Matador Tuesday

via The Sartorialist

Happy Tuesday! 

Here's a bit of matador action from Madrid via The Sartorialist. 

Gracias mis amigos. 

Sixx Design

images via Black Eiffel

Sixx Design, where to start?  I first came across them in Living etc magazine a couple of years ago with an amazing property in New York to fit themselves and 6 kids (although they now have 7).  It even had its own rooftop basketball court.  Since then they have launched their own show in the States called 9 by Design.  I do own their book Downtown Chic which features lots of the amazing properties they have designed and developed.  These images are from one of their personal holiday houses.  Now that's what I call a house for kids!  If that trampoline was a bit closer to the pool you could bounce right in.   

Effalumps

One word... magnifique!  These elephants were created by Petersham Nurseries in Surrey, UK. 

Ohhhhh yeah.  Have a  good weekend.

Decorations

Today we received a beautiful unexpected thank you gift with three bauble decorations in beautiful matching shades with our intials on them. It honestly brought tears to my eyes. It's those sorts of decorations that make you think of the people that gave them to you when you put them up each year. We have one special one that we have been putting up every year since we received it and the beautiful lady that gave it to us has since passed away. It's the memories that these decorations create that are so special.

I love that each year the collection grows and we find ourselves going "remember this?" or "you loved this one as a baby".  And when the little "I still do" comes back at you, it melts your heart.

A girlfriend and I regularly exchange one little decoration to add to our treasured collections. Each has been thoughtfully selected each year. I am still to find the perfect one for this year.

How gorgeous are these Where the Wild Things Are christmas decorations?  I saw them last year and I am still kicking myself about not buying them online from Urban Outfitters.  Ah bless, this won't be the end of my Christmas love-posts.

Oh yeah... they're back!

via Remodelista

Ok, go on... admit it, you've been missing the antlers haven't you?  Here's a friendly version that I thought I would share with you.  And no animals were ill-treated in the process of obtaining these sticks. 

Cherish those you love

Today I stumbled on this sad posting about a woman who lost her 17 year old son to a car accident.   Please feel free not to read this one if you don't have the strength for a Monday.  But the take home message is to cherish the moments that we have. x

It's beginning to look like...

It seems I've been a bit slap-dash with erratic postings. So where have I been? 

Firstly, I'm still getting over the joy that is a new office away from home.  I never thought that there would be such a separation between home and work but it seems I have found an instant way to sever the ties.  And it's fabulous!   Finally I am happy to be home on the weekends rather than finding any way to get out and do something different.  People always specualte that it must be hard to work from home admist all of the domestic distractions, but I have to say that I never really felt that.  If you are busy enough you just don't have time to think about the rest of the chaos.  And when I wasn't as busy I really only procrastinated in my office or out of the house as I felt this incessant bizarre need to be in my office when in the house.  Now when I get home if there's work to be done it is done and if there isn't, my office is a space that I don't wish to enter or feel the need to be in.  The pooch however, might have a differing view.

All of my events over for the year means that I can get myself organised for next year, 2012 and beyond before taking a well-earned break for Christmas.  And I love Christmas!  The decorations, the traditions, the BBQs, the parties, the fact that most people are on holidays and the yummy food.  Today we are putting up our tree due to a small nagging request.  Still, once the lights are on and the decorations are up it will start to feel like we are on the way to eating, drinking, snoozing, reading and entertaining.  Bring it on!

Now I know our tree won't look like this, but you know I love a cold climate and one day I'll do the white Christmas thing.  And my smile will be from ear to ear.

image via

Graffiti art

 I'm a big fan of graffiti art.  I find it amazingly intricate and vibrant.  Here is a local urban find that is just tickety-boo!

Horsey bike

via here 

I have a friend who loves horses.  I'm not sure that she loves bikes, but if it were a horsey bike then maybe she might just feel the need to ride with the wind blowing through her hair helmet.  Horsey, by Eungi Kim is very naff and don't we love a bit of naff!

A few pencils

David Stark, the NY event guru, puts on some spectacular events that obviously have matching budgets.  This one was held for art patrons and each guest received a post-it note and some pencils to doodle on during the night.  A gazillion pencils (16,000 to be precise) were used for the event and the time it must have taken for them to set up and install is phenomenal.  I am in awe of this man and his creativity (and his client budgets). 

What to wear in a desert?

via here

No doubt you're like me and naturally would be able to pull out of your wardrobe one of the same outfits as the SATC girls.  Desert glam is all the rage (in warm climates with lots of sand). 

"These are the people in your neighbourhood"

Well where have I been and what have I been doing if I haven't been blogging?  It's a very good question and I'm not sure I have all of the answers.  However... here's a few to keep you sweet.

I have a new stunning office and it's such a gorgeous space to be in with some lovely people to boot!  It's been so nice to go to work somewhere other than home.  I'd forgotten how nice it is to separate home and work. 

Other things... a movie night outside, a bit of solo city shopping, a successful-of-sorts trip to ikea (whereby things were bought; but not what was intended), a headache or two and a wee bit of painting.  Today also started with a super twin christening.  Such cute and happy babies, their lovely mum, more lovely people and a delicious church hall spread with a bit of impressive themed decorating! 

Here's a couple of shots of what's happening in my neighbourhood.  It's a bit like Neighbours only better and with less drama.  How vivid are these stunners?  Thanks Mark and Rach for letting me stalk your garden for this shot. 

Office things

Office storage is on my mind.  I have a lovely new space to work in but I'm ready for some new 'bits and pieces' for my desk.  With my brown paper and string already sitting on my desk I'm feeling the need for a bit more neutral toning.  Kikki.K might be the stop I need to make to fit me up with some office inspiration. Either that or a trip to Japan for some of their infamous stationery supplies.

Fundraising fun

A great weekend full of fun and frivolity.  What an amazing fundraiser and what fun we had!  Here's a few shots of the fantastic theming and the incredible delights on offer for afternoon tea.  The dancing showcase was an absolute highlight.  Well done to you all, you should be very proud of your efforts.