I am who I am

Happy Monday everyone!

Time Flies....(and so does my property)

I realised with a shock that it has been almost a month since my last post. Sorry!

Things have been a little crazy (I say that a lot). We had not one, but two, break-ins at our offices some time ago. Off all the things they got away with, the most horrific discovery was walking in and seeing an empty desk. My empty desk. Where a big computer and flat screen used to sit and wait for me, every day. With over 4 years worth of work, for 2 businesses. Countless clients, countless projects and campaigns....all gone.

It's been a nightmare trying to get back on track. But luckily, living in South Africa, everyone can relate. I've had to phone client's and say "You know the last quote I sent to you? Yes, the one you OK'd? Can you please email it back to me!!"

People have been telling me that I've handled the whole situation remarkable well. (They don't know that I go home at night and cry for an hour just at the thought of all the work waiting to be done). My motto through all this mess has been "It doesn't help freaking out, just get on with it."

When I saw this poster design, I had to giggle.....

Words to inspire

It's the 3rd of January and maybe you've made New Year's resolutions. Maybe you've already broken them by now. I sure as hell have. (OK, so Christmas is over, but the mince pies looked so good and they were on sale! What's a girl to do?)

But even if you're not one to make resolutions, these words by Ghandi ring true any time of the year. The poster is by talented Francesca and she's even made it free to download. Go to her blog, follow the link and have it printed out to any size you want. I'm thinking of having it done on block mounted canvas, so perfect!

Interesting Print

This print from The Brick Lane's shop en Etsy features a beautiful little bird (love the colours) printed on an original 1878 Bible Dictionary page. I love the idea of using old (in that case, very old) items and creating something new and useful.  I also like this butterfly...

                                          

Maybe I should grab my old,  fat, green HAT (Handwoordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal)  and see what I can conjure up...

 x a

House Rules

I remember one day in primary school we were asked to stand up and tell the class about the rules we have in our homes. I got up, and realised that we didn't have many rules. Sure, I asked if I could put the TV on, checked if it was OK that I have another glass of Coke, and we kinda had a bed time.

The other kids got up and recited long lists of rules such as:

"Wash your hands before dinner"

"In bed and lights off by 8"

"Put your dirty clothes in the basket everyday"

"Afternoon nap for 1 hour at 3 o'clock"

"Stay out of the kitchen" (Yes, this was someones house rule)

"Do your homework straight after school" and then the parents would check it (oh, I always forged my mom's signature when tests had to be signed..shhhhh)

...And so it went on. I realised that my parents let me and my brother be. If we didn't put the dirty clothes in the hamper in time for washing, we just didn't have clothes to wear. If we didn't put the dirty lunchbox in the sink we just wouldn't have lunch the next day. If we had to watch McGiver and go to bed at 10, we would just be really exhausted the next day.

So, we learned. Quickly.

On the other hand, I love this poster with it's 'Family Rules' from Etsy seller Harper Grace. It lists simple things like "Smile" and "Use kind words" that I think are way more important to remember than to be in bed by 8.

Have a look at her shop here.

Best of the catalogues

I love retail therapy. And I love buying things for my home. My teeny apartment that is now overflowing with 'stuff'.

Right now I'm on the lookout for a new sofa. I've kinda set my mind on a corner unit in dark grey, but because the dark grey is such a leap for me, I'm postponing the purchase every month! But I think this weekend will be the deadline. I've already painted the walls, got new curtains up, so really, no more excuses.

I always get a teeny bit giddy when retailers bring out new home ware catalogues. It gives me time to shop without the danger of actually having (or being seduced into) spending money.

My favourite chain stores for home ware are Woolies, @home and Mr Price. In the last say 5 years these stores really have upped the anty and actually sell good design. @home stocks design classic knock-offs at good prices (let's not start that debate) and Mr Price is great for bargain finds. Woolies just have the best towels at the nicest price (their bale packs) and always have great glasses and crockery.

Below are some of my faves from the current catalogues.

@home, ceramic flower votive holder R39 (love the purple and green combo!)

@home, in love with this pic with the grey purple wall, lots of white, timber floors. Gotta say the couch sucks. The cushions are from @home, felt cushions from R129. Oh, and the aluminium bokkie it R590 - I want!


It surprises me that @home have quite a good range of posters and artwork. I always expect chain stores to have the same old framed landscape in water colours. But @home have some darn good posters. I bought myself a green "Keep Calm and Carry On" (which by the way has quite a history - will tell you about it). And they really are not badly priced.

Woolies, R 25. A steal at that price.

Woolies, R599. Again, I want. The perfect secy desk lamp!

I feel like hitting the shops this weekend (hey, it was payday!) and buying that sofa. Will let you know how it turns out!

x a

Happy weekend!

I'vbe started noticing posters all over the show. I love these from Made by Girl.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

x a