91 Magazine Sneak peek

91 Magazine's Spring issue launches next Tuesday and if the first issue was anything to go by, I'm sure it's going to be fantastic! I'm looking forward to seeing their crafty ideas for creating the perfect Easter Breakfast, a look inside four London tearooms and of course a tour of Tif Fussell's (AKA Dottie Angel) craftily styled abode. Sounds like a bumper issue! Here are a few sneak peek images...

All images via 91 Magazine

Floral beauty

Yes, it's me blogging about florals again! I'm sorry, I can't help it though, whether it's a beautiful flower arrangement or a floral inspired storyboard, I get hooked every time. I think I'm definitely going to treat myself to a beautiful bunch of flowers this weekend. What are you all up to? Anything exciting? Have fun whatever you do.

Image credits: 1) source unknown unfortunately via pinterest, 2) Urban Outfitters deer canvas, 3) photo by Max Wanger via Once Wed, 4) photo by Elizabeth Messina via 100 Layer Cake, 5) photo by Elizabeth Messina via 100 Layer Cake, 6) Laura Ashley, 7) by fryd, 8) Kim Parker Begonias rug

Foodie blogs ~ Part II

I thought I'd continue sharing my favourite foodie blogs with you (You can see Part I here). These ladies are all just so talented, they can cook up a storm, style their own shoots beautifully and take fantastic photos. They continually amaze me!

So first up is the fabulous desserts for breakfast written by Stephanie, a food and travel photographer from California. Stephanie shares fabulous and enticing dessert recipes and says that she actually eats almost solely desserts for breakfast! 

Next up is Nectar written by Jen Altman. Jen is also a photographer and her blog is a lovely mix of recipes, photography and snippets of her family life. I love that she features her three daughters in her styling. It's a refreshing read full of tempting recipes!

Katie is a Sydney based photographer and her blog, What Katie Ate, is also another gem. Everything is beautifully presented and put together. Tasty, hearty food and insights into Sydney life. Katie is currently working on her first cookbook, it's sure to be a winner.

All above images via desserts for breakfast, Nectar and What Katie Ate

Mulberry does seaside candy

Have you seen Mulberry's Spring 2012 campaign yet? It was shot by the amazing Tim Walker at Brighton Beach with the most incredible giant size props. Oversized ice cream cones and colourful candy make for an infinitely fun and playful shoot. And then of course gorgeous spring clothing from Mulberry complete the look. What's not to love about this creative campaign?!

 

All above images from Mulberry. Photography by Tim Walker, art direction by Ronnie Cookie Newhouse, set design by Andy Hillman, styling by Edward Enninful.

Why not get inspired by this campaign and bring some candy colour into your home. I could do with all of these but in particular I'm dreaming about the fabulous Mexican Acapulco chair. It comes in a variety of fun colours and I just love the description on their website: "The iconic Acapulco chair cocoons your leisurely activities, from cerveza to siesta." Sounds like perfection!

Image credits: 1) On the rise tea towel, 2) Scotch Naturals nail polish, 3) E27 Socket lamp, 4) Kate Spade pouch, 5) Smeg fridge, 6) Acapulco chair, 7) Olive oil in hand painted bottle, 8) pen and pencil, 9) Pantone china mug set, 10) Trio tiffin box

Consol Solar Jar

Last week Consol sent me one of their brand new Solar Jars to try out and I have to say it's a real winner! This clever solar-powered light offers almost six hours of light before needing to be recharged in the sun. It's perfect for outdoor dinners, sundowners on the beach or camping, no more struggling with tea lights that constantly get blown out by the breeze! Plus it comes in the ever popular Consol glass jar. A collection of these would be ideal to light up a garden path for a party or wedding and of course you can hang them from a tree for a magical look. The decorating options are endless!

They retail from R120 and are available from Consol retail outlets in Stellenbosch and Woodmead or you can buy them online. I think this would make an ideal gift and of course it's a great solution to the many South African homes without proper electricity.

Above photos by myself

Consol's Solar Jar is a fantastic new product but also not to be forgotten are their regular mason jars which you can get super creative with. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired...

Image credits: 1) Cascading mason jar chandelier, 2) sewing kit jars, 3) soap dispenser, 4) floral table setting, 5) stationery jars with chalk labels, 6) wedding seating decor, 7) herb jars DIY, 8) terrariums, 9) hanging lanterns, 10) lace jars

Klaus Haapaniemi textiles

It's the last full week of January, this month has just flown by and I still have so much to catch up on. I better make sure that this week is super productive. How have you found January, have you settled into 2012 yet?

Today I thought I'd share the some really incredible, folk inspired designs by Klaus Haapaniemi, a fairly new UK design studio set up by artist Klaus Haapaniemi and designer Mia Wallenius. "Their design approach is influenced by nature, Finnish folklore, fantasy and traditional decorative arts with a modern twist." Just loving these rather whimsical designs. See more of their work and shop online here.

All images via Klaus Haapaniemi

{Words to live by}

A bumper set of positive words to think about for the week ahead...

Illustration by Francesca of idea obscura