Clearing The Path For Christmas

It’s almost that time! The time I have been dreaming and wishing for .. months in the making. The time when I get to leave the corporate world behind to be done with;

The Project That Ate My Life!!

Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, it is almost over. In just a few short days I will be saying adieu to the relentless schedules and timeframes that pushed the boundaries of my Work/Life Relationship to a new level of frustration. Yes indeed… Adios, Arrivederci, Caput, Done, Dusted, Abbastanza!!!! Time for rest, renewal and finding my sense of humour. It’s also time to be getting on with Christmas!

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UH OH… CHRISTMAS…

I have completed ignored the fact that it is just over a week away. I’ve done no shopping, no presents, no decorating and worse … no Christmas Tree!! My one small tradition, which I admit I have overlooked for a few years now, is the acquisition and decoration of said Christmas Tree. Now before you call Social Services on me for neglecting my children, husband, Auntie twice removed, cousin in Outer Mongolia, doggie down the street! Don’t worry!! It is only me in this tiny apartment I call home. That is probably why I have become so lazy about this small indulgence of a tree. And small it is… considering all the lugging, lifting, rearranging and car squishing transporting will be done by self only … small will be the order of the day.

OK.. So first things first. Before I can even contemplate purchasing the prized possession, I need to get my house in order … literally. Months of 7 day working weeks has left not just my body, mind and sense of humour in a crumbling mess, but my apartment is bearing the brunt of Hurricane Julie. Organizing and cleaning after the months of neglect will take a small army and.. well … as the Governor- General is unwilling to assist in that department, I have considered calling in the big guns!! Yep… Mary Poppins!! I’ve heard there’s a new Mary on the block, a younger, prettier, more agile Mary. Not that I have anything against Julie Andrews, but seeing youth is no longer on my side, it better come with the cleaning lady.

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Oooh Look.. Here Comes the New Mary Now

My type of gal… bringing the moon with her!!

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Mary’s brief will be simple; Clean the mess, organize the chaos and transform my tiny unit into a charming, yet unpretentious cottage, with private verandah overlooking the sea, somewhere far away from the city limits. Perhaps a small brook bubbling in the yard and perpetual rainbow crowning the roofline. Not too much to ask I say? We all know Mary’s carpet bag is just brimming with possibilities. Throw in a few butterflies and blue birds for good measure and life will be wonderful.

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By the time Mary has finished sprucing up the joint, I hope the place will look a little like this. Peaceful, pastel loveliness. Nothing too garish, simple decor waiting for the season’s embellishment.

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Only THEN I can get down to the business of decorating and consider the purchase of the prized Christmas Tree!

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OH .. and as we Australians are in the midst of summer, I’ll need the outdoors tweaked a little ready for my R&R and the zillion new friends I will make. Couldn’t hurt to throw in a pool!

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Only THEN can I look around me and say yes… this is the place I deserve to relax!

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If by some sick twist of fate Mary is not available next week, I’ll go with Glinda … I hear she’s got the goods also!

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Until next time.. when I will be celebrating the start of my fresh new life

[well at least until I get my next contract!]

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IMAGE SOURCE: # Mary and Glinda, Google Image Search. # Interiors: Scanned from Romantic Homes Magazine

FINALLY FRIDAY: Aussie Beach Shack – Just Shabby

Finally it is Friday!!!

The weekend is here and as usual all I want to do is escape… Somewhere quiet, relaxed and unpretentious. Well last time I posted an Aussie Beach Shack I was informed by a few that it was not quite like the shacks of our youth... ‘not shacky enough’. ha ha I agree!

Anywhere I ever stayed in my youth was pretty much an uncoordinated mismatch of worn furniture, discarded crockery and old scrappy linen. I’m not talking ‘Shabby Chic’ here people, just shabby!! But you know those weekends were always the most relaxing and carefree. It’s true these days I prefer a little more comfort, but the shack I am about to show you, although definitely ‘roughing it’ [and perhaps unnihabitable?], looks like an incredible escape from the modern mayhem, with THE most coveted view you could image.. Sydney Harbour.

These dramatic images were created by Simon Kenny, an Australian photographer I discovered when I first started blogging. I love his work and am pretty sure you will love it too. IF not .. you will surely love the view.

So .. here to gently lure you into a weekend of relaxation is ..

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Crater Cove ..Sydney Harbour

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Here she is

In all her ‘UN’ Glory!

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UDPATED: Saturday 22 August

The giveaway is now closed.

Thank you ALL who entered. The winner will be picked through a random draw and announced early next week

Good Luck




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Have A Great Weekend

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Ciao Julie

IMAGES: By Simon Kenny

INSPIRED BY: Art and Hues of the Sea

Inspiration from the mysterious sea and it's hidden depths of blue and green.

Image: from Ralph Lauren

The sea has long held a fascination for me. I think my introduction to this obsession came from my grandfather's many watercolours of sailboats and majestic ocean liners, lovingly worn books and his own personal stories of life at sea as a cabin boy. Long after he was gone, his books and paintings continually strengthened my obsession, as did my brother's own art. Unfortunately for me, he was the one to inherent this talent (and possibly the watercolours??).

I suppose it should not surprise me then that my favourite colours are blue and green. And not just the light and friendly hues. My passion also runs deeper to the dark, deep blues and steely grey greens. Any colour really you would find in an ocean storm.

Hawaii Seascape: by Betty Paeth

I love to bring these passions into my surroundings so I can enjoy them daily. My preference (but still a dream) is to have a somewhat neutral setting which can then be punctuated by bursts of colour (often changed to suit my mood). One way to introduce this colour is by artful placement of cluster paintings, or even a large looming piece that dominates the space. At the end of this post, you will find some wonderful art that has recently inspired me. But for now, here are some examples of both art and sea inspired hues found in my online meanderings.

Nautically Inspired

Of course I had to include 'The Sofa'

Sea Foam & Deeper Hues

Ships & Sailboats

IMAGES: House Beautiful , Ralph Lauren, Nicholas Haslam, Velvet & Linen, Taverne Agency

Some great inspiration for cluster art can be found at Anna Spiro's blog Absolutely Beautiful Things. This designer has the touch for bringing art and fabulous colour into your home.

Wallpaper (with hues of the sea)

The first two images above are from Shannon Fricke's home. Another fabulous Australian talent. Her home is something to envy.

And of course, finally, the wonderful art that inspired this post. These pieces below fascinate me. Oh how I would love to own and cherish them myself.

Art That Inspires Me

A little Blurb about the Art

#1 - I like to call this the 'Blue Lady'. I can look at her for hours and wonder what her life was like, and what she was thinking in this moment. This elegant lady seems a little sad to me. Perhaps she is stifled by the protocols of her station in life. (found via 'Absolutely Beautiful Things' blogspot)

#2 - Seascape by 'Whistler'. One of the many beautiful seascapes by Whistler. This image was found at 'House Beautiful'

#3 - This painting was posted at 'A Bloomsbury Life'. I really don't know anything about it other than the colours and composition sing to me. [postcript: artist: Dora Carrington]

#4 - I just adore this artwork by Adalaide Johnson. These two ladies look very carefully attired and almost uncomfortable in their surroundings. Is it just the shoes not suited to the terrain? I think it might be another case of being stifled by protocol. This was part of an art show held by the fabulous store Curious Sofa. I can't get to the store, but I love visiting her blog 'Curious Sofa Diaries'.

#5 - 'Centennial Park' by Marcella Kasper. Subtle muted colours. The subject here is not the sea, but Centennial Park in Sydney. I used to park my car there every morning on the way to work. Some winter mornings you could be lucky enough to see a mist sweep in from the sea. So not of the sea, but from the sea.

Well that is all for this post. If you can't live by the sea, at least you can bring it into your home by way of art and colour. I love to know 'what' inspires you and 'how' you incorporate that love into your surroundings.

Dedicated to 'Dagga' ... and

'Those who go down to sail the sea in ships

who do their business on the high seas'

Postscript:
If you happen to make it to the end of this post ... congratulations ... it was a bit 'mammoth' and became somewhat of my 'archilles heel'.

BEACH SHACK: Aussie Vintage

Happy weekend everyone.

This cute little beach shack reminds me of a very aussie 'rite of passage'. That is, the infamous weekend away at the beach shack. Lucky for me, I had friends who had one.

Crazy days when life was easy and the hardest decision was where to eat out, and the only worry was hoping your 1st car will make the trip there and back (my little green mini often didn't). Once there, the days were spent at ease with the beach only a walk away down the track.

Well in memory of those wonderful weekends, I thought I would share some Aussie Beach Shack love with you. This particular dandy is another treasure by phographer Simon Kenny.

Beautiful beach, but let's see the shack

Here we are at the front porch. You will notice another aussie tradition, the garden gnome here to welcome us and a bit of Pelican love on the roof!

So come inside. There's plenty of lounges to relax and some great vintage touches to help you feel a million miles from home.

Ok we need some modern technology, just not too modern!

And here we are at the kitchen. If you're hungry there may be something in the fridge!

Ok, so come out the back, there is something I want to show you ...

No.. it it's not this...

It's this!

When your hard day's effort at the beach is over, just take a soak in the tub. No need to walk the sand through the house!

IMAGES: Content Agency

Well I think I would prefer a more soothing palette for a getaway, but these high energy colours do remind me of being a teenager! Although the furnishings were much more 'lost and found' and the space a lot less orderly.

Enjoy Your Weekend!