Wednesday 26 February 2014

WARRIOR WEDNESDAYS : PRETTY PLEASE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP?

Today I want to share with you something that over the last year has really helped me to redirect my wellness, develop a real interest in food and everything that I put into my mouth. I am not going to get all scientific on you here, I really don't think that will be the thing that will convince you to take the step to make a huge change in your life, it will be purely the experience.

We are what we eat, it really is as simple as that!  Food is our fuel and it effects our moods, energy levels and your digestive system. It is very important that we respect our bodies and one thing that does not respect us is sugar. It is seriously one of the worst things for you and if you don't believe me head on over and meet Sarah Wilson. Reading her ebook and taking the 8 week challenge has really assisted me to change my whole digestive system and experience with food. It is NOT easy at all and I have to admit it was VERY hard as well as not always sticking to it strictly, but honestly the short story is, it has really helped me to change my life for the better. Everyone was giving me that face... You're WHAT? "Dieting" ...YOU! WHAT? You're SO SKINNY! .... Yeh, story of my life, literally. It is not news to anyone that knows me in person that I don't really need to watch what I eat and that is what I always believed until over the last year, I experienced the most discomfort and horrible digestive symptoms I have ever experienced. It is no way to live your life, trust me, I am not cured but I am 80% better than I was. The doctors could not tell me what was wrong with me, IBS, they said, shouldn't be eating certain foods they said ( well that one they got right ) and stress they said ( well, yes, but not all of it. ) So I took action, which is what I do when I cannot take it anymore, I figured it out myself, found something that suited me, researched my symptoms ( be careful what you read on google, don't believe everything ) got myself a probiotic, Sarah's book and put myself on the path of recovery, which I am still on by the way. This eating healthy thing is SO very difficult but when you get into the groove of it all, you begin to realise how much better you feel and how much better your life is. I cannot recommend I Quit Sugar enough and stick to it, I occasionally still have sugar here and there and I can tell the difference straight away in the way I feel. ( No it isn't all in my mind ) If you don't believe me, Sarah has done all the research and proving it is the way of the future so head on over to her blog and I Quit Sugar website and get reading. If you have been suffering like me, do yourself a favour and take action.

 By the way, quitting sugar hasn't changed my body in anyway physically, it has actually made me better, stronger and healthier in every way possible. So, no more cherries on top of that ice cream!




Images sourced via Sarah Wilsons Blog

Tuesday 25 February 2014

BTS : COUCHELO & INTERIORS ADDICT

Had a very busy and creative weekend, it started on Friday night with the second Sydney 7 vignettes event at BoConcept with Darren Palmer as well as a fun photo shoot with team Couchelo. Here are some behind the scenes pictures of what I have been up to as well as a sneak peek at the Couchelo first product shoot. The shoot included lots of goodies from different suppliers around Sydney, new and vintage pieces as well as some very cool retro ones. Stay tuned for the final shots, we were very happy with the results. Make sure to stay up to date with what is happening with Couchelo by clicking here.




The lovely Jacqui Turk - She is a great photographer. You can find out more about her here. 

Styling my only little vignette for Couchelo on Saturday

My BoConcept Vingette on Friday night

Preview of the Couchelo shoot 

Jen and Darren in action

Monday 24 February 2014

THE BLOCK IN REVIEW - SUPER K'S FIRST WIN

I haven't even had a chance to catch up on last nights episode so writing this post today feels completely weird as I am itching to watch it. I promise I will get to catch up on it tonight, but that doesn't stop me from having an opinion! Even though I haven't seen all the drama behind last nights episode and second bedroom reveal, I know that the Super K's took home the first win for the Fans. They all delivered great rooms again this week and I really think the judges job is so tough ( did you hear I got to chat to Darren Palmer again on Friday night? More on that later in the week ) which is why I think they are being a lot tougher this year. The super K's did really well producing a show stopping, high standard room. My two favourites this week are the super K's and the twins without a doubt. To me the difference between what makes a winning room is the details as details can really take a room to the next level. I cannot however, go past a large scale mirror standing against a wall, I am a sucker for it as well as glass/mirror and black metal, which the twins nailed in their room.

What do you think?! Are you happy the super K's won? Do you agree that the judges are being very harsh this season? Let's us know all your thoughts below!











Remember you can find all the furniture pieces, homewares and artwork from The Block Shop
and find all the images that you see here on The Block website. 

Friday 21 February 2014

FEATURE FRIDAY: BE INSPIRED, BE YOU!

Thank god it is Friday and Feature Friday to top it off! I want you to ask yourself this question? Are you constantly wondering how to make yourself and everything in your life stylish? Are you wanting to try and define your style or get inspired to bring your fashion style and translate it into your home? I know 20 questions right? But the thing is we are constantly seeking ways to define our style but also find ways to make our lives look super stylish at the same time. I think that you should not only book mark this resource but also subscribe to an online magazine that will inspire you to be you, in every aspect of your life. We often need to take action to create a great and stylish life in all areas and this is exactly the magazine that will give you the motivation to do so. To top it off, it is extremely user friendly, accessible and interactive for everyone. It is called Stylem, a new fashion and lifestyle online magazine that is targeted at inspiring you to be yourself and achieve style in every aspect of your life. 

The editor and creator behind Stylem is Emma Wood who was Vogue Australia's fashion editor, which means she definitely knows what she is talking about. Stylem is a dream come true for Emma and it gives her the ability to share and educate everyone around the world how easy it is to create a style in all areas of your life. 

So, what are you all waiting for? Get onto the website by clicking right HERE and not only get your fashion tips but also get heaps of interior inspiration... which I love by the way. Below are some snapshots I have taken from the website that demonstrate the stylish nature of the mag. 

Stylem are also running a very cool promo at the moment that I am sure many of you will want to take part in. It is really simple, all you have to do is click HERE to find out all the awesome details, subscribe, invite a friend and you are in the running to win a $250 seed heritage voucher. 






All images have been sourced from the Stylem website. 

Thursday 20 February 2014

BEING PART OF THE DESIGN TRIBE

I am excited to announce that I am no officially an expert on The Design Tribe forum. Have you heard about it yet? It is a great resource that allows you to chat about interiors and ask any questions that you may need help with. There are series of experts that are listed and always browsing the site to assist as much as possible as well as ask you some interesting questions to share all of our knowledge. Katrina Chambers and her sister Amy are the master minds behind the blog and forum which is no doubt going to be another great resource for us all to gain as much interior knowledge and inspiration as possible.

Make sure to stop by! Click HERE to visit and ask us any questions that might be troubling you!


Wednesday 19 February 2014

WARRIOR WEDNESDAYS / DO AFFIRMATIONS WORK?

I was having a chat with one of my closest girlfriends recently and she was telling me how her positive thinking of something that she really wanted actually came true. Everyday she was thinking positively and affirming her thoughts through her actions of saying positive affirmations regarding the topic everyday. She was saying... it was like a miracle. Yes ok, cheesy whatever, but skeptics really need to realise that this concept and thought processes you have really do effect your life and outcomes. It is all about your perspective which then allows you to respond to situations and or your life in a better manner. We were saying, wow if we applied this type of thinking to EVERYTHING in our lives, how amazing would it be? Now this is different to posting on Facebook three times a day positive images and instagraming them over and over again, because sharing them on social media consistently isn't exactly what we are talking about and that is not how it is going to remind you to change your life. It is something that must be applied in every aspect of your day and it has to be something that you honestly believe it as belief her is the key.

I really feel, affirmations are something that is personal to everyone and something that should be adopted through a belief system, so then my question to you is, how to incorporate it into your personal life rather than your personal social media. ( Now that doesn't mean you can't share anything, because I do, but I only share things that I really do believe myself, believe in and try to practice ) This brings me to the popularity trend of turning simple affirmations into artworks, which allow you to have daily reminders in your home in an artistic and stylish way. This allows you to personally pick things and words that really mean something to you and by brining them into your space allows you to remind yourself personally of what inspires you.

Here are some great resources for some really simple affirmation artworks or symbols that can add style to your inspiration and your beliefs for your home.








Artworks and Wall Flags can be found on Blacklist Store Website

Tuesday 18 February 2014

INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE

Today has been a day that has been a bit all over the place, waiting forever this morning to try and get my mac book looked at because of course I am having a few technical issues... even though it is pretty much brand new. Sometimes you can't just cut a break with these things! Oh well, it meant I got a few hours to myself and could walk around looking at fashion which I definitely needed to catch up on. I had a lovely conversation with a girl this morning which has inspired this post today, so I wanted to share a little inspiration for all those who are struggling with the ever popular modern open planned space.

Open planning has a whole heap of benefits but at the same time you get left with a huge space that is meant to "house" several different purposes. What does one do? How do we go about making a space that has a kitchen, dining and living area work all in harmony? Well, it is all about zoning the space and utilising furniture pieces to create those zones so the space doesn't look empty as well as allowing you to create some sectioning off or partitions. A great way to also achieve this in a simply is also through the use of wall space, artwork and large mirrors work wonders in grounding a space as well as opening it up even more. Adding these elements assists to make the space look useful, complete and all the elements work together. It is also important to layer things and when I say layer, I mean you may have a book shelf, but think about different elements to showcase on it as well as adding a chair, which instantly becomes a reading area. I searched through Pinterest today to get some inspiring imagery to help get the creative juices flowing when it comes to thinking about how you can zone your open plan as well as giving certain areas purpose in smart and easy ways.

Have you had trouble with your open plan space? How did you solve your styling dilemma? I'd love to hear from you.










All these images have been sourced from Pinterest.
You can follow me HERE! 


Monday 17 February 2014

FEATURE FRIDAY : AL COLLECTIONS IS A HIT

I know it is Monday, but I didn't get a chance to post this on Friday so today is the perfect day to share all the great posts.

Alisa and Lysandra were a big hit on The Block Sky High last year and are continuing to prove how talented they are on Fans vs Favs this year. At the end of last year they finally turned in their badges to make their dreams come true with the beginning of AL Collections.

AL Collections is their online store that allows them to bring and make their style accessible by all their fans. It is consistently updated with new products and things that they have and are using on both series of The Block.

Make sure you check it out and get your fix of AL style! You can find out more about their online adventure by visiting their website.






THE BLOCK IN REVIEW - BATHROOM REVEALS

Did you manage to tune in last night? I was actually a little disappointed to be completely honest. There was so much hype happening during the week that I just couldn't wait to see these amazing bathrooms and terraces... but actually, I was left feeling a little empty, which saddens me for this weeks room reveals. The judges were very harsh this week as well, but I do think despite their hashness they really do give very constructive feedback and really give them great advice and direction, so I am sure the teams will be taking all of it on board.

Every room did have an element of wow factor but it was very clear there wasn't too much consistency in keeping that loft style wow factor happening. In all honesty though, I cannot get over how they get all of it done in a week... that in itself is such a huge achievement so it becomes really difficult to be very critical of their work. My favourites this week for the boys, without a doubt, they did have the best bathroom/ laundry/ terrace combo and Chantelle and Steve, despite how tough their week was, they really pulled together an amazing result ... just not with the bra. Some of their finish touches were genius and I really do feel their terrace had a really great layout.

What did you all think of the rooms last night? Below are the pictures sourced from The Block Website and don't forget everything you see in these images can be sourced through The Block Shop... so get clicking!

Styling is done so well- love the hanging towels below the vanity... what do you think?

Recessed square for your shower needs - TICK
Tile choice - TICK

Exposed brick vs tile and mood lighting 

Vintage artwork on existing brick work! TICK! 

Tile choice and tap ware. 

The good old hexagon! Love the tile choice and combinations together with the timber.
I also like that the toilet roll is hidden.

Tap ware is super cool. 

This just looks like it would be a very very zen space and I really love that. The tile contrasts
very well against the exposed brick work. 

Mirror, vanity and basin are very cool together.

I love that Brad and Dale have added in curtains to their terrace doors. It really adds a real softness against
all the raw materials. Well done boys! 

FLASH BLACK (FRIDAY) EVEN THOUGH IT'S MONDAY

I didn't get a chance to post all of my Friday posts, so today I will be posting them all along with our Monday Block in review post, which I know you all look forward to. What is great about posting them all today is that they actually all relate very well to one another as they are about the Twins who were last series winners as well as part of the Fans team this year. They are such a great time, have really great ideas and execute them very well. After our flash back post today featuring an interview I did with the twins, will be all about what they have been up to after turning in their police badges and embracing their newly developed creative sides. 


Have you seen the interview that I did with the Twins last year? Well if you haven't seen it yet, here it is! 




1. First of all a big congratulations and great effort! Looking back on the experience that you have just had, if you could give yourself some advice or warning before starting this challenge, would would it be? To align yourselves with reliable and experienced tradesman (which made such a difference as our amazing tradies were able to turn our visions into a reality.) 2. You both developed such great design style and skill. Week to week what inspired you design wise and helped you make certain style choices to create the overall look? I think once we established that we wanted the apartment to have a natural, earthy feel, it became a lot easier for us to make the right styling choices. In every room we designed, we aimed to create a point of interest such as including timber features, using different textured wallpaper like concrete and grass cloth, the inclusion of a herb garden, plus a green wall and rendered wall. It was really important that each room flowed into the other and that all the rooms didn't compete with one another. 3. It would be so tough making such important design and space decisions very quickly, I know first hand the questioning and doubt you can feel once you make a decision or trying to make sure it is the right one. How did you both work on not doubting the design choices you made and finishes you picked? We literally had one night to come up with the design for the entire room. After we had finished judging at Scotty's warehouse and found out what room was being revealed the next week, Lysandra and I would go home that night (after being awake for 48hr + ) and have to come up with a design for whatever room was being revealed next. Our builder Shiran wanted a plan from us the next morning so he could get started that very day in order to have enough time to finish before the next reveal. To be honest I actually think it was a good thing that we had to make quick decisions because it forced us to go with our gut instinct and not second guess ourselves, because there just wasn't time to. 4. It is such a great achievement for you both especially in support of women in construction and design! Do you have an inspirational message for aspiring renovating, kitchen and bathroom queens? Do not be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand. The amount of times Lysandra and I would say to Shiran "But why can't you put that thingy there and then use that thing to hide it" etc..... Even though we didn't understand a lot of the terminology or tools, we asked questions and would not stop until we understood how and why it worked. Don't be rushed into making important decisions and don't settle for the first thing you see. Research and shop around before you make your mind up on a product. Just remember, you don't have to spend a fortune on something to make a room look amazing. Shop smart and save your money for the important key features.
5. The fast paced environment and the competition does get the better of you. How did you both work on keeping your motivation and moral high?
It was extremely hard towards the end. Motivation and morale were at an all time low, but we had to keep reminding ourselves why we were there and that we hadn't come this far and been away from our boys for as long as we had, just to give up. We had an end goal in mind and we never lost sight of that. We were there to win and we played the game to the very last second.

I just want to say a very big THANK YOU to Alisa & Lysandra for taking the time to take part in this interview, it is so very nice of them and really appreciate their time despite their very busy schedules!

Make sure to visit their Facebook page to keep up to date with what the twins are up to and follow their journey.

Friday 14 February 2014

GOT TO LOVE A BIT OF TIFFANY BLUE

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE. 
I don't really 'do' valentines day but I do think it 
is important to share the love. Also, what girl
doesn't love a bit of Tiffany Blue right? 



Thursday 13 February 2014

WARRIOR WEDNESDAYS : YOU'RE THE COLLECTIVE

The Renegade Collective is an Australian magazine that is focused about entrepreneurs and lifestyle...  which is a pretty great combination. It has a very different, relaxed, heartfelt and very inspiring vibe that many of us love! So you can imagine my extreme excitement when I was featured in Issue 7... such a dream come true to say the least. 

I wanted to share with you all some images as well as their website and instagram where you can find all their inspiring motivating quotes and keep up to date with everything Collective. It is a great resource if you run your own business or thinking about it. It is also a great pick me up on those difficult days when you are really trying to figure out if what you are doing is right. It will continually remind you to keep following your dreams and we all need that sometimes to continue being warriors. 



If you're wondering the article is on the opposite page! 






Images sourced from their Instagram which you can find and follow 

 
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