Jikana Damaru

White on White

This week on Flickr Faves Sunday, I bring you a white on white story. I chose white on white as it has been a big fashion trend this summer and one that is set to continue. I love the peacefulness of white on white. Check back soon for some more of the most inspirational photographers on Flickr.

Some beautiful shots from my Flickr favourites (from left to right):

I love the intricate cold heart from Sommerfugel
The beautiful cup handle in back to white VI from Weird Melancholy.
The shell chandelier in A little light... from Snowdrops.
The string balls in waiting ... from Among the hedgerows.
The perfume bottle with bird from Sunshine Syrie
The delicate detail on the plate in back to white VII from Weird Melancholy.
The detail of the embroderie anglaise in a woman can never be too fine while she is all in white ... ~ jane austen from Among the hedgerows
The delicate cutwork in Recycled Memories from The Curious Nomad.
The lighting in the white painting from nic*nilla.

Old fashioned candy

Rhubarb & custard, strawberry bonbons, and milk bottles: retro candy is in. Candy has been a trend for a while, what with Madonna's album called Hard Candy, and Ralph Lauren's daughter Dylan opening "Dylan's Candy Bar" a candy boutique on Third Avenue in New York.

The candy trends for 2009 are jelly beans, for their irresistible colours and flavors, and retro sweets for the memories. Old fashioned and retro candy continues to comfort the mind and taste buds for those who may be a bit apprehensive about the future.

Hope & greenwood by Torie Jayne on Polyvore.com

Over the past few years in London we have seen a crop of old fashioned sweet shops pop up. Hope and Greenwood, in Covent Garden and in East Dulwich and Mrs Kibbles Olde Sweet Shoppe in Soho, and in St Christopher's Place. The sweets are sold by the quarter ounce from rows and rows of shiny glass jars crammed full with such delights as rosy apples, shrimps, jelly babies and flying saucers. It is a childhood dream come true and a delight for those of us who like to colour co-ordinate with sweet candy.

Sweetie World by Torie Jayne on Polyvore.com

~ 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

Lee @ Glimpse of Style

and anyone else who would love to play along

Anna Lou of London

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.

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

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:

Fashion designer for over ten years
Moved to New York when I was 21 and lived there for 2 1/2 years
I have three gorgeous sisters
I have been with the love of my life for 17 years
I am obsessed with matching colours
I was called squirt by my family growing up but I am 5'8. I come from a tall family!
I am the only sister with blue eyes
I couldn't live without my iPhone
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!
My teacher nicknamed me "glitter fairy"

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

For my 5 lovely bloggers:

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

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!