Giddy up for Derby Day!

Shop this bow Facinator here

Next week I am taking a few days off to head over to Melbourne with my girlfriends to attend Derby Day. I cant wait, although I will miss my boys sooo much.

Thanks goodness for Grandad who is coming over to look after them whilst I am away and Paul is busy reaping our crops (of course harvest is about to start just as I leave).

I have loved looking for outfit inspiration for the day. What I really love about racing fashion is that it is all about classic, sophisticated and elegant style. No tacky mini dresses or boob tubes allowed!

The shoes I will be wearing!

Derby Day traditionally sees women dressed in a Black and White theme. 

Hats on the field; image from The Age

Perfect for me! 

Any Melbourne folk have any tips on where girls in there 30s should go for drinks and dinner?

Around the Garden in Spring

The Irises and Roses are coming out!

There is something quite satisfying about cutting fresh flowers from your own garden. 

 I love this time of year, the irises are out and the roses are well on their way.

There is fresh growth on the hedges and the lawn is greening up.

The hedges have beautiful new green growth!

Looking across to the shearing shed

My healthiest of the Manchurian Pears

Looking across to the footy lawn

Harvey- camera shy!

Our newest area the Rose Garden - still needing to be hedged

The barley crop is ripening ready for harvest

 Harvest is getting pretty close and we are hoping to start in about 2 weeks!

I am rather impatient but this still relatively new garden is finally coming together. To anyone starting a new garden- hang in there it is worth the wait!

Hope you are all having a fabulous week.

PS If anyone has any tips on what to do with irises after they flower please share. I hate how they look after when the leaves die off.

Friday Flowers

I am so lucky to have a beautiful group of friends who make the effort to catch up on a regular basis no matter how busy we all are.

Last Friday they all (one lady was missed as she was sick) came over for lunch with their kiddies to make the most of the last day of the holidays.

Some people may ask 'How do you find the time?' or 'Why do you do that so often?'

Simple really! You have to make the time. 

Let's face it we are all busy. No matter if you work or don't. Life is continually filling up with so many things. 

These beautiful flowers were given to me by one of the ladies, straight out of her garden. 

Lucky me!

Black & White Glamour

The beautiful Living/Dining Area- spot the lovely White Hydrangeas from moi?

  It is no secret I am forever trawling the internet in search of the perfect cottage to have as a 'home away from home' when we stay in Adelaide. 

Although it may be some years before the boys will be off to boarding school,
 (I think I'll be spending a lot of time down there then) I don't think it hurts to do your research.

I was so excited when I found this Black & White Beauty for sale located in Stepney, one of Adelaide's leafy suburbs .

On closer examination I started recognising quite a few of the homewares from my little online shop. After a little investigation I worked out the it belonged to none other than my gorgeous customer Courtney.

Lovely styling by Courtney- one of my best sellers the White Butler Tray.

The second bedroom- I could have easily removed the pink and popped in a bunk bed for the boys.

The stunning kitchen

ohhh that floor!

Glamorous Master Bedroom

Stylish bathroom in black & white of course!

The pretty and functional outdoor area- I could have seen myself sitting out here for breakfast!

Courtney and her lovely husband Justin have done the most superb job renovating this beautiful cottage.
A BIG thank you to Courtney for letting me share this with you. I knew my readers would love it.

Courtney and Justin are leaving South Australia due to a work promotion. I wish them all the best on their new adventures and life interstate. Keep in touch!

School Holidays

Checking the canola crop

Do you love or loathe the holidays?

I LOVE them. 

The best thing is not having to rush off anywhere in the mornings (can you tell I am not a morning person?) and having my boys home.

I actually don't want these holidays to end.

We have just got back from four wonderful days away at the beach with very dear friends and their awesome boys, who just so happen to be my two boy's besties. 

Great mates!

I am not normally a beach person but had the best few days away.

The kids attempted a water ski but the water was a little cold!

The weather has mostly been beautiful which has meant lots of outdoor activities like footy and cricket. We have also been eating outside whenever we can.

Not sure what game this is but Tommy is using the bug net rather unusually!

There has also been some time for a few farm lessons.

Ollie 'driving' around the farm

Hope you are all enjoying the school holidays and having lots of fun too!