Cushion Love on Friday - 9

Valentines day - It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines").The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished - Wikipedia

Valentines is in the air, whether you embrace this day of lurve or not there is no escaping it.

Today I was out to find some lovely heart designed cushions that represented style, colour, prettiness and love of course. But most important designs that would co-ordinate in your home or bedroom, should you be a lucky recipient, and of course something that you would want to keep forever.

You see I can't stand the commercial bright red designs that almost scratch your skin they're so revolting.

Happy Valentines for next week xx

If you celebrate this day I hope your hear flutters.

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Felt Balls & Friday fun

I was very excited yesterday when I got the knock as I knew what it was.

MY RUG....well Charlotte's actually.

I have wanted one of these ever since I first laid eye's on them. I still hadn't bought Charlotte anything for her birthday which was May this year. Yes bad mummy! I honestly didn't what to buy her, I gave her a great party so that has eased my conscious.

When I saw the rugs I just knew that was it. A present she could keep forever.

The quality is amazing it's so soft yet firm, and made just beautifully. The colours are mesmerizing so vibrant and intoxicating.

The kids were so curious asking over & over, "What is it mummy".

When I unrolled it their eye widened right up, they were so into it touching it, rolling on it, & Hudson couldn't wait to tell me every colour in there & attempt to count them.

So I thought I would run some testing.

Charlotte kept walking over it, obviously it was a great texture the soft round balls. By the look on her face it passed!

Hudson did the sleep test & by the look on his face it was far to comfortable as he drifted off hehe.

Stretch out & relax was a sure winner as the stretched & rolled all over it for ages.

It was certainly 30mins of fun this rug. Now it lays perfectly in Charlotte's room.

They are so divine you can buy 4 colours, I have 2 of them here. There is also a red/pink combination & black/grey/white version. I bought this from Mini Me and You & you can also buy them from Quirky & Quaint as I will be selling them in my party plan range.

Time Capsule Moment

Do you have photos that you love so much you wish you could pop the moment in a time capsule?

Then later open it later and have that moment again?

Like most mums I have so, so, so many of those.

This is one of my favourite photo's, it's not professional just a regular family happy snap taken by my husband.

I love this moment because just before it was taken, Hudson was telling me how much he loved Charlotte and I. Awwww so sweet and as I already said, i wish I could bottle it up and keep it.

Home Library

I have a spare room in my house right at the front, it doesn't have any doors on it, it's more of a show room actually. To be quite frank with you, its useless. Always wanting a place to be alone, which is almost impossible with two babies, the dream and determination to have something has resulted in trying to create my own library, a little sanctuary I guess one would call it. The last few weeks I have been planning this dream library in my house.

I love books, they are my way of leaving the place that I am at, it could be a juicy novel, or dreamy and inspiring design books, it just fills my mind with other thoughts. A perfect place you could say. I have always loved the library of Nile's, on the sitcom Frasier. So grand, large & the best part is the ladders that glides along the shelving, getting you from one reference to another. MMM I don't think I will be having a library on that scale.

Looking for inspiration I found these amazing libraries.

I love all the books colour coded, isn't it divine?

image by - http://www.home-designing.com

This library looks so cosy and inviting. I love how the green curtain could be dragged across to hide the books creating a whole new space. Oh, and I love the ladder.

image from - apartment132 blog

Now my library is not on this scale by any means, it will be cosy & tiny that's a guarantee. After a visit to IKEA, and a tonne of book shelves later, here is the beginning of my own little in home library. I definitely knew what I wanted in my head, all the shelves to sit in the corner, and not all the same height or width. I wanted to create some interest and opportunity to find some new artwork to hang later on.

Here is the room, see that window? Well that is the front of my house.

These gerbra pictures are not my favourite at all now. They used to be up in my old house & suited it perfectly. But because I went from an 11sq house to 34square house I had to fill spaces with everything I owned. The rest of the stuff is just kids things that should be put away.

One shelf on it's way.

All done in the corner as I wanted, and still leaving space to hang some great artwork. Told you it was tiny.

From another angle.

This is wear my couch will sit. I am going to eventually cover it as I am so over the red. I am thinking a print of some sort, not sure yet, and definitely snuggle cushions and a rug of some sort. I also need to buy a lovely rug to lay in the middle as I am not thrilled with how the unit colour & the carpet kind of blend.

Now I am just adding in all of my books, some little collectibles I would like to display. I am not showing the finished result yet, as I am a rather fussy and will most likely rearrange several times until it's right. Even then I am sure I will change it around again. Now I need to find the right artwork for the walls.

When its done I will post it, should only be a couple of days.

A Ladybird 1st Birthday Party - Part 1

Charlotte turns 1 on Saturday, I can't believe it, so I thought I would throw her a little party.

I have decided to create a Ladybird theme, I have always loved these little insects. They are so cute, pretty, and have such a friendly persona about them. It also gives me opportunity to use lots of red and pink together, and get my creative cap on.

Birthday parties are so full on now, the themes, the candy buffet's, I felt extremely overwhelmed, until the lovely Amy fromGiggleberry Creations steered me in the right direction of party supplies, and a load of ideas to help my theme come to life. She is a party planning enthusiast. Thanks Amy xx

I have lots to share about what I am doing, but it's all to much for one blog post, so I thought I share the first stages with you. Another reason is, I am a bit 'last minute Lucy', and still have quite a bit to do.

First...The invite, I created that myself, that was the easy part.

The party decor, from Complete Party Boxes. Lots of red and pink in spots and stripes.

Pink spotted lanterns, to be hung over the party table.

Plates, serviettes and cups, all coordinating perfectly.

Cupcake cases, I won't necessarily be putting cupcakes in those. Still yet to be decided.

A party bag for the special guests to take home.

Loving these little party straws (from Spotlight), they don't match my lady bird, I can live with that. They were too cute to not include.

Gorgeous little toad stools which will be used for the cake. I am making the cake, a lady bird of course, and a friend is helping me decorate it as she is pretty damn good at that stuff. So I am thinking the toad stools with have to be on the grass around the cake?? Still to be decided.

I love these party bags and didn't want to fold them shut after they have been filled. So I used the lady bird on my invite and created a circle design and added it to a wooden peg.

It's very exciting, and I need to write a list today of things to compete & mark them off. Some of those include;

Lady bird party bunting

table cloth

gifts for party games

helium balloons

food of course - shopping list - choc crackles for sure mmm my favourite

A little something for each of the take home party bags

I will admit this is a tad exciting, so stay tuned for more.

Happy Birthday Hudson

My baby boy turned 3 today, I simply can not believe it. Where has the time gone?

Hudson is my miracle baby, also the love of my life, before him I had multiple miscarriages. Which one day I may blog about, but it was years of hell. When I found out I was pregnant again, I wished & prayed for the best, & held my breath until I knew everything was going to be OK. After an intruding test at 12 weeks I was finally given the thumbs up, everything is perfect. I also found out I was having, a boy, as when you test DNA there can't be an error. After all of my issues I just wanted to start my relationship with the little man that was growing inside me. Thinking about what I would call him & what he would look like consumed me. As happy as I was I never really enjoyed my pregnancy as with every routine test I had, I was hoping to god there wouldn't be bad news, I couldn't relax. I had so many problems I was completely paranoid. Until he was born, which had to be by caesarean, I wouldn't relax, and 3yrs ago today I finally took a deep breath & said, he's mine. Thinking about this today brings a tear to my eye, 3 years later. I never thought I would have this little person, my own little person in my life.

Today was a simple celebration, nothing fancy, just with Hudson's little buddies, which were all born within 6 weeks of each other. It was also a celebration for his friend Patrick who turns 3 tomorrow, a joint venture & I loved every minute of it. A last minute decision to have a party, so all of us mum's contributed with some food. As wonderful as it was, I was happy to hear silence when everyone left, with the sugar consumption, there was a hell of lot of squealing.

Blowing out the candles.

A quick game of pass the parcel, where everyone won a prize.

MMM food, party pies, sausage rolls, fairy bread, bickies.

One happy little birthday boy, so grown up & gorgeous. He is mad for cars so we got him a whole city to drive in.

Happy birthday my baby boy, I love you xx

P.S Stay tuned my other miracle turns one next week & it's going to be a glorious party. There are details to be told.

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful women, that call themselves mum.

Have great day however you celebrate it, and with whom ever you are celebrating with.

image by the urban class boutique

Look what I have :0)

I got home from Soccer this morning to find a cardboard box under my door mat. I knew exactly what it was & raced to open it.

I am pretty happy to say the least.

I have looked, scanned, flicked, and said a few oohs & ahhs.

Now I just dream for the quite time to read and savour every bit of it.

I will be sure to tell you about my favourite pages and how they have inspired me.

Royal Wedding Fever

Eeeeee the Royal Wedding is today & I can't wait.

It's like a fever & everyone is catching it, well the buzz and excitement anyway.

I wonder what the bride to be would be feeling today? I am sure nervous like any bride, but what would it really feel like knowing that the world, YES THE WORLD, will be watching you today & forever. Personally I wouldn't like it.

After my morning snoop around on Etsy, I found some fun Will & Kate inspired pieces.

1.ClaryceDesign 2.BagofTags 3.frangipanniplace 4.Whodidthis

I wish I was having a Royal Wedding inspired catch up with girlfriends, having high tea & watching it, but I won't. I will be hand sewing cushions together, hopefully in peace, & no kids demanding my attention.

Are you doing anything to celebrate this occasion?

Some holiday photo's

Had a great time at Phillip Island, the sun was shining and the air was warm. It was definitely a well earned break, and actually really important to have family time. Down time as commonly said, away from technology and an attempt to get back to nature.

Before I get too back into the my well known routine of kids, naps, food, house work (apparently??), catching up on orders, and planning a very special 1st birthday party, I thought I would post a couple of my favourite holiday snaps.

Walking along the beach in Cowes, Hudson tests out his new gumboots & rain coat. Amazingly he found he kept quite dry.

Rarrrrrrrrrr you seagulls, I am going to catch you!

Miss Charlotte just being cute.

A family shot down at the Nobbies. This landscape was truly amazing. The fact the sun was out, the water was flat made everything look perfect.

I loved it down there so much that we will probably head down there again at Christmas for a summer experience.

Wishing Everyone a wonderful Easter

Wakey Wakey it's Easter Sunday.

The Easter Bunny has been, and there are chocolate eggs to be found.

The kids are hunting, parents smile with enjoyment while watching and sipping their lattes.

Well that's what seemed to be happening in the holiday park where I am staying, until Mr Rain decided to visit us. Boo Hoo....Everyone had to rush inside what a shame.

Without a doubt behind every tent, caravan and cabin door, there are lots of chocolatey grins, from ear to ear. Even though I am being the mean mum and rationing Hudson's intake, he still enjoyed his small taste of heaven this morning. He can have more later.

I found this image this morning and had to post it, what a beautiful basket of hand painted eggs.

image by Blue Lotus

This evening I am off to visit the Fairy Penguins while down here at Phillip Island, I haven't done this since I was a kid. I just can't wait o see the look on my little mans face. My sister in-law and her kids are coming down, as well as a few other family members so I am sure it will be a great experience all round.

image by Melbourne Victoria

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter Sunday.

What are you doing?

Easter Holiday - BIG SECRET

I am leaving tomorrow for a 5 day break over the Easter holidays.

No where lavish, we are staying local, and heading on down to Phillip Island. South of Victoria for those who may be wondering where that is. I haven't been there forever, I am looking forward to seeing the lovely fairy penguins come in from the beach. Most of all I am looking forward to spending time with my husband and children. We haven't had a family of 4 holiday yet, and I know it's going to be full one, very busy, but just wonderful!

Image by - Pleasing Pics

It's also going to be very exciting for another reason. One in which I am still very reluctant in sharing anything as I can't believe it. All I am going to say is, for those who live in Melbourne, when you grab the Herald Sun on Saturday, have a read of the 'HOME' magazine!

I am taking the lap top while I am away with intentions of having some leisurely internet surfing time, and even posting a blog. But if I don't I will return next Wednesday.

Happy Easter, eat lots of chocolate goodness, everyone & be safe.

Kylie xx

Monday's Buy - Moonlight and Whimsy

As I am busily trying to get orders posted before Easter, and also because I am heading away for a few days, I don't have anything "NEW" this week to show you.

Instead I thought I would brag about a few purchases I made online today.

Charlotte is turning 1 soon & I know I want the colours pink & red, with lots of polka dots and lady bugs in the theme. I started with a couple of purchases today from Moonlight and Whimsy. A brand new store I didn't know about, & what a wonderful experience. I loved everything in there it was hard narrowing down what I wanted.

First Buy - The pink polka dot lanterns. They will be great to adorn the birthday party space, and later will look equally impressive in her bedroom.

Second Buy - These gorgeous feather butterflies, I bought the red colour, a pack of 5 of be precise. I will confess they aren't for Charlotte's birthday party but for me. I have a couple of ideas as what I want to do with them, so I will keep you posted. But don't they look great on the cake?

Third Buy - Mushroom Sprays which can be used for any type of decorative whether it be for food or the house. They have wire stems at their base. I am not sure how I will use them, but I am sure I will work it out once I get them, I think they are adorable.

I can' wait for them all to arrive.

Colour Me Raspberry

Today I wanted to show my favourite colour, it's what I call,

Raspberry

I am a huge fan of the colours pink and red, and I feel that raspberry sits somewhere in between.

Not really red, not really pink.

It's a rich, strong and vibrant colour that can make you feel warm and cosy. At the other end of the spectrum, I think it's such a fresh and clean colour in the summer months, especially when teamed with white or aqua.

It's a favourite fruit, so useful all year round, fresh is best, but so handy for cooking when frozen.

What shade of raspberry do you love most? I have determined three different types.

A more pink version, a red version, or berry version?

To me they are all delicious.

Some gorgeous raspberry inspired finds on Esty.

1. linkeldesigns

2. cherrycreek

3. GabrielleKai

4. TheWhistlingCowgirl

5. heartsandbows494

Saturday Inspiration Soak Up

I have been waiting & waiting for this book to arrive, & yesterday it did.

Orla Kiely

She is such an inspirational surface & clothing designer, I love her use of colour and simplicity. Her style is so simple and affective is blows me away. Sometimes it's so easy to over do a design, I know sometimes I add and add, then it looks over done & spoiled.

The book is full of inspirational chapters giving an inside to her life, inspiration, her use of colour, the amazing prints, the awesome collections, and how these have been used in the home.

As you can see I have photographed a few of the pages that spoke to me most.

Below is the amazing women herself, an oh how I love that stack of boxes.

Now all I need to do is grab a coffee, sit, flick, and read.

Better do it while I can as the kids are at swimming.

Hope you're having a great Saturday.

Celebrity Crush

I was reading one of my favourite blogs today honey and fizz and it was titled,

Do you have a celebrity crush?

Mind you I didn't have to think twice about it.

Ahhh Mark Wahlberg, it started with Marky Mark and the Funky bunch, and has kind of continued from there. I have always watched him & liked him, and watched his movies, some of my savouries The departed, and the awesome Boogie Nights. My crush reignited with one of my favourite movies, the remake of "The Italian Job", and I have crushed him again ever since, he is also pretty amazing in The Fighter as well.

Need I say more....21 Jump Street, Edward Scissorhands, Cry baby, Don Juan DeMarco, Chocolat, Pirates, Sweeny Todd, Alice in Wonderland. the list goes on. He is just getting better with age sigh....

Oh Hugh, handsome, genuine, married, family man, sense of humour, and the most important Australian. A role model for any man, what's not to love, he melted most girls hearts after nearly eye gauging himself on the Oprah show, he just got up and brushed it off. A strong man.

On a buying trip many moons in NYC I saw Hugh turn up to work when he was doing Boy From OZ. It was a side street off Broadway and women were everywhere screaming his name. It was hard to not get caught up in the frenzy, just to see his face. I managed to get some great shots of him which I am going to share one day. Back then I had a regular camera so they are in an album, somewhere.

So who is your crush?

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake, MMMM can you remember how she smelt? Yum!

She was definitely a favourite character of mine while growing up.

Well you can imagine how delighted I was when my sister in-law was cleaning out her kids toys box, and amongst them were her figurines of Miss Strawberry herself.

Four different ones all sporting different poses. My sister in=law is 39 this year, so it will give you an idea of their originality.

How great are they?

These will be kept especially for Charlotte (and me).

A present for me.......

With all the rush of Christmas shopping, wondering what to buy for this one and that one, I decided to spend a little something for me. Since having my two kids I don't shop for me as much as I used to. Funny you know, I always swore I would never let myself miss out, but I am now completely guilty of it. I guess that's just the cycle of life.

Back to my present......

One of my daily blogs reads, as I am sure is for many other is made by girl. Jen who is the very driven entrepreneur of this business creates paper goods and typographical posters which I just love. So I bought one of her prints which really sings to me, her HELLO Languages Typography print, after the travelling I have done it's brings back fond memories.

Although I haven't been to Japan, I just love saying Konnichi Wa, makes me giggle everytime. I am still not sure where I will put up this pretty, but I am positive when I have it in my hands I will just know the perfect spot.

Also a little secret she is having a 20% off sale if you're interested, you can find out more here.

Photography by Simone Markham

A few weeks ago at Monkey Market, I was shopping around between customers looking at all of the beautiful products, when I came across some amazing photography.

This is where I met Simone from,

I had been looking around for a photographer to take some updated family photo's, especially since Charlotte has arrived. I just couldn't see what style I was after, or even knew who to look for. I knew what I wanted, but sometimes you just have to keep browsing until that style finds you.

I loved Simone's work from the moment I glanced at it and knew she was the one to take my pictures. She has such a softness about her work that I love, and also such a casual feel to them which I love. Aren't those little added graphics just divine?

I love this above collage, it has such a beautiful family vibe about it. Each shot has a story.

What can I say these are 2 are adorable, so whimsical and precious.

This last shot is my favourite. The tights and shoes just rocked my world.

This was the first photo of Simone's that I saw, I think this is was sold me initially.

I am having all of my photo's taken on November 13th. My sister inlaw is also have a session done as well so we can gather all the grand kids together for her and my husbands parents.

When I get them back I will be sure to show some for you all to see.

With such gorgeous photo's, my Christmas shopping will be near complete.

You can see all of Simone's work here and her rates.