Treadgold

Beauty. In The Workplace.

2012-03-09T08:07:00.000+11:00

I have always been a lover of cosmetics. Concealers, serums, illuminators, exfoliators and everything in between. I don't want to reinvent the wheel, but share what I have found and hopefully share the love...

One lovely gem I have recently discovered through Mama Mia, is a book by the gorgeous Zoe Foster called Amazing Face. It has all sorts of beauty stuff you didn't know you needed to know...and more.

Now....

The Work Face.
You want coverage that is light but covers the imperfections, an eyeshadow that hints at glamour but doesn't scream 'made up', defining mascara and a hint of colour on your cheeks for a healthy glow. That about it?

I am blonde with fair skin, so my makeup choices will reflect this but the baseline is the same for what you need, just adapt for your skin type/colour.

Coverage - Tinted moisturiser (+ concealer for imperfections) is my daily routine and I love Clinique City Block or Olay Total Effects Tinted Moisturiser with 15+ is creamy and beautiful.
*For night time or more coverage Chanels Aqua Ultralight Vitalumiere makeup glides on.

Concealer - Spots: Estee Lauder Smoothing Cream Concealer is the bees knees, just add a bit of loose powder over the spot. Under eyes: Cheap and cheerful Garnier roll on anti dark circles cream doesn't drag skin and hydrates.

Eyeshadow - The perfect duo with a cream and a grey/dark brown colour will take you anywhere and you can just add eyeliner to take you into the night.

The below image shows a basic eyeshadow application with a creamy/peach shadow over the whole eye socket and a browny/grey on the outer half of the socket and a little swept up at the outer edge.

They have added a dark liner along the lash but this is up to you.

Stila make 'rechargeable' compacts so you can pick and choose your perfect combo. Good old Revlon eye combos are also great.

Brushes - If you only buy one brush, buy yourself a good quality eyeshadow brush (MAC or Bobbi Brown are top of the brush brigade). Preferably small and flat so you can apply over the whole eye socket and use to smooth shadow/liner along the lash line.

Mascara - Thanks to Zoe Foster mentioned above, I now proudly use Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara, which delivers beautiful eyelashes with no clumps (better believe it). Clear mascara is also fabulous for taming brows.

Blush - Nars Orgasm and Sin are two favourites, which are a little $$ but last and last. Bloom and Benefit make lovely cream blushes too (these make my cheeks break out so see how you go).

Lipgloss/lipstick - MAC and Burts Bees make lovely glosses (not too sticky) and David Jones and Natio lipsticks are creamy + staying power.

As you will see from the links above, if it can be bought on Strawberrynet, I'm there.

Take it to the Streets
Winged eyeliner is the style of the moment and I talked about it here. The simplest way to take your daytime makeup to night is to add liquid or pencil eyeliner in dark brown/black with more lashings of mascara.

I have not quite mastered the art as yet (have the eye makeup remover pads handy) but hopefully will transform my look very soon.

An easy way to cheat is to use a stubby eyeshadow brush and just moisten your favourite eyeshadow colour and apply like liner along your top lashes.

Help!
For more help than I can offer on a plethora of beauty topics, head to Primped, which has all the latest styles and how-tos.

What are your work essentials for makeup?

Source: Bobbi Brown, Painted Ladies

Rugs. Cover Up.

2012-02-29T21:36:00.000+11:00

Time for an interiors rundown and rugs are the topic of the week at the moment.

Trying to cover a large amount of floor and not break the bank, while still finding something that goes with the lounge, dining chairs and timber floor...tricky. I have found a few gorgeous rooms and narrowed down a few options.

Through the wonders of Pinterest, I am also collecting a few bits and pieces to eventually go in the Treadgold Living Room, see what you think...

Scatter rugs
The rug in the background here I think is an Ikea rug I have spotted further down in the post and is an oldie but a goodie, would it make you see double with the tripes though?

Anthropologie rug. Love.

Rugs under furniture
Another option is to place rugs under furniture including dining setting and couch. I think this works best if you have lots of room as it creates seperate spaces for socialising. Not really an option for our little apartment.

Artisan Designed Rugs
These are my dream rugs. Designed by trendsetters including Alex Perry, Easton Pearson and Catherine Martin, they are to die for. You wouldn't want sticky fingers and dirty feet on these beauties though, so maybe best for the good room.

Catherine Martin

Easton Pearson

Alex Perry

Off the Rack Rugs
These are the easiest and cheapest option I think. You find carpet in any pattern you like at a carpet shop and have it cut and edged to suit your specifications.

Ikea It.
If all else fails, Ikea have a great range of durable, funky patterned rugs. The grey one is actually channeling Catherine Martin I think...

Let me know if you have any other ideas or places to source a great find.

Source: designspongeonline.com

anthropologie.com; designtraveller.blogspot.com: westelm.com, ikea.com; designerrugs.com.au

Romance Was Born. Where They Create.

2012-02-24T20:42:00.000+11:00

One of photographer Paul Barbera's latest 'Where We Create' series is that of our own theatrical King and Queen of fashion Romance Was Born created by design duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales.

As always, Paul Barbera presents seriously cool digs and thoughtful, cunningly-eyed photography...I have also mixed in a bit of the RWB 2012 collection too.....

Le Office

They are not afraid of colour....2012 Collection Preview

Images: Paul Barbera, Harpers Bazaar Australia

Reduce Stress. 101.

2012-02-19T20:57:00.000+11:00

I have never made new years resolutions but after a weary and weathering 2011, I am looking for inspiration. Hoping this year I can share a bit more with you about life and creativity!

One of these is coping with stress. Living in Sydney is great but it carries its pressure points. I really think it’s the little things that build up over time which cause our stress levels to bubble over.

If we can pinpoint and reduce these, hopefully we can prevent a meltdown when something major happens. Exhibit A below.

The. Commute.

If you live in an idyllic rural enclave with no traffic to speak of, please ignore (and feel my jealousy). I live on one side of Sydney and work on the other. It involves leaving very early to miss traffic, or jumping on a very crowded train.

Tactic: Distraction & Diversion. Two tactics I am trying here are listening to audio books/classical music. Not a revelation but helps calm and distract from the traffic/people in close proximity. Secondly, I have started exercising next to my work, after work. By the time I finish, things are quiet and cuts half my driving time.

Morning. Routine.
Normal day is wake up with alarm, jump out of bed and run crazily around drying my hair, eating my breakfast, brushing my teeth, packing my lunch and deciding what to wear (all at the same time – yes a rare talent).

Tactic: Getting up ½ hour early, sitting to eat my breakfast and working out what to wear the night before. Sounds simple, but means fewer things to worry about in the morning and a calmer start to the day. Keen beans would include 30mins of meditation in there, but I can’t seem to sit still long enough for that.

Exercise. I know.
We all know it should be done and surprise, surprise it actually helps us stress less. So choose your poison and put it in the diary.

Tactic: If you love to exercise then please ignore. For everyone else, the ease and closeness of your chosen exercise makes a big difference. Note from my first point, I am doing Yoga in the building next door to work and it does double duty reducing my commute time. On other days I am walking and playing tennis across from our house. Morning and lunchtime exercise is not in my vocabulary unfortunately.

More: Find a local teacher, gather 2 or 3 colleagues and start an after work or lunchtime training/yoga session. Apps if you have an iphone are the go here too, choose one that lets you plan exercise for the week, alerts you and lets you track how far you’ve run, how many sessions you’ve completed.

Making. Lists.
I love a good list making session, sad isn't it. Not only does it relieve the stress of forgetting important things, but it trains your brain to release the worry when you write it down. Same strategy as when you wake in the night and write down what’s on your mind.

Tactic: I have taken this one step further and have lists saved in the drafts folder of my phone and include everything from the measurements of the shelf I am after to what I need to buy for dinner. Always at hand.

More: I have posted about being organised here. Instapaper is also a nice little program that lets you click a button and save pages as little bookmarks as you browse the web and come back to later.

Health. At the Core.
After a recent illness this is really at the centre of all of this stress-lessing and I am determined to get back to full flight. Healthy eating and being organised helps. A lot.

Tactic: Sit down and plan out your weekly menu. Seems overly organised doesn’t it (and I don’t even have kids), but seriously it takes 20mins once you have a few good go-to recipes. No more arriving home late with nothing to eat and grabbing take away. Buy your staples ahead of time and then all you need are some lovely fresh veggies to finish it off. If you are really keen, poach some chicken, boil some eggs and make yourself a yummy lunch salad for the first half of the week.

More: My New Roots Beautiful, fresh recipes. Even if you intersperse your normal meals with a few of these you will be doing well. Sarah Wilson and Louise Bell (Table Tonic) both write great blogs on living a healthy, creative, fulfilling life and are two of my favourite blogs. If all else fails order it to your door. In Australia, Doorstep Organics and others bring health to your door

Working from Home: If you are lucky enough to do this, a beautiful workspace can make the world of difference....

This is just the tip of the iceberg I know, but hopefully it will spurn me on to new heights….next I want to tackle finances/budgeting, beauty/maintenance and time management.

NB. This is my longest blog post to date...hope someone is reading it!
I’m interested, what are your pressure points and what are your stress-relieving tricks?

Images: morelovexoxo.tumblr.com, My New Roots, shacktochateau.tumblr.com via Emma on Pinterest

Reminder. Be Inspired.

2012-02-10T09:52:00.001+11:00

A little bit of inspiration for a Friday. I know these kind of affirmations abound, but nice to be reminded of this stuff once in a while.

Enjoy.

Thanks to Sarah Wilson for the pearls of wisdom and you can even visit Holstee to buy it in a poster version.

Delight. In. Red.

2012-01-27T16:46:00.000+11:00

A splash of colour for the new year and to ponder what lies ahead...

Source: theyallhateus.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: dailyimprint.blogspot.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: art-dept.com via Emma on Pinterest
Source: apartmentdiet.com via Emma on PinterestSource: tumblr.com via Emma on Pinterest

Pondering on my little balcony.

2012-01-01T14:01:00.000+11:00

The little balcony is in need of a tres chic little upgrade as I ponder 2012 resolutions.

Thinking deep red geraniums in french blue pots, deep green lush herbs in little terracotta pots (thyme, rosemary and oregano are nice and hardy) and a beautiful wrought iron seat to take it all in...

Source: thedesignfiles.net bucketsofburlap.blogspot.com tantjohanna.elleinterior.se studiogblog.com designsponge.com burpee.com via Emma on Pinterest

Women in Vintage Style.

2011-12-16T18:37:00.000+11:00

A yummy post of vintage lace, tres chic women, all that glitters and old school dressing tables....

Sources:media.vogue.com citified.blogspot.com prettystuff.tumblr.com treadgoldcollection.blogspot.com thesartorialist.com ceciliamuse.blogspot.com

Fresh weekend.

2011-12-02T12:22:00.000+11:00

After a week off with a nasty bug I'm looking forward to a restorative weekend of putting Christmas trees up and buying fresh flowers - please let there be sunshine!

Source: Pinterest jennaalcala.blogspot.com

Closet Visit.

2011-11-26T19:47:00.000+11:00

Another stylish sojourn from Jeana Sohn over at Closet Visit. The gorgeously stylish designer/shop owner Karolina Maszkiewicz from LA.

Frenchie.

2011-11-22T05:00:00.044+11:00

Woody Allens latest movie Midnight in Paris takes you through the streets of Paris, past and present. Beautiful scenes, music and quite a charming Owen Wilson...sends me Parie dreaming...

Parisian chic in NYC

Source: wwwcastlescrownscottages.blogspot.com, marieclairemaison.com, thediversionproject.blogspot.com, fromme-toyou.tumblr.com,fashionista.com, thesartorialist.com,

Wing It. Eyeliner Style.

2011-11-19T19:38:00.011+11:00

I am branching out from jewellery, art and interiors today...my makeup is long overdue for a bit of a revamp and this is just the ticket.

Winged eyeliner is the trend at the moment and as the party season approaches well worth attempting with a steady hand and some eye makeup remover handy...

Check out this great little video tutorial over at Everything Fabulous.

Image: Thriftreveal

The Art of The Palette Knife.

2011-11-15T05:00:00.054+11:00

I am an art lover from afar at the moment, content to wander exhibitions and imagine the lottery win that would enable me to purchase works by my favourite artists.

One of the techniques I am drawn to are works created with a palette knife, producing those delicious, abstract forms that somehow come together to become a recognisable and striking image. Often completed in one sitting by the artist these beautifully put together works show a true talent in manipulating colour and texture...

Nicholas Harding

Halima Washington-Dixon

Robert Malherbe

Craig Waddell

Source: rexirwin.com, hwdixonfineart.com,timolsengallery.com, edwinacorlette.com

I Am Woman...

2011-11-08T04:00:00.015+11:00

A beautiful little 'I am Women Hear Me Roar' inspiration for today from the lovely ladies over at Business Chicks.

*************

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out

and rent a place of her own,

even if she never wants to or needs to...

something perfect to wear if the employer,

or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a youth she's content to leave behind....

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to

retelling it in her old age....

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .......

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,

and a recipe for a meal,

that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a feeling of control over her destiny.....

how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job,

break up with a lover,

and confront a friend without;

ruining the friendship....

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,

the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more.....

how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .

whom she can trust,

whom she can't,

and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...

be it to her best friend's kitchen table..

or a charming Inn in the woods...

when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

What she can and can't accomplish in a day...

a month...and a year...

By Maya Angelou

Image: Garance Dore

Lamps. Please Light Up My Life.

2011-11-05T05:00:00.031+11:00

I have a slight obsession wtih lighting, mainly of the pendant and standing lamp variety. My faves at the moment are the newly released Jielde lamps at Euroluce or if you can afford the genuine article there are some gorgeous originals on ebay...

A few of my faves set among gorgeous interiors below.

The Tree Light by Pierre and Charlotte, gorgeous simplicity

A current crush which I am hoping to get my hands on is a vintage original Jielde lamp. LOVE.

Modern restyled Jielde lamp currently being stocked by local Euroluce

Source:Ddesign Files, becauseitsawesome.blogspot.com, apartmenttherapy.com, xote.tumblr.com, shophorne.com, roomforcourt.tumblr.com

Pops of Colour. Pinked.

2011-11-02T20:18:00.003+11:00

Time for some pops of colour pink style...from the likes of Kelly Wearstler, Marcella Kaspar and the mighty Rothko pops in pink.

Source: spicerandbank.blogspot.com, Marcella Kaspar, thedesignfiles.net, style-files.com, frydogdesign.blogspot.com, spicerandbank.blogspot.com

Organisational Tips. Online Style.

2011-10-25T05:00:00.097+11:00

A few quick sites I use to keep track of the Treadgold blog and images as I browse the net...some you will have heard of, others maybe not...

Pictures

Pinterest

This is one I have been using for a while and am quietly addicted to. Similar to Flickr and other image storage sites, this presents everything in a super appealing way and lets you instantly 'Pin' images you find back to your Pinterest page. You can also share images with other Pinterest aficionados.

Particularly great for putting together a blog post as you can just copy and paste the image links into your article and it appears with the link attached (see images this post).

Artessen

Featuring on and subscribing to this great little site has not only brought traffic my way, but opened up even more ways to find interesting design and artistic content. Features blog posts and images from across the web in the areas of Art, Bridal and Foodie Feasting...

Random ideas

Evernote
Promises to capture all of your thoughts, ideas, and inspirations, into a single place. Access everything whenever you need it from your Mac, even when offline.

You can create folders for article themes and sort into a way you understand. Take photos of random ideas while you're out and about and save into an articles file for putting your posts together later on.

I am still trialling this and wondering how many organisational tools I can use at once...

Instapaper
Letting you hang on to ideas as you browse the web is a nice one for the time-poor. No time to read a news article or lengthy blogpost? Just click the instapaper tab you have saved to your bookmarks bar and it will save it for you to read later. Perfect for when you have 15 mins over lunch to spare for a quick update...

Promotion

MailChimp

In its own words...helps you design email newsletters, share them on social networks, integrate with services you already use, and track your results. It's like your own personal publishing platform.

Other ideas...

Lifehacker
Looking for that little extra push for efficiency on anything and everything...posts from all around the world on everything from the best organisation apps for the iphone to how to read body language in any situation...intrigued?

A recent Design Sponge post on Biz Ladies also had some fabulous ideas for organising your life online.

Source: samanthahahn.com via Emma on Pinterest

Bookworm. Heaven.

2011-10-22T18:51:00.000+11:00

Bring out your inner bookworm....I have always said as soon as we move into a house I will be investing in built in bookshelves. I have them coming out my ears in our little flat. They are furniture, art and storage solution in one.

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Emma on Pinterest

, freshhomeideas.com, anthropologie.com, spicerandbank.blogspot.com, vi.sualize.us, frenchbydesign.blogspot.com

Chandeliers. Decadence.

2011-10-19T13:08:00.000+11:00

Time for a little ceiling bling I think. While our little abode doesn't quite have the ceilings for a beautiful chandelier, it is on my list of must-haves for our next place...

Chandelier is a broad term these days and can include anything from decadent crystal, strands of coloured beads hung gracefully, to modern metal shades (love the Coco Republic one below).

Do you have favourites?

Source: potterybarn.com via Emma on Pinterest

Ralph Lauren Perry Chandelier from Coco Republic

Source: tabletonic.blogspot.com, stylemepretty.com, desiretoinspire.net, goindigorain.blogspot.com, potterybarn.com, tabletonic.blogspot.com, desiretoinspire.net

Design Tips. Apartment Therapy Style.

2011-10-14T10:47:00.000+11:00

Apartment Therapy have some fabulous little design and colour ideas from their readers up at the moment. A bit of a sneak peek of my faves below...a bit hit and miss but a few goodies!

Bridal Gorgeousness.

2011-10-07T05:00:00.004+11:00

Thought it was time for a bit of bridal gorgeousnesses as my calendar fills with beautiful Spring weddings on beaches, over the sea and in character filled buildings...

Yasmin from the Treadgold Collection

Source: garancedore.fr, Treadgold Collection, from the bottom of the ironing basket, oncewed.com, prettycitylife.tumblr.com, greenweddingshoes.com via Emma on Pinterest, A Cup of Jo, everythingturquoise.com

Bevelled Beauties.

2011-10-04T14:40:00.003+11:00

How could anyone resist the charms of a beautifully aged bevelled mirror... many a visit to a local auction house has seen me come away with not one but several of these beauties.

My advice is to hold out for pieces that have a good mirror surface, unbroken edge and a secure backing/chain for hanging.

Grouped together on a wall or on their own they add that little bit of vintage chic.

Source: designsponge.com, shannonfricke.blogspot.com, thisisglamorous.blogspot.com:, vintage-house.blogspot.com, itsjessicarose.tumblr.com

Brighten up Sunshine.

2011-10-01T07:00:00.019+10:00

Turquoise jewellery, yellow sundresses, playing under the sprinkler, ice cream dripping between your fingers, Summer is on it's way...

Looking on the lighter side of life today with a week off ahead of me and lots of lazing in the sunshine hopefully with a good book, lovely view and only the birds for company...time to wind down if but for a brief moment.

Sophia by Treadgold

Images:Treadgold Collection, seesawdesigns.blogspot.com,Red Ruby Rose, Ruth Orkin, Pinterest

Upholstery. Done Well.

2011-09-28T17:55:00.058+10:00

Upholstered chairs done well and with stunning fabric are a killer addition to any room, vintage or modern. And you can do it yourself...never fear.

Tutorial below from Design Sponge.

A little more inspiration for you...

Source: Pinterest, westelm.com, flor.com, seesawdesigns.blogspot.com via Emma on Pinterest

Miranda Skoczek. New Exhibition.

2011-09-27T09:03:00.000+10:00

Just received a lovely email reminder that one of my favourite artists Miranda Skoczek will be exhibiting her new collection at the Edwina Corlette Gallery.

I would love one for my own wall...

Uncomplicate Your Life. 100 Ways.

2011-09-23T19:00:00.000+10:00

This is a long one but well worth the read...from over at BellaMumma...

100 Ways to Uncomplicate Your Life.

1. Don’t try to read other people’s minds

2. Get up 30 minutes earlier so that you don’t rush/get a ticket while driving too fast/have to explain why you’re late/get fired

3. Get 8 hours of sleep per night so that you think more clearly

4. Stick to your budget

5. Start saving and investing every week, no matter how little you can spare

6. Balance your checkbook

7. Don’t try to be friends with everyone. Cultivate closer relationships with fewer people.

8. Don’t try to do business with everyone. Identify your target client and take very good care of them.

9. Before getting angry, ask yourself if it will really matter in 20 years

10. Focus on being a good person, not on pleasing others

11. Stay home this Saturday, and finish off that nagging chore that you need to finish

12. Kiss and make up

13. Make a weekly menu, and shop for only those items at the market

14. Ask your grandparents the best way to uncomplicate life, and try it for a month

15. Fill up your gas tank when it’s half full

16. Don’t drink alcohol when you’re tired, sad or mad

17. Pay your bills on time

18. Get an annual physical examination

19. Say “I love you” to your significant other and to your children. Studies show that more marriages last, and fewer kids use drugs, when these words are spoken every day.

20. For just one day, imagine everyone’s intentions are good because most people’s are

21. Give away clothes that haven’t been worn in two years

22. Throw out clothes that are in disrepair, and can’t be mended

23. When you have a conflict with someone, talk it out. Don’t let it turn into more than it is.

24. Know what your priorities are in life, and act as if they are your priorities

25. Tell the truth

26. Don’t cheat

27. Don’t steal

28. If you’re holding on to a ridiculous grudge, let it go

29. Clean your house weekly, so that it doesn’t become too large a chore

30. Do your best at work, or at school

31. Don’t eat when you aren’t hungry

32. Eat when you are hungry

33. Be yourself

34. Say no unapologetically

35. Cook simple meals

36. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses

37. Pay off your car before buying a new one

38. Organise your desk at the office

39. Change your smoke alarm batteries when the clocks spring forward, and again when they fall back

40. Organise your important paperwork

41. Take only half the clothes that you planned to take with you on holiday

42. Help your children with their homework every night, and have an open dialogue with their teachers

43. Have white sheets and white towels in children’s rooms/bathrooms, because they’re easily bleached

44. Spend your time with nice people

45. Avoid drama

46. Don’t text or talk on the phone while driving

47. Turn off the television/video games/computer; they’re time consumers

48. Don’t engage in office politics

49. Refuse to gossip, or talk behind other people’s backs

50. Do the dishes right after dinner

51. Never go to sleep angry

52. Ask nicely for what you need and want

53. Walk 10,000 steps per day to help your heart

54. Do 20 push-ups before speaking in anger

55. Leave work at work

56. Don’t befriend anyone that isn’t trustworthy

57. Don’t envy others

58. Have your oil changed

59. Take vitamin C BEFORE you catch a cold

60. Don’t work more than 8 hours per day

61. Weed your garden weekly

62. Wash your car weekly

63. Have a spring cleaning month every year, and do one room at a time

64. You don’t need to be best friends with work colleagues, but build respectful partnerships

65. Don’t drink and drive

66. Don’t look for reasons to be angry or sad, look for reasons to be happy. You’ll always be able to find plenty of each.

67. Be friendly with your neighbours

68. Return emails and phone messages promptly

69. Schedule in free time

70. Don’t procrastinate

71. Do what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it

72. Be more flexible when you’re able to be

73. Forgive and forget. End of story.

74. Break the consumerism habit…put a three month moratorium in place on buying anything not deemed a necessity

75. Start your diet on September 1, rather than January 1, so that you won’t also have holiday pounds to lose

76. Take care of any health issues or concerns

77. Have your tires rotated

78. Have your brakes checked

79. Have your eyes checked

80. Don’t let your imagination run away with you

81. Let go of perfection in others

82. Let go of perfection in yourself

83. Don’t try to help those that refuse to help themselves

84. Find a way to reduce your commute to work

85. Have an alloted amount of worry time per day/week, that you strictly abide by

86. Drink more water

87. Eat more salmon

88. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill

89. Wear your hair in a classic, easy to care for style

90. Finish what you start

91. Wear classic clothes and shoes that never go out of style

92. Create a daily routine

93. Have a 1, 5, 10 and 20 year plan for your financial and life goals

94. Slow down

95. Eat out less often

96. When you ask your husband which outfit looks best, thank him for his answer and wear the one he liked rather than focusing on why he didn’t like the other one

97. Allow your children to grow up

98. Clean out your garage, and donate anything that hasn’t been used in the past year

99. Stretch every day

100. If a relationship is over, let it go

Image source: snippetandink.com via Emma on Pinterest

Stripes.

2011-09-22T20:48:00.000+10:00

Slip into stripes...

There is something crisp and summery about stripes whether in fashion or interiors. I am up for anything that heralds the start of Summer...

Do it yourself...Why not create your own wall stripes?

Directions at Curbly

Source: wearcolor.tumblr.com, highjumpmedia.com, stylebyemilyhenderson.com,

weheartit.com, Pinterest, joannagoddard.blogspot.com,

Ruby Tuesday.

2011-09-19T22:14:00.000+10:00

A gorgeous touch of Ruby Red to brighten your Tuesday...

Source: tumblr.com, riazzoli.blogspot.com, Insideout

Dinner Party. Essentials.

2011-08-23T05:00:00.001+10:00

There is a fine art to throwing a successful and memorable dinner party where you can actually enjoy yourself, talk to your guests and show off your culinary skills (or more cunning, find a great caterer).

Since we live in an apartment with a tiny round table, we don't throw as many of these as we would like, but here a few essential points to consider:

Who to invite - Invite people you like to be around. I find that most people just love a home cooked meal and good company.

What to cook - I have been inspired lately by the fact that healthy and organic can mean delicious - have a browse here for a meal your guests will thank you for 101 Cookbooks. For something a little more decadent try Donna Hay, never disappoints.

Table Setting This is the part I love. Let your creativity run wild, dust of the vintage china, fold your napkins, light the candles and buy fresh flowers. Alternatively throw out some colourful place mats and a bottle of wine and your set.

How to fold a napkin
A little old fashioned perhaps, but you know everything old is new again...if you have the time on the night try your hand at napkin folding.

Celebrate good company...

Source:

charlotteromance.tumblr.com, 101cookbooks.com, donnahay.com.au, tumblr.com, Mikkel Vang, apartment34.blogspot.com, None

Fashion. In Stitches.

2011-08-22T14:16:00.000+10:00

I stumbled across these fabulous fashion in stitches works of art by artist Stephen Campbell on the great Art Dept site. Fun and gorgeous.

I wouldn't mind one or two on my wall...

Source: Stephen Campbell

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2011-08-20T15:41:00.000+10:00

Fresh white and crisp green to bring on Spring. Pining for a garden, I store away gorgeous pics for when I have my own patch of soil....for now its my little balcony crowded with pots....

Gorgeous herb markers made out of antique spoons...

Source: dailytonic.com , None , bunnyhillblog.com, zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com

24homes.blogspot.com, puregreendesign.blogspot.com, Billets Doux Etsy, dressdesigndecor.blogspot.com

Mid-century furniture finds. Melbourne.

2011-08-12T06:00:00.004+10:00

I am a little addicted to The Block at the moment. I know it is cheesy and orchestrated but god I love it. One of the fantastic things about it for me is the eclectic, mid century, second hand furniture bent that participants Jenna and Josh have.

I have been keeping note of some of the fabulous Melbourne shops featured and Grandfathers Axe is one of them. Some of you will know it and it is straight on my list of 'Shops to visit when next in Melbourne...' (I have a more ambitious one for New York, when we finally manage to get there...)

Check out some of the gorgeous furniture and finds on offer...

An original one of these is on my dream list

Lovely.

Inspiration. Care of Nature.

2011-08-09T11:34:00.000+10:00

Flowers and nature provide infinite inspiration and a bit of beauty around the place as well....the intricacy of floral blooms translated into lace and photography is particularly lovely...

Images: Decor8, frenchbydesign, Treadgold, hei-astrid.blogspot.com, Treadgold, flickr.com

Home Sweet Home. Courtney Cox.

2011-08-05T04:00:00.001+10:00

Gorgeous shots care of Elle Decor today...the suprisingly style savvy Courtney Cox...

'Before becoming an actress, Courteney Cox wanted to be an architect. Indeed, she began college course work in the field before deciding to pursue a career in Hollywood. But her passion for building, remodeling, and decorating homes never left her...'

Bedroom Colour. Fresh Breath.

2011-08-02T05:00:00.003+10:00

In the midst of a little bedroom refresh and feeling bright and airy as we near the beginning of Spring yipee...!

Images: None, myidealhome.tumblr.com, Decor 8

Life and Threads of Carlota Espinosa.

2011-07-31T04:00:00.002+10:00

Borrowing from the creative Jeana Sohn today and one of her quirky 'Closet Visits'...

Carlota Espinosa is a former internet executive/entrepreneur and this is a glimpse inside her very stylish and colourful wardrobe.

Kick. Ass. Photograph.

2011-07-29T17:56:00.000+10:00

I just stumbled across a photo I saved months ago and is one of my favourites.

I don't have children but would love to recreate something like this when I do...just need a killer gown, beautiful location, sun setting and angelic child...

Image: Bp blogspot

Bedhead Beauties.

2011-07-18T20:59:00.000+10:00

Bedheads are the piece de resistance to many a gorgeous boudoir. Our bed sits under a window in our apartment so I yearn for the day I can pull out a staple gun and make my own gorgeous fabric bedhead....yes you can do it yourself.

Here are a few beauties to feast your eyes on below and a little do it yourself feature at the end if you feel the urge to get handy...

Love the wallpaper here too...

DIY Corner - How to create your own

Visit Centsational Girl for a great little tutorial
and you can make your own headboard below...

Images: Oh Joy, Cote de Texas, Studio Annetta, Real Living, Lonny Mag, Centsational Girl

Artist in Residence. Noël Skrzypczak.

2011-07-09T18:29:00.000+10:00

Larger than life artist Noël Skrzypczak is a contemporary artist based in Melbourne. Noël is known for her large-scale abstract wall paintings, recognised by their vivid colours and large flowing forms.

Noël was born in Toronto, Canada and relocated to Canberra with her family as a young child. She completed a Visual Arts degree at the ANU School of Art, Canberra.

Her gorgeous paintings remind me of a psychoanalysts image, albeit a very beautiful one....

Source: thedesignfiles.net, theplatform.info, artabase.net, grassrootsmodern.com

Pinterest. A Revelation.

2011-07-02T21:19:00.000+10:00

I am just discovering the wonders of Pinterest, a fantastic free image storage website, similar to Flickr and others but beautifully set out, super easy to navigate and a wonderful range of modern, high res images from contributors. It is relatively new but has a growing following and I am finding it quite addictive. Check out my first forays....Treadgold Pinterest

How it works: 'Request an invite' to create an account. You will then be able to start creating 'boards' and 'pinning' and sharing photos with other people on the site. You can 'pin' an image from anywhere on the web as you browse blogs and wesbites and it will send it straight back to your pinterest collection.

Blogging: I have found it fabulous for saving images for blogposts as it saves the location of where you found the image and you can simply embed the link into your blog post so you always have the correct source.

Planning interiors: No more scrambling to remember where you saw that great pendant light, create an 'Interiors' board and collect inspirational images and product photos and 'pin' them all back to your pinterest board to look at later.

A few of my latest 'pins' below:

Source: None via Emma on Pinterest

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: theyallhateus.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: treadgoldcollection.blogspot.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: acottageinthewoods.tumblr.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: theyallhateus.com via Emma on Pinterest

Swinging. On A Chandelier.

2011-07-01T08:00:00.002+10:00

Image: paperschmaper.blogspot.com via Emma on Pinterest, Design Sponge, Pia-Jane Bijerk, Prada Answer, Greige

Vintage chic.

2011-06-26T10:00:00.004+10:00

Gorgeous inspiration from vintage fashion, lace, fashion and places as I design a few new jewellery pieces on a lazy Sunday....lovely.

Images:adore-vintage.tumblr.com via Emma on Pinterest, sundaycollector.blogspot.com via Emma on Pinterest, Flickr, arthousegallery.com.au via Emma on Pinterest, theyallhateus.com via Emma on Pinterest, paris2london.tumblr.com via Emma on Pinterest

Inspiration. Cerise.

2011-06-25T17:56:00.000+10:00

Lovely lush cerise. This colour is fab in nearly every way you can think, lipstick, bedroom wall, painting a door, a swirling ball gown.....I just need to find some rocking gems to make into a fabulous necklace...

Source: coolspotters.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: littleblackbook.typepad.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Emma on Pinterest, tabletonic.blogspot.com via Emma on Pinterest, cosyhomeblog.com via Emma on Pinterest, littleblackbook.typepad.com via Emma on Pinterest,coolspotters.com via Emma on Pinterest,
paris2london.tumblr.com via Emma on Pinterest, paris2london.tumblr.com via Emma on Pinterest

In Search of a Sidetable.

2011-06-22T07:00:00.051+10:00

Now that I have finished pondering pendant lights, I am in search of a lovely little timber side table. Here is a round up of a few lovelies I have found...the only trouble is once I find this I will need a lovely floor lamp to go beside it...

The Egg stool by Mark Tuckey

The egg stool in the home of Mark Tuckey

Beautiful Maroni mid-century style table
complete with slide away panel at front

Love the styling in this one

For a non-timber option
these are a bit gorgeous too...

Image: Pure Green Design, De De Ce, Flickr, bhg.com via Emma on Pinterest, Flickr

Pops of Colour. Inside.

2011-06-18T06:56:00.001+10:00

I love the idea of pops of colour in an otherwise neutral room...although not quite diligent and focused enough to do it in my own home, I love these bright images...

Source: urbanbarbies.tumblr.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: tabletonic.blogspot.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: onbluepoolroad.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: myidealhome.tumblr.com via Emma on Pinterest

New York. New York.

2011-06-02T22:56:00.003+10:00

My lucky, lucky cousin is entering the fray of New York City at the moment. Since flying in from Sydney town, she has been delving into local flea markets, visiting Brooklyn Ikea and making a little space of her own in her student flat...we may just have to pack up our bags and head over there for a visit.

This is where I would be heading if I went there - based on a fleeting visit years ago and discoveries through my blog travels...New Yorkers I know this is not even the tip of the iceberg!

Number One has to be Anthropologie...doorknobs and curtains and jewellery oh my

Second is the Metropolitan Museum of Art - yes the divine Alexander McQueen exhibition is currently showing.

Third would have to be the Brooklyn Flea. I would just need a shipping container to bring back all my finds.

Fourth would be Broadway. I think I would have to ration our show intake..

Fifth the Metropolitan Opera. As an occasional singer I would love to dress up to the nines and go to the 'Opera'.

Renee Fleming

Read all about it...
A gorgeous new book which will also guide a designer through their NYC travels is The Stylists Guide to New York by the wonderfully creative Sibella Court...

Sibella's home in NYC when she lived there

Images: Diane James, Shelter, MET, Brooklyn Flea, Broadway.com, Renee Fleming, Moodboard

A Little Vintage Inspiration.

2011-06-02T22:10:00.005+10:00

I often find myself looking to vintage styling for inspiration, as many of us in the design world do. I just love the shapes, colours and that cosy age old feel.

As I work on new pieces for the jewellery collection, here are a few interiors, art and styling which has caught my eye lately. I just need some more wall space (and $$) to pop up all the vintage posters and little artworks I would love to buy....

My recent sneaky purchase from the talented US artist
Halima Washington-Dixon

Would love this on the wall...if you can't afford the real thing
All Posters is a great alternative I discovered.

Images:Design Sponge, Halima Washington-Dixon, French By Design, Daydream Lily,

Anthology, All Posters, Sunday Collector

In the mood for Love. And Jewellery.

2011-05-19T22:31:00.000+10:00

Let's think Spring and Summer thoughts with blushing brides, fresh blooms and beautiful Treadgold jewels...

Lucia

Amelie

Images: Style Me Pretty, Treadgold, Me Oh My, Treadgold, 100 Layer Cake, Aged and Gilded, Bijou and Boheme

Pops of Colour.

2011-05-10T22:51:00.000+10:00

As Sydney town turns cold and Winter creeps in here are a few pops of colour to brighten the day...

Images: Frenchbydesign, Shannon Fricke, Sacramento Street, From the Right Bank, House of Turquoise

French Lovers Gather Round.....

2011-04-25T19:54:00.001+10:00

What isn't to love about the French lifestyle? Interiors always seem to strike the right note of sumptuousness with artfully chipped wrought iron tables, restored farmhouse cupboards, breezy curtains and the odd potted lavender.....I love the modern take on this style as well.

I am missing the vineyard outside the window or a quaint cobbled street but I do have a restored Singer wrought iron base with a white marble top which I have fashioned into my own little slice of Paris.

Images: Brabourne Farm, Global Atelier, French By Design, French Essence, Emmas Blog

Artist in Residence. John Waller.

2011-04-17T20:34:00.000+10:00

I am contemplating the purchase of an artwork.....a test in contemplation and choosing what you love (which hopefully falls within your budget). John Waller is a beautiful Australian artist who's work really caught my eye...these pieces are from his 'Mallee' series.

They would be very welcome on my wall.

Images: Art.net

Vintage Bottles + Simple Florals.

2011-04-08T21:33:00.000+10:00

You can do beautiful things with a few vintagey glass bottles and some stunning blooms...simple is often best.

Images: Design Sponge, Poppytalk, Down and Out Chic, Lilyg, NZ Girl,

Pondering Pendant Lights...

2011-04-01T18:00:00.015+11:00

I am in search of the perfect pendant light. I'm sure you would agree this kind of interior decoration can make or break a room...my husband doesn't quite see what the fuss is all about...

I am after a mid century, semi industrialish, petite style that doesn't dominate the room and is light enough to hang from a looped cord above my dining table...see my problem?

I thought I would share some of the beauties I have found (if only Anthropologie would ship lights to Oz..) as my search continues.

Would love your thoughts.

Divine little mercury pendants
from Anthropologie (these would be my
choice if shipping wasn't an issue)

Flowerpot pendant by Panton

Tom Dixon's Beat Light with
hand-pressed brass inside (also in white)

PH5 lamp by Poul Henningsen -
might be a bit heavy?

Caravaggio P3 Lamp, very clean and shiny

UK people these are divine...little bone china
pendants by Kathleen Hills

If all else fails I can follow Ashleyann's lead and create my own pendant...she was lusting after Anthropologie's industrial wire lamps...see below

But thought she could create her own with the help of a wire basket and pendant kit....

Images: Anthropologie via Remodelista, Nostra Forma, Matt Blatt, Famous Furniture, Arctic Design, Kathleen Hills, Anthropologie AshleyAnn Photography

I've got that vintage feeling...

2011-03-20T12:20:00.000+11:00

Images: Bijou and Boheme, Beach Vintage, Down and Out Chic, Everything Fab