Sunny Hall Way - Good Day Sunshine...!

I wanted something in yellow & something that would make me smile today...

I love this hall way - it really does makes me smile what a fun, modern way of using Sunny Yellow on walls & ceiling and incorporating text / typography - to what could be just another hall way, the Beatles lyrics 'Good Day Sunshine...' in black make all the difference! You keep looking up & can't help but smile!

What other quotes or lyrics would you use for this bright happy space?

Good Day Sunshine" is a song by The Beatles on the 1966 album Revolver. It was written by Paul McCartney, though like all Beatles songs written by either of them, it is credited as Lennon/McCartney

Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine

I need to laugh and when the sun is out

I've got something I can laugh about

I feel good in a special way

I'm in love and it's a sunny day

Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine

We take a walk, the sun is shining down

Burns my feet as they touch the ground

Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine

Then we'd lie beneath the shady tree

I love her and she's loving me

She feels good, she knows she's looking fine

I'm so proud to know that she is mine.

Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine

Image from Country Living. & Wikipaedia

Remembering... with Love.

Today we remember with love & goodness my Uncle Tony [my mum's brother] who left us for a far better place on this day last year.

You will always be youthful , always be strong and caring, your dry incredibly funny & poignant jokey manner - will never fade in our eyes. You would be so proud of your gorgeous wife & beautiful daughter, and wonderful family. One of your final favourite songs - Songbird - echos & reminds me of how wonderful you are. We love you - Know that you are always in our hearts - never far from our thoughts & prayers. Love you always - S xxx

If you or someone you have loved has been affected by cancer in any way - please think about giving to the Cancer Council Australia [NSW] please visit this link and give generously , be it your time or dollars - all would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Image from Flickr & you tube link to Songbird - version by Eva Cassidy,

Songbird - originally written/ sung by Christine McVie & Fleetwood Mac

Did you Know... About Yellow?

Yellow is the color of sunshine. It's associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy. Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy. Yellow is often associated with food. Bright, pure yellow is an attention getter, which is the reason taxicabs are painted this color. When overused, yellow may have a disturbing effect; it is known that babies cry more in yellow rooms.

Yellow is seen before other colors when placed against black; this combination is often used to issue a warning. In heraldry, yellow indicates honor and loyalty. Later the meaning of yellow was connected with cowardice. Use yellow to evoke pleasant, cheerful feelings. You can choose yellow to promote children's products and items related to leisure.

Light yellow tends to disappear into white, so it usually needs a dark color to highlight it. Shades of yellow are visually unappealing because they loose cheerfulness and become dingy. Dull (dingy) yellow represents caution, decay, sickness, and jealousy. Light yellow is associated with intellect, freshness, and joy. The shade of yellow determines the meaning. Pure, bright and sunny yellow is the easiest color to see. People who are blind to other colors can usually see yellow. Yellow is full of creative and intellectual energy. Always use yellow note pads. Yellow symbolizes wisdom. Yellow means joy and happiness. People of high intellect favor yellow. Yellow daffodils are a symbol of unrequited love. Sunday's color is yellow-gold.

Yellow is very effective for attracting attention, so use it to highlight the most important elements of your design. Men usually perceive yellow as a very lighthearted, 'childish' color, so it is not recommended to use yellow when selling prestigious, expensive products to men – nobody will buy a yellow business suit or a yellow Mercedes. Yellow is an unstable and spontaneous color, so avoid using yellow if you want to suggest stability and safety.

Yellow Energy - Like the energy of a bright sunny day, yellow brings clarity and awareness. The shade of yellow determines its effect: Yellow-green can mean deceit, and creates a disoriented feeling. Orange-yellow imparts a sense of establishment. Clean light yellow clears the mind, making it active and alert.
Put some yellow in your life when you want:
* clarity for decision-making
* relief from 'burnout', panic, nervousness, exhaustion
* sharper memory and concentration skills
* protection from lethargy and depression during dull weather

Images from Flickr & Info from Colour Wheel Pro & Crystal Cure

Yellow in the Boudoir...

Top - Playful, Warm & Cosy.
Centre - Modern ,Contemporary & Fresh

Bottom - Sophisticated & Sumptuous

Shots of Yellow in the bedroom in varying shades can create different atmospheres.... the palest lemon & chatruese mustard teamed with metameric teal & night blue - can make it Sophisticated & Sumptuous ; or a burst of daffodil high chroma yellow as an art piece & used as an elevated bed head - set on a cool white wall can be Modern & Contempoaray; or using a sunny butter yellow with cream, ornage coral & tones and toned down apple green make for a Playful, Warm & Cosy bedroom - as shown in these rooms.
Whichever mood you wish to create - why don't you try a shade of yellow in your bedroom or guest room?

Images from Elle Decor, Modern Living & Country Living

Very Pretty Things... with Prue Trollope.

I received my monthly newsletter from one of my favourite stores, Prue Trollope, located in Sydney's Inner West - Balmain. Prue carries such lovely things, and in particular when in blue & white, with tones of latte & taupe I am there in a flash! So thought it would be nice to share one of my favourite 'pleasure' shopping destinations with you, you may have already visited or read about Prue & her store in many of the (Australian) home & garden magazines or SMH's 'Essential' lift out in 'the Source' published on Thursdays.

Eclectic, pretty mix of old and new homewares - Step into Prue Trollope's fabulous homewares store, scattered with luscious woollen floor rugs, tapestry cushions, retro swimsuits, vintage Korean kimonos, original artworks and cotton quilts, and you'll never want to leave! Prue Trollope’s Balmain boutique is one notable exception. Daring to be different, Prue describes her style as “maximalist,” with an eclectic mix of the old, new, classic and kitsch.

Above. Prue, the women behind the name & the business - Prue Trollope, 21 Mullens Street, Balmain. Phone 9810 6567

The Mullens Street boutique is set within a superb old building which for over seventy-five years operated as a hardware store. The space now takes on a significantly more feminine air, with the nails, dust and rust replaced by the prettiest of pieces for around the home. Peruse the store and you’ll discover luxurious cotton quilts, heavy feather-filled tapestry cushions and woollen hooked floor rugs covered in cabbage roses. A true treasure trove, Prue’s shop features an amazing range of finds such as a 1940’s French bed, beautiful vintage kimonos from Korea and highly comfy canvas shoes from China. You’ll even find large urns for the garden and a great range of gifts, including pearl jewellery, hand-stitched shoulder bags and cute woollen purses. If you are looking to pick up something for the kids, the store also has plenty on offer. Highly popular are handmade wooden stools in the shape of sheep, pigs, dogs and horses. You’ll also find the super-soft Flatout Bears, which Prue and her sister Sarah have sold to famous stores worldwide including Barneys of New York, Paul Smith of London and Le Bon Marche of Paris.

So thought I would share a few of my absolute faves from Prue's store & can also be found on her online store...

Images from Prue Trollope

Bursts of Colour for Yellow Week....April.

This week I know that I will need bursts of happy, sunny, positive, friendly YELLOW... so I am starting the week of with all shades of Yellow... the colour week for April! I adore this reverse positive-negative yellow white wallpaper with the vase images - they are playful, contemporary and at the same time could appeal to a conservative taste.

What shade of Yellow is your favourite?

Image from pointclick

Anzacs - The Soldier's Biscuit... A National Biscuit.

ANZACS would have to be one of my favourite bickkies - outside of a Dodge [Australian country style cuppa cuppa cuppa biscuit i.e. ingredients 3 cups, 2 cups, 1 cup and so on - will share that with you another time!]. So why not treat yourself with a cuppa (cup of tea) & a delicious ANZAC biscuit for this weekend - perfect for when unexpected guests drop by, they smell wonderful when baking, and make reading the weekend paper that much sweeter! They're super easy to make and light on the hip pocket too! See the recipe below and Enjoy! x

The ANZAC Biscuit*
The ANZACs were WWI soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The crunchy ANZAC biscuit was made by women on the home front and sent across the sea to their soldiers. Originally named "Soliders’ Biscuits" and containing just flour, sugar, milk powder and water, these simple biscuits were made to endure the journey at sea. Now the biscuits are more of a treat with the addition of butter, golden syrup and desiccated coconut.
ANZAC Day is a national holiday in Australia and New Zealand celebrated annually on April 25.
*In Australia and New Zealand cookies are called "biscuits".

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
180 (12.5 Tbsp) grams of butter, melted
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of unsweetened desiccated coconut
1 cup of rolled oats
1 Tbsp of golden syrup
1 tsp of baking soda
1/4 tsp of salt

Preparation:
Heat the oven to 350F (180C). Line a baking tray with baking paper. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over a medium heat. Add the golden syrup and baking soda to the butter and stir well. Remove from heat and set aside.
Mix together the flour, oats, sugar, desiccated coconut and salt in a mixing bowl.
Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon to combine ingredients.
Roll about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough into small balls and flatten between the palms of your hands. Place dough on baking tray about 4 cm (1.5") apart to allow room for spreading.
Bake the biscuits for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them sit on the baking tray for 5 minutes.
Remove the biscuits from the tray and cool on a wire rack.

Yield: 10-15 biscuits
Note: Store biscuits in an airtight container.

Image & recipe from Australian Food - About.com

Lest We Forget.... ANZAC Day Saturday 25th April.

Tomorrow, Saturday 25th April, here in Australia & New Zealand, we remember & honour those who have fought, who have died, and are continuing to fight for our country and our freedom as we know it.

Thank You for your commitment to our country & it's people, we are forever grateful . Lest We Forget.

- LEST WE FORGET -

Where have all the poppies gone?

Memories of the fallen sing a quieting song…

Where have all the poppies gone?

Time’s injustice-As memories fade, Of heroes no longer with us…

I wonder; Where have all the poppies gone?

The spirits of the dead soldiers sing a solemn song-

“Lest they forget! Lest they forget! ”

-Bidding us that of their sacrifices,

To never forget…

PHILIP ALARIE

Happy Friday...

Happy Friday !! Yay it's finally here.... I hope you have had a wonderful week, and an even better weekend! I love this cosy verandah just perfect for afternoon tea, an evening drink - or a snooze & a read! The more cushions the better!

This weekend - for those travelling to the dawn services for ANZAC Day held around the country [Australia & New Zealand] tomorrow morning, please drive safely - my thoughts are with you & your families. Lest we Forget.

Take care, S x.

Image from Country Living

Rolling Text... White on Black Typography.

Top - Nate Berkus
Centre & Bottom - Print Dolls

Couldn't go past these images of 'Rolling Text - White on Black'.... Typography used as a design element and decor item can be bring a fresh, contemporary, post modern graphic approach to a room - it offers a focal and anchor point... and depending the text a great talking point for your room. I really enjoy the playfulness of them.
The top image is from Nate Berkus - whose style I really enjoy - sophisticated, cosy, grand and contemporary with nods to the past - very 'Palatial' and the centre & bottom image are from a Sydney - Northern Beaches based company called 'Print Dolls' who are inspired by vintage destination blinds originating from old buses, trams & trains. You may remember that I posted about Marika Järv of Prints Dolls and her home I found on my post 4 Feb 09 [New] Favourite Palatial Home! Enjoy. x




Images - from Nate Berkus & Print Dolls.

More Coral & More Blue White...

Following my post 'Palatial Blue White Poolside Entertaining'.... I just had to share this with you -I love the mix of Coastal & Asian influences through the teak bamboo chairs and Chinese style urn pedestals combined with the bold use of Coral Red in a coral pattern in the upholstery, with Blue White of the decor & lighting pieces against an all white backdrop.

Image from Country Home

Palatial Blue White Poolside Entertaining ...

A recent snippet from Elle Decor on Fashion Design Dennis Basso's gorgeous poolside retreat - I thought I would share with you, notably even more fabulous in my favourite - Blue & White colour scheme.... maybe I am little biased. Beautiful all the same... wouldn't you agree?

Photo Credit: Eric Piasecki
Fashion designer Dennis Basso is the go-to guy for luxurious coats wrought from mink and sable and glorious handbags made of alligator and other exotic skins. But when the trendsetter isn’t crafting looks for the catwalk, he and Michael Cominotto—his partner and men’s style director for the Dennis Basso label—are all about good friends, hearty food, and easy entertaining under the weekend sun. After all, when you have 4,000 square feet of outdoor space tailored for convivial meals—notably a columned pool house built around a towering brick fireplace—why not enjoy it as much as possible?
“We love to be outside,” says the genial silver-haired Basso, whose escape from Manhattan is his and Cominotto’s two-acre property in the historic Long Island village of Water Mill. “We ask people of different ages and outlooks to join us, and we encourage them to bring their house guests. We especially like lunch, which is served late enough for everyone to finish playing tennis and golf before they have to arrive.”

At fashion designer Dennis Basso’s Hamptons pool house, the setting is as chic as the guest list. The simple but sophisticated setting is a major attraction too. Measuring 50 feet long by 20 feet wide, the one-story pool house is where much of the action takes place, amid frothy Kentia palms, lush ferns, and succulent jade plants. Interior designer Kenneth Alpert conceived it as a plein-air living room, so the pavilion-like structure offers ample comforts—beckoning sofas with navy canvas upholstery, white-painted wood armchairs sporting smart blue-and-white-striped cushions, and a generously proportioned cocktail table for candles, drinks, and snacks.

At one end of the breezy space is a fully stocked bar illuminated by a pair of oversize ginger-jar lamps. At the opposite end, high-backed wicker chairs are gathered around three pedestal tables for dining. Country-style flower arrangements interspersed with classic blue-and-white ceramics, from delft vases to Chinese Export figurines, decorate the tables. As curious guests soon learn, every piece has a story. “Remembering where we found each one—in Aspen, Europe, or the Far East— makes them all special,” Basso says.

Basso's Basics - Tips for entertaining from an A-list host
I like to use place cards for dinners, and they’re great when you have a crowd. To keep conversation lively, seat each guest between someone they know and someone they should know.
Mix and match glasses for a personal look, whether they’re by Baccarat or Williams-Sonoma. It’s the size and shape that matter, not the source.
If you’re married or partnered, work as a team. I make the table visually appealing; Michael sees to all the things I don’t think of, such as chilling wine and taking charge of the grill.
Establish a culinary theme. We run our kitchen based on our Italian backgrounds, which means serving classic dishes like antipasti, linguine alle vongole, and grilled vegetables.

For more on this story & interview visit Elle Decor

Wonderful News - It's a Baby Girl!

No not me - I didn't get pregnant & have baby overnight!

Wonderful News... My darling best friend Jackie - whom I posted about on Friday [last week 17th April] about for her baby shower dinner... well she had a little baby girl, who we will begin to know, as Charlotte Elise. She entered our world yesterday at a very civilised hour of lunch time, and will hold a special place in my [& my husband's] heart as Jackie & her husband, Brent, asked me to be her Godmother - I am very honoured indeed!

Little Charlotte at 7 lb 4oz (3.2 kgs) & Mum, Jackie are doing very well... I will get a special cuddle tomorrow evening when I visit them both [as only yesterday I committed to boot camp Tues & Thurs evening for 10 weeks - a pre-winter body tune-up!!].

So this post is a special welcome for Charlotte Elise - we love you already, & congratulations to Jackie, Brent & [now big sister] Siena, and not to forget - their first 'baby girls' the Cavaliers - Lily & Claire!

Much Love to you all, S xxx



Images from Flickr & Visual.ize.us

[More] Birthday Wishes... xxx

Well it's certainly the month of birthday's in my family - particularly that of Grandmothers!

Today it is my [maternal] Grandmother, Norma - who both my sister & I call 'Mum' - copying our mother as little girl & adopting the name 'Mum' - my mother at the time was known as 'Mummy' needless to say it was confusing when we grew out of calling out 'Mummy' and we were out & about with both my Mother & Grandmother - both heads turned for attention!

So here's to my Grandmother - Mum - wishing you a very Happy 82nd Birthday...

To a wonderful lady who's extraordinary drawing hand particularly at portraiture, historical costumes, fashion and interiors (we attribute this greatly to growing up with the influence of her Grandmother's family's business J.Robin's & Son with finery all that goes with the like - the balls, dinner dances with the late Anthony Horden's, The [actual] Grace Bros, the Mark Foy's of the world and David Jones - all iconic Australian department stores - past & present), and whose eye for beautiful things, excellent quality, fashion & trend, and decor influenced me greatly.

With Much Love & Many Birthday Wishes. Always, S xxx

Images from Country Living

Birthday Wishes....

Lost of Birthday Wishes to my darling Grandma, Sarah [also my namesake], whose 89th birthday is today...

Without bias -she is truly an amazing woman & is certainly someone I adore but always look to for advice, wisdom and blessing. She is a phenomenal influence in my life from her 'trying' retirement at 55, to going back that next week and finally 'winding down' at 71 - to teaching me to sew as a little girl, and later on to re-upholster, to stripping and hanging wall paper, to painting a wall because you like the colour - need a change and because you feel like it, to moving furniture around because you can and need to see how that piece you have been eyeing-off might look, to traipsing around second-hand stores to find that one great piece - even it is another bed and you already have 4!

For spending hours with me in the garden, most often over a pot of leaf tea, explaining the various types of plants & their attributes, how to strike a cutting from the stems we had gathered on our walks around her home in the Blue Mountains and how to transplant delicate root systems & the right time to do it, and always smelling like a soft bouquet of violets...

Here's to you Grandma - for a year ahead full of happy times, good health & many more sunny wonderful gardening days!

Loving You Always. S xx

Images from Martha Stewart & Verandah Home & Garden Living Solutions

Autumn Leaves... Happy Friday!

The cooler weather [for us in the southern hemisphere] is just around the corner - I have pulled out a few cardis this week for a few brisker mornings.... undoubtedly this is my favourite time of the year - Autumn [my US friends - Fall]... As my birthday falls in end October [Halloween} and I have always wanted to be on the East Coast US maybe upstate NY to see all the leaves turn; having said that we had an amazing time on the West Coast US a couple years back for Halloween - there's nothing like it - the decorations, the spirit, the pumpkins - actually everything with pumpkin, loved it!

So here's to a great Friday & your weekend - for lovely mild mornings & snuggling in, the warm days - dappled light through the turning leaves & picnics in the park, and those delicious cool evenings with your favourite couch blanket and maybe a warm desert! Enjoy. S x

Image from Visualize us

Baby Shower Basket...

Thought I would share with you some photos I took of the the 'Baby Shower Basket' I put together last night for my darling best friend Jackie, who is expecting her 2nd bubby - she already has a gorgeous little 2.5 year old Siena in tow. We are having a Baby Shower Dinner this evening [so hope she's not checking Palatial Living today!!] in lieu of our traditional Baby Shower Brunch at Dunes, Palm Beach - because her doctor {OBGYN} moved her due date forward by 2 weeks - ahhh - so naturally the 2 week before baby shower had to be moved forward as well!!

So as you may have guessed for the neutral colour scheme of the basket - we're not sure if she's having a boy or girl so hence the White on White wicker basket with accents of Pale Lemon, Cream, Mocha & Cocoa showing in the little singlet vests, muslin wraps, a 'Classic Pooh' body suit with coordinating bib & beanie, 'baby ducks' cotton booties, 'Verandah Baby' bibs I made for her, and the highlights Soft Peach & Coral, Soft Pistachio, White and Tiffany Blue through paper and ribbons...This colour scheme of soft hues teamed with white and lots of ribbons really reminds me of the fabulous baby shower in 'Father of the Bride Part II' that Franc threw for Nina & Annie... gosh I love that movie and the original! Needless to say - I really love lots if ribbons!

Hope you like it... & here's hoping Jackie likes the basket too!

Images by Verandah Home & Garden Living Solutions

Store Love...in Dallas with Coral & Chinoiserie.

Following my Coral hue affair... I stumbled across this gorgeous store display & am completely in love with this decor space... the glamour, the exotic, the warmth, the contemporary appeal, the eastern Chinoiserie influence in the colouration, screen and artwork - the coral, duck egg blue hues teamed with black gloss, mahogany & teak timber tones, and eggshell coloured stone over sized coffee table. Hope you love it as much as I do...

Store Decor Display by Again Design Studio, Dallas USA - Leslie Pritchard revives vintage furniture in her kicky Dallas showroom. Whether headboards or chests of drawers, her recycled items are glamorously updated with gleaming new finishes. Upholstered pieces are invigorated with fabrics by Madeline Weinrib, Trina Turk, John Robshaw Textiles, and Kelly Wearstler, as is Pritchard’s line of slipper chairs, sofas, and ottomans. Address - 2003 Henderson Ave., 214-826-6777; visit AgainDesignStudio.com

Image from Elle Decor

Trend Alert! ...Colour: Coral

Branching patterns and sultry orange-red hues inspired by the undersea world are making a splash from runway to tabletop.

Trieste linen-polyester by Manuel Canovas from Cowtan & Tout. Available to the trade only Washed Canvas cotton by Ralph Lauren Home.
One-shoulder silk dress by Lanvin from spring 2009.

Coral Torquay earthenware dinner plate by Mottahedeh.
Sea Fern Lamp from Horchow
Corallo glass-mosaic panel by Marco Braga for Bisazza.

Fabrics - Assorted & Trieste linen-polyester by Manuel Canovas from Cowtan & Tout. Available to the trade only

Colour Trend Alert - CORAL -

One of my favourite colours for both fashion and home wares/ decor would be Coral, it comes in tints and shades of tangerine to ruby-esque. And is fresh, striking as well as traditional & contemporary all at the same time. As a high chroma value hue -it an exceptional accent colour for a room or space, and in fashion it particularly works well on olive toned skin (which is maybe why I love it so much!).

Coral as a shape - It would also be one of my favourite natural shapes / design - Coral or also can be known as Sea Ferns - instantly adding an organic, sometimes coastal and occasionally graphic feel to a piece or room, and as a shape-graphic style can lend itself to be coloured-up in other hues as equally as well - creating very diverse atmospheres within a space.

Images from Elle Decor