Christmas Gift Guide (+ Giveaway)

Note - giveaway now closed

Christmas and the festive season is well and truly in full swing now isn't it!

I am seeing lots of beautiful pictures of Christmas trees and elves on the shelf across my social media feeds - such fun!

We celebrated Christmas day a little early this year, with a ethical Christmas lunch. Did you see all the details here?

I am super excited as today I thought I would share the ultimate gift guide for those summer lovers who enjoy a day at the beach and turquoise blues...

Plus I have a giveaway in the spirit of Christmas thanks to Sodastream (worth rrp $249!).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Christmas is about celebrating with those we love.

Entertaining, turquoise beach days, summer breezes, BBQ's...

Icy cold drinks, shady beach umbrellas, floppy hats and sandy toes.

I hope your Summer will feature some sunshine, cheer and lots of merry memories.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If I was to write a Christmas wishlist, I know some of these beauties would feature!! If you are looking for a perfect Christmas present for your friend, a loved one, or maybe a treat for yourself then this list is for you...

1. Jungle canopy beach umbrella $249 

2. Shipwrecked straw hat $59.95

3. Power Sodastream Sparkling Water $249

4. Uberkate cocktail ring $195

5. Rattan beach bag $70

6. Escape cushion $29

7. French blue sunglasses $89.95

Today you can enjoy a more sparkly Summer - Thanks to Sodastream you can win yourself a new Power machine (rrp $249). Enjoy refreshingly cold drinks, perfect for those hot days on the beach or summer BBQ's - it truly is the ultimate entertaining sidekick. Make fruity flavoured water, cocktails and much more.

Note - giveaway now closed. Congratulations to Anne of "Let me be free blog"

to win:

lEAVE ME A COMMENT BELOW. super eASY!

tELL ME, WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SUMMER?

For an extra entry, visit me over on Instagram and leave a comment on the competition post.

terms and conditions
1. This is not a game of skill. Winner will be drawn from a random number generator.
2. There is one prize: 1x White SodaStream Power machine valued at $249
3. Entries open Tuesday 6th December 2016 to Sunday 11th December 2016
4. Open to Australian residents only.
7. Entry into any giveaway or competition is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Linking up with the wonderful Aussie Bloggers at #IBOT - come and have a read at some fab Aussie Blogging talent!

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Insta Love and Style Crushes

Today I am sharing some style crushes I have...

I am in the midst of creating some mood boards for our new house build.

 I need to start thinking about exterior colour choices, interior floors, tiles, window furnishings - you name it! I want to be organised so I can understand my design and direction for the home. I want all these elements to tie in together and not have any after thoughts or regrets!

Here are some of the looks, styles, designs and inspiration that I am loving over on Instagram.

Nina Proudman's New Home - Season Six

The beautiful boho home life of Asher Keddie’s Gold Logie-winning character in season six has me intrigued.

its no secret I am a massive Asher fan. You might remember I posted here in season five the character Nina Proudman's loft apartment. Season Six, Nina has moved on to a more kid friendly home.

Bargain Buys & Sales

So I thought I would bring you today some bargain buys and sales that I have come across this week - all interior related of course!

I have you covered whether you are looking for some snuggly winter sheets, lighting or towels. 

Here are my top picks and bargain buys...

lighting & lamps 

Save up to 50% on lamps and pendants at Pillow Talk. Whether it be stone, concrete, geometric or Scandi styled, there is a great range to choose from and some seriously good buys! 

The Grove Byron Bay and Villa Styling

You may remember me posting a little while ago that I had a design crush on Louise of Villa Styling? 

When some photos of her latest photo styling shoot popped up in my facebook news feed I was smitten with the looks she had recently created and photographed. Not only is Louise a fabulous stylist, but she is the photographer too!

The location of this shoot is The Grove Byron Bay.

Beautiful holiday retreat accommodation, nestled in the hinterland, minutes from Bangalow and Byron Bay. My old stomping ground and home town.

Louise was collaborating with Driftwood Interiors (artwork) and Coca Mojo (cushions) in this photoshoot.

The Grove Byron Bay makes the perfect backdrop doesn't it?

My Coastal Cushion Picks

photo source

I love a coastal cushion.

They are not just for homes by the beach.

Bring that coastal beachy look to your home.

Give your home that holiday vibe, so you feel like you are on an endless holiday.

Bring a little beach, coastal, tropical or Hampton vibe to your home with some new cushions...

If you want to add a little coastal vibe to your home, I thought I would share with you my top picks on where to shop for the perfect cushion. I follow some amazing accounts on Instagram and these three businesses in particular just nail the coastal look. 

The Coastal Cushion Company || Escape to Paradise || My Cushion Crush

How to get rid of pantry moths

Totally troublesome and frustrating.

That it how I would describe pantry moths.

I have been battling an infestation of pantry moths for the last few months. If you have never heard of pantry moths, or wondering why I am going on about them, read more on them here and how they prey on unsuspecting pantries.

They are a moth that infests and invades all the packaged goods stored in your pantry - cereals, flours, nuts, biscuits, crackers, jars, you name it! The are grey in colour and only small, but boy do they cause havoc and damage.

I don't want to give the little suckers the honour of even showing their face on Glamour Coastal Living - but I will. Just so you can identify them! Here is their mug shot...

The job of a Stylist

You know the beautiful photos you see on Instgram, whether its a flatlay of products, or a perfectly styled home. The ones that have you double tapping the photo with Instagram love before you can even blink? Often the people behind these perfectly orchestrated photos are Stylists. 

What is a Stylist?

The put together a look to be photographer or presented, whether it be:

- gathering a selection of products and props for a brand

- food styling for a cookbook or online media

- fashion and makeup 

- interior styling and homes 

It may be for a photoshoot, for a catalogue, a catwalk or a website.

There are many types of stylists and today I thought I would share with you four Instagram accounts I follow of talented stylists.

Bonnie Kay

Bonnie is a Melbourne based Stylist + Visual Merchandiser. Her Instagram feed is fun and colourful, like this recent photo using brands and props.

Exposed Brick on the interior of your home

Exposed Brick on the interior of your home.

Raw, charming, rustic, history, industrial, cottage feel, character, expression, timeless.

There are alot of words that pop into my head when I think of exposed brick in the interior of a home. In the last few years, this look has become increasingly popular with home owners and designers.

It does bring a touch of texture and character to a room, especially if the rooms lacks personality or a 'wow factor'. 

You could have a brick feature wall near a fireplace or TV, a brick pillar, in a bedroom or living space, as a kitchen splashback. The ideas are endless.

 This look is one that you do minimally - I am not saying pull all the gyprock off your living room walls, instead a small feature area only. You do not want the brick to feel overwhelming or that it is closing in on you (like the living areas of some 1980's homes!).

Three Birds Reno - renovating for profit

What do you think about renovating for profit?

 A gamble isn't it, a hard gig?

There are three Mums that are making it looks easy and are raking in some serious dollars, renovating Sydney homes as a team.

You have have heard of Three Bird Renovations?

Three Birds Renovations sum themselves up as...

..."Best friends and busy mums, we walked away from our corporate careers in pursuit of a more fulfilling life. Together we created Three Birds Renovations – a boutique renovation company where we buy, renovate and sell suburban homes."

These ladies are kicking some serious goals as a team and are making us all drool over their style and renovations. When I shared a before and after photo of The Birds latest project on facebook you all went ballistic. You loved it and wanted to see more - we all did!

So today I am sharing the before and after photos of not one, but the four renovation projects these ladies have completed recently. 

I think you will be able to work out which are the before and then the after photos - no captions needed:P

The Nordic Look at Aldi!

The nordic look in homewares is an extension of the Scandinavian look. Its light and breezy - blonde timbers, white walls, block prints and feature furniture like great pendant lights and tables.

Today, this blog post is coming to you as a public service announcement.

 I am giving you time to get ready, as on Saturday morning you need to make a mad dash to Aldi. Aldi has nordic styled homewares on sale including some fabulous pendant lights, furniture and rugs. Run don't walk I tell you, it will sell out fast.

Lets take a look at what is on offer...

source

A living room makeover - two looks!

It no secret - I have a design crush on Kyal and Kara.

 You may have seen their home renovation here on the blog before? I love their style, design ideas and their use of texture and colour in their projects.

If I was to leave my own homes design and styling in the hands of a capable couple, it would be them. Watching them on Friday night on the Living Room, I thought that they were clear winners in the styling challenge.

Did you catch it on TV? You can see it here if you missed it.

Kyal and Kara, alongside designer James Treble had the task of styling an oddly shaped living room. Kyal and Kara created a homely space, with a flowing layout, shades of blue, lots of texture in their art and fabrics and a space that felt lived in. It could have been described as a relaxed coastal space.

Mater Prize Home Tour: Caro & Kingi's Octagon Apartment

On The Block, their consistent style saw Kingi and Caro’s apartment repeatedly score high each week. Their ‘scandustrial’ themed apartment from the most recent series of the show was a style we had not seen on The Block before. 

Did you watch The Block Blocktagon series?

If you did, then this unique apartment will be one you will recognise. The Mater Prize Home lottery has snapped up the apartment and it is the latest prize home on offer. 

Its located in the hip and happening suburb of South Yarra in Melbourne, nestled amongst cafes, green spaces and culture.

What makes this apartment block unique though is the floor plan.

Builds + Renos to keep an eye on!

 Are you looking for inspiration for an upcoming reno or build?
 Or perhaps you are already in the thick of it?

I thought I would share today some fabulous Instagram accounts where these talented ladies are doing just that - either tackling a renovation or a new build. Who doesn't love seeing real homes and real projects? I know I do!

let me introduce you to...

The Build Blog by Christiana

I have only recently stumbled across Interior Designer Christiana's account and love seeing snippets of her amazing style and the progress of her house build. Located on the beautiful D’Entrecasteaux Channel in Southern Tasmania, a dream family home is under construction. Incredible water views and a weatherboard coastal inspired home in Colorbond's Surfmist and Shale Grey colours, it is a build to keep your eye on. It is going to look incredible. See more of the build here.

(photo is Christiana's inspiration for the end build, home is currently still under construction!)

Changing your home with the season

So what has been happening in my neck of the woods?

I have been playing catch up at work, after taking a week off to holiday in Port Douglas, I have been spending up at Target buying a few new home decor pieces and I have used my slow cooker this week (first time since last winter!). Yep Autumn must be here! 

As much as I love salads and fresh summer cooking I am a complete sucker for a steamy hot bowl of homemade casserole or something tasty. It has been so rainy here on the Gold Coast and I misjudged the rain for cold autumn temperatures yesterday, which it definitely wasn't. We had a hot beef casserole for dinner and nearly needed to turn the aircon on hehe.

 It is still hot and sticky here with temperatures nearly hitting 30 degrees each day.

I can feel though that there is a change in the air... 

The sun is rising later each morning.

The morning has a slight chill in the shade (that is until about 7am, then you are dripping in humidity!) 

I am starting to wake a little later each day (around 5:30am instead of 4:30am in summer) which is nice.

I love the change of season, it is the perfect opportunity to freshen up all aspects of your life - your home, your goals and personal relationships. 

Scandi Style in your home

Hey, how was your weekend?

Just thought I would pop in today to show you a style I am absolutely loving, Scandi home interiors. 

source

If you love this style, here are a few of my tips to get the Scandi look in your home. 

On Trend: Round Towels

I had wanted a roundie for a very long time and before heading off to Hawaii last year, Hubby surprised me with one. I literally cried!

I had never said that I wanted one, nor did I even realise that he knew what they were or where to buy them! I was impressed. Massive brownie points!

Are you a roundie lover too?

Oh Hi + Some Lovely Links!

So what's new with you?

Your here because usually on Friday you would be expecting to see a Feature Friday Home Tour right? Well today as you read this I am most likely sky high on a plane, en route to Newcastle for a dear friends Hens weekend.

My Mum is beside me, she is coming along for the weekend shenanigans - we can't wait! Ever done a hens weekend with your Mum before?

So the week escaped me and I didn't come across any share worthy house tours. I only want to show you the best, so stay posted as next week I will be showing you something pretty special. Here is a sneak peak....

Do tell me if you recognise this home, I am sure some of you will. Especially if you are on Instagram! I will be share to let you know when this home tour goes live on the blog, its one you wont want to miss!

I thought I would share today some lovely links that I have come across this week, from some of my favourite Aussie Bloggers.

++ Karin from Calm to Conniption has launched a new series The Mummy Soul Sessions. Take a look, Karin is fabulous!

++ Katrina Chambers has been posting some fab new bargain home wares finds like this new Target bedding range, new buys from Cotton On Kids and Kmarts latest bargains.

 I love low cost homewares!

++ Over on Fat Mum Slim, Chantelle is giving away a $1000 towards your next wardrobe (squel!!), showing you how to cook an easy sun pie and writing her littliest baby sweet words (warning, tears may arise!).

++ Fleur over at Our Urban Box is also showing you some top homewares buys, this time Creating a tropical paradise on a budget. Click to it!

Happy clicking and I will see you all next week - have a fun weekend xx

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Valentines Day Gift Guide

Valentines Day is only 12 days away and I thought today I would share some of my picks for that hunky man in your life.

They are not all mushy and romantic, they are just 'hey I thought you would like this, I was thinking of you gifts'. They are gifts I know my Hubby would love!

We usually celebrate Valentines Day with a mushy loved up card and I will normally bake Hubby's favourite dessert (anything with chocolate or caramel). For us, its just a day to say sweet things and say I love you as in the same week we celebrate our wedding anniversary (18th February).

Through the eyes of Instagram: January

Looking back at my month of January through the eyes of Instagram...

lots of ocean blues

earthy brown interiors

beautiful homes

beauty

sunshiney days

Lets take a look shall we?