Jikana Damaru

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

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 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

Bird Love by Torie Jayne on Polyvore.com

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!

~ Wardrobe Update ~

Now that I am no longer pregnant and restricted to a very special section of my wardrobe I am keen to have a wardrobe update. I have been scanning the pages of a few favourite mags (a very brief scan mind you as time is very limited). Here are some lovely items I found while look through my Notebook Magazine

While not all of these are terribly practical for a breastfeeding mum, I do love to dream about what is now possible without a big belly in front - maybe a few more months before I can be this adventurous though!

~ New Book Love ~

I recently watched a TV interview with Suzy Welch the author of this great new book 10-10-10. I found what she was saying to make sense so I went straight out and purchased the book.

The theory behind 10-10-10 is fabulous and something that I think will help me in day to day life - "What will the consequences of my options be in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years?". Check out her website www.suzywelch101010.com to read more - I am sure her techniques will help in every aspect of life.

~ House Update ~

I am back and feeling much more like my old self - I was struck by the dreaded mastitis but thank heavens I hit it on the head early so it has all cleared up - no wonder I was feeling so bad for a few days last week.

I thought it was probably time for a house update as things are moving along nicely. Exterior painting has begun and the colour I have chosen looks great - Wattyl Winter Sky. The feature colours will be Dulux String and Dulux Carriage.

On the inside we now have all the wiring and plumbing in and the gyprock is all but finished - it looks like a whole new house with the walls in - I can't wait to get some colour on them which is my next task. We purchased lots of sample pots of paint on the weekend so now we need to decide on which "white" is the correct "white". Currently we are looking at Whisper White, Antique White USA and Grand Piano (all by Dulux) however I am thinking I also need to try something a little whiter like White on White - anyone have any suggestions as I do want it to be a fairly bright white.

We are tossing up a few feature walls and the colours we are currently looking at are Dulux Knot, Dulux Baton, Dulux Sea Elephant, Dulux Barnfloor or Dulux Porcelain Figurines.

The picture above shows where our kitchen will go and the room at the end will be the family room.

This angle looks back the other way at the dining room and formal lounge - the whole in the wall is for the fireplace!!

Our timber floors go in this week and then the staircase - all very exciting.

Hush sale - 14th July 2009

The Hush sale starts on the 14th of July. Hush are my favourite Luxe loungewear boutique for pyjamas, robes, and sundresses.

From Hush-uk.com: "... our pyjamas are all low-waisted - to make your legs look as long and your bum as small as possible; and why our vest tops have a hidden support so that you can keep your cleavage even when you lose your bra."

They have the most beautiful loungewear in their catalogues, and having ordered some, I can say the pyjamas really lived up to expectation! The pyjama sets come in a small matching bag in the same fabric, wrapped up in sumptuous mocha-coloured tissue paper.

They're great for gifts for you or for others. I always recommend Hush to male friends having difficulty choosing a gift for their partners for birthday or Christmas.

A few of the items above are going into the sale (clockwise from top left):