dream a little dream

It has to be one of the cruelest advertising ploys - release the latest range of swimwear, shot in the beautiful warmth of some exotic island with their new model, whilst we're all sitting freezing in our offices (sans sun and tan)! Thank you Seafolly, I just want to scoot off the Far North Queensland now. So here's a little temptation, I think I've chosen my new bikini for the summer. Anything that takes your fancy?

[images sourced from Conde Nast Traveller, The Vine]

ring a ring a rosey

Today the weather is dreary, cold and wet. So I am dreaming of when Spring will arrive and the smell of fresh flowers and sun in my face. Here are a few images that have sprung into my mind (excuse the pun!). I love the variety of vessels in these images, from paper bags to urns, even a simple bouquet with a ribbon. Fresh flowers can brighten any day, even one like today. Don't you agree?

[images sourced from Martha Stewart Weddings, Snippet & Ink]

[web love] Frankie magazine

One of my favourite arty/design magazines, Frankie Magazine has now started a newsletter which will be delivered to your inbox every two weeks - BLISS! Their website/blog is also great to stay in the loop in between issues. Check out their website/blog and sign up for the newsletters, it will fill your inbox with such lovelies as the above illustrations, giveaways, fashion and design. Its a must for anyone whom:

"looking for a magazine that’s as smart, funny, sarcastic, friendly, cute, rude, arty, curious and caring as they are"

[image source: frankie]

get excited!

I love this poster, a great spin on the 'keep calm' poster series, and because I always love making things. I printed out a version and hung it in our office. You can find yours here and they come in lots of colours! So this weekend, I am getting very excited and making lots of things. Cooking a delicious dinner tonight for a friend and my sister, a baby brunch tomorrow morning (so some elki bloomers heading out the door). Then I'll be designing our online store because it desperately needs to be done, and then I'll be doing a little photoshoot of our products.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend. What will you be getting excited about this weekend?

p.s. Thank you for this past weeks lovely comments, its just so inspiring to hear from everyone.
[image sourced from here]

(Mag love) Gourmet Traveller

I was in Thomas Dux yesterday picking up some lunch, one has just opened up at the top of our street and loving the convienience (sometimes not so the prices!). However, the recent edition of Gourmet Traveller caught my eye "The Annual French Edition"...how could I not pick it up! Its entirely all about French food, restaurants both here in Australia and of course around France. Some great reciepes, like the Raspberry Macaroons (front cover) and traditional French Onion Soup, Duck Confit and more. I did however have to share one of the best 'quotes' I've heard in a long time:

"Water can rust iron. Imagine what it can do to your insides.
It's much better to drink wine".

This is one copy that should be in everyone's collection - the dreamy photography of bistro's, the beautiful scenery and the mouth watering reciepes. If you haven't been to their website, you must check it out - fantastic source for reciepes, wine news and restaurant reviews.

(wedding venue) Hopewood House

This morning the winter sun is shining and it has me missing the warmth of summer (being a summer baby at heart). I thought I would share some beautiful images from Hopewood Country House in Bowral, where we're having our wedding in February. The recent owners, Susie and Michael have spent many a long hour to bring this old beauty into working order again. The property consists of 11 acres, 2 cottages, the large conservatory (where functions are held) and still only 2 minutes from town. You can stay in both cottages, The cottage is decorated in French provincial and is suitable for 1 or 2 couples - the perfect weekend getaway. Whilst the Caretakers cottage is more suitable for groups or families. Both are fully equipped and breakfast can be provided.

Susie also has the most beautiful store, French and Country, which was in Sydney before the move but now based at Hopewood. I had a look through it whilst we were down there last month, and I didn't want to leave! Anything vintage and French, it was there. The most gorgeous pieces, and the best part - you can buy online.

I can't wait for February, a glass of champagne, surrounded by friends and family, strolling through the gorgeous gardens. Please have a look, it will definitely brighten your winter morning, and might even prompt a winter weekend getaway!

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.