Bringing back memories

I am definitely past this stage, but I just had to post these beautiful Nurseries. This is how a nursery should look, beautiful antiques, pastel colours. My darling lily is rebelling she said, " Mummy I want a rainbow room with lots and lots of colours" she is paying me back for depriving her of colour!!!! Have a great day.

Bangalow Part 2

The house hunting continues! On Saturday we spent the entire day looking at property in Northern NSW. Our priority list: Rural View, 5-20 acres, near the beach and Bangalow, A huge fig tree, a home with Character that we can renovate. Keeping in the budget and trying to find the above is no easy task but lucky we have lots of time and we plan on finding the perfect property for us. I am so impulsive that its hard "just looking" at this stage, but we have so many things to work out. I will be living half the time in Brisbane, running my store and the other half living the country life, but I'm up for the challenge!

Gretel house is in Eureka, I was very surprised to find this gorgeous area so close to Byron, the tree lined streets and the entire area is so beautiful. We have not been on the property yet but we drove past and loved it. The property is only 5 acres which could be perfect and more manageable, apparently there is a guest house and seven bedrooms, again this property has lots of potential but no view which is on my priority list. 

Lornsmere House built in 1917 by the Scarabelloti Family. I noticed this home on the internet but it wasn't till seeing it in reality that we became interested, finally the agent is showing us houses we love. The positives: tennis court, pool, big fig tree, a studio, a guest house and beautiful gardens. The negatives, the house is over priced, the owners have gutted the kitchen and the living space is small, the entire house was built the wrong way around, the entry to the back of the home. We would have to add an extension for a living area and kitchen. The studio and the guest house is in ruins and would need to be completely re-done but we love the prospect of that. The guest house we would convert to a B&B and the added income would pay for maintenance on the property. The down side not one Macca tree, we have either 3000 tree's or zero!! It would be a complete renovation and repaint but if we could get it for the right price its our first real option and only 8 min to Bangalow and 15min to Byron and the beaches.

We have decided that buying a coffee plantation may be a little to adventurous, Just because we love drinking it doesn't mean we can produce it! looks a little daunting!

The creek behind the property supplied drinking water to the Scarrabellotti family before town water. My children would love this water hole.

Regardless my number 1 priority is to have a large fig tree, Sorry Lily I'm thinking a chandelier and a large old french table under this beautiful tree!

This picture is from another property and worth millions (out of our budget) but I can see us having our glass of wine, camp fire watching the sun set, Stress, what Stress!

Week-end post

This week we have re-painted and wall-papered the store, completed a stock take and start the big job of re-decorating and unpacking boxes of new stock. We are having a day off tomorrow and planning a Day at Bangalow (Byron hinterland) and then its full steam ahead. I hope you all have a great week-end

Judy xx

Beautiful Pieces

I have never really loved heavy dark antique furniture but light timbers and painted finishes like the blue table below appeal so much more to me. I would love to use the table on my deck or under that big oak tree.

Bundling old books together is a great way to decorate, I collect books from the markets for my shop displays and for home. I tie the books with string and at times I have attached a special charm or like the image above from Marley & Lockyer Etsy shop, a feather to add a special touch.

Ginger Jars

I'm a huge fan of decorating with Ginger Jars, clustered or standing with other pieces they always make a bold statement. We have ordered several different colours and designs. The green is going to work beautifully in my fashion area that we are busily revamping, the parrot book-ends are very special too!

The Simple life

The last few days I have had the Flu so staying in bed watching Martha and Jamie Oliver has been a rare treat fever and all! Jamie cooking at home, by the creek, his abundance of fresh herbs, his relaxed attitude to cooking. I just love the Idea of growing my herbs and vegetables in my back-yard, getting the family involved and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Jamie's garden is my inspiration all I need is lots of land and a running creek! 

Friends...

This post is for my friends (Marnie, Claudine and Shannon) who love high-teas, collecting beautiful vintage crockery and decorating the table for any occasion. The girl's and our partners had a fabulous Breakfast on Sunday overlooking the bay enjoying our new found friendships which I know will last a lifetime. Thank you M for such a beautiful quote, I will always remember xxx

In a few months time I'm putting on a Baby Shower for Claudine. We are planning a gourmet Lolly Buffet with gorgeous vintage urns. Hand embroidered linen bags will be supplied to fill with sweet treats for the guests to take home (thanks Sharnel and Sally for the Idea) and of course lots of cup cakes from the Cup-Cake Company.

Have a great week

Judy xx