outside, so I was already a little stunned.  As we walked a little further inside, giving us a closer view of the water we all at once said 'wow!' and it was then we noticed a large amount of dolphins playing in the water, it was not someone swimming, but dolphins jumping high out, splashing around whilst diving for fish. It simply was one of the most amazing natural moments I have ever experienced. There they all where, mind you I'd say approximately 25 of them spread right the way across the lake, jumping and having a fabulous time. What a sight.... We were all stunned as we watched them swim away, and thought to ourselves how lucky we were to have just walked in at that moment, a moment that is said to offer spiritual guidance, freedom and wisdom.

My second amazing encounter was when walking around the garden I discovered the newly bloomed flowers looking just so beautiful as they took colour and shape. I watched them each day, and each day a new flower would open up and be ready for spring time elements.



It was when I reached the side of the house where I spotted some garden furniture that looked rather familiar to that of Twiggys. I asked Arthur if he'd bought these from Greg in Melbourne, and with that he looked a little confused. 'Nope I made them myself' he said. I was astounded. I told him they were a replica of the ones I'd seen around the blog-sphere similar to Twiggys and that we have another twiggy here! Arthur, now retired, wanted to make something out of the branches he had left over from some trees he'd tidied up. First he built a chair (Chair 1), in dedication to his mother Roma, who sadly passed last year, and then with the left overs he built the bench and then another chair that seems too big to sit on.

CHAIR 1 - ever so comfortable!


CHAIR 2

CHAIR 3


I told my father their garden looks like something from a House & Garden Magazine. (never say never)

More shots of the (Santorini outdoor room). Arthur has always admired white modern spaces. Having been to Greece on a holiday one year he returned home and created a holiday at home with this white outdoor room. Absolute perfect spot to get away from the wind and read a book. Stillness. Peaceful.



My father Arthur below. One of his favourite places during the summer months. Boating. With main street Paynesville behind.


Love you Dad xxx