Black, White & Raspberry

Cushion combination!

So nice when a project you have been working on for months finally comes together!

The client of this beautiful country property loves all things English Country but was after an updated version for their home.

Camellias from the garden - the perfect accessory

There were some really significant pieces that needed to be coordinated in to the scheme.

Firstly an old black chest made by a family member which is used as the coffee table. To incorporate this we added the black through the patterned and check cushions.

A challenging room to arrange given the many windows and staircase.

Secondly was the framed floral print which the client has had for years and still adores. This was the base of the colour and fabric choices made.

The client's print was instrumental in the colour choices and theme of the room.

It was also really important to them for everything not to 'match too perfectly'. The rest of the house has quite a collection of eclectic treasures such as microscopes, old posters, books, books and more books, therefore we opted for lots of different, mismatched but complimentary cushions. 

Beautiful custom cushions teamed together.

Still some finishing touches to be added such as window dressings, accessories and lamps, but already I am really pleased with the look we've achieved. 

More importantly I think we have captured the home owners personality perfectly! It's not decorated with what is on trend or in style but as a true reflection of their lifestyle and loves.

PS. Looking forward to sharing more of this home as we continue with its special transformation.

The Tree Lined Driveway

Can't wait to drive along between the trees after they have grown up in the next few years! 

Do you remember my post on the Tree Lined Driveways nearly a year ago? If so you will be pleased to hear that is is finally planted. This has been something I have always wanted even as a little girl. I remember driving along Victoria Avenue (those of you from Adelaide will know this street) and being mesmerised as we drove through the 'tree tunnel'.

With so many restrictions as to what we can plant in our area is was not an easy task finding a tree that would tolerate our conditions. My first choice would have been London Plane trees, but talking to friends in the area who had planted them they were not recommended.

We already have 22 Manchurian Pear trees in the house yard which are going extremely well and have had very little water or care given to them.

The Manchurian's Blossom was beautiful this year.

Given this I decided to stick with the pear family and have opted for another ornamental  pear the Glensform -Cleveland Select down either side of the driveway.  They are more upright than the Manchurian Pears but not quite so much as the Capital Pears I have near the veggie garden.  They should spread nicely but not too much over the driveway. 

Image via Pinterest- hopefully ours look like this one day.

A big thank you to my farmer for his hard work planting and Harvey for supervising!

Have a great week all!

I am delighted to be spending it with my two little boys. I love school holidays and having them around. I must admit I am a bit of a sook and miss them when they are at school.

The Big Boys Turns 7

Hard to believe that it has been 7 years since of first little baby entered the world!

One week overdue so not so little at 9lbs 5oz.

The new dad was happy to be in charge until I came out of the general anesthetic!

On Saturday my big boy Ollie turned 7!

Me & my boys 

He was lucky enough to have his birthday dragged out over a week.

The previous weekend he celebrated with his gorgeous mates and their families with a BBQ and bonfire.

I was told 'not to do too much decorating or fussing' over the day so was rather restrained, but I did think the big boy deserved a fabulous cake. I employed the services of the amazing Donna yet again!

On Saturday (his actual birthday) we headed off to Adelaide and caught up with his cousin Harriett for another cake!

Sunday was a special day for our family. It was the second time we have been in the City to Bay fun run together.

About 12 weeks ago (barely able to run for a minute straight) I began a running program 'Couch to 5kms'. My goal was to be able to run with my boys. They have been my inspiration as I have been going up and down the dirt road at the back of our farm!

After the run!

The boys and I dropped Paul in the city centre and headed off to Glenelg (my birthplace) to watch him finish the 12km run.

The boys were extremely proud of their dad as he strode in in a new PB of 46.54 minutes.

We then all headed back to the 3km mark. Paul and Ollie ran this together and Tommy and I ran together.

To say I was proud of these two little fellows would be an understatement! I wasn't sure they would even be able to run the whole way, but they did!

It was great to see so many families out there being active and supporting each other at this amazing event. 

This was a fabulous end to a great 'Birthday Week' for Ollie.

Looking forward to doing it all again next year! Perhaps we will have to attempt the 6kms?

Blissful Bright

Family shot. Note I kept the helmet off for this one!

I recently returned from an amazing holiday with family and friends to beautiful Bright in Victoria.

We spent two days trekking up the mountain to Falls Creek. There was a little car sickness and vomit (none in my car I am happy to report) but the drive and effort was worth it! The looks on my boys faces when they  saw snow for the first time was priceless.

Happy, happy boys!

Despite a small ski injury (snapping off one of my acrylic nails!) as we were thrown on to the chair lift and were all of a sudden 20 metres in the air (not all that good for someone who is scared of heights), we all fared well from the new activity. My boys were off and skiing instantly, much better than their mother!

Little Tommy heading down the slope

The dads of course all now think they are good enough for a spot in the Olympics after just two days!

I personally think the ski school instructors deserve a medal! There were kids whinging and crying everywhere.

Off to Ski School!

I was happy at the end of these days to come home to Bright Bliss - the most beautiful holiday house owned by the gorgeous Rae who is one of my online customers.

Bright Bliss

A champagne in the spa bath after a days skiing was just what I needed!

Other must dos while you are in the region are;

The Bright Brewery- Live music and wood oven Pizzas on Sundays right by the river

The Red Stag Restaurant -at Eurobin. As a party of 12 travelling with 6 kids we were well and truly ready for a glass of wine and the local Sav Blanc was brilliant. Also the most amazing Alpine views plus being able to look down the valley to Rae's beautiful home was a highlight for me! 

Mountain Fresh Trout Farm- whilst I wasn't feeling overly enthusiastic about this activity the kids loved it.

Feathertop Wines- one for the parents but whoever came up with the idea of a playground at the winery is a genius! Favourite wine from here was the Pinot Gris - superb!

Beechworth- positively beautiful! Yes I did pop in to a few homewares shops and make some purchases ( I couldn't help myself) Also the best bakery is Australia easily.

Ginger Baker- All day cafe and Tapas Bar at night set on the banks of the ovens river. Possibly the best carrot cake I've ever had, brilliant coffee also. We dined here on our last night and as a party of 12 Tim the owner gave us our own room. It was perfect! The goat is a must try dish and the wine list was excellent. We went back the next morning for breakfast and the corn fritters were superb! Tim also arranged for his very talented wife, who makes all of the cakes, delivery of a chocolate mud cake to our house for our birthday boy and girl, how is that for service?

Pretty happy with the catch

I had forgotten how beautiful country Victoria is. I drove around gasping at the homes, gardens and the trees!

I can happily say our family is now hooked on skiing! 

We will see you again next year Bright!