My Christmas snapshot

Wonderful friends from out of town. Rainy and cool weather. Lego. Naps. Laid back and lazy. Perfect.

A bit of front-door Australiana.

Placecards for the Christmas table.

Shannon Fricke's Sense of style; colour + space, a Christmas present from my wonderful husband - a lovely surprise! Thank you Mr T xxx

Christmas princess-beauty No.1

Christmas princess-beauty No.2

Fresh

During these dry, hot, inland summer days, I'm drawn to a refreshing, soothing palette of white, shades of turquoise and touches of silver such as the one used by Leslie Shewring in her latest Colour Me Pretty posting. I love those ribbons and wrapping paper in the third image down (and, of course, Miss A thinks the birds are just adorable).

I had wanted to use this colour theme in my Christmas decorating this year, but ended up going with naturals, red and silver as this suits my lounge room decor and I could mostly use what I already have. Ok, I did purchase a linen tablecloth and matching serviettes and some silver baubles, but I figure these are a great base, totally practical etc (insert cheeky smile). Hoping that I may get to post some pics of my Christmas efforts....we'll see!

Really liking the sweetness and simplicity of that little paper wrapped vase (above). These blue-turquoise tones were my favourite colours during my mid-late primary school years and seem to be appealing all over again. They made an appearance in a fave skirt, swimmers, jewellry, hairbrushes, dreams and drawings. Perhaps it's the dusty season, where the heat rises in shimmering waves, perhaps it's the influence of Miss A's preference for these cool tones over pinks (check this post for great ideas), or perhaps it's a shifting within....maybe it's all of the above. Whichever...turquoise is my new-again friend.

All images: Leslie Shewring

His 'n Hers

A recent party for twins. Black and white wrapping paired with brown paper. Same basic elements, with a little twist in the details - one for a girl, one for a boy.

images: one small tree

Night course - week three

The theme of last week's session was an introduction to colour and to painting our own colour wheel.

Yep, something similar to the above example (excuse the tiny image). Mine is unfinished - could NOT get my green right - so am giving myself some time to calm down and start over, because I learned SO much in the process.

The really great thing was, as we discussed colours (the associated emotions and their application in small v large spaces or dark v light spaces etc), that I felt really good about the paint colours I've chosen for the walls at home. Now, to paint!

Copy Cat Design at Little Green Notebook

The straightforward breakdown of the elements in this room, pictured below, at Little Green Notebook as a simple how-to guide is really informative. Although based around US products and suppliers, the discussion of each of the elements and the range of price points makes it a great learning tool and starting point for me to think about Miss A and Miss T's bedrooms in a more analytical way.

from Domino's Mini Guide: Twin Beds (June/July 2008 issue), photo by Justin Bernhaut (via Little Green Notebook)

Mmmmm, now that I'm looking at the image (was focussed on the content before), I like the striped rug, the repetition of the rectangles/squares in the pillows, headboards, side table and frames and - even if not in a bedroom - the pairing of red and aqua.

To live simply - a quote

This quote speaks to me today. As I've read it through a number of times, my mind and heart have stilled, I've breathed more deeply, become conscious of this moment and heard the small sounds like the ticking of the clock and footsteps nearby...

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury; and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden, and unconscious grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.

William Henry Channing 1810-1884

quote found here

Today I love

via Design Style Colour

via Cote de Texas

via Lobster and Swan

via Cote de Texas

via Simply Grove