*

the girl loves a hat

2011-07-26T21:06:00.000+01:00

And this is what Will brought through to the bedroom first thing this morning. How can you not wake up in a good mood?

flowers flowers

2011-07-26T21:02:00.000+01:00

everywhere! Scotland is covered :

Our path was dotted with liquorice black snails, topped with copper shells. Beautiful.

Bathtime

2011-07-06T19:34:00.000+01:00

Nothing gives me more pleasure than watching my daughter bath. She loves it. (Although in this photo it looks like she doesn't. Or maybe she just doesn't want her picture taken). Usually Will baths her. And they have a strict routine. Wash hair and face. Brush teeth. Numbers and counting. Reading books. Then out, and play on the bed.

**I have decided I desperately want some photography lessons. I need a fresh perspective. I need to open up the options with this tool. I know nothing!

Inspiring words

2011-07-05T12:07:00.000+01:00

Not a single gram of f**k shall be given today.

2011-06-22T19:21:00.000+01:00

I have a gap! Hence the quick post. About all the simple things I am missing and would like to do for a full week when we get back to SA.

- eat loads of ice cream
- swim in the sea
- lie in the sun, with Bo
- watch endless movies
- read dozens of crime novels

Only 6 weeks till home.

There are some things I will miss from being in Scotland. The endless options of routes to run in the beautiful wild. And the shopping, of course. There are so many things I would love to get before we go back. This is top of my list (Concetta dinnerware from Habitat) :

Don't ya just love it?

Things I want to teach my daughter

2011-05-28T15:50:00.001+01:00

1) Life is fair. Everything is as it should be. (The universe is supportive.)
2) Never take anything personally.
3) Forgiveness is difficult, but leads to freedom and growth.
4) It is safe for you to be powerful. You can be powerful in a loving way that benefits others and yourself.
5) Compassion
6) Tolerance
7) Mind-body wisdom (the connection between emotional experiences and physical health)
8) What you send out into the world will be returned to you.

To the birthday girl

2011-05-28T15:23:00.001+01:00

My dearest Bo on your first birthday,

This first year has been an eye opening journey. You have been amazing. Thank you. How have I done so far?

My wish is that I stay open always to the lessons you will teach me.
My hope is that I pass on only the lessons that will support you on your journey.
My want is that you will always be able to trust in me and talk to me.

I love you baby girl.

touring scotland

2011-05-28T15:13:00.001+01:00

Images from our road trips around Scotland from the past three weeks.
I am in love with the nature here.

St Andrews

On the road to Speyside

Isle of Islay. We heart!

first birthday invitations

2011-05-11T10:32:00.001+01:00

At last I have finished (and sent out) the invitations for Bo's birthday party.

The theme is a 'Buttons and Bows' party.
I made brooches that I sent out with the invites for the girls to wear on the day.

Me: I was thinking of doing a Rainbow theme for her 2nd birthday party.

Will: And then we can do a Bowtie party for her 21st.

Me: And a Taibo party for her 7th.

Will: And a William Tell party.

Me: Huh?

Will: You know...with a crossbow.

summer in Scotland

2011-05-08T20:24:00.000+01:00

There are flowers everywhere! In a kaleidoscope of colours. These flowers have just come into bloom on one of our trees in the garden. I could get lost in the detail.

PS. These were shot on a tungsten white balance setting to give them that interesting blue-ish tone.

PPS. Can you spot the black bug?

Tuesday's desirables

2011-05-03T19:56:00.000+01:00

I am in love. With this ring. From Mujoyas. Again. Same designer as my other favourite ring.

2011-05-03T19:47:00.001+01:00

Did you watch the royal wedding?

I thought it was lovely. (I think they are very much in love.) And of course, those of us in the UK got to have two long weekends in a row.

Us commoners shopped at Ikea in preparation for our guests. We will be having visitors for the next eight weeks, so we had to get the guest room ready.

I got this bed and this lamp and this.

I also got some Orla Kiely bedlinen. Don't you just love Orla Kiely?

The guest bedroom is now the best room in our temporary home. Fit for royalty I tell ya. Perhaps Will and I should switch bedrooms? Though there is nothing better than giving your guests the best hospitality you possibly can.

So I spent the last day of the long weekend washing and cleaning and washing, wondering what the new duchess of Cambridge was doing. *Sigh* She shall never clean again!

We also did other common things, like day trips to the nearest lochs, and having braais in the garden because of the good weather. The wee one decided to taste a good chunk of charcoal.

Photo courtesy of Will.

We had lunch in the city

2011-04-24T10:42:00.000+01:00

and Bo sat in the window watching the passers-by. And they spotted her and smiled and pointed.

2011-04-21T10:49:00.001+01:00

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows

higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings

the darling buds of...april

2011-04-19T20:57:00.001+01:00

We did end up going for a walk in the park to marvel at the new season's offerings. That is, Bo and me. And my camera bag. And her water bottle. And because she flat out refused to get into the back pack I usually carry her around in on these sorts of excursions, I had her to carry along with the rest of the paraphernalia. And the thing is she would not let me put her down for a minute, so taking photos proved to be quite a task with her hanging off my hip at the same time. None the less I got sucked into the details and the colours of this one tree. Nature never ceases to amaze me. You would think Bo would have been taken with it too. But no; just my hip would suffice.

Mondays

2011-04-18T10:40:00.000+01:00

I am always a little sad on Mondays because it means I have to go a whole week without seeing my husband all day. It also means I have to catch up on the housework. This doesn't make me sad, it is just tedious, and so its the feeling of the long lonely week stretching out before me that makes me sad. So I try to think of different and unexpected things to do with Bo on a Monday. The season around here is astonishing with all the plants coming to life. These lilies I found unexpectedly along a stream in a park. They are huge, more colourful than you can imagine and their perfume overtakes the whole area. It is a multi-sensory experience to be there. Perhaps I should schedule in a walk in a park this week to notice all the new life in nature.

Perhaps I should take my camera.

Happy 11 month birthday, Bo!

2011-04-15T14:55:00.000+01:00

Yes, only one month to go until our wee one is a whole year old. I am so excited and have got loads of ideas for her party, and just want to dote on her the whole day.

Yesterday she tried to put a disc into my computer. And it is so awesome when she makes associations between things. I am enthralled with each detail of her cognitive development. Today she giggled her way through lunch. She has got 2 and a half teeth. She is sleeping soundly.

I still have moments when I am amazed by how small she is. And I suppose I can barely remember how tiny she was in the beginning :

Its a grey day

2011-04-14T13:39:00.000+01:00

but the flowers on the trees are blooming.

sunshine weekend

2011-04-12T14:28:00.001+01:00

This weekend was such a treat. The sun shone and warmed us up. We took Bo's splash pool outside into the garden and played with bubbles. Now that she is crawling though she spent more time out of the pool than in it. How quickly time has gone since she started crawling a few weeks ago. It feels like an eternity ago that we were watching her frustrating attempts to get moving, and encouraging her as best we could. Oh and the sheer joy when she finally did get moving (so slowly at first), will not be forgotten.

I feel full of gratitude for our daughter. And for the approaching summer.

PS. I start the film making course tomorrow. So excited!

Warmth and light

2011-04-08T11:00:00.002+01:00

There is a feeling of summer in the air. It's predicted that this weekend is going to get as warm as 19 degrees! I hope we get to take Bo outside to get some warmth and sunshine. She so loves the outdoors and her favourite thing to do is swimming.
In anticipation of the warm weather I had a look through some pics from our summer holiday back home in South Africa. I love how the images are blown-out, creating such a clean look with an almost white background.

Come on summer!

PS. Am looking forward to wearing my new shoes today. It's not quite sandal weather yet.

Shoes, glorious shoes

2011-04-07T13:53:00.001+01:00

Today my Camper shoes arrived. This is a big deal. Huge. Not because I have been waiting a week since I eventually decided to buy them after much deliberating (and a week in shopper's terms is an eternity), but because they are my first pair of Campers. I have been coveting a pair of this stylish and dreamy brand since I first saw, smelt and touched them in the Camper shop in Cape Town many, many years ago. And of course it makes sense that I chose an ankle boot. I love ankle boots with everything - skinny jeans, stockings and dresses, and these will look so good paired with something feminine to give the look an edge.
At last, the subject of my vast years of yearning has arrived on my door step. Sigh. Now I just need to take them out the box...

(Now all I need is a pair of wedges for summer and I'm set. Yes, right...)

Close ups

2011-04-06T14:47:00.001+01:00

So when Bo did wake up, I took some pics while she was eating her lunch.

I would love a better lens. I also feel I have learned a lot more about metering light, but still have a long way to go. I tend to overexpose. It's the constant search for the light. So, practice, practice, practice.

do you read the manual?

2011-04-05T11:53:00.002+01:00

I am determined to learn how to take a good portrait. You know the kind: the ones where the eye is in focus and the rest of the face isn't and the way the skin is lit is better than real life and seems to emanate from the picture itself.

I have discovered I have been hindered by two things: equipment and the fact that I READ THE MANUAL!

Let me explain. I am the type of person who has to read the instructions. I mean I drool over them. When I have a piece of Ikea furniture to assemble, I do it step by step as it is set out in the instructions. I have a canon 500D (not bad for starting out on this quest of mine right?). A while ago I read something in the camera manual about AI Focus mode that has completely shut down my ability to use the camera to it's full potential. I mean I had it in my head that this was the only way to shoot, and of course all possibilities closed down to me. I am sure those manuals are not even written by photographers, or english speaking ones at least.
So today I discovered one shot mode and light metering, and can now achieve what I have been trying to achieve just by fiddling with the aperture settings. Relief!

I found THIS tutorial helpful for understanding light metering. And THIS blog lovely and informative.

In terms of being hindered by equipment, I only have the lenses that my camera came with and am mainly shooting on a 18-55mm. It seems I need a fast 85mm lens to take good portraiture. I think.

So I have spent the morning experimenting with spot metering and AF lock and now will wait for my daughter to wake up to see if I can apply what I have learned to a moving target.

PS. Don't read the camera's manual. I found google a much better way to go.

Click on here

2011-04-04T10:03:00.001+01:00

Immediately. Your thoughts on life and photography and beauty will be forever changed:

http://www.dayswithmyfather.com/

Does it not just make you want to cry and smile? And admire the beauty with which it is done? This is inspiring; painful in it's perfection. And it makes me want to do something like that - an expose, a combination of writing and photography. Yes please.

2011-02-16T12:50:00.000+02:00

My life has taken a bit of a different turn. I have recently returned back to Glasgow after a blissfully glorious holiday back home, and have now decided to like and enjoy the fact that I am, at the moment, a stay-at-home-mom and that I am actually lucky to be this thing that I have been fighting against since Bo was born. Yes, I miss my creative work, but geez, there are definitely many aspects of the business side that I do not miss. So I have decided to organise the house, and spend a good portion of my day cleaning, and get to grips with my fear of tupperware by facing it head on and packing my husband a lunch everyday.
So far things are not as bad as I thought. So far I am enjoying the moments I have with Bo, being able to surrender to her at any given moment and get down on the floor with her and just play and laugh.
After all I am so aware that all things are transient. The tupperware; and the moments with my 9 month old.
I have learned to live in the present and am grateful for that lesson.

photo by Lar Leslie

h e l l o !

2010-10-22T11:38:00.001+02:00

it has been a sad few weeks with no internet connection. holding thumbs that it will now be a constant in my life.

wouldn't it be fun to have this ferocious felt lion coat if you were a child:

by littlegoodall's shop on etsy

and this seriously pretty winter hat:

by Cloo Gift's shop on etsy.

2010-10-04T15:58:00.001+02:00

can someone please tell me how it is that some people feel justified in not paying for services and goods rendered. this is the risk of running your own business and it has now happened to me twice in the last few months. are these people untouched by any karmic revolutions? can they honestly, ethically and morally, justify me working for weeks and months on their project free of charge?
and it is always the same type of client who doesn't pay - the type that demands more and more from you as the project goes on.

and, of course, i can't help wondering what karmic revolution i am involved in. is the lesson simply to toughen up?

the upside of my business is i get to create spaces to my own liking. like this one. not by me ( - oh, and i am missing interior design - ) but in line with my style. this is the Tinderbox, a coffee shop in Glasgow's merchant city :

2010-10-01T12:50:00.004+02:00

my light shades are often included in wonderful treasuries on etsy. this one particularly stood out for me, and i would love to share it with you. it is by beevintageredux, and i love the way all the items go together in terms of their quirky style :

here is a light that never goes out

city lamp
umbu
$160.00 USD
1970s style Petal lampsha...
FollyandGlee
$30.00 USD
18 inch Flowers vintage wa...
drawflowers
$137.00 USD
Shoegaze Light Shade
nice
$138.00 USD
Vintage white milk glass l...
lapomme
$76.00 USD
canary yellow lovey-dovey ...
meggancollee...
$90.00 USD
Plywood Light Large
Edin
$32.00 USD
An Industrial Desk Lamp
oldcrowfarm
$78.00 USD
vertical leaf pendant ligh...
meganauman
$144.00 USD
Pair of Vintage brass lamp...
jessedirk
$195.00 USD
Wholy - Illuminated Eye Ch...
mpaulus
$350.00 USD
Perfectly Pink Hobnob Milk...
Gallivanting...
$33.00 USD
Vintage RAILROAD LANTERN S...
OBJX
$44.00 USD
12 Vintage Chinese Paper L...
pumpkintruck
$15.00 USD
Sweet Vintage Irmi Nursery...
sweetlilystu...
$50.00 USD
Light Up Globe
theGildedZeb...
$55.00 USD

i

i especially love the 1970's petal lampshade, found in Folly and Glee's shop, updated and restored from genuine petal shades from that era :

and how special are the birdcage chandeliers found in Meggancolleen's shop :

i was also included on Touch-it , a blog about South African design and quality designer products that are affordable. The post can be found here.

2010-09-30T16:56:00.001+02:00

i recently went to the Homes and Interiors Scotland Exhibition, here in Glasgow, and was not surprised, albeit disappointed, that the Scots have the same sense of aesthetic that is currently mainstream in South Africa. The decorators rooms on view section looked like the majority of the rooms displayed in all the exhibitions in Durban.
Why is no-one taking a chance with a fresh and new aesthetic? Why does the space not read like an individual's, with elements of design and scale cleverly mimicking each other, rather than it all obviously matching, with layers and layers of fabrics and textures? Is this so the decorator can make more money on selling textiles? i don't mean to be offensive, or controversial. i just think its time for a change.

There was one stand at the exhibition that stood out: Fun Makes Good
Her work is beautiful and fresh - reupholstered and restored furniture, with a quirky style element:

Right on trend with both the bird motif and the origami shapes.

Reminiscent of South Africa's own Casamento :

2010-09-29T20:51:00.000+02:00

i have been without internet for ages, and have missed blogging - what a pity!

went to isle of skye for the long weekend. the highlight was definitely the acclaimed and very posh restaurant, the three chimneys. the interiors were austere, moody and beautiful - think stone walls and wooden beams - an inspiration. the food was delectable.

tuesday's desirables

2010-09-21T11:16:00.002+02:00

apple iMac

fragment light : magpie and rye

cushion : urban outfitters

leather bag : magpie and rye

necklace : magpie and rye

2010-09-18T11:52:00.002+02:00

this is such a truly beautiful portrayal of the pregnancy and baby experience. Pacing the Panic Room is an inspiration! Sing of life, love, beauty and joy!

Magic- A Belly Grows from The Panic Room Videos on Vimeo.

2010-09-17T12:41:00.004+02:00

my husband and i have signed up to this amazing website - spoonfed suppers. they send you a recipe everyday, and a weekly shopping list. so far, every meal we have prepared has been easy and delicious. such a wonderful website. and such yummy meals, especially when feeling uninspired in the kitchen.

2010-09-17T12:28:00.003+02:00

sukie are a graphic design studio i have just discovered. i love their stuff, especially the book of iron on prints, available here. i plan on customising some babygrows and baby t shirts.

i also love their blank notebooks, 'my first novel'...such a novel idea:

tuesday's desirables

2010-09-14T17:23:00.001+02:00

accessorize clutch

baby girl top : accessorize

besta burs desk grey : ikea

i can't decide. Red or grey?

2010-09-13T13:37:00.000+02:00

its raining again. back home i would probably have been on the beach this weekend. there is nothing like the feeling of salt and sun on your skin.

i have been thinking, do you know when you truly know yourself?

2010-09-08T19:42:00.000+02:00

One year sabbatical in Scotland...what ever shall I do?

Make lists mostly.

Here's one of Products I Wish to Design:

1) Lighting

2) Ceramics

3) Chair

4) Wallpaper & Fabrics

5) Hand bags

tuesday's desirables

2010-09-07T16:18:00.004+02:00

ella sofa : habitat

Stroller desk : Made.com

lace insert dress : Urban Outfitters

2010-09-02T11:58:00.002+01:00

can a vision be any more beautiful than lar leslie's, the super talented photographer?

2010-09-01T12:15:00.001+01:00

please can i have...

Michaelarras' shop : etsy

Bethcryweddings' shop : etsy

Ozetta : Etsy

2010-08-27T14:14:00.000+01:00

some recent purchases from Ikea. don't you just L O V E ikea? i like the contrast of the simple lines of the lamp, and the curves of the table. the tilt of the lamp is unexpected and echoes the surprise of the daisy yellow. well, that's what i think anyway...

2010-08-26T12:20:00.000+01:00

the sun is trying to shine and it is cold. this is typical of scotland summer apparently. i think i am getting better at braving the summer weather here.

Tea anyone?

2010-08-26T12:13:00.001+01:00

Found such a sweet coffee shop in Glasgow shopping district yesterday. Whimsical and cute.

the baby room

2010-08-19T11:59:00.005+01:00

at last i have a chance to post the pics of the nursery. i was happy with the way it turned out, especially given that red is not a usual colour choice for me. maybe there is something to be said for breaking out of your comfort zone.
*the little one responded well to the room too.

the little things

2010-06-09T10:04:00.001+01:00

how life has changed with the arrival of our baby girl Bo. I find myself slowing down and appreciating all the tiny moments and little things - it is great to be present.

this pic was taken with my Diana lens and adaptor for my new canon eos.

i've missed you

2010-04-01T08:51:00.001+02:00

oh dear blog, I have missed you over the past week. I have had major deadlines, and in fact have one coming up in a few hours, but couldn't resist your promise of sanctuary and sanity any longer.

don't you just love it when people assume you do no work because you work for yourself, or they assume that because you are pregnant you no longer work and are supported financially by some other magical means? I know that i have not had a holiday or any description of a break in about 2 years, and have worked more weekends than not in the past year, and am really feeling exhausted and near breaking point, so am probably a bit snippier than usual (not to mention the fluctuations in hormones), but it really rattles my cage (yes, sometimes I feel like i am in one), when people make assumptions about my life. why don't they ask and get in the friggin' picture?!

As for the exhaustion, and the long to do lists, the pile on my plate just keeps getting higher. before this rant becomes a full blown tantrum, i need to forgive myself for feeling a little overwhelmed (surely its allowed sometimes) and make plans for getting to the things I really want to do, like art..

speaking of which, here is a snippet of an artwork i have made for the baby's room. I gave it a title right now: "Where in the world am I?", probably more appropriate to how i am feeling.
I am looking forward to finishing the other art I have planned for the room, and can't wait to show you when it is all up.

time is ticking..

2010-03-25T08:19:00.001+02:00

I have so much work to get through over the next two days, and have a deadline for today that i don't think i am going to make - eek!

and all i want to do is design some new lights and finish the design for the nursery. i am starting to like the bold colour choice in there, and am feeling a bit happier about the room in general.

this rug from Nettle Green in the uk would be so perfect in it:

simple and bold

2010-03-23T09:47:00.006+02:00

Can a nursery for a baby be too bold in design and colour? I spent the long weekend painting and pulling some ideas together for that room, and wow is it bright, and maybe too out there for a baby's room? You see it is so great when I can work on my own interior projects, without restrictions. But now i am doubting my boldness. I will post some pics as soon as its done and would love some feedback, so keep visiting please. I will let the colour be a surprise for the big reveal.

These little houses from My House Party remind me of the strong and clean lines that seem to be dominating my design style at the moment. Imagine how great it must be to make these houses - so satisfying.

postal delivery coming right up

2010-03-18T17:51:00.004+02:00

today i sent off my first order via post. the order is two plywood lights and i was so delighted to be packaging them and sending them to an actual person!

i used to love bubble wrap as a kid, for popping you see. now it has other implications: of postage and packaging and purchases. now i think i love it even more.

goodbye my lovelies. have a safe trip and i hope you are happy in your new home. don't forget to write..

*The green deer brooch is a surprise gift for my first postal purchaser.

a loveseat to love for a loveless day

2010-03-16T18:44:00.004+02:00

Jonathan Adler Philippe Loveseat - Starting At in Sofas And Loveseats

i love this seat by jonathan adler. it makes me feel in control and on top of things - it is just so together.

the perfect antidote to an awful day. one of those days when you don't have a chance to recover from the one wrong thing before the next hits; when you think surely no-one else can rip you off financially (not again, surely!); when you are left perplexed by the work ethic of others when you only ever give your all, and then some; and when you actually find yourself asking that question you have always forbidden yourself the luxury of asking: why, oh why, me?

for now, i will look at this love seat, and look forward to a new day, hoping to be surrounded by love and good intentions.

etsy

2010-03-10T16:31:00.004+02:00

my etsy shop is open! Yay! it is called edin (for Emerging Designer INteriors).

so far i have my lights in there only, but hope to add some home accessories and maybe some artwork.

creativity

2010-03-09T10:13:00.002+02:00

it feels like there are so many creative projects i want to do. i have all these ideas, see, and just need to get something tangible going. first up i have work and admin to do though and am finding it so difficult to concentrate on anything other than the creative stuff. and the nursery.

love this image found via Fleur Avenue blog. image from here.

To my friend Paula: here's to finding your wings and flying free.

inspiration for the day

2010-03-03T16:27:00.003+02:00

i absolutely love this drawer ring found on mujoyas shop via etsy. i love clever and quirky design. and of course the simplicity and boldness. please can i have it..

maybe grey...

2010-02-26T09:15:00.003+02:00

Am still thinking about the baby's room, and found this perfect grey wall (above) via Living etc gallery. i also love the feel of this calm room. so maybe grey?

i love love love the grown up feel of the other kid's rooms - the retro appeal and the sophisticated simplicity make my heart pitter patter. so these images will guide the look and feel i think.

wallpaper for nursery

2010-02-24T09:00:00.004+02:00

am thinking of using this wallpaper in the nursery, as a panel directly behind the cot. what do you think?

we don't know if its a boy or a girl so the feel has to be unisex, but i don't want to do neutrals. was thinking of either hot pink and bright blue, or hot pink and red. i love pink and red.

s w e e t !

2010-02-24T08:51:00.005+02:00

i am craving sweet food all the time. i think i have found the solution: feast on pics of the most beautiful food on flickr, and feel satisfied after a time.

love this kitty..

2010-02-19T12:51:00.002+02:00

a publication!

2010-02-19T10:20:00.003+02:00

Hello the world!

am delighted to report that the lights i design and manufacture have been featured in the Conde Naste House and Garden magazine. it really is a wonderful publication and i am hugely honoured. this was made possible by my friend Lar, of Lar Leslie photography. i am a huge fan. thank you again Lar.

proud purchase

2010-02-17T09:48:00.007+02:00

i am proud as punch of my new purchase - the eames rocker. yes, of course its a reproduction!

it is for the baby nursery. don't you think its beautiful?

i have been dreaming of having one for years, and now can't believe there is actually one in my house! does this mean i have an unhealthy attachment to material things..?

something pretty for a tuesday

2010-02-09T10:17:00.006+02:00

Love these delicate earrings. Found on etsy. By Lila Ruby King.

hardships and lessons

2010-02-04T08:27:00.005+02:00

i have had a hard week. Sometimes its hard to keep your head up when the universe is intent on teaching you a lesson, or re-shuffling your perspective.

"Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit."

- Apparently! According to Napoleon Hill at least!

To distract from the present moment I am looking over some recent interiors i have done. Here is one that turned out to be the calmest space i have created.

February is the new January

2010-02-02T10:47:00.007+02:00

I read this somewhere and couldn't agree more. So welcome new month and new year! It is time to get motivated and focussed, and most importantly have fun.

And on that note, I loved this: Reminds me of youth. Found via Jeanna Sohn blog.

a publication!

2010-01-28T08:17:00.007+02:00

The stand I did for the corner cafe at the good food and wine show was really a lot of fun. I loved that project.

I was delighted to see it in the October 2009 issue of the b e a u t i f u l House & Leisure magazine, as part of the promotion for the show (bottom left of page). I love this magazine, and now am so happy to have one of my designs appear in its pages.

To see more of the c o r n e r c a f e exhibition stand go to this link on my website.

Breakfast anyone?

2010-01-25T10:35:00.004+02:00

This is what hotels should be about: old school decadence; over the top opulence and thorough beauty. And an unlimited budget of course.

The terrace with its white lattice work where we had breakfast is my favourite area - take note of the colourful tiled ceiling..

When we left after a feast of a breakfast it felt like I had been on holiday in an exotic location - what a wonderful way to recharge.

Anyway

2010-01-13T13:58:00.003+02:00

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

- Mother Theresa

*Sometimes i need to be reminded of this

**Don't have a reference for this wonderful pic

Calm please

2010-01-12T09:22:00.005+02:00

"Set peace of mind as your highest goal, and organise your life around it."

- Brian Tracy

*Can't remember where this image is from.

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-12T09:06:00.006+02:00

Wow, the end of last year was so stressful I couldn't wait for the year to end - how terrible to wish the time away - and now that the new year has arrived, it is just as manic! Oh well.

What better way of taking a time out than viewing Lar Leslie's wonderful photography. What talent she has! I can't help but be drawn into each image, wishing to live in that simple and beautiful world. What sets her apart I think is her ability to see beauty in everything - how breathtaking her life must be.

It strikes me that her photographs are reminiscent of the simple uncluttered interiors I love to create.

*Thank you, Lar, for your help with those images for the publication.

I wish for this year to be filled with calm, peace and abundant love for everyone. I hope all is well in your world.

some more graphics

2009-09-22T18:31:00.004+02:00

an invitation i so enjoyed doing...

happy days

2009-08-20T08:51:00.007+01:00

it is celebration time.

my dear friend has finished her first poetry book, and it is about to go to print. she asked me to do the cover design for her, and this is the final one (back, spine and front).

i heart the corner cafe

2009-07-29T08:24:00.004+01:00

some shots from the exhibition stand i did for the corner cafe. environmentally conscious design. everything was recycled / reinvented.

busy day today. have loads of admin to do. want to be creative though. i want to paint - maybe i will have some time this afternoon.

holiday

2009-07-24T08:45:00.002+01:00

from our transkei holiday a while ago. cold weather and wind, but good wine. and freshly baked bread everyday. mmm.

2009-07-01T14:13:00.006+01:00

this is the kind of space i wish i could put my name to. this is exactly why i love commercial interiors. Take a look here for more. (B3 interior designers)

making light

2009-06-30T13:11:00.005+01:00

my mood has been a bit up and down lately, which is why i have been trying to spend a good portion of my day laughing; or feasting my eyes on some lovely objects, like these lights, to make light.

first can be found on etsy (at Jeanpelle's shop)

second is from Living etc gallery

hotel interiors

2009-05-18T10:00:00.006+01:00

hotel interiors have got to be my favourite, and this hotel in Germany (Hotel Uberfluss) is no exception. it is bold, it is design conscious, and it is unashamedly masculine. what a wow space!

moments

2009-05-07T08:29:00.004+01:00

i have this urge to reconnect with the simple moments in the day. to be present for each one. to stop and take note. to slow down.

crazy days

2009-05-05T07:30:00.003+01:00

i seem to have been caught in a whirlwind of non-stop work the last few weeks. am hoping to time manage better so that i have some joy time. in a day i wish to accomplish:

meditation time

evenings of quality time with my husband

a run in the early evenings

time for laughter and chatting with friends on the phone

i hope this is possible in amongst all the work. Now that i have the list i can see it and actually do it.

have our 15 year school reunion this weekend. haven't seen some of the girls since school. will be interesting am sure!

lights, lights, everywhere

2009-04-17T14:14:00.005+01:00

my first shop installation went up today, at ikhaya. thanks to my wonderful husband for helping me put them all up. i hope that people respond favourably. i hope they sell and i get some orders** Then i can buy my husband a lovely pressie!

pineapple and sunshine

2009-04-16T08:20:00.002+01:00

*pineapple and sunshine for breakfast. yum.

have a lovely day lined up. am hoping to get the bit of admin i have to do done this morning, and then i have a full afternoon of creative work. have some exciting residential projects on the go at the moment. can't wait to get into the process.

watch out for some updates on my product design. am putting some time aside soon to market and sell my light shades. will post some photos of them as soon as i have some.

2009-04-07T13:22:00.004+01:00

i love these flowers from a tree. (not sure of the name of the tree). they look hand made don't they?

i have a list as long as an A4 piece of paper to get through by the end of the week - hopefully! am feeling so snowed under that i have decided to grab a cup of tea and blog, before i launch into it. so much for time management.. am grateful for the work and the lovely projects.

i have decided that i need to move into an office space away from home. something with big windows and white walls would be wonderful!

eye spy

2009-04-04T11:23:00.005+02:00

its my friend, Mavourn's birthday today. Happy birthday! I hope you are having a party, sweet.

the show must go on

2009-03-25T16:04:00.005+02:00

Wow. Decorex was fun. Setting up the stand was a lot of work, but it was well worth it.

I was so happy with all the positive responses. Although I am also aware that some people just don't like anything retro.

And I am so happy that some of my furniture and accessories have sold.

new thoughts for a new year

2009-01-23T09:13:00.002+02:00

so excited about the year ahead. already had a manic start, with some interesting projects for me, dear interiors. this year is going to be a good one i feel.

2008 ended with an interesting hospitality project (more on that later), and a family festive season.

wishing you a safe and abundant year..

wedding windows

2008-10-27T16:46:00.005+02:00

a drizzly saturday afternoon in a sweet chapel

the ambient light outside made the windows glow

i was attracted to the jewel colours

i especially liked the one with the broken pane

Fishy fish

2008-10-27T16:32:00.005+02:00

Something has been wrong with my blog - have not been able to upload photos, but it has just come right so here goes.

Check out our dinner: Freshly speared fish wrapped in a cosy blanket of salt. Ah the life we live in Durban...

It was delicious, courtesy of my clever hunter-gatherer husband.

inspiration

2008-09-17T18:11:00.002+02:00

Wow! Check out this new online magazine: Chew magazine

The talent takes my breath away. Such beautiful graphic design. Such beautiful fashion shoots. Oooh, am loving!

weekend break

2008-09-17T18:06:00.002+02:00

Spent the weekend at Ekhuthaleni in Underberg. What a treat. Cool evenings. Warm days. Not a cloud in the sky.

monday

2008-09-08T10:29:00.003+02:00

it's monday and i'm not sure how i feel about that.

inspired and motivated?

i have a lot to do this week, in terms of work and play. i have taken on some extra projects that i need to start putting time into.

sometimes, usually early afternoon though, i feel like i could just lie and look out a window like this and day dream.

and i also get excited about all the surprises and opportunities this week may hold.

i hope that everyone has a happy week, with many delightful surprises.

childhood portrait

2008-08-29T10:56:00.005+01:00

I have finished my first painting in ages! I think I was about 2 in this picture, and look quite out-of-sorts. I have included things from my memories of childhood.

There are embroidery bits, and paper collage, paint and pencil. It was great to use different mediums for the first time. I think I will do it again. Just for fun.

2008-08-29T10:49:00.004+01:00

Did I mention summer is coming?

perfect breakfast for a warm day.

jewellery

2008-08-28T08:19:00.004+01:00

Olive Green Cat is my favourite jewellery design studio in south africa. Ida is the designer who creates the rings. (My engagement ring is the last one pictured here).

Phillipa is the designer behind the ingenius perspex and embroidered cuffs.

Hmm...if only I could have all of them..

moody mood

2008-08-26T14:07:00.003+01:00

This artwork by Karen Preston struck a chord with me today. The command she has of illustration is just breathtaking, as are the twists in her tales. Perhaps I am responding to the moody and sinister undertones in some of her work. Thought provoking. Check out her beautiful work at her etsy shop, A Rabbit Girl.

spring

2008-08-26T13:45:00.004+01:00

Spring is in the air in this part of the southern hemisphere. It is a bit chilly today, but the last week has been warm, with scented air, and the sound of beetles. I love the start of the warm season.

embroidery

2008-08-26T11:04:00.003+01:00

I have recently discovered the joys of embroidery. I decided to incorporate some into the self-portrait (mixed media on canvas) I am busy with at the moment. I just want to do it all day. I love the way I am never quite sure how it is going to turn out, so the creation is really in the process. I will hopefully be finished the painting today, so will post a pic of it as soon as.

I hope for everyone to have a lovely and creative week, and for my friend, Sharon, to get better**

event photos

2008-08-19T07:52:00.003+01:00

My friend, who owns an event company, roped me into recording the evening for their website. I was nervous to say the least as photography is not within my comfort zone. I actually ended up having fun though, especially taking these pics of the barmen in action.

The venue was rocking: in amongst the installations at an art gallery.

tea and a treat

2008-08-14T14:04:00.005+01:00

Have not been feeling so well today. Start of the flu maybe? (Or too much celebrating(!)) Nothing that a cup of tea and good old me time won't cure, I'm sure.

This morning on my meanders I came across some lovely old books in a second hand book shop. I couldn't resist getting them, and am now delving into them. I love books, especially ones that smell like a library.

The one is a selection of fairy tales from Norway, and at first glance looks to be the classical, very peculiar stories with those scary bits (including blood and gore) that didn't seem to affect any of us when we were children...or maybe they did.

The other one is a book published in 1928, and when I came across the very obscure captions of the illustrations I was almost in tears with laughter. The one picture I have included here is captioned, "I wonder if that water is quite free from germs". How times, and concerns, have changed! I want to read the book just to have a glimpse into life in the 20's.

And then of course I had to get Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Can't actually remember when I read it, but am interested to see if it still holds any of the magic that it did when I was a child. I remember it being peculiar too. (There's that word again. Old fashioned. Seems I am in the mood already.)

birthday blooms

2008-08-14T14:00:00.003+01:00

I was given so many lovely flowers from my friends for my birthday. Have been taking some snaps of them.

celebrations

2008-08-12T09:48:00.004+01:00

I am the luckiest girl alive: my friends are joining me for celebrations at the coolest, most beautiful bar / restaurant in town, Society. Look how lovely the interiors are..

my birthday wish come true

2008-08-12T09:38:00.003+01:00

My biggest birthday treat has been speaking to my four year old niece on the phone all the way from Dubai. I haven't spoken to her in ages and can't believe how grown up she sounds.

Thank you sweet thing for the birthday wishes. Here is a monkey dressed in pink specially for you..(from Esthex)

birthday treat

2008-08-12T09:01:00.003+01:00

Its my birthday. Plan to spend lovely time with friends this evening. My beautiful husband bought me an apple mouse. Looking cosy on my desk already.

Love snack

2008-08-12T08:59:00.003+01:00

Chips and dip and a surprise! Its in the shape of a heart.