The Bright Side

I'm all about the optimism this week, so here are a few things that are making me smile.

[Harper's Bazaar Feb 09 via Miss at la Playa]

[Betty A and Bluebird V on LOOKBOOK.nu]

Now that the cooler weather has finally rolled around in my corner of the world, I'm already missing gorgeous summer dresses. But I'm loving the option to team up soft floaty dresses and cute skirts with hot leather jackets or unstructured blazers...not to mention cute tights and comfy boots.

[Image via WIS Design]

[Image via David design]

There's no excuse quite like a rainy weekend to stay indoors, rug up and read a good book. This Readers Nest by WIS Design not only keeps your books tidy, but keeps your page marked as well (I always lose my bookmarks!)

[Image via Oh Joy!]

Speaking of rugging up, I adore these felt DIA Rugs by Magdalena Lubinska and Michal Kopaniszyn. Made from New Zealand wool and combining antique manufacturing methods and folk motifs with gorgeous colours and the latest in laser cutting technology, the DIA Rugs have already scooped a Red Dot Award and a Wallpaper* award for best textile.

[Image via IQ Matics]

I just LOVE the edge details on the rugs with two or three layers of felt in contrasting colours. Drool.

[Images via Ana Cardim]

And speaking of tiny details, who doesn't need tiny portable books?! These Book Rings by Ana Cardim are perfect for people like moi who have non-existent memories...although being in possession of a pen in order to write in said book rings could be a bit tricky.

[Images via Ana Cardim]

Pen or no pen though, I love these little guys. Tiny books FTW.

[Image via Cluster Balloon]

Meanwhile, as cool as my bicycle is, I don't think anything could ever top cluster ballooning as a mode of transport. The simple fact that there are websites devoted to cluster ballooning is enough to make my week.

[Image via Cluster Balloon]

And yes, these photos are legit. I think. I hope. (If they're not, don't tell me, let me dream!)

And last but not least, Improv Everywhere + High Fives = Awesome.

[Improv Everywhere via MadeByGirl]

Things are looking up my friends! What's making you smile at the moment?

Back on Track

Righto ladies and gentleman, I'm back on track and ready for another week. Last week definitely didn't start off on a high note, but thank you to a few uncharacteristic strokes of luck, not to mention my lovely dear readers who left me kind messages of support, I finished the week quite content and endlessly grateful.

[Image via FFFFOUND!]

Along with your wonderful support, I also won a fabuloso contest (I never win competitions, and oh em gee I LOVE squirrels!), I'm writing for one of my blogging idols (top secret at the moment, but I'll keep you posted), and I even found $5 on the footpath yesterday! There wasn't even a current affairs camera crew around the corner waiting to pounce on me and expose me as a callous thief for not asking all ZERO of the people in a 500m radius if the money was theirs. Karma was finally throwing a free coffee my way, and dagnammit I needed some sweet caffeinated goodness!

So now I have a smile on my face, a happy smiley tea in my hand, and a few little ideas in mind for this coming week.

[Image via Flickr]

But for now I'm going to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who left such wonderfully supportive comments, I appreciate your thoughts, prayers and good vibes more than my sleepy little brain can convert into words.

Please continue to keep the victims and survivors of the bushfires in your thoughts, as the death toll has reached 189 and over 1000 homes have been lost. It's so heartening that even in such a rocky economic climate, Aussies have donated over $100 million to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. Not bad for a population of 21 million. In amongst all the tragedy, it's a relief to have a bit of good news...especially when it involves adorable koalas and truly selfless citizens.

I shall be back tomorrow with a post full of actual content, and perhaps even a coherent sentence or two!

Signing In, Signing Out

Hello my lovelies! Hope you all had a marvellous weekend and are all geared up for another week. My week is going to be nothing short of tense - I have a funeral to attend interstate, but as we speak the town that is to host the funeral is under threat from bushfires that have already claimed over 130 lives and over 750 homes.

I'm heartbroken for the family and friends of the victims, and for all the families that have lost their homes and their livelihoods. These are the worst bushfires in Australian history, exacerbated by the dry conditions of the drought-ravaged land. It's almost unfathomable to comprehend one part of our country engulfed in flame whilst one of our northern states was swallowed by floods.

So I'm signing in to ask you, if you have a little cashola to spare in these hard times, please consider donating it to the Australian Red Cross bushfire appeal to help families and communities alike to rebuild their their homes, their towns and their lives.

And now I'm signing out for the week. Stay safe.

xx Kit

[Image Credit]

With a View

First of all, my apologies if you happened to notice my absence yesterday, family emergencies don't lend to blogging, and I am of course not organised enough to plan my posts in advance. So today I'm back, I'm soaking up another beautifully hot Sydney summer day, and I'm all geared up for the weekend!

I'm going to cover some pretty old ground here, but a few weeks ago I saw Man On Wire. Heard of it? I'm quite sure it would have done the blog rounds by now, but have another looksie at the trailer for a refresher...and pay attention, there will be a quiz...sort of.

Alright, were you paying attention? Did you happen to notice an Australian accent in there, along with a conspicuously Australian landmark or two? Here's a not-so-subtle hint...

That's the money shot! Man on Wire tells the captivating tale of French tightrope walker, Philippe Petit, and his quest to walk between the World Trade Towers in NYC. Along the way, he hones his craft by practicing on the Notre Dame Cathedral, and on the northern pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, above. There are no safety cables or nets, just one man and a wire.

Now I really don't want to brag about the amazing summer we're having here in Sydney, because I know many of my northern hemisphere friends are really, really over the snow/cold/wet etc, but I have to tell you about possibly the best cinema in the world, not only for this movie in particular, but any movie, ever. I'll even provide you with a map if you ever happen to be in this corner of the world!

View Larger Map

Best. Cinema. Ever.

Zoom out 5 or so times, and you'll also be able to see the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge up near the top left of the map. So imagine you're watching a documentary about a possibly insane French dude illegally hooking up some wires and dancing in thin air between the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and this is your view...

I'm very, very spoilt. Northern hemisphere friends probably won't want to hear that it was also a perfect afternoon/evening (movies start at sunset) with clear skies and pleasant warm weather - so pleasant that I barely even needed the light cardigan I brought along just in case. And better still was the fact that this was a Christmas present from Mr. Unreliable, complete with a tasty dinner, scrumptious dessert and bountiful wine.

But enough bragging, I have to admit that regardless of our setting, Man On Wire was easily one of the best documentaries I've ever seen, and perhaps even one of the best movies, period. I still get goosebumps looking at still images of Philippe's amazing achievements, and I'm strangely grateful that he and his partners in crime are still around to tell us the amazing stories.

How Philippe escaped jail time, I'll never know. When he was being arrested after his Harbour Bridge feat, he even picked the watch straight off the arm of the arresting officer! He committed all sorts of illegalities in the 6 years of planning that went into his World Trade Tower project, but even the policemen who waited for him on the north tower weren't immune to his charm.

If you haven't seen the movie yet, see it immediately! And if you have seen it...see it again. That's what I'm doing this weekend!

Happy Friday to all, and have a fabulous weekend! And if you have the chance to spend even a little time with your family this weekend, even on the phone, please do so. Please send all your thoughts/prayers/good vibes in the direction of Mr. Unreliable and his family who received some terrible news yesterday, and to Holly of Decor8 who also received the same sad news.

Dream, Hope, Reality

It is difficult to say what is impossible,
for the dream of yesterday
is the hope of today
and the reality of tomorrow.

-Robert H. Goddard (1882 - 1945)

[Image Credit]

One Zero Zero

Well here we are at my 100th post. Who would have thought such an unreliable little lady could keep it up?! I'm lead to believe that this is an important milestone in the life of a blogger, so I'm going to celebrate by thinking of 100 things I love, in no particular order...

twine, tea, helvetica, books, design, muffins, pie, cupcakes, coffee, scones, jewelery, textiles, fashion, comfortable seats, squishy grass, blue skies, rainy days, sleeping in, fresh linen, sharp pencils, chocolate, surprises, sewing machines, old suitcases, balloons, origami, bicycles, guitars, beaches, rainforests, rivers, lakes, sand dunes, camping, luxury hotels, swimming in the ocean, dreaming of snow, comfortable shoes, cute skirts, travelling, tetris, gardening, eating, hugs, high fives, magazines, libraries, knitting, lip gloss, messy hair, warm jackets, soft scarves, comfy boots, autumn leaves, strawberries, fresh flowers, new art, painting, go-karting, quilling, gin and tonic, wine, cosy couches, great friends, crazy family, puppies, kittens, wallpaper, photography, heirlooms, dawn, hand written letters, long emails, lego, ice cream, croissants, baguettes, a good night's sleep, sweet dreams, relaxing weekends, birds, quiet neighbours, long phone calls, nail polish, architecture, art history, filigree, sketching, night lights, candles, bonsai, yoga, polaroids, tree-lined streets, old warehouses, abandoned farms, antique stores, stars, writing...

...and of course, blogging...with all the doors it has opened, the inspiration it has provided, and the lovely people it has lead me to.

A heartfelt thank you for reading, for commenting, for emailing, and just for being here to read this post...and hopefully the next 100 too :)


* I just liked the look of the asterisk.

[Image Credit]

Bump in the Night

For some unknown reason, it appears that I am once again completely nocturnal. It's a hard habit to break, especially with a wayward body clock, so for now I'm just going to embrace my night owl status.

I don't know why I torture myself, but I'm subscribed to the Urban Outfitters mailing list even though it's not available to Australia. If it was, this fat owl lantern would be the first thing on my hit list. His little beak almost looks like a little smile, awww!

Etsy is a little more Southern-Hemisphere-Friendly nowadays though, geographically speaking (don't even mention the Australian dollar), so I'm absolutely lusting over this vintage ceramic owl planter. I even have the perfect little strawberry plant that needs to be repotted. Curse you $AU!

There also happens to be an empty spot on my fridge just waiting to be filled by a jumbo owl magnet (on the left). And there's always room for an adorable little owl brooch.

And let's be honest, despite my best efforts to jazz up my rent-a-box apartment, my walls are still painfully white. Maybe a set of owl prints is just what my walls need! I love this cute little owl illustration (left), and the textures and colours in this owl collage print are gorgeous too!

All night owls need a partner in crime, but perhaps I need two! Lily the Sweet Owl (left) is yet another gorgeous creation from Skunkboy Creatures (more here), and Chester the Owl looks way too cute to ignore! I can totally see myself sitting down with these two fellow night owls, sipping tea and discussing the latest blog trends. Or something. I don't think this nocturnal thing is doing good things for my brain.

Speaking of all things bird-related (albeit loosely), are you on Twitter yet? I am, and it's really growing on me! I'll be honest, I didn't see the point at first, but now I realise it's a great way to keep in touch and up to date with friends, colleagues, fellow bloggers and night owls alike! So join in the fun, and follow me while you're at it. If you thought my ramblings on here were random, just you wait :D

It's a Hard Life

Following the latest blow to the shelter magazine industry, my dream job in design journalism might just have to wait a little while longer. I suspect that as the industry itself adapts and changes with the times, so too will my dream. In the meantime however, I think my dream still looks a little something like this Parisian apartment.

Owned by Australian fashion designer Martin Grant, this former maid's quarters is now a drool-worthy loft.

The restricted colour palette is broken up by the warm browns of the exposed timber beams and floorboards, not to mention an enviable collection of mid-century Scandinavian furniture.

Splashes of colour connect the apartment, however subtly, to the overgrown terrace that overlooks the rooftops of Le Marais.

From acid green curtains to a yellow beaded necklace hanging off a timber column, Grant's apartment is both subdued and surprising, much like his designs.

Renowned for his elegant and timeless designs, Grant has been known to slip some delightfully bright designs into an otherwise demure collection.

His latest offerings in his Spring 2009 RTW collection is no different, with a largely black, navy and cream collection infused with acid greens and oranges, electric blue and bright teal.

So if something bizarre happens and I find myself no longer wanting to live in a glamourous, understated Parisian apartment, I can at least buy a dress that was designed in one.

Happy weekend lovelies! What do you have planned?

Oh, if anyone has any tips on how to get to sleep at a reasonable hour, send them my way pretty please? Ever since staying up til 4am to see a certain Inauguration speech, my body clock has been on holiday! Ta!

[Images via Vogue Living Australia + Martin Grant Paris]

To Build a Home

I think I may have found the most beautiful song in the world. And when I say found, I really mean I saw it on Grey's Anatomy, and then in this ad...

I was so enamoured the first time I saw this ad, then so disappointed when it was for Schweppes. Actually, the first few times I saw the ad, I kept expecting it would suddenly be for something better by the end, so I had a little Groundhog Day disappointment over and over when it wasn't. I still don't really see the connection, but I can't help but love the ad (it has balloons in it, I can't resist!) It actually makes me a little teary every time I see it...it's a soda ad for heavens sakes!

The song is by no means new of course, it's from a 2007 album by The Cinematic Orchestra. The song itself is called To Build a Home, and features a very talented Canadian lad Patrick Watson.

I then made the mistake of looking up the lyrics whilst I watched/listened to this live performance. And then I got all teary again. And goosebumps. So I just have to share the beautiful lyrics with you, along with the equally beautiful images I thought of as I listened to this gorgeous song. I suggest hitting play on the video above, then scrolling down slowly to follow along with the song. But make sure you're wearing waterproof mascara.

There is a house built out of stone


Wooden floors, walls and window sills...


Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust...


This is a place where I don't feel alone


This is a place where I feel at home...


And I built a home
For you
For me


Until it disappeared
From me
From you


And now, it's time to leave and turn to dust...


Out in the garden where we planted the seeds

There is a tree as old as me


Branches were sewn by the color of green

Ground had arose and passed it's knees


By the cracks of the skin I climbed to the top


I climbed the tree to see the world


When the gusts came around to blow me down


I held on as tightly as you held onto me

I held on as tightly as you held onto me


And I built a home
For you
For me


Until it disappeared
From me
From you


And now, it's time to leave and turn to dust........

Dagnammit, where are my tissues? If the song wasn't so beautifully depressing, it would be so lovely for a wedding. Especially if it was a wedding with water bombs that sailed across the air in extreme slow motion. And especially if it was Meredith and Derek's wedding, if that ever happens. If you didn't read my initial comments or watch the first video, you'll have no idea what I'm talking about. But that's ok, neither do I.

Anyhoo, thank you to the lovely Ineke for letting me share her beautiful photos with you all. She photographs abandoned castles, mansions, farm houses, asylums and hospitals, and as someone commented on her Flickr page, she is able to write poems without words. I'm inclined to agree.

Jump into Some Wednesday Wisdom

Don't be afraid to take a big step
if one is indicated.
You can't cross a chasm
in two small jumps.

- David Lloyd George (1863 - 1945)

[Image via WeHeartIt]

On Your Bike!

I decided to go for a nice little bicycle ride this afternoon, despite the overcast weather and threatening rain. It just seemed like a good idea. I had some errands to run that would take way too long on foot, and as you may know, I'm completely useless and still don't know how to drive despite my advancing years. So cycling was the answer. Until I caught a glimpse of myself...on my bicycle...wearing my ridiculous helmet. Oh how I wished I looked like these people...

So effortless and casual and happy. I totally need to get a cute little basket for my bicycle. Here's some more cycling chic-ness.

Do their hats look a little chunky? No? That's what I thought too, which was why I was completely blown away to find out that they're actually helmets! Fiiiinnnnaaalllly, someone has designed some safety gear that's actually sexy. They're by Danish brand Yakkay and here's how they work...

Ingenious! But pretty straightforward, I'm sure you didn't need an explanation but I can't resist a good flowchart! Unfortunately they're only available to the already fashionable kids in Europe, but with a few strategic bribes, I will have one in my hot little hands in no time.

So...anyone going to Europe soon? Any European readers who feel like making a little trip to their local bicycle store for me? Come on, you know you want to! Just in case, here is my wishlist...

[Left to Right, Top to Bottom - Paris model in Harringbone and Army Velvet,
Tokyo model in Pale Denim and Stripes B/W Denim ]

And although I don't have a hope in Hades of looking good in this, I love it anyway.

[Tokyo model in Pink Jazz fabric]

Pink isn't usually my colour at the best of times, but this is just plain cute. It even has a bow! How many helmets do you know that have bows? That's right, NONE! I can't wait to say goodbye to my ultra sporty looking helmet.

Arigato to Joanna at A Cup of Jo for sharing this wonderful find! She also has a great guide to the New York City Bicyclist, which one are you? I wish I looked like Vintage-Bike Fashion Gal, but I think I need a new category...one that includes the words ridiculous, heinous and whack. And possibly a reference to the fact that most "real" cyclists don't even consider my chosen mode of transport to be a "real" bicycle. I'll show them! Me and my hot new helmet!