on the radar

I'm working my way through an endless pile of laundry, making frantic lists and packing in preparation for our holiday. We fly to South Africa on Saturday and there seems so much to be done before then. Travelling with kids (especially for a three week trip) just requires such an enormous amount of planning and stuff. We spoke to Curt's parents on Skype last night and there has been something of a heat wave in Durban the past few days so looks like we should be in for some sun. Maybe even in the UK too if I'm lucky :) It's exciting to dig out all my summer clothes again after being jeans and knitwear clad for the past few months of the Australian winter. I've got to get back to the grindstone but here are some things that have caught my eye over the past few days...

I've always been an advocate of the 'no regrets' school of thought, so I am seriously coveting one of these awesome posters by Sarah & Bendrix (pictured above) to adorn the walls of of new home. Avaliable here from their Etsy shop. Translation from French to English: No, I regret nothing.

This one below is awfully romantic too...

I can't get enough of this lady's effortless, laid back style of late. Love.

The work of Australian artist Belinda Fox is magical and mesmerising. If I was to start seriously investing in an art collection, I can't think of a better place to start. See more on her website.

art to ignite imaginations

When this image above popped up in my Instagram feed, my heart stopped for a second. What a magical room for a child to grow in, to play, explore, rest their head and slumber. What amazing dreams that wall of art would inspire (not to mention that straight-out-of-a-fairytale doll house). Taken by Ryan Marshall, photographer and author of the awesome blog Pacing the Panic Room, this is the bedroom of his daughter Tessa. And what a lucky, lucky girl she is.

I often like to ponder ways I can add to, tinker with and rearrange Lila and Rose's room and while they already have some art in there, of course this sparked a whole new enthusiastic search over on Etsy for whimsical, story book-esque prints to create a gallery wall for them. Images they will remember all their lives, which will ignite their little imaginations and send their minds racing with thoughts of far away lands, friendly creatures and adventures to be embarked upon.

Here is a selection of some of the prints that have made it on to my wish list..

    

      

Musicians of Bremen // Prairie Home // The Wayfarers // Hot Air Balloons // Feathers // Mon jardin secret 

she paints beauty

These images of exquisite objects, beautiful dresses and captivating ladies are the work of the artist Janet Hill. With her oil paintings she lovingly captures the finer things in life and I am especially taken by the retro glamour of all the mysterious women she creates. Such style! She sells prints in her etsy shop if you would like to see some of these adorning your walls. I am particularly enchanted by dark haired lady in the green dress.

Discovered via this month's issue of Matchbook magazine.

pretty cute

These adorable art works by artist, illustrator and designer Kelli Murray make me happy. Check out her etsy shop where she sells a range of original works, prints, note cards and other products for other goodness.

live simply

I'm inspired by this pretty illustration by dazeychic on etsy. Seems apt as I am trying to keep that sentiment at the forefront of my mind this year as it is turning out to be rather an expensive one for us...what with purchasing flights to the other side of the world, and a new family member on the way amongst other things. Things like our car costing us a staggering amount in the last couple of weeks due to everything on it/in it needing replacing at once. Bleurgh.

But after all it's true that some of the best things in life are the small things or even the free things. Who needs a new pair of shoes or a meal out in a fancy restaurant when you have the amazing smell of baking biscuits wafting from your oven, right! Or a vase of freshly picked flowers, or curling up in a corner with a good book, the perfect cup of coffee to start the day, or a tasty simple meal cooked with fresh ingredients or a long soak in a bath of fragrant oils. (One thing I am so looking forward to when I return for my sojourn in the UK- our apartment here in Auckland only has a shower!) I know it's all a bit twee but I am seeking comfort in all the small things right now and finding that its actually pretty good for the soul.

P.S... But if we were by any small chance to win the lottery- which is unlikely to happen seeing as we don't even play it, I'm not saying there wouldn't be a massive spending spree on the cards too :)

Other cute artwork from dazeychic that caught my eye...

it's a....

GIRL!

I had my 20 week scan earlier this week and we found out that the new addition to the family is a little bundle of sugar and spice and all things nice :)

I can't honestly say it was a surprise as both Curt and I had been pretty sure this was the case from the start (at least my instincts are a little more on track these days- when I was pregnant with Lila I was absolutely convinced that she was a boy and didn't initially believe the sonographer when she told me she was a girl).

We are very happy, though of course I do feel for Curt a teeny bit who will be completely outnumbered in a household full of women! Lila is thrilled as she has been asking for a baby sister ever since she found out about the tiny baby in Mama's tummy. As I am one of two sisters, I am excited to think of my two little girls growing up and experiencing a childhood together and sharing a precious bond as close as the one we have, knowing that what ever happens they will have a best friend for life.

P.S The ridiculously adorable baby booties are from the Etsy shop handmadebabylove

belle and boo wall art

We're still putting the finishing touches to our place and deciding where to hang all our pictures clocks and photos on the walls. When I saw these awesome wall decals by one of my long time favourite designers, Mandy of Belle and Boo, I immediately fell in love and decided Lila had to have one in her little bedroom. I am a huge fan of the whimsical, nostalgic illustrations and characters that Mandy creates and it has been awesome and inspirational to follow her on her journey via her blog as she has grown the business in to such a huge success story.

I haven't yet decided which one to get for Lila- I could take all of them. The dinosaur set would be so cool for a little boy! The fact that you can just peel them off and reuse and re-position them without leaving any residue on the walls is such a bonus if you're renting.

just for the halibut

One of my very best friends in the entire world- and a very talented print designer and general fashionista lady- has just opened up a brilliant Etsy shop called Just for the Halibut (her surname is Salmon and she is extremely funny and fiercely passionate about fishy creatures!)

She is offering a selection of lovely t-shirts for both him and her, super awesome cushions and
screen prints all with totally unique and quirky screenprinted designs. I am so proud of her!
If you have a spare moment pop on over to her shop to check out her goods and show some love. She has also just started a shiny, brand new blog which will no doubt be a very entertaining read.

These are a few of my personal favourites from her collection...

P.S. Hiding behind the big sunglasses in that last picture is me!

Ninainvorm

How absolutely amazing are these ceramics designed by the Dutch artist Nina van der Goor. She is one incredibly talented lady. I found these images on her flickr page, and she also has a lovely blog which you can check out here.

Even better, she has an Etsy shop called Ninainvorm where she stocks these ceramics as well as screen prints and collages. I want to buy every single thing ceramic piece she has in there!

hair decorations for dreamers

Here's a sneak preview of some new headbands I am planning to add to my Etsy shop next week. A big shout out goes to my friend and model Louise for insisting that it was fine to take the pictures outside even though it was about minus five degrees!

branch handmade

Branch Handmade design and hand screenprint a lovely collection of home textiles with simple silhouette designs. All their products are actually very reasonably priced- although shipping outside of America does bump up the cost a little bit, they're definitely still a good buy.

The pillowcases in particular are brilliant and they have a great selection of subject matter. Their cushion covers and tea towels would be a welcome style statement in any home and the bonus is that because they are almost all black images printed onto white fabric, they will fit well with any colour scheme. You can check out their Etsy shop here. I've got my eye on the bicycle pillowcases for now....