Alice in Wonderland

Did anyone catch Alice in Wonderland on TV the other week? It was nice to watch it again after all these years and I couldn't believe I still remembered a lot of the lines.

Browsing Etsy, I came across The Black Apple's Alice in Wonderland print set and snapped it up for my home as, I suppose, a small reminder of my childhood.

Are there any movies you used to watch as a child and love again as an adult?

(Image The Black Apple)

Painting kokeshi dolls

Hello there! I wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for all the lovely comments you left me on the painting. I enjoyed working on it and I find painting quite meditating.

I was feeling a little creative over the weekend as well so, inspired by my love of kokeshi dolls, I picked up the paint brush again and painted a trio of dolls. I used some of my favourite fabrics for their bodies. Fun!

That painting

Remember that painting?

Inspired by this Bob Collins fabric found in Domino - The Book of Decorating (and which I think I scanned upside down... oops).



It's finished.


And hanging in the study.

Bedroom walls

I caught homeMADE last night and I liked the home Chontelle and Richie designed with all that black and white. I am a fan of Jason's work but I really thought Chontelle and Richie would win that challenge.

I was inspired by the guestroom created for the Mansour's and I'm toying with the idea of stripes in our bedroom. In the room above the stripes are actually wallpaper by Porters Paints. My preference would be to paint the stripes so that we can paint over if we tire of them. I'm dreading the task though - all that measuring, taping, painting and crossing all fingers that the stripes don't end up crooked.

Here's what the room looks like at the moment:

Wall colour is Dulux China White in half strength

Is it worth giving a go or should I leave the room as is? Perhaps a softer combination of white stripes on the existing wall colour is better. My other idea was the hang wallpaper like this. Hmm...

(Above images ninemsn)

New fabrics

Boy oh boy I love fabrics. This is the new lot that arrived today. I have ideas racing in my head with what to do with them. BUT before I start hacking away I'm going to have for brekkie a rather large piece of camembert cheese that's staring up at me.

From top to bottom:
- Jennifer Moore Monaluna Mixers
- Anna Griffin Squares
- Joel Dewberry Antlers Damask
- Joel Dewberry Lodge Lattice
- Heather Ross Seahorses in Aqua
- Heather Ross Seahorses in Natural
- Timeless Treasure Trio Taxi Tossed Flowers in Kiwi
- Heather Bailey Rose Bouquet

Kokeshi dolls

Not my dolls but these are just adorable

Oh you should see the smile on my face. I have finally managed to begin a collection of kokeshi dolls that I've admired for a long time now.

I was never really 'into' dolls when I was a little girl so I have no idea what has sparked this up now but it's here and I must indulge so I am looking forward to receiving 2 dolls in the mail. I will admire them daily and dust them lovingly.



In my search I also came across this custom kokeshi doll on Etsy. You choose the hair colour, kimono style and designs, what your doll will be holding, accessories and a personal message. Cute!

Also while I'm on the topic, a friend introduced me to kimmidolls. Have you heard of them?

Tell me, what do you like to collect?

(Above images Flickr - revolutionarygirl)

Review: Tommee Tippee bath toys & bottle carrier

The week before last I promised I would do another baby related review. Time just zipped past so I've managed to do it now. This one is on Tommee Tippee products that were sent to me.

Chances are, if you have had a baby or are expecting a baby you have or will receive Tommee Tippee products. I received a whole bunch of Tommee Tippee gifts including some bath toys so I enjoyed reviewing these products.

My son's new bath toy favourite is the bath critter. My favourite is the wiggle 'n' sprinkle bath toy because I can spurt water (yes I'm a child at heart). He's too young for the tumbling tubbies. I stack them up and he wacks them down. Fun for him, not so much for me who has to keep stacking them up again. I keep all the bath toys in a basket in the bathroom along with face washers so that they are handy come bath time and keeps the bathroom tidy.


I was also sent a twin bottle carrier which I have been using a lot lately because my other carrier had milk spilt into it (gross) and into my new Alannah Hill bag (sob). What I like about the bottle carrier is that it comes with a pack that can be cooled to keep the bottles chilled or heated to keep food warm. It also comes with 2 storage containers. I use one for formula and the other for his lunch when we are out and about during the day.

My only gripe is that the twin carrier doesn't fit into my baby bag but that'll teach me for wanting to carry around a fancy schmancy bag. It fits into my other, more practical baby bag. The bottle carrier comes with a long strap to hang over your shoulder but I can't see myself using it. I use the single bottle carrier that comes with it instead if I'm dead set keen on carrying it in my bag and when I only need one bottle with me.

I hope this review helps any parents or parents-to-be.

Bouncing back

Thank you to everyone who left me lovely comments while I took an unexpected break to rest. I'm back and fighting fit. I used the time to get as much rest as my little boy would let me - who, by the way, now has 8 teeth (!!!) and is getting around by pulling himself forward with his hands. He's also saying "baba" and "dada" so all those months of teaching him "mama" haven't worked.

While on the subject of babies I'll be back with a baby related review and then I'm heading downstairs to finally finish off that painting.

Have a fun weekend!

(Image Flickr. Photographer Richard Avedon and model Veruschka.)

Before & After: Pink + Pom Poms + Butterflies

I'm still trying to find my steam so in the meantime, here's a little project I came across that makes me smile. I know, I know, you may have seen a million chair makeovers but is there anything prettier than pink + pom poms + butterflies?

Before:
After:

(Photos Flickr user paola+titi and creativity channel)

I'm thinking the pom poms would be a cute way of dressing up chairs for a party and they are easy to make. I made a few large ones for the baby shower. Instructions can be found here if you are interested.

Feeling a bit under the weather

I think I'm coming down with something. I'm exhausted and feel rather... bleh. I'm comforting myself today with a childhood classic - alphabet soup.

I know, I'm a massive dork

I'll be back when I find the energy. I have a massive to-do list I'm compiling of all the projects I would like to complete in my home and that I'll share with you so stay tuned for that!

Cookies

What a perfect day we had yesterday. It was my son's christening and he was a very well behaved baby. He didn't cry at all when the priest dunked him in water. Actually, looking at the video today, he was playing in the tub!

The 500 cookies I made as bonbonniere went down a treat. The guests loved them (or at least pretended they did). I wanted to give you a peek at how the bonbonniere turned out.


We had different coloured party bags in yellow, blue, green and orange and different coloured ribbon on each. On the front I printed a photo of my son - the best shot out of 28873282 I took because my little wriggler won't sit still these days.

On the back I printed the cookie recipe and inside were about 5 cookies per bag. Turns out I made more than needed so I have 100 odd cookies left over. Does anyone want to come over for milk and cookies?

It's Friday!

Where has the week gone? I had so much planned and I've only managed to scratch the surface. Oh well, I guess there's always next week.

I have spent tonight baking cookies for my son's christening - 322 down, 178 to go. At least I'm over the half way mark (positive thinker I am). Here is the winning recipe - Triple Choc Cookies.


Oh and last Friday I mentioned I would be doing some cooking over the weekend. Not sure if this counts because I technically didn't cook it - White Chocolate and Berry Cheesecake. Heaven.


And congratulations to Auntie Em who won the Butterfly art giveaway over at Stepford Dreams. Hope you like it!

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

In the style of Victoria's Secret

The main reason I watch the Victoria's Secret fashion shows is for the huge over-the-top feathered wings. I sometimes wonder how the models carry them on their tiny frames and when models cross paths on the runway, how they don't smack each other out with those wings. I suppose they aren't as clumsy as I am.


Inspired by this photo, I've put together a dream bedroom.

1. Pluma Cubic light, handcrafted with 2000-4000 goose or rooster feathers.
2. Come Inside, simple white quilt and pillowcases. Love the plate arrangement on the wall as well.
3. Le Forge Louis XV curved bed
4. PrinceDesignUK Lacy oval mini dish for keeping jewellery, other bits and bobs, cupcakes mmm...
5. A stack of pretty hatboxes to use as a side table. Image via I Suwannee.
6. La Maison Oreille armchair
7. Kalla mini hand printed pillows in Treasure and Bloom
8. Dulux China White for walls. I've used this colour in my home but in half the strength.

(Top image Gavin Bond via Guy Hepner)

A darling nursery... or three

I came across these nursery photos on Flickr and had to share. The little hanging dresses are too sweet.

Images Flickr user melissann

I also love these photos of Little K's room. Such a dream space with more hanging dresses. So pretty.

Images Apartment Therapy

If I ever have a baby girl remind me to look at these photos again okay?

Want more nursery photos? Then check out the beautiful room Nicole of Making It Lovely put together in a very tight space. Eleanor is a lucky girl.

The 'L' Word

Wow - what a late post. I went out tonight, got home and now I can't sleep. Yikes.

I found I was surrounded by lots of 'L' words tonight - I saw LILY Allen in concert (fun!) and lots of LEATHER boots (got to get myself a pair this winter) and I drank LEMON ice tea and LAUGHED when I tripped over..err.. nothing and told LAME jokes while waiting for Lily to appear on stage and saw the best t-shirt with the slogan 'I LOVE LOVE' (my favourite 'L' word).

So inspired by this t-shirt, I've dug up some of my favourite LOVE images for you. Enjoy!

Image copyright Sunny's Blog via Swish and Swanky. Click here to see the rest of this gorgeous home!

Image copyright Kenzie Poo. Click here to see the rest of her daughters beautiful nursery.

Image copyright SimplyGrove via Apartment Therapy. Click here to see the rest of Kirsten's updated dining room photos.

Image copyright Selina Lake via Decor8

Image copyright Faire Frou Frou via MadeByGirl

Oh, and the song that received the best crowd response - can you guess what is it? Well, I can't type it without bleeping it out so let's just say it goes something like this except I've substituted a few words: "Love you, love you very very much. 'Cause we love what you do and we love your whole crew so please do stay in touch...".

Okay time to sleep! My son will be up in a few hours...

(Hope this posts makes some sense, hehe)

My first Ish & Chi giveaway

Here's my theory: If you talk about giveaways and think about giveaways enough you will win something (or is that The Secret? I haven't read it).

On Friday I mentioned that Carolyn of Stepford Dreams and I had planned something special earlier that week. She asked me if I would like to participate in a giveaway on her blog and of course I said yes! So that explains why I've had giveaways on the brain. Turns out all that talk gave me good luck and I won the very first giveaway she ran. Funny how the universe works sometimes.


For your chance to win my most popular design, this Butterfly in Amy Butler wall flower fabric, pop on over the Stepford Dreams and leave a comment there. Good luck!

So, from now on I'm only going to think of good health and holidays. Oh and diamonds, why not.

I'm a winner!

Before I head off for the weekend I wanted to share with you some exciting news. I've actually WON something, as in really won something as opposed to winning an Ebay auction.

Bluebells half apron by Bebe & Alice

This lovely apron by Bebe & Alice. The giveaway was run by Carolyn of Stepford Dreams. I've been following her blog for a while now. Her "misadventures as an unlikely housewife" as she describes make me giggle. As I sat down with a tea in hand ready to read her latest entry I was surprised to see my name pop up as the winner of her first giveaway!

Thank you Carolyn, Tinker and Heather of Bebe & Alice. I promise to pop on the apron for a Fashion Friday post in the near future. It might even entice me to cook or *gasp* clean the house.

Now, I'm off to find that feather duster...

PS: Carolyn and I had planned something special earlier this week which will be announced on Monday so stay tuned for that!

Fashion Friday: Alannah Hill purchases

As promised earlier this week, here are some photos of my purchases from the Alannah Hill outlet.

The Last Word Bag (RRP $499 reduced to $189) and Eggs 4 Breakfast knee-high stockings (RRP $19 reduced to $10). I already owned the dress and shoes.

I'll need a bit of confidence to wear the stockings out. I purchased 2 pairs - the design shown in the photographs and another design called Daisy Chain. They are both a sweet pink colour.

The bag is leather with silk lining.

The lady in the store tried to sell the bag to me as an overnight bag with the bottom compartment a good place to store a pair of shoes. I'm thinking it would better serve as place for baby bottles, nappies, baby wipes. Such is my way of thinking now.

Hope you have a lovely weekend planned.

This weekend I'm going to:

1. Try to cook some yummy meals. I've had far too much takeaway this week.

Image Phil Poynter Photography

2. Try a few different cookie recipes from taste.com.au. Then I'm meeting up with friends to taste test them. The best recipe will be made in larger quantities and stuffed inside these bags below to give to guests at our son's christening. If I fail at making decent cookies even with the best of recipes I'll be visiting the Cookie Man.

Image The Party Parlour

3. See my friends growing belly bump at her baby shower. Exciting!

Source unknown unfortunately

4. Inspired by this post over at Pink Wallpaper I'm going to buy some chalkboard paint to paint some leftover plywood. If all goes well I'll post about it. If not, forget I mentioned anything at all.

Image sarah kaye via pink wallpaper

5. While I'm swinging the paint brush I'm also going to try to spruce up an old cabinet we've moved into the studio.

See you next week!