Travel in style

Once upon a time, (circa 2007) I boarded a plane to leave Australia for the first time (Disneyland at 5 doesn't count!). With just the belongings I could stuff in my suitcase I travelled to Croatia to teach English - on my own. While things didn't quite work out as planned and I had to return home after injuring myself - I spent 7 months in Croatia and Serbia teaching kids and getting a whole new persepective on the world. I learnt a new language, I braved the buses in Belgrade (which is really something else), I lived in two very divided countries, I travelled daily past the still uncleared bomb sites in Belgrade, I soaked up the sunshine in Croatia, I watched as a million people arrived in Belgrade to prorest the independence of Kosovo and I saw countless memorials to young people born at the same time as me - who died fighting while I was in my final years of high school. I also experienced an incredible level of warmth and hospitality and I fell a little bit in love with a place that at times frustrated me to the point of tears.

Since leaving the Balkans, I've been home to Australia, I've lived in Florence and I now live in the UK. I'm decidely unadventurous these days and can tend to be a bit of a homebody - maybe it's because moving to the other side of the world seems like enough. However, I've finally been coaxed back to the Balkans, and this week I'm heading off to Belgrade, then travelling through Croatia to visit friends, before returning to England in 3 weeks time. (I'll try to blog when I can! :) )

I'll be taking my battered suitcase with me and I'll probably just be rushed and stressed during the initial travel bit, but I can always dream of travelling like the truly stylish!

Hope you've had a fabulous weekend! xx

Autumn's On Its Way

This last week or two, the weather has been getting decidely chillier and there is a freshness in the air that signals one thing - autumn is coming. The leaves are just starting to turn on the trees and the hedgerows are full bright red berries.

I have a definite sense to the seasons being distinct from each other in the UK whereas they seem to kind of slide into each other back in Australia. Despite the fact that I'm a bit sad to see summer go, I do love autumn here and watching the leaves turn on the trees.

I've not been taking many of my own photos lately, so earlier in the week when the rain decided to buzz off for an hour or two, I went for a hike up the one of the country lanes just opposite my house and took a few snaps to try and capture that autumn feel.

I think this is my favourite shot...

I've yet to take a photo that truly captures how vast these mountains actually look, but I intend to keep trying!

I just had to snap these mushrooms which were growing about 15 feet up this old tree

I just loved the colour of this cow parsley against the fields

I think these red berries just look so bright against all the green. It might look like a muddy field in the background, but once upon a time that was a Roman fortification from which the village I live in got its name.

I hope you're having a lovely week! xx

A Friday Flower

Friday Flower is an idea from one of my favourite bloggy people - Laura at A Place for Tea. She and another of my blog favourites Melissa from Miss Sew and So are linking blogs for this lovely flowery end to the week.

I decided I'd tag along with their lovely idea and lo and behold I found this charming fellow had popped his head up in my back garden!


I would like to send this flower to the lovely Trish at A Dream House for Trish. I know she's been having a stressful time with builders this week, so I thought this flower might cheer her up!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend planned xx

Tres frou frou - Vintage inspired fashion

I don't have a lot of opportunity to do dresses, I'm more a jeans kind of gal... Jeans are practical and kind of go with my everyday life. It's not especially glam I know and definitely not as pretty as a beautiful silky, floaty dress, but somehow gliding around looking like I'm off to the red carpet doesn't really fit with village life (or not the village I live in at any rate!)

Every so often however, the girly girl inside me wants to play dress up - and one of my favourite things about being in England is English fashion. I love vintage fashion and the influence of this style on a lot of current fashion trends.

The lady-like glamour of vintage fashion is one of the thing that really appeals to me - I can be a bit of a romantic and like harking back to times past imagining myself into my own Jane Austen-eque day dream!

If some of these dresses were in my wardrobe - I think I could seriously get excited about wearing dresses a whole lot more!

Happy Tuesday! xx

Going Green - Country Style Home Decor

There's a particular shade of green that I absolutely adore at the moment, not quite olive, but a pale kind of dusky shade that I think is just gorgeous. Before I get too swept up in Autumn colours (they are coming out in every garden, tree and hedgerow around here) I thought I'd do a post inspired by the shade of cool, crisp green that I am inspired by.


I don't especially love doing the laundry - but this room could make it a whole lot more bearable!




This nursery photo was taken in New York and it looks very 'New York' to me.




I think this clock is just adorable - I adore the little details like these country home accessories!



A more modern take - I love the wrought iron wall decoration.




I liked the turqouise elements against the green in this image.



To me the kitchen in the heart of every home, especially when it has loads of space like this and a big ole Aga - to me this is the epitome of country style home decor. (I'm a little obsessive about the fact I have one - they are just heaven and truly 'a way of life'!)

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend xx

French Linen Obsession & Country Home Accessories

I have developed an obsession that I must confess... I hanker to fill my sewing space with beautiful French linens and go a little crazy :)

Here are some of my favourite images that have been fuelling my obsession... To me French linen is the ultimate must have for creating gorgeous country home accessories - from cushions to table runners, napkins and more...

I hope you're having a fantastic week xx

Recipe for a Lazy Day

Hello everyone, I hope you're having a great start to your week! After working non-stop over the last few weeks (including weekends), I'm finally up to date with uni assignments, work and custom orders!

I've been missing blogging, but have managed to pop by a couple of times and have a read of everyone's posts. I've been a bit slow off the mark replying to comments. I do appreciate everyone leaving them, so please, please accept my apologies if I haven't replied to you.

I've 'celebrated' the fact that I'm finally on top of things with a very lazy and much needed rest today - so for today's post here's my recipe for the perfect lazy autumn day.

Find a comfy sofa...

Put your feet up...

Watch a girly film...

Read a good book...

With a frothy hot chocolate handy...

Deep breath in... And relax!

Hope you're having a wonderful day xx