Clock watching

This week I am clock watching as my internet access in on slow speed after overuse this month. It is so hard to fit it all in before 12 noon . Enjoy your weekend!

Spot the difference

The return of leopard print is music to my ears. No need to overdo it but just a touch adds glamour and elegance to a classically styled room.

this is glamorous, elle decor, alice lane, nate berkus, this is glamorous

Green inspiration

There is something so refreshing about the colour green. It goes with nearly every colour but is particularly gorgeous when teamed with white. I have been struggling with computer issues all week and am looking forward to some time in the fresh air. Have a lovely weekend.

Refreshing colour!

Some where over the past few years I seem to have become lost in a sea of beige. How lovely it is to see pretty pastel colours returning.

Enjoy your weekend and the spring rain!

images via 1. 2 and 3. Designers Guild, 4. pve

Spring Linen

I am gradually working my way through my spring cleaning but find it easier to be inspired when I look at lovely images like these. I once tried colour coding all my sheets with gingham ribbons like the 1st picture but unfortunately the novelty wore off after the 1st wash.

Spring cleaning fever

A place for everything and everything in its place

I seem to have been hit by a cleaning/organizing frenzy and am blaming it on the weather. Or perhaps it is more a case of necessity. Our home has lots of storage cupboards and storage rooms which is normally a lovely thing to have. Unfortunately it is easy to fall into the trap of hoarding too many things that should have been sent to charity years ago.

I recently read a blog on Acanthus and acorn about whether you are a Felix or an Oscar (from The odd couple). Felix was the fastidiously organized one and Oscar was the slob. I seem to vacillate between these two. While aspiring to be a Felix, I have Oscar lapses and in the busyness of life are prone to take short cuts when it comes to the organization in my home.

Inspired by this article I have made a plan to work through each room in my home and do some serious culling. Acanthus and acorn recommends the following; "pretend a move is imminent". With this as my game plan I have a busy weekend ahead of me. I hope you enjoy yours! P.S. Are you a Felix or an Oscar???

images via 1. acanthus and acorn, 2. cote de texas, 3. habitually chic- Meg braff. 4 and 5 unknown.

More washing...

I have become a little obsessed by lovely laundrys over the past couple of days and inspired with pretty pictures I plan to do some serious work in mine today. It has always been a dream of mine to have two machines and dryers. Think how quickly you could wizz through your chores.

An outside door in my laundry is also on my dream list.

This is definitely my favourite. With these drying racks, washing basin, pretty colours, fresh flowers and little glass canisters for the detergents, I think it could become a place I could enjoy a little more. Colour coordinated washing definitely helps the look!

images via 1.and 2. from marriage to motherhood 3. house of turquoise

Washing day

After a busy weekend with family and friends home for the long weekend, the idea of a beautiful, well designed, laundry holds great appeal. If only mine looked like this right now.....

images via Villa Anna

Relaxed dining

Relaxed dining need not be shabby. With some lovely linen, fresh flowers and a few creative touches even a garden shed can be transformed into a beautiful space for sharing good food with friends.

1. little blue deer, 2. brabourne farm

Picnics

Today we enjoyed a barbeque in the bush and it reminded me how relaxed we are dining outside. We lit a big fire and enjoyed yummy food in a relaxed setting. Although a bit of effort packing everything up and transporting it to our favoutite picnic spot, it was well worth the trouble.
1. photo taken by friend at a picnic on our farm

2. Linen and lavender

Spring

Spring is slowly arriving in our garden, our lovely old magnolia tree has lovely pink blooms but where are the leaves?

Hellebores, daffodils and blue bells are the only other spring flowers on show.

Ralph's new pad

The latest edition of Elle decor reveals Ralph and Ricky Lauren's new sleek Manhattan apartment. Always stylish and classic this apartment is quite a contrast to their latest collections which have the faded elegance of an old English manor home. The bathroom is my favourite with mirrors and windows used to great effect.

See the full article at Elle decor.

Eternally classic

I will never tire of classic fashion or interiors.

or navy and white.
It's great to see a return to the classics.

images by Habitually chic and Ralph Lauren

New Favourite

Massimo Dutti is my new favourite store. It has been said " it is the European answer to Ralph Lauren". Owned by Inditex, one of the world's largest fashion distributors, who also owns Zara . I first discovered this store in Milan and on a recent trip rediscovered it in Kuala Lumpur. They stock classic European fashion with a preppy touch. The stores are beautifully merchandised and combine clever colour combinations with the latest trend being plaid blazers with leather elbow patches. Lilac is teamed with browns and camels effortlessly in a way only Europeans can do. If Zara is coming to Australia I hope Massimo Dutti will soon follow.

A beautiful space in Phuket....

Infinity pool, washing into the Andaman sea. A great place to relax and switch off from reality.

The spa, where you are treated by the experts. Thai massage and detox treatments are their specialty. They serve you freshly brewed ginger tea and fresh fruit to recover after your treatments while you recline on a padded sun lounge overlooking the ocean.