laneway festival - Florence and the Machine 2010

I just bought my tickets for the 2011 Laneway Festival, so I thought it would be timely to add some snaps I took of Florence at the 2010 Laneway.

She is one inspirational and eclectic gal.

What is old is new again

I recently stumbled upon this great website called www.colettepatterns.com.  Sarai Mitnick is the owner and designer behind this website and has created some beautiful oldy worldy designs that will rival any vintage boutique.  And the best part is that the patterns are sized for modern day women.  No more finding the perfect vintage dress before realising you will have to get a few ribs removed to fit into it.
I got my hands on the "Ceylon" pattern and have just about finished the dress.  I am as pleased as punch and am now on the hunt for some red shoes to match the buttons.  Very nautical!
Check out the website and try making a new dress or skirt for summer.

Washing

Last year when we were living in a country place, I stumbled upon a vintage fabric jackpot.  After washing these lovelies I couldn't help but feel inspired by the image of them moving on the washing line.  I still have some of these, whilst others have been made into summer dresses or curtains or given away to admiring friends.  

dean's friends

On a weekend in Deans Marsh there was a lot of insect action in the garden.

Market spoils

There is something so nice about returning home from the markets laden with food, heads full of ideas for new recipes.........

Grilled eggplant, banana bread, cheese platters, potato bake......so delicious and so worth almost breaking my arms off to carry it all home....

this old sign

I walk past this everyday.  It is a really nice old sign.....

the mermaids domain

on a beach on the great ocean road I became inspired by the ocean

Mussels yummy yummy

the mermaids basin

this still life

still life by me
collected bits of blue and green...

the places we call home

Where we live is so important.  Our environments directly affect our mood.  It doesn't take much time or money to make a house or home.....or unit/flat/apartment/caravan/cave....
This is my home.......

Quirky little tea-cups and old armchairs.... a little bit of what you fancy.  And always remember it doesn't need to be perfect, just comfortable and pleasing to your eye....

Sweet St Kilda

A trip to the beach on a hot day.....it seems that the whole world has the same idea.... But I have to say it was worth it.... Chicken and chips on the sand, seagulls, blue sky

rescued

To my horror , someone that lives in my street thought that there was no room left in their lives for an antique singer sewing machine.  For years I have seen these beauties in antique shops and dreamt of owning one......but why spend money when you can pick one up on a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood.  Mind you carrying this back was a bit hard - they weigh a tonne.
I am yet to use this but have spent the last few days admiring it and polishing it occasionally.  It feels like a piece of history.

Herby Herb Herb

Herbs in pots are such a cheap and easy way of bringing plants into your life.  They are so delicious picked fresh and added to salads and steaming veggies.
Start with simple herbs like parsley and chives.  Thyme, oregano and rosemary are quite sturdy and woody plants....check the labels to find the best herbs suited for the area in your home.

Window sills, Sunny spots on kitchen benches, back steps.......
Head to www.sownsow.com to check out the amazing seed packet cards created by Michelle Brady.  These cards are the perfect gift for all occaisons.

The garden on the edge

Limited space does not mean that one cannot have a garden.  It just makes things more challenging.  This garden is simple in design, compact and uncomplicated but the pleasure it brings is unmeasuarable.  

All that is required is a table or trolley.  This one was found in the roadside hard garbage collection.  It is an old bbq trolley and works perfectly in this space.  Pot up some of your favourite plants and there is not much more to it.  For more inspiration head to www.sownsow.blogspot.com.  This blog has been created by Michelle Brady and is a great resource for inspirational ideas on incorporating plants into your life.