Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Baby's been a bad blogger...

Hi there!
I am sincerely sorry that I have been a bad, bad blogger, and not posted in a while.
I have good reason, I promise.
I have been working on my biggest projects yet.

First one has been a year or so in the making. But I couldn't do it alone.
I had the help of my Dear Husband.
We are expecting our first child in early May!
Now I'm not going to be one of those bloggers who's blog turns into everything baby, so I will get it out of the way now. It's been hard, tiring work. I have been trying to enjoy every minute, but we have had a couple of trips to hospital, which has meant I have been doing pretty much sweet zero after them. But alias all is well with the little one. I have also started a new job, which has been a little time consuming to start off with, but will allow at least one or two days (other than weekends) to do the things I love! My photography and learning about styling!

So this brings me to the second big project, the nursery!
I had been secretly collecting a few things over the past year or so, just things I knew I would miss out on when the time came.
I have decided on colours, yellow grey and white. Exact colours yet to be confirmed. I also would like to paint some stripes on the wall, and this will take a lot of convincing to the Dear Husband.
So I will post the work in progress and the pieces I pick up along the way, so in about 5-6 months time, my little bubba will have a stylish room to be zen in!

Stay tuned!

X
M

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Please do the right thing and post photo credits if you use a photo.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Ikea....to love or hate?

Ok so I get the impression most actual stylists and interior designers don't like Ikea.
But I stumbled upon Emily Henderson's blog, www.stylebyemilyhenderson.com, an American Stylist and Interior Designer, and amongst her taste for amazing pieces she does like, maybe love, a few Ikea pieces. I have also recently discovered there is a plethora of Ikea DIY type ideas on Pinterest, and really, who doesn't love to either make something or buy something they love, it completes the room, or is the perfect object for the photo shoot, at a bargain price! And that's where Ikea comes in.
I admit I kinda love Ikea, yes I know it's mass produced, but you can make it your 'own' by painting, distressing, etc. They really do have some amazing ideas, and make is easy for those that have no inkling of how to put pieces together.
Anyway, this Ikea magazine came in my mail box the other day. I must say, I was impressed. I have taken some pictures of some of the things that jumped out at me. Hopefully it inspires you too!






In love with the classic wing back chair.


DIY ottoman, with instructions!



Butterfly print, flora print, I'm thinking great pieces for kids rooms, or just because!



Great mix of old and new, with your favorite or vintage crochet table cloths as a valance.



Love this quote!

Enjoy!
X
M

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Please do the right thing and post photo credits if you use a photo.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Fur Babes

I wouldn't usually think or refer to fur babes as 'stylist's' assistant, nor would I recommend getting one!
These are my two little 'helpers', Amy Moss from EatDrinkChic has a dog called Sukie, who I think is my fur babe's sister! Oh my gosh they look alike...and from what the amazing Amy describes, they act the same too! 
Mackenzie, who is now 3 years old and is a Bull Mastiff x English Mastiff, and certainly has some kooky habits and has a slight fear of the ironing board! We have no idea why, but we think its the squeaky sound it makes when being expanded.
Lulubelle is a Pomeranian x Jack Russell and a perfect model most of the time, but as she is getting older and at 13,  she doesn't appear to have the patience as she used too! She would much prefer belly rubs now days.
It could be that  Mack always 'helps' with the photo shoots..


From that cute face and those eyes...

 Getting bigger and slowly making friends

 To this!

 Mackenzie loves her Snooki bunny

 Lulubelle was 11 here, but still cute and looking like a pup!

 Now they can't be apart from each other for very long, and the small one rules the roost.

Enjoy!

x
M

Sweet Little Indulgences

I LOVE packaging! Especially when they are products I enjoy! Most of the time it is the packaging that has drawn me to them but here are a few products that I use almost daily, and I consider sweet little indulgences!

I HEART Tea - Especially T2!!
As much as I love Spring/Summer (see previous post), I will miss the little winter luxuries that I indulge in. Baking a fresh batch of muffins, and having a hot cup of tea with them!
I will certainly still have tea all year round but not keen on baking when it's 36 degrees outside!
This yummy batch was cinnamon crunch and T2 Madagascan Vanilla tea






Another winter indulgence to me is a nice hot bath!
With their amazingly designed package range is the MOR Bath, Beauty, Body and Home Products are divine and always get a gush from the lucky person receiving a gift from the range.








 Of course a good glass of wine and a book help with the relaxation!

And last but not least - Aesop Products.
I LOVE LOVE the complete range - Each store is designed differently but the products are the same range. Clever themes for their travel and gift packs, but above all simple, and effective labels and clear clean bottles, backed up by products that work, smell amazing, and work!
I look forward every night to washing my make up off...it's my therapy!




With organic ingredients such as chamomile, rosemary, and lavender, I'm already indulged!

Enjoy!

x
M

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Slightly obsessed with...

YELLOW!
I don't know why or how but over the last few months I been drawn to anything yellow.
With spring in the air, the wattles are blooming, jonquils, daffodils in bloom, my creative mojo has been brewed by the color...so of course I have had to add some of the yummy color in my abode!
I'm loving all shades from lemon, buttercup, honey, mustard, and all of it reminds that winter is nearly over and spring and summer is on its way!











Cushions from Target.

These beautiful jonquils just smell yellow! And of spring...








And I added some of this deliciousness to my bathroom, kinda helps make the morning better...




Bathmat and hand towels from Target.
On another note, I found this amazing supplier of vases, pots, urns and faux flowers and plants a little while ago, however had not been to visit for a while - self imposed decor ban - but boy, I will be making regular trips. Apparently the have been having some clearance sales, but I didn't miss this one - 75% off all stock!
I really could have blown a budget or two in there, but with the amazing prices and equally great product, you could not resist. And being that it's changing seasons what better way than to change your decor or stock your styling cupboard with some indoor plants and flowers.
Rogue Imports are located at 2B Slater Pde East Keilor. Check their website link for further information on opening times.
















All Photos taken by Mandy Rodrigues - Please use your credit manners if using or pining photos, thank you!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Party Time!

My dear friend G's son turned 1 on the weekend! G kindly asked me to come up with a simple invite that reflected the theme of Giggle and Hoot, for his party. It was my pleasure to create a simple photo type invite in record time as we had 3 weeks to plan and organize this darling little mister's birthday. Along with G's sister L, (we have all been besties since high school) we are usually called the party queens amongst our other friends. We can't help that we LOVE to plan and throw a party! Especially a kids party! Now L is as just as obsessed with collecting things as I, mainly in the name of a gorgeous party theme, and G has some great ideas too, so you can imagine between the three of us, sometimes it's hard not too go overboard, but to strike a great organised balance, well we did it! Or at least I think so! The lolly table was very popular, as we're the delicious cupcakes made by L, I attempted to make Hoot cake pops, but they were a tad more challenging than I thought, but still tasted great! G made the bunting, using some free printables found on www.marabous.com.au
Enjoy!





Photos taken by Mandy Rodrigues Photography

Monday, June 25, 2012

Creative Block

So I'm back...not that I went anywhere exciting! No overseas holidays, just home, a place dear to my heart.
I have had a few personal hurdles to overcome this past few months. One being made redundant from my full time job! A Blogger's dream I hear you shout! Well yes time wise, but not money wise!
Speaking of earning money, I did attend Naffnangs Fashionolpolis - a inspiring seminar aimed at the fashion bloggers and how the avenues they can take to monetize their blogs. It was just what I needed to reassure that I'm not stark raving mad and that I can actually do THIS and aspire to at least top up the bank balance to support a bower bird habit!

So I have embarked on a journey to re-inspire myself! And you creative's know this cannot be pushed especially in times of adversity!

First off: Go seek awesomeness, prettiness and beautiful things!
I went to Queen Vic market, and a wander through the city, (trying not to spend money) and made sure I took my camera!
I found a good dose of macarons help overcome the dull drums and re centre my mind to go on and do beautiful things, both out ward and inward.

David Jones Food Hall

All photos by me taken on my trusty iPhone using the hipstamatic app.

Second: Go be with oneself to recollect thoughts and find thy creative heart!
I have literally spent hours looking at others inspiration boards, mood boards, blog's and magazines. It can get pretty lonely, but then the little rumble starts.....and I get the urge to make something, find something, or help some one else find something! So I committed to myself to finish a project started ah hum about 2 years ago! Yes I know, that's a long time. Well I had borrowed a staple gun and was not able to find the staples after moving to re fill it! It took Hubby to help get things moving but we did it and they look awesome!


The chairs were free, from a place I worked at years ago. At the time they were a hideous purple, so of course they needed to be covered. They are actually a comfortable chair and a great height for little ones who visit us.

Thirdly: Surround thy self with other creative's!
I messaged my friend Di, from Paper and Style Co (see her awesome store at Big Cartel!) who lives close by and I'm pretty sure we will be hanging around each other a bit, unless she tells me to bugger off, but she seriously rocked my world today! Not only did she get up early to come to Camberwell market with me, but she listened to my crazy ideas and matched them with her search for Pirate inspired goodies for her son's upcoming 7th birthday party!
Of which normally when looking for something, you can't find it. But we found and saw some great stuff and it will not go to waste!
So here's my haul -
Dinosaurs were a good buy for my dinosaur mad nephew, at 3 for $5.00 and the cutest vintage suitcase at $10.

And these awesome pieces to add to my wardrobe (not that is was lacking)



Total for the clothes and scarf was $23.00!! I love a bargain, but love when something inspires me more!

We both could have gone crazy buying stuff left right and centre, and faced divorce from both our husbands. Although only being married for 6 months, I have some ground to cover!
After her showing me her studio, pretty much her whole house, it is just awesome and inspiring! So much so, I stopped off at our local shopping centre on the way home, bought a cork board, few magazines (yes I found white bridal magazine) and have plans for my now study but going to 'share' it with hubby and make it my zone. Well it might go across the whole house, eventually.
I'm not going to promise to post regularly but more when I actually have something inspiring to share!

xx
M







Thursday, March 15, 2012

Paper and Style Co

I also want to add a 'shout out' to the inspiring Di at Paper&Style Co.
http://www.paperandstyleco.com/

Di is the go to for all your stationary design, creation and party styling needs!!

We met at, of all places Wakiti Teepee Resort, a great weekend organised by the new, in-law cousins. Sometimes you met people that you feel you just 'click' with, creatively speaking, and from then you build this amazing network of creatives who will all bounce off each other - Di you are one of those!!
Look forward to more insprational chats and a camberwell market visit! And keep up with the beautiful work.
M x

Long time no post...a year in the making, the 'big' day...


My sincere apologies for the lack of posts...
At this time last year I actaully had every intention to post every week, however I had no idea wedding planning could be so darn comsuming! Especially when you want to design, plan and make the special touches yourself! I did have a fair bit of help to some wonderful friends, family and of course my dear hubby!
I have listed the websites for those of you about to embark on the wedding planning journey!

Enjoy!
Most pictures are by Will at T-One Images 
or me, so you can contact me if you are interested in work by either of us!

p.s - I have a big year in store for this blog, so stay subscribed!
p.p.s - the only pictures I don't have yet are the ones of the table centrepieces, I will post at a later date...

 Our Wedding Stationary - All designed and made by me, Paper sourced from Right Invite, Essendon. (Before I knew Di @ Paper and Style Co!)
 Pearl Poppy paper and Nude paper by Cristina Re, purchased from Right Invite
Above Photos by Me, rest is Will @ T-One Images!
 Seating Board - Mirror from Aldi
 Lolly 'Thank You Bags' From Bags'N'Tags, stickers printed at home.
 Silk Rose Sash (as previously posted) I made myself - Supplies from Spotlight.
 My amazing dress from Baccini & Hill
 The stunning bridesmaids dresses from Forever New
 Flowers made by the amazing Yvonne - one of the talented new family members



 Wishing well from Rogue Imports
 Super amazing and yummy cake by Angela, little icing flowers were made by moi..
 Oh the lolly buffet was a hit with the guests...Styled by the talented Yvonne, tags made by me... Lolly supplies from Wallies Lollies
 This stunning table is actaully at the reception house - Gardenhurst Receptions Essendon
My veil, which I could not find one anywhere like it so again I made it!
All photos by T-One Images.
http://www.rightinvite.com.au/
http://www.bacciniandhill.com.au/
http://www.forevernew.com.au/
http://www.lolly.com.au/
http://www.rogueimports.com/
http://www.clegs.com.au/
http://www.spotlight.com.au/


This was my original inspiration board...  M x