~ My Heart ~

The lovely Millie over at The Laurel Hedge has tagged me to play along
with My Heart - all I have to do it find a photo that best represents my heart!  It has taken me a few days to put it together mainly because I was trying to be a little creative but when it came down to it I have 5 photos that best show my heart and yes most of them are of those who are the closest to me.

My three beautiful girls - Sienna, Sofia and Indiana.  This photo was taken last weekend while they were all cuddling on the lounge - such a beautiful moment which made my heart smile - this is the moment I have been praying for for such a long time and it is so wonderful to know that my family is finally all here after what feels like an eternity of ups and downs in order to realise our dreams.  

My gorgeous and sexy husband - here we are on our wedding day in 2000 under the Sydney Harbour Bridge with those wonderful Olympics Rings shining brightly - a magical day followed by 9 magical years.

My wonderful dad who taught me so much about the importance of treating people well and giving back - sadly my dad is no longer with us as he lost his battle with cancer 6 years ago at the age of 58 - he was such a special person.  He even taught me how to build a house which is coming in ever so handy now that we are in the middle of our current project!

My Mum - being a mum myself now makes me appreciate the hard work that goes into raising a family - I think I have turned out ok and that really comes down to great parents who were always there when I needed them.

Finally the colour PINK - I love everything about the colour Pink (thank heavens I have lots of girls so my obsession can continue).  I think Pink sums up my personality - bright, happy, optimistic and lots of fun!

What does your heart look like ....

Meredith @ Count It All Joy


and anyone else who would love to play along

Anna Lou of London

Anna Lou of London in Fouberts Place

Anna Lou's seaside cutout
I discovered Anna Lou of London the other day and what a delight! The bright mix of colours drew me in as I walked past the door in Fouberts Place. Although most of the pieces aren't to my personal taste, I couldn't help but appreciate what the designer Anna Scaife is doing in her handcrafted brightly-coloured plastic kitsch pieces.


Coral brooch
I just couldn't walk away without buying the large coral plastic flower brooch above!


Anna Lou of London
Anna Lou of London by Torie Jayne featuring Anna Lou jewelry

From the website:

"Anna Louise Scaife, founder and creative director of 'Anna Lou of London' has enjoyed continued success with her celebrated fashion Jewelery handbags and accessories. All collections are handcrafted."

Celebrity clients include Kate Moss, Madonna and Emma Watson.

Tag I'm it and I'm sharing!


I have been given this lovely badge to honor - a badge of honor! Tag!

I have been tagged by my adorable friend Laurel of gorgeous blog HappySimpleLife

Here are the rules:

Copy the logo and place it on my blog
Link it back to the person who gave it to me
Pass it on to five fellow bloggers
List 10 things about myself

Here are my 10 facts:
  1. Fashion designer for over ten years
  2. Moved to New York when I was 21 and lived there for 2 1/2 years
  3. I have three gorgeous sisters
  4. I have been with the love of my life for 17 years
  5. I am obsessed with matching colours
  6. I was called squirt by my family growing up but I am 5'8. I come from a tall family!
  7. I am the only sister with blue eyes
  8. I couldn't live without my iPhone
  9. My favourite story about my Dad is the time he stood in the corner of the dining room turning a desk lamp installed with a blue light bulb on and off to create a disco for me and my friends on my 8th Birthday whilst the rest of the family was ill in bed with chicken pox!
  10. My teacher nicknamed me "glitter fairy"

Thank you Lauren for your beautiful comments that inspire me daily!

For my 5 lovely bloggers:
  1. Freudian slips vintage
  2. Rosina Lee
  3. Buebau
  4. Oh for the Love
  5. Pickalapoopa

Best wishes to you all!

~ Glam Bedrooms ~

I have decided I want a glamorous bedroom in our new house.

Beautiful flowing fabrics ...

Gorgeous bedside lights ...

Lovely rich colours ...

Lots of texture ...

Here are a few bedrooms I wouldn't mind falling fast asleep in ...





Alex Monroe

Bird in the nest ring by Alex Monroe
Bird in the nest ring

Following on from my discussion of birds as a trend, I'd like to introduce a British jewellery designer, Alex Monroe, whose designs I've really fallen for. They're delicate, pretty, and vintage-looking.

My favourite pieces are from 'The Poet and the Nest' collection and I particularly adore the 'Bird in the nest' ring above, with a pearl as the setting. As a child, I remember being enchanted by this sort of delicate, whimsical jewellery that was so personal to the wearer.


Diamond set heart locket with swallow by Alex Monroe
Diamond set heart locket with swallow


Little bird charm bracelet
Little bird charm bracelet


From his website:

"His designs are slightly quirky, sometimes cute, but always very feminine."

"Meander through the British countryside to the sound of birdsong. This lively collection captures the energy and spirit of our smallest native song birds. Pink and blue Topaz stones dance with Goldcrests and Reed Warblers among the branches and leaves of the summer meadows. Take a piece of summer with you where ever you go!"

Fans include Kate Moss, Britney Spears, Thandie Newton, and Amy Winehouse, to name a few!

Bird in the bush cups

Bird in the bush cups
Bird in the bush cups from Dutch by Design

In my search for all things birdy I came across these ever-so-cute bird in the bush cups. A thoroughly modern mug tree that you would be proud to leave out in the kitchen. I love the sheer simplicity of them coupled with the ingenious handles.

Poem by anon

Birds and more birds


Recently, I've been seeing birds everywhere. Whether they're used in graphics on websites like Laura Ashley and Graham & Green, or on the High Street with bird cage necklaces aplenty, it seems to me that our feathered friends have hit the mainstream as a trend.

It's not the bright, colourful flamingos or peacocks of last year, either. Instead they're the small, softly-coloured birds that you're more likely to find in your back garden.

Why is this? Personally, I think it represents a return to a more natural, organic, comforting symbolism. The bird imagery I'm seeing is delicate, pretty and vintage, evoking a mood more in tune with comfort, homeliness, and eco-friendliness. Take, for example, the Hampton Court flower show that I recently visited where "eco" was the word of the day. A lot of the stalls displayed many bird-inspired garden products, from plant supports to outdoor napkin holders... (check back later for my full report on this wonderful event!).

In tune with this, I'd like to share some of this great bird imagery I've discovered recently. Please visit my Polyvore set above to see some of what I think are the best examples of wallpaper, cushions and jewellery in this trend.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about this recent trend!
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