Bulletin collage

It seems like I am always posting mid week. I don't know why this has come to be but whatever..I'm a creature of habit. I am also a creature of organization as I am sure you realise this by now. I love things to have a place and for them to return to their allocated spot after they have been used. Poor Sam still struggles with my ocd ways. I am the type of girl who can't sleep if the wardrobe door is slightly ajar or if there are clothes on the floor. The notice boards above available from littleprettystudio at etsy. I think they are adorable and all the different sizes on the wall above your desk would be so cheerful, especially if you lacked a window or natural light nearby. If you are craft inclined it could be a good little project to do yourself with some gorgeous fabric. What a cute place to keep all my to do lists and reminders and to facilitate all my obsessive compulsive desires. I love it!

Shrink wrapped perfection!

Someone needs to buy me this fridge! It's the most cheerful kitchen appliance I have ever seen. How adorable would this look in a clean, bright but not too fussy kitchen. It would totally inject some cheeky personality into a sometimes boring space. It is obviously by smeg which is a UK company. I believe this exact model has been shrink wrapped in this pattern as only basic colours and a union jack are available through their website. What a great idea though...it may not have the fancy pants features of some of the crazy products available these days but I would much rather have this in my space. Saying that, I hope there is a built in ice maker inside, god I love those!!!!

Warm and fuzzy thoughts

As you know, I am already dreaming of warm summer nights. How I plan to survive the perils of a long winter back in Park City again I don't know. So instead of thinking about it too much I dream of a more pleasant time when the temperature is perfect and the crickets are out in chirping force.

The picture above is an old image form a Martha magazine. I love everything about it from the gorgeous lilac tree, to the hanging lanterns and the old bentwood chairs. I recreated the lantern idea for our engagement party a few years back ( although our garden is no where near as lovely so it didn't quite have the same effect). Instead of jars I rummaged around second hand stores and bought old glass light shades which i would turn upside down and hang with wires. It is really a beautiful look and a mix of shapes and sizes makes it magical. I plan on recreated this one day again for a special birthday or holiday. How romantic and warm.

So those of you coming into spring get inspired for alfresco dining! Isn't it just the best!? There is something so great about sitting outside to eat and enjoy great wine and great food in great company!

Wrap it up

Last week ended up being very sluggish and the huge downpour of rain at the moment outside is not helping my energy levels this week either. Day light savings has ended now and although the summer was extra long and wonderful...the onset of winter has been quick and brutal. We have gone from having a fan on in our room every night to a heater in a week. My outdoor activities are highly weather sensitive. If it is too cold or windy I don't like walking and the same if it is too hot and muggy. So, I have been hunkered down in the flat watching tv and sporadically doing pilates here and there throughout the day. So, I think I have to declare today baking day. Not sure whats on the menu yet but I am thinking of cranking up the oldies radio station, donning my apron and kneading some dough.

Above is some gorgeous wrapping paper by Erin Ruth. I just love beautiful wrapping....especially if you receive a gift a week or two ahead of your birthday or holiday and it sits on your table looking gorgeous and taunting you with it's cuteness! The paper and note cards on this site are delicious and very reasonably priced. It's always a good idea to have a little stock of delightful paper ready for action because you know sometimes these special gifting occasions sneak up on you!

A delightful place to rest

Since I have declared April craft month I have been scouting out some cool ideas to make your home or garden more cheerful. Craft to me doesn't necessarily need to involve sewing, glue or glitter. Anything that I can create and do myself is crafty to moi. I love being able to create something sweet and functional using things around you. Above is an image that embodies that. What a great little spot to read a book or drink iced tea. Isn't it just lovely how the curtain is suspended from a wooden branch tied to the tree? I can see myself relaxing for hours with my little Olive at my feet chewing a bone. This would also be a lovely cool and sheltered spot to place a baby to rest while you enjoy some sunshine outside. This one is on my 'to do' list for next summer indeed!

It's my Mom's birthday today. Happy happy to her! So I thought I would share something that I had sent to her as part of her pressie. It's ok, I'm in the clear, she has already opened it.

This adorable notebook is from a company called Compendium Incorporated. I love that it is pale yellow ( I told you yellow has taken the lead over orange for me) and has an elastic close but most importantly the saying on it is inspiring and cheerful! She seems to like it so that makes me very happy. I am a good present buyer, if I do say so myself.

Since I currently have a wee bit of time on my hands I think I may go buy some fabric, borrow a sewing machine and fashion a notebook and pen folder like in the photo above. Why not get crafty! Maybe I will make April craft month...hmm yes, I think so. Oooh exciting. I heart a themed month.

Give a little bit

I am currently reading this book, Giving by Bill Clinton. I felt I needed to be a little inspired as I have long wanted to do some charity or community based work and haven't known where to start. This book is amazing. Not only are there amazing stories about huge Non profits impacting people all over the world but there are also inspiring stories of everyday people doing wonderful things. If you are looking for ideas I can't recommend this book enough!

One of my favourite mentions is of an organization I have been following for about 6 months. It's called Kiva  and it allows anyone from around the world to help give loans to people in countries where loans are impossible to get. Whether it be for a banana stall or a corner shop you can help someone get a start on making a better life for themselves and their families. The crazy thing about this NPO too is that 97% of the loans get paid back and when they do you can either take your money back or use it to help someone else. You can give anything from $25+ and the recipients write updates to keep you posted on how they are doing!

I have 100% been inspired to contribute in some way and I think I will have made my decision by the end of the book.

Giving is good.