Colour Inspiration: Indigo Blue + Charcoal
The colour of a storm.
We've had lots of rain the past two days - i dont mind a strong dose of rain but only when Im in the comfort of my home - warm, safe and snuggly.
Only then can I appreciate the beauty of a wild storm.

Ive had to drive to work in this ghastly weather, i cant stand peak hour traffic but there I was stuck in it.
The home run was worse! Since we're approaching Winter it was dark, the roads shiny and slippery,cars lights, traffic lights reflecting strongly in my windscreen...i wrapped my fingers around my steering wheel a little tighter all the way home.

*images

Top - Vintage illustration
by Robert McGinnis
Middle - John Paul Urizar Photography

Bottom - Kate Mathis Photography

Pretty Hair Friday - one for the curly gals!
as a little girl I remember someone telling me that if I looked in a mirror in the darkness at night Id be able to see what I would look like when I grew up...
even though it freaked me out (i was such a scaredy cat and frightened of the night) I tried it hoping and wishing Id grow up to have long straight hair.




Well that never happened....

somedays i embrace my frizzy curly mess - most days I wear it blowdried smooth and that makes me happy, i guess happy that I dont have to deal with the frizzy curly mess
but a curly girl I am and will always be!

some tips ive learnt over the years....
Curly gals need to shampoo less and moisturise often.
Long long layers to get rid of the pyramid look.
Highlights and lowlights help to reflect light (shine)
Wash, moisturise and then do NOT touch! and if you can air drying is best.

* images
Top by Carter Smith and bottom by Horst Diekgerdes

Etsy picks of the Week - Sterling Gray....
Gray or Grey as some like to spell it is
always a favourite neutral and goes with SO many other shades.
Enjoy my picks for the week!




Top image unknown *Light Gray Carpet bag by Peacelovenpolkadots *

The Sleek - cotton jersey scarf by EcoShag *

Chalcedony Gemstone ring by laralewis

Its orange season again.
How kind of mother nature to offer us Vitamin packed oranges just in time for chilly winter and the threat of colds & flu.

We were invited to a lunch yesterday I knew I had to make something with citrus flavours, we have SO many oranges at home.
So here is my Citrus-burst Cheesecake and yes, I am on a healthy eating and exercise plan (more on that later....)
and yes, I did have a huge slice- no regrets people!

Biscuit Base -
plain biscuits or crackers (pulse to crumbs)
180grams melted butter
refrigerate to set whilst you prepare your filling.

Creamy Filling -
500grams light Cream cheese (Ricotta cheese would be perfect too)
200grams skim condensed milk
1/2 cup thick cream
juice of an orange
zest of an orange
Beat all ingredients - spoon over biscuit base and refrigerate to set,overnight is best

Topping -
Slice an orange thinly.
In a small saucepan add the orange slices, the juice of an orange and 1/4 cup sugar (more if you like it sweeter)
heat gently to form a thick syrup until the orange rind is soft enough to eat...sweet and bitter rind- delicious!
Arrange orange slices over the cheesecake and drizzle with the remaining syrup.
Refrigerate for at least an hour then serve.

Children at weddings....
recently we were invited to a wedding.
With excitement (i heart weddings!) I sent off the acceptance card with kisses and lots of well wishes ...not long after we got a phone call letting us know that no children are allowed to attend and that I will have to get a babysitter.
i felt a little bummed but had to remind myself its not just my kids not invited but all kids - whats up with that anyway?




How do you feel about children at weddings?
I know some weddings are very formal, some couples are on tight budgets, some just want a small wedding ...maybe some might feel children will ruin their 'special' day?

each to their own but i know for sure - children know how to have a good time!
...as soon as they see an empty dance floor, as soon as they hear music they are there...dancing, smiling, laughing...just being themselves - we can learn a lot from that!


*image by Jac Photography via StyleMePretty

using scraps...
If you're like me then you'll have a small stash of off cuts and scraps of pretty papers amongst your craft stuff...
here is a simple way to use them.

Gather papers that compliment (or that appeals to your current mood) - i used 3 colours, dusty blue and pink and neutral vintage text papers too but you can use as many colours as you like.
Cut all your scraps into small neat one inch squares.


Grab some white cardstock or a prescored card, glue your squares to form a parallel lines - you can measure to make sure its all uniform and even - that was my intention but it sort of got in the way of being fun so I just went with the flow and trusted my eye haha - they are a little wonky but still look turned out okay. I made tags, a card and flatnotes....

Last week I was a guest blogger over at Marilyn's cool blog, Pulpsushi.
i did a tutorial blog post - Easy Peasy Paper flowers - have a look if you like! Thanks Marilyn...(hugs)

A Girl Called Rachel
Its time to feature another creative girl and this time Id like you all to meet Rachel, whom I met through the Etsy DUST team (Down under street team). She is super fun and her enthusiasm and energy is infectious...she's a Go-getter!
Rachel's a busy mum who sews, crafts, blogs and runs an online shop, MissIsa selling eco-friendly, recylced and repurposed paper goods and gifts.
Welcome Rachel!
Can you tell us what is currently inspiring you?
Winter.
Bare branches.
Pale light. The sound of wind blowing through closed windows.
Quilts and Hot Coffee.

Name 3 things you couldnt live without right now?
My blackberry, Pinterest and my Husband.
Can you define to us, your personal style?
I'm rather more eclectic than I thought I'd be. I love anthropologie and antique/junk shops. My house is full of crochet blankets and doilies.I wear layers of colour and pussy bow blouses. I love black opaque tights and ballet flats.
I never wear heels because I have bulging disks.
I love my pearl earrings and brooches. I'm fairly sure that I dress like an old lady but I'm cool with that.



Do you have a favourite colour (or colour combinations)?
I just love purple. Almost all shades of purple. I love dusty colours.

What is your favourite Smell/Frangrance?
I wear Cherry Blossom by Demeter

What do you love about your City/Suburb?
I live in Ballarat, Australia. It gets insanely cold here. I've been told that it's the most like England than any other town in Australia, both weather wise and architecturally. I love our local Chocolate Shop with it's fire place and amazing hot chocolates.I love walks around the lake all bundled up in gloves, coats and scarves. I love the rose gardens that sit along the main road in town. I love the Botanic Gardens and it's statue of my ancestor William Wallace.


Do you have a favourite quote you'd like to share with us?
I have so many so I'll just share two of my current favourites. Parks and Recreation.
“Hos before bros. Uteruses before duderuses. Ovaries before brovaries.” Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation.

and this one
"Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something" ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.


Thanks so much for stopping by Rachel!
To see more of Rachel's lovely paper goods & gifts head on over to her online shop MissIsa.

Rachel also captures her inspiration on her Tumblr page 'PrettinessandButtons'
you can also find her tutorials and crafty projects at her blog 'PinkLizzy Sews'

*lovely images of Rachel's work*

Colour my world: Monochromatic
I love how these vintage images are all styled in Monochrome - ive seen quite a few vintage images styled this way - i like it! it adds depth and layer...
I spotted something similar over at The Sartorialist recently, a modern take on Monochromatic...

Did you know Monochrome like many words is derived from the Greek language - Mono means one and Chroma is the Greek word for colour!

top: Audrey Hepburn (Blues)
Middle: Jean Patchett (Pinks)
Bottom: Tuesday Weld (Purples)

Time for Tea
Ive really been looking forward to my nightly cup of tea. Its freezing outside and I spent 2 hours at our local oval for the boys soccer training. Brrr...my little toes were frozen!

I love my tea, i really do... so my post today is a little tribute to tea!
Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors. ~Alice Walker

so straight after my tea, Im off to bed, putting my alarm clock for a 6am wake up call ( i can do it!! yes I can!!)
...ive got a new fitness DVD that I plan to start first thing tommorow morning - no excuses!

ive been way too relaxed and my eating habits are far from perfect (did I really need that second helping of cheesecake on Sunday when I had a whole bowl of burnt toffee pudding the night before...SO bad!!)
- something has to change, and it needs to start from now.
I shall let you know how I go!
wish me luck!!!

Tea Time lovelies
Top image 'Teacups' by Katierosephotos
Middle - Vintage peacock print dress by Cintidoesvintage
Bottom Tea Time on Sunday Afternoon by Lucileskitchen

Happy Mothers Day

Wishing all the Mothers a beautiful day!

ive spent the morning doing laundry and ironing (life goes on even on Mothers Day....) and now Im off to my sister's for a lunch time family barbeque. Nice one!

* images of Ingrid Bergman and her children via Google images*

...Greener on the other side
Hope you like my Etsy picks this week!
Beautiful shades of Green - deep, vibrant, fresh!








Top image by Diego Uchitel for Red magazine UK * 1950's vintage impressionist circle skirt


by allencompanyinc * Vintage scooter notecard set by Novochix * Green cotton napkin set by tivolivintage

Simple Elegance...
there really is no excuse not to set up a pretty table setting be it for lunch, dinner or even a little afternoon treat for one ( why not? you deserve it)
- how simple is this setting?
so very beautiful!

after days of rain the sun is out shining today!
hoorah!!
My boys were awake at 6.00am way too early for a Sunday...and they were being way too loud for a Sunday!...so we all got up and headed down to Rozelle Flea Markets with a stop at
Adriano Zumbo cafe for coffee and pastries. There was a long line but worth the wait! yummy!

top image from DreamyWhites