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!!

My 30 items for Kendi's '30 for 30 Remix' Challenge

3 Jackets - Stone Trench coat, Esprit Denim Jacket, Navy Barkins Jacket

5 skirts - Gray print Crinkle skirt (UO), Blue Skirt & Black Stretch Pencil Skirt (Target), Maroon Aztec Print (ShopRuche) and Black Knot wool skirt (Witchery)4 knits - Navy Wrap (Target), Grey Cardigan (Ebay), Black Ruffle Cardigan (Tokito), Red/Navy print Cardigan (UO)3 Dresses - Charcoal Jersey Dress (so old I cant remember) ,Purple Dress (Tokito) and Vintage Floral Dress (Adore Vintage) 3 Bottoms - Black Jeans (not shown - in laundry basket) Mango Black Wide Legged Pants, Sussan Gray Wide Legged Pants 8 tops - Rose Floral (Kmart), Black Scoop neck (Lili), Striped (Ebay), Navy (Giordano), Charcoal (Giordano), Turquoise (Portmans), Purple (Witchery), Purple White Print (Target) 4 pairs Shoes - Black Heels (Wittner), Gray Heels (Barkins), Black Boots x 2 (Nine West)

*

A Winter palette (lots of dark?) or maybe a 'safe' mix of items? (thats SO me...playing it safe)
I have some staples here that will also work well for the office and a few pieces Ive had for ages & ages (actually almost everything is old haha)
but there are pieces Ive have hardly worn so Im going to give it a go and see what I can remix!
ive excluded denim/blue jeans as I live in them so Im going to learn to love my skirts again.

There are NO rules for this challenge but Im setting some for myself.
No shopping for at least 30 days even though Id love some new winter shoes. I plan to save my pennies for a little shopping during my upcoming overseas trip.
What I hope to get out of this is to realise, yes, I can live with less and, yes, I can learn to shop my wardrobe and remix more often!
I need to stop rushing out to buy complete outfits and instead I need to buy pieces that enhance what I already have in my wardrobe to make it fresh and workable.

There's over 200 remixers so for all taking up the challenge - happy remixing!

Oh and I will be sharing pics of my 30 outfits but probably not daily as I work, I leave home in a frantic pace every morning and come home when its very dark and dreary (its Winter here folks) but I will do my best!!

California Dreaming
Vintage Style Icon: Candice Bergen
happy Monday everyone!
some beautiful images of a young Candice Bergen for inspiration ...wasnt she a pretty Californian blonde!

We've had a long weekend here in Australia to celebrate the Queen's birthday but not much happening as its cold, wet and miserable! We didnt do much which was fine by me as it gave me a chance to clear out my wardrobe and get ready for Kendi's '30 for 30 Remix' challenge - not an easy task my friends!
Today is the day...
Im actually a little scared but i think Im up for it as I swear I feel like I dress in the dark most days and its always the same old looks!

I had NO idea I own 32 skirts - that is ridiculous!!! Crazy, as I probably just wear the same 3 over and over again...how wasteful of me!
yep, yep Im ready for this challenge! I will list my 30 items soon - stay tuned!!




*images via Google images*

Etsy picks of the Week: On a night like this....
Its been freezing lately and the only place to keep warm is in bed!
I love my bed, its the only place i can really relax my body and my head...a place of comfort.
I love my sleep too and ive been turning in a little earlier lately - to have a moment before lights out!

the glow of the lamp or night light...a stack of books to read snuggling under the covers, a extra warm blanket or two
Hope you enjoy my Etsy picks of the week!

Top image by Phil Poynter * Woven Merino Blanket in Rich Browns by RiverFarmRI *
Golden Honey Glitter Rich Amber Orbs Of Light by BootsNGus *
Rare set of Antique books by StellabyStar

Stripe Mania
have you all seen Holly & Igor's fun photo challenge? its all about wearing Stripes.
Im sure you ALL have something striped in your wardrobe.
Go fish it out and join in!

Breton stripes are a classic staple that will be fresh and fabulous forever, dont you agree?!

Here is my contribution:
Striped top - Ebay Cardigan - Laura Ashely
Navy Floral fabric pin - Etsy



Top image: Bridget Bardot via Google images
and Me! taken by my 8yr old son Peter (he was home sick today)

I have no idea how fashion bloggers do it? dressing up everyday and smiling for the camera...i just couldnt do it!
Speaking of fashion bloggers Ive joined up to do Kendi's 30 for 30 starting next week.
No clothes shopping for 30 days, just mixing it up and wearing what you have - a great challenge!!

A happy weekend...
to you all!
Hope you can find some time in your days ahead to relax and enjoy the beauty all around!
im waking up super early tommorow as Saturdays are all about the boys and their soccer games so wish us luck, we've been losing lately!
I also have to take Neo for a haircut as he got chewing gum stuck on the back of his
head today (?!!!)...i did such a bad job of removing it that he has a slight baldpatch...hey I did my best!
then its off to get our photos taken so we can renew our passports (yayyy! we're off on an overseas trip soon and just realised our passports expire this month!), my grocery shopping list is ready, Ive got a pile of laundry to do...oh and I must remember to ring my mother as she'll complain that Ive forgotten her...
have fun everyone!

*image by Sue Stubbs for Country Style Australia

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