Colour Popping

01. Yellow Bowl: Dreaming - Kikki K | 02. Queen of Hearts Blue Heart Vase - Love Star | 03. Into My Arms Cushion by Habitots - Hard to Find | 04. Raspberry Lacquer Box - Hello Polly | 05. Enamel Tray Cobalt - Adore Home Magazine Shop | 06. Colour Wheel Basket 004 - Fossik

It's the first day of December and I am HAPPY.  The countdown to Christmas has officially begun with the eating of the first (and always best) advent calendar chocolate and watching the boyfriend 'help' to decorate his parents' Christmas Tree (the 'help' involved haphazardly throwing tinsel at the tree, followed by artfully decorating the dog). In keeping with my mood, I'm totally loving this little collection of bright accessories. I'd keep the backdrop of the room crisp and white with neutral furniture in pale woods and greys, then sprinkle in these colourful items for a perfect pop of mood-lifting energy and fun. 

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White and Gold: Cork Coasters DIY

For me, when it comes to craft/DIY projects, it's a case of the simpler the better. I don't do them as often as I'd like, but when I do I'm always impatient to get to the end result so I end up taking shortcuts on anything even slightly challenging -  and it shows in the finished product. That's why these little painted cork coasters are my kind of DIY - easy, fast and cheap as chips! I'm sure they'd have turned out better if I'd slowed down and put in a bit more thought, but with some leftover white paint and a few items from the two-dollar store, they look perfectly fine and I now have something cute to rest my cuppa on. It barely needs explaining but here's what you do:

1. Get yourself some cheapo cork coasters, a small tube or tub of acrylic paint in a colour of your choice, leftover wall paint (I used primer too but I'm sure this isn't essential), a paintbrush, a stencil brush, masking tape and some clear gloss spray (also from the $2 store).

2. Paint on a layer of primer (if using), leave to dry for half an hour to an hour, then paint on a coat of white paint, leave to dry and repeat until you have enough coverage.
3. Once the final coat of paint is dry, take your masking tape and mask out simple patterns on your coasters - stripes are by far the easiest.

4. Squeeze a small amount of the coloured acrylic paint onto the stencil brush and dab on newspaper to work it into the brush a bit. Dab the brush onto the coaster until all the gaps are covered. Leave to dry and repeat until you get the coverage you want.

5. After you have applied the final layer, peel off the masking tape while the paint is still wet.

6. Once the coasters are dry, spray them with a coat of clear gloss spray to protect them and make them more waterproof.

And voila! Time for a cup of tea...

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Shine Bright Like a Diamond

Catching my eye today is anything gem-shaped. Maybe it's the weddings I've been to lately that have put diamonds on my mind - the boyfriend better watch out! Luckily I'd be perfectly happy with any of these four faceted favourites!

Diamond Hemmeli Light Pendant by Panselinos via Etsy | Hanging Planter by Raw Design via Etsy - $52.69 | Diamond Box in Natural by Areaware via Safari Living - $20 |  | Shine Bright Like a Diamond print by Michaela via Society 6 - $15

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Somewhere Over the Rainbow

It didn't occur to me until I was walking home from work today that seeing a rainbow in the stormy sky yesterday afternoon was actually wonderfully apt. With it being Remembrance Day today, my thoughts turned to my Grandad, who served in the RAF during WWII, and whose favourite song was Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland. During the war, his plane was shot down and, according to Grandad, he sang this song as it descended the sky. He survived the crash and spent the next few years as a prisoner of war in Germany, in conditions I have difficulty imagining. He gave us small snapshots of what it was like when we were children, but being so young I couldn't fully comprehend the magnitude of it and now my memories of his stories are faint. I'm certain that so many grandchildren feel this way - I wish I could speak to him now that I am older to try and understand and learn from what he experienced. It's strange because I remember knowing back then, as I listened to him describing his past to me, that I would feel like this now. I do still hold an image in my mind of Grandad returning home after the war, weak and shockingly thin, a stark contrast to the Arthur his family would have remembered. In spite of this, Grandad recovered and he went on to raise two wonderful daughters and live long enough to see his grandchildren through their childhood. So as well as remembering his service in the War,  this is how I'll remember Grandad:

He loved being outdoors in the sunshine - in the summer he would sit for hours under the shade of a tree, reading his books.
Whenever he could, he would listen to classical music.

He loved birds - there would always be a collection of well stocked bird feeders dotted around his garden.

He had a talent for 'magic' tricks - as children he would inexplicably pull sweets and coins out of our ears, which naturally scored him major brownie points!

He was a great story teller - he must have been good because he made a story involving a robin and cucumber sandwiches seem like the best thing ever!

Who are you remembering today?

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Weddings Galore

I've totally abandoned Into the Bright over the last few weeks, partly (ok, mostly) due to a prolongued bout of procrastination and partly due to distractions in the form of two lovely weddings that saw us heading West to good old Toowoomba.  I'm finally back online and I've sorted through a sea of photos to share some highlights with you. Both weddings were held at Preston Peak Chapel, which is the cutest, picture-perfect location and the weather couldn't have been better for both couples. I love being a wedding guest - the atmosphere is always so warm and friendly and uplifting. I've thoroughly enjoyed getting glammed up, spending time with my partner's family, meeting new people and sharing in a HUGE number of toasts! Here's to the fizz, to my beautiful partner for delivering a killer Best Man speech and, of course, the happy couples!   

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Home Office: Black, White and Wood

01. Dante Deep Tray - $29.95, Dante Pen Holder - $19.95, Dante Set of 2 Stacking Boxes - $69.95 and Alfie Small Candlestick - $29.95, Country Road | 02. Replica Asterisk Clock - $59 (Sale), Clickon Furniture | 03. Crest Scissors - $9.95 and Tio Timer - $14.95, Country Road | 04. Wild Stripes Print - $59, The Minimalist and Ribba Frame in white stained oak effect - $24.99, Ikea | 05. Ikea PS 2012 LED Wall Lamp - $69, Ikea | 06. Cowhide Rug - Stencilled Zebra (Black & White) - $ 695, Matt Blatt | 07. Shorthand Desk in White - $299, Freedom| 08. Replica Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair in Beech - $179, Replica Furniture | 09. Cubic Bookshelf Tall in Black - $499, Freedom

I really love this sleek, modern and Scandi-style scheme for an office. The high contrast black and white has graphic impact and the wood softens the look by bringing in a natural element. The rug feels fun and would stop the space from feeling too serious.  You know what they say about all work and no play! I think that for any room, having all the basics comprised of black, white and wood creates a really flexible neutral backdrop which you can easily (and cheaply) change the feel of using artwork, accessories, plants and flowers to lift the mood and add a pop of bright. 

What would be your ideal office scheme?  

Happy Friday!

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Spring Spruce: Bed Linen

Chevron Grande Mint Queen Quilt Cover by Aura - $199

Spring has officially sprung here in Aus and it makes me feel like bringing bright, happy colours and patterns into my home. There are so many colourful bedlinen options available so I started here for inspiration. I like the idea of keeping walls neutral in the bedroom so that you can play with the focal point in the room - the bed. Whatever colours you go for in the bed linen, you can bring them into the rest of the room in little pops through flowers, vases, little trays and decorative bowls, books and even clothing items like scarves and shoes. Here are a few of my favourites from the interweb...

Sandi Queen Quilt Cover by Country Road - $229

Real Living Dotti Quilt Queen Cover Set by Target - $87.20 (reduced from $109)

Matchstick (Black) Queen Quilt Cover and Two Matchstick Black Pillow Cases by Kip & Co - $209 and $59

Kantha Quilt Tropicana Forest Green by Fossik - $165

Queen Bed 'Lily' Quilt Cover Set by Kmart - $25

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An Attitude of Gratitude

'Enjoy the Little Things' Print by The Love Shop via Etsy

I was lucky enough to have my mum come and stay with me here in Australia for the last few weeks and I am so grateful that she did.  Since moving here three years ago I’ve felt a lot of guilt about leaving my family behind and part of me has never quite accepted the fact that I might be here for the long haul. I wouldn’t let myself see Brisbane as somewhere I really fit into and I would feel frustrated that something wasn’t quite right. Being with Mum as she experienced Australia for the first time really put things into perspective for me. She was so impressed by it all and her enthusiasm was infectious. I realised that I have so much to be grateful for and that I live in a beautiful, safe place with heaps to offer. Having the break from work and doing things I enjoy really made me appreciate the little things, like spotting wild kookaburras and hearing them laugh, drinking great wine and people watching by Brisbane River, feeding kangaroos, having the most delicious brunch at a little restaurant called Petrol in Sydney, going on long drives through regional Queensland while taking in the views and spending quality time with my partner’s family and their adorable dog, Buster. So today, I'm adopting an attitude of gratitude.

xx Thanks Mum! xx

Here are a few highlights from our break...

What are you grateful for today?

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Faceted Finds

Faceture Vase/Blue - The Minimalist

I love the ongoing trend for geometric prints in interior design and homewares (which is showing no signs of abating any time soon) so I equally love seeing this reflected in 3D in the form of faceted furniture and accessories.  Here's my quick pick of online faceted finds to add a modern pop to a room...Happy Weekend!

Handmade Faceted Wood Quartz Crystal Point Sculptures by Stone and Violet via Etsy

Candyfloss Geo Pop Necklace by Fruitloop via Rockrose Handmade

Faceted Mirror Side Table - West Elm

Faceted Wall Clocks by Raw Dezign via Etsy

DIY Christmas Balls by Snug Studio via Hello Polly

Faceted Magnets by Pigeon Toe Ceramics via Etsy

Ceramic Vessels via Hunting for George

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Jamieson's Home & Fashion

Last week I was browsing the antique shops in Brisbane's Wooloongabba when I stumbled across an absolute gem of an interiors shop. Jamieson's Home & Fashion opened in March this year and is run by a lovely mother and daughter duo. When you walk into the shop (which I highly recommend you do), be prepared to be bombarded with gorgeousness - bright colour, bold patterns and the most amazing smells from scented candles fill the space. You'll find items by Bonnie & Neil, Orson & Blake and Pony Rider, plus local Brisbane designers like Maker & Merchant. Needless to say, I loved it. The owners were super friendly and were kind enough to let me snap a few pictures. They update their stock frequently so it's well worth a regular look. You can pop into the store at 37 Logan Road, Wooloongabba, Brisbane or follow them on Facebook or Instagram (@jhomeandfashion) for updates on new goodies. Of course, I couldn't leave empty handed so I chose a bright orange Sophie candlestick, pictured below, which will feel right at home on my balcony!

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Dreaming of Summer - Balcony Brights

[Images sourced from Google Images and Pinterest]

We've been given a teaser of summer lately here in Brisbane with a string of 25 degree highs in the middle of Winter, but every year since I've lived in this city and at the same time each August, the winds suddenly pick up and I am left wishing those balmy days would return. Like clockwork, today the winds arrived like a swift slap to the face! This left me thinking about how I'd like my balcony to look when it's finally warm enough to spend some time out there, hopefully relaxing with a cool drink and some good company. When the heat returns, I'll be ready! Our balcony is covered above and on each side so it doesn't get a great deal of light. To compensate for this and to lift the mood of the space, I'm going to use bold, summery brights in cushions and accessories and use neutral furniture to ground the colours and create a lounge-like space that's laid back but fun. Here are some items I think will pull it together... hope you like!

| 01. Resort Black Stripe Cushion - Fab Outdoor Fabrics | 02. Macaw and Nova Flamingo Fabrics - Fab Outdoor Fabrics | 03. Flamingo Statue - Freedom | 04.  Orange Pillow Cover by East and Nest via Etsy | 05. Replica Acapulco Lounge Chair in White - Matt Blatt | 06. Rainbow Tealight Holder in Apple - Freedom | 07. Brisa Tealight Holder in Orange - Freedom| 08. Garpen Sofa Combination in Black - Ikea | 09. Kimberly Orange Outdoor Rug - Fab Habitat | 10. CBD Coffee Table in White - Freedom | 11. Henry Throw in Pink -  Freedom |

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Jumbled

Aztec Folk print - $399

If, like me, you are a fan of homewares that are colourful, bold, modern, eclectic and fun, then you need to pay a visit to online store Jumbled immediately!  If you live in Orange, NSW then you could also browse their shop which, judging by the photos on their website, is flippin' fabulous! Their philosophy is 'all about mixing, not matching' and they offer plenty of inspiration on how to master the art of the mix and match via their Facebook page and Blog. I've compiled a round-up of my current favourite items for your viewing pleasure!

Malmo Stools - $189 each

You Are Awesome book - $20

Incan Pattern: Bisque print - $269

Beaded Chandelier - Green - $1,099

Rag Rug (Medium) - $89

Hattie print - $845

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Lemon Chia Seed Muffins

I've always been a bit skeptical about baking without the usual wheat flour and butter. I never really believed that a gluten and wheat free cake would taste any good.  Today though, I proved myself wrong, thanks to a recipe I saw on a blog called Slim Palate, which is written by a very inspiring 17 year old. These Lemon Chia Seed Muffins are made with coconut flour instead of wheat flour and coconut oil instead of butter.  In fact, pretty much every ingredient has some kind of health benefit:

• Coconut Flour - high fibre, gluten free, fairly high protein
• Coconut Oil - eases digestion, supports immunity, boosts metabolism, strengthens skin tissue
• Chia Seeds - richest source of plant-based omega-3 fats, high in fibre, high in protein, rich in calcium
• Apple Cider Vinegar - aids digestion, aids detoxification
• Almond Milk - cholesterol-free, lowers blood sugar levels
• Lemons - antibacterial, anti-viral and immune-boosting properties
• Honey - lower GI than sugar (ok, this one's stretching it - honey is still sugar! But a cake has to have some naughtiness!)

Although they don't taste exactly as a cupcake made with butter and wheat flour would, these were soft and fluffy and delicious nonetheless.  I think my only tweak for next time would be to reduce the amount of honey as they were  a  tiny bit too sweet for my taste. Overall though, I'm quite excited to have found a relatively guilt free way of having my cake and eating it! Recipe can be found here.

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