Merry Christmas

To those who took the time to read my ramblings, to comment, to offer your thoughts and encourage my little creative venture I say a very sincere thank you.  Merry Christmas to you all.

Whoa Nelly has big plans for 2013.

Oh, does she have plans...

xx

All I want for Christmas...

...is this house in Byron Bay!! Ok, a little greedy perhaps but I stumbled across this beauty and totally flipped out. Some people just have style in spades. To me this is a perfect example of well designed decor without being pretentious or overdone. It's warm, welcoming and practical yet oh so stylish.

Timber (my fave) with a bit of a plantation feel.

I have no words!

See you can use pink in a girls room without it looking Disney!

Perfection.

Failing Santa's delivery of the aforementioned abode I am over the moon with my actual Christmas gift ...a piece of Pip Boydell art.  I got a limited addition Reef Oil print and I'm nuts for it.  I want to get it framed and hung before I share. I also got to meet Pip and she is as fab in real life as her Instagram and Blog portray. I'm so inspired by creative and talented people. 

Merry Christmas to all.  

Blog ya later!

Tree house...

We're all excited. My Dad is coming to stay this week to build my boys a tree house for Christmas. We have a huge old mango tree in the back yard that is screaming out for a little boy Clubhouse. With 2 sons and 2 nephews it is a well loved, well climbed tree and about to become Boy Heaven.

I'm really excited.  I also think it's the greatest Christmas gift ever.  I'll be sure to keep you posted with lots of photos. Of course I am thinking ahead to 'decor'...think navy and white outdoor fabric, pirate flag, rope ladder etc. I swear boy decor is the most fun.

So this is more 'cubby' than 'tree' but I like the vintage twist.

In other non-news I have launched 'Operation Splash'. Basically Jack and I have decided we need a pool. Of course I know exactly what I want...it must be rectangular with a glass fence, sandstone edging and a grey timber deck. I'm currently being met with resistance in the form of 'pool cleaning and maintenance woes' as well as 'what about my grass...I'll have to re-turf'. I suspect this will be a long term project...stay tuned. 

J xx

How bout this heat!

Don't you hate it when folks say that?? Yep, it's hot.  It gets hot here in South East Queensland in Summer...stop carrying on as if it's come as a surprise.  Anyway, clearly this heat is making me cranky ;-)

I love these images from Craft Victoria and wanted to share them. I think they're...cool!

That couch is the bomb!

J xx

Long time, no post

I knew going back to work may limit my spare time.  I didn't think it would completely evaporate it. Eek. I wouldn't say I was struggling and I definitely wouldn't say I'm disliking it, I just...haven't hit my groove yet. Little Man has reached that 'new day, new germ' phase of day care so I spend a lot of time willing him to get through the day without the dreaded 'come get him' phone call.

So...I'm still in love with Instagram. If you aren't already on board...GET ON BOARD! This is a glimpse of the last few weeks via the awesomeness that is Insta!!

The new armchair finally arrived.

You like?

We went to Thanksgiving Dinner with Team USA.

It was awesome. They are awesome. And the cinnamon buns my husband (yes, my husband) whipped up were delish!!

And because Instagram is so amazeballs I can't stop taking snaps of random things from around 

my house. 

Like this little guy we picked up at Dodger Stadium in LA.

And my little 'art project' that finally found a home above the desk today.  I got 2 frames from Kmart for $2 each and framed some little Bespoke Letterpress tags I picked up at the Finders Keepers Market a few weeks back...also for $2 each. I think they look pretty good for an $8 investment.

I know I've only 'worked' 6 weeks this year but the never ending rushing about, the never ever ending daycare sickness, a whole bunch of Christmas parties, functions and break ups has me looking forward to the holidays. I've never longed for 2 whole weeks of not much at all so much in my life.

May your peeps be germ free!

J xx

Temple & Webster

I'm often a late bloomer when it comes to all things cool and groovy but my friend recently put me onto Temple and Webster and I haven't looked back.  You need to sign up to get access to great discounted home wares and designer pieces.

I was drooling over the site this morning and am very tempted by this Walter G flask lamp (below).  I saw it in a designer store 2 weeks ago for $450 and the online price is $325. Very tempting indeed!

Perfect for Sonny's Big Boy Room.

Things I love

It's been a while between posts, I know, but in the tradition of one of my fave people on the planet (Megan Morton...Stylist to the Stars) I thought I'd share a few Things I Love...this week!

I love this metallic Pendant light from Urban Outfitters

I love tassel garlands

I love this quirky little stool from Anthropologie

I'm crazy in love with my new/old railway sign.

I picked it up for $48 at the Woolloongabba Antique Centre and we hung it in the bathroom.

 Crazy in love. Crazy.

I'm loving neon.

And the things I love the most are these.

I went to Adelaide for work last week. I missed them.  All of them.

J xx

Pink Poppy

I was lucky enough to be able to sample some great products from Pink Poppy recently. Guess what...they don't just stock THE cutest things for the little ladies but they also do a range of products from TONO for the boys.

We got a Dinosaur activity book, a very cool dino notebook as well as a monster floor puzzle.  Let me just say that whilst my boys were excited about the Dinosaur gear the floor puzzle is a huge hit.  Jack loves to put the puzzle together and Sonny likes to carry the case around! It's the perfect gift.  You can get cute girl ones as well.

Cute, huh!!

And how much fun is the carry case!!

You can check out the Pink Poppy website here. I'm quite certain it's where Santa shops!!

I got Schooled

That's right!  I went to the The School's Styling Masterclass on Saturday.  Megan Morton was as fabulous, engaging and funny as she is talented and a creative genius. I lapped up every moment of being in such beautiful surroundings, for those that don't know the class was held at Black & Spiro in New Farm, and enjoyed the company of interesting and creative people.  I gotta say, it was also a bit of a Fashion Mecca. Note to self: I need more neon in my Spring wardrobe.

We learnt about what a Stylist is, how to think like one.  We got technical pointers and heard about the difference between home styling and styling for photo shoots. It was information overload. The biggest thing I walked away with was confidence.  I now have the confidence to say 'I can do this, I can take this life long obsession I have had with beautiful things and make it something'. So...stay tuned. More to come from Whoa Nelly! and my world of vintage, beauty, bowerbird'ness' and styling.

So, it's off to my 'real' job today filled with inspiration and creativity.  My mind is full of ideas and I'm excited about where my renewed excitement might take me.

And being that tis whole blog scene is all about the visual...enjoy!

 The school is based in Sydney and this weekend was a roadshow of fantastic classes.

Megan assures us that they will be back...and next time they will offer the kids classes as well.

You can find out more here.

Megan's new book.

Unfortunately after the book launch this week and a courier who couldn't park (or something crazy) there were no copies of the book available to purchase at the class so I will eagerly wait by my mailbox until inspiration arrives in paper form.

This is she!

Ahhh.

It's Monday morning and I don't usually blog before breakfast but this one I had to share.  I also didn't get to write a post over the weekend because not being home all day Saturday puts an end to the day on Sunday...that and a teething/cranky/snot machine that is my one year old.

Oh, and I did manage to squeeze in a lightening fast trip to WAC where I picked up an old railway sign for the bathroom.  Pics to come once it is on the wall.  Crazy in love with it. Crazy!!

Have a great week.

J xx

Mighty fine party y'all!!

We had a bunch of little cowboys and super cute cowgirls come party at our place on the weekend. Although the weather was a touch 'tropical' it didn't rain and we didn't get blown away so I'm happy with that.  Take a peek around the Ranch...

Yeah, I got my 'craft' on! 

The backyard. Thanks to my Hubby and his unnatural obsession with his lawn.

Everything looked fantastic.

Martha has nothing on me...NOTHING!!!

Before...

And after!

What a great birthday for a beautiful little boy.

Now, in non-awesome-cowboy-birthday related news I am off to The School on Saturday to take part in Megan Morton's Styling 101 Workshop.  I couldn't actually be any more excited. Not sure what I am looking forward too the most...spending the day at Black & Spiro, meeting Megan Morton, being surrounded by like minded creative folk or just being inspired!!!   

Happy Birthday

To my little Sonny Boy. Happy 1st Birthday. 

To us you represent true happiness, you remind us what life is all about and you make us 

thankful for all we have. 

All that wrapped up in the sweetest, happiest little boy that I have the honour of calling my Son.

Dream big little man xx

Ode to Anthro

It's no secret that Anthropologie is my favourite store...ever...in the history of cool places to buy stuff. I love it. And even though it's a 'chain' store each individual shop is fitted out with its own look but in the signature Anthropologie style.  Each time we go to America I bring as much "Anthro" gear home as I can stuff into my luggage i.e handbags, coffee mugs, candles etc but the furniture is what really does it for me.  I was perusing the website today and picked out a few pieces I intend to purchase to decorate our little bungalow in Santa Monica. Oh, I'm so silly, we don't have one of those. However, if I should receive an email indicating I'm actually Nigerian royalty and have millions of dollars awaiting my collection I shall be ready to pounce.

What I'm lovin'...

The Mathilde Sofa 

The Woodland Slumber Canopy bed 

Who wouldn't love a Chatsworth Ottoman

My cat would go gang busters over this!! 

And an Inge chair.

The only place in Oz that comes close to the Anthro furniture style is Ruby Star Traders. Maybe if my 'bungalow dreams' pan out closer to home I might have to get my shop on.

Well, I returned to work. And it is weird. New desk, new team, new floor, totally new role and NO baby. Its a lot of change and a lot to get used to. I'm the lady that throws herself through the doors at 9.29am after having been up since 5am, dropped one boy at daycare, cries all the way to drop the other boy at Big School then sprints to the car, drives home like a crazy person, runs to the bus stop, takes 2 short buses to work, runs into the building, can never find her ID tag (the kindly security guard takes pity on her), then plonks down at her desk hoping she still looks like she showered and did her hair 3 hours earlier.  On the upside I've thoroughly enjoyed wearing cute dresses and lady shoes this week. Apparently I'll know what I'm doing in no time and the new routine will become...routine.  I hope so. I really really hope so.

GO ME!

Byron Bay Bliss

We're back from our few days away at Byron Bay and it was glorious. The weather was magic, the Farm Stay was gorgeous and all that sun, sand, shopping and walking was just what the Doctor ordered.

The farm where we stayed was on the same road as Shannon Fricke's "amazeballs" (I stole that from Giuliana Rancic) farm house that is coincidently featured on the cover of this months Real Living mag. Its a wonder I didn't sustain a neck injury trying to peer over the fence every time we drove past. Just beautiful. I plan to do one of Shannon's styling workshops next year.

So, without further ado (I know, lame turn of phrase but it's hot and I no longer have access to the beach)... here are a few holiday snaps.

The beach (and my beautiful boys enjoying the sun and sand).

I have a couple of little beach bums on my hands.

And no trip to Byron Bay is complete without some shopping/treasure hunting in Bangalow.

I came home empty handed but loved combing the shops imagining where all that loot would go back at my house. Bangalow is beautiful and there are some fantastic pieces to be found but unfortunately its rarely at bargain basement prices.

A visit to Heaths Old Wares is a MUST!

It was only a few days but it was really relaxing. I'm choosing to gloss over the fact that Sonny was on 'farm time' and was bright eyed and bushy tailed at 4.30am (after several wake up calls during the night)....I thought all that fresh air and good old fashioned fun was supposed to make children plumb tuckered out. Not so.

Well Folks, the time has come. 13 months at home and I have to return to my day job...on Monday. I'm excited and nervous and not ready for the next chapter but looking forward to finding a new balance. I truly have mixed feelings about it all. I'll keep you posted.

J xx

PS: My little man started walking today. You know those crazy, wobbly, legs and feet everywhere kinda steps that have you diving all over the place in an effort to minimise the head injuries before he gets a handle on his latest skill. Oh, stop growing up so fast...both of you!!

Ta Dahh!

It's close to completion and twice as fab as I imagined. Behold Project Window Seat!!!

11 month old Apprentice. Wasn't much help but agreed to be paid with milk.

Check out the moulding detail. 

Is there nothing my handy husband can't do??

Here it is today with its final coat of gloss.

My blue and white French Ticking fabric arrived today from Fabric Traders.  Now I just have to get the cover sewn up and shout myself one or two more fantastic cushions and we're done. I'll post some more pics when it's all finished. Its become everyone's favourite seat in the house not to mention the extra room its given us in the 'dining room'. It's more your eat-in kitchen but you get the picture.

In other goings on around the place I have been getting crafty again. I wanted to do something special for Andrew as our wedding anniversary is coming up. There is NO surprising this guy...EVER. So I decided to make him something.  I found a great picture online that I wanted to get for our bedroom but I decided I could DIM (Draw It Myself). It turned out pretty good and after a quick trip to Ikea today it's all framed and ready to go. What do you think? I love it and thankfully so does he.

I can't believe the first week of the school hols is almost down. It's been a huge week as well. I've been entertaining 4 boys under the age of 7 as well as creating my own 'fabtastic' works of art, purchased a new car (I've become the giant black SUV driving woman I said I'd never become...eeekkk) and experienced the heartache of seeing my baby go off to Daycare for the first time. As predicted he was a total champion and has gone from 'Super cool Little Man' to 'Super Brave Little Warrior' this week. He is almost 1. How did that happen? It took me so long to get him I don't want him growing up so fast.

We're off to Byron Bay next week to soak up some sun before I go back to work. Time sure does fly when you're having fun. 

This one goes out to my Sonny...for being the Champion of Champions this week. 

J xx