New port Beach house

I'm just loving this Newport beach house on real estate.com in NSW, the wall paneling, the windows and the navy window seat and especially the outdoor fireplace. I don't think it will take this home to long before its snapped up!

Country Living

Typical of me, when I get an idea in my head I jump head first without thinking it through, I see the positive in everything and I'm great at solving any negatives, but this decision is one of my biggest! Can City girl become Country girl?? Well it goes like this! If I could I would sell up everything and move to the south of France (I told you Vicki A your a bad influence on me he! he!) but the reality with visa's, money and children its just not going to happen in the near future. I've often mentioned my dream to live around the Byron Hinterland and after a few trips over Xmas we found the property we want to buy (as above). We still have not inspected the property (that's next week) but we did a drive by and took one look at each other and knew we had to have it, so after loads of negotiating and convincing with my kids, our new home in Manly which still is not finished has a deadline of 4 weeks to be finished and its going on the market for sale! There is a good change in the meantime the property may sell but that hasn't deterred our determination and we could always build or find another property. I plan on basing myself in Brisbane through the week for the next year spending the week-ends on the property so I can run my store and perhaps plan another down Byron way, lots of planning to do but fingers crossed x

White Vision

Next week I'm off to Melbourne to visit some of my suppliers to start new season buying. At the moment we are having a massive clearance sale clearing out stock ready for new arrivals. I always hate this time of year because my shop never looks its best with sale stickers and stock everywhere but without it I don't have the exciting part in planning new looks and buying new pieces. I have been thinking of what direction I'll take and with out a doubt I'm still focusing on our signature neutrals but adding lots more white furniture pieces with a definite aged appeal. I'm loving the blend of oaks with paint washes, the mix of raw oak and white even blacks with raw timbers still has appeal. This year we will have more antique one off pieces. I have always favored linen and white loose covers on furniture pieces because the versatility is perfect. The classic look of white I never get bored with most importantly I love the ease of adding colour and changing my look with accessories like cushions, art work, fresh flowers and collectables. This year at lily-g I'm keeping my blues and adding more green, keeping the black but not with white, adding more vintage gold pieces and keeping our aged wicker and rattans but adding new styles. I have posted some images that have inspired me and my love of white. 

Time to get Organized

Next week I'm back at work so the last 10 days I have been spring cleaning my house from top to bottom, kitchen cupboards, pantry, kids wardrobes and the clutter in my office, sad I know but I actually love doing it, even though the throwing out does make me cringe. I confess I'm a true lover of shopping and I love collecting but I have no trouble throwing out what I no longer need or want, this year I have promised myself to be less wasteful and put any unwanted pieces on ebay. today I'm going to attack my wardrobe today and then I'm done ready to face the New Year organized and a very clean home....Heaven!

Chandelier love

I fell upon these gorgeous chandeliers in house Beautiful and just had to share them with you. How beautiful would the turquoise chandelier be hanging over a old oak table perhaps with paint rubbed back in blues and greens with mix matched chairs, or the beautiful shell chandelier on the deck of a beach house with a lime washed table and white loose cover chairs Oh yes I could go on and on...

New Years resolutions...

I know the rule if you make them you will probably break them but that doesn't stop me trying so here is just some of my list!

1. Go on diet (I know I'll probably break that one!!!)

2. Exercise (now that one I usually break too but fingers crossed) plan to go on long walks, yoga because I'm a stress head and tennis lessons because its no fun playing fetch the ball.

2. Sell home and move to the country Bangalow the top of my list ( its achievable I think!)

3. Not working so hard and enjoying more week-ends away with my partner and kids i.e Bangalow and Byron Bay!

4. Making lily-g my store better than ever!

5. Read motivational books to keep striving to be the best I can be, both in my personnel and work life 

6. Hawaii in the horizons but if the dollar is still rotten then its Bali this year!

7. make 2009 the best year ever!

Merry Christmas

Wishing all my blogging friends a very Merry Xmas. I'm signing off for the year and will be finishing work on Wednesday to spend time with Lily making Xmas cookies, visiting Santa and last minute Xmas shopping, wrapping presents and just spending time with my Family. I have had a wonderful year at lily-g and next year is going to be pretty exciting with the opening of our new cafe, on-line shopping and yes I'm getting married. I was divorced 6 years ago and met Paul a few years later we had lily together, Paul lost his wife tragically and I became the mum of 3 step children as well as my two children from my first marriage and of course lily and my biggest challenge lily-g my store. Christmas time for me is the most special because its times like this I love having such a big family it really makes us all feel how lucky we are to have each other. Thank you for always stopping by my blog and I'm looking forward to seeing you all again in the new Year, Merry, Merry Christmas,

Love always

Judy xxxxxxx