A Touch of Happiness

Garden Inspiration

2012-01-16T20:50:00.004+13:00

One thing I really want to do this year is get my garden looking neat and tidy. I love the look of standard trees, hedges and pretty flowers. Here's some of my current inspiration. Plans so far are: Grow an ivy creeper over the fences. Plant Dogwood trees along back fence line. Grow a berry patch along the back side fence and tidy up sad looking vegetable garden.

Quote of the day

2012-01-12T07:26:00.002+13:00

I love this quote which is so very true. Everyone has their own individual talents, character traits, and uniquness that makes you who you are. Embrace it. Found over at the lovely blog Creature Comforts

House love - Home of Angelika Taschen,

2012-01-06T16:36:00.004+13:00

I found photos of this gorgeous home belonging to book publisher Angelika Taschen. Love the bookshelves and that super mirror.

From The Selby via Charlotte Minty

Summer

2012-01-05T21:30:00.002+13:00

Summer at the beach - good books, cool beer, sunshine and clear blue water

Yellow

2012-01-03T08:34:00.006+13:00

Image sources 1. 2. 3. 4.

Yellow, so bright and cheery and currently my favourite colour. Too bad I look horrible in yellow clothes. Here's a few of my favourite yellow pics right now.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T16:11:00.004+13:00

Happy New Year! 2011 was a tough year for many that I know so here's hoping 2012 brings health and happiness.

January means New Years resolutions and I'm so loving the picture above as a way to display your resolutions as found on Creating Clever via Pinterest.

My resolutions this year are:
1. Run a full marathon
2. Spend less, save more
3. Cook more from my extensive yet neglected cook book collection
4. Blog more

What are yours?

Tasmanian House by Bicker Design Co

2011-12-11T14:14:00.003+13:00

If you're a lover of the Australian TV series The Block, no doubt you'll remember Josh and Jenna. I loved their style, and now follow their facebook page for their new interior design company, Bicker Design Co where I discovered this beautiful home pictured below.

I'm totally in love with what they've done with the kitchen and dining/living area of this Tasmanian Home.

Beach House Paraparaumu Beach New Zealand

2011-09-21T14:34:00.004+12:00

A gorgeous beach house in home sweet home, New Zealand. This lovely beach house belongs to architect Gerald Parsonson and his family.

Found via Charlotte Minty, via Dwell

Designspiration - new favourite blog

2011-09-20T21:49:00.002+12:00

I discovered Designspiration today through pinterest. Do check it out. Full of beautiful rooms/homes.

Addicted to The Block

2011-08-27T19:35:00.003+12:00

It's official, I'm in love with the Block, and in particular Josh and Jenna's house. Just my style.

Scandinavian Style

2011-06-26T09:04:00.002+12:00

Loving this house featured on Design Attractor today. Now I want to paint my mirror neon yellow.

Lovely Melbourne Apartment

2011-05-28T21:48:00.004+12:00

Really love this apartment featured on The Design Files on 5th May. It's beautifully decorated, love the rug under the kitchen table. See more photos here.

Blue

2011-05-22T20:29:00.002+12:00

I haven't felt much like blogging lately, but I really wanted to share these beautiful blue pictures from Amanda's blog Small Acorns. So pretty. Makes me realise I really need some more colour in my home.

DIY Diamond Necklace

2011-04-23T15:16:00.002+12:00

How cool is this DIY Diamond Necklace by Snug? The necklace rocks, (no pun intended) and a simple bit of DIY for the inner crafter in everyone. You can buy it here

Neon Brights

2011-04-17T17:17:00.007+12:00

It's Sunday evening, I'm full of a cold, have done nothing productive all day and am generally feeling rather grumpy! So I thought I'd try and find some bright inspiration to cheer me up. Loving neon brights at the moment, here's some current favourites.

Neon Nails via Veronica Loves Archie

Satchels via Veronica Loves Archie via Le Choix Trois

Neon Chains Stack Set Rings from Topshop

ASOS Angular Wooden Bangle with Neon Panel

The best bedside table

2011-04-08T19:59:00.004+12:00

Image sourced here

This would have to be the best bedside table ever! I love the book sitting on the roof to keep your place. I want one. Found via things i like, things i love

Thrifted

2011-04-04T20:28:00.004+12:00

There's no denying it - I have an addiction to second hand stores. I visit at least one nearly every day. Which is easy when my place of work is almost next door to a gigantic store called Seekers. The other day, the owner of one went out the back and bought out a dress he thought I might like! How's that for service.

Here's a couple of my finds from last week. Terrible photos but you get the drift:

A gold and leather belt that makes an even cooler bracelet - 50c at Salvation Army store

Genuine snake skin purse - 50c at Salvation Army store

Hoping to find more treasures this week....

Topshop Necklace

2011-04-04T07:06:00.003+12:00

Love this top shop necklace as worn by Milk and Mode blogger Carroll Han. I just discovered her blog last night and I love it. If you don't read it already, I recommend you check it out. Carroll blogs about good food and good fashion, perfect!

I Need Nice Things

2011-04-02T20:59:00.004+13:00

I discovered this cool online art shop today. Based in Australia, I Need Nice Things offer affordable, stylish art prints. Here's some of my favourites.

Sunset

2011-03-27T20:05:00.001+13:00

I took this photo the other night at home as the sky was looking so beautiful at sunset. Tonight, however, it is simply grey and pouring with rain.

Ikea Wish List

2011-03-26T15:16:00.004+13:00

I wish we had an Ikea in NZ for reasonably priced stylish furniture and accessories. It's fun to dream about what I'd buy. Here's four things on my wish list. All pictures via Ikea.

From right to left:
1. Gunvor Fabric
2. Bondis Wall Clock
3. Stockholm Rand Rug
4. Kulla floor lamp.

Cute Nursery

2011-03-22T20:50:00.004+13:00

photo - Lisbett Wedendahl via Bolig

It's official - I'm in love with those shelves. O and the crib/cot. I think this would have to be my dream baby room. It's so simple, but so stylish.

DIY Inspiration - Handmade Coat Rack

2011-03-22T13:21:00.000+13:00

How cool is this coat rack - made by the author of the wonderful blog, Yksityiskohtia. It is delightful to look at, now I just need to figure out how to use Google Translate so I can also read it.

Marimekko Fabric - Spring 2011 Collection

2011-03-21T19:30:00.004+13:00

I'm looking for some fabric to make cushions with, or cover the arm chair I bought a month ago at the Salvation Army - I can't decide if I should cover it plain and get bright cushions or just cover the whole chair to brighten up the place. My favourite is the second one, from the Pikku Jatski Collection.

These Marimekko fabrics are just gorgeous. Wish I knew where I could find them over this side of the world.

Weekend Breakfast

2011-03-21T08:34:00.003+13:00

Picture via Real Living, by Katie Quinn Davies

The past few weeks I've been making breakfast a bit more of an event than peanut butter on toast. This weekend I made blueberry and lemon butter milk pancakes with maple syrup topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Totally delicious. Today I found this yummy looking recipe for pancakes with raspberry ricotta, these are on my next weekend to do list.

A Corner of My Bedroom - Bloesem Blog

2011-03-20T18:26:00.002+13:00

No surprises that Irene from Bloesem blog has the most gorgeous looking bedroom. See more here

Tempted...

2011-03-17T19:55:00.002+13:00

Bad photo, but... very tempted to buy this Eames replica chair from Nood, now $292 down from $519..... It's so hard to save when there are so many sales. Sigh.

1950's Australian House

2011-03-12T13:05:00.002+13:00

I love this bright, white, open plan home in Australia. Found via Real Living Magazine website.

Cute Easter Paper Goods

2011-03-10T08:06:00.000+13:00

It feels like it was Christmas just last week, yet Easter is just around the corner. How cute are these Easter goodie bags, cards and gift tags from Kikki K? I'd love to get some of the goodie bags, fill with wee chocolate eggs and give away to my friends. Plus keep one or two for me....

Textiles from Brita Sweden

2011-03-09T19:42:00.004+13:00

Loving these bright and bold duvet covers from Brita Sweden. Too bad I can't get it here. I'm beginning to think my nice white duvet cover is a bad idea as rain + cat = lots of muddy paw prints!

Gorgeous House in Byron Bay

2011-03-08T21:22:00.005+13:00

Pictures via the Taverne Agency (Am I allowed to put these on here?? If not i'll take them down!)

I could just move in here right now, totally gorgeous. And that pool - devine! It makes me feel slightly sad that Summer is over - and I haven't even been for a swim. Time flies, works busy and I only visited the beach once - on a not so nice day.

Art Prints

2011-03-08T21:07:00.003+13:00

I'm probably a bit of a slow learner, but I've only recently discovered sites like Mammoth Collection and 20 x 200 for lovely limited edition prints at an affordable price. These are currently on my wish list - Landscape 1 and Landscape 2 by Russell Leng.

Thoughts and Prayers with Christchurch

2011-02-23T17:28:00.005+13:00

photo via stuff

Feeling so so sad for our fellow New Zealander's in Christchurch, just four months after the last big earthquake, devastation has hit again with a 6.3 magnitude earthquake. Possibly New Zealand's worst disaster, with hundreds missing and 75 confirmed dead.

If you'd like to help out you can donate through the Red Cross here

What's your style?

2011-02-21T17:55:00.005+13:00

I love vintage dresses, there is just something special about them, especially 1950's style. I love the way the bodice is fitted, and the skirt is full - perfect for gals with small waists but with hips and a bit of a booty, like me. But, even though I love them, I don't wear them. I try them on and parade around in them at home for a wee while, but decide I couldn't pull it off and end up selling them.

I just feel like it's not "me". I live in a small town, and I feel like if I wore vintage people would wonder what on earth I was wearing, or if I was going to fancy dress. I wish I didn't care what people thought, and even though I think I don't, deep down there is a niggling feeling that I do.

Here's some lovelies that have since moved on. In retrospect, I wish I'd kept the first and second, I would have probably worn these.

Current Favourites on Etsy

2011-02-13T08:35:00.008+13:00

My Etsy wish list keeps growing and growing. Here are a few of my current favourites.

Triangles Tea Towel by Leah Duncan

This fabric by Umbrella Prints.

Any of the Ideal Bookshelf prints by Jane Mount

Wooden necklace by Snug

The Weekend Ahead

2011-02-11T17:24:00.003+13:00

Friday 5pm is the best hour of the week! I love the feeling of getting home on Friday night, knowing there are two whole days in which I can do whatever I want.

Looking forward to my friend coming from Wellington - we're hitting the op shops and garage sales, my favourite thing! It's always my dream I'll find some awesome mid century furniture for a bargain price.

Yesterday I found a lovely "Don" Chair at the Sallies for $25, similar to the one pictured. Was a little bittersweet though as it's pair had been sold a few hours before I got there a long with a matching footstool. So i'm on the lookout for another chair the same so I can reupholster as a set.

A few rooms I love

2011-01-30T18:07:00.002+13:00

Love those wooden floors. Actually, I just love everything about this room

White - check, wood - check, black and white rug, check. Perfection.

Magazine pages - perfect inspiration wall. When I've saved enough favourite pictures, I'm going to do this in my sewing/craft room.

New Years Resolution - Read More

2011-01-24T17:47:00.004+13:00

So one of my resolutions this year is to read more, I find I waste lots of time on the internet, and should read more. I love reading once I get into a book, so I'm starting a list of books to read. I've just finished "I Know this Much is True" by Wally Lamb and I loved it.

Here are some non fiction books I'd like to purchase to read, from my Book Depository Wish List. I always find there are more pressing things to buy, like furniture or bills to pay so I don't buy books that often, but these are three I'd really like to buy this year. Other than that, I'll be making friends with the library.

Brill!

2011-01-10T15:07:00.002+13:00

O la la. Wish my beauty bits and pieces looked like this - see more about Jen Brills beauty routine here.

Cute Shoes

2011-01-05T15:30:00.002+13:00

Love these shoes, found via Design Sponge, for sale from Ruche here. They are a pretty good price too.

Love

2011-01-04T21:09:00.002+13:00

I could move in here right now. Perfection. I love the large, abstract print. I wonder who the artist is??

Via Living Etc

Dosh Poster

2011-01-03T18:11:00.004+13:00

I think I want this. Not sure where I'd hang it - in the hall way perhaps? Lots of cool posters here. This poster is from the band Dosh whose music is described as melodic, hip hop-influenced instrumental pop. If the music is as good as the poster, then maybe I'll buy that too! From here

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T19:18:00.002+13:00

Happy New Year!!! From my poor neglected blog. I will try to take better care of you in 2011!

Perfect Dress

2010-10-10T22:03:00.002+13:00

Would this not be the most perfect vintage wedding dress? I think so anyway. Via the always lovely Allen Company.

Little Studio - Lovely Posters

2010-09-22T19:25:00.004+12:00

I discovered these posters whilst browsing the internet. The shop Little Studio belongs to the writer of Swedish blog Mamamekko. I love Google translator - effortlessly translates the blog into English so I can read it. It's just too bad that it doesn't do the same for her shop, I'd love to buy the coloured triangle poster, if she ships overseas. Must do some enquirers!

Lovely Living Rooms - Grey Couches

2010-09-19T14:29:00.004+12:00

I'm in need of a new two seater couch, and I'm thinking of going grey. Loving these pale grey couches - and the living rooms they are in!

Pictures 1-5 Bolig Magasinet, Picture 6 Lillian Day via Decor 8

Beautiful Bathrooms

2010-09-17T20:36:00.003+12:00

Particularly like the last bathroom with the yellow and grey wallpaper and pretty flowers on the vanity.
Found via Bolig Magasinet

Paper Cup Clothing

2010-09-02T21:36:00.004+12:00

I love this New Zealand designed and made clothing label, very feminine and totally gorgeous. Buy it here. And in the cute shop Wellington based shop Swonderful.

Black and White

2010-08-30T21:10:00.004+12:00

Tonight I spent a wee while trawling through blogs looking for interior inspiration. My house looks very mis-matched at the moment, with some modern, some 70s, some country looking pieces and I want to be able to pull everything together to look good.

Anyway, from looking at the photos I've saved, I've found a bit of a theme - I love all these black and white interior pics. I think for my house though I'd add a touch more colour. All of these are from Emmas Design Blogg

Home Inspiration

2010-08-23T15:08:00.002+12:00

Love this modern apartment found via Skona Hem. In particular, i like the wall length bookshelves perfectly colour coordinated. Would love to have this in my home one day.

Turquoise

2010-08-22T09:43:00.002+12:00

I have to say my new favourite colour at the moment is turquoise. I've just covered a chair in turquoise, black and tan striped fabric and it looks great. Now I'm looking for more turquoise inspiration. Loving these fabrics and wallpapers by Designers Guild, found via Small Acorns website.

return of blogging mojo + Caroline Gardner

2010-08-15T21:13:00.003+12:00

I've just realized its been nearly a month since I last posted here, I guess I haven't been in the mood for blogging... but I'm back!

I've liked designer Caroline Gardner for a long time, but only just looked at her website. I recently bought a piece of Caroline Gardner wrapping paper from Small Acorns and have framed it and going to hang it in my room. Looks great! Here's some of my other favourites of her designs.

Home Love

2010-07-16T19:53:00.004+12:00

Love this house on Swedish Real Estate site Molmo. There is so much lovely inspiration on this site.

Holiday in a warmer climate

2010-07-11T20:53:00.004+12:00

Just returned from some warmer weather in Australia on the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. It was -5 degrees Celsius last night - wish I was back in Australia!

Had a lovely time with my sister and picked up some great shopping - will show you next week.

Shop - Pen Pen Stencil

2010-06-20T12:10:00.002+12:00

Found this site today on the net and I'm in love! This wee wood forest is made from scrap wood that would have ended up going to waste. Totally cute.

About Pen Pen Stencil:

"Pen Pencil Stencil is the studio and workspace of designer Mark Giglio. Originally from Southern California, Mark grew up drawing, painting, skateboarding and surfing. Currently he lives and works in Oakland, California.

Beginning as a designer at Cahan and Associates, Mark has since had the opportunity to work on projects with a diverse mix of companies, such as 2k by Gingham, Apple, Dwell, GSP, Nike, Tolleson Design, and others."

Shop Love - Rifle Paper Compay

2010-06-08T20:34:00.002+12:00

I don't know if I'm slow on the uptake but I've never seen Rifle Paper Co. before and I'm glad I've finally noticed.

Rifle Paper Co. is a boutique stationary brand and design studio based in Winter Park Florida. They sell gorgeous prints, some of my favourites pictured below as well as custom designed stationary. Check out their website here - full of gorgeousness and all at reasonable prices.

Martha Stewart Lemon Tassies

2010-06-07T20:01:00.000+12:00

Yum!
From here: Martha Stewart

Makes 24

FOR THE CANDIED LEMON ZEST:
2 lemons, well scrubbed
1 cup sugar, plus more for rolling
1/2 cup cool water
FOR THE CRUSTS:
5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks, plus more for pans
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Pinch of salt
FOR THE FILLING:
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
3 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

For candied lemon zest: Remove zest from lemons with a vegetable peeler, keeping pieces long. Remove white pith using a paring knife, and finely julienne using a very sharp knife. Place julienned zest in a small bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand for 30 minutes; drain.
Bring 1 cup sugar and the cool water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. When sugar is completely dissolved, add julienned zest, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand overnight. Remove zest, and drain on wire rack. Roll in sugar. Dry on wire rack. Store zest in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees with rack in upper third. Lightly butter a 24-cup mini-muffin pan; set aside. In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine the flour and butter. Pulse until mixture is the consistency of fine crumbs. Add the sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt. Process until evenly incorporated and smooth; do not overprocess.
Divide the dough into quarters. Divide each quarter into 6 pieces. Shape into balls. Place each ball in a muffin cup; press down in the centers so that the dough fits the cups snugly. Set muffin pan on a baking sheet.
Bake until lightly browned all over and slightly darker at the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer baking sheet with muffin pan to a wire rack to cool.
Make the filling: In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until completely smooth. Using a 1/4-ounce ice cream scoop, fill the cooled crusts. Bake until filling is set and just beginning to color at the edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer muffin pan to a wire rack. Garnish with candied lemon peel. Let cool completely before serving. The tassies may be stored in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 3 days.

Have you met Miss Jones?

2010-06-05T08:17:00.005+12:00

Have you met Miss Jones is a lifestyle company dedicated to providing contemporary designs for the interior. My favourite of their collections is their bone china work. So many gorgeous things to choose from. See the website for more

Le Journal De April -

2010-06-03T17:40:00.003+12:00

Even though it's still 6 months till the New Year, I purchased a diary in the weekend - it was too cute to resist! You write in your own dates in the weekly planner, so you can start/end it whenever you want.

There were other similar journals with the same character, French girl April, all as equally cute.

Purchased from Iko Iko in Wellington. Terrible photos but you get the idea!

Shop - Little Viking Girl

2010-06-03T07:26:00.000+12:00

Check out Little Viking Girl, a cute online shop for original jewelery and baby clothing.

Art - Kan Fukuda

2010-06-02T20:10:00.003+12:00

Stumbled across artist Kan Fukuda and I really like his style of work. "Since his first solo exhibition in 1986, Fukuda has been actively centering his work in theater design. Fukuda's style stretches the limits of the medium and has been attracting wide audiences."

See more here

Pom Pom Art

2010-06-02T07:18:00.001+12:00

Pompom madness’ illustration by Stacia Hadiutomo - very cute!

See more here

Home Love - Norwegian home in the country

2010-06-01T18:41:00.004+12:00

Love this gorgeous house from Norwegian magazine Bolig Pluss. It was purchased fully furnished and a simple white paint job has made it a bright and beautiful home.

See more here

Kikki K Cirkus Stationary Range

2010-05-29T21:42:00.004+12:00

The gorgeous stationary shop Kikki K has just released a new range of circus themed stationary and it is very cute, for kids and adults a like. Here's a few examples. From top to bottom: Party pack, AUD$34.95, Circus Coloured Sticky Tape (3 pack), AUD$5.95; Sticky notes AUD$9.95; Bulldog Clips AUD$4.95; 10 pack Manilla folders AUD$14.95

See more on the Kikki K website here.

Cherries Yum!

2010-05-26T21:04:00.003+12:00

It's cold and pouring with rain and cherry season seems like a lifetime away, but looking at these yummy looking Cherry Financiers brings cherries a bit closer to my world! Recipe found here on Cannelle et Vanille blog.

Home Love - sara hicks malone

2010-05-25T19:00:00.005+12:00

I really like the home of Sara Hicks Malone, a graphic designer, illustrator and a former art director for martha stewart kids featured on Design Sponge today . You can definitely tell she's the creative type with this beautiful home. I like the art work in the second picture which she did herself!

Dressing the Bed

2010-05-23T21:53:00.004+12:00

I'm on the hunt for a new duvet cover. Mine is white. But with Winter here, its more often white with muddy foot prints. White, winter rain and kitty paws do not make a happy duvet cover!

Loving these from Small Acorns 1. Orla Kiely Bedlinen ~ Flower Blossom (Lichen) 2. Designers Guild Rienzi 3. Orla Kiely Bedlinen ~ Scribble Stem

I think my favourite is the Designers Guild. I like the nice touch of pink.

Gorgeous Country Home

2010-05-20T20:35:00.004+12:00

I was flicking through Trade Me and saw this home come up on the Featured Homes listings. Isn't this just the most perfect country home? So pretty in all seasons, surrounded by hills, trees and a small bubbling stream that feeds three fish ponds.

Just as an added bonus, it is only minutes to the local ski-field and a short drive to Lake Tekapo.

This house is all yours from NZ$750,000.

Wish List - Kat Macleod Print

2010-05-08T16:52:00.002+12:00

Would love this print by Kat Macleod. It's $220 plus $50 postage AU. Hopefully I'll be able to pop in to Lamington Drive and pick one up in July and save on the postage costs!

Found via Lamington Drive

Ikea Kulla Floor Lamp

2010-05-06T21:28:00.002+12:00

I'm going to Australia in June (yah!) I wish I could bring one of these back with me. I've seen lots of white ones in blogs lately, including my last post. But at 13.5kg it would be hefty excess baggage... Sigh

Home Inspiration: frames

2010-05-05T11:40:00.001+12:00

Loving this look of large picture frames hung together.
I found these on another blog earlier this week but can't for the life of me remember where. If you let me know I'll put up source :) Thanks

Home Inspiration: Samantha Pynn

2010-05-04T20:02:00.003+12:00

Via Samantha Pynn Inc

Ranunculus - Spring Beauties

2010-04-17T13:58:00.004+12:00

It's Autumn here - time to plant bulbs for Spring. I've fallen in love with Ranunculus and have packets of them in my fridge getting ready to plant out. So until Winter is over and done with, I'm enjoying pictures of other people's flowers on the other side of the world.

Oui! Cute Tights

2010-04-09T07:46:00.004+12:00

One reason to be happy for cooler weather - these fabulous tights from French company Les Queues de Sardines! See here for a list of stockists

Home Inspiration: Shelving

2010-04-08T18:31:00.008+12:00

I have a sort of empty corner in my kitchen that I have nothing to fill with. I'm thinking of open shelving, and here's my inspiration.

Images via:
1. Abby Tries Again on Flickr
2. Style Files
3, 4. Design to Inspire
5. Ikea

Home Love: London Townhouse

2010-04-05T16:07:00.003+12:00

I've recently discovered the Elle Decor website, which is jam packed full of inspiring home ideas. I love this London home belonging to Sisley cosmetics executive Christine d'Ornano. I like the mix of patterns, colours and a hint of white. Gorgeous. See more here.

Boy

2010-03-29T19:24:00.003+13:00

I'm really looking forward to seeing this NZ movie over Easter weekend. The movie was entered in the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and has received excellent ratings here in NZ.

Here's the blurb:
Boy is a dreamer who loves Michael Jackson. He lives with his brother Rocky, a tribe of deserted cousins and his Nan. Boy's other hero, his father, Alamein, is the subject of Boy's fantasies, and he imagines him as a deep sea diver, war hero and a close relation of Michael Jackson (he can even dance like him). In reality he's in the can for robbery. When Alamein returns home after 7 years away, Boy is forced to confront the man he thought he remembered, find his own potential and learn to get along without the hero he had been hoping for.

Copenhagen Cycle Chic

2010-03-28T16:22:00.004+13:00

In the town I live in, and perhaps even all of NZ, biking to get around is not a common occurance. Cycling for sport yes, cycling for exercise yes, but to work, to the shop, to the cafe, not so much.

Copenhagen on the other hand is different! 1/3 of all people bike to work, school or university. And they sure do it in style. I'd always imagined biking around would mean ugly tracksuit pants and a backpack, not to mention arriving at my destination very red and sweaty. However, Copenhagen Cycle Chic has totally transformed this idea for me. I would love a bike like one of these pictured. Much more inviting to get on than my mountain bike! It's just too bad we have to have helmets here and get helmet hair.

Pictures via Copenhagen Cycle Chic.

Home Love - Swedish Apartment

2010-03-26T14:12:00.004+13:00

Swedish Home and Interior magazine Skona Hem never fail to provide plenty of inspiration when it comes to beautiful homes. Currently loving this home belonging to Peter Schroeder and Helen Åkerlind. See more here

Lisa Rupp

2010-03-22T20:17:00.003+13:00

I never purchased a nice calendar this year, I was waiting for them to go on sale, but I've been so busy I kind of missed the boat. So I'm really hating the free one from our insurance company hanging on the wall out of necessity to write down appointments, due dates and important events.

So I was delighted to see that Lisa Rupp has the most gorgeous FREE downloadable calenders sent monthly when you sign up for her newsletter. At least April will be a pretty month on the wall.

Check out her design portfolio here

Long time, no see

2010-03-22T20:08:00.003+13:00

Wow time flies and I have very much neglected this blog over the past month or so! I've been busy with lots of things including...

1. running in the Great Lake Relay around Lake Taupo

2. getting ready for my first craft fair with my good friend - the Martinborough Fair

3. spending lots of time with friends and family who have returned from overseas

4. buying my first house with my partner!!! Very exciting.

This is part of the road our team ran. A very pretty run, total 150km!!

View from the lakefront batch our team stayed at in Taupo

Monday Amusement

2010-02-15T21:00:00.002+13:00

I found this on You Tube today, cute and funny!

Photo of the Week

2010-02-12T07:20:00.003+13:00

Source

A pretty polaroid, quite appropriate for valentines week with it's cute red candy heart! I've had a busy week, with lots of exciting stuff happening! Back soon x

pretty Pictures - Frocks on Bikes

2010-02-03T20:41:00.006+13:00

Picture Sources: Living Our Love Song; Red Lips and Ice Cream; Audrey Hepburn Complex; Red Lips and Ice Cream

After months of saying I was going to start biking to work, today I actually did (confession - it was only because I didn't have a car for today, but hey, I've started!). I only wish I looked this good on my bike!

Home Love - Cologne Apartment

2010-02-03T11:46:00.000+13:00

Love the eccentric mix of colours and styles in this apartment. Found via Living Etc

Just what I needed...

2010-02-02T08:07:00.000+13:00

Ok this is officially the cutest thing I've seen for a while. I thought tangled ipod earphone cable was just a part of life, but now it need not be with these cute "cable managers"! Just what I need.

Available at Cinderella's Gift Shop on Etsy

Marimekko

2010-02-02T07:47:00.000+13:00

This Marimekko fabric looks fantastic as a feature wall. Picture via Your Home and Garden Magazine. Lately I've seen a few Marimekko fabrics used to cover canvases - a great idea for a using great design but much more affordable than an expensive piece of art. (appologies for poor photo, scanner not working so photographed the magazine.)

Studio Folk

2010-02-01T21:10:00.000+13:00

Cute illustrations by French artist Denis Carter. See more here

Outdoor Living

2010-02-01T08:36:00.001+13:00

If I ever build a house I totally want a window like this in my kitchen. How nice would it be on a beautiful day to have fresh air flowing in this big window. This house is in Auckland, NZ and as well as this gorgeous big window, it also has a resort style backyard - perfect for summer living.

Pictures from Your Home and Garden Magazine - can't remember what issue sorry!

Happy Weekend

2010-01-30T08:40:00.000+13:00

Source

For my lovely readers... Have a happy weekend.

Home Love - Malene Birger

2010-01-29T10:00:00.000+13:00

Love this home of fashion designer Malene Birger, found via Skona hem.

Pretty Pictures -Sweet Pastels

2010-01-29T08:11:00.000+13:00

Sources from top to bottom: Cannelle Vanillle; Pastell Farben; ilaria luciani; Pastell Farben; Dainty Doll

Etsy Love - Sohomode

2010-01-28T17:28:00.000+13:00

Sohomode makes the prettiest, feminine dresses inspired by the 1950s. The first dress has been custom made for bridesmaid dresses, I'd love to see the wedding photos, if the bridesmaid dresses are this pretty, I bet the rest of the wedding will be equally gorgeous.

Also loving these Tea Dresses, all selling for a very reasonable $100 each. Would you believe, even though I live halfway around the world from this New York based seller, I have some of the vintage fabric used in the last dress!! Too bad its only a small amount.

Pretty floral displays

2010-01-27T19:58:00.003+13:00

Every now and then I like to go through old interior magazines to look for inspiration. I found a feature on different ways to arrange flowers. Even though I'm a total fan of just a single flower in a simple vase, I do love these flower arrangements.

The second photo and third photos features Crown Lynn vases, which have become very popular in the past few years. I saw some pretty Crown Lynn vases in a second hand shop really cheap a year or so ago, and being ignorant and not knowing how popular they where when I went back they were gone. Boo for me. Moral of the story, at secondhand stores, if you like it buy it!

Pretty Packaging

2010-01-27T12:37:00.000+13:00

Who thought medication could be stylish? Not me anyway! I think feeling unwell wouldn't be so bad if it meant getting out one of these. I think they made medication look less clinical and scary and more, well helpful! As well as looking nice, the packaging is made from molded paper pulp and a bio plastic made primarily of corn, so it is biodegradable. A good reason to add this product range to the medicine cabinet!

Images Via The Dieline

PopInk Soaps

2010-01-26T07:13:00.000+13:00

Loving the packaging of these soaps by DeMarinto Design. Sure they smell as good as they look! Found via The Dieline.

Home Love - Julie from Remodelista

2010-01-24T09:24:00.000+13:00

Remodelista is crammed full of beautiful design inspiration, so it's no surprise that the three editors would also live in magazine worthy houses. I'm sure most people have seen this house lots before, but I really love it so thought I'd share it again. I could quite easily move in here tomorrow and not move a thing!

You can check out all the Remodelista girl's houses here

Beautiful Walls

2010-01-23T16:38:00.005+13:00

All photos via We Heart It

Because the walls in my house remain almost bear, I've been hunting down inspiration. Here are some of my favourites. I particularly like the wall of plates - I'd love to do a this my kitchen, but I'm bad at buying lots of things that look nice alone, but not so good together!

Also liking:

- framed photo collections

- pretty prints (any suggestions for me most welcome!)

- floating shelves

Rain Rain Go Away

2010-01-22T17:30:00.004+13:00

Here in NZ it is the middle of summer, but where I live you wouldn't believe it. While some of the country is basking in beautiful sunshine, here we are having thunder, lightning, rain and cold. Last weekend I wore jeans, boots and my winter jacket!! I can never recall doing that in summer before.

O how I long for more than one nice sunny day in a row!!

On a positive note, all this rain is good for the garden, the veges are doing great!

Touches of Pink

2010-01-18T07:49:00.004+13:00

Source: 1-3, jj locations, 4 Bolig

I really like a bit of pink in decorating, but don't want to go overboard with it. These interior shots are perfect inspiration showing just a touch of pink to add some vibrancy and colour.