A long weekend

Image from digger history

Have a lovely weekend everyone. Our plan is to make it to the dawn service this year and then a few rounds of two-up at our local.

Instyle Homes

The May issue of InStyle is out (Gwen Stefani is rocking the cover) and this month they've included a bonus 40 pages of InStyle Homes. Actress Julie Bowen shows us through her spacious Los Angeles home for five.

I love this coffee table in Julie Bowen's living room.

Then there's the Melbourne home of MOR co-founder Deon St. Mor which is opulent and sophisticated but maybe a bit broody for me. Located in the top floor of an Art Deco building I should be crazy about it...and there are certainly aspects that are wonderful.

I do love his mirrored bar cabinets.

In an editorial for ideas on creating the look of St. Mor, InStyle suggests this glass ornament from Ruby Star Traders. And while I try not to get too carried away with ornaments that have little or not connection to me, there's just something about this little fella that makes me want to own him.

Ruby Star Traders

There's also the home of Alexia Gnecchi Ruscone and the design sourcing secrets of four of Australia's best stylists (I confess I only knew one but now I know them all). Naturally, there's the obligatory five pages of Domayne advertising - is it just me or has anyone else noticed that in the last little while (can't define 'little while' adequately) Domayne's accessories and decor have become so much more sensitive and diverse? Maybe it's just me, maybe I didn't know the collection intimately enough to start with. Maybe I've just become more sensitive and diverse in the last little while.

But I digress, the most exciting for us were the design secrets passed on to InStyle readers by the marvelous Megan Morton (wasn't going for alliteration but there you have it) recommends readers go to The Princess & The Pea for "sweet things for baby nurseries like bunny bookends in painted cast iron and toadstool seats". Thrilled doesn't cover it!

Can you see the green squiggle I've put around our mention?

Some other stores I've checked out on her recommendation in the same article are Town & Country which have beautiful and distinct outdoor lighting and very handsome occasional tables! I must say I'm a chump for great occasional tables and can't wait to have a home large enough to scatter them around everywhere! I also had a look at Izzi and Popo which is a banquet of European and American collectibles you could spend hours devouring.

Megan's own book homelove has recently been published. Make sure you check back in a couple of days for our post on it!

Stylish Storage

If these aren't the coolest storage bags ever then I'll be...

Image from Cox & Cox

Made from canvas, they stand on the floor and the stiff sides make sure nothing falls out. Measuring 38cm x 38cm x 38cm they are also plastic lined for easy cleaning and come with sturdy handles so they can be moved around without a fuss. Right, the good news or the bad news first? The bad news is they are in the UK but the good news is Cox & Cox do ship to Australia, woot woot!

Adieu, adieu to you and you and you...

These lovely toys will not be back in our new children's interiors focused collection...so grab them now if you don't want to be disappointed later.

Hand-Knitted Cupcakes $39.90

Hand-knitted Doughnuts $39.90

Maileg High Chair $42.00

Maileg Chest of Drawers $65.00

Make-it Rocket Mini-kit $16.50

Beatrix Potter Masks $9.80

Maileg Baby Bunnies $26.50

Cooking Set $39.50

Picnic Set $42.50

Miniature Tea Cakes $39.90

Rather exciting news

Image from Babies' Rooms From Zero to Three, by Judith Wilson.

Thought it was time to tell you all that over the next few months we are refocusing the P&P collection to concentrate specifically on children's interiors. I'm so excited for the new focus as this is the part of our collection that I love the most and have the biggest thrill sourcing. We're also going to be carrying a small niche collection for grown-ups rooms. A new website will launched in a few months time and I couldn't be more eager (here's hoping that my multi-talented pal Tish is equally excited about the prospect as she's the graphics design gal!).

Naturally all of the lovely items currently in the room decor category, as well some of our special toys that we know look lovely on shelves or propped on the end of beds, will continue to be available as they are exactly the type of beautiful things we would like to find more of.

Of course with the new direction comes the news that MOST of our other toys, books, clothes & accessories won't be stocked again so it's a good idea to check out this icon throughout our website if you want to grab something that won't be back! Of course I'll blog about the items in each category that are leaving our cyber-shelves for good.

Happy Easter

As I scurry around the house getting ready for the Easter gatherings that are happening at our place this weekend, wanted to catch my breath long enough to wish you all a Happy Easter!

Image from Pottery Barn