All The Pretty Flowers...

I've been thoroughly enjoying all the gorgeous pictures Holly from Decor8 has been posting of her new abode in Germany!! In particular I really love all the pretty flower arrangements she's been creating. I think she has been very clever with using small amounts of flowers in narrow neck vases and single buds in small vases. In these tough economic times we all have to pull our heads in and this is a great way of still being able to have some pretty flowers in the house without the huge expense of lots of flowers in large arrangements.

All images & styling - Holly Becker Decor8

Goodbye Felicity

As some of you may have noticed All Things Bright & Beautiful blog written by Felicity has sadly been removed. I recently had the pleasure of receiving a lovely phone call from Felicity letting me know that she decided to stop blogging due to the enormous amount of time it was taking out of her day and the time it was keeping her away from her beautiful family. She said she is already having blog withdrawals and is keeping a keen eye on some of her favourite blogs out there. I asked her if she might consider doing a guest post every now and then here at ABT and she said she'd think about it so {hopefully} all is not lost. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and will keep you informed as to her decision. Felicity we bid you farewell for now and "Happy trails to you until we meet again" - Dale Evans.

Image by Felicity

Pretty

I love this beautiful image styled by Australian Stylist Sibella Court which I found over at Wisteria. I'm particularly taken with that gorgeous vintage {??} {correct me if I'm wrong} wallpaper!! BTW - The Design Files has done a wonderful interview with Sibella Court HERE...

Birthday Surprises

Thank you for all of your lovely Birthday wishes. I had a great day. My parents held a family lunch at their house yesterday which was beautiful. My mum went to lots of trouble as usual. She is an amazing hostess. The pretty flower vases she arranged using flowers from her garden in my favourite colours. I had to show you the amazing cake Sharnel from The Cupcake Company made me as a gift for my birthday...I must say it was very hard cutting up that Chanel bag!! She is such a talent and it wasn't just a pretty cake...it was absolutely delicious. My husband couldn't stop eating it which was quite out of character for him as he isn't a sweets fan at all!!

Happy Bright & Colourful Weekend!

Whether you're staying at home for the weekend or heading off to some far away place I encourage you to enjoy all the pretty colours around you. I love these beautiful bright and cheery photos by Paul Costello. They make me happy!! It's my birthday today and I'm signing off early....see you next week!!

Shannon's Absolutely Favourite Things

Today I'm so excited to show you some of Shannon Fricke's favourite things! Shannon is an Australian Stylist, Interior Decorator and has also written 3 beautiful books; Sense of Style: Space; Sense of Style: Colour; & Sense of Style: Colour & Space. Shannon has also recently started a blog. I love her style and her love of white and colour makes me feel like we may have been sisters in another life!! Let's see what she has to say about her favourite things...

"I've always been fascinated with colour and texture - whether applied to fabric or the fabric of one's life. It is the colour of the things that I collect (whether ornaments or experiences) that keeps me feeling alive and it is the texture of these things that enables me to relate, in a tactile way, to the environment that surrounds me.

This collection of colours and textures represents various aspects of my life and my influences. Selvedge magazine never fails to provide me with a plethora of inspiring ideas and this issue, with Frida Kahlo gracing it's cover, is my favourite so far. I've been in awe of Frida Kahlo's life and paintings for many years now - her work is stirring and layered - and represents my love of Latin cultures and colourful fashion ensembles!

I love to travel, and am always at the ready with my passport in one hand and a Luxe City Guide in the other - which never fails to help me really penetrate the city that I'm in - on a local level. I picked up this Tamar Mogendorff handmade fabric peacock on a recent trip to New York with my daughter Inez - the colour palette has inspired the decoration of my new home and the piece reminds me of a beautiful week spent in this beautiful city with my beautiful daughter.

My children are a constant inspiration for me - they are my guiding lights and keep me grounded. This picture was taken at my son's 2nd birthday - and reminds me of our days spent living at our fisherman's cottage in Sydney (also shown).

The postcard is of the painting - La Chambre Bleue by Suzanne Valadon. I just love the interior and way the colour and patterning work together.

It's always about decorating for me! The collection of fabrics and felt - in calming colour of green and blue (with a dash of yellow) just makes me smile at the end of the day - that's what all it's all about!"

I absolutely adore this collection Shannon - the colour combination is divine - so fresh and vibrant against those painted white floors! I absolutely LOVE it all. Thank you for sharing this with us!!

Nb. Click on image for a closer view.

Absolutely Favourite Things will appear here every Thursday so stay tuned!!

Ballerina Papercuts

I love these gorgeous black and white Ballerina papercuts by Etsy artist Tina Tarnoff...