A Shabby Chic Kind of Sunday...

Oh, I do love Rachel Ashwell and her Shabby Chic kind of life...
It's so real, so natural and oh, so, so pretty!
I find that looking at Rachel's books is an opportunity to access the girly side of life - that which is pretty, playful and pink! I particularly love her latest book - Shabby Chic Interiors - My Rooms, Treasures and Trinkets and have spent this weekend absorbed in it's lovely pages... Have you seen it? It showcases her new home - complete with outdoor barn - and the home's of some of her gorgeously, creative friends. Like that of Amy Neunsinger - the talented gal behind the pics you see in all of Rachel's books. Amy's home is a lovely link between clean lines and Shabby Chic prettiness and is just the kind of place that I could see myself living in. Here's some pics from the book to inspire you on Sunday...

I Can't Help Myself...

I know it's the weekend and al but I can't stop myself from indulging in a day of decorating research! What with the workshops coming up in a few weeks - I've spent the day rummaging through my office, my files, my drawers, my everything in search of inspirational decorating bits and bobs to include in the day. In fact, this morning I've been cutting up a mound of fabric into mood board size pieces for my workshop friends to experiment and play with. It's going to be fun! On my travels, I've come across my lovely Cloth Fabric samples - the ones designed by Julie Paterson with sustainability and beauty in mind - and this has lead me to their website... again! And look at the beauty that I found there. Don't you just love Cloth's muted tones and textured fabrics? They are earthly beauty, that's for sure - just the kind that I love....

Come Fly With Me....

Let's fly - let's fly away...
Yes, it's the weekend - that wonderful time of the week when you can escape the mundane and fly away for a while...
Hope you have a lovely weekend everyone...
See you next week.
sx

pic from Toast

Magic Shoes...

Tea parties, cakes and presents tied with pretty pink ribbons.... These are a few of my favourite things! And just as a delicate china teacup can transport you to another world - so can a pretty pair of shoes. Magic shoes... the kind that make you feel as though you are living a different life for a while. These days, my shoe attire mostly consists of Indian flip flops or Wellington boots (what with being a farm/beach girl and al!) - but occasionally, there's nothing more lovely than popping on a pretty pair  of shoes like these and to fly off to a land filled with princesses, cups of tea and pretty tuille dresses... Ah Magic Shoes... take me there a while...




Pic from Anthropolgie (that magical place...)

Ooooh... I almost forgot!!!!

That it's my wedding anniversary today!!! Well, 16 years of marriage can do that to a person, you know - and hubby's even away for the event! But, there'll be celebrations to come...

 Yes, it's been 16 years to the day since hubby and I tied the knot - and what a journey it has been... Two kids, a dog, a couple of horses and a herd of cattle later - we're still together. Yes, there's been a few tears - but most of the time, it's been a barrel of laughs and a lot of fun... Why? Well, he's my best friend and soul mate - and a very funny guy at that! So, Happy Anniversary my darling... I hope we're still looking as good sixteen years on from now!!!

This pic is from style me pretty - a plethora of wedding heaven....

Hangin' Ten...

Wow, it's hot up here at the farm today...
Sweltering heat - the kind that only a quick dip will abate! As you know, we are sans piscine up here at the farm (!!!!) however the beach has been doing the trick just fine for us girls...
Yep, it's just us girls right now - because the boys are away on a 'boys only' holiday. Not that we're complaining - we've been busying ourselves senseless! A day of shopping and the movies yesterday, girly play dates and surfing at the beach. Inez has been loving spending the days with her surfie mates, getting out into the waves and hanging ten - Gidget style. So much so, that it's about time to invest in a surfboard. And so, I'm on the hunt for a pink mini mal with hibiscus flowers! Then, all she'll need is a yellow frilled bikini and she'll really look the part!!

An Anthropological Day....

I thought that I'd kick off Wednesday with a little Anthropological splendour...
 Prepare yourself to be inspired!!!

Floral Heaven...

Sometimes it is but a simple bunch of colourful blooms that add life and oomph to an otherwise plain and unadorned space. Like here, in the kitchen of this gorgeous cottage in Bangalow that Prue and I photographed for the latest issue of Country Style magazine. What beauty! These stems of open pink peonies, purple lilac and others, create a lovely colour boost to the otherwise grey and white palette. Such prettiness! And such a symphony of scent! Pure heaven...

Zippity Doo Da

Zippity Doo Da alright! How bout a kitchen painted in blue just like this one to add a little zip into your day! And the tilework? Simply Wow! The wonderful thing about colour is that you can use anywhere to your advantage. If it's a little oomph that you need first thing in the morning - then blue in the kitchen could be the thing to get your fired up for the day. It's certainly a departure to the minimalist design we've been living with over the past 10 years. Break out I say. And live a little. Perhaps 2010 is the year to bring a little bit of colour into your life....

In Full Colour...

It's crazy, I know, but I like to begin each year thinking about my life, my hopes and desires, in the way one would decide on a  colour palette for their home. How do I want to feel in my life in 2010? What would I like to achieve? Is the year to be filled with adventures and travels (in which case a palette of red (energy) and orange (creativity) could be the go), would I like to begin a new business (purple for intuition) or maybe a palette of blues and greens (to promote calm and clarity) is exactly what I need. As many of you will have read in my last post - this year for me is all about trying to instill a sense of peace within, with the hope of fortifying my spirit, concentrating on the things that are most important and moving ahead with focus. And so, my palette of blues of greens (those which I am already living with) are just perfect for me right now.

However, as you know, I'm in the process of getting The Little Cottage, my studio workshop primed and organised for my upcoming 2010 workshops - and so I'll be extending the colour palette that I have used up in the farm to the workshop as well. Although, perhaps a little more mint and a little less teal to ensure that the space is perky enough to see us through the day. I hope to have some pics to post you soon. Watch this space...

pic from homelife

Blessings for 2010...

Happy 2010 Everyone...

Hi all,
Well, we're back on board and all systems go for 2010 after a lovely two week break with the family, spent in beautiful Bali - the land of luscious green rice paddies, dainty offerings and much, much more.
It was wonderful to be back in Bali again. The last time I was there was about nine years ago when the children were only small and we spent much of our time confined to the pool.
This time, we hopped on our vespas, kids on the back, and really got into the life that is Bali. We spent most of our time up in beautiful Ubud - the land of yoga, health, rainy afternoons and Eat, Pray, Love (of course!). Ubud is such a lovely tranquil place to be - the people are still very traditional and the pace is much slower than the usual tourist haunts of Kuta and Legian. Most of all, I loved that Ubud and the happy and so, so beautiful Balinese people reminded me of the virtues of simplicity - of how peace and quiet can help you feel whole and how at the end of the day, we really don't require very much to feel satisfied.
This year, I'm hoping to keep the Balinese spirit alive within - where I am grateful for the smallest things and find peace in the moment rather than wondering what is around ever corner. It's not going to be easy (!)  - I am a planner to a fault - but I love a challenge.
And so, welcome 2010 - a year filled with peace and tranquility. And decorating workshops (I hope you guys can make it to beautiful Bangalow to share a day of decorating fun with me), expanding the vegetable garden and planting more trees! Oh, and tinkering with my new product range! Oh, and getting fit and healthy! Oh, and maybe doing some more writing (I feel that there's a another book hiding away inside me somewhere)! And, well - a little renovating and redecorating! Oh goodness - I told you it wasn't going to be easy!!! Om....

Merry Christmas Everyone....

Ah, who can believe that another year has past and here we are celebrating Christmas again! And what a year it has been... Busy? Indeed! Inspirational? For sure! Hard work? Of course! But, as we reach the end of 2009, I have to say that it's been a lovely year... After all, we are all alive, healthy and well - and our lives are full of colour and beauty. And if life has blessed us with this joy, then, yes! It has been a lovely year.
I hope that 2009 was full of joy for you all - and looking forward, that 2010 will fulfill all of your dreams.
In the meantime, I'll leave you with the latest cover of Country Style. Could there be a more gorgeous way to spend Christmas than at a table like this one? Filled with family and friends
Merry Christmas all....
Keep well and safe. And, happy, of course!
sx

Holiday Style....

With Christmas almost upon us - and the holidays looming like a dangling carrot (!) - my mind has turned to lazy days at the beach and to go with it - gorgeous beachside style. Don't you just love the laid-back flavour and textures of the beach. Driftwood abounds, blues and greens all around - and lovely, comfy style to while away the long, hot holiday days and nights. I hope that the holidays are looming closer for all of you - and that you have a wonderful break planned to celebrate another year done. Hopefully these gorgeous pics will send you into the holiday mood...

pics from homelife.com.au

Come Along To My 'How To Decorate' Workshops....

Hello Everyone!

I'm very excited to announce the launch of my 'HOW TO DECORATE' workshops in 2010.

For the first time ever - I am opening the door to The Little Cottage - my quaint private studio workshop situated in my hometown of Bangalow. Step into my world for a day and be a part of my workshops designed for budding home decorators just like you.

There are four dates to choose from - click here  to be redirected to my website where you'll find all of the workshop and booking details...

You don't need any decorating experience to come along - all that's required is a desire to express your inner decorator and a sense of adventure! So come along to Bangalow and join me for a day of decorating!

Hope to see you in 2010!

Much Love and Happy Holidays,

Shannon

p.s There is accommodation available for up to four friends at The Little Cottage - which is situated a 5-minute walk to the centre of town. Send us an email  if you would like the details. x

Pure Pretty...

What about this gorgeous home - a lovely timber cottage in downtown Bangalow - which is for sale! What a beauty...

A Little Birdy Told Me...

That the divine and most gorgeous store of all - Anthropologie - will be shipping to Australia soon! How exciting! I've loved Anthropologie from the first time I laid eyes on it (as I know many of you do) and have had to make do with filling up my suitcase with their goodies on a trip to New York and lugging them home on the plane with me all the way to Australia. Although Anthropolgie have launched their international site - us Aussies are still unable to buy - however, the word on the street is, that it's only a matter of time before we are on their map! Yay, Anthropologie...

P.S...

I've had such an overwhelming response from so many of you interested in attending my 2010 'How To Decorate' workshops held right here in my home town of Bangalow. My lovely graphic designer Fran is in the throes of putting all of the info onto the site as we speak and I'll be sure to email you all with the heads up once it goes live to air... Which, if all goes well, should be in a week.
Hope you can make it. It's going to be a blast!
sx

All Things Wedding...

A big thanks to Jane and the team at Wedding Style Guide, for asking me to contribute to the gift registry page of their gorgeous magazine - and also for including a titbit on me in their blog. I have to say, it's been a while since I've thought about all things wedding. It's been almost 16 years (!!!!) since hubby and I tied the knot - yes, I was only 10 when I got married (!) - and to be honest, I haven't thought much about weddings since! Until today - when the issue of Wedding Style Guide hit the post box and I've spent the whole afternoon living vicariously through other peoples lives. Wow, don't people have such gorgeous weddings these days? Every little detail has been thought about. Hubby and I had a rather traditional wedding - church and all - but I think if we were to tie the knot again I'd do it a little differently. Barefoot at the farm perhaps? Hillbilly style... What kind of wedding would you have?

Tile Love...

I am a dedicated lover of decorative tile work - and am particularly drawn to the Spanish and Moorish kind. Those tiles that form repetitive patterning and tell a story of culture and history. Decorative tiles are a lovely way to add decoration into the architecture of a home - it's like having artwork woven into the fabric of the house itself. It's rare in Australia to find this kind of decoration in a home - that's why when I head to places like Spain, I revel in the beauty of it all. These pics are from my file and were taken in my hotel in beautiful Sevillia - one of the most gorgeous places on earth...

In Vivid Colour

Infusing bright and vivid colour into a home is a very brave thing, don't you find? Choosing colour can be a little like choosing a husband - you want to be sure that you are compatible otherwise you're stuck living together for a very long time! If you do get the choices right however, then life can be full of excitement and bliss!
No Chintz seem to have the art of using and combining pattern and colour down pat - and I'm always so excited when they bring out a new range of fabrics and combinations as they never fail to leave me inspired and smiling. Like those found in these pics. Hope they inspire you to infuse some colour into your life...

Brooke and Her Brickmaker...

A big thanks to Brooke over at Velvet and Linen for including me as a judge in her Brickmaker Table Giveaway. Brooke was offered three divine Brickmaker tables to giveaway on her blog - and so she asked her readers to send in a photograph of a favourite room that they had designed that they felt could do with a Brickmaker! She received 170 entries in all - and us judges had to choose our favourite 5! What a mammoth task. Here's a couple of examples of the entrants. You can check out all of the finalists over at Velvet and Linen and vote for your favourites....

Dreaming of Wicker And France...

What about this divine chair from the new collection at Villa Maison! Just one peek transported me straight back to France - imagining long summer days lunching in the garden of a dilapidated chateau! Glass of wine in one hand - smelly French cheese and baguette in the other. Lavender lining the table. The smell of the Provencal breeze all around me....
Ah France.. I love you so...

Paper Wings...

Whilst I'm on the subject of all things gorgeous for children - I just had to share some pics from the summer Paper Wings range. Don't you just love these Paper Wings clothes - so theatrical and fun. It's little wonder that their creators (Michelle Fallon and Jason Gibaud) are ex-NIDA grads and spent the bulk of their career in the film industry creating the costumes for some big name films such as Star Wars! I'm waiting, with baited breath, for a women's wear range - as I've tried squeezing into my daughters Paper Wings pieces and it just doesn't seem to work at all!!!

Handmade Heaven...

I love things that have been made by hand. Where a person's two hands - their life and their energy - are behind their creation. Being a rather highly energetic person - I have to admit - that I find it quite a difficult thing to sit still long enough to see this kind of creativity through to fruition however when I do manage it, I find that a wave of relaxation and calm comes over me. After all, creating by hand is a meditation of sorts, don't you find...
Some such creatures of beauty are these Littlebillies. Former food stylist extraordinaire, Suzie Smith creates these gorgeous dolls completely by hand from her farmhouse in the Byron Bay Hinterland. She even knits their outfits to suit their personalities - and what funky outfits they are. Aren't they darling? You can check out her website www.littlebillies.com.au to see the range...



2010 Decorating Workshops...

COMING IN 2010...

Do you dream of decorating your own home but don't know where to start?

Then be a part of my Decorating Workshops in 2010 and build the confidence you need to create a beautifully decorated home for yourself.

Come along to the Little Cottage in Bangalow - my quaint studio workshop - and spend the day with me learning about colour and fabric, how to create mood boards and interior schemes and more. Each workshop is guaranteed to be a fun day, full of insider decorating info and loads of laughs.

If you are from out of town then you can stay at the Little Cottage - accomodation will be available for up to four friends in a self contained loft at the studio workshop or we can recommend one of the beautiful B&B's in the quaint and stylish town of Bangalow...


Email me with your info and we'll send you all of the details. Or go to the 'workshops' tab on my website in the next few weeks where you'll be able to make a booking.

So spend a day or two in beautiful Bangalow and have some decorating (and shopping and eating!) fun with me...

It's Sooo Hot....

It's just sooo hot up here at the farm that I'm literally melting away! Beads of sweat are rolling down my forehead and I'm dreaming of a swim at the beach. Which will have to wait - because, well, there's work to be done...
However, such heat has brought up the issue (again...) of a pool! How is it possible, I say (to my hubby, family and friends - or whomever will listen!!!) to live up here on a farm, surrounded by cattle and dirt and not a pool in which to cool off! Of course, hubby's reply is to raise one eyebrow and say - 'the beach is just down the road, why on earth would you want a pool?' However, I will not give up! Hubby are you listening? Pool, pool, pool -say it with me gals!
And so, I've employed the art of visualization to bring me one step closer to the goal at hand - and as such, today's post is of cool, blue swimming pools... Wish me luck....
Ommmm....

pics from CoteMaison

Remember This...

The day this issue of US Vogue hit the stand (with the beautiful Christy T on the cover) was the day that I first fell in love with grey. Now, grey and I are great mates! Love you grey...

Tales of a Sea Gypsy...

I know all of you savvy design types are up with all things Sibella Court - (and if you are not then be beguiled by her site www.thesocietyinc.com.au). Here's a little taste of Sibella's new theme for The Society Inc - Tales of a Sea Gypsy. There are no words for such beauty. Simply emotion. Prepare to be inspired...