Temporary hiatus

Just thought I'd drop a quick line to say I might not be able to post for a little while. But don't stress, I'll be back shortly. I've finally move into my house and am (impatiently) waiting for my internet to be connected!

They are yet to give me a set-up date, so for the time being I'm limited to net use at work (shh don't tell anyone). On the bright side, once I'm up and running at home I can post lots of pictures. I might even do some official "before and after" reno shots.

Stay tuned!

Chesterfields

I have to admit I love a chesterfield lounge. I know that they may look a little granny, if they aren't used well. But I personally think they are a classic item which can be reinvented along with changing trends.

Image from snappy chappy.

While browsing the Anthropologie website, I stumbled across this amazing yellow chesterfield sofa. What a fantastic modern twist on a classic item - it was love at first sight for me.

Unfortunately, at over $6,000 I think this one is destined to be a dream.


Image from the Anthropoligie website.

This next image just makes me happy, I really want to be in that couple when I grow up!

Image from my favourite and best.

Isn't this room gorgeous? The grand scale with the collection of posters, the white chesterfield, the floor lamp. Love it.

Image from Apartment Therapy.

I think this next image really illustrates the this classic item is the perfect classic setting. It's just timeless.

Image from Apartment Therapy.

I'm not sure whether a chesterfield is technically defined by it's shape or the distinctive button feature. In any case, I love this next sofa from Urban Outfitters. Isn't the colour just divine?

Urban Outfitters -Antoinette Fainting Sofa.

Magazine Inspiration - Part 4

I thought it was time I posted some more pretty pictures I've had stashed away and used as inspiration for my house. Here is a lovely house that was featured in RealLiving magazine:

Where do I start? Well firstly I am jealous by the collection of sideboards that the owner of this place has. Secondly - the framed posters and artwork. I love how they have a vintage feel and still work so well mixed in with modern pieces.

I think the collection of yellow glass is possibly my favourite feature of this house.

As a final note, there are no words to express how in love I am with that yellow cow hide rug. If anyone has one they want to give to me, I'll happily take it off your hands.

It's a running joke among my friends about how much I love anything and everything that is mustard yellow in colour... apparently it's a "weird shade".

Born in the USA

While I do love life in the wonderful country that is Australia, there are times I pine to live elsewhere. I blame this mostly on the evil devise that is online shopping! There are so many gorgeous shops out there with funky (and often affordable) furniture and homewares which I want which don't ship to Australia.

I think Urban Outfitters is a prime example of the pain I have to live through! I've been browsing through their "apartment" section recently and am personally blown away by the funky and cheap furniture on offer. For example the mid-century sofa pictured above is only $480**!!!

I'm digging this retro style alarm clock speaker - again a steal at around $40. I should note that smaller items such as this (and clothes) generally can be shipped to Australia. However, the postage costs can get a bit pricey!

Who doesn't want to own a gold record? Even if it's just a clock - $42.

The Manchester media stand ($88) and lulu chair ($425) are another couple of favourties on offer at Urban Outfitters.

Last, but definitely not least is the mid-century rocker chair ($288). I have no room for it in my house at all! But if there was a way I could have it shipped to Australia (at that price), I think I could find room for it in my life.

**Note - all prices referred to in this post are USD.

Farewell Nestled In

It is with a great deal of sadness that I say goodbye to one of my favourite blogs Nestled In.

I have to admit, I have only started reading Nestled In this year... but the inspiration that these guys have provided me has been endless. I literally shed a tear when I read their final post.

The blog will still be alive for a little longer, so if you haven't already - check it out, along with their flickr photostream before it's too late!

Antler hook - the final chapter

Reading back on my previous post I really hope that I'm not portraying any negative gender stereotypes, I'm just not that handy!

In all seriousness, are there any websites out there with basic information (for chicks or the less handy among us) for those of us attempting DIY jobs? There has to be some way to let a girl (who has never used a drill before) know that there is "hammer" function on a drill which you're meant to use when you are drilling into bricks. Or at least without going to the hardware store 4 times!

Anyway, it's done! Can I have a hallelujah anyone?

Now I'm not going to pretend I wasn't scared when I put my bag on there!

While I was on a roll, I even managed to hang this tassel curtain in my bedroom (over the top of the existing roller blind).

No other interesting updates for today. I promise I'll avoid (or at least try) complaining about my lack of DIY skills in the future!

Attempting to hang the antler hook - version 2.0

I have been lucky enough to have a day of annual leave today. No work - what more can a girl ask for? I slept in, had a coffee with a friend, a late brekkie with another and went clothes shopping.

Self-indulgence out of the way - I thought I'd try once more to hang my antler hook.

With the help of my cousin, the drill piece was now in my drill. I took my time and carefully measured the exact spots on the wall. I was now ready to start drilling.... Drill in hand, I plugged it into the wall and brought it over and was ready to go. One minor issue - the cord was too short and I don't have an extension cord at my place. *face palm*

I proceeded back to the hardware store for the 10,oooth time. Ten minutes and $5 later - I'm ready to go once again. Let the drilling commence! I line the drill up with my marking and press the button...

The drill turns, I hear a noise - is that the sweet sound of success? I press harder, dust from the plaster starts falling around me, my hopes are raised and then nothing. The drill piece is half way in and won't go any further.

I don't know if it's my technique or the drill piece itself but ahhhhh! I think I need to rename this blog "Tales of an un-handy woman" at the rate I'm going.

Pretty little things

A couple of months ago, I posted about the hens / bridal shower I was planning on hosting for a friend. Well the event went ahead on Saturday, so I thought I'd post a few pictures from the day.

The bride in question requested a girly event, where people could get to know one another and no penis paraphernalia (which, unfortunately for the single girls among us meant no strippers!).

We decorated the backyard with some gorgeous little lanterns off the verandah and in the frangipani tree.

This is a small sample of all the amazing food which was on offer! Many of the wonderful guests helped out in this area - we had cupcakes, sandwiches, rocky road, "impossible cake", pastizzis, an antipasto plate, smoked salmon and cream cheese crackers - just to name a few things!

We spent the afternoon drinking kir royales, pimms punch (and tea for the more well behaved guests).

I picked up some roses from a little florist in the morning and we arranged them in a variety of vases / bottles / candle holders - to give a little bit of a shabby chic / girly feel to the event.


This flag bunting was probably my favourtie decoration! I picked it up from Domayne the week before. But I'm sure if you were feeling crafty, this would be a great DIY project.

Without being totally conceited, I'm pretty sure everyone had a lovely time.

**I should clarify that this event was held at my parent's house and not mine. Only in my wildest dreams would I have a backyard as gorgeous as theirs!

Down, but not out

OK, so I may not be able to figure out how to insert a drill piece into a drill... but give me a hammer and nails and I'm unstoppable!

I decided to hang some frames today - for the time being I've just printed out some photos from when I went to NYC and Mexico last year.


It may or may not have taken me several times to make sure the pictures were in line... but if you can't see the failed attempts, it doesn't count, right?

I purchased these hand towels ages ago and have always thought they were too pretty to be actually used as towels. Instead, I thought I'd see how they look framed:


They need a bit of an iron, but overall I think they're cute. My only concern is, I'm not sure if they suit my style. What do you think? In the words of Tim Gunn, can I "make it work"?

In other news, my house is looking more like a house. That's right - I finally have a fridge in my kitchen:

And I've finally brought my KitchenAid out of it's packaging. Doesn't she look so pretty?

I'm suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to bake!

Technology, schmeknology

Blog readers out there, I have a terrible secret I have to confess. OK it's not so terrible, nor is it a secret... I'm single. Yes, you read correctly. I am without a man in my life. Tragic, right? I mean how on earth am I meant to make decisions on my own?

Putting all my sarcasm aside, there are times, like today, when I wish I had a handy person in my life.

Exhibit A: remember the funky antler hook I posted about recently, I thought I would hang it on my wall.

Being the independent and capable woman that I am, I strolled down to Bunnings (antler hook in toe) and bought the necessary supplies...

Wall plugs - check
Screws - check
Drill - check
Correct sized drill piece - check

I then proceeded to my good friend google and found a tutorial on what I was meant to be doing (don't laugh!). Following the same, I measured a plug against my drill piece and put masking tape on the piece - so I don't drill too far. There I was - ready and able to go... for the life of me do you think I can figure how to put the drill piece into my drill? No, of course not!

So for the time being at least, my lovely antler hook remains on my table.

Annoyed, but not yet defeated I thought I would set up my TV... can't be too hard right? So I hook it up, attach the antenna cable - "poor connection or signal". Ahhhhhh!!!!

Today is just not my day.