From paper bag to cutesy!!

Its Anastasia here!!

I thought id share what I made with this paper bag!

I punched out some circles, scrunched them up in my hands to give them some texture, unfolded them

and piled them up in layers of 5 - then I added a bright brad and made cute little gift toppers.

An alternative use is - add some magnetic tape voila! little magnets to add life to your fridge!

cutesy indeed!

Well, it's winter in Australia and absolutely freezing cold (at least in the south). Actually, it's meant to be the coldest winter we've had in decades. Now,I know the phrase "Australian winter" might seem like an oxymoron but this year is expected to be the coldest winter that we've had in decades meaning it will be the best one yet!

I say "best one yet" with lots of excitement because I, and my lovely family simply adore winter. We love the snuggling, the layers of blankets and reading in bed. I spend hours (truely) redecorating my house for winter but most of my time is spent in the bedroom...decorating it. I love warm colours, deep reds and pinks, all delicious and enveloping. I love cushions and quilts, so pretty and cosy. I love garlands and lamps, OH the lamps! GAH! So much gorgeousness!

So, here are some of my favourite winter decorating inspiration photos.

click on each image for more information

Now you can get to work creating your own dream space using the polyvore editor below. Just drag the items from below the CREATE space and have fun! Then click on Gallery to see what others are creating!

Get your own Mini Editor from Polyvore

Thank you so much for reading my very first ever guest post. I hope that I did my fabulous blogging friend proud.

Rachel x

Hello lovelies.
My name is Gracie from Graciebellabutterfly and the sweet Anastasia has asked if I could do a guest post while she is off travelling.
I want to thank her for giving me the opportunity to do so.


I love ballet. I like to watch it, browse pictures, wear ballet inspired items.

So I'm a fan of the Ballerina Project.


These photos are all taken in New York with different parts of the city as the background.


The black and white images are among my favourites. I like seeing the beauty and grace of the ballet positions, with the more grungy background. It's artistic and creative.

Thanks Anastasia for letting me show one of my obsessions. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday!
Gracie

Zapping out of a Creative Rut....

Last week I got to Guest blog over at Jess' lovely blog - I talked about a little challenge I set myself to get out of a Creative rut - works for me and might be inspiring for you too!

Thanks Jess for having me over!! (hope you're having fun in England!)

You can see my post here

Cheery Red
Hello everyone, this is Jeanne from Shop Sweet Things.

It's an honor to guest post here today for Anastasia.

I got acquainted with Anastasia and her blog not too long ago, but each time I visit her blog I'm always inspired by her posts and beautiful images. Lately, I've been especially drawn to Anastasia's 30 x 30 day challenge. It's not easy to remix your wardrobe, and I think she is doing a wonderful job, don't you think?

Anastasia also has a color story series which I love! So today I thought I'd put together a little color story of my own to share.

I love red. The type of red that's cheery and bright. It energizes me every time I see it, and it almost always makes my outfit a little bit more special. So here I am, sharing some of my photos I've taken that involves my favorite color!

Bon Voyage

We're off now!! see you soon my lovely blogger friends....stay tuned as I have some awesome Guest bloggers who will be sharing some lovely things!! Ive also scheduled some posts too so come back from time to time to see whats new!!
Hugs & sprinkles of kisses
Anastasia
x

*image - Kate Spade

Half Way Done!! 30 for 30 Remix...
13 of 30 - we fade to Gray, it was so windy that day!

14 or 30 - another work look (my hair needed washing that day!)15 or 30 - my favourite Vintage dress!
To see all my '30 for 30 Remix' outfits head on over here

Bastille Day

I have no idea what it is about France and all things French but deep down Im such a francophile.
i was so giddy with excitement the first time I visited France...
i love their corner bakeries serving fresh crusty bread, delicious pastries and gateaux.
The simple understated chic-ness, the fashion houses, the french accent ....the rooftops of Paris, the sleepy towns and villages with bistros serving long lazy lunches

...their love of food, wine and love of Life!

Happy Bastille Day
Vive la France!

*image from Gourmet Traveller Australia - The French issue (7/2011)

30 for 30 Remix - more outfits
some new outfits to share...i wont be finishing the challenge as Im off in 2 days time. I managed to do 15 outfits (more pics to upload soon) so half way there but trying to take photos during Winter is pretty tricky if your days are as busy as mine.
The great thing is I know this challenge works.. and Ive felt great doing it!! Its been fun!!
i'll see how I feel when i get back from my holiday - hey i might even end up finishing it after all.

Yes we can live with less and Im definetely going to start planning and thinking hard before I hit the shops and sales!

10 of 30

11 of 30 - Jacket on - Jacket off!

12 of 30 - off to work!

Etsy picks of the week: Pretty Little Things

I can never tire of searching Etsy - so many lovely handmade pieces, so many creative people offering pretty little things....who can resist?
i hope you like my Etsy picks of the week!

Ive started packing, three more days and then we're off.... i still have so much to do before then though. I'll get there slowly...


Top image of Meghan Douglas by Dominique Issermann * Three Amethyst Stacking Ring by Onegarnetgirl * Petals Pink Amethyst and Oxidised Sterling Silver Earrings by JenniferLynnJewelry * Beso Necklace Pink Amethyst on Silver Chain by PoleStar

Morning comfort...

I spotted a recipe for 'chocolate museli with warm milk'
in the paper a few weeks ago and thought it sounded like the most yummy Winter breakfast - enough to make you want to spring out from under the warm covers...so I gave it a go.
and its definetely a winner!
so very easy too - thought Id share here as well.
Ingrediants
2 1/4 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup hazelnuts chopped
1/3 cup raw almonds chopped
2/3 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup dried apricots
200 g chopped Dark Chocolate
warm milk to serve

preheat oven to 180 deg. celsius.
Line a baking tray
Combine oats, nuts, coconut and seeds in bowl and stir in the honey. Transfer to tray and bake for 15 minutes stirring twice. Cool a little then toss the apricot and chocolate. Serve with warm milk.
Can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks .
(Recipe found in Mx paper)

Full Circle

My beloved Grandmother Evroulla sadly passed away on Saturday afternoon.
She was 81 and had some health issues but it was a sudden passing that has left us all in shock and in a deep sadness.
More so, because in less than 2 weeks I was to visit her in Cyprus.

I couldnt wait to see my Grandparents at least one more time, to spend a few weeks with them, to enjoy their company, life stories and laughter.
Ive missed them so much the past few years, we called often for a chat and she would always ask 'When are you coming over?'

So on Saturday afternoon she went outside to put some water in a small bird bath she kept in her garden and when walking back inside her kitchen she collapsed in my Grandfathers arms.
a sweet death some might think - sudden, fast - no prolonged illness, or pain that many people have to suffer before they pass but
losing someone you love always hurts so much....so very much.

Our main concern now is with my Grandfather - his loss. She was his everything - friend, wife and companion for over 60years, her sudden passing will be heartbreaking for him.

When giving their condolences, Greeks have a saying 'Zoi Se Mas' (may Life be granted to us) so instead of wallowing in her death Im going to celebrate Life!
her life,
her love for her family - 5 children, 16 grandchildren and 15 Great grandchildren, her heart was always full of love...unconditional love,
her warmth,
her laughter...I feel so blessed to have had her in my life and she will always be remembered.

My mum has many vintage photos in our family albums but I only had this one saved on my computer - My Grandparents with my sister ....by her side (they were always by our side - with love and support and always will be...)

30 for 30 Remix Continues along nicely...
yes im still remixing - I havent neglected this little challenge!
Actually im feeling very proud of myself that im remixing with no problems using my batch of 30 pieces - they arent all fashion forward clothes, most have been in my wardrobe for a very long time but sadly not worn often...so yes, instead of feeling wasteful Im now one happy girl!

8 of 30
this wool skirt is lovely but its tricky to wear - the knot detail at the front is quite low so screams to be paired with a fitted top.
Maybe I should invest in some bodysuits (Donna Karen 1990's??) or onesies as they call them these days.
Anyone else have any ideas how to style it up?





9 of 30 - the most comfy dress ever! worn with black ruffled cardi.



What Ive learnt so far...
* fashion bloggers sure are committed! dressing, posing, finding the perfect light and location, smiling....(so many cool fashion blogs out there )
*that I need to wear more colour (ok mum)
*that accessories are key - the more the merrier girls!..
*and that I (or hubby) need to study the camera manual to improve the picture taking process!

Happy weekend everyone! hope to take more pics again tommorow....if I can convince anyone in my family - think they are sick of me asking (and begging)!

Whats new?
Im feeling so much better this week, thanks everyone for your get well wishes (hugs)

... still lagging a little behind, so trying to eat well and drink lots of water.
Ive also broken out in pimples (yes! zits at 40!) so I think its all the nasty toxins coming out!!

Today I had a nice leisurley day.
I went to the boy's parent/teacher meetings so it was great to catch up with their teachers who are both SO wonderful, the boys adore them and rightly so! all good.
The school library was one busy place, chatty parents - we all just want the best for our kids.

I then spent a couple of hours shopping - no, not for me but instead some little gifts to take to my aunts and cousins when I head to (hot) Cyprus next month.

...and why is it when Im on a shopping ban everything is on Sale?? - so tempting!







Some pretty paper goodies from my Etsy shop.

I havnt put as much energy into 'Percival Road Designs' this year but hey I have 7 more sales to go until I reach my 400th sale and that to me is super exciting!!

feels like yesterday when I nervously registered a name for my Etsy shop and then it took me a good 8 months to list something....

When I get back from overseas it might be a good time to re-energise and get creative!

A Girl Called Jo....
The wonderful thing about blogging is linking from one blog to another and discovering something really fabulous - thats how I first came across Jo and her gorgeous blog August Empress
Beautiful, inspiring and always a treat to visit.

Jo is also a graphic and web designer and she's created some lovely sites and blog designs. You can see work and her latest designs projects over at her website The Darling Tree
Apart from designing and creating beautiful online presence for many,
Jo is planning an online design focused workshop ' Your Darling Blog' - this sounds just what I need!

So Welcome Jo!

Can you tell us what is currently inspiring you?
I am completely drawn to fashion illustration and watercolour art at the moment. Florals and geometric patterns are also a large inspiration in my work, along with vintage ephemera

Name 3 things you couldnt live without right now?
My iMac, tea and my dog Mambo.

Can you define to us, your personal style?
In my home and wardrobe I would say I keep things simple and neutral with a little touch of feminine. In my design work my style is fun and also feminine.

Do you have a favourite colour (or colour combinations)?
At the moment I love coral and olive grey


What is your favourite Smell or frangrance?
I usually wear Touch of Pink by Lacoste, I tend to like sweet scents.

What do you love about your City?
I live on the Gold Coast, Australia, I love the sun and water, and the relaxed lifestyle. There's also a gorgeous hinterland so you don't have to go far to escape to nature. It's great that we can often enjoy warm and sunny winter days.

Do you have a favourite quote you'd like to share with us?
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work" Thomas A. Edison

To see more of Jo - head on over to her blog or her design website and to register interest for her new upcoming online workshop, 'Your Darling Blog' click here!

Thanks Jo for a great interview!

30 for 30 Remix some more outfits to share ...

6 of 30 - work or play

7 of 30 -a day at home

and after this shot I got awfully ill, ive been living on bread and black tea and am still feeling out of it (woe is me!)
i must give a big shout out to my boy Pete who took some of these photos for me - my beautiful boy!! im so lucky.

30 for 30 remix continued...

4 of 30 - another work look, thrifted sheer floral scarf ( love the colours) tied around and my Michael Kors bag that i bought in NYC

5 of 30 - Stripey fun. My striped top is fitted but Im still not sure about stripes on my curvy shape - adds more curves! Teamed it with a layered silver necklace, navy opaques and heels

I took another two outfits over the weekend just before I got sick with gastro (ughhh!) so will share soon!
if you have no idea what Im doing - head on over here to see!

Happy Remixing!

Warm Whites
We had some beautiful sunlight today! it was still super chilly though and Ive been at home with a bout of gastroenteritis.
Not good!
Hope Im healthy enough for work tommorow.

Ive got a whole fish in the oven and the house is smelling so warm and inviting but I might just watch my Andrew and the boys eat their dinner
while I stick to my dry toast.



I'll share some warm whites for some soothing comfort.

All shades Vanilla and Creme...lovely!
Yum, what id do for some homemade rice pudding now...

images

Top - Mario Testino for UK Vogue

Middle - Domino magazine

Bottom - Timzou Tumblr

30 for 30

Here are the first 3 outfits. Please excuse the grainy dark images, i took these when it was raining so my bedroom is the only room with a full length mirror.

1 of 30 - off to do my Grocery Shopping2 of 30 - Day at home3 of 30 - heading to work

and the challenge continues.... geesh ive never thought about clothes as much as I have this week, ive even got a spreadsheet of outfit ideas using my 30 items!!

Reading + Eating
two of my favourite things to do!!

On the coffee table by my comfy couch i have the latest
'Real Living magazine' and a stack of books - top on the list to read is
'I know Why the Caged Bird Sings' by Maya Angelou.
I found this in a thrift shop for $1.00 - just love the cover!


Im also enjoying Heather Bullard's 'SOUVENIR', a seasonal Lifestyle Gazette.
If you didnt get the latest Summer issue in your inbox make sure you sign up here for the Fall issue! Its so lovely!

what Im eating?
- lots of roasted chestnuts and a simple healthy treat that I made the other night, courtesy of
Mr Jamie Oliver who inspires me so much!
Frozen Berry Yogurt

250 grams Frozen Berries
1 cups Low Fat Greek Yogurt
4 tablespoons Honey - more if you like it sweet
a small piece of Fresh Ginger (optional)
Blend and place in bowl or airtight container - freeze

Its Good!!! my boys didnt like it, the berries are too tart but Andrew and I are not complaining! So yum!!