calendars

I never got around to printing the rest of my calendar months for 2010 - I think I got up to July then ran out of time to create the rest of the year, which means I never went back to it! These are some of the gorgeous photos I downloaded to use for August, September, October etc.
Unfortunately I don't know the source of the top 4 images except that they were via desire to inspire (apologies to the designer/stylist/photographer to whom they belong). The bottom photo is from Miv Watts (another bril designer's site you should check out)!

my creative space/garden update

I've had a creative burst this weekend and started sewing 2 kurta tops from Indian cotton, and 2 wrap dresses from jersey stretch prints. The funky turquoise print wrap dress is almost finished, as is the purple kurta.

cutting out the 2nd wrap dress from a jersey print of red flowers on white

On Wednesday I planted out 3 bottle brushes, since it was 25°C - quite warm for late September. The next day it rained and went down to about 12, so I'm glad I've got them in the ground in time for winter.

Next year these 2 babies (below) will go in the ground too. I don't know how fast they'll grow in the UK, or how big they'll get - we'll just have to wait and see!

garden work

We've finally cleaned up our messy garden (well most of it anyway) and the grass is establishing itself. In fact, the more we cut it, the more it grows. It's like a soft emerald carpet at the moment, but I don't expect it to be like that after the winter!

This is my new little hydrangea!

and one of my new spider dahlias!

autumn at toast

some crisp autumn images from the new toast pocket book delivered to me this morning
- autumn really is in the air now

card giveaway

For the entrants in the card giveaway - could you lovely people please email me your addresses so I can post you the cards! Since there were only 3 of you I might as well give you all the prize - thank you for entering and for supporting  my blog!! I really appreciate it!
Natalie

patterned walls

Interesting papers, patterns and fabrics to use on walls.

Camilla Julner

Joanna Moorhouse

Home style guide

Home style guide

Anitta Behrendt

Abigail Ahern

Ksuayan

Bliss

card giveaway

I'm holding my first blog giveaway! The winner will receive a pack of 10 randomly picked cards from all my designs! Just leave a comment and I will pick a random winner on Tuesday 14th September and send the winner the 10 cards. Good luck!

Geninne's inspiring home

This home comes pretty close to what I would imagine my dream home to be like. It is the home of Geninne Zlatkis and Manolo Benitez - designed and built by Manolo himself, an architect and furniture designer. Such a talented couple - you may already know Geninne through her fascinating art blog. I can't get enough of this house in Querétaro, Mexico, which Geninne shares with us on her blog everyday. I'm particularly taken with her huge studio which is filled with her beautiful artwork and perfectly arranged items, not to mention the view! This couple is such an inspiration!

all images used with kind permission of Geninne

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yesterday the kids and I had some time in the evening to bake - and of course we made our favourite, Chocolate Chip Cookies. They turned out perfectly; I have been using the same Australian Women's Weekly recipe for over 20 years and find it totally reliable whether doubling or even tripling the recipe (which is usually necessary as there are never enough cookies)!

Here is the recipe:
125g butter
half cup white sugar
half cup brown (muscovado) sugar
half tsp vanilla essence
1 egg
1 and three quarter cups self-raising flour
half tsp salt
125g chocolate chips
60g walnut pieces (we never add these)
Method:
Cream together butter, sugars and vanilla.
Add lightly beaten egg gradually, beating well after each addition.
Mix in sifted flour and salt.
Add chocolate chips and walnuts.
Shape mixture into small balls and place on greased oven trays, allowing room for spreading.
Bake at 190-200°C for 10-12 minutes.
Enjoy!