a Bloomsbury mood...

the lovely Mel from Styled Canvas had a Moodboard challenge this month  over on her blog.
Of course I had to give it a go.

I used to really enjoy collecting clippings of  inspiring fashion images - fashion layouts are like beautiful visual stories...so much thought into each look and image...
a collaboration between creatives!
lately for me its all about interiors and ideas for our new home
so it was nice to go through what I had on hand and create this moodboard...

some quiet time, a strong cup of tea and magazine clippings...
Enjoyable!

Smoothie showdown

Neo and I had a great time in the kitchen this afternoon!  We made not one, but two, different smoothies and thought it would be interesting to taste and rate...I found two recipes on Pinterest - one that was considerably healthy and one that was on calorie overload, serious stuff!
Neo couldn't wait to help but I think his idea of helping was eating...ha-ha it got messy!  We saved a glass for Peter who came home an hour later and my niece stopped by as well so we gave her a taste too and made her rate our creations...

Smoothie 1.
Healthy 'Banana Cream Pie'
2 bananas (frozen for an hour or two...)
1 cup vanilla yoghurt
good pinch of cinnamon
good splash of vanilla essence
1 cup almond milk
Blitz it all up until thick and creamy.
Serve with crushed biscuit (optional) and whipped cream (optional)

Average score out of ten.
Flavor 6.25
Texture 5.5
Smell 5.6 (only 3 of us scored this as my niece had a blocked nose...)
Satisfaction 6.75

I scored this quite high actually as it was a really yummy smoothie, the kids were really tough on this one

Next up we have the wicked smoothie...the real deal!
Smoothie2.  
Salty Pretzel and Chocolate Fudge Milkshake with Nutella and Malted whipped cream...phew!

Chocolate Fudge sauce:
150g dark chocolate
1/2 cup thick cream
2 Tblspns Brown sugar
splash of vanilla ess
Heat over a medium stove until thick and gooey - drizzle all over the inside of your serving glasses...
Milkshake:
1/4 cup pretzels - crushed
3/4 cup vanilla icecream
1/3 cup Nutella
1/2 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Blitz it all up until thick and creamy.
Whip 1/2 cup thick cream until stiff and add 1 Tablespoon malted milk powder and some vanilla essence.  Fold gently.  Top the Milkshake with the Whipped malted cream and drizzle more of the chocolate Fudge sauce.
Enjoy!

Score for this indulgent smoothie...(yes it was a huge hit with the kids but no surprise there...)
Average
Flavour  8.5
Texture 7
Smell 8.6
Satisfaction 9

so I hope you liked our little Smoothie showdown...

Soup-y!

Soup! Is there anything nicer on a cold day...?
Its the most perfect simple meal that fills that hungry spot.  Packed with goodness.
I made two different types of soups on the weekend 'Roasted Vegetable' and 'French Onion'.

I don't always get the chance to cook ahead but I spent Sunday afternoon cooking since it was freezing outside -  its so great not to have to scramble in the kitchen after a tiring day at work during the week.
I'm always happy having a bowl of soup to eat!

French Onion soup
(my easy version)
a small knob of butter
3-4 onions, thinly sliced
dollop of olive oil
Add all to heavy saucepan and caramelise, over low heat stirring often for about 15-20mins until soft and fragrant.
Add 1 litre Vegie (or Beef) stock
Add a bay leaf or two and gently bring to the boil.
Remove Bay leaf and
season with Salt & Pepper.

Grate some Parmesan cheese (or other strong cheese) and sprinkle over the soup of the hot soup.
Serve straight away!



More yummy Soups (click away...)

*Lemon, Chicken and Ozro soup

*Mick's easy Pumpkin soup

*Tuscan white bean soup - 2 ways

*Restorative Vegetable broth

Mood boards for Inspiration

Do mood boards help you get inspired?
They are a great way to get some focus - be it colour or theme or maybe a mood board for your next collection or project?  I love looking at other people's mood boards - I have a board here on pinterest
I was excited to see that Holly of Decor8 has started a Monday 'Mood board' challenge over on Instagram.
What a fun way to get inspired, a little creative and to join in on some fun with others - you can see her post with all the details here 
I'm going to try and join in each week - I need to get some creativity into my life!

*images
Top * 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/

Serious interior Envy!

We are building a house.
Yay!! It's finally happening.
After so many trips to display home estates, pouring over home plans and home websites we have signed off and its really going to happen!
There are a few new homes been built in our neighborhood so I’ve been eyeing in, observing the different stages and whilst I’m super excited for our turn soon,  I’m also super nervous.
This is a new experience for us and I’m trying really hard to focus on the end result so I don’t freak right out!
I think all these feelings are very normal and I need to take it all in and enjoy the process as it unfolds - hard for an impatient girl.
So as you know I’ve been collating images both on Pinterest (hello! Future Home) and also in a magazine clippings folder (old school Pinterest).


The dream home I have in my head and also what I’m visualising from interior decorated images (picture perfect) is a little silly - serious interior envy!
We don’t have an endless budget and we all know homes should be lived in and not a show home.

Creating a home that is comfortable and practical, warm and inviting is my focus.
Wish me luck!

*images via Pinterset
top -  Emily Henderson
Middle - Decor Pad/Domaine
Home
Bottom - Style at Home

Reflect

It's Monday! 
don't forget to be 
awesome.

(a little boost if the coffee isn't helping....)

Pinspire for colour

I'm getting a little colour inspiration tonight.
Its one of those quiet nights at home (not complaining at all...).  The TV is on but nothing to watch, hubby is reading...the boys are now asleep.
...I've jumped onto Pinterest to see what is inspiring people, what people are pinning and what is standing out for me!

Colour creates a mood within us - we shouldn't neglect the power of colour and what it can do!
here are some of my pins teamed up to create lovely feelings
Top: soft, cozy, quiet, minimal ...gentle  * Middle: bold, punchy, zesty, crisp...fresh
Bottom: unwind, boho, independant...free
* all images via my pinterest

*no bake* Power balls

I've made these delicious Power balls a few times, they were handy during the 'low sugar' wellness program and you will always find them in my fridge now for those 'craving something sweet'
moments (hello afternoon!)
....there is no refined sugar or flour in the ingredients so wont upset my tummy, actually there is
no baking required! Too easy.
They are dense and full of goodness - a satisfying little snack and moorish in taste!
yum!

Ingredients
3 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup flax seeds (or almond meal)
2 Tablespoons cocoa (or cacao) powder
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 cup peanut or almond butter
1/2 cup raw honey or rice malt syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted.

Mix all ingredients until combined.
(if it feels sticky add some more dry ingredients - if it feels a little dry add a little more melted coconut oil.)
Roll into balls and roll coat the balls in some shredded coconut - store in the fridge and have one or two a day!

Girl on Go...

Not too long ago you would always find me in heels.  As I get older I cant seem to handle the wobbly, pointy heels of my youth but I always felt I needed some height to feel polished off.
I love a high wedge or stack heel…I just love heels!
Lately though, I've been wearing flats and I find any excuse to wear my sneakers!
Comfort first please!

Incorporating sneakers into your everyday wardrobe, especially a work wardrobe
does need some thought otherwise it could go sloppy real fast...I love all these looks here for their simplicity and ease.

*I think if you stick to clothing thats timeless and classic - teamed with sneakers, it just feels right.

*Here's a tricky one - try to keep yours sneakers clean, that's hard...but if you want to look on point....

*Go for a streamlined sneaker or sport shoe.  If its too bulky, too bright (hello fluro!) keep it for your gym workout.

*Go for solid colours over print & pattern and lastly
Invisible socks - no pop sock/cheerleader look please!
Give it a go! I know I will...

Images
1/2/3/4/5/6/7

Life Lately + Happy Mail!

Oh hello blog! Its been a while.

Here I am...back from a little blogging break where I've been trying to catch up with life.

Sadly, I haven’t had much time for blogging.
The past month at work has been quite hectic and it doesn't look to ease up with year end Financials coming up...the long commute everyday doesn't help this tired mumma!

I was pleasantly surprised on Friday when I received a gorgeous parcel from Kylie at Pink Paddock Store
What gorgeous paper goodies!
I love happy mail.
Thanks so much Kylie, it sure made my day.

So...what else has been happening?
I completed the ‘28 day Low Sugar Lifestyle program’ and feel really good about it!
I hope to continue on this good food journey and I must admit I have loads more energy by eating well and consistently (coffee is not food)
I don't think I would have made it through the past month if I wasn't eating right!

I have a ton of recipes from the program and Pinterest is also my go-to for healthy recipes so there is no excuse to not keep going.   Eating well takes time and planning, its the only way!

I’m currently reading ‘The Monk who sold his Ferrari’…says it all about my life right now.  Slow down…simplify. I enjoyed this post by Pip 'Why slowing down is the new speeding up'  
Why is life so hectic??
I’m also in the mood for a good (Winter) clean-out and decluttering session at home too…

I saw ‘Spandau Ballet’ in concert last Friday night – it almost didn’t happen because silly me had the 19^th May diarised as the concert date and not the 15^th!!!
Lucky for me I checked my tickets Friday morning!

The concert was brilliant!  I’m a huge fan.

I’m eyeing this online course.   Holly’s e-courses are always inspiring with loads of great tips and information but the fact that Leslie Shewring is also teaching definitely has my interest!

  

I’m planning a blog redesign! … after so many years I’ve decided to move from blogger to Wordpress.

I’ll be getting some design help from Amanda whose work and creativity I love – I’m excited!
So whats been happening in your world, do share!!

* beautiful paper goods from Pink Paddock Store

Happy Mothers Day weekend

  There is no perfect way to be a Mother but a million ways to be a great one.

Being a Mother is not what you gave up to have a child, but what you gained from having one.

Motherhood has the greatest potential influence in human life.
(no pressure...ha-ha)

Mothers! even when they are wrong they are right...

A Mother always thinks twice, once for herself and once for her child.
Happy Mothers Day!

images: Sophia Loren and her Mother, Romilda / Elizabeth Taylor and son Christian, Jackie Kennedy and son John Jr/ Catherine Deneuve and son Christian/ Grace Kelly and son Albert

Etsy at home

Recently interior decorator Emily Henderson (love her!) was featured on the Etsy blog giving her Expert Guide to buying art on Etsy, you can see it here  - lots of great tips and cool art too.  Emily also posted on her own blog about quick
how-to on quick spring Vignettes and used a fabulous cactus print by artandpeople .   This wonderful print has been in my Etsy favs for a while now...it looks fantastic on her wall, dont you think?!  I do love Emily's interior style!



Way too much awesome-ness over at Etsy.
I can only look at the moment because since we are planning a new build (yes! it will happen) I can only plan right now so no 'home' purchases for me for a while!

Hope you enjoy my Etsy at Home picks!
Happy Friday!

Top image via Emily Henderson 
Etsy items  1 / 2/ 3/ 4/ 5

Day 15 on #lowsugarlifestyle

Today is day 15 of the 'Low Sugar Lifestyle'  and so far so good!
Lately there has definitely been a war on sugar in the mainstream media but for me sugar is the main culprit to making me feel bloated, irritable and always hungry.
Not only is sugar hidden in so many of our 'everyday' processed foods - I've just concluded that the only way for my family and I to avoid eating the white stuff is to eat clean,
eat fresh and prepare our meals at home.

The 'Low Sugar Lifestyle' is not a diet ...far from it actually...I'm eating a whole lot more than what I used to but what I am putting into my body is fibre rich, filling and nutritional.
... and coffee is still allowed (yes!!) Its been really handy to have the weekly meal plan choices to follow and most are quick and easy to prepare.
Life is busy...I get it, but preparing food doesn't need to take hours.
We also get a daily email full of great nutritional info.

I'm eating for energy and I've seen a huge change already ...
No more afternoon slump or fog brain!  ... because I'm eating so well, I'm just not craving anything sweet - It feels too easy.
I guess it is.
'you are what you eat'...we all know that right?
 I made this nutty granola last week and it turned out so toasty and delicious, I'm going to make another batch - thats breakfast sorted! Planning ahead is the way to go...that way there is no chance to get crazy hungry!
I still need to work on drinking more water ...that's my challenge this week!

Trend Alert: Gingham

Fashionistas are calling it! Gingham is the print for Spring 2015.   Well I'm all happy about because I think this classic preppy fabric always looks fresh...and not just for your picnic spread...
Give it a go!

Images (via Pinterest) from top 1 & 2   3, 4, 5, 6

Mumma I love you...

With Mothers Day just around the corner,  I've selected some lovely things from my Etsy Favourites to share.  I adore Etsy for all things special, unique, pretty...and made with love by people who love what they do!
Beautiful things for that Beautiful Mum in your life!

 Items from Top (L-R)
1 * 2 * 3 * 4 * 5 * 6

Cook and Craft

The weather has cooled right down -  its been a wet and soggy week and I must say its been so hard to drag myself out of the house and off to work.  I had the day off today and I didn't get much done...it was wonderful to zone out a little...oh I did a back log of laundry so at least that's out of the way until the weekend.
I'm feeling that change in the air.  Slowing down.
We pulled out the blankets already, the nights have been chilly and that extra 5 minutes morning sleep in a warm bed feels so indulgent.
I can definitley predict a lot more 'home time' coming on in the next few weeks!
I love Autumn for that nesting, cozy-up mood.
TV, home cooking, reading, crafting...bring it on I say!  I love those chilly evenings stuck indoors!

A little inspiration today over at
'A Beautiful Mess'
You can always find something fantastic to cook or make or learn.
I sometimes wonder if Elsie and Emma and their lovely team ever run out of ideas?
I've been a reader of their blog for such a long time and they still inspire me!
Every single time!

Cook and Craft - April
Pumpkin pie (in Jars!)
Suede catchall 


* images 
from my Pinterest via 
A Beautiful Mess 

a Girl called Kylie....

You meet the loveliest people online and Kylie is one of those people!
Warm, friendly, supportive, I've never met her  but her lovely personality shines through the screen and Im looking forward to sharing a coffee with her one day!
Kylie started 'Pink Paddock Store' ,  last year and her gorgeous paper goods and prints are delightful with beautiful colours, sentimental messages, soft florals, sweet illustrations.
I've watched Kylie grow her paper goods shop, 'Pink Paddock Store' and I'm so proud of her!
I'm thrilled to have Kylie featured on the blog today.

Welcome Kylie!
Can you tell us what is currently Inspiring you?

Hands down…Instagram! Ask my husband and he would say I have a slight addiction, however, I do beg to differ! For me, its one stop Inspo whether its 'whats hot' in fashion and home decor, food and meal ideas or soaking in styling tips from so many talented people out there. I also love the Instagram community who are just so incredibly supportive and that definitely feeds the inspiration factor! Ive met some incredibly talented women who have started their own businesses and are following their passions - that gives me a huge boost!  I also seek inspiration from magazines, favourites being 'Country style', 'Home Beautiful', 'Real Living', 'The Collective'  but these days I don't get much of a chance to sit down and actually read them.  When I was blogging, I used Pinterest quite a bit but I just don't have time anymore (sadly).

What are your plans for Pink Paddock Store in 2015?
I have loads of plans for
'Pink Paddock Store' but keep reminding myself it's all about quality not quantity!
So, small steps and hopefully everything will fall into place.
I started last October with 14 card designs. I currently have about 60 designs not including the gift tags and postcards.
I recently added the Petit range which has been really successful (YAY!!).
Next on my list is to add wrapping paper and notepads.
I'm hoping this will happen within the next 2-3 months. I have a few other products Id love to add before Christmas 2015 if possible - watch this space!! I would love to update my website as well. One big focus for this year was to increase the wholesaling side. Funnily enough when I started I had no intentions of going down this path, but I've been lucky to have made some great relationships with my amazing stockists and really keen to grow this part of the business.

Define your personal style
In a nutshell, I'm a classic kind of girl that loves to dress things up with some colour and texture. I love mixing old with new and walking through homes that tell a story about you and your family, not look like a showroom! I don't like minimal and not a fan of clutter,  although with three small children at home you wouldn't know this - I'm somewhere in between!
I'm no 'fashionista' but prefer wearing comfortable clothing that is classic but I add something on trend. Most days you will find me in jeans (mid waist please!) and a St James Tee with flats or saltwater sandals!

What are your favourite colours?
Oh, a hard one as there are so many gorgeous colours to choose from.
My four favourites would be blue (love indigo! and duck blue), pinks, green and yellow, all in varying shades of course.
I can't resist tangerine. I love that colour can alter your mood and I guess for me I'm drawn to more pastel and natural shades rather then bold colours.
Although, I still like bold colours, just in smaller doses!

Do you have a favourite scent or fragrance? At this time of year (Autumn) in the country, I love the smell of rain on the dry earthy ground. Its the country girl in me and I find it so relaxing and calming. I also love the scent of our old fashioned roses and gardenias…..such a classic and pretty smell.

Describe your 'perfect day'?
Definitely would begin with a sleep in, cuddles with the kids and a coffee in bed... oh, and waking up with an ocean view would be lovely too!
The rest of the day would be spent with the family really, just hanging out and enjoying fun times together and some yummy food. The perfect end to the night would be dinner out with my husband. Quite simple really!

What do you love about your town?

I live in a country town in Northern Victoria. I love the community spirit and having close relationships with so many people. When you live in an area with a small population you can't help but get to know everyone,  its a case of one degree of separation!
When someone needs help, the whole community seems to just pitch in - no questions asked.
The other perks are no peak hour traffic and amazing night skies. I do miss the variety of so many shops and eateries that the city has to offer (even catching a movie at some ungodly hour in a really cool cinema!!), but I guess that helps make a visit to the city such a treat.
There is also no shortage of creative talent out in the bush- how could there not be with so much natural beauty surrounding us!

Do you have a favourite Quote? 
I particularly love this quote below. I can't remember where I found it but it was the final push I needed to start up Pink Paddock Store. It was also the first card I designed, and to this day is definitely one of the most popular ones and very special to me. The last line gives me shivers every time I read it, and I love seeing the reaction on customers faces when they too read it!

 "It's impossible" said Pride,

 "It's risky" said Experience,

 "It's pointless" said Reason, 

"Give It a Try"  whispered the Heart.

(Card and A4 Print both available online!)

Thanks so much Kylie!
To see more of Kylie's gorgeous range of paper goods, head on over to Pink Paddock Store
and Pink Paddock Store - Facebook page for all the latest news and of course Instagram for amazing inspiration and behind the scenes at Pink Paddock Store!