This is the TEAL thing....

For many years I have had a thing for Teal. A colour that can been worn in fashion fairly easily. In the home, teal has increased in popularity once again. Granted, the variation of this colour is broad, but there is no escaping the essence of this colour - it is rich, vibrant, and elegant. This makes for fitting backdrop to compliment floral and geometric prints, and pastels. Here are some images that have me pre-occupied.

Please click on photos for credit and links. Sources: Prolific interior designers Carden Cunietti, Stylist Katie Sellers, and GP & JBaker

Well the sun has brought with it a happier disposition and reminded me to download the photos I took at the weekend. My subjects were extended family. Here are a couple of shots of my second eldest niece.

The Way Forward

It's raining today and I cannot help but think about umbrellas. It is a wasted thought, as I hardly ever use them. After all I have a buggy to push and a four year old hand to hold! But the romance of walking through grey cities holding a bright, uncompromising patterned umbrella is an appealing thought. From wallpaper to handkerchiefs, British Designer Neisha Crosland makes her mark. I remember years ago falling for her Merlin wallpaper designs and Crosland has recently caught my eye with her firework wallpaper collection. As for the rain, a Crosland umbrella, as sold in Japan, could tempt me into holding my own!

Janet Hill

Presently, I am collecting old and new things. I have a list that I am working through as I experiment in photographing still life and interiors. I cannot help but be inspired by the texture and subjects that Canadian artist Janet Hill captures in her paintings.

http://janethillstudio.blogspot.com/

Empty Your Cup

Someone said something to me, that bought tears to my eyes. That is simply to empty my cup. We were talking about new things, about communities, being still and following Jesus. For me it is time to 'empty my cup' from the things I think that I know and to let change in.

Photo by Lori, please visit her etsy site by clicking on image for more stunning images.

Warming up

Days when the sun is glorious, I am to be found dreaming about ice cream, bike rides and listening to music whilst laying in a Hammock. Presently I am warming up to a band called Wintersleep...I think that I would like them live, as they are too noisy to chill out to on a summer's day. But I love the song weighty ghost...so maybe they may grow on me. In the meantime the bike that I will never own......

www.pashley.co.uk

More ideas

The quest for lovely fonts, keep coming. This notebook is a creation of illustrator and bookmaker Alison Hardcastle. I love her work, but love that she is partial to afternoon tea. Also Alison runs weekend classes in bookbinding a must for my "things to do before I die list"!

http://www.alisonhardcastle.com/

ps. listening to little boots.

Love Letters

There is always something special about getting something other than bills in the post. As the homegrown era continues to flourish, then this could be a simple gesture to send to the green finger friends! It is a compact card, so it will be easy and cheap to post. Check the offering of designer Lindsay Marsden, the black rabbit owner. With delights such as peppery cress, sweet pea and forget-me-nots, they are a contender for the modern love letter!

A Beautiful Collection

By Lisa Rupp

By Eveline Tarunadjaja

After my purchase of a print for CJL's bedroom, I keep finding further illustrations that I fall for. I highly recommend checking out the portfolio's of the two featured, Lisa Rupp and Eveline Tarunadjaja (click on image). As for me I am captured by the charm of holding a balloon and the feeling it conjures up from childhood. Both my daughters are still thrilled to receive a balloon as a gift!

Faith, Hope & Love

"A girl's heart should be so hidden and lost in God, that the boy has to seek God first, in order to find it." Found on www.thisdaisy.blogspot.com photo by Ashley Santiago

Today I was reminded to keep things simple. My Faith, My Hope and our Love.

A Girlie Summer!

As this summer approaches, I am relishing not being heavy with child. So a fitting tribute to the summer dress is a must. Firstly it should be something you could throw on, something to keep you cool (not clingy), something to dress up or dress down....my choice against sun kissed skin would be this dainty, simple, yet statement dress by Halston.

I heart SUKIE

Fabulous stationery keeps me busy. From screen printed images to minimal elegance, I love to savour them all. I seamlessly collect note cards, pens, and notebooks. Every few months I check with designers Noi publishing, Angie Lewin and Sukie. All are equally tempting, but with childlike simple designs often on reclaimed paper, Sukie finds a special place in my heart. Husband and wife duo boast commissions from the likes of Habitat, Aveda and Ted Baker. I can only hope you like them as much as I do....

www.sukie.co.uk

Two by Two

When wondering around the supermarket, I am always on the look out for fresh inspiration. For me, when I need a little change from the monotony of grocery shopping, I head to Waitrose. It always seem to have something a little different. On this occasion LV was having some of her little friends over for a play date and I stumbled upon a beautifully illustrated box of biscuits. Two by two are an organic range by the bakers Artisan based in Derbyshire. The flavours are equally tasty and the biscuits are baked by hand! The themes are George and the Dragon Lemon curd flavour and Owl and the Pussycat Vanilla flavour.

I snapped the box of biscuits on my thrift find linen table runner!

One for the wonderful Godmothers!

Taken last week, CLJ and LV on our picnic. Love the longing look in CLJ's face for that apple!