Happiness is...

Scoring BIG TIME while op shopping on the weekend! I found this incredibly beautiful swan print that will go perfectly in my new bedroom or great room :)

The frame is rather ordinary so I'll either give it a couple of coats of antique white or buy a new one. It is a great size at 70cms by 59cms and as you can see, my favourite colour blue!

Ever since I saw that swan print in the stunning dining room of Mz Elman's apartment I have been on the hunt. Never did I imagine I'd find such a beauty in the most unlikely of places. But then again life is full of surprises :)


P.S - Tomorrow!! Very Excited!! Full day planned!! So much fun and adventure!! Can't wait to show you my pics!! Stay tuned!! ;)

The New Shabby Chic...

Mz Ashwell has a new California home!

From Romantic Country magazine - After twenty years, Rachel remains faithful to the gently rumpled beauty and easy elegance that made her style a household name. "The look is still based on the aesthetics of comfort, function, and the union of great design with casual ease, but today's Shabby Chic decor is less layered and more tailored," she explains. "Though I still love furniture with timeworn patina I have learned to appreciate the authenticity if weathered wood in it's natural state." These changes are evident throughout her inviting home.

Although I dislike Shabby Chic prices I can't ignore my love for the style. When my great room is built, complete with French doors and a private enclosed courtyard, I too will keep the windows and doors curtain free to maximise the light and space.

For Aussies, romantic country magazine is on the expensive side especially for it's size but with a 10 page spread on this inspiring home I couldn't resist.

The thing I love about Mz Ashwell's homes and style is how unpretentious it looks, however when you see the prices of her wares you almost faint lol. Truth is, any budget can create this look and have a very classy home.


I love all the vintage art displayed sporatically throughout the house and of course the mish mashed chairs.



(please click to enlarge)


Very exciting!, I just recently purchased a dressing table kinda sorta similar to this on ebay - more about that another time.


I'm sure there will be many celebratory events on this weekend for my American pals and down under on the east coast we are mean't to have a beautiful sunny weekend. Get out and about and live it up!!!

Anna xox.

Congratulations America!

I feel it was an Outstanding result tonight. A wonderful wonderful day in history and WOW what a speech! I was even crying!

Extravagant Bed Design - Modern Bedroom Design

Bedroom Design

Designed by Max Longin the Float Bed is based on the idea of the central point of rest to which everything leads in a pliable and soft way. This bed is has a design that is quite unique and is held in place by four stainless steel cords that are connected to a frame of wooden rods and steel bows which can support a weight of up to 2645 lbs. The bed is available in ash, beech, cherry, elm, maple, oak or walnut woods. Float can be easily assembled and dismantled into several parts, so it is easy to transport anywhere. Now for those of you who would like a really unique bed like this you might want to know that Float is available at a starting price of $6200. - Via

Just a few mental notes before bed...

Since it seems everyone is in a "Bathroom inspiration" mood I thought I'd jump on the band wagon and post one of my all time favourite bathrooms by Charles Faudree, courtesy of one of my all time favourite blogs Cote de Texas!

Just as Anna from ABT mentioned in her bathroom post, I agree that antique furniture should never be restricted to bedrooms and living rooms. What a beautiful statement this armoire makes in the bathroom along side it's partner in crime - that glorious french farmhouse tub!

On another note, anyone watch the season 1 premiere of Top Design last night? I loved it! I think I'm going to learn ALOT from this show and isn't Mz Wearstler absolutely STUNNING?!

And another note, my pick for the Melbourne Cup, C'est la guerre came 3rd and I won $50! YAY ME! LOL

And another, *HUGS* and get well prayers to my bff Brook, she's not feeling very well :(

And finally, to my beloved American blogging pals....DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!!! :)

No No thank YOU Brooke! :)

I'm still in shock that I actually won Mz Giannetti's gorgeous giveaway prize! I've never won anything in my life lol. I want to say a heart felt thank you to Brooke. I am more than excited and I can't wait to smell this divine fragrance :)))

Blog giveaways are so much fun! I'm going to have to offer one myself...hmm now to think of a prize.


I've also noticed lately alot of you have been posting some incredibly beautiful bathroom images. I hope 'y'all' have been over to Brooke's to see this breathtaking bathroom makeover she masterfully threw together ;)

The Beautifully Bohemian Interiors of Tracy Porter...

I was recently introduced through one of my favourite blogs, Liberty Post, to the wonderful world of Tracy Porter! I know, I know you're all thinking "My God woman! Do you live under a rock?!" And rightly so. I honestly hadn't heard of Mz Porter until this week and now I am sooo glad I have!

Her style is a wonderfully romantic force of eclecticism and bohemia with a touch of French grandeur and chinosierie.




Mz Porter dabbles in pretty much everything from fashion including shoes and jewellery, furniture and one of her great specialties - hand painted earthenware.





and all this colour and style come from a humble studio in Wisconsin, USA :)






I don't know about you but I love mixing an element of chinoiserie with French pieces just like the Parisians have done for centuries. I believe Tracy Porters whimsical wares are a beautiful start.

You know I have a penchant for hand painted pieces and those dark bamboo chairs are too die for!!!!

My mother collects hand painted earthenwares so I can definately see myself purchasing a TP piece for christmas as well as perhaps a little somethin somethin for moi! hehe.

The beauty is the pricing ranges from pieces under $100 AUD to over $4000. A little loveliness for most budgets.

This would have to be my favourite and probably one of her most popular tabletop collections - Artesians Road.

From the website -

Tracy Porter Artesian RoadDream With Your Eyes Open.

A hand-painted blend of European and Oriental motifs in bold and vibrant colors. Sculpted bamboo trim and sculptural peacocks bring out the exotic nature of this gorgeous and elegant ceramic pattern. The extensive collection includes dinnerware, accessories and bakeware. "Dare Yourself to Dream," Tracy Porter.

This bowl must be rare cause I am unable to find it anywhere. How heavenly is this image? I'd love to frame it!

For Australian Tracy Porter online purchases visit here!