Front facing books - who would've thought?

I'm probably behind the times, but this is a great idea from homelife - books facing forward on a shelf!  Kids books especially have some very cool artwork that often gets lost. What a lovely way to brighten a wall!

I think this is something that could definitely work in any room - I have so many books I want to show off. Mental note already taken for future house interior type decorating activities.

Image source: homelife

Stairway to heaven

Seriously - how would you go about walking up these stairs!  And what if you had had a glass of bubbly or two?  They do look quite cool though, don't they...

Image source: renest.com

For the 'Vintage Traveller' at heart

Loving these 2011 Calendars from Anthropologie...

...For those who love Paris

...For those who love a trip around the world (especially love the two months dedicated to Australia of course!) 

Perfect for the calendar in the kitchen, don't you think?

Bon Voyage!

Spring is just around the corner...

Less than a month to go for Spring in Australia to start!  Growing up, when the 1st of September came around, I know I would get so excited knowing our summer holidays were coming up which meant trips to the beach, and a hot Christmas!  And how about those Myer adds for their Spring/Summer collections?  That's when you know that the warmer weather is just around the corner!

I received my weekly "Myer One" email, and checked out their website and saw their new TV commercial for the Spring/Summer 2010/11!  ...(Apart from a terrible wave of homesickness) I felt really excited for my family and friends knowing the beautiful weather and holiday fun in store for them!  I am also LOVING all the Wayne by Wayne Cooper pieces!  Enjoy!

Sweet Swivel Seat

Have you seen the new IKEA catalogue for 2011?  It's full of great ideas and inspiration for the home.  The other day we were at Ikea, and I found the perfect chair for my office.  It was really comfortable, suitably ergonomic, and of course, how can I go past the cute birdy design?  I looked online a few days ago, and sadly, couldn't find it.  So I was thrilled to see it in the new catalogue and online today!  Right then, off to Ikea...

Crushing on rooftop gardens

Latey I've been seeing a few stories around on houses/apartments that are making more of their space and really focusing on being more environmentally friendly in design and function.

One such home in Toronto, Canada, has caught my eye today on re-nest.com with a fabulous rooftop garden, not to mention its gorgeous interior. Looking at the scene from this window (above), you wouldn't think that the house was smack bang in the middle of suburbia!

Love love love the long bench table attached to the kitchen. I am so inspired and already collecting ideas for my next house.

Photos from re-nest.com

Every tropical drink...

...needs a tropical-themed glass!  Made by Scarlet Macaw, these gorgeous "tropical birds hang from hand-painted branches, keeping cool in the shade of their colourful jungle". 

I actually saw them in person last weekend and these pictures just do not do them justice.  They are an exquisite piece of glassware, and one discovery to irresistible to pass up! 

Champagne anyone?

(Via Anthropologie)

One of my heart's desires...

On 'A Cup of Jo' today, she has featured "EmersonMade clothing".

This picture completely and utterly captures where I want to be living (beautiful country setting), what I'd love to be doing (be outdoors, have my own chooks to collect eggs from, pick fresh veggies from my own veggie garden) on my mornings/afternoon after work, and enjoy the surroundings on the weekend.  Sit out on a porch with a cuppa tea, have lovely family dinners outside... *ahhh* Completely and utterly irresistible!

For the love of Chalk!

I was happily drooling/flicking through the latest and lovely Anthropologie booklet last night, and then today on poppytalk (one of my daily reads) I saw these pictures.  Which lead me to another post on the blog about a Chalkboard Thought Bubbles:

I love this creative idea to use as a message board for around the house, or perhaps to write up a cute little menu for an outdoor dinner party.  The options are endless!  Definitely on my wish list!

(Picture on redvelvetart via poppytalk)

Summer Tablecloth

I love the bold colours and contrasting ruffle that outlines this Summer tablecloth from Anthropologie!  This would look so lovely on my parent's outdoor table overlooking their tropical rainforest. 

Lovely with the napkins to compliment!

Watch out for a parcel in the mail Mutti! xo

Hey there, you with the stars in your eyes....

Tonight, I'd love to be back in Australia...

 

Gazing at these (but will make do here using this):

Wearing this:

Listening to this

 

...and eating one of these:

*Ahhhhh* It would be so Gezellig!

Happy first day of Summer everyone! :)

Rainy day project...

I love this idea - sewing button flowers whilst having a cuppa tea and cupcakes!  Irresistible!

(Via Sportsgirl from Projectsforarainyday)

Craving...

Oliebollen... Mmmm!  It's been waaaay too long between Oliebollens.  Might have to go find a deep fryer, yeast, oil....... Or I could just fly to Holland for Christmas and get one from this stand! :)

And while I'm there, I would satisfy my croquette craving also!  It is hot here in the USA, which is making it feel like it's Christmas time for me.  My Mutti would make delicious oliebollen and croquette's around this time of year, and it's been a while since I've had Christmas back home in Australia, thus the cravings!  Ah, Dutch food, home, hot Christmas!  So Heerlijk!  So Gezellig!

(Via Accidental Hedonist in Flickr)

I *heart* Holland

My mother was born in Holland and moved to Australia with her family in the late 1950's, so I have grown up with a very strong Dutch influence in my life.  When I saw these gorgeous folklore and fun plates from Ninainvorm when I was browing on Etsy, I got so excited!  They remind me of my childhood, visiting my Oma's house, and eating soft boiled eggs out of little egg cups with soldiers!  These would be the perfect little breakfast plates don't you think?  Quite Gezellig!

Feeling a little peck-ish?

This Wise Ol' Cookie Jar filled with delectable delights is sure to hit the spot!

Oh Anthropologie!

Growing up, my Mutti always had lovely table cloths on her wooden round table.  I'd love this one for ours.

Cute biscuit canister to store yummy home made biccies.

Pretty pot holders set.