I love the delicate flowers of the Hydrangea. The white ones would have to be my favourite. Lots of little flowers that make up the one big bloom. Life is kind of like a Hydrangea bloom, lots of small and intricate parts that make up the one big bloom that life is. When not watered and shown enough love we tend to wilt. We want to be admired, cut and put in a vase to be on display. You may find that people who don't care or perhaps are selfish and jealous prune you back to your bare bones, cut every last green leaf away. The smart gardner knows that beautiful Hydrangea with all her delicate petals will grow back big and strong and into a bigger and more beautiful plant than before.

The prettiest plant will always have big beautiful blooms, making everyone smile.

Back In The Nest

So after a life changing moment, with a split decision it was decided I had to move back into the family home.

After my Sister had recently returned after a not so successful move to Sydney, it was once again a full house. Much to Dads delight (note the sarcasm)
I had a sofa, lots of big antique cupboards, a big heavy upholstered bed, dining table etc etc...
My lovely Aunty said I could put the sofa, dining table, coffee table and most of the huge furniture into her massive house! And doesn't it look great!I am now living in the formal dining room and lounge with boxes surrounding me. Yes it is slightly depressing, but I am trying to make this my own space, while including all of the existing furniture into it.
A girl can only dream of one day having a nice bedroom again!!!

Merry Christmas

I would like to wish you and your most cherished ones a very merry Christmas. Remember those that are not as lucky as we are, and who have nothing or no one on this joyous day.

Be thankful for the gorgeous gifts we are lucky enough to receive and the love from family and friends.

This year after all the heartache I have been through, I am so lucky to have my family who rescued me and saved me and give me the love I need right now.

Merry Christmas all!

A weekend away

It was a great weekend away. After lots of personal dramas these last few months - or more likely this past year mum and dad whisked me away from everything and took me to a beautiful lakeside resort.
The clear air and beautiful scenery were enough to make me forget about everything, plus the no Internet or phones was a huge relief. I didn't realize how much I relied on these things but 4 days away with nothing can do you the world if good.

I hope you had a good Monday. I found it very hard to climb out from under my covers!

Venetian Love

OK, I am in LOVE with Venetian Mirrors and have been for a while now. I was slowly putting them to the back of my mind until, at the shop last week, I saw them glistening in the shop window.......... I kept walking - slowly-, looking back and dreaming.

So I am going back tomorrow during my lunch break to see if they are still at the store, and I will compromise by Lay Buying one! I am hoping they are still there, knowing my luck they will have sold them already.

Orange and Poppy Seed Cake

Today was a Public Holiday in Perth and with only a few hours to spare, I decided to bake one of my favourite cakes. The Orange and Poppy Seed Cake. Its always super moist and everyone loves it. The icing is pretty good as well! Orange Cream Cheese Icing. Yumm

I'm cooking Chinese for dinner. Fried Rice and Garlic Soy chicken and veggies. I'm hoping there will be some left over for lunch tomorrow.

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Two for Two

Two lovely rooms to end two days of a hot, steamy weekend. Loving the bright, airiness of them. Fab!

A Blue Hue

Its been a really long, hot Summer here in Perth this year and I'm very much over it!

I love blues used throughout the home. While blues are predominantly a cool colour, used in the right way they don't make a space feel cold, but warm and inviting.

While I would love a cold space right now I always need a cosy room no matter the temperature.

images via: besthomegallery.com bedroomdesigninterior.blogspot.com sensationalcolor.com homeinterior-decoration-design.blogspot.com

Living Like JLo

No longer Jenny From The Block. Jennifer Lopez has serious elegance. Inside of her Californian home neutrals are mixed with soft blues which have created a gorgeous mix of sophistication and glamour without being over the top. I love the use of blues with neutrals, I have used this in my bedroom.

I love the metallic back splash in the kitchen with the gleaming white of the bench tops.

Wouldn't it be nice to live in a fabulous big house like this!?

Images via: Veranda

Valentines Lust List

Here is my list for an extra special present. I'm loving red right now so its kind of a theme with my wish list. Of course I'd love to receive a simple handwritten letter. A girl can always dream!

These FAB red shoes!

Yummy heart shaped raspberry Macaroons

I'm in love with this Michael Kors Watch

A red Hermes Birkin bag. I'd happily have one in any colour. This would be passed down to my daughter.

A gold leather pouffe where I could sit back and put my feet up on with a glass of champagne

A bunch of red roses.... simple and stunning.

My lucky sister received a stunning box containing 12 long steam red roses.

A Big Love

Big & Carrie.

Carrie & Big.

Love comes in many different ways. This Valentines Day I am single. I have been single now for a few years. I've dated, and while there are some stories I am willing to share Ill leave those for another day.

Today is the day of Love. The day where everyone in the office but you receives flowers from their beloved husband or partner.

Today is the day that many Singles stoop into a low gloom. Unable to go to a restaurant alone for dinner or lunch. Looked at with sorrow when you order for one.

Carrie & Big went through many ups and downs through the many seasons of Sex and the City. In the end, there is only one. The One.

It may take longer than you would like. You may have to go on many horrible dates with men who don't trim their nose hairs before you find your Prince Charming,

Shrimp plant

I'm at Bunnings and I found the most unusual plant! Its really strange!

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Dinner

Tonights dinner was a delicious bowl of yum! Honey soy beef strips with fresh beans and rice.

I marinated beef stir fry strips with honey, soy sauce, sesame oil and the juice of a lemon. I left that for a couple of hours while I finished cleaning out the pantry and did the vacuuming.

I quickly sealed the beef in a smoking wok then added the beans. It was super easy and loved by the family. I sprinkled some sesame seeds on top before serving.

Sorry about the bad picture! Had to get the vultures fed!
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Black & White

I love black & white stripes on a chair. They are so elegant. I don't think any more words are needed!

Blog Award!!!!

I am so excited! I have received my first ever blog award from Belle Inspirations!

I must say a HUGE Thank you to Miss Belle, I am constantly inspired by all of her gorgeous posts. And a big Congratulations are in order, with Belle being pregnant with her 4Th child.


I also feel a little bit embarrassed as I haven't written a good post in over a week - life has been a little bit hectic here, but I promise I have some good blogging up my sleeve.

Now onto the part where I reveal 7 bits of info about myself:

One: When I was growing up, from the ages 7 to 14 I was a tomboy. I didn't wear dresses or like anything girly. It was all blues and shorts. Its a different story today, I am a total girly girl!

Two: I was the girls captain of the school surfing team and swimming teams when I was in year 12.

Three: While Im still living at home, saving for my own house I have developed a bad habit of buying things I like and putting them in boxes for when I have my own house.

Four: None of my friends know I write a blog. I am what they call a bit of a Grandma - I am over going out to night clubs and rowdy bars, and as they put it I like "pretty things"

Five: I have an obsession with shoes. High heels are my favourite. I will show you a picture soon! I have over 100 pairs of shoes - mostly high heels. I need a house for my shoes!

Six: I have a tattoo.

Seven: My hero is My Grandad. He is the most amazingly talented man (dad is too!) He always made sure he accomplished the highest level he could and is such a kind man.

Wow that was hard! I have to now give this blog to 5 other bloggers. I know this is not how you do it but I am going to choose 3.

Drum roll please!!

Leigh at Brabourne Farm. Her blog is fab!
Julie at Belle Vivir - gorgeous
Erin at House of Turquoise - LOVE

Congratulations girls, I know I make sure I look at your blogs daily to see whats happening. Thanks for your inspiration

Busted!

What I walked in and found! Sonny is not allowed on the couch, and doesn't this look say it all. Its so hard to get mad when he is so darn cute!

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Grey Inside

I'm loving Grey. Its neutral and soft and you can pair it with so many different colours depending on what mood you feel like creating. I love grey and pale pink.

Happy New Year to all my Blogging friends. I hope you have a wonderful year.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected my the Queensland and now New South Wales floods. It is devastating and unfortunately there is much more ahead. We are a strong country and I am so pleased to see everyone pulling together and showing our true Australian spirit. A huge hug to Digella - who's own Sons are stranded on the family farm surrounded by flood waters. You are an amazing woman, and I wish I lived closer so I could be apart of the baking goodness. Digella organized for a HUGE number of men and women to bake snacks and meals for the volunteers who are putting in tireless hours. Also offered were meals to those people affected directly and meals like Lasagna and easy frozen meals were given to those who have people staying with them. I cannot describe the emotion going through our country right now. I hope you are all well and safe.

images via: interior-lifestyle.blogspot.com fe57.com decorpad.com kourtneypulitzerstyle.blogspot.com chapmaninteriorsblog.com

To Dine For!

Loving this Kate Spade dinner set. Metallics always win me over, but I love the spots and the shape of the cups.
You can also purchase matching glassware! Not quite as fab but just as pretty.

If only!
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