A cure for Pip's Phobia.

My first Christmas post for the coming festive season - how gorgeous and creative and amazing and wow is this 'tree'. Soph posted these pics of her friend's Christmas tree on facebook.

Now normally I would refrain from posting photos of Christmas trees out of respect for Pip. She doesn't do Christmas trees, in particular the pine variety. It's not that she doesn't like them, she actually fears them. I've seen it - flicking through the Christmas issues of our favourite magazines she has to look away as she reaches the pages featuring Christmas trees, she shivers and gets goose bumps - she has denrophobia of the pine variety! - I think this is the perfect answer to her phobia.

I think I'd have trouble taking it down after Christmas has passed though, just too lovely! xx

pics by Sophie Du Bois

Onwards and Upwards

The gorgeous Heidi reminded me how long I'd been blogging the other day. In a good way. She is a total darling, has been here from the start. She reminded me how far I had come, where I had started and where I'm going.

I think most people who know me know that I don't keep much to myself (which isn't always a good thing....). I recall the absolute 'debacle' that was turning 30. It wasn't pretty. Which is quite sad really - because my 20's were a bit of a disaster, and things could only get better, so starting a new decade should have been seen as the opportunity to start new. Wellllll, better late than never I say. The 30's are 'so far so good'. Gosh, there is no denying that this is not what I had planned, things were going to be verrrrry different than how they are - but I have nothing to complain about. In fact, I have a lot to be thankful for.

When stopping and reflecting I have really made some good headway in terms of who I want to be and where I want to be, and who I want to be it with, since turning 30. I feel 'stronger' every day (and without breaking out in tune to one of my favourite Britney songs...), that feels pretty good. Being really unwell in my 20's really set me back, but I feel like i'm 'returning'. This little bloggy blog has had a lot to do with that - so thank you (and enough of this guff, I'll be back with a pretty housey post in a sec!) xx

Delicious 'design on line'

I love this pic - sent to the lovely Belinda over at Kelly Green. It features some of the work she did for her client via her 'design on line' service. See more here.

I've had Belinda source fabric and make fabulous covers for the stools in my 99.99% completed kitchen. I can't wait to share photos of them but I can only do them justice once the kitchen is complete - that means painting and getting some artwork framed and up on the walls. Just need to find some time?!.

I'm home from my time overseas for work (literally, currently in the twlight zone and seriously sleep deprived. Need. To. Go. To. Bed) - looking forward to catching up with all xx

Rue #2

Wow, congrats to the Rue Crew on an amazing second issue - 296 pages, and every one just awesome. Particularly loving their themed gift guide and Kelley Moore's space (pics above, but see more in the mag!)

all images from rue magazine.

it's not easy i know, but.....

Now she is 3.

This little ray of sunshine turned three last Saturday - and I was lucky enough to catch her and her family enjoying the Christmas Pagent while I was getting running around getting ready to attend beautiful friends wedding.

Ok, so I may be bias because I am her god mother - but seriously Ruby - you get more beautiful every day. And when I left and said "goodbye hun", she yells "BYE BUN!" - so delicious.

Missing you lots and sending you hugs and kisses from Manila. And I may have gone a little nuts at GAP and Ralph Lauren for you and little Harry today.... oopsey daisy - see you soon xx

Kate Spade Christmas

Kate Spade Christmas Gift Guide is available - um, hello.... Christmas?? I still think it is September (seriously....) - Loving this sneak peak at their Christmas campaign via their facebook site. I'm off overseas again for work next week for a couple of weeks. Can't wait.... especially as on our trip to the airport to catch our flight home in August I saw a Kate Spade shop....... I'll be making sure I visit it this time.

Very Stylish Indeed....

If you don't have a Fifi original or print in your home..... helllllooo??? Where have you beeeennnn?!?! - Get yourself familiar with this super stylish bunny by getting yourself or a fashionista friend a copy of her book.

So excited to be now offering books at Brown Button Trading. I've been reluctant to put them up on the site because I want to keep them for myself and give the rest to friends. OK. I'll share. If I have to....

xx

Very Exciting....

Little did I know a short time ago when I received an email from Melanie and Elizabeth (the beautiful duo behind Ivy and Piper) that me and my little home would end up being a part of this super delicious new Australian Online Magazine, Ivy and Piper.

Let's just say, it is VERY exciting to be included, and it has certainly given me the encouragement to finish off the last bits of my kitchen so I can share it in its entirety with everyone, and continue to tackle the rest of the house. You know, between work, the shop, blogging etc etc....

THANK YOU so much to the lovely Melanie and Elizabeth for this opportunity ! now, off you all go please, to here to read the magazine. Learn the art of vignettes from Anna Spiro (thank you for your lovely mention in your post Anna xx) , be tempted to buy from their style guide and read about some of their favourite blogs. Enjoy! (oh, and me, I'm on page 32, very exciting....)

Hooked on Megan Park

Megan Park has opened a flagship store in Armadale, Melbourne. And I'm in love. Especially with the little brass animals that adorn the ends of their clothing racks.

Their silhouettes as you look to the front of the shop in this last photo - amazing.

photos from Megan Park Facebook Page

New Pretties @ Brown Button Trading

A favourite new addition to my living space - the 'voyage' trinket box

Having had the internet back for a week I am finally getting on top of my 'to do list' - one of which was adding fabulous new stock to my shop. My only favourite find of the trade fairs was the supplier of this amazing reproduction product - I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. See more here.

photography by Grace Murphy

styling by Emma Clements