Wanted!

I feel a little embarrassed about the amount of times I post about H&M. I just can't help myself (I promise I am in no way compensated for these posts but if H&M want to send free stuff my way, I won't complain). Anyways, you all know how much I love internet browsing and H&M always delivers the goods. Here are some of my favourite things from their home store.

1. linen pillow; 2. linen pillow; 3. linen pillow; 4. bakery tin; 5. table runner; 6. blanket; 7. dressing gown; 8 porcelain jars; 9. storage sack; 10. tealight holders

It had to be done…

For those of us in the midst of a dark, cold, desolate, relentless and unforgiving winter, my sincerest apologies for this post but it had to be done. I had all but forgotten what a beach and sunshine looked like until Tripadvisor published their “Best Beaches” list. You would be forgiven for thinking the pictures below are from some far-flung sun-soaked Caribbean island (I did) – but the pictures in fact depict Rabbit Beach on the island of Lampedusa, just off the cost of Sicily.

People of the Northern Hemisphere, don’t worry, the time is nigh…

The weirdness of Dungeness…

Following on from my little taster post here, I thought I would show you the rest of our rather surreal trip to Dungeness – a very flat, barren and almost desert-like town on the very tip of the Kent coast. I had heard it has an eerie, picturesque quality which would be perfect for walking and taking pictures (it also has not 1 but 2 lighthouses)! As luck would have it, the sun shone for one of the very first times this year on the day we visited, so we bundled up tightly and spent the day wondering amongst the ruins of old broken boats, fishing paraphernalia, machinery and driftwood. We then hit [apparently the one and only] pub in Dungeness for fish and chips. It was like one of those comedic western movie scenes where you walk in to the bar, and everyone turns around gives you the stink eye. I should point out that it wasn’t hostile or anything, you could just spot us 2 townies amongst the hardened locals. All in all, a very weird day.

P.S – to add further to the weirdness, there is a huge nuclear power station which borders the town on one side and just in front of it, there is a miniature train that takes you around the little town. Yip, it got quainter by the second. 

All images via Wishful Thinking

Monday snoop – a bit of TLC…

Ugh. ugh. ugh. I hate to start the week on a negative note but my weekend was uber-stressful. Think endless form filling, rows with the husband and bone-deep exhaustion. But no matter what is going on in my life, I can always find solace and comfort in this little corner of my world. So how about we start the week with a laid-back, sun-drenched barn conversion on the outskirts of Castlemaine in Victoria’s goldfields. Originally an old miner’s cottage, the house is filled to the brim with second hand materials and fittings that complement and harmonise with the old house and the surrounding area. I am particularly a fan of that beautiful dining room.

Images via

On your head be it…

It’s happened. I have discovered ebay. I have held off for years, knowing that when the day came, it would be epic. I blame it’s addictiveness on the fact that it feels like you have “won” something rather than bought it. So far, I have bought 2 pairs of snazzy vintage ice-skates (reason unknown at this stage) but what I really want, is a gorgeous wool hat, 70s style. I have not had much luck on ebay (although Etsy has a fair few jaw dropping beauties) but the search continues. The lovely Colleen from Ordinary Tales found some real doozies in this post.

What say you wide-brimmed 70s style hats?

Chocolates With Attitude

In my humble opinion, chocolate rarely needs help getting sold. I’ll take it however it comes. Although saying that, innovative and eye-catching packaging certainly doesn’t hurt.  What do you think of these ‘Chocolates with Attitude’ by Bessermachen Design Studio? I particularly liked the clever little quotes on the front of the box.  (Incidentally, Bessermachen Design Studio also did the branding for their 2011 and 2010 campaigns, which I thought were fairly awesome too)!

All images via Bessermachen Design Studio