Something Gorgeous

Adairs Giveaway

2012-06-04T07:00:00.000+10:00

We are very excited to announce another Giveaway.
Adairs have kindly given us a Mercer and Reid 'Blossom' queen bed quilt cover set(pictured) to give away to a lucky reader of Something Gorgeous.
This beautiful spring design, features luxurious velvet trim detailing, and an all-over floral print which is an art work in itself.
Regular readers of Something Gorgeous will know that I have a passion for white linen, however, I would definitely make an exception for this design. I'm in love with the navy blue velvet trim. Navy is big this season and velvet is also making a statement. So combining these two elements is right on trend.

Adairs is having a massive mid year sale which extends across both the parent and Adairs kids brands so if you need to stock up on bedding, towels, flannelette sheets or quilts, now is the time to do it.

Just to make savings even better, I joined their rewards programme and became a Linen Lover.
Being a member of the Linen Lovers Club gives me access to even more savings. I get 10% Discount on full priced merchandise, 5% discount on sale items and Free shipping on all online purchases from adairs.com.au. Click here to join.

If you would like to be in the running to win this gorgeous Mercer and Reid 'Blossom' queen bed quilt cover set from Adairs, you need only do 3 things.

1. Like us on Facebook
2. Become a follower of Something Gorgeous
3. Leave a comment telling us how much you love this quilt set from Adairs.

This giveaway will only be running for 2 weeks, so hurry.

Cheers,
xT

Competition open to Australian Residents only
Winner will be chosen by random, using random.com

PS: Please note that this is a sponsored post written in accordance with our Disclosure Policy.

Shopping and Coffee

2012-06-03T07:30:00.000+10:00

Tucked away in Greenway Street Wickham, Newcastle you'll find French Residence or as it's sometimes called French Patina, a 400 square metre warehouse that has been converted into a furniture store. The family run business has combined with Dark Horse Espresso to create a place so welcoming that I could have easily spent the day wandering around the shop while drinking my delicious coffee.

Coffee and cake,yum!

French inspired furniture

Beautiful sideboard

One of many pieces that have been lovingly restored by the owners.

One of the unique mirrors for sale.

Cheers,
xT

Garden pompoms

2012-06-02T07:00:00.000+10:00

Don't you just love these garden pom poms? What a great way to inject some colour into your outdoor entertaining area!It would be just like having spring in your backyard all year round.

You can learn how to make these easy, dirt cheap decorations at Crafty Moods. They would be fantastic at a wedding or party and can be made months in advance. Check it out.

From G.x

Cozy

2012-06-01T07:00:00.000+10:00

Something cozy for the first day of Winter.

Cheers,
xT

Image from http://interior-inspiration.tumblr.com/page/10

Real Estate Sticky Beak

2012-05-31T07:00:00.000+10:00

Not far from my home sits a house that I have often admired. Recently the home was placed on the market through Walkom Real Estate

Let's have a sticky inside…

The indoor pool and the tennis court are amazing.

Cheers,
xT

Weekend away.

2012-05-30T07:00:00.000+10:00

I spent last weekend on the central coast, celebrating a friends birthday.
I have to say that some of the main highlights were sleeping in and waking up to this every morning.

Showering in this bathroom...

And definitely drinking and giggling while drooling over this view...

Simply stunning...
This amazing home was booked through Stayz.com and overhung the cliff face at Cococabana Beach on the Central Coast. It certainly had the wow factor!!
From G. x

Interior Inspiration

2012-05-29T07:00:00.000+10:00

Anna from Anna Begins recently left a comment on our blog recommending we pop over and check out the interiors on http://interior-inspiration.tumblr.com. The pictures truly are inspirational.

Here are some of my favourites:

The stars of this study are the gorgeous chair, timber ladder and industrial light fittings.

The wallpaper, the unusual sofa and pretty pink cushion all look beautiful together.

I love the round rugs that we are seeing a lot of at the moment. The neutral colour palette along with colourful cushions and throw create a calm, cosy look.

The brilliant white walls coupled with a black sofa always look perfect together. The addition of timber on the coffee table and brown leather chair give the room personality.

Another black and white colour scheme, however this time I'm drawn to the creative use of lights. I also love the subway tiles, timeless.

Thank you Anna for steering me over to Interior Inspiration.

Why not check out Anna's blog here

Cheers,
xT

Beautiful Dining Rooms

2012-05-28T07:00:00.000+10:00

Such a beautiful mirror on the side board. Love the mix of chairs and the delicate chandelier.

I would need a very large room to accommodate this table. Again I love the chandelier hanging from the gorgeous ceiling rose.

Doesn't this room look amazing? Such a great thing to do if you have spectacular high ceilings.

Have a nice week,
xT

PS: All images from Pinterest

Live For Kids

2012-05-27T07:00:00.000+10:00

Friday night we went to a meet 'n' greet at the Junction Hotel, for the 2012 participates in the Kids Cycle Classic. The cycle classic is the flagship fund-raising event organised by Live For Kids in support of children's health in particular the John Hunter Children's Hospital.
My husband was one of the riders who took part in the 6 day event last year and was keen to be involved again this year. The physically demanding 6 day ride from the Gold Coast to Newcastle is scheduled to kick off on September 10th and once again he and the other riders will be asking for donations. All the money raised goes to such a great cause, our children's health.
Very soon you will be able to donate, all of the donated money goes to the children. When the donation web page is up and running I'll give you the address. The riders do not receive any money, they pay for their own accommodation, bikes etc.

In the lead up to the ride I'll keep you posted on the fundraising efforts and preparation. I know the cold early morning starts and physically gruelling kilometres spent riding will be worth all the effort when the donated money is given to the children.

Thank you,
xT

French black table

2012-05-26T07:00:00.000+10:00

I discovered a new home ware and furniture shop in Newcastle last weekend. Its called "The House Of Elliot". It was so much fun meeting the owner and feasting my eyes on all its contents. It held a colourful, eclectic array of goods and furniture ranging from contemporary to vintage in design.

I fell in love with this french, black table and decided to buy it for my study. It measures 240cm long by 90 cm wide. It will take up most of one length of the room and will house the computer and provide ample working space at the other end. I will now be able to spread out along the table with all my paperwork rather than along the study floor!!
When we finish painting the study I will show you how it looks in its new space.

From G.x

To reupholster or not?

2012-05-25T07:00:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I spent time ringing around getting quotes to have my wing backed chair and matching ottoman recovered. Unfortunately the price of recovering is way more then I thought it would be.

My chair is a wing backed chair I purchased from Freedom Furniture about 20 years ago. It's still in excellent condition, but the fabric has faded to a dull red colour. I would like to recover it either in a linen fabric or white denim, but at a price of between $700 to $1100 I might as well buy a new chair!

What do you think?

xT

Happy Birthday To Us

2012-05-24T07:00:00.000+10:00

http://www.zakandzik.com/wp-content/uploads/Happy-Birthday-to-us-950x425.jpg

Yes, today is our Blogs first Birthday.
We would like to thank everyone who has supported us as we ventured into the world of blogging!

Thank you to all the beautiful people who have taken the time to comment, either through our blog, Facebook page, Twitter or by email. Your support is invaluable.

Thank you to the followers who read our posts each day and to the many new friends we have made in the virtual world.

So break out the champagne and celebrate with us.

Cheers to many blogging years to come!

Toni and Giulia xx

French Country

2012-05-23T07:00:00.000+10:00

http://www.templeandwebster.com.au/blog/know-your-classics-french-provincial-style/

When I saw that Temple and Webster were having a sale titled French Country All Things Gorgeous, I had to check it out. Their French country range is to die for ...

Grey Armchair was $649 now $489

Day Bed was $2,750 now $1,850

Tivoli Mirror was $120 now $89

Nicole Wardrobe was $2640 now $1980

Emily Side table was $285 now $349

That's just a selection of what's on offer. I think it's worth a closer look.

Cheers,
xT

A home in Melbourne

2012-05-22T07:00:00.000+10:00

I know everyone likes a sticky beak inside someone else's home, so I'm going to share some photos of a home belonging to a friend of mine. You may remember Barb, the Shopping Goddess! She lives in Hampton on Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne. We met in high school but have been living in different cities now for at least 20 years. I always love visiting her family and relaxing in her lovely home. And of course no visit is complete without a spot of shopping along the best strips in Melbourne.

Anyway, come on inside. I don't think anyone is home... I've never seen the place looking so pristine!!! Good job Barb, hehehehe!

I'm looking forward to another visit soon.
Love Giulia. x

Aspen Stool

2012-05-21T07:00:00.000+10:00

G and I want shopping yesterday and I couldn't resist this little stool to go in my lounge room. The Aspen Stool is from Domayne and is too cute for words.

Such a cosy little addition to my lounge room.

xT

PS: My beautiful Mother's Day flowers are still going strong, Thanks kids.x

Ecosmart Fireplaces

2012-05-20T07:00:00.000+10:00

Ecosmart Fireplaces are fuelled by Bioethanol, an environmentally friendly renewable energy. They are clean burning with no smoke, sparks or best of all, no mess!

Fusion

Retro

Cube

I'm thinking of buying one for my beach apartment as they don't need a flue or chimney and everything I'm reading about them says they are an efficient and effective heating source.

I'm leaning towards the Retro style.

Do you like them?

Women for women!

2012-05-19T07:00:00.000+10:00

There's never a lot of convincing needed to get me to attend a female only morning tea!
A week or so ago, a dear friend of mine asked me to join her in a fund raising event dedicated to a current issue that she has felt passionate about for some time now.
The small affair, held at a local cafe at the Junction, was a morning tea dedicated to the UNHCR relief appeal for Somalian Mothers in Somalia.

Somalia is the most affected country within the Horn of Africa, by ongoing drought and war. It generates the third highest number of refugees in the world (after Afghanistan and Iraq).
This year UNHCR is attempting to assist 1.4 million people, 85% of which are women and children.

A few disturbing facts on these women...

Women in Somalia are 150 times more likely to die in child birth than a women in Australia.
Only 9% of births are attended by a skilled medical person. 1 in 14 Somalian women die in childbirth.
Babies are 22 times more likely to die during birth than in Australia.
There are 300 sexual assaults recorded every week.
Pregnancy and HIV through rape, is prevalent and these women are therefore shunned by their families and their communities. By the time they reach supportive campsites they have nothing.

UNHCR have staff in Somalia spread across 7 areas and in 2011, 67 million US dollars was needed to provide basic care. They received $26.3 million dollars in funds and donations! Not even half of what is needed!!

Somalian women waiting in line with their babies for food.

My friend Rose also supports another fantastic initiative from "Women for Women International". She has been partnered with and is supporting a woman from Nigeria. Her name, Blessing n' Gosing. Her commitment to donate $27.00 every month helps make a one to one connection with this woman to assist her with rebuilding her life after war.

Women for women International have a mission, and that is "to change the world, one woman at a time."

Their mission:
"To provide women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self suffering, thereby promoting viable civil societies."

Somalian women waiting for food to be distributed in Mogadishu.

May 2011 Somalian women waiting for medical attention

Today I felt empowered by my friend's initiative and generosity.
Our small donation of $20.00 may have not been much, but taking part, certainly awakened me to the atrocities being endured by many millions of woman around the world. We here, are so blessed and I believe that with such blessings comes a duty to stand up and be counted, to help make a difference for those women who, being victims of circumstance cannot stand up on their own.
When I look at theses images, my worries and stresses fade to insignificant proportions.
Organisations such as UNHCR and Women for Women International are causes truly worth supporting.

From. G. x

Kathy Lette

2012-05-18T07:00:00.001+10:00

On Wednesday night we were lucky enough to hear Kathy Lette speak at a night sponsored by the Sydney Writer's Festival and Newcastle Regional Library.

Kathy is the author of such books as Puberty Blues, How to Kill Your Husband and other handy household hints. A huge part of the evening was dedicated to the launch of her latest book titled, The Boy Who Fell To Earth.

This book is based on the life of a single mother raising a son with Asperges. Although not a single mother, Kathy writes from the experience of having a son, Jules, diagnosed with this syndrome. She highlights the trials and tribulations while celebrating the idiosyncrasies and eccentricities of having a child that is unique.

She is hilarious and we snorted with laughter as she made us see the funny side of life and what it throws at us as we women, grow older. Facial hair, sagging bodies, weight gain, Botox and losing your sex drive never seemed funnier.

Here are some photos from the night taken on my iPhone…Sorry about the quality!

From G and T x

Le Creuset

2012-05-17T07:00:00.000+10:00

David Jones is offering 30% off their range of Le Creuset cookware for card holders. Nothing says, "Home cooked" more then this range. It's handcrafted in Fresnoy-Le-Grand in northern France and this attention to its heritage is also characteristic of the design.

I'm loving this juicy berry

shade, the purple creates a

warm, sumptuous look and

feel.

I have the Le Creuset dutch oven in Dune, which

is a beautiful cream colour. I just love it and

use mine all the time. I think it may be time

to add to my collection.

Yummy,

Designer knitting...

2012-05-16T07:00:00.000+10:00

This is gorgeous! Maybe I could give this a go? But how big do knitting needles get? And, was that, "knit one pearl two or vice versa?" Hehehhe!

From G.x

Tupperware

2012-05-15T07:00:00.000+10:00

While waiting out the front of my mother's house a few days ago, I started to chat with a passing lady. It turns out she is a Tupperware Distributor.

I hadn't heard of Tupperware for years and years. I think my last purchase was the iconic Shape-O for my son when he was a baby (he's now 21)

Remember these? They were an amazing little toy that the three of my children enjoyed over the years. In fact when they finally grew out of the Shape-O I was able to give to a nephew and it was still as good as new.

Well, Tupperware still sell the Shape-O, along with a whole lot of new and amazing things.

This very chatty lady gave me one of her catalogues to view and I was pleasantly surprised by the new range. It's no longer just about plastic storage, the range is huge, creative and colourful. The basics are still there, such as canisters and my Shape-O, but the range has grown to include Kids Kitchen, a Baking and Heat'N Eat range. Oh and the colours are beautiful.

I think I might buy this Thermal Flask for my daughter to take soup or a hot chocolate to school on cold days.

This lovely Tupperware lady showed me inside her car boot and it was filled with tupperware containers that must have been older than I am! Apparently Tupperware have a lifetime guarantee and she had just exchanged these for brand new for one of her customers.

Do you still buy Tupperware?

Cheers,
xT

Bedrooms

2012-05-14T07:57:00.001+10:00

I love this. Cool and minimalistic. Simple but elegant. A lovely guest's bedroom.I'm filing this one away for future reference.

From G.x

Mothers Day

2012-05-13T07:00:00.000+10:00

Image from Pinterest

Happy Mother's Day

Love Giulia and Toni.xx

Coffee Machine

2012-05-12T07:00:00.000+10:00

Ascaso Dream Coffee Machine

A couple of years ago my husband did a Barista course. It was one of the best moves he's ever made, because now I can enjoy coffee made from freshly ground beans exactly the way I like it.

With his new found coffee making skills we purchased a coffee machine. Mindful of the aesthetics of my kitchen we chose an Ascaso Dream coffee machine because if it was going to be on display permanently on my kitchen bench it had to be attractive as well as practical. This purchase was made a few years ago now and we have been very happy.

Now I would like to buy a coffee machine for our Beach Apartment. But things have changed, the selection of coffee machines seems to have grown enormously since I looked a few years ago.
The main machine the stores are pushing is the Nespresso. I don't know a lot about this machine as I find myself more interested in George Clooney when the adds are on TV!

They have a new machine out called La Dolce Maestria which looks very cool. Does any one have one? Are they any good?

What about these little pod things?

Are they a pain to use?

Does it taste as nice as freshly ground beans?

Cheers,
xT

Things I'm Loving

2012-05-11T07:00:00.000+10:00

This week in Things I'm Loving I thought I'd share with you another new found love from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

It's called a Vitamin Enriched Face Base.
It glides onto my skin creating a base for my makeup. It feels very rich without being greasy. The Bobbi Brown Consultant who recommended the product said that I don't need a primer if I use this base. One less thing to do appeals to me.

There are some great specials for Mother's Day over at the Bobbi Brown Website at the moment.
Including this one. Shop online at Bobbi Brown and spend over $100 and you will receive a free deluxe sample of the Face Base, just click here.

Cheers,
xT