Pillow Talk

There ain't nothing better than a sweet, soft pillow. Especially a sweet, soft pillow you made yourself, with the help of crafting queen Pip Lincolne of course! I have spoken about the dashing Pip in a previous post. Pip has written two amazing craft books (and has one being released really soon, eep!) Pip's books are really great, they include the most creative tutorials and even cater for beginners, like myself. In her book, Sew La Tea Do she features an easy peasy and tremendously fun tutorial for creating pillows out of men's button-up shirts!

The tutorial is as simple as cutting 2 x 40cm pieces of material (one of your choosing and the second cut from the back of a men's t-shirt, with the buttons running along the middle) and then sewing them together (once with a straight stitch and then again with a zigzag to keep that little critter in place). Then voila, you have a super cute pillow to snuggle up with! Here are two I made for myself:

This one is actually made from a lady's shirt that I picked up at my local Salvos, yup I bent the rules with this one! The flowers add a really cute detail and I chose a piece of green polka dot material for the back.

I couldn't resist buying this delightfully swirly material (from Spotlight) and I sewed a pastel pink button-up shirt for the back.

The tutorial is a whole lot of fun and it doesn't take long at all! It combines two of my great loves, scouring op-shops and sewing! What could be better? It is perfect for beginners (and those that dread zips) and also makes for a terrific gift idea. I sent one to my boyfriend's Mum and my Nana for their birthdays and they thought they were ace. You definitely need to get yourself a copy of Pip's books too, they are full of great craft-alious inspiration, lots of tutorials and are surefire fun for all. In the name of all things soft and fluffly I thought I would share with you two of my favourite pillow purchases! Enjoy x

Purchased from Etsy

Purchased from Freedom

Community

I must firstly let you all know that I'm feeling a massive post-Community buzz. I have just finished watching the second season of Community and I'm on a high. All my fellow fans may find it hard to believe I stretched my viewing over a two week period, but I did and it was fan-diddly-astic! Now I must apologise for channeling Ned Flanders, but what the heck this show is truly deserving!! It is an insane mash-up of tv and movie genres and is hilarious, hilarious fun. I just love it! I think Abed is the coolest and I wish I were Troy so I could be Abed's best friend and make massive forts out of blankets with him, I think Chang is a right laugh, I am weirdly amused at the different costumes the Dean fashions, and I have even started using Shirley's signature 'hellooo' in everyday conversation. Slightly obsessed some might say, but if you think I'm obsessed you obviously haven't seen an episode now, have ya? Do yourself a big favour and press play on the videos below, you'll become just as obsessed as I am, I guarantee it!     x 

Family Fun

I just had a lovely and crazy-busy weekend (one in a string of many at the moment.) I worked both days and had my aunty Simone, uncle Peter and cousins Ty and Brooke up to visit. Ty had an athletics carnival in Townsville so they made the 8 hour trek up here and spent Sunday night with moi! We laughed until our cheeks were sore and shared so many old stories, namely about the days I wasn't quite toilet trained (not one of my finest moments as the story goes.) The kids are so fun and energetic and they ran my dog Bear ragged, which is quite an impossible task I must say. We mastered home-made pizza's, ate sprinkle-rich cupcakes, gave my lolly jars a work out and had a delish brekky the next morning! It was fantastic company, I only wish they could have stayed longer. Family, fun and food - a guaranteed recipe for a fab weekend. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend too    x

Sorry about the quality of these pics - as the busy bee I have been of late I haven't had time to whip my DSLR out and instead have been using my iPhone, but these photos were just too funny not to share!

J-J-Jackpot

If you haven't already downloaded the new Triple j iPhone app, then go and do it!
Like NOW!

All done? Perfect, you will thank me for it!

Sorry for getting my bossypants on, but the new triple j app is amazing and I rather bossily wanted to share it with you all. I'm a little late downloading it myself and really didn't want you to waste a second longer. Imagine being able to stream triple j anywhere you go and looking right down at your screen to check the exact song playing. Ahhhhh... It's the greatest thing since the invention of radio! Thanks triple j, you guys are the coolest     x

People Watching

I love watching people. I mean that in the most unstalkerish way possible, honest. People are just so fascinating! I like admiring people's outfits and watching their mannerisms and how they interact and just plain looking at how different and equally beautiful we all are. It's really quite fun... And because I have written waaay too much in all my previous blog posts I thought I would let these gorgeous photographs by Swedish photographer Olof Grind do the talking... His blog is a visual treat! Happy people watching     x

All images taken from here

It's time to travel

I am just dying to travel! I've travelled as far as NSW and that's it! Pretty cultured huh? My sister is overseas in Thailand, and Sam's brother is in Europe with his girlfriend right at this very moment. As I sit here on the couch with my laptop using the The Morning Show as background noise, they are off exploring and gallivanting around the world. I love listening to their stories about kissing orangutans, drinking red wine (ahhhhhh!) and sitting on the grass near the Eiffel Tower, sunbaking on the beach while getting massages, taking Thai cooking lessons and how breathtaking Nice is. Their stories are great but they are beginning to depress me, I want to see the world and my patience is starting to run short!

As I was reading one of my favourite blogs 1001 way to be more lovely (I have spoken about this blog before, it's great do yourself a favour and read it!) While browsing I found images Steph posted of her Europe travel journal. Aren't they beautiful!

Now this was almost enough to tip me into a narssistic screaming fit about how unfair it is that I'm not travelling, and how sad my life is - booooo! I could have easily started hyperventilating with my fists clenched and spiralled into a complete meltdown, but instead a little light bulb went on in my head and said 'why the bloody hell don't you start planning an overseas holiday then, crazy.' Okay, light bulb I will! My friend, Elli and I had been talking about going over to Cambodia next year as volunteers, and then doing a contiki tour of Vietnam. I've been in two minds about it though, wondering what I'll do if I have a full-time job and can't get time off, and I think my prospective work plans have been taking precedent. But what the heck, I'm going to start setting these plans in stone and the rest will just have to sort itself out.... or else!!

Part of my plan is going to include purchasing my own travel journal so I can document all of my wonderful adventures. I have found a few favourites on Etsy, the retro world journal, the very vintage journal, and the canvas journal. My DSLR camera will definitely be coming along for the ride too, yay! 

What are some of your travel tales?      x 

Ditty Drops

Firstly, what a fun name for a collection of earrings! Secondly, how super are the earrings? Answer: pretty darn super, if you ask me! New York based artist, Meredith Schwab travelled to Berlin recently and fell in love with the bold geometric earrings she saw adorning the gorgeous German gals. She said the price was a bit off-putting so when she returned home from her travels she got straight to making affordable geometric earrings to share with us all! Check them out for yourselves on Etsy or fall in love with my personal faves here:

Geometry is all the rage at the moment when it comes to jewellery so I thought I would share some more math-inspired marvels with you!         Enjoy    x

StudioLeanne

SnugStudio

Boo and Boo Factory

Candy Bandits

Attention to detail and imagination are just two of the tip-top qualities of Melbourne crafter, Gem. Her label Candy Bandits is a felted, vintage, one-of-a-kind dream! She handcrafts jewellery, brooches and the sweetest little decorations! I can't even begin to describe how talented she is, so I guess you'll just have to see it for yourselves (and maybe make a purchase or two, go on!) Scroll down for a glimpse of Gem's gorgeous delights! Your eyes will thank you for it..    x

All photos taken from Etsy!

For the fashionistas

Fashion week is upon us! And boy have I been looking at photos galore. The catwalk fashion is great (admittedly I'm not big into designer brands - partly because my purse doesn't allow expensive taste and partly because I'm a pretty casual gal). That said I like admiring what the celebrities are wearing, yes I realise that they too are wearing designer clothes but it's much more street savy and wearable (and easy to copycat) than the models strutting the catwalk! It might be time to also admit I have a massive girl crush on Alexa Chung. She is the most effortless beauty and is so kooky cool! I am mildly obsessed with Miss Chung, and in my mind she stole the show this fashion week.

 

See!! What did I tell ya! I was also incredibly excited to see some goregous fair-skinned beauties looking dazzling as ever. Being the pasty white type myself, and aptly referred to as Casper at school, I love seeing girls like Amanda Seyfried and the Fanning sister's looking breathtaking in all their glowing glory. Tan shman, I say!

Also worthy of mention were Emma Roberts and Whitney Port. I love the crazy mis-matched colours gracing the clothes racks this Spring, and Whitney is a fine example of a mustard green mix which looks fab! Emma Roberts looks so grown up and sweet in her outfit too, is it terrible to admit I used to watch (and love) her in Unfabulous? No? Well I did still do! Ha ha..

Happy fashion week, ladies! Enjoy       x

All images taken from here!

Everything is a matter of perspective

I'll admit it. I can be a very negative and pessimistic person sometimes... I am so hard on myself too, I'm not afraid of criticism because anything someone throws at me I know I'm at least ten times more self-critical - so haters, you ain't got nothing on the comments I can dish myself. But alas, I am trying to change. Heck, I need to change! It was on my way to becoming a more positive self I came across the higher existence website. It was like someone did all the hard work for me, and crammed it together in one location online! Now all I have to do is read up, put it into action and hello optimisic me.

Three blog posts I particularly liked were this one, this one and this one. Read them, honestly they'll change your perspective! The website contains articles on everything: instant happiness, marijuana, amazing events around the world and even a list of must-see movies. I'll admit some of it is a bit preachy, but if you get past that there is some really top stuff to read! My aunty, Simone is a great ambassador for optimism. She is one of those people that are so positive, it can't help but rub off on anyone within a 10 metre radius. If I am ever feeling down a phone call to her will boost my mood tenfold. She makes her two children sit down before dinner every night and say a few things they are grateful for. Even if it is hard to string together a long list there is always something to be grateful for and that is entirely her point. Sometimes we all need to be negative though, to scream and yell and punch the air and curse at the top of our lungs and that's okay. But after that, we have to get up, shake out our aching hands, apologise to our neighbours and get on with things fashioning a hearty smile! Cos you should never underestimate the importance of a nice, fat grin and a positive attitude!        x

For more inspiration, check out these breath-taking designs from photographer and graphic designer, Julian Bialowas. I had so much trouble picking a few to share with you, so head to his tumblr page to find more!

Home Sweet Home

I just got back from a quick, but much needed trip home. My flight was delayed 3 hours, and for anyone who knows the Townsville airport there isn't a great deal in the way of entertainment. Luckily, I made friends with a delightful old couple, had my new Yen magazine to read and was given a $15 credit to spend at the airport cafe. The time actually passed rather quickly. Once I finally arrived home it was nothing short of wonderful. I had a wine and cheese night with my mum, spent some 'girl time' with my sister, went out for a beautiful lunch with my mum, aunties, nana, and little cousins. I got to cheer on my little (but rather big) brother at his football grand final and caught up with my best friend, Cody. I rubbed my expecting cousin's tum, had a delish afternoon tea with more cousins, my nannie, and my aunty and uncle, and played UNO with my brother and dad. I also had a special delivery from my cousin, Paris who drew me a picture of my pooch, Bear (another drawing to add to the growing collection on my wall.) I managed to cram a fair bit into the three days I was home and it was the absolute best. I come from such a big family (my parents each have 4 siblings), so it can be a challenge catching up with everyone. But it's the fact I live so far away that makes me appreciate my family oh-so much more. There is nothing quite like family, especially mine they are all pretty swell!!           x

Design Sponge

Start spreading the news... da da... da da... Yep, I'm that excited I broke into song! But it is all because the goregous, Grace Bonney from Design Sponge blog has turned her blog into a book! Her book (and blog) is full of design inspiration, clever tutorials and stunning before & after's. Now as much as I love reading blogs, in my mind there is nothing better than snuggling up with a good ole book. That's why I'm super excited for my copy to arrive in the mail. Yes, the postman may find it strange that I crane my neck out the window everytime I hear his motorbike coming up my driveway, but so what Mr Postman I'm waiting for my delivery!         

P.S. She even made a super cute trailer for her book, how sweet...       x



Science is golden

The Grates were definitely on to something when they sang about the wonders of science, because it's thanks to science and technology that the National Geographic have created a new feature called Extraordinary Animals in the Womb. It is truly fascinating! Dolphins, sharks, dogs, snakes, penguins, cats and elephants have their journeys mapped out from conception to birth. The show's producer, Peter Chinn uses 3D ultrasound scans, computer graphics and teeny tiny cameras to give us insight into the development of these crazy creatures. Check out the photos for yourself, or visit the website to watch videos and read more. It's science-tacular!

All images taken from this blog.

iFinally found one

I have only recently taken a byte out of the crazy Apple enterprise and got myself an iPhone. Oh conformity! I have spent a very cosy two months with my new mobile, thrown out my outdated nok-yaa and I think I am in love. How did I ever live without an iPhone?

And you know what else is charming about this small piece of technology, the cool cases you chuck on the back! I have searched far and wide for the perfect iPhone case and I'm telling you this website is THE BEST! AND YES I AM TYPING IN CAPS LOCK BECAUSE IT REALLY IS THAT GOOD. OK, OK, I'll stop... But honestly, this site is fantastic and full of creative, arty goodness (and some pretty cool prints and T-shirts as well.) So, if you love Charlie Sheen or books or kaleidoscopes or typography or even cleaning up after your pooch or practically any dang thing, this site has you covered!

Now my only trouble is choosing! So far the beauty below is winning, but if you know me and my terrible indecision you would know I'm bound to change my mind at least seven times before I place an order! 

Happy hunting     x

The Friendly Society

Want to know something that is oh-so-totally ace? Well... my favourite crafty lady Pip Lincolne has created a website called the friendly society. Basically it is a massive collage of photos of friends pre 1985. I have such an appreciation of old photographs and all things vintage so I can't think of anything quite as great as this little project, bravo Pip!

While I was going through the pages of photos I was overcome by a sense of nostalgia and love for my dearest, but not so nearest, friends. A lot of my friends don't live very close to me at the moment and I miss them terribly, to ease the pain I surround myself with their photos (and thank the high heavens for Facebook!) Life just wouldn't be the same without friends, especially those you have known since you were both in nappies and haven't stopped loving since!               x

Visit the website yourself to see more of these beautiful pics, they'll warm your heart like  a nice pot of tea!       

Tunesday

I simply cannot get enough of Swedish band, Little Dragon at the moment. Their new song 'Ritual Union' has been on high rotation on the J waves and it's pretty darn good! A little bit indie, a little bit electronica and alotta bit cool, the four piece have been mates since high school. Lead singer, Yukimi Nagano has such a deep and soulful voice, and partnered with a synth beat the band's sound is pretty much a marriage made in heaven. Definitely worth a listen!

Plus not only is the group super talented, but they even coordinate their clothes (see, I knew I was onto something in primary school!)      x

Image taken from here.

Check out their music for yourselves you will love it, you cool cats:

Pretty in print

I stumbled across these gorgeous prints by Melbourne-based illustrator, Emma Leonard and couldn't contain my excitement. Viewers beware you will not be able to leave her shop without purchasing one for yourself and even worse is the trouble you'll have picking your fav! I too was in those shoes but after an incredible amount of toe-stubbing indecision, I tightened up my laces and made my pick! I chose the splendid print below and I must say it looks pretty schmick in a frame..

Here are some of the very close contenders!
Why must they all be so beautiful?!     x