prettiest of pretty

Treasures from my beautiful and generous friend x

(look at that bow...more on that soon!)

brown paper packages...

tied with string...one of my favourite things!

I'm just a tiny bit excited about Maybelle's fabulous calligraphy workshop here in Brisbane at the end of the month.  She inspires me so and it will be such a treat to finally meet her in person...she is such a kind and generous soul and her work is exquisite.

When I saw this issue of Hearth magazine I knew I had to take a peek inside.  Oh my, the pages in between this beautiful cover are just divine.   But truly, when it arrived, I just had to savour the packaging...so simple yet so perfectly wonderful (that seal...what a lovely touch!).

There are so many amazing publications out at the moment...it's hard to resist the temptation to collect each and every issue.  I tell myself, once in a while, an escape with some wholesome goodness and a nice cup of tea is a joy to be cherished!

keepsake...

to treasure from the most delightful of evenings…

a truly beautiful book filled with the recipes we all shared on that magical spring evening.

{Lou and Kristina had the sweetest little pop up fete a couple of weekends ago…take a peek here and here}

something wonderful...

is unfolding!  Amongst the madness and craziness of my everyday...a little bit of lovely is blossoming!

easter...

is all about good food and sweet treats shared with those you love x

finding treasures...

Among the treasures found while packing up the family home with my dear Dad, was this sweet collection of silver spoons. They belonged to my Grandmother - and have travelled the world.  There is a date on one - I imagine it must be the date of my mother's Christening, just under one month after she was born.  I know for sure that spoon has been to England, Kenya, New Zealand, Brunei and Australia.  I wonder who has held them; what stories were told as sweet treats were eaten...imagine the secrets they could share!

Do you think that little one is a forget-me-not?  How appropriate...

And the pinking shears - what a fabulous find, still in their original packaging (that alone intrigues me).  I'm not able to sew (oh, how I wish I could), but I love these!  They just need to be sharpened and polished up and they really will be just like new!

5ftinf table

Sometimes you stumble across the loveliest of people with the most wonderful sense of style...that something that is just 'there'...something that makes your heart sing whenever you encounter their work and words.  Philippa Stanton is one of those gorgeous people.  I first came across her table on instagram...and yes, it makes me smile (and my heart sing!) every time she shares a picture of it and the daily treasures it holds.  There are of course, other fabulous and equally captivating pictures too, but her table...it has a beautiful spirit that I simply adore.

Philippa also has a penchant for vintage maps...oh to imagine wandering the streets of London in times gone by!  Philippa uses these maps to create unique and individual lamps...and so I commissioned one.  My request...well, let me show you in time...there's a story of course and it's quite possibly one of my most treasured possessions now!

The little brown box that carried my lamp across the seas came with a calendar featuring her lovely table and a sweet note, all tied with vintage map bunting...an early Christmas present indeed!

introducing 'ellison'

Through the wonderful world of instagram and the places that it leads to, I discovered Jeanne Oliver Designs...and became smitten.  It was the perfectly lovely (and practical too) ellison bag that stole my heart!  Beautifully wrapped, it has travelled across the oceans and is now part of my everyday. 

making time...

to wrap presents to post across the seas

to write letters filled with the stories of life and love 

to pick tiny flowers from the garden

to cherish my home

sweet treats...

Little Miss Z is still just a wee bit too tiny for chocolate yet...but I couldn't let this first Easter pass without one small treat.  A quintessential Kiwi toy...can you guess what that might be?

And for her Mummy and Daddy...a lindt bunny each!

snuggles & cuddles

My heart is still bursting with such love for Zoraya...she's beautiful.  I savour every single cuddle and snuggle that I have...don't new babies just smell delicious?

It's been fun spoiling her rotten...so many pretty things and such sweet little toys.  She arrived at 2.24am and my lovely Dad was out shopping for 'pink delights' by 8.30am, his treats lovingly wrapped and placed in an adorable 'baby' bag.  I'd spied this cute little elephant at Love Loans + Linens some months back...perfect for a boy or a girl!  As my sister-in-law has a soft spot for elephants, he's brought much entertainment to those that watch him toddling off down his little path!

And so I eagerly await the next round of hugs and kisses...

christmas spirit

Just two sleeps to go...

although our little family celebrations start tomorrow evening and I can hardly wait!

afternoon delights

The sun managed to peek between the clouds...resting on the little clouds on my coffee table.  Such pretty shadows to behold.  And then a little parcel to savour...yes, more loveliness from sweet Kylie - serendipitous wouldn't you say?

If only I could share the divine perfume from the roses...my little home is filled with the sweetest of fragrances!

memories in the mail

A little parcel for a new bride...sweet memories of a special day.

nice package

I just couldn't resist...these lovely candy colours on super cute wooden spools!  Perfect for wrapping little (and big!) girls presents with.  My nice package arrived last week, adorned with a sweet note and some extra twine - so lovely.  Sadly, the Nice Package store has since closed (I hope temporarily) but you can still be inspired by visiting Ez's gorgeous blog, Creature Comforts.

Oh, and another very yummy 'package' was delivered this evening  - freshly picked raspberries straight from my Dad's garden...soooo delish! Completely out of season, yet the canes are producing so many scrummy berries and they are my absolute favourite!

all wrapped up

A gorgeous parcel of the most divine twine arrived last week! I simple adore the apple green, isn't it the most beautiful shade? I've whiled away a few hours wrapping Christmas presents... the tree is twinkling, music is playing and it has started to rain outside (oh how my poor garden has been wanting this sprinkling for months), the spirit of the season has truly come alive.

with delight

Sweet smelling somethings! Each slightly unique and a tiny part of what's to come. I've so enjoyed the packaging of these little treats!

a little christmas order

...is safely with the postman and on it's way to a most lovely recipient. Wrapped in brown paper, tied with string and filled with love! The contents, a little surprise which will form part of my up-coming collection (although, perhaps these little treasures will be added later next year!).