Sunday

winner drawn

Hurrah!  This was a really fun thing to do! (my first give-away, and about time too!)
I had 25 entries on my facebook page to win a set of pastel rainbow bunting flags, and I'm pleased to say the winner has been drawn this evening.  And it is indeed a small world, this land of blog & facebook, because I even know the winner! Lauren and I first met when we were selling our wares at a market in Hobart.  I even follow her beautiful family orientated blog!
Congratulations to Lauren and her owlets of course!  ♥




I like the anticipation of an old-fashioned draw, plus i don't know how to use one of those computer draw thingies, or maybe i'm too lazy to find out!
Here is my darling boy after we had folded everyone names on paper in half very carefully, and he did a very studious shuffle, and picked a random winner!
This photo has made me realise he needs a haircut bad.  He doesn't like having his hair cut.  Even when he was a little baby, when i was breastfeeding him, he would touch the back of his head, and fondle his gorgeous orange locks.  Nothings changed!  He really likes to keep the length, and as I am the one who cuts his hair, we often have great discussion about how many nano millimeters to agree on to cut!

Wednesday

rainbow bunting give-away

Hi blog readers,
It's been a while coming, but I said once I reached 100 'likers' on my facebook page, I would do a give-away!  Please pop over and leave a comment for a chance to be in on the draw, if you like!
Ends this Sunday.
Luisa



Sunday

Festa Italia

 





One of the things i like best about living in Hobart, is the chance to catch up on the little events and festivals that happen.  We visited Festa Italia in North Hobart today, and had a slice of the most delicious pizza ever in Hobart by Da Angelo.  (i mean ever) And followed that by the freshest Crostoli..crunch crunch.  It was a bit of a carb fest!

 They were yummy, but i miss the way my mum used to make them with lemon zest and a touch of grappa!
And I still haven't figured out why the apparent obsession with Tom Jones with the festival organisers, must be a big hit with the oldies?!
We didn't stay for the spaghetti or watermelon eating contest...but it was a fun day out.
Not bad for a street party, but there was no bunting.   Oh, how they could have done with some green, white and red flags, that way it would look like a real street party! 
Hobart - love it!



Monday

ok it's official - we're moving

Those big changes I was waxing lyrical about in this post is finally happening, right now, as we speak.  This week.  This crazy, long week already.  I'm both excited and exhausted at the idea of it all.  Our family has been living in our current house for almost 4 years, and it's the only house 'b' has ever known.   But actually for the rest of us, it's the 3rd move in 4 years - that is a bit crazy.   I've been putting off this post, but as i get further along, i realise it's going to be impossible in a couple of days, once we are well and truly in the thick of it. 


So, just a few little tidbits about it all for those who are just a little curious:  We are moving from what was about 10 years ago, a little sleepy country town i guess you could say, but as we are standing now, it's becoming building metropolis.  You know, move over cows, hello concrete and brick, and just a little too much ticky tacky houses for my liking.   But, golly no, that is not at all why we are going.  And, you'll never guess where we're heading, can you?   We're going into the hubhub of: (drumroll please)
 HOBART!
  Yep, the big smoke itself, folks.  I bet you would have never guessed that one, eh?



Have I surprised you?  Well i think this time, i may have surprised myself.  Certainly twelve, even six months ago, it was something i would never have dreamed of happening (not even in my dream dreams).  I do rather like it though, when this kind of thing happens.   We are going to be living in a turn of the century cottage, and as care-takers of a property in town, on a medium term assignment.  We've done it before, sans kids.  This time, with two in tow, well it's going to be different.  And fun.  I'm looking so forward to visiting parks, and places we never had time or energy to bother with so much living out of town.  I'm really looking forward to our new little adventure.
And although Hobart is not exactly culture central, it does have some pretty good cafes.   Jackman and McRoss is one of my faves...hurrah!




I've even discovered a site on the 'top ten places to buy food in Hobart'.  Now, i'll be needing that, won't i?
But how on earth the farmer's market got missed off this list, i'll never know.
Oh, i'll also be needing the 'top ten places in Hobart to drink coffee'.  Mm, research needed.






Wednesday

Do you heart this bunting as much as i do?

image from we ♥ it
Isn't this super duper gorgeous?!

I am so happy to see blue skies again today!





Tuesday

top interior trends for 2011

Here is an article from About Property in the UK....confirming that bunting is an essential item in decorating!  Well, I never knew!

{Coastal}
Perfect if you live near the sea, or just dream of moving closer to the coast, this year’s nautical theme celebrates the British love affair with the ocean and the landscapes that frame it.
Distressed wood, wicker furniture and rope-detail accessories are paired with crisp and clean textiles in white and blue tones. With its focus on the natural world, this look works just as well as an alfresco theme, so invest in hammocks and wooden-frame deckchairs to complete the fresh seaside feel.
Add interest with coastal prints and nautical stripes on soft furnishings, and string bunting and glass lanterns outside when entertaining.
{Puritan Folk}
An eclectic mix of utilitarian craftsmanship and traditional ethnic prints, the Puritan Folk trend juxtaposes rough textured materials with soft, silky textiles.
Mockie Harrison, of John Lewis Home, explains how the department store has interpreted the look:
“Our collection for spring is a diverse mix of beautifully crafted furniture and lighting partly influenced by mid-twentieth century modern, and soft furnishings inspired by folk patterns from Morocco, South America and Russia. A pot pourri of global references with exuberant colour, calmed by cool neutrals.”
Aztec-inspired geometric tiled prints, as well as beaded details, patchwork quilting and wall hangings offer instant updates.
{Vintage}
Kitsch pastel colours and floral prints bring a 1950s feel to interior design schemes this year.
With a focus on idyllic domestic life and entertaining at home, retro-style baking accessories brighten up kitchen décor and bunting helps bring an air of street-party celebration to tea parties.
Floral prints on linens and quilts give bedding a country cottage air while white-washed wicker accessories add the finishing touches to bedrooms and bathrooms.
Mix flea market finds, such as antique tea cups, with contemporary vintage-inspired pieces by designers including Rob Ryan to create an diverse look in your home.
{Classic}
If you’re a traditionalist, the current interior design focus on old English elegance may appeal more than the busy vintage and folk trends.
White, cream and beige tones on walls and linens are contrasted with furniture in dark-stained woods and wrought iron to great this sophisticated look. While minimalism is central to the theme, draped fabrics, plush linens and plump towels make for a luxurious finish.
Add antique touches to give your home a classical feel – frame old maps and manuscripts, place a clock on your mantelpiece and invest in an iconic green desk lamp.

Hope you're having a good start to the week - see you later...