Ashton & Harper

I love Instagram & the wonderful people you can discover!

I started following Ashton & Harper last year & loved her style & the gorgeous print business she launched at the end of 2013. 

I got the biggest surprise after making a joke on a picture of her 'chic' print that she should add 'once daily' to it...

I checked my post box one day to find a beautiful custom gold foil 'once daily chic' print! 

Actually, I almost cried in the post office i thought it was so thoughtful!

I love supporting other women who are working for themselves & also those who practice random acts of kindness! :) 

Check out some of Ashton & Harpers gorgeous prints below (including my very special custom one!) 

And how cool is the confetti that came in the envelope with it! 

xx

Beaded Chandelier

You know when theres something you just HAVE to have?

For me its been a beaded chandelier - and I've been lusting after one for years!

I added one to a little story board i made for our new place...I thought it looked awesome...

 The husband pointed at said chandelier & said, and i quote, 'What the hell is that thing'? Not really the response i was after!

I just need to find the perfect place for one & i will win him over eventually!

For the 'real deal' you must check out Mud Studio

Wednesday Wisdom

I had my wisdom teeth out yesterday {in the chair!} & surprisingly am feeling ok.

Im sitting here at my computer with an ice pack that literally straps around your head which is quite amusing 

{would love to post a photo but not sure i want that on the web for all eternity ;)

The fact that I'm up to my eyeballs in panadeine forte perhaps means i found this little wisdom funnier than it may actually be! 

But i agree - always be a unicorn....or Beyonce!

Wedding Dress Envy...

Don't know who this is or what the dress is but i am in L.O.V.E

Everything about it kills me!

....can i get married again? {to the same person of course!}

New Home Inspiration {Neutrals}

A few images from my growing inspiration folder for our new home.....
{well hello there neutrals!}

Weekend Wisdom

New Home Inspiration - Manyara Home

Im feeling totally inspired by the style of Manyara Home for our new home by the beach!

{doesn't hurt that their shop will be in the next suburb either...well...it might hurt the credit card...}

I have found lately I'm leaning to a more neutral & sophisticated palette rather than the colourful tones i used to be drawn towards.

 The style of Manyara home totally does it for me! I love all the natural colours & textures - very organic & calming! :)

The year that was 2013

10 Years ago New Years eve was all about what party you were going to..

Now i find new years is a bit more reflective, possibly because my husband is a cop & is always working on new years so we never get to go out together!...or just because I've got older & don't really care about partying the night away anymore {yep...i think thats more it!}

Anyway i always find myself thinking on new years eve what I've achieved & the struggles in the year just gone. It's amazing how much can happen in one short year. I can tell you this time last year, i could have never imagined what has happened in 2013!

We sold our old apartment, and have lived with Ben's parents for the year.

Very excited that just before Christmas we bought a new home! 

Much bigger & a 10 min walk from the beach - a lifelong dream for me!

I was asked to be part of the Sanofi/World Diabetes Tour Type 1 Kilimanjaro expedition.

 In August I spent 3 weeks in Africa climbing mount Kilimanjaro with 12 other diabetics from around the world.

 I have made lifelong friends with a common bond. 

Since then i've spoken at the Jelly Bean Ball, World Diabetes Day & at the World Diabetes Congress! Wow!

Two of my closest family members have been battling cancer. My father in law who has prostate cancer, had radical surgery & is now recovering well. And my 80 year old grandmother who has liver cancer - the model of positivity & is rocking her new wig! 

On the work front my business continues to grow. Ive worked on some great projects with wonderful clients this year. 

A highlight was seeing my work featured twice in Home Beautiful Magazine!

I was bridesmaid for one of my best friends, and saw two others have their first babies!

Ive lost weight (and put some back on.....)

My amazing husband continues to be an inspiration in his job as a police officer

 He was awarded the region commanders certificate this year for his work {very proud moment!}

So 2014 - Lets do this!

Its sure to be a big one for us - in April we get the keys to our new home & then 4 weeks later we are off on a 10 week European Adventure through Northern Italy, Southern France & Northern Spain! Was supposed to be the big trip before another mortgage & a baby... 

Somehow ended up with the mortgage before it, so now just have to try to not make any babies before we go! :)

I wish you the best in seeing out the year & an amazing 2014 ahead :)

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas my lovely bloggy friends!

{and what on earth are you doing on the blogs on xmas day - get back to the champagne & ham!}

Thanks for hanging out with me on the blog this year & another year of fun & inspiration.

We are having just a small lunch for 23 at Ben's parents house today ;)

 Whatever you may be up to, have a wonderful day & stay safe on the roads if you are driving anywhere ;)

Sal  xxx

Neutral Christmas

This post was inspired by a conversation i was having with a client last week.

I was admiring her beautiful tree - covered in all white & metallic silver decorations - and we were discussing our OCD & how we seem to avoid the usual reds & colours of Christmas in favour of whites!
Here are some of my favourite Neutral christmas images {although a bit of colour has snuck in!}