If only .... Ava's rule

Please take the time to read this.

DIY Project for your next celebration

I just love reading the DYI projects featured on Project Wedding. This latest idea could be adapted for any type of celebration and would particularly suit the Aussie climate in coming months.

Here are some similar alfresco lanterns you could use to to add some colour, light and ambience to your Christmas table or NYE celebration.

I've just purchased this fun tray, jug and tumbler set for our summer BBQ season. Cute hey? I'm thinking I might need to get the lanterns now too!

Inspiration - Yellow

Hi Everyone,

I've been a little distracted of late and haven't been posting much. I'm learning how to sew and just loving it.

My first project to deck out both my daughter's kindy and my son's daycare with fresh and fun cushions. The old ones are ..... well old looking.

I'm also trying to spend less time on my Mac, which is sort of working out for me. It's hard isn't it? I'm so addicted!

So I thought I'd pop on and share with you some inspiration I've collected over the past year. Enjoy!

Australian textile designer - Saffron Craig

I just had to share this gorgeous fabric with you. It's part of the new range from Saffron Craig.

The colour palette is super yummy and at $14.95 per 50cm you can afford to go crazy wild! I may even purchase a few metres myself and wrap myself up in it for Christmas Day. What a treat for my guests!

Check out her other gorgeous designs here.

Our home in House & Garden this month

You can imagine my excitement when we returned home to see our dining room featured in the November issue of Australia H&G Top 50 Rooms.

Of course the super talented Anna Spiro from Black & Spiro designed this gorgeous room (actually our entire house).

Oh how I do love our home!

I'm back and with some wonderful news

We arrived home on Sunday evening and I must say that there is total truth in the saying "there's no place like home".

The family had the most wonderful holiday. It was exciting, spiritual and relaxing all in one. I have literally over 1000 photographs to sort and edit and will upload some as soon as time permits. We took some pretty amazing wildlife photographs (both my husband and I share a passion for photography).

So the wonderful news is .......................... that my Dad's operation was a success and he was regained some movement in his legs. Not sure if you remember, but the surgeon gave him a 1% chance of that happening. In true "Dad" style, he went into his surgery with pure faith that he would regain movement. AND HE DID!! He flys back from Sydney with the Qld Ambulance tomorrow and starts rehabilitation at the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. I'd been on the phone to him every few days and will feel so relieved when he is back in his own territory with his wife and friends close to him.

Thank you to everyone that left kind and thoughtful messages about his welfare. And thank you for your prayers. They worked!

Today's going to be a good, good day!!!

Just had to share this with you before I leave on a jetplane. It totally ROCKS MY ROUNDABOUT!!!

Up, up and away ........

I'm signing off for a few weeks (three to be exact). We are heading off tomorrow on the "Dollar Family African Safari 2009".

See you on the other side!!!!

Ralph love

There is nothing I love more then relaxing here after a busy day. My favourite place to sit is my blue and white Ralph (Island Key Floral) armchair. I turn all the lights out, leaving the pendant lights in the kitchen on low. I can see a faint reflection of light outside on the pool and it's just magical.

My other favourite piece in this room is the white table next to the chair. I found it on eBay for next to nothing, had it painted white and viola!

I'm on the lookout for some gorgeous artwork for that big blank wall too. Not sure what road I'll go down there though. I'd love a huge original piece to hang, just haven't found the one I love just yet.

Trade Fair success

For the past five days I've been in Sydney at the Reed Gift Fair helping out my BFF with her fab new business.

We had so much fun and along the way managed to sign up some amazing retailers .... Lily-G, Pigotts Store, Reclaim and Magnolia to name but a few.

It was so reassuring for Keren to hear everyone comment on how gorgeous the Bungalow range is and how excited these retailers where to find new, fresh and affordable designs to stock their shelves.

I think she is on a winner!