[bookshelf envy]

I don't know that I'll ever become an e-book reader.

I do love to read, but I also love the smell books, the texture of the pages and the medley of colour their spines create when stacked with one another.

In the guest room we have piles upon piles of books on the floor, longing for a home.

There are so many lovely spaces which are centred around a beautiful bookshelf...

image via The Design Files

image via Ivy and Piper

image via Dwellers Without Decorators

And then I found a site completely and utterly dedicated to the beauty of books and bookshelves.

It's aptly named Bookshelf Porn.

I think this is my favourite one of all.  Just add a sweet little side table with a cup of coffee and I'm not moving for the whole day!

Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

- P.J. O'Rourke

Enjoy your weekend reading! Jx

[my melbourne find]

On our very brief trip to Melbourne last weekend I stumbled upon the most amazing store.
We'd arrived a few minutes early to yum cha and it was only a few doors down.
The beautiful set of bentwood chairs in the window drew me in.

The shop is called Tarlo and Graham and it's situated in Chapel Street.
Their collection of unique and unorthodox bits and bobs is truly exciting!
My heart rate reached it's peak when I spotted their collection of David Bromley paintings on the wall.
It was obvious that I was a little awestruck, so the owner shared with me that David himself was only in the other day and that he's a good friend and customer.
The final straw.  I needed something to come home with me from this shop.
Sadly it wasn't a Bromley.

It was these beautiful size 4½ antique wooden shoe lasts.

I adore the contrast of well loved and intriguing items against a clean fresh space.

It adds soul.

When were back, I did a little rearranging.

My antique find needed a home.

This here is the little bedside table that had been on "my side" of the bed.

And until I find something different, unique and ultimately perfect to go here, the Ikea stays.

Little by little it feels like it's coming together.

Jx

[divine way to start the day]

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Let me let you in on a little secret this fine morning...

I love breakfast.

Not just puppy love... the real deal!

I catch myself lying awake at night picturing what I'm going to prepare myself for breakfast the next day!

I may be delving slightly into obsessive territory.

This was yesterday's morning delight...

Vanilla Quinoa Porridge with Apricots and Pistachios

(perfect serve for one)

about 1/4 cup quinoa

(I used the leftover quinoa from dinner the night before)

1/4 cup soy milk

a dollop of honey

about 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

a dash of vanilla essence

stewed apricots

(or get lazy like me and use pie apricots)

chopped pistachios

Bring to boil 3/4 cup water with the quinoa (the rule is 1 part quinoa to 3 parts water)

Simmer for about 10-15mins covered

Add in the soy milk, honey, cinnamon and vanilla

Stir until it's a lovely porridgey consistancy

Top with apricots, pitachios and finish with a glossy drizzle of honey

***

I made mine the night before, refridgerated overnight and heated her up in the morning with a little water.  Add your toppings right before you serve though.

Such a lovely healthy way to start the day (323 Cal says MyFitnessPal)

You really must try - I know you will love it!

And don't forget to let me know how you go!

Happy breakfasting! Jx

[risotto and a natter]

Just shy of a week ago now, I escaped to lovely Louise's home to share some delicious risotto and a mutual disinterest in the football.
We shared family stories, our creative plans for the future and a wine or two, while I had a sticky around her apartment at her stylin' additions (including her own very sweet watercolours).

Nothing quite like a relaxed girls night in.

Don't do it enough!
Jx

[family and the weekend]

Friday night we stayed with my aunty and uncle.

It wasn't the happiest of circumstances that took us to Melbourne.

But at least we were surrounded by the warmth of family.

We'll be back there soon.

Next time on happier terms.

Jx

[chris & al - the wedding]

A big congratulations and a cuddle to our friend Chris and AL.

The sweetest moment was the big hug they gave each other after their first kiss.
Jx

Pssst. Yesterday was four months to go for us! Can't wait!

[our little balcony garden]

Our long weekend is done and dusted but not even the wind and rain could stand in our way of having a fabulous time!

The highlight, of course, was witnessing our very close friends tie the knot yesterday in the very chapel that Dan and myself will be married in later this year.

Today's weather was no different and definitely called for a soup night.

An opportunity to sample some of our home grown herbs!

I'm a shocking gardener (see here) so I was thrilled to have managed not to kill these little guys.

Apparently giving them a good drink now and again and sunny days helps them to thrive.

Funny that!

Have a happy short week ahead!

Jx

[wedding guest looks]

Our very dear friends Chris and AL are getting married tomorrow!
So here I sit, with my tanning lotion doing its thang, having a sensible, quiet night in.
I'm familiarising myself with ASOS and one of their "looks" categories I came across is wedding guest.
There are some tres stylish guests sitting on pews out there...

With all these lovely pastel shades, sweet lace tops and flirty florals, I'm second guessing my choice of black dress, heels, jacket, earrings and clutch.

Being a purpose purchased outfit, I won't change my plans.

At least I know where to trawl for inspiration for next time!

Happy long weekend!! Jx

images via ASOS

[love this space...]

How lovely is this space?!
That beautiful old chandelier, the olive branches, and the cluster of vintage mirrors adorning the wall, oh the mirrors.
I do also spot a decent sized heater behind the lovely old bench too - perfect for a day like today.
Keep warm everyone! Jx

image via decor8

[the new grannies in town]

Here in Brizzy it's been somewhat miserable!
Good news for my newly planted and surprisingly surviving herb garden - not so good for my enthusiasm to venture out of the house.

So I decided to embrace the crappy weather and use it as an opportunity to remain in my pyjamas and uggs a little longer than usual, indulge in wintery comfort food and make some progress on the new granny rugs.

Here's a little of what I'm working on...

Sweet and colourful - fuchsia, yellow, lilac and mint

for my step-mum.

Delicious berry tones - Red, fuchsia, pale pink and green

for my soon to be mother-in-law.

Perfect distraction on a rainy winter's day.

I'll be starting a third soon too for my MUM mum - You can never have too many projects on the go at once!

Stay warm, dry and cosy everyone! Jx