Some Eye Candy In This Online Magazine...

Hope the weekend is going well lovelies! Here's some eye candy to flick through in this online magazine showcasing various designers.

Click on the 'view in full screen' button in the middle, then click on 'zoom' if you really want the best seat in the house!

Open publication - Free publishing - More design

Linda. xox

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Gratitude Notes - I Believe She's Amazing...

I found this wonderful, uplifting, and inspiring video on Andrea Sher's Superhero Journal. It's called 'I Believe She's Amazing'.

The best bit is right at the end.



There's more info about the video and the cause behind it at I Believe She's Amazing.

Today I am grateful for all the amazing women I have in my life. My fabulous female friends and family members (especially my awe inspiring 80 year old mum), my super colleagues...... thank you all for being who you are.

What are you grateful for today?

Who are the amazing women in your life?

Linda. xox

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More - The original Gratitude Notes post...... The Gratitude Dance. No matter how hard, how tough, or how much of a struggle life is...... we can still dance.

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Mayline Aberdeen Lateral File AFLF30

The Aberdeen lateral file cabinet AFLF30 features a 1 5/8" surface which allows it to be used alone or next to any Aberdeen credenza or return. Drawers can support up to 150 Lbs. each. Drawers can be configured for front-to-back or side-to-side filing. This quality file cabinet offers curved metal pulls with a brushed nickel finish. All locks are keyed alike. Lock cores are removable for keying suites individually.

Size - 30"W x 24"D x 29 1/2"H
Weight - 201 Lbs.

What Is It You're Craving For Your Home But Haven't Tried Yet? 3 Questions To Ask Yourself...

Image from the always magnificent Thibaut

There's something I've been literally craving for a while.

Something I'd love to do in my current home..... but I've been putting it off.

Why?

Because I ask myself questions like...

• But what if I need to sell in a few years and this puts prospective buyers off?
• What if I decide to rent my property out instead of selling, but no-one likes what I've done?
• What if visitors think I'm a bit 'over the top'?

But the thing is..... I really FEEL like I want to do this. And, feelings are really important when you're creating a home that sings to your soul. A home that nurtures, supports, and cradles you. A home that simply makes you outrageously happy. :)

So I've decided those very same questions above are vital things to consider...... but in the REVERSE!

So the questions become:

• What would I do if I NEVER had to think about selling this property or who would buy it?
• What would I do if I NEVER had to consider its rental potential?
• What would I do if EVERYONE who visited automatically loved my home no matter what? (And by the way, I've not had anyone in my home who hasn't made comment about the feeling of coziness or happiness it exudes - so I guess I should trust my senses with my next decorating adventure anyway!)

Because, I've come to the conclusion that in my heart (and most probably in yours), there are still unrealised dreams...... unfulfilled wishes........ unused ideas........

.....and there's no reason they shouldn't be attempted, and at the same time every reason they should!

My home is an extension of me.

It surrounds me with happiness.

It overflows with a vibe that brings peace and contentment into my life.

It externalises the bits of me (and the memories of my life) I love the most, and reflects them back to me in ways I enjoy.

So why shouldn't I listen to my heart's craving and 'have-a-go' at what it's telling me it desires next in my decorating adventures? Particularly if I can undertake my decorating wish without too much damage or irreversable action!

I think I need to write down a priority list and put this next 'hankering' at the very tip top!

What about you?

What is it you'd like to do in your home?

What is it you've been thinking of doing, but too scared to try (for whatever reason)?

What is it you'd love to 'have-a-go' at, but feel as if you don't 'know' how to start?

Pssssst........... I think you should just DO IT (thanks Nike)......... and see what happens. :)

Linda. xox

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P.S: My 'hankering' is a room full of wallpaper. Big, bold, geometric (or maybe floral) wallpaper.

I keep wondering what the rather conservative members of my city would think if I put my home on the market within the next few years (after all, people get very distracted by wall colour and wallpaper when looking at houses to buy, even though it's so easy to fix.)

But, as it IS so easy to change a colour, and relatively easy to strip wallpaper now-a-days.... I can always change it before selling or renting!

Or, maybe, knowing how my home vibrates with a welcoming and comfortable feeling, I could trust in its ability to attract a new owner that loves it just as much as I do ( if I ever need to sell it).

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Marque Reception Station by OFM

The Marque Single Reception Station 55290 by OFM ships assembled. No tools are required for this quality reception station. The 55290 station is available in 3 different attractive laminate finishes. This reception station is the ideal solution to enhancing smaller reception areas on a budget.

* Thermofused melamine finished self edge
* No tools required for assembly
* Reception station can extend up to 5 units
* Silver frame standard
* Black frame special order

Monday Music - The Holy Grail

This is where it all began (personally one of my fave articles ever!!).

Music is SO important to the happiness of my home. :)

Now most Monday mornings when the working week looms I'll try to post a fave song or some music I'm listening to at the moment to provide some musical motivation.

So my little groovers......... here's today's installment!

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This song is by one of my fave Aussie pub bands, Hunters and Collectors. This is their cult classic Holy Grail....




And, as always when thinking of our 'Musical Must Haves' section...

Ask yourself: 'Do I L.O.V.E music?'

Which leads to: 'Have I got enough of it in my home and in my life?'

Because: Good interior design caters to ALL our senses, not just our eyes.... that's why I call it 'Atmospheric Design' instead!

Rock on! 

Linda. xox

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The Original Musical Must Have:
Where Did The Music Go? - Alternatively Titled Hugh Grant and I Have Something In Common With Our Bottoms!

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Grand Re-Opening Of Black and Spiro!!

For all fans of the lovely Anna over at Absolutely Beautiful Things, she's just celebrated the very grand re-opening of her wondrous Australian store Black and Spiro!

If you're an Aussie and you love all things design, then this will be a must for you. I've always admired Anna's flair with colour and pattern - so inspiring.

You can find Black and Spiro at 768 Brunswick Street, Newfarm, Brisbane, Australia.

All images from Absolutely Beautiful Things

And, you can see some more stunning images of what's 'in store' over at Anna's blog here, here, and here.

Linda. xox

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It's Red, It's Glass, And It's Magnificent!

Image from Apartment Therapy

It's red (I'm a 'red girl'), it's Murano glass (I have lots of coloured glass objects about - they catch the light wonderfully), and it's something I'd LOVE to have in my home somewhere.

Wow!

Linda. xox

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Ergo-Comfort Sit/Stand Keyboard Tray

Take a stand or take a seat. A keyboard tray that makes it possible to use your keyboard and mouse while seated or standing. The low-profile mechanism provides clearance for your knees. Simply lift and release the tray to adjust for 10-1/2" height range. Unit has a 30° tilt range: 15° positive and 15° negative reverse angle and full 360° rotation on a smooth operating 21" track with precision glides. The 28"W x 11-3/4"D keyboard platform includes a Black Therasoft® wrist rest and provides space for right or left mousing. Meets BIFMA standards.

Take A Chance Because......

Image from Quote Book

This weekend I hope you get to do something new, exciting, and gloriously liberating!!!!!

Happy weekend everyone.

Linda. xox

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Citi Lounge Furniture Set by Global Total Office

The Citi lounge furniture set by Global Total Office features a compact, contemporary design with raised legs and cushions offering double-stitched seams. This modern lounge furniture set is ideal for up scale offices looking to enhance their image. Legs are standard in Tungsten or Black and the coffee table is sold separately.

Set Includes:

One (1) Lounge Chair - 30"W x 31"D x 30"H
One (1) Two Seat Sofa - 50 1/2"W x 31"D x 30"H

A Home With A Lovely Mix Of Colours...

I just love the glorious mix of colours featured throughout this home... and the views through the windows are lovely too! Another Mi Casa Revista gem.

All images from Mi Casa Revista

What do you think?

Great colours? Great light?

Linda. xox

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Top 5 Alternative Ways To Spend Your Birthday...

Image source

How do you feel about your next birthday? Depressed? Old? Over the hill?

If your birthday has become just a reminder of how the years are flying by, then it's time shake off the birthday blues.

Birthdays can be a wonderful time for celebration and rejoicing. They don't have to be commercialized or overdone. But they do deserve special attention.

Just ask a child, a terminally ill person, or someone who has lost a loved one too young.... each birthday is a gift.

So pick yourself up, dust off a fresh perspective, and ask yourself what you can do to make your day special.

Just in case you're short on ideas, and you're looking for something a bit different to get you in the birthday mood again - here are my Top 5 alternative ways to celebrate your birthday...

1. Do something symbolic: Pass on the gift of life by giving blood. Send flowers or a card saying thanks to the person who raised you. Donate money to your favourite charity. Have a tree planted in your name.

2. Accomplish a dream: Stop postponing what you want to do, get out and do it! White water rafting, going back to school, hot air ballooning, a trip to see the Pyramids. If there's something you've always wanted to do, just go for it (or at least set the wheels in motion!).

3. Give yourself a gift: Doing exactly what YOU want can make your birthday unforgettable. Take the day off work, have a massage, go shopping... spend some time indulging yourself.

4. Spend time reflecting on your life: Birthdays are a great time to look at where you've been and where you'd like to go. Make a list of 10 things you're grateful for, 10 things you're proud of, 10 people (or more) you're glad you've known, 10 things you‘d like to change.

Get sentimental.... pore over old photo albums, shed some tears, relive happy memories, forgive someone. Then put away the past and think about all the wonderful things your future has in store for you.

5. Ask for what you need: It's your birthday, so if you know what you want, ask for it. If you want a surprise party, a nice dinner out, some fancy lingerie, a framed movie poster, or a weekend away instead of a new toaster, ask!

Your birthday is the only day of the year dedicated to the celebration of YOU. It’s your day - a time to cherish your life and all that it has, and can bring you.

Remember, each birthday is a gift in itself. Celebrating your birthday is a way to recognise how lucky you truly are to receive that gift for another year.

What special things have you done (or have you planned to do) on your birthday?

Linda. xox

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More - Some more 'Gimme 5' posts to ponder:
5 Ways To Re-use Old Things And Make Them 'New'!
5 Questions To Ask Yourself Today...

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1 Simple Thing - Open Storage Under The Stairs

Image from Studio Da Lu

Here's a great idea for open storage under the stairs.

A great place to put all those things you need as you're coming and going!

Linda. xox

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A Beautiful Soft Green Bedroom To Dream Of....

Image from Turquoise, Tulips and Bliss on Tumblr

I think the gentle patterns and colours in this room imbue it with a very serene quality. And, the touches of whimsy add a feeling of being somewhere special.

What delightful touches can you add to your bedroom to turn it into a place of peace, sanctuary, rest, and enjoyment?

Linda. xox

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Can You Believe This Sophisticated Nursery I Found On 'The House Of Turquoise'?

Saw this amazing nursery today over at Erin's stunning blog The House Of Turquoise (via Stylebeat), and just had to share.

I'm gobsmacked by the sophistication of this nursery. Love the framed alphabet on the wall, the beautifully patterned fabrics, the colours, the beautiful artwork, the stylish objects...... oh boy! What about the very sleek changing bed under the very grown up touch of the starburst mirrors!

Take a trip to Erin's and see heaps more amazing photos of this room and others by the same designer.

Linda. xox

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Offices To Go Reception Station

Offices To Go produces high quality office furniture at economical prices. Take the SL4224RR-RD reception station for example. This attractive reception station features a 71" desk, 42" return, and pedestal all for under $600.00. This reception station is available in three eye catching finishes (American Cherry, American Dark Cherry, American Mahogany). The typical market price for reception stations of the same quality is well over $1,000.00. If you are in the market, the SL4224RR-RD is definitely worth a look.

Reception Station is made of the following components:

(1) 71" Reception Desk
(1) 42" Reception Return (reversible)
(1) 22"D Box/Box/File

Shown in American Cherry

Amazing Bookcase

They all are modular and can produce an infinite number of compositions. Simplicity stands behind all design. Consequently all fit any bookshelf of contemporary minimalist interior is excellent. They are all made in aluminum what makes them both a solid and lightweight. Done for a collection of different but almost the same basic elements. There are shelves, cabinets, drawers and other hi-tech features such as LED backlighting system. Bookcase and shelf unit is one of the many award-wining products from Rimadesio. They use innovative technology and excellent material for sured that their products are better than others. There are three collections from the shelves of books by Rimadesio: Cartesian, Opus and Zenit Liberia.

Apartment With Black and White Colour

The accompanying sweet black makes a great accent in the kitchen, windows, tv, fireplace and some other parts of the interior. Custom cabinetry and closet systems from the Italian and Polish accents classic space. In the bathroom the teacher, smooth texture and stone tiles of glass to compliment a room creates a warm and pleasant. Apartments in Philadelphia, was renovated by Moto Designshop Inc. to make it minimalist yet comfortable and beautiful. Faced with windows on three SIDS, apartment flooded with natural light and views from the city. The design concept called for a limited palate clean, defined material to emphasize the open plan. White was chosen as the color for the walls, floors and furnishings.

The Gratitude Dance....

This is the pictorial story of 'Matt', who travelled the world and danced his way from country to country with gratitude. Now affectionately known as the 'Gratitude Dude!'.



As I was watching, I noted that some of the adults and children dancing with him lived in the most impoverished, desolate, and scary places...... and yet they danced..... and smiled.... and laughed.... and had a moment of fun.

Reminds me to be grateful for the little things I have in my own life.

Things some of these people will never see, use, or even know exist.

I've decided I'm going to start a section on this blog called Gratitude Notes. In it, every now and again, I'll post about what I'm grateful for.

An attitude of gratitude is well known for making us feel happier, more productive, and more content. It helps those of us who are 'the glass half empty types' to remember that no matter what we have in our glass, it's more than others may have... and we are lucky.

Today I am grateful for (among other things), the great heater in my car. It's cold here at the moment.

What are you grateful for today?

Let's sprinkle around a little 'attitude of gratitude' amongst ourselves!

Linda. xox

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The Rooms Of Our Homes....

Image from Ikea Family Live

Love this quote from one of the books on my shelf at home....

'The rooms of our homes, whether studio apartment or sprawling mansion, are living, breathing entities waiting to renew our energy. Like people, all they need is a little loving attention and appreciation in order to give their best back'  ~  Jann Mitchell from 'Home Sweeter Home'.

The room above is such a physical representation of someone's loving care for this space.... it's full of little bits and pieces that have meaning and provide nurturing. Lovingly framed momentos and items that sing to the owners soul, little touches of comfort and luxury, textural fur rugs to relax on and run your fingers through, touches of glorious colour and pattern, individual lamps for reading, a place to rest your cuppa.

What a soothing and at the same time re-energising space. I would love to come home to this every day..... and spend time re-connecting with my inner self or a loved one.

How do you add a touches of care and personality to the rooms in your home so they 'give their best back' as the quote above says?

Linda. xox

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Italian Design and Furniture

Italian Design Furniture

Italian Design & Furniture

Italian Design & Furniture

Italian Design & Furniture

Italian Design & Furniture

Italian Design & Furniture

Italian Design & Furniture

Italian Design & Furniture