happy weekend everyone!!

I’ve often been asked about things that inspire me. I think it’s so important to stop to count your gratitudes on a regular basis. Its such a great way to put things into perspective and remind you of the things that really matter. For me, I think it’s the small things that really matter - the mundane details of everyday life. This hasn’t always been easy for me, but recently ive found that when I not only look but really see what is all around me, my life is truly filled with beauty. 

So here are a few things that are really special to me, that make my life beautiful...

 ~ Atlanta Bartlett

Treasure hunting… 

Flea markets, op shops, antique stores, garage sales… I’m like a kid in a candy store! Little unique pieces that bring new life to a space - I love the idea of finding a new purpose for old pieces - little reminders of the past, every piece has a story to tell and gives my life beauty and character. 



~ Emma Walsh

The ability to Create…

My life would be nothing without creating! I love tapping into different avenues of creativity from paintings to architecture, cooking, sewing, jewellery making, interior design, photography and graphic design. Whenever I am creating something my soul feels fulfilled and satisfied - it’s a release of thoughts and emotions that get built up on the inside… hours pass me by and I know I am doing what I am put on this earth to do.



~ Matteo Linens

Bed… 

There is absolutely nothing more indulgent and relaxing. My bed is where I dream, study, draw, write, read, blog and plan. I’ve been known to spend entire weekends in bed! Not that it happens often but nothing is better curled up under clean white high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets in the summertime and cozy flannelette sheets and a fluffy down comforter with my cat missy cuddles up next to me under the sheets in winter. I think it’s the idea of layered textiles of a beautifully made bed or a cozy couch that makes me swoon. It makes it ten times more difficult to crawl out of bed in the mornings but it is so worth it!

~ illuminated luna on etsy

Paris… 

There is something truly magical about the place. Everything is just so beautiful. 

~ Tina Crespo - Flickr

Nature and relaxation… 

The is nothing more calming and beautiful than being outside on the beach or in the forest. The fresh smell, the sound of crashing waves and soft, sandy shores, time seems to stand still - the only things that matter are earth, fire and water - you’re left with nothing to do but to admire the surroundings, lost in reveries and endless possibilities. It is just so refreshing. I am so blessed to be living be the beach and to be able to take a morning stroll or jog along the beach or along the bush track to Orokawa Bay, theres something very nourishing about it - absorbing some of nature before I start my working day. It gives me a chance to clear my head and most often my best ideas come to me during this time. 

~ Emma Walsh 

Doing what I love… 

I am just so blessed to have found my calling - every morning I am just so inspired, I jump out of bed buzzing with inspiration - I love that every day is different from the last and I’m always kept on my toes with new ideas, things to create, new people to meet - beautiful things to blog about and share with the world. 

~ inside out

Being inspired…

I love flicking through glossy magazines and being inspired by a beautifully styled interior, stunning photography or a piece of art. I absolutely love interior design, so when I see a space that inspires me, something inside me just melts - it truly brightens up my day - I have to say my happiness and productivity is very much affected by the environment in which I am. I’m of the belief that good design is not incidental but a way of life. It is so important to spend time in a space that inspires you because when you are surrounded by beauty, balance, luxury and comfort, you cant help but channel that same energy inside.  

For me, a neutral palette plays a big role in my inspiration and productivity. A simple palette of whites, creams, beiges and greys with perhaps a bit of darker browns and blacks thrown in. When surrounded in such a simple palette, you are more drawn to textures and details of everyday things, creating a peaceful and soothing environment.  

~ inside out

Sparkly delights…

I love the way light plays on different textures and surfaces. Chandeliers are one of my most favourite things - they instantly and exquisitely beautify any space. Diamonds, crystal glassware, beads, ornate fabric, the shimmer of the sun on the ocean, the way the morning rays shine through glassy waves, glistening leaves of morning dew… perhaps this explains my strange obsession with bokeh. I just love it. 

~ via sea glass things blog

Running…

It is the perfect medicine. It helps me feel strong and powerful  -  breathing in the fresh air, drifting away from stress and in the wonderful rush of endorphins that give me a physical and emotional glow for the rest of the day

~ Douglas friedman 

Blogging… 

I cant believe it has taken me so long to discover the joys of blogging! Regardless of who reads my blog or who I have connected to, just the act of posting something that inspires me is so liberating. It has led me to many amazing discoveries with just a click of the mouse. There is so much beauty out there just waiting to be found! I will continue to blog even if it is to an empty room!

~ Oh hello friend

Etsy and Felt…

I can waste hours just peeping at all the lovely things out there… Some of my fave finds can be found here…

~ Lyn Gardiner

Little luxuries…

Beautiful living to me is about the little everyday gems - surrounding yourself with little indulgences that make you feel special. For me, its about sensuality - our senses are our window to the world around us and are inextricably linked to our thoughts, emotions and moods and it is extremely important to stimulate your senses in a positive way on a daily basis. I look for colours, textures, scents and styles to create this everyday beauty. It can be as simple as lighting a scented candle, playing some soothing music, buying a bouquet of fresh blossoms, putting on your favourite pair of heels, a summer picnic, a glass of champagne, the feeling of sand between your toes and the ocean lapping on your feet, a quick spritz of your favourite perfume, …

~ Cox and Cox

Being with people I love… 

Love ignites the soul and can add beauty in even the simplest of ways. I would be lost without my family and friends - those that know me best and love me for who I am. They have been my joys, my rocks, my partners in crime, my sources of laughter, my councellors, my shoulders to cry on, my party pals and my sisters. They have challenged me, loved me unconditionally and always made me feel beautiful. 

I have learnt to be careful to only spend my time with people I trust, who treat me well, encourage and inspire me. I especially relish every second I get to spend with my little cousins - kids are so happy and carefree - they offer such a refreshing perspective on life. Life would not be nearly as beautiful if I didn’t have such beautiful people to share it with…