Shopping

Went to Gardenworld the other day, and saw a new store there. A florist opposite the nursery exit. They'd only been open a week, but the owner said business had been going well.

I'm not surprised - he had such different arrangements and very reasonably priced. It's a shame Gardenworld is so far away from us (Braeside). However it's well worth a visit if you're in the area.

 

A little something which had to

come home with me

Not much else to report other than it's a long weekend here - and I started it by visiting Pottery Barn. While I didn't buy anything (I was actually a little overwhelmed by so much deliciousness in one place!) Sean did make a purchase from the adjacent Williams Sonoma.

I'd been meaning to visit for ages, so when we found ourselves over that side of town childless it was a great opportunity. Now I have been, I will be back!

Not a lot happening over the long weekend. The usual cleaning and sorting the house! I went absolutely NUTS recently buying clothes - so spent the morning culling things I don't like and replacing them with the new items.

I am planning an addition to our master bedroom, however. Almost 10 years on, I'm thinking it's time I put a wedding photo up. Having a pic of ourselves on our bedroom wall seems a little, well, naff. So instead I am thinking perhaps something a bit more abstract. I like these two - but am thinking I'd really like the bottom one. A photo from our wedding but not a wedding photo per se. Pottery Barn had a pretty silver frame which would tie in with some other silver accessories I am thinking of adding to our bedroom.

 

Of course, this leads in to my next project. Planning for an upcoming significant birthday! Friends have done trips to Vegas, weekends away with friends etc. Still not 100% sure on what I want to do for mine - but the planning has started :) Have drawn up the guest list, and am deciding on venues.

One thing I know is that I want a photographer - so best get on and book that!

Science Room

So I posted some time back about Oscar's science room. I've had bits and bobs for it for ages, but just not got around to hanging and placing them. Until today!

My sister-in-law bought a periodic table of elements jigsaw puzzle some time ago and she and Oscar completed it together (with a lot of help from the rest of the family). She then paid to have it framed for him. So while it's not exactly what I would have chosen for his room (I was wanting an old school science elements chart with timber top and bottom) it was given with love and he adores it. And so today we hung it up.

Still very much a work in progress - but I like the way this room can grow and expand with his interests. We wanted something light and bright (I hate dark bedrooms!) and I didn't want anything too trendy which would date. I also wanted it to have a spot for him to display his precious treasures and a space for him to work.

Best of all he loves it :)

 

 

 

Ikebana

My mother-in-law just gave me the most generous gift!

She recently finished her teaching career (taught Japanese language at primary school) and a parent gave her this stunning Ikebana (Japanese floral art) vase as a leaving present.

While my mother-in-law truly loves it, she also knows I have been wanting to study Ikebana for a long time now. This is her not too subtle (but oh so very kind) gift to start me on my way - my first Ikebana vase! I have decided I need to repay her kindness by actually booking a series of classes. I know only a little about it (my mother studied it years ago) but I've always admired the style.

My mother doing arrangements for the house each Saturday is one of few happy memories I have. Sean has been on my case to do a hobby (ANY hobby) for myself - so I have decided I will give this a go.

 

Looks more beautiful in person -

my first Ikebana vase