lovely blog award

Thanks to the ever lovely Amanda at Weekend Host, for awarding me the 'lovely blog award'. I feel very honored to be included in the lovely list of fellow bloggers. Its been such an enriching experience meeting new and creative people, from around the world, whom share similar creative inspirations. So in honor of the award, I have passed it onto 15 other wonderful bloggers who inspire me, and hopefully can introduce you to some new and wonderful blogs. And in no particular oder, here we go...

1. Follow studio
2. A summer picnic wedding
3. A Paddington Perspective
4. My lens of love
5. Simply lovely
6. Far out brussel sprout
7. Swish and Swanky
8. Beach Vintage
9. Oh, hello friend
10. Bespoke press
11. Daily Imprint
12. SevenEight (the blog of Mika78)
13. a blog for tilly
14. this is glamorous
15. rifle

I haven't inlcuded descriptors...because I want you to check them out yourself! Thanks again Amanda, through you're award, I've discovered some new fabulous blogs. I hope to do the same.

Pantone mug

I have just bought myself my first Pantone mug, and I'm in love with it! I though it was a bit naf, a graphic designer buying one of these, but I really do love the colour (PMS 337, duck egg blue) and I thought 'why not'. But I think the most geekiest thing I did, like any normal designer would do, was compare the colour against the Pantone colour bridge!! Oh I truely am a designer geek.

Work are considering getting the 10 pack mug set for our office, so we can be Pantone geeks together. For those keen on buying their Pantone mug, click here. If you want to find out more about Pantone, and why it is the backbone of our designer world (think 8pm press checks, arguments with printers, the ease of selecting a colour etc)!, click here.

If I could select my own colour, I would pick PMS 382 (chartruse). What colour are you?

[images of my desk, emma kaveney]

i love stripes

Now I realise that the whole trend for stripes is nothing new, but I only discovered my true love for stripes when I was putting away my washing last night. Almost everything I own is monochrome, but 5/9 tops I was putting away, were stripes! I also bought a new pair of ballet flats, which have a large white band across the top...sounding familiar...yes a stripe. Today I'm wearing....you guessed it: a mazi jersey black and white strip dress. Help me, I think I need stripe counselling! But I do love the classic look of a stripped top with jeans and ballet flats or the structure it gives to a room. Maybe its just the strong contrast between black and white, which helps it carry it off. I'm not adverse to other colours used in stripes, but I'm a monochrome kinda gal and thats where my heart lies. Are stripes driving you bonkas yet or are we just trying to imagine we were french instead!

wedding board

It was by chance that I discovered some of the most amazing wedding inspiration blogs, simply by clicking through other blogs. I have to say though, my first stop is Snippet & Ink. Kathryn creates the most stylish and beautifully themed mood boards. Even if you're not getting married, there are fantastic ideas for entertaining and celebrations. I have created a 'catalogue' on my desktop, and constantly updating it. Here is my current mood board for my wedding.

My inspiration is "Summertime white & dove grey"

[images sourced from Martha Stewart, Snippet & Ink, Once Wed, 100 layer cake, Amy Atlas, Polka Dot Bride]

to hat or not to hat?

With my mind flittering between my big move from the city to country (more on that later) and my upcoming wedding, I'm finding it quite difficult to concentrate on the present moment. At the present, I'm trying to work out whether to wear a hat/flower/fascinator (call it what you may) for the reception of my wedding. I showed my mum some ideas, and her gasp of shock "don't you think thats a little 'race-wear'?". My dress is going to be quite simple, so a little detail here wouldn't hurt, would it? I couldn't really see me wearing a veil for the reception. My best friend's recent wedding, she had a removable bustle & train - talk about reception entrance! (took us 4 bridesmaids to take it off!) Does anyone have experience with this or do you think we've gone a little too 'fasionista' for weddings these days?

ps. I'm loving ALL of these dresses as well!

[image sourced snippet&ink, 100 layer cake]

sleep time

I'm dreaming of beds, and being asleep. Have had a big week, big girls dinner on Tuesday (involving one too many bottles of wine and Moet), last night was Japanese and Karaoke for my friends maternity leaving do, and tonight is another farewell for one of my girlfriends who is moving to NYC. So as you can see, a little lunchtime kip would be greatly appreciated. I just don't think I can pull it off at work :)

I'm dreaming of soft pillows, fresh linen, a bunch of fresh lavender, a soft warm breeze blowing through the window...and no traffic! What things help you sleep?

images sourced from Marie Claire Maison

elki design

Here is a little baby brunch invite I did for a friend. An invite that was 'generic' not to give away the gender of the baby. I think I have the perfect gift as well - elki Liberty of London bloomers and night shirt!

get in the loop

If you would like to join our mailing list, please email me and I'll add you to the list. We're starting bi-monthly newsletters to inform everyone about our new product range, what's happening in elki world and any specials/deals we have. Our online store is under construction as we speak, so get in the loop with our newsletter. Otherwise, pop over to elki and check out the site here...

Blog love

One of my regular morning stopovers for inspiration is the lovely Amanda's blog Swish and Swanky. Not only does it contain all the things I love - interiors, vintage finds, art, stationery, but most importantly....its Australian!


This morning via Swish and Swanky, I was introduced to a great Australian design house, dandi. They specialise in the design of modern fabric and tableware based on all things Australian, including lovely Lorikeets and gum leafs (no cheesy touristy souvenirs in sight!). Swish and Swanky are giving away a gorgeous dandi dining set (in my favourite duck-egg pattern). So pop over to Swish and Swanky and enter the giveaway - I have!

blog love

I am a sucker for Scandinavian design (I swear I was a Scandinavian in my past life - might explain the blonde hair in a family of brunettes!). Anyway, have just discovered this new blog, emmas designblog (how could I not love it, with a name like that!). The blog is inpsiring and not necessarily all Scandinavian. Emma focueses on styling existing rooms rather than new products, to create a more sustainable lifestyle. The apartments and stylists featured reflect the simplicity and clean lines, Scandinavian design does so well.

Particularly in these times, when money is a little tight, I know I would rather buy a great old chair and recover it than buy it for 5 times the cost in a shop! What about you - are you brave enough to do a little DIY around the house, or rather let someone else do it?

beautiful paper

This morning's inspiration is from the very talented Julene who makes the most amazing custom 'paper cuts'. They would be the perfect gift for a wedding, anniversary, birthday, Mother's day etc. My favourite is the 'I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart'. So romantic!

Happy long weekend

Happy Birthday Queenie (even though it was in April) and thank you for the loooong weekend. I hope everyone has plans that involve

• some down time
• a glass of wine or something yummy
  
• time with their loved one(s)

My 'other half' and I are heading up to Brisbane for Millies wedding - I'm a bridesmaid and very excited. It should be a great 'test-run' for my wedding in Feb 2010. Lets hope the rain stays away, the beautiful sun hangs around all weekend.

The little 'chicks and invite' were for Millie's hen's night. It was lots of fun, and the name tags were a great hit (especially after those countless bottles of champagne!).

Blog love

Two loves this morning. I was recommended to the blog 1 Decor8 through my friend Amanda who has also started her own blog, blog 2 weekend host. So I thought I would mention both, but again you must really check them out to really appreciate each one.



Blog 1: weekend host, Amanda's blog, showcases some great entertaining ideas, as well as beautiful images of design, styling and fashion. Its a great read and source of inspiration (see above images).

Blog 2: Decor8, is by the very talented and ever inspiring Holly Becker. Launched in 2006, it has over 25,000 visitors A DAY and there's no argument to see why!

"everything from sofas to stationery along with product reviews, reader discounts, contests, interviews, store and home tours, do-it-yourself projects, and trade show coverage. Topics on small business ownership, blogging, and independent design are also discussed and meant to encourage and engage readers."

Its definitely the first stop on my morning blog rounds, and I think it should be yours as well!

blog love - sunday suppers

Where I live in Sydney, 5 of my best friends all live within about 2kms from each other. After many years away at uni and split up between different cities, we're all now so close (literally!). So we've begun weekly dinners at each others house, as one of our beloved group members is moving NYC next month. As weekends are usually so busy, our weekly dinners have been so fun and a great excuse to have a wine and catch-up.

Georgina, works at Delicious Magazine as the senior food assistant, so I'm never without a great meal. However, I feel like I've become slightly 'stumped' in the kitchen domain. So when I found this blog Sunday Suppers, I thought perfect! This will help inspire me for my next dinner and/or brunch. They have delicious recipes and the photography is stunning. Nothing like drooling over a beautiful foodie photo at my desk! Its inspired me to start writing and collecting my favourite recipes down, like Osso Buco, chocolate tartin, Rhubarb crumble (loving the look of Sunday suppers crumble). What is your favourite recipe? Something sweet or savoury?

thanks

Just a quick note to say 'THANKS' for all the lovely comments and support in getting elki up and running. I'm really enjoying being inspired every day, and excited to come home and work on elki. In the past it would have been: kick my shoes off at the door, pour a glass of wine, cook dinner and chill out in front of the tv. Now, I'm straight to our 'sweatshop' (our sunroom which is now elki's head office) with a glass of wine, on with the macbook and back into elki world.

The wonderful blogs that I check daily are also a huge inspiration. I feel like I've been living under a rock all my life, having just discovered and keep discovering wonderful blogs by inspiring creatives. So thank you to everyone :)

image by emma