Rachael Ruddick Clutch

When I saw this clutch in a magazine a few days back I instantly fell in love. Maybe it's the size, maybe it's the colour, maybe it's the texture, who knows? (and who cares!) all I know is that it would look spectacular on me.

It's the Castlereagh clutch in Lilac Grey Parrotfish and can be found online here.

Wish: Diamond Pendant (Canturi)

It's a common advertisement in the Qantas magazine, and it always catches my eye. I can imagine the sun hitting those diamonds. My favourite collection is the "Cubism".

Apparently he also did a piece for Barbie, who knew?

Jewellery - for runners!

So I've recently taken up running (ok, it's more like jogging, and probably that's pushing the envelope). You can probably tell form some of my past posts I'm a fan of bright, shinny objects and these runner charms, earrings and other jewels are nothing different.

Like these from http://www.liftyoursole.com/

Or these from Etsy

Now all I have to do is choose one.....

Not just a paper bag lunch – Stylish Lunch Bags

I've been a bit slack post holidays, you'll have to forgive me...

Recently I was looking for a stylish bag to carry my lunch, and I was surprised at the variety available. Usually I just carry my lunch in a plastic bag, but it looks kinda messy and everything squishes together, not good for bananas and stone fruit! So here are some of my favourites:

Vintage

It wasn't that long ago that I was going to school with one of these. You'll pay top $$$ for one in mint condition, but I have the feeling that my lunch will no long fit in one!

Sachi

These look the least like a lunch bag than all the other options. I'd almost be afraid to put it in the fridge, but then I guess that's what the look is about.

Dooney & Bourke

A slightly different look, I love the sturdy handles and the variety of patterns you can choose from.

BuiltNY (Getway tote)

This is the one I finally went for. Trouble with these is that it's hard to find one (except in the plain colours) that does not have pink, I finally went for the cute polka dot number. The hold: Salad container, sandwich container, drink, fruit and yogurt tub!

Paper Book Wreath

I've seen these on and off in the past year or so and think they're delightful.

As an avid reader however, I get a bit squeamish when I think of the poor books that went into making one!

There are two options if you want one in your home (personally I think it would look great in my home "library"). Option 1 is to buy one from a store such as Papier D'Amour; or Option 2 is to make your own using instructions such as those provided by Booklicious Blog. Either way, such a neat idea.

Typewriter Keys as Jewellery

I saw these at a craft fair once and immediately wanted one. Not only do they fall in my beloved Vintage category, but my mother was a sectary back in the day and there is so much history behind one of theses pieces.

I own a bracelet from http://www.typekey.com.au/, an Australian provider and earrings and a necklace pendant from TAB Typewriter Key in the US.

The main reason I decided to go to TAB for my remaining pieces is the cost was so much lower, obviously because typewriters are easier to source in the US. Either way they are beautiful pieces, that are great conversation starters.

Christmas Recap

For something different I thought I'd share my 5 outstanding items from this Christmas. I was spoilt so this definitely isn't an inclusive list, and there is no order, but thought it might get your juices flowing for the sales or your wish list next year!

1. Winter Candy Apple Shower Gel

This seasonal item from Bath and Body Works, has the most gorgeous smell, and you only need a tiny bit to work up a real lather.

2. Polar FT7 Watch

I recently started jogging, and this was a gift from DH, awww. Functional and stylish.

3. Clinique Long Lasting Lipgloss gift set

I'm a fan of Clinique's Full Potential Lip Gloss, but I was gifted the Long Lasting Lipgloss. It comes in a cool gift pack, so you can try and find your perfect colour. (Technically I think this was a birthday gift, but they're so close together I decided to count it here).

4. Charter Club Cat Brooch

I'm a big fan of cats and brooches, so this was a great combo. Too bad that I only wear brooches in the winter and I'll have to wait for the weather to cool to wear it. Also love the cute little gift box it came in.

5. Belkin TuneCast Auto

I can finally play my ipod in the car, now all I have to do is finish putting my music collection on my ipod (I'm about 80% there).

So did you have any favourites from your holiday gifts this year?

Post Holiday Sales

There are a few items we buy every year in the post Christmas sales, and then there are items I add to my list as needed. The top items on our shopping list this year are:


1. Cards

We make a count on how many we used this year and then buy accordingly, I refuse to pay full price for an item that may be shown/used for a 2 week period

There's just so much to choose from...

2. Pajamas

Another item I refuse to pay full price for, other than DH who is ever going to see them?

Two of my favourites are: Peter Alexander and Sussans Sleepwear

3. Kitchenware e.g. glasses, measuring spoons, appliances

You can always get great deals on those items that make eating and cooking enjoyable. Last year we picked up a great dinner set by Maxwell Williams from a local department store.

4. Swim wear

I'm still loving the 1950s style, such as Seafolly's Viva Boyleg:

Esther Williams Vintage Style Suits;

or

The Marilyn by Pinup Couture

5. Towels and sheets

My favourites are the Sheridan brand in browns or maroon colours.

Happy shopping, just don't overdo it!

So yes, there’s a practicality to my list which doesn’t make it too exciting, but I love the thrill of finding great buy and figuring out what else I can spend the money on I saved!

Diaries/Journals

It’s getting to be that time of year when the 2011 diaries are coming out. I have a soft spot for the written form of diaries, I love making lists and ticking things off as they get done. I also have a bit of a stationary fetish and there is quite a selection of notebooks and journals that are quite fetching. Here’s some of my favourites:

1. Kikki K
A cute stationary store, which you can get online or in store with a great selection. My favourites:

Meal Planner

2011 Time Planner

2. Moleskines

Classic, stylish and simple

3. Cat Naps 2011 Diary

I'm a sucker for cute cats, and they always add a brightness to my day

4. Paua Shell

I've been spending a fair amount of time in Auckland, New Zealand and have been eyeing these off at the airport each week

5. Silk Paper Journal

Or you could try this gorgeous notebook I found on eBay, love the red

Reading Chairs

So we have a “library” at home, in fact, it’s just one of the spare rooms with my extensive bookcase in it. But it’s missing a nice reading chair, so I thought I’d share some of the chairs I’ve been looking at on the off chance that I’m at home enough to use the “library” and actually need a reading chair.

My absolute favourite, is this style (the Chesterfield), so old school, isn't it?

These, look like they would fit into any decor, but I'm not sure that they have much room to move.

 

Or if you like to read in the bath, how about one of these reading trays, to keep your pages dry!

Finally the Lazy Boy Recliners

The question is, comfort vs. style....

Home Sweet Home: Yankee Candles

I love the smell of baked goods, but not being a baker I rely on candles to fill my house with yummy aroma. Although you can't buy them in Australia, when ever anyone does a trip to the US they always come back with an order. They also have great specials from time to time so check out their website: Yankee Candle Company

My top 5 fragrances at the moment (in no particular order):

1. Apple pie

2. Black Cherry

3. Cinnamon Roll

4. Mango Peach Salsa

5. Pumpkin Pie

French and Modern Chandeliers

I have always had an affinity with Chandeliers. I'm not sure if it's the history behind each vintage or antique piece, or whether it's just the sparkle and shine of them, especially when the sun hits them.

Of course they come in many a colour for the modern chandelier, and I particularly like the black and red variety.

Ansel Adams Photography

I had heard of Ansel Adams prior to our 2005 trip to Yosemite National Park in California, but never truly had an appreciation for his work.

Yosemite Valley, Thunderstorm by Ansel Adams

If your lucky enough to come across one of his originals (or even better inherit one) hold onto it, because they are priceless these days.

Needless to say we had to settle for a print from his online studio http://www.anseladams.com/, but once framed it takes pride and place in our bedroom.

And while Ansel Adams took beautiful photographs all around California, I will always associate him with Yosemite.

Redwoods by Ansel Adams