Inspire Me: Refurbished Tuna Cans

First off, can we agree on how absolutely brilliant this idea is! Who ever thought those pesky tuna cans could make such adorable pot plants? I came across these gorgeous succulents on a recent visit to the florist. They were so simple yet unique that I couldn't pass up the chance to photograph them. 

There's nothing like a visit to the florist to heighten your senses and stimulate your creativity. I always come away brimming with new ideas. It all began back in Architecture school. After spending hours and hours trying to find an elegant solution to whatever design problem I was working on, I would give up in despair and drive off to the nearby 24-hour flower shop to clear my head. Why on earth would a 24-hour flower shop even exist is beyond me, but I'm thankful that they do. Years later I still find myself wandering into florists regularly for inspiration and a little creative pick-me-up.

If you are stuck on holiday gift ideas, these succulents would make excellent stocking stuffers. I'm feeling inspired to create my own, but instead of a pastel hues I'm thinking something sparkly and gold for the holidays. 

Inspire Me: In light of Sandy

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Sometimes I come across an image so compelling it would be a crime not to share. While usually I only ever post photos that I have personally taken, today is an exception to my own rule.

Some of you may have already seen this photo today floating around the internet. As the entire East Coast of America bunkers down in the face of Hurricane Sandy, the Sentinels standing guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery continue on with their task. For them it is not a job but the highest of honors. To the rest of the country it is a message. The Sentinels live by their creed which in part says "Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability". The Tomb of the Unknowns have been guarded continuously 24 hours, 7 days a week since the first guard was posted in 1937. No amount of inclement weather, terrorist attacks or anything else will cause the watch to cease.

While this photo dates back to September 2012, it's important to note that today, right now this very instant the Old Guards are still there manning their post. They have the option of seeking refuge within the Trophy Room which overlooks the tomb but I have a feeling these dedicated men will remain guarding the tombs.

If you have never witnessed this in person, I highly recommend that you do. It is an incredibly sobering experience and will put into perspective all those minor trivial things in life. 

To all those in Sandy's path, stay safe!

Inspire Me

I did have a fun little recipe post all primped and ready for today when the most amazing thing happened while I was out at lunch. There I was minding my own business walking down the street when I gazed into an unknown boutique window and saw the most beautiful scene. Crouching on the floor was this lovely lady with hair cascading down her black, dressed in all-black with leopard print shoes trimming away at the hem of this beautiful lemon yellow dress. For a moment I stood transfixed, in front of me stood a scene that embodied everything I ever imagined couture tailoring to look like. The tailor ever the bit as chic as the garment she was working on in a setting even Ms Francis Elkins would approve of.

The boutique in question turned out to be Snowball Maison de Couture. A mother and daughter team who dreams up exquisite frocks and hand-made accessories. Now if only I had an event to go to... Click here to visit their e-boutique.

Friday's Fancies

Happy Friday! Hope everyone's been having a wonderful week. Mine has been eventful to say the least. This week I discovered that if your iPhone accidentally ends up in the washing machine it may not necessarily be the end of your world. Mine went through an hour of soak, wash and spin and amazingly came out alive. That's right, you heard me! After a day of charging, my iPhone miraculously came back to life, even my sim card was still operational. Talk about value for money! Here's a look at some of the other less eventful things that went on this week. 

Forget Pinterest, there's so much beauty in the mundane, one just has to open their eyes to see it. I cannot begin to describe how happy I get whenever I come across beautiful little details hidden amongst the everyday. It's little surprises like that, that lifts the human spirit. 

I bought my very first pair of Karen Walker sunnies back in 2004 and ever since then I've had a soft spot for her line. Enter 2012, the latest addition to my KW collection these quirky black, white and fluro yellow cat eye sunnies. When my mum first saw these she thought I was wearing a pair of movie theatre 3D glasses. I guess they're not for everyone. What do you think? 

Isn't everything so much better when it comes in little wooden crates? I came across this adorable vegetable stand at a local farmers market. And even though I wasn't in need of any root vegetables, the allure of the wooden crate was enough to draw me in and empty my pockets.  

This was how we spent last sunday. I think the girls were on that hammock for a good hour. Talk about low maintenance. 

Imagine biting into a delicious fresh baked pain au chocolat, except instead of chocolate you bite into a melted slab of toblerone! My sister introduced me to these delicious little pastries this week and I am hooked! Best part is, they are readily available for purchase at any supermarket. Well, that is unless they're sold out which happens more times than none. 

Red Balloon Inspiration

I cannot believe my baby girl is turning ONE in two month's time! It seemed like only yesterday when I was planning her big sister's first birthday party. Good news is, this year she will get to celebrate her birthday in Australia just like her sister did. To all my Aussie friends reading this, yes you're all invited :)

While scouring Pinterest for inspiration (where else of course) I came across a lot of fantastic party themes and ideas but none of them screamed out to me. What I kept coming back to was the picture of Banksy's girl with the red balloon. That got me thinking, how fantastic would it be to create a birthday party around that piece of graffiti? To my surprise (and slight dismay) there isn't too many red balloon themed parties out there. Here are some pictures I've found that I'm feeling particularly inspired by. Enjoy! xx

via: weheartit.com

To my two girls who may read this one day in the future. Just like Banksy's balloon girl, may hope and love never be too far from your grasp. 

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