Hello, my name is Melinda Andersen from a little paper cutting place called Paperklip. It is so very nice to be here at Anastasia’s blog while she takes a holiday.
Today, I will write about my second love (after paper) - Vintage - and how to buy it and make it work in your home.

Our home is a mix of styles, based on quite a few years of collecting. I have been buying old things for a long time – from markets in Balmain, Sydney when I was a drafting student, from flea markets and antique fairs in Copenhagen when my Danish husband and I had a flat there.

I guess what I am saying here is my first tip – buy what appeals to you and always with your heart. It is important to trust your instincts regarding your style and your home.
Try to steer away from having a show home.
My second idea is to start a collection. I collect West German pottery vases from the 1960’s/1970’s. This picture is from a corner in our bedroom. The ladder shelf is new, and I feel this mix works because the vases are all from the same period. About 6 months ago these vases were in a cupboard. What was I thinking?? – get your collections out and get them on display! I love looking at them, their different forms and colours.


Moving on, the goal now with my ‘collection’ leads me to a third tip – buy quality. My shelves are reaching the full mark so it is time to be selective. I now try to find specific colours, or a different shape and always in great condition, with no chips or cracks. It is okay to reject something if it is not in great condition. There will more than likely be another one along – provided you are not collecting very rare things.
There are many great places to buy vintage these days. Why not try your luck on Ebay, search for something specific on Etsy or take a trip to your local opportunity shop to see what lies there. If you are in Sydney there is a great collectables fair on once a month in Glebe that I can highly recommend.

Happy collecting to you!



images One, Two, 3 & 4 both by Melinda, Five

Vintage Style Icon: Barbara Streisand
Smart,
Funny, super talented and
very beautiful!!

There's little that makes my heart sing more than fresh flowers - clumped heads in the garden, tall stems in a vase, wildflowers in the bush. I'm getting the chance to help make my sister's bouquet next month so I've had wedding flowers on my mind. I thought I would look through the archives of my website Wedding Ideas Australia and pull together some of my favourite wedding posies to share with you too:




Peonies are my favourite flower of all time. So fluffy and luxurious. These pink peonies were arranged by Style by Nature in Port Melbourne. Read more about Samantha and Billy's Yarra Valley wedding.
image: Warren Photography


Ivory roses are classic, but teamed with the dark berries they are modern too. This bouquet of Emanuel ivory roses with blackberries, wrapped in black lace was created by Stylish Stamens on the Gold Coast. Read more about Bree and Josh's Gold Coast wedding.
image: White Pearl Photography


I'm a huge fan of using native Australian flora where possible - embracing our heritage and celebrating the beauty of our own environment. This bouquet of Eucalyptus flowers, tetragona nuts, bottle brush, Flannel flowers and soft blue gum leaves by Lazy Tulip in Croydon, NSW is really something special. Read more about Carmen and Jamie's Sydney wedding.
image: Oneill Photographics


More peonies! This time wedding white with green foliage and wrapped subtly with unbleached linen ribbon and fixed with a few sweet pearls. This bouquet by Boatshed Market in Cottesloe, WA perfectly suited the relaxed atmosphere at this wedding, full of handmade details. Read more about Danielle and John's Perth wedding.

David Austin roses scream wedding and this design by Menail Floral Creations (Menai, NSW) features cream and white roses with blackberries and grey foliage for depth. Read more about Kate and Brendan's Sydney wedding.
image: McKay Wedding Photography


This compact bouquet of white lilies and roses is fresh and modern - perfect for a pared back wedding or a petite Bride. The green lily stamen and foliage give the posy interest. Such a sophisticated look.
Read more about Jocelyn and Jarrod's Noosa wedding.
image: Calli B Photography


This truly glorious bouquet by Blooming Bridal in Adelaide is a girl's dream come true - pale pink peonies, pale pink David Austin roses, white mini roses and a scattering of white Singapore orchids. I could eat it.
Read more about Katrina and Matthew's Adelaide wedding.
image: Milk Studio


It's cheeky, but I've also included my own wedding bouquet. I think it's important to work with the flowers that are in season, so my only request of the Eumundi Flower Lady was to create something to go with my deep red colour theme. I think she did an amazing job with this mixed seasonal bouquet. Read more about our Sunshine Coast wedding.
image: Barbara Utech


You don't need to spend the earth on a gorgeous bouquet. One of the simplest, and sweetest wedding flowers I have seen were my friend Rebecca's red and pink tulips that added a pop of colour against her wedding dress and worked beautifully with her rural country setting outdoors wedding. Read more about Rebecca and Chris' Kangaroo Valley wedding.
image: Steph Bond Hutkin


I hope these blooms bring a little something special to your day. Thank you Anastasia for the invitation to share something beautiful - have a wonderful holiday!
Steph Bond-Hutkin
Bondville - for Mums who love design
Wedding Ideas Australia - real Australian weddings

Hi! I'm Mel, aka The Crafty DIY Bride. I love pretty things, craft, pink and my three kittens (oh and my hubby). Anastasia asked me to share something that inspires me with you all while she's away, so here I go...

I've been playing around with my sewing machine at long last. I'd always said to myself that as soon as I'd handed in my thesis, I'd start quilting. Well, I'm not there yet, but here are some sewing tutorials that have wetted my appetite.

Tutorials: Scallop Button Up Skirt Love Cushion Camera Bag Insert Big Bow Pencil Skirt

Have you been sewing anything lately? I've been collecting so many tutorials on my Pinterest boards too. I'd love to see what you've got planned - so share your links.

Image source

I am so excited to be Guest Blogger here for Anastasia today. I think Anastasia is tops and having actually met her in person only confirmed my thinking. Thanks for trusting your blog baby to me today sweet friend!

For the longest time I was convinced that I didn't have a favourite colour. Being a creative person, who truly loves colour, I couldn't see how I could possibly choose one over the others. Recently, however, I have discovered that there is one particular range of colours I am naturally drawn to and they are those in the greeny- blue sphere - aqua, turquoise, teal etc. So maybe I do have a favourite colour after all and today I am going to share with you some beautiful images filled with these gorgeous hues!

[image from Creative Flats]

[image via Style Hive]

[image from Thief and Bandit]

[image by Yokoo]

[image from Sparkle Farm]

[image from Everything Turquoise]

There are even a few blogs devoted specifically to this range of colours:

House of Turquoise and Everything Turquoise. Why not check them out!?

I hope you have enjoyed a little look at my favourite colour. What's yours?

_____________________________________________________________________________

Did you enjoy this post? If so you can follow Amanda at her design blog or personal blog. Amanda also offers design services for creative business and Blogger blog makeovers. More info here.

Style Inspiration : Summer Hats
during those hot months not only do you protect your skin but you can look tres chic on the beach too

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