Eat Drink Chic

This is a photo I took of some orchids in beautiful blue vases that were going to be used as part of a shoot for a DIY project I was working on a few weeks back. Even though they ended up on the cutting room floor, I thought they were so beautiful that I had to share them!

Speaking of DIY projects, I have been working on one for the last couple of weeks. This particular project has proved a huge learning curve for me and after numerous setbacks has taken me longer than I had hoped but, thankfully, the end is now in sight!   Coming very, very soon. Please stay tuned!

TOP: Love the colours in this photograph by doe-c-doe of ice-cream parlour style awnings.

BOTTOM: Gorgeous and delicate knitted white garland available from Evie S. Weddings + Events.

I think these two very different styles of growth charts equally make lovely presents for children and newborns.

TOP: For something elegant- The Harmonie intérieure Wonderland wall growth chart.

BOTTOM: A crafty approach from Miss Natalie, the Heirloom Growth Chart uses paper tags and safety pins to mark heights along a jute cloth- available at Fawn and Forest.

Over at the Wedding Styleguide blog, Emma Henderson reminisces about a gorgeous photoshoot from their first issue that also includes some very beautiful wedding freebies for download. I love their use of colours and floral patterns!

Too cute! The "Deer for You" badge from the clever folk who brought you the "Diving Time" card- TTABLE OFFICE

Why, it looks to me like Alannah Hill's Spring 09 Collection might just be up and ready to browse on her website!

I've only just discovered Sydney graphic design studio - Follow Studio. Their custom design work is simple, elegant and beautiful! I am keenly awaiting their Paper Goods section which promises to appear on their site in September. Also, I am completely smitten with their blog! My excessive browsing of it having distracted me from work yesterday (for an upcoming DIY article). LOTS of inspiring links! If you haven't already, I urge you to go check it out!

Erin Vale has launched an Etsy store with some delicious packaging and stationary printables to help you style your weddings, parties and gifts! Go visit Vale Design Paper Goods.

Oh what a sad state of affairs...

TOP:  Gorgeous necklace titled "the tears" by My Little Drama (top).

MIDDLE:  Cute screen-printed tote with umbrella on one side and raindrop on the other- designed by Michelle Christiansen.

BOTTOM:  Adorable "Hug your Sorrow Tear Dolls" by Mimipong. Comes with a label to write your sorrow down! (Via Design For Mankind. Photo from Shift Magazine interview with Mimipong via The Karin)

Beautiful soft colour inspiration from Stockholm. Pale and natural tones in Camilla Norrback's Spring/Summer 09 Collection and stunning fashion photography by Sandra Frejj.

I think these totes by Sasha Foster are adorable. Via Wooden Toy.

Persian Cotton Candy (or Fairy Floss) also known as "Pashmak" would make an exotic gourmet favour for guests at your wedding or party. Available in various soft hues and flavours including Rose, Pistachio, and Vanilla, Pashmak resembles soft wisps of hair and looks really fab inside these transluscent paper envelopes. Read more for instructions and to download your free envelope template and assorted coloured labels.

Read more...

I'm inspired by bright pops of colour this morning. We appear to have clear skies and some much needed sunlight- has spring finally arrived?  Love this colourful checkered dress in Spring/Summer collection from Rules by Mary (top) and "Leave your worries here, we're not coming back" photo (bottom) by shes jack on flickr.

Ooh... and while we're on the subject of Anthropologie, aren't these Woodblock Napkins fantastic? I want!!

I'm sure my obsession with bottles and labels is blindingly apparent by now! I just love The Tub Hand Soap from Anthropologie (top) and Lime Tree bath products and Orange Blossom Foam Baths from Côté Bastide (below). After finishing the contents, they'd become great vase alternatives.

It's always a real thrill to see my little babies being put to good use! I have found a couple of bloggers who have downloaded my vintage labels and have used them for their own projects including Sarah's Loft (top) who used my Apothecary Labels to decorate a soya-bean milk bottle that she turned into a vase and Footprints (bottom)- who has actually customised these labels for her magnets and recycled crayons.  Awesome! If anyone else has used my freebies in their projects and has them on their blog, please send me a link in the comments. I'd love to see them!

Spend some time drooling over photos of the gastronomical artwork of Vue de monde- a French restaurant in Melbourne that I've been dying to visit. Photography by Tim James.

A set of 4 Ice-cream inspired gift tags - not for the lactose intolerant.  Hope you like!

LOVE AND ICE-CREAM GIFT TAG SET - Download

Aren't these gorgeous? Handmade hairpins by Anika Cook of Sneak Design.

Although the idea has been around for awhile I still think that using typography around the home is a fantastic decorating idea as it provides such an effective focal point. I love these replica wooden printer's letter blocks from Sage Inspired by Life found on Not on the High Street.