Easter around my home, plus my gift guide!

March 25, 2015 by Hayley 6 Comments

Have you started decorating for Easter? Do you decorate for Easter? I do, I think it’s the perfect time of the year to bring out lots of colour and have a bit of fun with it. I wanted to share with you what Easter looks like at my house, here’s a few snaps.

I don’t know about you, but at my house by the time the Easter Bunny has been, then the Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles, Neighbours and Friends drop over with piles of chocolate eggs, we have enough to feed a small country for a year. I know, Sad but true. So instead of buying more chocolate, lets have a look at a few chocolate free gift ideas.

Click on the picture to be taken to the website for all the items below, Happy Shopping!

Treasure Box, Bunny with Pearls - Foolhouse $100 — Treasure Box, Bunny with Pearls – Foolhouse $100

Vintage Easter Bucket - Lark $8.95 — Vintage Easter Bucket – Lark $8.95

Bundles of Bunnies Cookies - Love Bites Lifestyle $26 — Bundles of Bunnies Cookies – Love Bites Lifestyle $26

Bandit Bunny - Lark $75 — Bandit Bunny – Lark $75

Little Stirrer Teaspoon, Funny Bunny - Foolhouse — Little Stirrer Teaspoon, Funny Bunny – Foolhouse $20

Ceramic Hen Egg Cup - Corner store $24.95 — Ceramic Hen Egg Cup – Corner store $24.95

I hope you found something for your little ones, or maybe for yourself!

Hayley x

Star Signs … Whats your interiors style?

March 23, 2015 by Hayley 2 Comments

Does your star sign impact your interior decorating style? Do you even read your horoscope? Do you take it seriously, or is it just fun for a laugh? I thought it would be interesting (and a bit of fun) to see if your horoscope really does influence your style.

CAPRICORN.

Capricorns are responsible and resourceful. They prefer a classic home, full of solid wood furniture, leather, rattan, stone and natural elements. They will invest in antique and timeless pieces that will last a lifetime. Their home will be filled with heirlooms and sentimental trinkets. Capricorns care about their home and they want their home to reflect their proud achievements in life, without being flashy. It will be impressive without the snobbery. Their favourite colours are brown, indigo, grey and black.

Kyle Richards from RHOBH is a Capricorn, lets have a look at her home. It’s filled with classic pieces with splashes of indigo in the cushions and ginger jars. I think it’s pretty true to a Capricorns style, what do you think?

afed7835a96658f0de377c797c297899 — Source : www.parade.com

AQUARIUS

Aquarius are progressive and modern. They do not feel the need to follow trends, instead they make their own rules. They appreciate ultra modern designs and high tech equipment. Aquarius have a compelling urge to stand out and be unique, their home will reflect this with statement pieces of art or sculptures. They like metal elements and prefer a monochromatic colour scheme. Their favourite colours are electric blue, violet and black.

Paris Hilton is an Aquarian, here is her Manhattan penthouse. It is quite modern, and does have some statement art pieces, and I’m sure she has all the high tech equipment in there, that long fireplace is stunning.

ff04c802c6ceb04d12097acfe94a9e83 — Source : www.lonny.com

PISCES.

Pisces are intuitive and artistic, they need a space where they can be creative. They don’t like to feel trapped, so they like to have lots of big windows and doors that let the sunlight stream in. They like to bring the outside in with plants and a palette of blues and greens. They love to light candles.

Eva Longoria is a Pisces, I found a few pictures of her San Antonia, TX home. It is filled with lovely big windows, but I was expecting lighter colours.

Eva_Longoria_Luxury_Home3 — Source : www.homeluxury.net

ARIES.

Aries are dynamic and vibrant. They quickly adapt to new trends, but prefer a minimalistic interior. A simple style accented with bold pops of primary colours. They will complete their look with statement pieces of art. Their favourite colours are deep red and golden yellow.

Sarah Jessica Parker is our Aries star. She has a gorgeous home in the Hamptons that I feel reflects her Aries decorating style perfectly. Look at those pops of red!

TAURUS.

Taurus are conservative and cheerful. They prefer simple interiors, it must be comfortable, liveable and practical. They most definitely do not follow trends. They appreciate luxury items such a fluffy towels and beautiful linens. They often fill their homes with fresh flowers. They like to entertain and the kitchen will be well stocked with everything required for a stylish dinner party. They like earth tones, deep greens and vibrant pinks.

Tori Spellings home is exactly what I imagined for Taurus. It is timeless, classic and beautiful with quality fabrics, squishy cushions and full of floral patterns.

Tori-and-Deans-family-room-611x383 — Source : www.hookedonhouses.net

GEMINI.

Gemini’s are social and lively. Their homes are perfect for entertaining and will be casual and laid back, but also modern with clean lines. They like to be the first to get new things and will often have the latest trends incorporated in their style. They often buy things in pairs. Gemini’s are drawn to yellow, but often decorate with bright shades of blue and green.

Kylie Minogue is our Gemini star. I found a photo of her former London home. It has modern clean lines, but it is stylish and laid back, her living area has a pair of blue velvet sofa’s arranged perfectly for conversation. Classic Gemini I say!

Kylie-Minogue-puts-her-posh-London-House-market — Source : www.popsugar.com.au

CANCER.

Cancer star signs are gentle and protective. Their home will be their sanctuary from the outside world. It will feel like home, filled with sentimental objects, family photos and handmade gifts. Cancer’s are drawn to a cool colour palette, blues, silvers and pearl or shimmer finishes. Although they prefer a cool colour palette, their home will feel warm due to the abundance of comfy furniture, cushions and throws.

Pamela Anderson’s Malibu home is stunning. It is cool but also looks comfortable and inviting. What do you think?

LEO.

Leo’s are globetrotters with a taste for the exotic and theatrical. Their homes are filled with memento’s from their vacations to far away places. They proudly display ornamental mirrors, global furniture, and rare finds. They will have a well stocked bar, ready to mix cocktails at a moments notice. Their favourite colours are reds, oranges, yellows and purple. They also like animal prints and rich patterns.

Charlize Theron’s Malibu beach house is full of classic Leo colours and global furniture. I’m starting to believe this horoscope business, are you?

Real Estate — Source : www.becomegorgeous.com

VIRGO.

Virgo’s are meticulous and have an eye for detail. They are very organised and like to have a place for everything and everything in it’s place. They don’t like clutter and appreciate functional storage solutions. They opt for light tone timber finishes and glass finishes on furniture. Their favourite colours are cool or neutral, blues, greens, taupes and creams. They will pay attention to the little details and the linens will be ironed and the windows clean.

Let’s have a look at Cameron Diaz’s Manhattan apartment. Look at those perfectly pressed linens, and no clutter to be seen anywhere!

gallery_nrm_1423168667-edc100113diaz04 — Source : www.elledecor.com

LIBRA.

Libra’s homes are balanced and visually pleasing. They have an elegant aesthetic and love a little sparkle. They like quality pieces and will not hesitate to splash out a little more money for the perfect piece. They will often buy things in pairs, and decorate with their lamps, mirrors, art and vases displayed symmetrically. They opt for neutral and opal type colours in their home, often with a splash of blue.

Here’s Gwyneth Paltrow’s penthouse loft in Tribeca. Look at that symmetry, neutral palette and sparkly chandelier. Classic Libra?

Gwyneth Paltrow - Manhattan loft - Living room - design by Roman and Williams — Source : www.mylusciouslife.com

SCORPIO.

Scorpios are very private people and they will create a home that will be their own private retreat. They make bold choices and their home will reflect that with dramatic decor. Their rooms tend to be dark and moody with colour choices of red, orange, burgundy and black. They love textural fabrics and often use velvet, leather, silk and brocades.

Katy Perry’s Hollywood Hills home is moody and mysterious, look at the rich fabrics and trims she has used on her furniture and curtains. I think this horoscope stuff could be right!

SAGITTARIUS.

Sagittarians have a passion for travel and often bring back mementos of their trips to decorate their homes. They like an eclectic and colourful interior. They don’t need fancy or expensive things and they are happy to have trinkets from their trips to create conversation with their many guests. Purple, turquoise and royal blue are their colours of choice.

Christina Aguilera has extremely eclectic taste as seen here in her kitchen. There is a lot going on in one space, and it’s not fancy or pretentious.

Christina-Aguilera-Kitchen — Source : www.purehome.com

What do you think? Have a walk around your own home and see if your star sign is influencing your interior decor style. Tell me and show me, I’d love to know!

Hayley x

Love Bites Lifestyle

March 20, 2015 by Hayley Leave a Comment

Love Bites Lifestyle create pretty handmade things. Some for your home and some for your belly. Their range includes ceramic crosses, anchors, dishes… and also delicious vanilla cookies, intricately iced by hand.

The face behind Love Bites Lifestyle is Jenna, she is talented, creative, generous and just an all over beautiful person. I wanted you all to meet her. We chatted earlier this week and here’s what she had to say …

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
After being in a relationship for nearly 10 years, I found myself single in my late 20’s (but of course with Sari my beautiful Golden Retriever right by my side). Due to the massive change in circumstances I’ve spent the last couple of years stepping back from all the busyness of life and business, and instead invested a lot of time into myself. I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to rediscover who I am and work out what I really love doing – creating!

What made you want to begin your little business?
I started Love Bites Cookies & Cakes a few years ago after I bought one of Peggy Porschen’s books. Her sweets were like little pieces of art and inspired me to bake even more. After A LOT of convincing from my family and friends I decided to turn my hobby of baking into a little business. Late last year I launched Love Bites Lifestyle which really combines all of the elements that I love – food, travelling, creativity, encouraging each other & celebrating special events.

Your cookies are delicious as well as looking spectacular, How do you manage to achieve both?
I’ve always loved to bake and be creative and I also love all things pretty, so mixing them together was a fairly natural choice for me. It’s really important that my food tastes as good as it looks so I’ve spent many hours perfecting my recipes.

What was your first cookie design you sold, and do you still sell it today?
One of my first cookie designs was a simple heart with initials piped into it. It’s still a really popular style for people wanting personalised wedding favours.

You also have a beautiful range of ceramics including crosses, anchors and trinket dishes. Obviously you are very creative. What made you branch out into ceramics?
About 18months ago I had breakfast with a friend and as I was walking back to my car I spotted a clay and ceramic workshop. I wandered in and had a great chat to the owner and decided to sit down and attempt to make a cross. It was so refreshing to design something simply because I wanted to. It didn’t matter if my project was a total disaster because I had absolutely no expectations. I was literally just playing with clay and my heart was happy. I was so happy with the finished product that I’ve been hooked ever since! I was receiving lots of comments and enquiries about my ceramics so I decided to create a range and launch an online store under the ‘Love Bites Lifestyle’ branch.

What or who inspires you?
I am inspired by creative and kind people. They are two of the things that always really stand out to me and their impact should not be underestimated. I love seeing small businesses bloom! I also love the colours of nature- the aqua ocean, bright flowers etc. We really are surrounded by so much beauty.

How do you feel when you see someone proudly displaying one of your ceramic pieces on social media?
Surprised. Honoured. Happy. It’s always encouraging to know people love my work as much as I do.

What is your proudest achievement?
Last year I travelled to France for over 3 months to be an au pair and also do some traveling. I’m proud of myself for listening to my heart and diving into the unknown. I had the most amazing experiences; I met beautiful people, attending incredible patisserie classes, made cookies for a lovely French wedding, ate my heart out each and every day and of course saw some stunning cities, villages and countryside. I came back to Australia refreshed, inspired and ready to dive back into my business.

What have you got planned for Love Bites Lifestyle in the future?
Lots more prettiness… both of the edible and ceramic kind! This year I also hope to start selling my ceramic products wholesale too.

If you have just the spot for one of Jenna’s gorgeous pieces, or simply ‘need’ some beauty in your home and cookies in your belly … Jenna is giving my readers an exclusive offer – 15% off all sales and you’ll also receive a special surprise cookie with your order! Use the code ‘MUMLITTLELOVES15’ until the 10 April 2015. What are you waiting for, Go!

I am currently running a compeition on Instagram for Love Bites. It is for a gorgeous handmade, hand painted decorative cross. It has a stunning moroccan tile print in beautiful shades of blue. It truly is gorgeous, if you haven’t already entered, quick, go now! You gotta be in it to win it! Details are here.

Hayley x

Style crush: India Hicks.

March 18, 2015 by Hayley 1 Comment

I have always been a huge fan of India Hick’s book – Island Life. Her style is described as famously undone and gloriously bohemian. She mixes Caribbean culture with British colonial to perfection, and gets it right every time.

Her plantation style home on Harbour Island, in the Bahamas was built in the 1950’s, the Hicks family purchased it in the 1990’s. It is not pretentious or flashy, rather a family home that has evolved over time, layer upon layer. The house sits on 3 acres, on a hill overlooking the harbour, amongst a jungle of coconut palms.

I love the wide plank timber floors, and white painted joinery. The accumulation of hats is a little quirky and perfect for a house on the beach.

Most of the house is quite neutral, consisting of natural elements such as wood, paper or straw materials. Then there is unexpected pops of colour, such as this lolly pink sofa in the living room.

I love how India fills her house with foraged greenery.

(Pictures source: Pinterest)

The Hicks family, David Hicks and India Hicks have lovingly restored three houses on Harbour Island for family and friends, they are available for holiday lease. Oh, what a dream!

The Guest House is quite beautiful, built in 1999 in the old Caribbean plantation style, it overlooks the pink sand beach and ocean to the East and the bay to the West. It has 4 bedrooms with 4 poster beds, and stunning living areas, completed with expansive verandahs and your own private path to the beach.

The Cricket Pavilion is a studio style house. The outside is classical English architecture. It has a large terrace, and beautiful views of the ocean. The interior is more contemporary with a combination of modern and antique furniture and artwork.

King’s Treat is situated in the historic part of Dunmore Town, with views to the harbour and the fisherman’s docks. It once was the house of a sea captain from the 1890’s, and now owned by an Englishman, it is decorated with furniture, fabrics, art and mementos sourced both locally and worldwide, including Africa, France, India, Egypt and the list goes on.

If you are lucky enough to be considering a stay at one of these magnificent residences you can find all the details here at Hibiscus Hill Harbour Island.

(All pictures from the Hibiscus Hill Harbour Island website)

Do you love India Hicks style as much as I do? Let’s have a look at some ways to bring some India Hicks into your home, including some perfect shopping finds.

Bring your foraged greenery inside, the bigger the better, I know I’m always going on about this, but honestly, just give it a go, you’ll be surprised what an impact it makes.

(picture source : Pinterest)

Use vintage nautical elements to decorate your home. Items such as coral, glass floats, wooden fishing reels, old oars, coral and shells. This image is from Coastal Vintage where you can find an impressive range of nautical and maritime treasures. You could also try Oars Galore for one of a kind oars.

Use rattan in your home, in furniture and accessories. The Rattan Bahamas Desk from Alfresco Emporium is absolutely perfect.

Embrace mosquito net’s, don’t worry if you don’t have a 4 poster bed, this gorgeous one is available with a 4 piece bamboo frame which hangs from the ceiling. I think the bamboo frame enhances the Bahamas feel. This one is available from Ozzie Mozzie Nets.

What better way to get the India Hicks look than to buy some linen designed by her! Yes, India Hicks has her own range of bed linen, available from HSN.

Add the scent of the Islands with this beautiful Crabtree and Evelyn Caribbean Island Water Lily Diffuser.It comes packaged in a beautiful wooden box with brass clasp. The heavy glass decanter is filled with sea shells and fragrant oil. This is definitely on my Wish List!

Use palm tree and pineapple pieces, I love this Plantation Hurricane from Hamptons Style.

Find yourself a few classic English antiques, I personally love drop leaf tables and have one in my own home. You can find a great selection at Botticelli House.

Fill your verandahs, balconies and sunrooms with bamboo furniture. These directors chairs from The Family Love Tree are quintessential island style.

India Hicks has a letterpress tray just like this one, full of shells, it looks amazing. This one is from Coastal Vintage.

India Hicks has a new book being released at the end of the month. It looks beautiful and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.

What do you think? Are you inspired to a bring a little India Hicks into your home? I’d love to know!

Hayley x

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