Tender is the Night

‘Following a walk marked by an intangible mist of bloom that followed the white border stones she came to a space overlooking the sea where there were lanterns asleep in the fig trees and a big table and wicker chairs and a great market umbrella from Sienna, all gathered about an enormous pine, the biggest tree in the garden. She paused there a moment, looking absently at a growth of nasturtiums and iris tangled at its foot, as though sprung from a careless handful of seeds….’ Excerpt from “Tender is the Night” By F. Scott Fitzgerald

There is something very beautiful blossoming over at The Society Inc. Sibella Court always amazes me with her beautiful themes and 'Tender is the Night' is no exception. Now she has me dreaming of dragonflies, geraniums and lovely afternoons in the garden.

For more inspiration pop over to The Society Inc. and check out the gorgeous invitation and all of Sibella's amazing themes.

Much Love
xxx

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Monday Must Have..

Begin your Monday with a splash of fabulous colour and pinch of quirky style. These are my Monday Must Haves..

This charming handbag from Thrush

Paired with these delightful Veronica Heels from Modcloth

And this lovely 'Secret Garden' key tunic from MoxieMadness

To wear whilst reading this gorgeous book Sense of Style: Colour + Space by Shannon Fricke


Have a fabulous and sunshine filled Monday!
Much Love
xxx

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Flea Market Finds..

Well it's Sunday and you know what that means, sleeping in, lovely brunch, reading the papers.. Perhaps for some.. for others it means scouring garage sales, markets and op shops for all kinds of fabulous treasures.. It's Sunday, Flea Market Finds day!

Thanks so much for playing along last week, it was lovely to see everyone's finds and also seeing them put to fabulous use! Tablecloths transformed into cushions, old cutlery into the most delightful plant labels. Some of my favourite finds for the week were this amazing wedding dress and these gorgeous fabrics, which also came with a beautiful story. I can't wait to see what you have found this week.

As for me, my adventure in search for bottles and teapots was very interesting indeed, for I found neither. I did however come home with some fabulous pieces for our little cottage.

Our first find was a wooden frame in great condition, I was so happy with it as soon as I got home, I pulled the print out, painted it and hung it. Now all it needs is some lovely paper bunting..

I also found this pair of treasures for $5. I just love little old chairs, can't wait to sand this back and paint it a lovely turquoise, inspired by the chairs I posted on Friday. I'm hoping to transform the ladder into a shadow box for storing lovely little things.

So what have you found this week? Or what have you rediscovered in your third drawer? Old finds, new finds, I love them all! Just pop the link to your post below and share your second hand treasures. Oh and if you like add them to the Flea Market Finds flickr page too.

Happy Searching!
xxx

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My Place & Yours..Shoes

Shoes, how I them them indeed.. I have vivid memories of sneaking into my mother's cupboard to try on all her lovely shoes. My favourites were a pair of black velvet heels with fabulous little laces down the front. How I wish she had kept them. Here is a small part of my shoe collection, some of my very favourites.

Some new, a few second hand including my lovely vintage brown heels that feature in my little profile image. My search for beautiful red shoes is ongoing and one day I will find the perfect pair of red heels. Top left are my wedding shoes, they are so lovely, but got a little dirty during our wedding photos. I'm thinking of dyeing them black so I can wear them again.

When I sat all my shoes together I noticed how much I love buckles, bows and bling. My Toni Bianco ballet flats complete with sparkly skulls always make me smile. I can't wait until they come back in stock so I can buy them in black too.

So these are my favourite shoes, I can't wait to see yours. Pop over to Punky & Me to join the fun and show off your heels, sandals and ballet flats.

Much Love
xxx

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Saturday Shopping List..

1. Droppin Anchor. by oceanblueseaglass
2. SPERM WHALE Print by marystreacle
3. Anchor towel hanger by monkeyandsquirrel
4.ANCHOR - Paperweight by sjengraving

Today I'm dreaming of the ocean, of blue hues, pirates and narwhals. I'm longing for shells, stones and seaglass. It's a five hour drive to the closest bit of coast line, so I'm off to the river a little later to close my eyes and pretend.

Check out all the other lovely shopping lists at fancypicnic.

What are your weekend plans? I delighted it's the weekend and can't wait to go to Round Again (the refuse centre treasure trove). I'm on the lookout for old bottles and teapots today, but who knows what I might return with. We shall see tomorrow on Flea Market Finds. This afternoon I have promised myself a little time with my sketchbook, to scribble down some new ideas.

Happy Weekend!
Much Love
xxx

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Friday Favourites

Oh so lovely Penguin pencils via 74 Lime Lane

My favourite Missed Connections illustration by the amazing Sophie Blackall

Loving this eclectic dining room with fabulous mismatched and turquoise chairs - via ich and chi

Delightful stashes of ribbon from ici et la via decor8

Can you believe it's Friday already! Will these days ever slow down.. Whatever happened to taking a walk upon the moors and enjoying an afternoon of high tea. Well a girl can dream.. So here are my favourite bits and pieces from the week. I chose them simply because they all make me smile. I hope you have had a lovely week indeed.

Much Love
xxx

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My Creative Space..

It is so lovely to be back playing along with the fabulous Kootooyoo's, My Creative Space for another creative year. I always enjoy checking out what people are up to and sharing the mess I am currently making. To begin the year I'm excited to share my new little studio. I'm forever adding to it, finding new ways to store all my bits and pieces, so this is what my creative space looks like today.

My new little studio space.. I've come up with an idea of storing all my fabric in a lovely wicker basket so it's nice and easy to access.

My favourite pair of vintage shoes, op-shopped of course, are a little delicate to wear, so now they take pride of place onto of my library card cabinet along side, a scissor holding teapot and a new addition.. inspired by my post last week.. all my white buttons now stored in a vintage jar.

Brooches ready for buttons, on their way to Handmade Heaven sit in front of my ever growing inspiration board, full of lovely things. One of my favourite pieces in my studio, is an original Nicole Tattersall painting my hubby bought me (it's the lovely girl with the umbrella).

Wishing you a lovely Thursday, now known as Creative Space day..
To play along pop over to the Creative Queen herself, Kirsty.

Much Love
xxx

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Wednesday Wardrobe..

It seems I'm already on the look out for lovely things to wear in Autumn. As much as I love summer in Australia, it doesn't quite work for my favourite lady like outfits, skirts, Mary-Janes and cardigans. And now that I've found out that Anthropologie will be shipping to Australia, sometime very soon, I'm gathering inspiration for upcoming editions to my wardrobe.

My inspiring lady-like finds today come from the Kristen at All Things Lovely.

Just love the mustard shoes and very cute green cardigan.
For more of Kristen's lovely outfit combinations check her out on Polyvore.

I'm also playing along with the fun Flickr group Bloganistas created by Erin from Design for Mankind for bloggers to share their outfits. It's lovely to see what what some of my favourite blogger are wearing, pop by and have a peak and join in here.

Wishing you a lovely Wednesday
Much Love
xxx

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Delightful Dwellings..

Ever since we bought our very own little cottage, I've been reading and filling my journals with everything I can on interior design. I always enjoyed making my house pretty, but there is just something so lovely about owning your own home. I can all of a sudden hang paintings, paint walls, create a lovely garden. I thought you might like to join me on my interior design adventures, so from now on I've made Tuesdays all about beautiful homes and spaces. Today I thought I'd share a few of my favourites from Tumblr.

Villa Audureau ~ Bali via Partners in Style

via maryelizabethinspire

via dwellings & decor

My first decorating port of call is always decor8. Holly has the most delightful way of seeing interior design come to life. Pop over to visit and be inspired. Be sure to put the kettle on first and get comfy, you will want to stay a while.

PS. Happy Australia Day!

Much Love
xxx

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Monday Must Have..

One of my goals for the year is to be more organised, for now it seems to be working well, but ask me again in June and you may get an entirely different response. I have reorganised my files a little and it seems my subconscious is trying to prioritize my ever growing shopping list. I have created a 'To Buy' file and a 'Must Have' file. I'm not quite sure what the difference is, except a matter of urgency perhaps, but I thought to start the week I would share a few of my Must Haves.

This super cute purse by Beci Orpin from Lark

To put in this fabulous bag from one of my favourite Australian designers Nancybird

To wear with this delightful dress from ModCloth

Whilst reading this lovely and calming book, Simple Home by Mark and Sally Bailey

What's on your must have list?

Happy Monday
Much Love
xxx

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Flea Market Finds..

It's Sunday again and a fabulous day to check out come lovely Flea Market Finds. Thanks so much for your comments and for playing along last week. I can't wait to see more of your second hand delights.

My finds this week came from our local Salvation Army store. They always have some interesting and unusual items and my quick trip yesterday afternoon proved to be a fruitful one indeed.

I found this lovely old suitcase in a little back corner in search of a new home and I initially walked past this lovely old print (I'm not sure how, it's quite large) of A Young Girl Reading by Jean-Horore Fragonard. The frame is in great condition, not quite sure what I'm going to do with her yet, but I think she is very sweet indeed.

So what have you found this week? I'd love to see, or perhaps you might like to share a well loved item you found years ago at a strange little car boot sale. Just remember to add your blog post link below so we can pop over a check out your treasures and you can join in at anytime during the week.

Oh, before I forget, I've created a little Flickr group for Flea Market Finds, so if you would like to add your photos, please do. I would love to get a sweet little collection of preloved goodness.

Much Love and Happy Hunting
xxx

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My Place & Yours..What I'm Reading

I'm so delighted to that My Place & Yours found a new home over at Punky and Me and the first theme is one of my favourite past times, reading. So at the moment I'm reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and I've really enjoyed it. I've only got a few pages to go, so I'm up for suggestions of what to read next, I'm up to my ears in Year 12 English and Literature texts for work so something light and charming would be perfect. I'm also enjoying this month's Country Style, which includes a fabulous tote bag pattern I can't wait to try.

Pop over to Punky and Me to join the in fun of the new look My Place & Yours.

PS. If you would like to see the rainbow inspired outfit I came up with for the delightful Hen's Party lunch, check it out here.

Much Love
xxx

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Saturday Shopping List..

1. Mini Fabric Bunting, Over the Rainbow by knottednest
2. Upside Down - Original Art Painting by kipi
3. audrey... crochet 'granny' cushion cover by EmmaLamb
4. magic and balloons 8x10 fine art print by alicebgardens

Begin your weekend with a delightful rainbow of colours.

Check out all the other lovely shopping lists at fancypicnic.

I'm off to a Hens party lunch today and we have been asked to wear bright colours. However, it seems after inspecting my wardrobe I have a real lack of colour in the clothing department. So these delightful items are my inspiration as I race around this morning trying to find something to wear.

What are your plans for the weekend? If your out and about, perhaps you might like to check out some lovely second hand delights and play along with Flea Market Finds tomorrow. Whatever you are up to I hope you have a lovely day.

Much Love
xxx

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Perfection..

I am not often lost for words, but when I stumbled upon this image on the beautiful blog Lace & Tea.. I was breathless.

To me, this is perfection. My imagination bought to life, my very own vivid fairytale, typewriter and all.

Much Love
xxx

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Friday Favourites

Delightful ceramic gumboot via Frankie

Fabulous white button collection via Country Living

White on White - Love the storage baskets ~ Atlanta Bartlett

The perfect summerhouse ~ Scotts of Thrapston

These are my favourite finds of the week. I gather so many delightful images, some I print out and stick into my inspiration journal, most I find get lost amongst the folders of my computer, so I thought I would begin sharing some of them with you on a Friday. Enjoy!

Much Love and Happy Friday
xxx

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The Perfect Afternoon Spot..

After posting the perfect Breakfast spot yesterday, I thought it might be nice to share with you, my perfect afternoon spot.

This is my favourite little spot in our lounge room, under the lovely big window that overlooks the front garden. Here sits my favourite leather chair which was my grandfather's. On the chair one of my most precious belongings.. a blanket crocheted by my great-grandmother, Isobel. Right now I'm using my little white chair as a side table until we fix up my Acme sewing cabinet. It is the perfect spot to crochet, sew, read, drink tea and enjoy lovely blogs.

I hope your Thursday has been full of delights..
Much Love
xxx

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Did you know...

Did you know that cats kiss with their eyes...

Have you ever noticed your cat gazing at you for a long moment and then slowly blinking his eyes? That's the kitty equivalent of a kiss, and you should feel very flattered. Of course, a nip on the nose is also their way of giving a kiss. If you want to show your cat you love him, give him a kitty kiss right back. No, not on the nose. Just give him that long stare and slow blink and see what happens. ~ Taken from here

There you are, a wee spot of trivia for the day.. But it's true. I noticed Olive staring at me last night while I was doing the dishes, then she blinked really slowly. I thought it was a little strange, I asked Mr Google, and there you have it, she was giving me at kitty kiss. Go try it out and tell me if it works for you!

Much Love
xxx

PS. I love trivia, so if you know any strange and interesting facts, please let me know.

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Handmade Delights..

I've had some delightful packages arrive in my mail box of late. There are just so many beautiful handmade things to buy, who needs to go to a shopping centre.

I've been eyeing off Forestbound's beautiful handmade bags for so long and as Alice makes a stunning limited range, they disappear as quickly as she stocks them. I was lucky enough to grab one from her Etsy shop a few weeks back and it has definitely become my new favourite bag.

Each bag is unique and mine is made from a WWII era military laundry bag. It is such beautiful soft fabric and has so many stories to tell. Now I'm stalking her lovely shop for a sweet little purse and a cream cotton tote, can you tell I'm smitten. Oh and if you want to have a peek into the world of Forestbound, check out Alice and her studio space in this Etsy video.

Also making my mailbox smile yesterday was a sweet little package from Marmeecraft. Marjorie is always making the most lovely artwork and I can never resist when she magically turns it into fabulous stationery.

Some cute new Marmeecraft stickers and postcards waiting on my desk. Check out Marjorie's lovely new shop. She's just added more very cute stickers so I think I might have to pop in to visit her again very soon.

Oh I really do love all things handmade.
Much Love
xxx

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The Perfect Breakfast Spot..

image via pia jane bijkerk

Doesn't this just look like the perfect spot to have breakfast. The fabulous Pia blogged yesterday about her delightful dining experience here at Baffi & Mo in Redfern St, Sydney. It looks like the most fabulous little hole in wall, with mismatched fold up chairs, milk crates and the sweet little moustache logo. I would just love to spend the morning there, enjoying the quirky ambiance. And they have fabulous food too! Read about it at Pia's beautiful blog and over here at the wonderful food blog the unbearable lightness of being hungry.

Well I'm off to boil the kettle..
Much Love
xxx

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You're a Sweetheart..

As promised, here are my little pastel hearts transformed just in time for Valentine's Day into Sweetheart Brooches.

Inspired by some delightful images of vintage Sweetheart Conversation Candy, I just couldn't resist making some little brooches that are almost sweet enough to eat.

I've made a little limited edition batch of Sweetheart brooches featuring some of the vintage sayings including, Hug Me, Be Mine and Love You and if you have a special someone to buy for this Valentine's Day, I've just listed them in my Etsy shop.

I hope you are having a lovely Tuesday. If you have been over to visit Pip today, you will know all about Looklet. If you are a busy person who like to play dress ups, beware. It is Barbie Dolls for big people, just too much fun! This is how I spent my morning...

PS. I'm very excited, Olive made her pet modeling debut this morning over on the fabulous Desire to Inspire, Monday's Pets on Furniture post. Pop over and check her out posing on my 'Louis' chair.

Much Love
xxx

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Some days are made for crochet..

Yesterday was one of those perfect days. It was blustering and uninviting out, perfect weather for drawing the blinds and enjoying a day inside with a few delightful films, a lovely pot of tea and a crochet project or two. Now that I am once again Grannying Along, I thought it best to dust of all project bags, my favourite wooden hook and get to work.

My colourful giant granny square blanket coming along and it will soon be a gift for a very special person. And my wee granny squares are the beginnings of my cushion I began last week during my afternoon in the sunshine.

I must get back to work on this little creation in time for winter. I know it doesn't look like much now, but I hope sooner rather than later it will become a giant granny square throw for our bed. I was initially doing little squares, but felt I didn't have enough colours, so instead went for one lovely big square.

Unlike my relaxing day yesterday, my Monday has been delightfully busy indeed, with one more week before I have to go back to work, I'm making the most of my time off and creating new stock for Handmade Heaven and Georgie Love. I'm also finding myself in the season of all things Valentine and have been turning some of my little felt circles into hearts.

Pop by tomorrow to see these sweet little delights transformed.

Thank you for your lovely comments and for those already playing along with Flea Market Finds, remember you can post anytime during the week. I've heard Tuesday is the best day for op-shopping so tomorrow might just be your lucky day. If you know anywhere fabulous to find a second hand delight I'd love to know about it.

Well Happy Monday, my granny squares are calling
Much Love
xxx

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Flea Market Finds - My new meme

There is something about searching for preloved bits and pieces that I just adore! You never quite know what you might find, like hunting for buried treasure. Op shops, car boot sales, flea markets, garage sales, thrift and second-hand shops, these are some of my favourite places to spend the weekend. Inspired by some fabulous girls including CurlyPops and Dottie Angel who are doing their bit to reuse and inspire, I thought it might be fun to share our 'Flea Market Finds' throughout the year.

So if you would like to share your second hand delights, this is how it is going to work. Each Sunday I'm going to post an image of one of my flea market finds. If you would like to join in and play just post an image of your second hand find, whatever it may be or even something you that you are dreaming to find (I'm always on the look out for wooden spools, typewriters, cameras and teacups). If you want to write about it too, then fabulous! If you would like to share your latest finds or an old piece you just really love, put your post URL into the auto link widget below.

The meme starts starts on a Sunday but you can post any time during the week, which give you plenty of time to go hunting for that perfect something. Feel free to play whenever you like, every week or whenever you find something fab!

To get the ball rolling I thought I would share the fabulous treat I found yesterday whilst fossicking at Round Again the local refuse centre.

At first I thought it was a old weather damaged side table but when I open the little art deco door, I found this. A fabulous 1930's Acme sewing cabinet. We have stripped it back all the old timber and with my hubby's help, I hope to make it into a little side table for the lounge room. A very successful outing indeed.

Well I can't wait to see what Flea Market Finds you have to share. Happy treasure hunting!

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Giveaway Winners!

Thanks to everyone who entered my summer giveaway! I just love hosting these little giveaways and hearing from all of you, it makes my day! So, much love and many thanks to you all. There will be many more to come throughout the year.

Now to the giveaway winners...

By method of my red magical teacup the delightful winners are...

Handmade & Home - Foxs Lane

Blogs & Bookshops - A Little Red Dress

Craft & Coffee - Selina's Vintage

Congratulations girls, I hope you enjoy your brooches!

Wishing you a lovely Saturday. Mine has already been fabulous, with a great find at the refuse shop (more about that tomorrow). Right now I'm off to enjoy a crafty afternoon of sewing and crochet.

Much Love
xxx

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