Her Library Adventures..

Things I Love..

2012-02-02T22:12:00.000+11:00

Things I love.. Receiving exciting surprise packages.. One arrived today full of gorgeous Anthropologie catalogues from a super sweet reader. I'm also loving..This gorgeous 'at home' wedding, Amanda's romantic and super cute photo shoot, Kaylah and Elycia's fab thrifting video, these sweet Valentine's pencils, this lovely dress and these sunglasses, this fun nail tutorial and all these pretty business cards.

What are you loving today?

xxx

Perfect For.. A Coffee Date

2012-02-02T08:40:00.000+11:00

1. Spacebar Heels 2. Coffee from Stefano's Bakery 3. Mod Garden Dress

A gorgeous mustard and navy pop art dress and a pair of caramel heels.. Just add a couple of yummy coffees and some gorgeous company and you have everything you need for the perfect coffee date.

xxx

Click on links for original image sources

Midweek Thrifting..

2012-02-01T22:56:00.002+11:00

So yesterday to celebrate my last afternoon of the summer holidays, I couldn't resist taking a little trip to all my favourite thrift shops. I wasn't looking for anything in particular and rather than heading straight for the crockery, I spent time checking out the books and old records too.. But of course I couldn't resist just few things for the kitchen.

A little bit of Stoneware always makes me smile..

And it was hard to resist this gorgeous casserole pot, it's just so happy!

A super sweet floral canister..

And some lovely dresses with seriously cute collars!

I hope you are having a lovely week and enjoying some fabulous thrifting adventures too.

xxx

Making Me Smile..Hints of Ivy & Ruby

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000+11:00

Everything about this whole gorgeous ensemble.. from head to toe, winter perfection.

And everything about Amanda's home, especially her beautiful use of colour and patterns

This ingenuous idea.. perfect for my little cottage

Pomegranate Green Tea cupcakes.. what an interesting and aesthetically beautiful combination

And a perfect little piece of inspiration on a Wednesday by lovely illustrator Letitia

What's making you smile today?

xxx

Click on links for original image sources

From Where I Stand.. January

2012-01-31T22:52:00.000+11:00

I decided in the last few days of December that I wanted a fun little challenge for myself this year. Something I could do every day that was fast, easy and would give me a lovely reminder of each day 2012. I contemplated quite a few different ideas that included, writing, artwork and photography but everything seemed too complicated, expensive or too easy to give up on. So I chose something that was fail proof for me... A daily photo of my shoes. Why would it work for me.. It's simple, I love shoes and very rarely wear the same pair two days in a row. It's been so fun already to look back over the month and check out what I've been up. I can't wait to see how the year progresses. Here's where I stood in January...

And my favourite..

From the 10th of January when I was in the front garden setting up photos for my perfect picnic.

Have you or are you doing a project for the year.. I'd love to hear about yours!

xxx

Summer Reading.. bespoke zine

2012-01-31T12:00:00.001+11:00

Well it is officially the last day of my summer holidays and I'm embracing every last moment with some lovely reading material including *bespoke* zine. I was so excited to finally get my hands on a copy of this delightful little Australian publication which is filled with lovely articles, super interesting people and fabulous creative things to make and do! And how gorgeous is the cover artwork by Jo Dyer. Here are a few of my favourite pages from Issue 5..

Emma Dalzell's gorgeous graphic artwork instantly leaps off the page as soon as you open the cover, along with a lovely feature which gives is an interesting insight into the talented artist's work and inspiration.

Of course I just love Bess Georgette's fabulous article about wearing vintage clothing. Her wonderful tips are perfect for anyone interested in injecting a little vintage love into their wardrobe.

*bespoke* also features an inspiring article about the power of collaborations, featuring an eclectic group of talented, like minded creative women. One of my favourite collaborations is The Lemon Spaghetti Dress, created by the talented super team of Dawn, Michelle and Cindy.

*bespoke* zine is such a wonderful, inspiring read, it's the perfect handbag size creative companion for your everyday adventures. You can find out more about *bespoke* and purchase a copy on their website and also check out their updates on Facebook. I can't wait to see what the girls have in store for Issue 6!

Much Love

xxx

Imagination..

2012-01-30T22:12:00.001+11:00

Embrace, nurture and explore your vivid imagination..

xxx

What I Wore.. My Favourite

2012-01-30T15:23:00.000+11:00

Dress: Vintage from Retro Metro Shoes: Rivers

Hat: Equip Sunglasses: Vintage - Foster Grant

The weather was so lovely here on Australia Day, especially in the morning, so we decided to go down to one of our favourite spots by the river to have lunch and listen to the Hottest 100. Rather than going the traditional colours, I thought I'd wear a little green and gold (ok so mainly green) to celebrate, so I turned to my favourite vintage dress. It's actually the first vintage dress I ever bought and is truly my old faithful, especially when I want to inject a little colour into my day. There is just something about the big collar, button detail and of course the super fun shades of 1970s green that makes me smile. It's also really versatile, I've worn it in middle of winter with boots and a jacket and on lovely summer days like this one. Just add big sunglasses and a floppy summer hat for a super easy picnic outfit.

Do you have an old faithful outfit that you love to wear?

Much Love

xxx

Sunday Evening..

2012-01-29T21:46:00.002+11:00

Weather: The perfect evening for curling up on the couch and watching a film

Reading: The lovely new issue of Country Style magazine

Writing: Making lists and planning for the week ahead

Buying: Fun rainbow shoes and little notebooks

Drinking: Lovely Lady Grey tea

Listening: Simple Song - The Shins

Enjoying: Editing today's Wilde Asher photo shoot and brainstorming ideas

Loving: Relaxing and enjoying a quiet moment before an exciting and busy week

xxx

Flea Market Finds..

2012-01-29T12:54:00.000+11:00

Happy Sunday thrifters! I hope you are enjoying your weekend and have found some lovely second hand treats. The finds already this year have been just amazing and it's only January, I can't wait to see what treasures everyone has found this week. Oh and be sure to check out last week's finds over here. They are so very inspiring!

This week most of my thrifting happened during my lovely thrifting adventure on Wednesday, however I did find a few bits and pieces later in the week that made me smile. And I've got a few more of last week's finds to share too.

This lovely three piece Johnson set caught my eye and just had to join the collection.

I found these canisters on different days and just realised they are both made by the same Melbourne company. I love Australian vintage..

A few of last weeks treasures, including fabulous retro dish, Fire King cup and saucer and a lovely winter print which is such a delight to look at in the heat of summer.

And one of my favourite finds for the week.. This 1962 Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.

The whole binder is in such lovely condition and not only is it filled with fabulous photographs, illustrations and patterns, in amongst the pages I also found a stash of lovely hand written recipes. It is quite the little treasure trove and I can't wait to try a few out.

I'd love to know what you found this week. To play along just leave a comment and add your flea market blog post link in the Linky below so we can all check out your goodies. It would be just so sweet of you to link back here from your blog too, so that others can play along. Remember you can play any time during the week! Oh and pop over to Apron Thrift Girl for Thrift Share Monday. Please feel free to upload your fabulous finds to the Flea Market Finds flickr pool too. Looking forward to seeing all of your lovely thrifty pictures. If the Linky disappears, just refresh your browser.

Happy Thrifting!

Much Love

xxx

Weekend DIY - Chalkboard Handbag

2012-01-28T19:04:00.001+11:00

The other day I thrifted a neat little brown handbag for $2. I really liked the shape, but it was oh so boring. So I thought I'd make it much more fun by adding some chalkboard paint. Now I can change the look of my handbag whenever I like. Here's how I did it..

What you'll need: A cheap bag you are happy to restyle, mine is made of vinyl. I strongly suggest using vinyl or plastic as it takes the chalkboard paint well. Also choose a bag that has a nice flat surface that won't crinkle. You will also need, a small pot of chalkboard paint (from the hardware store), a tube of contrasting acrylic paint, a small paint brush, a small bowl of water and a rag. You will also need a chalk marker, I found a great range of them at the local newsagent.

1. Be sure to find somewhere ventilated to paint your bag. Make sure your bag is nice and clean, then apply a thin coat of chalkboard paint to the area you would like to write on. (Note: For drying times and further instructions please read the back of the pot carefully)

2. While you are waiting for the main area to dry, clean off your brush and paint any detailed areas you like with a contracting paint colour. I chose bronze acrylic paint to highlight the area and make the bag a little more shiny.

3. When the chalkboard paint is touch dry (this can take a little while depending on your weather) apply another coat, making sure you have painted into all the corners and edges.

4. Wait until the chalkboard paint is completely dry before you write on it. For best results I suggest leaving it at least overnight, otherwise the chalk marker won't be as easy to remove later on.

5. Now that the paint is dry, you can get creative with a chalk marker. These are so much fun! The type I used, wipes off with a damp cloth and is rain proof. They comes is a wonderful variety of colours too. Write a note, draw a picture, even jot down your shopping list.

Ta Da! Now you have a bag you can be super creative with any time.

And now that you have a pot of chalkboard paint, you can get creative with lots of different projects, for your kitchen, office and even your cupboards!

Happy Creating!

xxx

Happy Weekend..

2012-01-28T14:26:00.000+11:00

Happy Saturday! I just love this print by Lucius Art, it's been making me smile all morning. What are you up to this weekend? After a lovely morning coffee and a trip to the hardware store, I'm ready a creative afternoon working on some fun DIY projects. I'll be back with one a little later on! Looking for something to do this weekend? Why don't you:

Write a love letter

Dance around the living room to some fab tunes

Make flower power eggs

Wear stripes and floral together

Make a cute heart for your valentine

Crochet an odds and ends blanket

Bake a zucchini slice

Invite a lovely blogger over for dinner

Much Love

xxx

Print by Lucius Art available on Etsy

Three Photos on Friday..

2012-01-27T21:50:00.000+11:00

Quick photo of my lunch for Fat Mum Slim's wonderful January Photo Challenge

A fabulous craftnoon at Fine and Sunny (Seems all my Friday photos include coffee!)

Summer skirts, pretty patterns and cute shoes.

Hope your Friday has been a lovely one. Join in with Angela's lovely Three Photos over here.

xxx

Love Her Style.. Sock Monkey and Gee

2012-01-27T11:22:00.002+11:00

This week I'm so excited to be featuring my first international guest, Megan from the gorgeous blog Sock Monkey and Gee to share a few of her style secrets. I was instantly drawn to Megan's beautiful vintage dresses, her inspiring use of floral prints and knack for mixing eras and styles together. And I just adore a girl who wears yellow!

Describe your style: I would have to call it... floral obsessed granny with a twist of vintage and a dash of modern. I love all things floral and I love to mix up different pieces. I could be wearing grandma loafers from the 70's, with a skirt from the 60's, and a blouse from the 80's.

What and who inspires your style? Everything inspires me. My closet, the weather/nature, people on the street, pinterest/tumblr, art/music, and especially bloggers. (I have a HUGE blogroll of favorites ..but to name a few.. Shades of Monet, Here's Looking at me Kid, Emmadime and Scathingly Brilliant)

Has your style changed over the years? Yes. I have always been different when it comes to clothing. In high school I liked to wear funky colors and prints all the time. A typical outfit would have been leopard shoes, hot pink pants, and a aqua striped blouse. Then in college I was drawn to the hippie/70s style. Now, I am more drawn to 1950's and 60's dresses and some days when I am feeling blah, I just enjoy wearing the simple black/white/grey look. The older I get the more I feel I should invest in classic pieces.

Where do you like shopping for clothes and accessories? I love thrift stores and Etsy the most. You can find anything and everything at both places. I also love supporting small businesses and shop at vintage stores quite often. When I want the basics (classic blouse/shirts, cardigans, and jeans) I enjoy Gap. When I can afford it, I love Modcloth. I have a huge wishlist..I drool over all their dresses.

What’s you’re favourite second hand fashion find? It would defiantly be my favorite yellow floral dress. I love that dress SO much. If I could, I would wear it everyday. I purchased it from one of my favorite etsy shops, Croatia Vintage.

What’s your all time favourite item in your wardrobe? A black and white lace dress that my mother had made for her when she was in Paris in the early 1990's. The dress no longer fits her, so she passed it down to me. It is so elegant and beautiful.. I just want to hang it up on my wall.

Three words that sum up your style: fun, vintage, comfortable

~~~

Check out more of Megan's style over at her blog and be sure to also check out her lovely Etsy shop. I've got my eye a few pretty dresses and these adorable shoes.

xxx

What Makes Love True..

2012-01-27T09:29:00.002+11:00

Just had to share this gorgeous little film with you to start this lovely Friday morning. It made me smile, giggle and even shed a tear.. Thank you Mr. Scott Schuman.

Much Love

xxx

Film via The Satorialist

Things I Love Thursday..

2012-01-26T23:01:00.000+11:00

Things I love.. Enjoying a wonderfully relaxing Australia Day and finding fun ways to stay cool in the backyard. I'm also loving.. These amazing vintage glasses, this great post about colour, these sweet T-strap flats, this fab DIY, this gorgeous shop re-opening, these beautiful and unique wedding, and this super fun 1950s storage unit from this wonderfully colourful post.

What are you loving today?

xxx

Live in the Sunshine..

2012-01-26T11:29:00.002+11:00

Happy Australia Day my lovely local friends! Or as my family likes to call it, Hottest 100 day. To me Australia Day is all about enjoying the last moments of summer holidays, spending time with friends and listening to some wonderful music. What are your plans for Australia Day? We are off to enjoy some the morning in the sunshine by the river before enjoying a BBQ in the backyard and listening to the countdown.

Wishing you a lovely day, what ever you are up to!

Much Love

xxx

Beautiful print by Katie Davis from The Wheatfield available on Etsy

Midweek Thrifting..

2012-01-25T19:34:00.001+11:00

By about Wednesday each week, I begin to wonder if the thrifting fairies have delivered any new delights to the local thrift shops. This afternoon It thought I'd take a quick fossick around and I'm so delighted I did.

Some pretty Johnson love.. and a of couple new to me patterns

This lovely little reminder..

A fabulously retro sugar bowl

And my find of the day.. A gorgeous 1970s maxi dress with bell bottom sleeves

This week I've also been working on some very exciting bits and pieces for the blog, for Wilde Asher and a little side project I can't wait to tell you more about very soon.

Hope you are having a great thrifting week too!

xxx

Making Me Smile.. Raspberry and Lemon

2012-01-25T12:31:00.000+11:00

Emily Chalmer's ever inspiring use of colour (and the gorgeous letter that Holly wrote to Emily)

Kendi's perfectly paired outfit and especially gorgeous shoes

These gorgeous illustrations by Anne Hurley

And of course.. delightful raspberry and lemon cupcakes

What's making you smile today?

xxx

Click on links for original image sources

Perfect For.. A Summer Afternoon

2012-01-24T21:50:00.002+11:00

1. Perch Things First Dress 2. Peach Sangria 3. Ballet Flats in Peach Sparkle

A sweet peach dress, some glittery ballet flats and a peach sangria.. Just add delightful company and you have everything you need for the perfect summer afternoon happy hour at sunset.

xxx

Click on links for original image sources

This Little Notebook..

2012-01-24T15:11:00.001+11:00

If you have been reading my ramblings for a little while you'll know all too well, I love stationery. I always say to my students that I became both a writer and a teacher, so I could buy and use delightful notebooks. Ok, so perhaps that's not entirely true, but when I was about ten, I did begin writing scribbles and musings because I realised I had to start using my notebooks for something. It was a few years later that I first watched Harriet the Spy.. and fell in love with her wonderful composition notebook. I looked everywhere for one, but it seemed that Australian newsagents didn't like these lovely notebooks like I did. My search continued ever since... and I have never found one in Australia. Over the years, the composition notebook has become somehow mythical. There is just something about the fabric binding, rounded edges and iconic black and white cover that spoke to me. That somehow my words would flow more freely, perhaps be more beautiful on these pages.

So you can imagine my surprise when I was at Officeworks this morning, buying bubble wrap and checking out Renee Anne's gorgeous stationery designs, when I stumbled across not one but two black and white composition notebooks in a box of assorted crazy colours. My childhood dreams have come true!

And now I suppose the writing begins.. I always wanted to follow Natalie Goldberg's advice and fill one of these a month. I'm not sure what I'll be writing about but with these magical little notebooks, anything is possible.

If you are now feeling in the mood for a little Harriet the Spy.. I stumbled across it over here. You can also see these notebooks in action in one of my other favourite films, Stealing Beauty.

Much Love

xxx

Let the Beauty..

2012-01-23T23:16:00.002+11:00

So simple and so true..

I also just wanted to say a big hello to all the lovely new faces I've seen popping by over the past few the weeks. And a big thank you to all of you, for your beautiful comments and emails, they always make my day! Thank you for inspiring me to do what I love..

Much Love

xxx

What I Wore.. Market Day

2012-01-23T13:41:00.003+11:00

Top: Cotton On Skirt: Vintage (Borrowed from Kelly)

Belt: Thrifted Shoes: Rivers Brooch: Vintage

Headband: H &M Tote Bag: The Met Bookshop

Sunglasses: Vintage - Foster Grant

I just love Saturday market days..It's the perfect start to the weekend, especially when there is good coffee and lovely company. And what does one wear to a market, a lovely pleated skirt of course. This gorgeous skirt belongs to Kelly from Elegantly Academic. She has such a fabulous wardrobe and I'm very excited to be doing a little style swapping with her and some other lovely fashion bloggers. Kelly paired it up here with a sweet mustard cardigan, which is how I love to wear navy too. But for a summer Saturday I thought I'd take a different spin on the classic polka dots and pair it a punchy orange top and tied it together with a headband which is actually the belt to this dress. It seems I have a bunch of dresses with these fabric belts and I'm loving them as a nice alternative to wearing a scarf. I'm sending Kelly a few pieces from my wardrobe this week and I can't wait to see how she styles them.

Do you wear navy? I'd love to know what colours you pair it with.

Happy Monday!

Much Love

xxx

Sunday Evening..The Late Edition

2012-01-22T23:43:00.011+11:00

Weather: A lovely day and a wild afternoon storm

Reading: Fabulous 70s copies of Golden Hands craft books

Writing: Dress names and exciting to do lists

Drinking: Celebrating with a glass of bubbles

Listening: The most wonderful cover of Lonely Boy by Matt Corby

Enjoying: An amazing week, working and playing with my mum on Wilde Asher

Loving: Stretching my imagination, baking cupcakes and making my dreams come true

xxx

Flea Market Finds..

2012-01-22T13:19:00.001+11:00

Happy Sunday my favourite thrifting friends! I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful week of treasure hunting! My week has been wonderfully productive and filled with some lovely treasures. Thanks so much for playing along last week and welcome to all the lovely new thrifters that have joined in recently. It's so fabulous to have you join in the fun! Remember to tell your thrifting friends about Flea Market Finds too! I would just love to reach 100 thrifters. I think a giveaway would be in order! To check out everyone's amazing finds from last week, pop over here.

This week my mum has been visiting and we've had some great finds. I shared some on Wednesday and here are a few more of my favourites from the week..

One of my favourite finds that arrived in my mum's suitcase.. A gorgeous set of Nally Ware canisters in perfect condition.

A giant rainbow granny square blanket to add to the collection.. perfect for the caravan

This amazing retro 'lazy susan' chip and dip tray.. It looks like a gorgeous giant flower.

A lovely orange set of enamel bowls and some Johnson love.. It must have been my week for yellow rose crockery.

Happy Thrifting!

Much Love

xxx

Weekend DIY - Ampersand Brooch

2012-01-21T18:57:00.000+11:00

Saturday afternoons are just perfect for a quick, relaxing and crafty DIY when you are feeling a little creative. I love to wear brooches and they are so fun and super easy to make, so I thought I'd share one of my favourites, a simple felt ampersand brooch. It's the perfect little piece of typography to add to any outfit.

What you'll need: An image of an ampersand. I just typed one on a blank word document and printed it out at size 180. You will also need a piece of felt in the colour of your choice, embroidery cotton in a contrasting colour, craft or fabric glue, a brooch back (available at craft stores) a pin and needle and a sharp pair of small scissors.

1 & 2. Cut out your template image and using a pin attach it to a piece of felt large enough to handle and cut around easily. Carefully cut around the image, taking care with creating the middle holes. Take your time and make sure your scissors are sharp. When you have cut around the whole image unpin the template.

3 & 4. Repeat step two so that you have two ampersands the same size. Using a tiny amount of glue, stick the two ampersands together. This just makes it easier for you to stitch around the shape and reinforces the brooch.

5 & 6. Take a few strands of embroidery cotton to create a nice thick stitch and then hand stitch around the edge of the ampersand. Don't worry if your stitches are different lengths, this adds to the uniqueness of your brooch.

7 & 8. When you get around to where you began, finish off and knot the thread at the back. Stitch on the brooch back diagonally onto the back of the brooch. Tie off the thread and you are done!

Ta Da! It's that simple! Make them in any colour and size you like, experiment with your favourite letters, initials or symbols. The possibilities are endless with a little bit of felt and a brooch back.

Happy Creating!

xxx

Happy Weekend..

2012-01-21T14:58:00.000+11:00

Happy Saturday! I hope you are having a fabulous start to your weekend. Have you got anything special planned? We've spent a lovely morning wandering the local markets, enjoying lovely coffee and of course doing a spot of thrifting. This afternoon is all about getting creative and enjoying the sunshine. As always here are some lovely links to enjoy over a cup of tea.

The print above.. a wonderful reminder

Perfectly stacked Pyrex

There is just something about yellow kitchens

Some amazing vintage wall paper

And beautifully cover walls

This little bit of outfit perfection

Inspiring nail tutorial

Retro canister love

Much Love

xxx

Matthew Kavan Brooks print available at Society 6 found via Miss Moss

Three Photos on Friday..

2012-01-20T19:13:00.000+11:00

A perfect kind of morning tea and delightful creative conversation at Fine and Sunny

An afternoon of jewellery designing for Wilde Asher

Dressed up in pretty shoes ready to go to Seasons for dinner..

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful Friday. Mine has been so wonderfully creative and inspiring. Can't wait for the weekend. I'm joining Angela for Three Photos, pop over here and join in too.

xxx

Love Her Style.. Give Me Bows

2012-01-20T10:52:00.002+11:00

This week I'm delighted to invite Elyse from the gorgeous blog, Give Me Bows to share some of her style secrets. I just adore Elyse's sweet, feminine style, her playful use floral prints, pretty dresses and of course, her love for bows!

Describe your style: I probably have quite a feminine wardrobe, with a lot of vintage and vintage-inspired pieces. I live in full-skirted dresses and cardigans, with cute shoes and lots of hair accessories. I am a big fan of nice fabrics and interesting prints (florals, polka dots, stripes, lace – you will hardly ever see me colour-blocking!).

What and who inspires your style? A lot of different things – vintage patterns, magazines, television shows (Mad Men has been fantastic for work-wear inspiration). I love reading other blogs and seeing the beautiful outfits they put together (like Yours Truly, Little Chief Honeybee and DearBeatrice to name just a few!). Recently I have been trying to make my wardrobe slightly less frou-frou and slightly more grown-up, and so I have been looking to ‘French chic’ styles including ballet flats, striped tops, polka dot dresses, trench coats and red lipstick.

Has your style changed over the years? When I was first finding my ‘style feet’, I was such a sucker for fashion trends, even though most of the time they didn’t suit me or I didn’t even like the clothing! Thankfully I have come along way since then, and now I generally stick to feminine styles that leave me feeling comfortable and confident (well, as confident as a super shy lady can be!).

Where do you like shopping for clothes and accessories? I am a huge fan of online shopping, there is nothing like a bit of relaxing online browsing in your pj's with a cup of coffee on a rainy Sunday morning. I shop everywhere from Etsy and eBay (for handmade and vintage pieces) to Modcloth, Topshop, Alannah Hill and Dorothy Perkins.

What’s you’re favourite second hand fashion find? My vintage Ferragamo bow pumps. They are so comfortable and go with everything. I have them in black and ivory and I am on the hunt for a red pair (and maybe even a pink pair). Okay I admit it; I want them in every colour!

What’s your all time favourite item in your wardrobe? Such a hard question! I started learning to sew last year and one of the pieces I made was a blue floral dress. It has some flaws and is far from perfect, but I do love to wear it as it reminds me to make time for creative pursuits (and I am quite proud that it hasn’t fallen apart… yet).

Three words that sum up your style: Feminine. Vintage. Fun.

~~~

Pop over to Elyse's blog to check out more of her gorgeous girly outfits and delightful collection of shoes. She has inspired me to begin a search for the perfect pair of red vintage Ferragamo pumps too!

xxx

Things I Love Thursday..

2012-01-19T23:31:00.001+11:00

Things I love..Spending time with my mum, laughing, playing, thrifting and making our ideas come to life. I'm also loving.. The bright colours around my home, this fabulous DIY, this cute tea towel, this beautiful countryside wedding, this lovely tote bag, the idea of chocolate and lavender together, this fabulous craft night, these fun sewing lessons and a pair of these.. in pretty green please.

What are you loving today?

xxx

Making Me Smile..

2012-01-19T11:43:00.001+11:00

A perfect orange bath to relax in..

A fabulous orange Charlotte Taylor dress to party in!

A lovely romantic print.

Some seriously yummy food.. and gorgeous styling

And these pretty paper lanterns to add a pop of colour to any room..

What's making you smile today?

xxx

Click on links for original image sources

Midweek Thrifting..

2012-01-18T20:23:00.001+11:00

I do love a bit of midweek thrifting and almost as soon as I'd picked my mum up from the airport yesterday I was taking her to a few of my favourite thrift shops. She's got such a great eye and found some fabulous pieces and our good thrifting fortunes continued today with a few more lucky discoveries.

We found some wonderful 1970s pieces yesterday including this beautiful floor length dress.

And we stumbled upon this lovely set of Wood & Sons crockery tucked away in a box just as we were leaving the shop. It really does pay to look in every corner!

I've got a crush on vintage Pyrex pie dishes at the moment and all their pretty colours and was delighted to add lime green and yellow to my collection.

And I was so excited to find another amazing Polaroid land camera.. They are such gorgeous cameras. Now I really must buy some film!

Tonight mum and I have been sorting and tagging lovely vintage dresses for Wilde Asher. It's been so much fun to name each piece, create collections and see everything coming together. Tomorrow we are jewellery making and photographing homewares, what fun! Can't wait to show you more tomorrow!

Have you found any treasures so far this week? I know Laura and Kate have! If you're on Instagram be sure to check out their Johnson love from today.

xxx

Perfect For.. A Garden Party

2012-01-18T11:46:00.001+11:00

1. Sun Salutation Dress 2. Lemon Cupcakes 3. Vintage Pyrex Ice Bucket and Glasses

Everything you need for a sunshine filled garden party! Just add lemonade..

Much Love

xxx

Click on links for original image sources

Make Everything Beautiful...

2012-01-17T21:19:00.000+11:00

What a wonderfully, inspiring quote and an amazing woman..

xxx

I found this quote on the beautiful blog, The Wild Fleur

A Reading Nook...

2012-01-17T12:53:00.001+11:00

After spending a little bit of time in our newly rearranged living room, it's quickly become my favourite spot in the house for relaxing on the weekend. However, I realised it was missing a little something.. a perfect reading nook. I looked around the house to try and make a reading nook else where, but in our little cottage there isn't an inch to spare. So after a little creative thinking, I just flipped the artworks, created a new vignette and suddenly my reading nook appeared. I'm still looking for the perfect retro reading lamp to finish off my new corner, but in the mean time, I thought some lovely fairy lights would do the trick. Now all I need is a cup of tea and a good book.

Do you have a little quiet spot at your place that you love?

Much Love

xxx

What I Wore.. Sunday Morning

2012-01-16T11:06:00.002+11:00

Dress: Vintage Osti - Thrifted Scarf: Thrifted

Sunglasses: Myer Shoes: Salt Water Sandals

Brooch: Vintage Bracelets: Thrifted

The weather has been so lovely here over the past week, perfect for morning walks and coffee by the river. Yesterday morning we took our coffee down to Lock 11 and sat by the river with the ducks chatting and watching the world go by and it was so lovely. I found this dress on our thrifting road trip and was going to add it to the shop collection, until I tried it on and couldn't part with it. I never wear much blue but I think there is something about the shade and print I just love. And it works so well with red and yellow, my two favourite colours to wear this summer. I'm challenging myself to play with colour and pattern a bit more in my everyday wardrobe and it's so much fun. Next week, I might even try a little bit of pink!

Have a most delightful start to your week!

Much Love

xxx

Sunday Evening..

2012-01-15T23:24:00.000+11:00

Weather: A most lovely Summer's day

Reading: One of my faourite books, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

Writing: Journal musings by fairylight

Drinking: Enjoying happy hour on the front porch with a glass of Trentham Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Listening: To my favourite songs from 2011, deciding what to vote for in Triple J's hottest 100

Enjoying: A lovely quiet weekend working on our home and garden

Loving: Having my mum come to visit this week and getting everything ready to launch Wilde Asher next month.

xxx

Flea Market Finds..

2012-01-15T14:57:00.002+11:00

Happy Sunday my lovely thrifty friends! How is your weekend treating you? I hope you've found some wonderful second hand treasures this week, perhaps you've even been on an adventure. Thanks so much for playing along last week, it was the biggest ever Flea Market Finds, which is very exciting indeed. Do you have thrifting friends, make sure you let them know so they can join in the fun, I'd love to reach 100 thrifters this week! Pop over here to see everyone's inspiring finds. They are amazing!

As I mentioned on Wednesday, I was have a bit of a relaxed thrifting week, after last week's road trip, but it seems that I was in the right place at the right time when I did check out my favourite spots.

My find for the week.. and possibly one of my most favourite ever finds, is this amazing early 70s Adler typewriter in the most wonderful shade of yellow. I can't quite believe my luck! I'm so excited to add it to my collection!

I stumbled upon this lovely vintage pyrex coffee jug after just noticing one featured on Oh So Lovely Vintage. It's in wonderful condition and even had the instruction booklet inside.

I found some lovely Pyrex and Fire King pieces this week too. I think I have a weakness for pretty bowls that don't really serve a purpose.. they are just so cute!

These two lovely Pyrex dishes are a little more practical. I'm loving the patterns too, especially the mushrooms.

And of course, I couldn't go a week without some pretty plates. These are a few of my favourites.

Fab Fun Goals Update..

2012-01-14T21:24:00.002+11:00

The wonderful thing about making a list of fun goals is, I can't wait to tick them off! My goal list was the perfect kick start to my year and I am delighted to have completed a few of them today.

While we were looking for plants today for the front garden, I went in search of a lovely Hydrangea. I have been wanting one in the garden for so long, they are just the most beautiful flowers. Now I can't wait to fill my home with lovely bunches.

While taking a little break from cleaning the house this afternoon, I thought I would try one of my favourite goals. I know it might seem simple, but I've been wanting to make a beaded daisy chain since I was 10, but could never understand the complicated instructions. Now thanks to a simple little tutorial, after 17 years I've finally made a little bracelet. Although it is a little bit 90s, I secretly love it and might even try a few more!

And while I was sorting out my little daises, I thought I'd also try out a milk maid braid. I've been growing my hair out for the past year and it's the first time it's been long enough to get almost on top of my head. They are so sweet and easy, I must try it more often. I used this tutorial to help me out.

And just another reason why I love Instagram, it's so nice to be able to capture my goals so I can look back on them over the year.

I hope you're having a most wonderful Saturday too!

xxx

Happy Weekend..

2012-01-14T10:44:00.001+11:00

Happy Saturday! Hope it's a lovely weekend at your place. What are your plans this weekend? My mum is coming down to visit on Tuesday so I'm going to be spending this weekend making our little cottage look lovely for her arrival and finding somewhere for her to sleep, in a room full of vintage. Also on our to do list, coffee and a little Saturday morning thrifting, some pottering in the garden and a Saturday night in, making yummy food and watching DVDs. I do love weekends like these. Here are some of my favourite links and DIYs for the week..Have a great weekend!

Tips to atomize your home

Somewhere to display your favourite magazines

And somewhere to store your secrets on the bookshelf

This yummy looking recipe

This fun doormat

The perfect lemon yellow handbag and belt

A great afternoon DIY that you can use for your next dinner party

And this gorgeous DIY to make your walls pretty

And this amazing opportunity

Much Love

xxx

Beautiful photograph by Eye Poetry Photography available on Etsy found via Design is Mine

Love Her Style.. Elegantly Academic

2012-01-13T17:58:00.003+11:00

I'm so excited to share with you one of my new weekly features for 2012, Love Her Style. As you know I just love fashion, but many of you might not know that I have been studying fashion theory at University. I love to analyse and de-construct outfits, search for inspiration and influences and explore the beauty and art behind fashion. So as part of my exploration I've decided to ask some of my favourite fashion and style bloggers all about their style.

This week's super stylish blogger is my lovely friend Kelly for Elegantly Academic. I just love Kelly's sweet vintage inspired style, her use of fun colours, prints and belts and of course her fabulous shoe collection. I'm looking forward to meeting up with Kelly in Adelaide during the year for some serious shopping.

Describe your style: I feel my style is constantly evolving and changing, so it's a little hard to describe. Perhaps vintage-inspired preppy nanna would be the best way to describe it? I do own a lot of cardigans!

What and who inspires your style? I'm pretty boring & I'm usually inspired by the weather, the season & how lazy I'm feeling. But when I'm incapable of getting dressed & find myself claiming "I have nothing to wear!", I find blogs are a constant source of inspiration. Some of my favourites include Kristine or Polly, Little Chief Honey Bee, Give Me Bows, Selective Potential, What a Nerd Would Wear, Delightfully Tacky & Lulu Letty to name a few. I've also recently discovered a new favourite, Goodnight Little Spoon, whom I'm currently stalking.

Has your style changed over the years? Absolutely! I have always loved and collected vintage clothes but only started wear them in the last couple of years. Reading blogs has really given the inspiration to wear pieces I thought were un-wearable & experiment with different styles.

Where do you like shopping for clothes and accessories? I really love going to the Brighton & Marion markets on a Sunday here in Adelaide. It's my little weekly ritual I really look forward to & you never know what you might find! They also have great book stalls and I usually buy my weekly fruit & veg there too. Apart from that I don't get much chance to leave my desk, so I have become quite the Internet shopper. My favourite online store would have to be Modcloth, who stock a range of vintage inspired clothes. eBay is also fanastic for finding unique vintage pieces.

What’s you’re favourite second hand fashion find? There are so many ! But if I had to narrow is down these would be my top three:

A yellow houndstooth coat, which I brought at a school fete. I was so in love with it I wore straight away & refused to removed it (even when I was indoors).

A vintage dress from the Marion markets. The print was so unique & even had a women try to buy it for herself when I asked how much it was. Lucky for me I already had it in my hot little hands.

And this pleated, polka dot skirt that I scored from the Brighton markets for $1!

What’s your all time favourite item in your wardrobe?

That would have to be my mustard cardigan. I was influenced to buy one after seeing so many bloggers styling mustard cardigans in so many unique ways. I would have never considered buying anything mustard before I started reading blogs; other bloggers have alot to answer for really. As a result, it has since made many appearances on my blog.

Three words that sum up your style: Embracing inner nanna!

~~~

Check out Kelly's blog over here for lots for fabulous outfit posts and inspiration. And stay tuned as Kelly and I are planning some exciting fashion escapades in the coming months.

xxx

Wilde Asher Update..

2012-01-13T12:04:00.000+11:00

It's been a busy week for Wilde Asher! We are very excited that our splash page is now live and our online store is in the making. We've spent the week choosing some wonderful stock, making final decisions on colours and fonts and all our social networking bits and pieces up to date. You can now find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, so pop by and say hi. It's so exciting to see all our ideas coming to life and I just can't wait for everything to be ready to launch.

But for now, I've got to get back to my little vintage room that is filled lovely dresses and skirts that need to be washed, pressed, hung, tagged and photographed! What fun!

Hope you are having a wonderful Friday, I'll be back a little later with an exciting new feature for 2012.

Much Love

xxx

Things I Love Thursday..

2012-01-12T22:43:00.003+11:00

Things I love.. A wonderful surprise package from the lovely Zara from Zaranne Handmade. Inside was a little Johnson lid to match my sugar bowl! I'm also loving these teacups, this inspiring post, this iPhone cover, this lovely DIY project, these shorts, this New York photo shoot and the January Photo a Day Challenge.

What are you loving today?

xxx

Making Me Smile..

2012-01-12T16:26:00.001+11:00

These fabulous wallpapers! I think Asher would look great in the middle one..

This sweet kitchen.. Love the pink tea pot and vintage touches

This crockery set is so fun and bright, it would make me smile at every meal!

Perfect colour + perfect collar + perfect dots = Love this top!

Being very inspired by these beautiful hues..

What's making you smile today?

xxx

Click on links for original image sources

Midweek Thrifting..

2012-01-11T21:16:00.001+11:00

After last week's thrifting marathon, I had told myself I would have a more relaxing week of treasure hunting this week, just pop in occasionly and have a quick look around. I wasn't thinking I would find much, but it seems this method has worked a treat and these lovely fortuitous finds were waiting for me.

This 1960s cotton mini dress could be one of my very favourite fashion finds. I found it just as I was about to leave the shop, in the sleepwear section of all places. The print makes me so happy!

I was almost out the door when I spotted this quaint little tapesty leaning against the wall under the dresses. To the surpsise of the lovely lady behind the counter, I actaully ran back inside to grab it!

This afternoon I thought I'd check out the tip shop and unfortunately the good room was closed for cleaning. But as luck would have it, again on my way out I spotted this lovely retro thermos. I have found a few of these recently, but none with a pattern this sweet.

Hope you've had some fortuitous thrifting trips this week too! If you haven't had a chance yet, sometimes the best dresses hit the shelves on a Thursday, so be sure to check the racks carefully.

xxx

A Perfect Afternoon for Summer Reading..

2012-01-11T11:59:00.003+11:00

When the afternoon sun is warm and inviting and there are a few free moments in the day, it's hard to resist a perfect afternoon picnic* and some lovely summer reading material. Right now I'm just adoring the January issue of Country Style magazine, I've always been a fan of this lovely publication but I think that this issue is my all time favourite. From the gorgeous pink and yellow cover sprinkled with bunting, daisies and a charming retro bike, to the inspiring homes, gorgeous articles and projects, it's quite perfect indeed. Here are a few of my favourite articles.

The beautiful Blue Mountains cottage on the cover had me smiling from ear to ear. Jane and Michael Frosh's home is so warm and inviting, filled with bold colours, quirky features and some amazing vintage finds. Of course, the feature I love most about their home is Carrie the caravan which serves as guest accommodation. How delightful!

Like the Blue Mountains cottage, quilt maker Kathryn Brain's charming Bellarine Peninsula home is brimming with colour and bespoke charm. Kathryn's eye of detail can been seen both in her Maggie and Sparrow quilt designs and throughout her home. Mismatched tea cups, wild roses and a most gorgeous set of vintage canisters caught my attention and drew me into the family's eclectic and joyful world. It seems Kathryn is a fan of yellow Saltwater sandals too!

Is there anything quite as enchanting as a seaside village bookshop? Especially when the owner writes handwritten reviews and ties them to his favourite books. Little nooks for coffee, fresh flowers and bundles of books tied up with string... The Whistling Fish Bookshop and Coffee House looks like the perfect place to me.

This issue of Country Style is also filled with some wonderful weekend projects, including great DIYs for teacup candles and pet cushions (something I must make!)

If you are in need of some charming and inspiring afternoon reading the January issue of Country Style is not to be missed! You can find information on their website and also find them on Facebook.

I do hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday!

Much Love

xxx

* Note: Not all my afternoon picnics look like this (although I wish they did!). The gorgeous colours in this month's issue helped to inspire my version of the perfect picnic.

The Joy of Books..

2012-01-10T21:55:00.002+11:00

I can't quite find the words to describe how much I adore this beautiful little film. I am overwhelmed with joy and delight! Being the bookish type, the thought of all those words, characters and worlds coming to life when the store is closed is something out of my daydreams. All I have to say is this film truly made my day.. I hope you enjoy it too!

For more information about the making of the film, pop over here.

xxx

I found this lovely little film via Dumbo Feather

Perfect Hues.. Teal

2012-01-10T11:34:00.001+11:00

1. 2. 3. 4.

I thought I'd bring a little pop of colour to your day with these sweet teal pieces from Modcloth. There is just something about teal I have always loved and I don't wear it often enough, although I think that will have to change. It's just a versatile colour that can be worn with dark colours like navy or black at night and also with cream or white for a really lovely vibrant feel. Modcloth has added a shop by colour feature which is so much fun and easy to find a dress in the colour you've been dreaming about.

I really want to add some more fun, bright colours to my wardrobe this year and I think I might start with teal.

What colour would you like to wear more of?

Much Love

xxx

Images via Modcloth

Tips for a Thrifting Road Trip..

2012-01-09T23:35:00.001+11:00

We had such a great time on our little thrifting road trip getaway last weekend. We found some great treasures and got to explore some lovely little towns along the way. I thought I'd share a few tips that I learnt along the way, in case you want to plan your own thrifting road trip.

1. Do a little homework - Once you've decided where your road trip will take you, spend a little time doing some research. Google each town you're going to visit and check to see if they have a thrift store or two. Be sure to note the addresses and opening times (although these may vary). This will save you time and help when you are doing laps of the main street, looking for hand written signage. Having a good map helps too!

2. Check the Time - We took our thrifting trip on a Friday as I knew all the stores would be open until 5pm. If you do a weekend trip, make sure you check the times as some stores close by lunch time on Saturday are not open on Sunday. If you plan a full day trip, think about how long you will have in each shop, especially if you stumble upon a treasure trove. I was left with only an hour, in a store that I could have spent the whole day searching. So start early and keep an eye on the time.

3. Take a partner in crime with you - Be sure to take someone with you who likes thrifting as much as you do! I'm very lucky to have a treasure hunting husband who likes thrifting and always manages to find the best things. Having patner in crime means you can split up and check out different parts of the shop. My hubby and I have a plan of attack, I start with homewares and women's clothing and he starts on men's clothing and then checks the electronics. He usually finds me amongst the dresses or on the floor with a stack of plates and often has time to take a quick trip around the linen before I'm done. Having a plan really helps when you don't know the store layout and time is precious.

4. Be Advenutrous- To find real treasures, go off the beaten track. We saw a little sign on the highway and turned off to find a fabulous shed full of amazing vintage wares. Leave yourself a little bit of time for unexpected stops, you just never know what you might stumble across.

5. Be Organised - A little organisation can really help you make the most of your adventure. My best tips, have an idea what you are searching for, but always keep an eye out for surprises. Have a budget to work with and carry enough cash on you for the whole trip and carry a few extra tote bags and even some bubble wrap to protect your finds.

6. Expect the Unexpected - My top tip.. Check the fancy dress section, I promise you will find some amazing and unexpected pieces!

Most of all have fun! I hope these tips might be inspiring and help you to plan your own fabulous thrifting road trip in the future. You can pop over here to check out my other thrifting tips.

xxx

What I Wore.. Playing in the Rose Garden

2012-01-09T13:42:00.001+11:00

Dress: Vintage from Red Velvet Belt: Thrifted

Shoes: Rivers Brooch: Vintage Nail Polish: Brucci

I was so excited to find a package waiting for me when we arrived home from our road trip, labelled with a Red Velvet label. I got very lucky and scored this gorgeous vintage dress during the Red Velvet sale a few weeks ago. The fun thing about the dress the bottom is actually shorts, which makes it wonderfully practical for outings like yesterday's wander through the Botanical Gardens. I must admit feeling a little like Alice in Wonderland as I played in the beautiful rose garden and had so much fun exploring all the beautiful parts of the gardens for future photo shoots. I finally mastered the art of this nail tutorial and now I'm obsessed with trying different colours, this week I decided to do a classic red. Oh and do my shoes look familiar... Yes, they are the same as my red pair, I just couldn't resist getting them in black too, I just love them.

I hope you are having a most wonderful start to your week!

Much Love

xxx

Sunday Evening..

2012-01-08T21:14:00.002+11:00

Weather: A delightfully unusual mix of weather.. just like when Mary Poppins is about to arrive

Reading: The new Real Living and Country Style magazines

Writing: This week's exciting To Do list and blog ideas for January

Making: A little bit of progress on my crochet blanket and warming up the sewing machine for some fun restyling

Drinking: Old faithful, Earl Grey tea

Listening: This amazing cover of Somebody I Used to Know by Walk off the Earth

Buying: Some very exciting bits and pieces for Wilde Asher

Enjoying: A lovely day morning amongst the roses at the Botanical Gardens

Loving: Being on holidays and lovely week ahead of caravan renovations, DIYs and planning some exciting ideas with my favourite blogging girls.

xxx

Flea Market Finds..

2012-01-08T16:16:00.000+11:00

Happy Sunday my dear thrifting friends! I hope you are having a delightful day. Flea Market Finds comes to you a little later this afternoon because we've been spent the morning exploring the local botanic gardens. It was so delightful and now I'm full of ideas some exciting future photo shoots. Thank you so much for playing along last week, it was a most lovely way to start the new year. To check out everyone's finds pop over here.

This week has certainly been an amazing week of finds for me. I'm not even quite sure where to begin. If you've been following our adventures on Instagram you may have seen bits and pieces of my finds, including my crazy amount of tea cups (I just love them). I've got some wonderful pieces for my home and also to deck out my my lovely caravan, Asher. After three full days thrifting, here are just a few of my favourite finds. I'll be sharing lots more throughout the week.

I actually squealed when I stumbled across my very favourite Johnson pattern on a set of four teacups with matching saucers.

I'm also loving this sweet Crown ovenware dish and matching lid

My second camera for the week, this Polariod caught my eye because of it's interesting colour.

At my favourite stops along our adventure, I found some amazing vintage dresses and this charming vintage felt hat.

But my favourite find for the week, wasn't from our road trip.. It was just down the road at the tip shop. I'm just head over heels for this retro phone in perfect working condition. I've always dreamed of having a phone like this, now I just need to find the perfect spot to put it!

Happy Weekend..

2012-01-07T18:33:00.000+11:00

Happy Weekend! How has your Saturday been? Our weekend started a day early as we sat off on our thrifting adventure yesterday morning. We are back home now and as you can see from the image above, we had a wonderful time thrifting up a storm in some remarkable little thrift shops along the way. This is the back seat of my little car, looking very full indeed. I've just spent the last hour unloading boxes and playing amongst all the treasures (on of my favourite parts of thrifting). Can't wait to share more pictures tomorrow on Flea Market Finds and perhaps even a few later on tonight. The rain has just set in here and it's looking like a lovely quiet evening in. I'm looking forward to curling up on the couch with the new Real Living and a pot of tea. What are you up to this weekend? Here are some of my favourite links from the first week of 2012.. Enjoy!

This amazing little printer

This gorgeous dress

And this skirt too

These T-bar Heels (I would love them in mint)

This fabulous Flickr group and this one too

This fantastic chalk board for organising life

This gorgeous new E-Course

And a great weekend sewing project

Much Love

xxx

A Thrifting Adventure..

2012-01-06T11:02:00.000+11:00

What does one do when you're on holidays, the weather is lovely and and you're wearing yellow Salt Water sandals.. Go on a thrifting adventure of course. We are about to head off on an overnight thrifting adventure, through country Victoria. I can't wait to fossick around all the lovely little country thrift shops and I'm super excited to be crossing one of my thrifty fabulous fun goals off my list. We will be back tomorrow afternoon and I can't wait to share my finds with you on Sunday. I'll be posting some photos this afternoon of our adventures so stay tuned.

Thank you so much for all your lovely messages last night, it means so much.

I do hope you have a most wonderful Friday!

Much Love

xxx

In that Moment..

2012-01-05T22:23:00.002+11:00

For half an hour tonight, my whole blog disappeared right before my eyes, vanished, like it never existed. I don't know how and I don't know why. In that moment, I went totally numb. I bashed at the keyboard and tried everything I could.. and then burst into tears. In that moment I began to think about the four years of my life that were written on these pages, the photos, the memories that I might not ever get back. In that moment, I realised how important this little blog is to me, how it began as just a way to stay in touch with my family and now over the years has documented my whole world and has become a part of my life. In that moment, I thought about all the words I written, the friendships I have made, how much I've learnt, experienced and grown.. all because of this little blog.

Thank you for reading, for commenting, for being a part of my everyday. It really does mean the world to me.

Much Love
xxx

Fun Things To Do..

2012-01-05T12:05:00.003+11:00

As long as I can remember I've been crafty, cutting, pasting, beading, sewing and making a fabulous mess! When I was nine, I set up I cardboard box in the corner of my room, draped it with fabric and turned it into my beading work station. Needless to say, my mum was forever vacuuming beads out of the carpet. In the same year (this was the mid 90s) I became fascinated by recycling and tried for hours to make my own recycled paper. Inspired by the things I loved to do in the 90s, here is a little collection of nostalgic DIYs and lovely things to do, perfect to do with kids on holidays, just to do for a bit of fun or to brighten your day!

Make handmade paper

Bead a Daisy Chain (something I've always wanted to perfect)

Make a friendship bracelet

Make homemade chalk and draw rainbows on the pavement

Make your own fort (here's mine)

Make library card notebooks

Paint your nails like strawberries

Make your notebooks pretty (my DIY on One Sheepish Girl)

Wear your hair in sweet braids

Bake rainbow cupcakes

Watch a cute 90s film! My favourites, Now and Then and The Babysitters Club

Hope you have a wonderful day, whatever you get up to! I'm off to Spotlight to buy some beads and try out this daisy chain bracelet.

Much Love

xxx

An Afternoon at My Place..

2012-01-04T19:48:00.003+11:00

There is something about Summer afternoons that I just adore, especially when I'm on holidays. My little cottage always seems peaceful at this time of day. The sun seeps through the maple tree and creates a beautiful warm glow in every room. And for a moment it's quiet enough to hear the birds chatting away in the front garden. No wonderful it's my favourite time of day. Here's a little snippet of my afternoon.

There's a new crochet project on sitting on the couch, waiting to be continued..

A magazine and to do list on the dining table.. ready for tomorrow's adventures

Thrifted aprons and linen waiting patiently to be folded

While I edit photos and drink cups of tea..

And wait until it's cool enough outside to go and play with Miss Asher..

I hope you are having a beautiful afternoon too!

What's your favourite time of day?

xxx

Midweek Thrifting..

2012-01-04T11:47:00.000+11:00

As many of the local thrift stores only reopened yesterday, I was ready and waiting to find some midweek delights. Although there wasn't as much as I had hoped for, I did find a few treats including a lovely little Kodak camera in its original box and some lovely retro scarves.

And look what a lovely friend dropped by for me the other day, one of my very favourite Johnson patterns. Got to love friends who keep an thrifty eye out for you.

I hope you have had some fabulous thrifting luck this week. If you haven't been out and about yet, my sources tell me that the next few days might have some lovely finds in store.

Happy Wednesday!

Much Love

xxx

What I Wore.. A Summer Date Night

2012-01-03T10:49:00.002+11:00

Dress & Belt: Sunny Girl Shoes: Rivers

Bag: Pigeonhole Bracelets: Thrifted

Brooch: Vintage from Hell's Kitchen Flea Market

My first What I Wore post for the year is actually from the second last day of 2011. My hubby and I went on our last date night for the year to one of our favourite restaurants, Seasons and for a wander by the river. It was such a lovely time to make plans and talk about our dreams for the new year. On the way we drove past the local mini golf course and realised my outfit matched the signage perfectly, so I couldn't resist a quick photo shoot. I just love the print on this dress, it' so much fun for summer and the navy accent is such a nice change from black. I'm really looking forward to adding some more colourful pieces to my wardrobe this year. What colours are you loving right now?

Much Love

xxx

My 2012 To Do List..

2012-01-02T17:22:00.002+11:00

For me, this year is all about embracing my dreams and making them a reality. As an avid list maker, it always inspires me to have a to do list full of exciting goals to strive towards. I'm looking forward to seeing them leap off the page and into fruition over this wonderful year.

Launch our online concept store Wilde Asher in early 2012

Turn my lovely caravan, Asher into a mobile shop for Wilde Asher

Renovate the bathroom/laundry

Give Her Library Adventures a little makeover

Take Asher to the Easter Confest and on many exciting adventures

*Finish organising our wardrobes

Continue my Masters Degree

Write monthly letters to my grandmother

*Organise our bills and filing

Dance in supermarket isles and remember to laugh and daydream often

After a morning of stripping lino from the caravan floor and dreaming up colour schemes and wall paper patterns, it's exciting to see my dreams beginning to take shape.

Thank you so much for all your lovely comments about my thirty fabulous fun goals. It's been so wonderful to read some of your lists too. Have you made a to do list this year? Leave a link in the comments, I'd just love to pop over and read about your 2012 hopes and dreams.

Much Love

xxx

*Note: These goals rolled over from last year's list (I much prefer to dream than file)

Thirty Fabulous Fun Goals for 2012..

2012-01-01T22:08:00.003+11:00

I'm so excited about 2012, can you tell!? I am embarking on some very exciting and wonderful adventures this year, so to keep me focused, motivated and smiling I thought I'd make a list of thirty fabulous fun goals to embark on for the year. Tomorrow I'll be sharing my 'proper' 2012 to do list, but I thought it would lovely to have some fun, interesting and easy to accomplish goals to work towards throughout the year too. So here they are in no particular order..

1. Plant Hydrangeas in the garden

2. ~~Have enough patience to complete this nail tutorial~~ (1.1.12)

3. Wear my hair in milk maid braids

4. Finish a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle

5. Make and post a Video Blog

6. Continue my 'little plate' collection

7. Update and organise my photos on Flickr

8. Crochet a blanket for our bed

9. Make a beaded daisy chain

10. Make a batch of cake pops

11. Invest in a pretty party dress from Modcloth

12. Read one (non work related) book per month

13. Go ten pin bowling for a Date Night

14. Try a new craft from a retro craft book

15. Make a skirt from a thrifted sheet

16. Try out some film in my Polaroid cameras

17. Donate time to a local charity

18. ~~Take an overnight thrifting road trip~~ (7.1.12)

19. Buy a copy of 'Dream of an Insomniac'

20. Take a 'from where I stand' photo everyday in 2012

21. Find the hammer in 'The Adventures of Link'

22. Start a composting bin

23. Wear colourful tights in Winter

24. Host a themed dinner party

25. Finish our bedroom makeover

26. Take a family walk each Sunday afternoon

27. Try out a Zumba class

28. Make a mixtape for each season

29. Complete the January Photo a Day challenge

30. Remember to smile, laugh, embrace and enjoy every day

What are your hope and dreams for 2012? I'd love to hear about them! And of course feel free to make thirty of your own fabulous fun goals for the year. I'll be documenting mine throughout the year both here and on Instagram.

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful start to your 2012.

xxx

Flea Market Finds..

2012-01-01T14:27:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year my thrifting friends! I couldn't think of a better way to start the year than sharing some lovely finds. I hope you have had a chance to get out and about over the holiday season, perhaps you even got lucky and scored a few vintage delights at Christmas. I can't wait to see your finds and share in all your thrifting stories in 2012.

To finish off our 2011, my hubby and I took a little road trip yesterday over the border to check out some lovely second hand shops and have some lunch by the river. We had such a fun adventure and returned home with some very pretty delights.

The first thing that caught my eye was this fabulous 1970s sifter - it's already found a perfect spot in my colourful kitchen

After finding a spot on the floor and fossicking through some lovely old wooden crates, I discovered some gorgeous little plates for my ever growing collection.

And three delightful cups.. I have a serious crush on them all and could love to find some matching friends.

An outing with me is new complete without a little bit of Pyrex and my hubby's keen eyes spotted this lovely dish. And although these mixing bowls are not actually Pyrex, I just fell in love with the blue polka dots and had to bring them home too.

My find for the day.. well it just has to be this Nally Ware flour canister. What could be more perfect than buttery yellow with pink writing. This is a set I would just love to make complete.

It seems I can't help but thrift for the kitchen these days, the colours and patterns are just too gorgeous to resist.

The Year That Was..

2011-12-31T19:34:00.001+11:00

2011 has been a truly amazing year! I thought I'd share some of my favourite adventures and fun I'd had over the last 365 days...

Took a trip of a lifetime to New York City

Bought a vintage caravan

Enjoyed a surfing lesson at Angelsea

Went on some magical Friday Date Nights

Wrote my life list
Celebrated my fifth wedding anniversary

Crafted and played with my gorgeous friends at Fine & Sunny

Guest posted of some lovely blogs

Had a wonderful long weekend at my first Confest

Wore some super fun vintage dresses

Began my Masters degree
Fell in love with red lipstick
Finally got myself an iPhone and an Instagram addiction

Made some wonderful new blogging friends and got to meet the gorgeous Laura

Thrifted up such a storm, I devoted a whole room to my treasures

Began a little house makeover and finally bought a new couch

Wrote a blog post (or featured a special guest blogger) every day of the year

Created some special collections

Spent some wonderful days with my family

Began my dream adventure, Wilde Asher with my favourite partner in crime

My, what a year it has been! Thank you so much for joining me on my adventures, I just love sharing them with you. I can't wait to begin 2012, I have a feeling it's going to be an amazing year indeed! Wishing you a most wonderful evening of fun and celebrations. May all your beautiful hopes and dreams for the coming year light up the night sky like beautiful fireworks!

Much Love

xxx

Happy New Years Weekend!

2011-12-31T09:57:00.000+11:00

A very happy nearly New Year to you! What are your plans for this lovely last day of 2011? We are off on a little road trip this morning over the border to South Australia for a little thrifting fun and then of course we are getting ready to bring in the new year, with a backyard BBQ and some yummy sweets. Now to decide what to bake! I'll be back later this afternoon with a little round up of the year that was and in the mean time, here are some of my favourite links from the the week!

The perfect New Year's song

I want to buy so many of these for my walls

Fabulous braid tutorial, love the details

I just ADORE this tote bag

Some gorgeous New Year's essentials

This amazing brooch collection

A perfect sparkling crown for a New Year's party

And some gorgeous Champagne party heels to match

Have a most wonderful day!

Much Love

xxx

A Fine & Sunny Friday..

2011-12-30T18:03:00.001+11:00

So I popped in to see Annie and Shell at Fine & Sunny this morning for a coffee, some shopping and an after Christmas catch up and to my delight I was just in time to decorate the shop window for New Years.

We began with a lovely roll of Bespoke Press wrapping paper and some MT Tape (how gorgeous is their bowl full of lovely colours!) and set to work making some cute bunting. Add a few gorgeous summer tees and some speech bubbles with some fun new year's resolutions and ta da..

A New Year's window! My favourite bit.. Shell's gorgeous idea to line up the pretty Saltwater Sandals all ready for some New Year's Eve dancing.

It was a most lovely and fortuitous day indeed. And of course I just couldn't leave without a pair of yellow Saltwaters and I can't wait to wear them picnicking on New Years Day. I hope your Friday has been delightful too!

Much Love

xxx

Summer by the River..

2011-12-29T21:20:00.000+11:00

Well we are back from our little adventure and our evening camping by the river really was just magical. We camped right on the water and it was just lovely to sit back and take in all the beauty, especially the amazing sunset. Of course the was some swimming, fishing and treasuring hunting action too. In fact, I caught the biggest fish for the trip, which I'm a little bit excited about! Jack had a wonderful time too and I'm sure we are all going to sleep very well tonight.

I just love this time of year, there is something about the final days of reflection for the year that was and excitement, anticipation and planning for the coming year that I always enjoy. I'm looking forward to recapping my 2011 adventures over the coming days and also sharing some of my dreams for 2012 (it's going to be a very exciting year indeed!) I do hope you will join and share some of your hopes and plans too.

Much Love

xxx

A Little Adventure..

2011-12-28T12:37:00.000+11:00

The weather is just beautiful in Mildura at the moment and it's the perfect time of the year for a spot of camping. So we are packing up the car and the dog and heading off for an overnight adventure to by the river with some friends. My hubby and I go camping throughout the year separately for work, but we have only ever been camping together once in eight years, so I'm really looking forward to some time in the wilderness together.

I'll be back tomorrow afternoon with some photos from our adventure. Have a lovely day and enjoy the last fabulous moments of 2011.

Much Love

xxx

My Summer Fort..

2011-12-27T13:14:00.000+11:00

It's become a little summer tradition of mine to build a fort to hang out in over the holidays. I used to love building them when I was little, so I thought I'd put my skills to the test and create the fort of my daydreams. Last night seemed like the perfect opportunity to build and decorate my summer fort. At first I was hoping for a more tent like construction, but as this was a last minute decision, I used the good old dining room chairs and a clothes rack for the front door, giving my nook a more fort like quality. Filled with thrifted linen and cushions, plenty of books and tea, it's the perfect place to spend the evening.

This year my fort even had a little table, perfect for flowers, books, tea and cookies

Of course every good fort needs a typewriter for letter writing and a project or two..

Other important fort supplies, lovely reading material and a journal for thoughts and ideas..

Enjoying a quiet moment..

Until the guests arrive and want to check the place out.. Olive didn't quite get the idea of the front door.

Check out my little fort from 2010. I'd just love to invest in a teepee style tent in the near future, what a lovely way to spend the summer.

Much Love

xxx

Boxing Day Fun..

2011-12-26T16:06:00.001+11:00

I've always found Boxing Day to be one of the most unusual days of the year.. What do you do? It's a holiday, so you want to make the most of it, but after a big Christmas day, the couch often seems like the best place to hang out. Or you could always, join the crowds at the Boxing Day sales, go to the movies, watch the Boxing Day test match (the cricket), eat yummy Christmas Day left overs, spend time with family and friends. If it's sunny, go to the beach, if it's rainy, play with your new Christmas presents.

So what am I doing this Boxing Day.. playing with my Christmas present of course!

Today has been all about exploring and cleaning.. and finding more quirky details.

So far I've discovered that.. the bed turns into a couch and the dining table turns into a bed, the was 90% of the original lino hiding underneath the carpet, I'm in love with the original vinyl upholstery and door handles and I've got lots of work to do!

Whatever it is you are up to, I hope you are enjoying a lovely Boxing Day too.

Much Love

xxx

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T12:20:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas! Wishing you and your loved ones a truly magical Christmas. May your day be filled with much love, family, friends, laughter and joy. Thank you so much for all your love and support throughout 2011, it means so much to me and I can't wait for many more exciting adventures in 2012. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Much Love

xxx

Last Minute Baking.. Gingerbread Stars

2011-12-24T17:11:00.000+11:00

Need a last minute gift idea or just something yummy to have on hand? I've got the perfect thing, lovely little ginger bread stars. They are so quick and easy to make, you can have them made and in a jar or on a plate in about half an hour. Yum!

Gingerbread Stars

Ingredients: 125g butter, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of golden syrup, 3 cups of flour, 1tsp ground ginger, 1tsp cinnamon, 1tsp mixed spice, 3tsp bicarbonate of soda, 1 egg, 2tsp vanilla exract, icing sugar for dusting.

Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup in a saucepan on a low heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts then allow to cool. Sift flour, ginger, cinnamon and mixed spice into a large bowl. Add bicarbonate of soda to the cooled butter mixture and add to flour mixture. Add egg and vanilla and mix into a soft dough. Roll out onto a floured board and cut out star shapes using a cookie cutter. Place of greased baking trays. Bake in a preheated oven (180C/350F) for 10-15 mins. Cool on a wire rack and dust with icing sugar.

Enjoy!

Are you ready for the big day? We did some last minute grocery shopping this morning and I think we are finally organised. Looking forward to a lovely Christmas party tonight and nice weather tomorrow for a picnic by the river. Would love to hear about your Christmas plans too.

Much Love

xxx

Recipe adapted from Mararget Foulton's Encyclopedia of Food and Cookery

Friday Decorating.. The Bedside Table

2011-12-23T19:27:00.001+11:00

Someone once told me, you can tell a lot about a person from their bedside table and as I peered over at mine this morning, I realised it was long overdue for a little makeover. So while I was tidying my wardrobe today, I took a little time to redecorate my bedside table.

I love keeping special bits and pieces on my bedside table and I find a lamp always gets in the way.. Solution, a thrifted frame and some lights. In the middle a lovely wall decal from Love Mae.

The little dish I thrifted yesterday makes the perfect place to store all my favourite jewellery and bobby pins.

Who knew the Eiffel Tower would make such a cute ring holder? And a tea cup full of crafting supplies, because I realised I'm always after a pen or pair of scissors just as I get comfortable, so problem solved!

I hope you are having a most wonderful lead up to Christmas Day. I just bought the last box of rice flour in town, so I best put it to good use and make a few batches of shortbread.

Much Love

xxx

Midweek Thrifting..

2011-12-22T15:27:00.002+11:00

To begin my holidays I thought I'd take my new pair of clogs on a thrifting adventure around town. It's such a treat to go thrifting during the day and oh my did I find some wonderful treasures, it may have even been one of my favourite thrifting outings this year.

The sweetest Nally Ware cake tin

Johnson and Kingsbury Stoneware plates... Might be a new favourite Johnson pattern I think.

Some gorgeous floral dresses..

A lovely set of 1950s Tower scales

And a perfect little matching dish and kitty combo..

So delighted by my finds today! I'm off to play dress ups and find a few spots to squeeze my new bits and pieces in. Then I think a little baking and watching The Holiday might be in order. I do hope you are having a most wonderful day!

Much Love

xxx

Making Me Smile..

2011-12-21T15:46:00.000+11:00

The perfect Christmas party outfit.. (include balloons for a dramatic entrance)

These gorgeous party nails.. (must try!)

Elsie's most amazing closet! (Be sure to check it out and swoon over the beautiful dresses and shoes)

Oh, Hello Friend's pretty gold ribbon and lovely gift wrapping ideas

Love this 1950s Christmas ad.. perfect hair and dress!

What's making you smile today?

Much Love

xxx

Click on links for original image sources

She has Arrived.. Introducing Asher

2011-12-20T14:54:00.000+11:00

It's been a little quiet around here this morning, but that's because there has been some exciting things happening at the Library Adventures cottage. This morning we picked up my Christmas present, my 1970s Franklin caravan... called Asher.

We have spent the day making space for her in the back yard, pulling down the fence, fitting her inside and then putting the fence back up.

I love all the original details, the clock, light fixtures and worn old Franklin sticker.

Now the fun part starts, the transformation! Can wait to share more about the renovations with you soon.

Happy Tuesday!

Much Love

xxx

Guest Post: Creative Collective - DIY Star Garland..

2011-12-19T23:07:00.001+11:00

I'm so delighted to be guest posting over at the fabulous Creative Collective today! I'm sharing the my Star Garland DIY, which is one of the most fun projects I've worked on so far this Summer. You can find it over here along with so many other fabulous creative contributors this month.

xxx

What I Wore.. Skirt Love

2011-12-19T08:49:00.002+11:00

Top: Target Skirt: Thrifted Belt: Thrifted

Shoes: Rivers Necklace: Wilde Asher

It seems that thrifted floral skirts are fast becoming my favourite summer pieces. Every time I'm out thrifting, I find myself madly searching through the skirt rack, looking for the perfect mid length skirt with a sweet print and buttons. And last week I was in luck! With a hint of dark green and red, it's a little festive too, perfect for Christmas shopping. I teamed it with my favourite shoes (remind me I need to get the black pair) and one of our gorgeous new Wilde Asher necklaces, which will be available in our band new online shop opening in the new year. I can't wait to share more news about all things Wilde Asher very soon.

Have a fabulous Monday!

Much Love

xxx

Sunday Evening..

2011-12-18T23:06:00.002+11:00

Weather: A morning storm, humid day and a beautiful sunset..

Reading: Donna Hay magazine

Writing: Christmas Wishes

Making: Gingerbread Stars

Drinking: A festive glass of bubbly, works so well with Christmas carols and baking

Listening: Winter Wonderland - sung by Frank Sinatra

Playing: The Legend of Zelda - Skyward Sword (so much fun!)

Enjoying: Perfect Sunday moments, reading, daydreaming, baking and embracing the Christmas spirit

Loving: Looking forward to a lovely week, including our work Christmas function, a picnic in the park and a thrifting day trip across the border.

xxx

Flea Market Finds..

2011-12-18T13:04:00.001+11:00

Happy Sunday my thrifting friends. I hope you are having a lovely weekend and have found time amongst the Christmas festivities for a little thrifting. Check out all of last week's lovely finds over here, as always there are just fabulous and so inspiring!

During the week I found some fun 1970s craft books and some sweet brooches and yesterday I picked up some more of my favourite things.

My obsession with vintage plates continues.. so I've decide the best option is to embrace it! This week's lovely little assortment from Japan and England

My favourite finds this week, a sweet little Japanese tea pot and the cutest Pyrex cup! Now I'm on the search for a whole set.

A couple of leafy Pyrex dishes

And a summer picnic basket and some lovely floral linen

As next Sunday is Christmas Day, Flea Market Finds will be having a week off and will return to see in the New Year on the 1st of January. I just want to thank everyone who has played along this year. It has been an absolute delight to share in the thrifting love with you all each week and I can't wait to see what treasures 2012 brings! A very happy holidays to you and your loved ones.

As always Happy Thrifting!

xxx

Saturday Decorating..Christmas Sparkle

2011-12-17T22:37:00.003+11:00

As I pottered around the house this afternoon, I decided our fireplace needed a little bit of Christmas magic. Our front porch is all ready for Christmas but I thought I'd add a touch of sparkle to the living room too. I set out to buy some fairy lights, but to my surprise I was told that they were sold out... Everywhere! A town without Christmas lights, what was I to do! I can home and raided the garage and then remembered I still had my Christmas twigs from last year. After a little bit of reworking I had a little string of lights, just enough for the fireplace. Add some pine cones, candles and three lovely winged horses from Fine and Sunny and my festive cheer is complete... unless of course I find some sneaky Christmas lights hiding out in a top cupboard.

I hope you are having a wonderful Saturday evening!

xxx

Her Library Adventures..

Things I Love..

Perfect For.. A Coffee Date

Midweek Thrifting..

Making Me Smile..Hints of Ivy & Ruby

From Where I Stand.. January

Summer Reading.. *bespoke* zine

Imagination..

What I Wore.. My Favourite

Sunday Evening..

Flea Market Finds..

Weekend DIY - Chalkboard Handbag

Happy Weekend..

Three Photos on Friday..

Love Her Style.. Sock Monkey and Gee

What Makes Love True..

Things I Love Thursday..

Live in the Sunshine..

Midweek Thrifting..

Making Me Smile.. Raspberry and Lemon

Perfect For.. A Summer Afternoon

This Little Notebook..

Let the Beauty..

What I Wore.. Market Day

Sunday Evening..The Late Edition

Flea Market Finds..

Weekend DIY - Ampersand Brooch

Happy Weekend..

Three Photos on Friday..

Love Her Style.. Give Me Bows

Things I Love Thursday..

Making Me Smile..

Midweek Thrifting..

Perfect For.. A Garden Party

Make Everything Beautiful...

A Reading Nook...

What I Wore.. Sunday Morning

Sunday Evening..

Flea Market Finds..

Fab Fun Goals Update..

Happy Weekend..

Love Her Style.. Elegantly Academic

Wilde Asher Update..

Things I Love Thursday..

Making Me Smile..

Midweek Thrifting..

A Perfect Afternoon for Summer Reading..

The Joy of Books..

Perfect Hues.. Teal

Tips for a Thrifting Road Trip..

What I Wore.. Playing in the Rose Garden

Sunday Evening..

Flea Market Finds..

Happy Weekend..

A Thrifting Adventure..

In that Moment..

Fun Things To Do..

An Afternoon at My Place..

Midweek Thrifting..

What I Wore.. A Summer Date Night

My 2012 To Do List..

Thirty Fabulous Fun Goals for 2012..

Flea Market Finds..

The Year That Was..

Happy New Years Weekend!

A Fine & Sunny Friday..

Summer by the River..

A Little Adventure..

My Summer Fort..

Boxing Day Fun..

Merry Christmas!

Last Minute Baking.. Gingerbread Stars

Friday Decorating.. The Bedside Table

Midweek Thrifting..

Making Me Smile..

She has Arrived.. Introducing Asher

Guest Post: Creative Collective - DIY Star Garland..

What I Wore.. Skirt Love

Sunday Evening..

Flea Market Finds..

Summer Reading.. bespoke zine