Hob Knobbing

Just a quick post to brighten up your Monday!

I love this mad collection of different knobs on the dresser - perfect for the person (like me) who can't make up their mind!

Happy Monday everyone! It's a short week, so no excuse not to tackle it head on!


Image via Home May 2012

New Life

Way back in 2010 I did a post on the concept of 'Take flight' and butterflies in particular.  I mentioned a artist by the name of Paul Vilinski.  

For the most part I find Paul's work to be whimsical, happy and totally gorgeous.  

Then there is this piece. 

'Tears', 2004. Aluminium (found cans),
wire, silver chain, found crack cocaine
vials, dimensions variable.
Private Collection, New York

Butterflies rising up with vials of crack cocaine. It's such a moving piece, it's the first time an artwork has moved me to tears simply by looking at it.

Crack is such a horrible addiction, and more often than not destroying beautiful people.  But butterflies signify new life - emerging from their cocoons more beautiful and lovely than before.  

If you are going through a dark and challenging time - take note. This too shall pass. Life goes on, and the possibility and potential is there for each and every person to emerge a beautiful butterfly. 

Image from Paul Vilinski.

Mad Men moment

So, I got 'in' to 'Mad Men'. And when I say that, I mean watching episode after episode until my eyes could not stay open. On week nights. Because if you are a fan like me, watching 1 episode is just not enough. How can it be? Watching episodes again, because you might have missed something in the background.

And while the whole of the USA is getting their fix every Sunday night with the fifth season, we need to wait. It's killing me.

But, all is not lost. Thank you Esquire.

Lighting problems no more

I am always super envious of all the international blogs, spotting lamps that I adore, but know I'll never be able to find anything similar locally.

Look, if you want to import or spend heaps of money at some of the great decor stores, sure. They have stunning pieces, all of which I would gladly have in my home. But my budget sadly does not allow for that. I'm more of a chain store girl, in that respect.

So, I was overjoyed to spot these lovely lighting options at Woolies recently.

Now if only they sold proper lamp shades......

Available from selected Woolworths stores nationwide, also check here.

If I were to go camping ever again...

..it would have to be in one of these!

Yes, it is indeed a tent. And it can sleep 4 people comfortably, and you can even stand upright in it. Seriously, what is NOT to love?

from here.

Love this wallpaper

I've been up and down the stairs at Neighbourhood in Long Street countless times. But last night was the first time I noticed this pretty wallpaper going up both sides if the staircase.

It has a unique hand drawn quality about it, almost as if someone sat on those stairs and doodled away with a Koki pen.

Just goes to show, we might be going places and doing things - but do we take it all in?

-blogged from my iPhone

Saturday morning goodness

Not a bad way to start a busy Saturday! Happy weekend everyone!

Read This...

I need to start doing this. Especially watching less TV, it's all crap anyway. 

Have a happy weekend, and WEAR YOUR PASSION!!

A different Red Door

via. here

This little red door leads to Fairy Land. Or Wonderland. Wherever your imagination will take you!

Green fingers

... is something I don't have. The rosemary and thyme on my balcony have all died, and I mean, those are supposed to be the 'hardy' herbs!

So imagine my surprise when my orchid, that I bought 12 months ago, sprouted a new branch and bloomed! I am so chuffed - I didn't feed it, forgot to water it for more than a month, and even now the mandatory 'half-a-cup-once-a-week' is more like 'half-a-cup-when-I-remember-and-don't-get-sidetracked-on-my-way-to-fetch-water'.

OK so it's not quite the Garden of Eden, but it at least it's a step in the right direction for me! Who knows, I might just attempt basil next... ;)

Xx Amanda

- blogged from my iPhone

I am who I am

Happy Monday everyone!

Detail

I am seeing, and loving, all sorts of intricate details everywhere I go - and more so bright colours that go with it. Maybe it's the optimism that a new year brings with it, and the happiness of bright colours!

Tomorrow it's back to the office for many of us- so here's hoping the the first Monday back is a gentle one. ;)

- mexican bowl from Poetry

- blogged from my iPhone

New beginnings

Happy New Year to all you lovely people! I trust by now the hangover is gone, the house cleaned (although mine is not) and your resolutions are still intact!

I spent an amazing day at a friend's house- poolside with drinks, cold watermelon and boardgames. This carried on onto the night, and as we all cheered (and got sprayed with champagne) I stood back for just a brief second and was 100% happy. I was amongst loving friends and this is more important to me than profit, marketing, work or the trappings of today's fast paced lifestyle.

I am able to enter 2012 with a whole lot more wisdom than I did 2011. It will be the year that a lot needs to change for me, something that is really difficult to accept for this Cancerian!

May you all go through 2012 with a happy heart!

- blogged from my iPhone

Christmas wreath

I was one of the unlucky (not so) few that headed to the shops on Christmas Eve. I was at Woolies just after 9, and quite surprised that I only had to wait 5 minutes for parking!

I love shopping this time of year- lots of smiles, pretty much everyone is in a good mood and there is tangible excitement in the air!

Pick n Pay sold fresh pine branches - such a great idea! I grabbed 2 bunches (a steal at R30 each).

I think since most people nowadays either have the fake plastic trees or do something less traditional (like I do with my wire Baobab tree!) this is a novel idea to bring the great smell of pine trees into your home.

Plus, I even made a Christmas wreath! Although fair warning: it hurts! Those needles are pretty sharp!

I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas! Good luck with the gammon glaze, remember to check the oven for any last dishes ( my Mom and I forgot something in the oven almost every year) and indulge in a second (or third) helping of trifle!

Merry Christmas!!

- blogged from my iPhone

Last minute gift idea

These gorgeous soaps from Woolies make for a great stocking filler. I am in love with the pretty designs and colours, could just pile them on the vanity and look at them instead of actually using the soap!

Available in different scents and only R35 each.

Happy last minute shopping!

Festive spirit

It's taken me a little longer this year, but I am finally in the Christmas spirit !

Cuban flair

A few Sundays ago, after a weekend of being a total sloth and barely venturing outside the front door, I decided that we needed some fresh air, and a cocktail. So we did.

We headed out to one of my favourite spots south of the mountain - Kalk Bay.  After a bit of walking about, munching on breads and pastries from Olympia Bakery, we headed to Cape To Cuba. 

Whenever I go there, I end up staring at the walls and ceilings and floors and not talking to whoever I'm with, at all!

 I'd love the back pendant, well 2 of them actually, to hang over my kitchen island - one day.

Mosaic detail - table tops. So much better than a standard 60 x 60 stock table top, don't you think?

Sure, we tend to take in the vibe and the whole picture, but next time focus a bit on the details, the finishes. Pretty damn amazing!

Introducing: Kosbaar

It's been a dream of mine for such a long time to get really stuck in with events and an online shop of sorts.  I just never knew how exactly I would make it work, until I decided about 3 months ago to jump, and just DO it! 

So here it is: Kosbaar. It means 'precious' in Afrikaans, and it's one of those amazing Afrikaans words that mean more than what it just says.

Over the last couple of months I've had so much fun with various events, from weddings to corporate evenings, and that is the foundation of Kosbaar. I firmly believe that weddings should be special - without breaking the bank.  There are so many creative ways of making your day unique - and one that you will treasure forever more - and that's where I come in.  

Whether you need full event planning and management (I will be there on the day to set up and run the whole day) or just some input on ideas that you could run with - it's up to you. I always try and outsource as little as possible - as that is where the extra costs just add up and add up! 

Take 5 minutes to browse the site and say hello!

My latest obsession

I tend to catch on to the things a little later than some people do. But once I catch on, seems there is no letting go!

Pinterest is one of those things. Instead of doing a whole long list of things that I had planned for the weekend, I was pinning. And clicking 'to see more pins'. The whole of Saturday afternoon, the entire Sunday morning. Oh, and last night for a bit too.  If you haven't yet, go check it out. But I warn you, it's very very addictive!

Guest Post: We love colour

I am so happy to share today's guest post with you. Susi is sharing her best tips for bringing colour into your life this summer.

Arcadian Lighting is a treasure trove of amazing light fittings - to suit all tastes. I am in love with so many pieces on their website - wish they shipped to sweet old SA! But for now, all of you in America need to appreciate what you have in terms of suppliers! :)

So, without any further babbling from me, be inspired by Susi and loads of colour to get you in the mood for summer!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Hi, I'm Susi, a writer for the Arcadian Lighting, a great resource for lighting inspiration and. I'm very lucky I get to “travel” the world visiting amazing design blogs like Freshly Sharpened Pencils. With summer right around the corner in South Africa, everyone is craving color after a long, cold winter. Here are eight gorgeous pictures of colourful décor from hanging vases and lighting fixtures to textiles and art that we hope will inspire you. Enjoy!

Art is a beautiful way to introduce color into a room. Hang art in groups by similar color for a big impact.

Add color to a sofa, chair, or bed with pretty patterned cushions. Pillows are a favorite accessory to add color because they are so easy to switch out as the seasons change.

For a seasonal dash of color, look to the flowers of the season. Spring daffodils and peonies are beautiful in this bedroom and fit in with the bright yellow blanks and pillows on the bed.

Gloriously colorful indoor or outdoor lanterns could add just a pop or even a riot of color to any room. A few of these lanterns would certainly add a burst of color to a bedroom, or hanging several lanterns in the garden would be a magical touch on a warm evening.

White and other neutrals are great choices for walls and large upholstered furniture as they create the perfect background for big bold colors. Accent pillows and curtains in colorful patterns and solids stand out wonderfully against neutrals.

Color does not have to be the boldest and brightest to have a big impact. Sherbet or pastel colors can pack a punch, especially when grouped in contrasting pairs of colors like on these chairs.

Beautiful colored glass used in clever ways is a great way to add colour to any décor. We saw these hanging vases in Elle Decoration and were smitten.

Of course, in addition to colorful lamps, accessories and textiles, walls are the perfect place to add color to décor. Paint, wall paper or hang colourful fabric to add a zing of colour to the wall.

If these colorful rooms have you inspired, check out Arcadian Lighting's website for even more inspiration, not to mention a brilliant selection of light fixtures to choose from as well!  (Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Don't you love the lanterns? And I have to say, even after winter I'm not tired of yellow and grey combo's - looks great!

I always think people are afraid to use colour, that's why we see so many boring beige and cream interiors. Have a little faith, be daring and have fun with colour!