Something Gorgeous

Window wows!

2013-05-16T11:00:00.000+10:00

If you had windows like these, it wouldn't matter what you had in the room!

These stunning windows certainly have the wow factor.

The sheer height, grandeur and even distressed, aged features definitely take the limelight.

It confirms my belief that your choice of windows and doors are paramount when building or renovating. They really do take centre stage in any design brief!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Giulia.x

D day...

2013-05-15T09:00:00.000+10:00

Goods news. Our builder starts on the 23rd of this month and so far everything is on track to go.

Carport down
Pool deck removed
Back verandah gone.
Furniture downstairs put into storage.

before

after

We've worked very hard over the last four weekends, methodically working through each task and removing all the building materials as we go. Every Sunday night we've welcomed sleep early in preparation for our usual weekly jobs.

We still need to move our bedroom furniture upstairs and take all our garage tools etc over to my mum's for storage and then we can breathe while the work begins.

We are looking forward to just having to make the mental decisions and leaving the physical work to the experts. With Winter setting in, I can't wait to bunker down and watch the progress.

This afternoon we meet with our builder to fine tune any details. I only hope there's no hidden surprises!
Giulia.x

Chocolate nut bananas...

2013-05-14T08:30:00.000+10:00

What about this idea for a moreish, "healthy" afternoon treat after school?

Banana slices topped with peanut butter, dipped in chocolate and then frozen!

I think I'd need to use a whole bunch of bananas for this recipe.
One banana would never be enough for my household chocoholics!

I hope you enjoy your week. ;)

Giulia x

Ink Art

2013-05-13T08:50:00.000+10:00

I'm still on the look out for some art for my place. While searching the internet I came across Ink Art by Matthew Armey.

Matthew Amey is a professional tattoo artist who also works in oil, acrylic, water colour, glass, digital design and sculptural mediums.

Check out Matthew Armey at Uncommon Goods

xToni

Open plan living

2013-05-10T18:21:00.002+10:00

I am in love with the open, light and airy feel of these rooms. There is a slight industrial edge to the design and decor. This first picture is how I imagine my extension. The staircase leading downstairs to the living areas, raked ceilings, and open plan living in front of a raised kitchen.

I am drawn towards the open, iron staircases which are definite statement pieces in both these spaces.

The exposed brickwork below, is almost like an artwork in itself and positioned alongside these huge windows and doors creates a stunning backdrop. I love the bursts of vibrant colour in the cushions and flowers.

This room is reminiscent of how I felt today. Happy, and at ease.
Hope your weekend is amazing!

Giulia.x

Himalayan Salt

2013-05-09T07:00:00.000+10:00

For quite a few months now I've been using Himalyan Salt in my cooking. I've discovered that it has amazing benefits for your health and well being and that supermarket salt brands are in fact poisoning our systems. I found these exerpts on himalayan salt on the net that I thought you would find interesting.

"As common as salt shakers are to our kitchens, so are the numbers of diseases associated with salt’s daily use.
On one hand, life is not possible without salt; on the other, our consumption of salt is killing us. Why is that? Because our regular table salt no longer has anything in common with the original crystal salt of which we’re talking about here. Salt nowadays is mainly sodium chloride and not salt."

Read more: http://himalayansalt.com.au/bad-salt#ixzz2Sklxi3Zg

"While our body only requires the minute amount of 0.198 grams of salt per day, most of us suffer from a lack of salt, even though we’re over-saturated with sodium chloride. When our consumption of salt is less than 0.198 grams per day, salt craving kicks in. The average, per capita, daily consumption of table salt in the U.S. is between 11.3 grams and 19.8 grams. However, our body is only able to excrete 4.82 grams to 7.1 grams a day through our kidneys, depending on our age, constitution and sex.

The body recognizes table salt as an aggressive cellular poison, an unnatural substance, and wants to eliminate it as quickly as possible in order to protect itself. This naturally, causes a constant overburden on our organs of excretion. In almost every preserved product, salt is used as part of the preservation process. So, by adding salt to the already-salted food, the body receives more salt than it can get rid of. The body now tries to isolate the over-dose of salt. In this process, water molecules surround the sodium chloride in order to ionise it into sodium and chloride to neutralize it.
For this process, the water is taken from our cells as the body sacrifices its most perfectly structured cell water in order to neutralize sodium chloride. With this, the dehydrated body cells die."

The Consequences of Consuming Table Salt

The result of consuming common table salt is the formation of overly acidic oedema, or excess fluid in the body tissue, which is also the cause of cellulite. That’s why doctors tell us to avoid salt. For every 0.99 grams of sodium chloride that cannot be eliminated, the body uses 23 times (23x) the amount of its own cell water to neutralize the salt. If the sodium chloride is still too high, re-crystallization of the table salt occurs as the body uses available non-degradable animal proteins (as those found in milk), which also have no value and cannot be broken down and eliminated.

The body uses these proteins to produce uric acid in order to get rid of the excess salt. As the body cannot dispose of uric acid, it binds itself with the sodium chloride to form new crystals that are deposited directly in the bones and joints. This is the cause of different kinds of rheumatism such
as arthritis, gout, and kidney and gall bladder stones. This re-crystallization is the body’s band-aid solution for the cells and organs in order to protect the body from irreparable damage of irresponsible food intake. But in the long run, it poisons the system because those substances cannot be disposed of, ever.
A truly frightening scenario you can avoid if… you’re eating only Good Salt, as made by Nature.

IMPORTANT: The information on salt intake is taken from Dr. Batmanghelidj’s book, “Water for Health, for Healing, for Life”. Dr. Batmanghelidj MD recommends using 1/4 tsp. of natural, unrefined salt for every 1.1 litre of water you drink. This book has been published in Australia by Prosperity Circle. It’s a must-read if you want to provide you

Himalayan Salt

Himalayan crystal salt is far superior to traditional iodized salt. Himalayan salt is millions of years old and pure, untouched by many of the toxins and pollutants that pervade other forms of ocean salt.

Known in the Himalayas as “white gold,” Himalayan Crystal Salt contains the same 84 natural minerals and elements found in the human body. This form of salt has also been maturing over the past 250 million years under intense tectonic pressure, creating an environment of zero exposure to toxins and impurities.

Himalayan salt’s unique cellular structure allows it to store vibrational energy. Its minerals exist in a colloidal form, meaning that they are tiny enough for our cells to easily absorb.

The health benefits of using natural Himalayan Crystal Salt may include:

Controlling the water levels within the body, regulating them for proper functioning
Promoting stable pH balance in the cells, including the brain.
Encouraging excellent blood sugar health
Aiding in reducing the common signs of aging
Promoting cellular hydroelectric energy creation
Promoting the increased absorption capacities of food elements within the intestinal tract
Aiding vascular health
Supporting healthy respiratory function
Lowering incidence of sinus problems, and promoting over-all sinus health
Reducing muscle cramps
Increasing bone strength
Naturally promoting healthy sleep patterns
Creating a healthy libido
In combination with water, it is necessary for blood pressure regulation
Prevents cellulite, when compared to table salt
Reduces chances of developing rheumatism, arthritis and gout, when compared to common chemically-treated salt
Reduces chances of developing kidney and gall bladder stones when compared to common chemically-treated salt

Read more: http://himalayansalt.com.au/himalayan-salt-health/vital-salt#ixzz2SkpgClM0

Healthy eating!

Giulia.x

Homemade Pies

2013-05-08T09:00:00.000+10:00

Over 10 years ago my Mother-in-law bought my husband and I a Pie Maker. I don't use my Pie Maker a lot, but when I do it's always a hit.

The other day I made a huge slow cooked beef and vegetable casserole for dinner. There were only three of us home for dinner that night so I had a large amount left over.
Enter the Pie maker.

It's so easy to use because I cheat and use store bought pastry. One circle of shortcrust pastry on the bottom, a tablespoon of filling and a slightly smaller circle of Puff pastry on top. Pop in the Pie maker for 7 minutes and it's done.

How easy is that?

Really the sky is the limit with this thing, you can be as creative or slack as you like. The Pie Maker comes with a recipe book with lots of meal ideas.

xToni

Remembering my beautiful Mother-in-law who passed away 6 years ago today.

Garlic, Rosemary and Chilli almonds

2013-05-07T08:00:00.000+10:00

I adore eating almonds as a healthy snack between meals or just something to munch on while I'm cooking and enjoying a glass of my favourite red. Yesterday I was very excited to come across this moreish and easy recipe in Decorators Notebook.

Garlic, Rosemary and Chilli almonds

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil

200g almonds

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 large sprigs of rosemary, leaves only

1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes (or adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Method

1) Gently heat the olive oil in a heavy-based frying pan then add the almonds. Sizzle gently for 3-4 minutes until heated through and beginning to brown a little.

2) Add all the other ingredients, apart from the sea salt. Stir well to coat the almonds and heat for 1 minute more (take care not to burn the garlic, which can become bitter).

3) Line a bowl with kitchen paper and tip in the nuts. Shake around a little to soak up any excess oil then sprinkle with sea salt.

I hope your week is a lot less busier than mine is at the moment. Tomorrow is hubby's birthday, work is ramping up towards mid year assessments and our demolition schedule is almost complete and ready for our builder to commence work. Life is pretty hectic and so I hope this little recipe finds you somewhere soon in a moment of calm and relaxation.

Giulia.x

I think I'm hooked...

2013-05-06T08:00:00.000+10:00

What better way to impress your girlfriend's parents than with a gift such as this?

We received this amazing catch on the weekend and were taken aback, almost intimidated, by its sheer size and of course, the generosity of have receiving such a freshly caught prize!

To be honest, I'm not a fan of cooking fish. I love eating fish but am never really confident with the technique required to cook a fish of this size.

Personally, I would have preferred to be sitting on the rock, holding the rod and caught up in the adrenaline rush that must have surely accompanied those moments leading up to landing this magnificent fish.

I might have to invite myself along next time, as this boys passion and talent for fishing is infectious!

On Sunday night Georgia and I threw together a little recipe of our own.

We stuffed the fish with kaffir lime leaves, garlic, ginger, vine ripened tomato, chilli, lemon juice and himalayan salt, (a little something we have all grown to love and appreciate)and pepper.

With some old fashioned roasted potatoes and a green salad, it all came together beautifully.

Actually my mango salsa would have been delicious with this meal but being Sunday night and I was not organised enough to have mangoes.

After a huge weekend of continuous work around the house preparing for our upcoming reno, it was very well received!

Thanks J. X

Giulia.x

45 Life Lessons

2013-05-03T08:33:00.000+10:00

I don't usually like to share things I find on Facebook but I couldn't resist sharing this little gem. It was written by Regina Brett.

Written by Regina Brett

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught
me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.. Change the way you think.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
Family will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month...

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Release your children when they become adults, its their life now

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
Journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

16. Take a deep breath It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one
Is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no
For an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Just because you believe you are right, doesn't mean you are. Keep
An open mind.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24.. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26.. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years,
Will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. Your job is to love your children, not choose who they should love.

35. Don't audit life Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,
We'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42 The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield..

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Ett Hem Stockholm

2013-05-02T08:40:00.000+10:00

I love Scandinavian design and if I were ever lucky enough to travel to Stockholm I think my dream would be to stay at the Ett Hem.

Ett Hem was once a private residence built in 1910. It has been delicately transformed into a Hotel while keeping the personality of the home intact.

The hotel has 12 rooms

Outdoors the courtyard garden is a room as important as those inside.

Ett Hem is designed so guests feel like they are staying in someones private home. Guests are free to use the library for a quiet read.

As a guest you can eat from a menu of dishes prepared using local produce, served wherever you prefer.

Eat in the kitchen, library or in the garden.

Gosh I really feel like going on a holiday. Anyone else feeling the same?

xToni

All images from here

Vintage Inspired Bathroom

2013-05-01T08:18:00.001+10:00

Who said bathrooms are boring? The Decorator's Notebook Blog has some great vintage inspired Bathrooms to get you thinking differently about your bathroom.

For more Bathroom Inspiration from the Decorator's Notebook click here.

xToni

The March Collective

2013-04-30T09:07:00.000+10:00

Gee I love the Internet. I'm currently looking for a few pieces of art for my home, so what better place to start than the Internet? While googling away I found an Australian site that not only has some great pieces, but also is affordable. It's called The March Collective and I thought I'd share with you some of their looks …

What do you think?

xToni

Click here for more prints for sale from The March Collective

Mirror, Mirror

2013-04-29T08:44:00.001+10:00

The first home we bought when we were married was a tiny 2-bedroom house that we lovingly restored.

One of the things we did was replace the old falling down timber fence. My husband saved some of the fence palings and framed two large mirrors. We still have the mirrors in our home serving as a reminder of that little cottage we lived in many years ago. I'll never part with them.

I think there is something really beautiful about framing a mirror with reclaimed wood. Besides making a room appear larger, it can add warmth, giving a home that lived in feeling.

Enjoy your week,

xToni

*All images from Pinterest, click here

Karen Walker's Home

2013-04-26T14:46:00.001+10:00

This gorgeous Auckland home was recently featured in Home Life. It belongs to Fashion and Homewares designer Karen Walker.

The beautiful large windows are perfect for viewing the pool.

The grouping of the Vittorio Bonacina rattan lights over the dining table contrast perfectly with the red chairs.

Perhaps my favourite room is this one. I think the wall of art adds a level of sophistication.

If you would like to see more of Karen Walker's beautiful home click here.

xToni

Garden ideas...

2013-04-25T11:00:00.000+10:00

There seems to be a bit of a theme happening with my posts this week but it is truly unintentional. I guess the holidays always seems to draw me outdoors and everything natural, usually the sea or my garden!!

I just loved the ideas in these outdoor gardens. (images from Pinterest)

Vertical herb garden

A potting house

Hope you are enjoying the sunshine!
Giulia.x

Rock wall

2013-04-24T09:00:00.000+10:00

We have spent a lot of time working in our back yard and I'm pretty happy with the results so far. Sadly, though the front yard has been neglected mainly because the builder told us to wait until the renovation was finished.

My impatience has gotten the better of me though, and I am tired of the ugliness outside my front door.

This little nook should be far away enough from all the building materials and the coming and going of trucks during the renovation.

I'm going to remove all these awful yellow pebbles, complete the little dry rock wall with a mowing strip at its rear, and then grow the grass up to its edge.

Finally, I'm going to plant an ornate feature tree in the centre of the area and grow some sort of hedge around the perimeter of the rock wall. I'm not in love with the rock wall but considering the cost of the renovation, we will not be replacing it. I think I can disguise it with hedging and new plants.

I hope to have it finished by the end of the school holidays. So as well as packing up the truck on Saturday, I probably have taken on too much. But I never say "never!"
I will post the finished project soon.

Giulia.x

Hidden hideaways

2013-04-23T10:00:00.000+10:00

Everyone would know by now, that I am obsessed with landscaping and hidden hideaways that can be found within a well organised garden. I'm always on the lookout for inspiration and ideas for my own backyard.

While surfing Pinterest and in keeping with the lazy holiday feel that I'm having at home today, I've been taken away to faraway, idyllic places in these gorgeous gardens and hidden hideaways.

I hope you are enjoying a break as I am.

Giulia x

Demolition update

2013-04-22T09:10:00.000+10:00

I've had a week off to help and give moral support to my husband and the demolition that is taking place at our house in preparation for the builder's arrival at the end of the month.

So far the old pool deck and fence is gone.

I carried all this to the front of the house.

The carport is almost gone…

and the back verandah is on the next hit list.

Meanwhile, I've been sorting and packing the downstairs area ready for removal next Saturday.

I can smell progress in the air!!

Giulia.x

Oh Gym!

2013-04-19T09:46:00.000+10:00

After resisting for all my adult life, I've finally given in and joined a gym.

I've joined Balance Health Club, which is part of Western Suburbs Leagues Club here in New Lambton. I thought I'd take up a membership because there is nothing like making a financial commitment to prompt me to get off the lounge.

As part of the membership I was given what the Club calls a Welcome Pack. Inside my Welcome Pack I found a pass to give to a friend so they can try the gym for 1 week for free.

If you live locally and would like to try the Balance gym, leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I'll give it to you!
If I have more then one person interested in the pass, I'll choose a winner using random.com

So if you live in Newcastle and feel like giving the gym a try for a week, here's your chance.

http://www.balancehealth.com.au

Good luck,

xToni

Melting Moments

2013-04-18T09:11:00.002+10:00

Yesterday I made these delicious Melting Moments. My family love these biscuits so I always double the following recipe.

Ingredients:

125g butter

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup custard powder

1 1/2 cups SR flour

Method:

Sift flour & custard powder
Cream butter and sugar
Add beaten eggs to creamed butter and sugar and work in flour & custard powder
Make a firm dough
Roll into small balls and place on a cold slide
Bake in moderate oven
When cool join with icing sugar, butter & vanilla.
Dust with icing sugar.

They won't last long!

xToni

Laundry ideas

2013-04-17T08:43:00.000+10:00

There has been a tiny break through at my house this week. After long negotiations my husband has finally admitted we need to update our laundry room. Now I know that admitting we need to do something and actually doing it can be two very different things, but at least we are on the same page.

So I've been hunting around for more ideas.

I like the drying racks that have been built onto the wall.

Using marble as bench top and splash back looks good.

xToni

*Images from Pinterest

House To Home

2013-04-16T10:53:00.001+10:00

Giulia is taking a few days R & R so it will just be me here on the blog this week.
One of my favourite things to do is to check out the House Tours on House To Home. This gorgeous North London home caught my eye.

The oversized headboard looks luxurious.

Gotta love a gorgeous fireplace to create a focal point

Now this is different, the pendant light has protruding glass replicas of Brazilian dolls!

The splash of pink in the coffee table and unusual artwork add interest to the formal lounge room

Who could resist this marble bathroom and amazing bowl-shaped bath?

This could be my favourite room. Love the sleek white units and rich green splash back giving this kitchen a sense of fun.

For more photos from this London home click here

Have a lovely day.

xToni

A Little Nook

2013-04-15T09:07:00.000+10:00

Having a little nook or a quiet place to go to rest, read or just contemplate life can really make a house feel like a home.
Coco Republic Field Notes recently featured some gorgeous nooks on their blog. I thought I'd share some of my favourites.

For more photos of gorgeous nooks, go to the Design Field Notes

xToni

Welcome home

2013-04-12T09:00:00.000+10:00

This to me just screams 'welcome home'. I just adore the well established gardens and vines that have crept their way along the risers of the stairway and the outside walls.

I'm looking for ideas for the entrance to my home and the idea of a black, brick staircase is something I have been toying with.

A friend of mine who is a horticulturist, once said that a well established garden can add at least sixty thousand dollars to the value of your home.

In my view, when it comes to real estate and first impressions, this home's gorgeous entrance and timeless black and white colour scheme would always be a winner.

Enjoy your weekend!
Giulia.x