A Ploughmans (Sunday) Lunch

I am always inspired after visiting Shannon Fricke's blog however my last visit not only left me craving a Parisian holiday but also craving this delicious lunch.

"Nothing grandiose, just a simple ploughmans spread - prosciutto, bangalow ham, olives of all kinds, fetta stuffed bell peppers, cheeses, salad and a crusty french baguette from the local french patisserie. To finish off we indulged in a lovely apricot flan and a cup of tea."

Sounds yummy doesn't it? So, I have decided to throw an impromptu Sunday lunch with our best friends and their little baby!

Image: Shannon Fricke

Made by Girl... crush

I hate the term 'girl-crush' but seriously, there is just no other word for it! I have just discovered Jennifer of Made by Girl.(A late discovery by all admissions as she is very, very popular and all over the blogosphere!).
Not only is she gorgeous, she is super talented and I am feeling so inspired by her cute and simple designs and her sense of style. I have been wanting to do a frame wall for ages but it wasn't until I saw Jennifer's home I was finally motivated to get started! Her easy-to-follow instructions will certainly help as well.

First off- which of her fabulous designs to choose from? (darn the weak Aussie dollar else I'd definitely be keen for more!)

The LOVE posters are so cute and I love that they have been screen-printed. I think my favourite is the Sea-Foam green but the white is also lovely and fresh.

The Truly, Madly, Deeply in Love poster, another screenprint would make a fun and original wedding gift when paired with a frame that you know the couple will like- or maybe one already on their registry.

This LOVE print is from an original piece of art made by Jennifer. The fabric effect is so pretty. At steal at only A$15 (approx).
Sadly I'm not a tea drinker else I would love this print for the kitchen. I will definitely be keeping it in mind as a cute birthday gift for a tea-drinking, blog-loving friend of mine.

As well as prints and posters Jennifer's online store has gorgeous cards of original designs for every occassion. At around A$4.50 a card (approx, plus postage) it beats Hallmark on price and originality.

If you haven't already visited Jennifer's site and blog, do yourself a favour- you will be hooked!

Style stalking: Fleur Wood

Fleur Wood's girly, eclectic style is evident in not only her feminine designs but also her boutiques and cosy Sydney home.

Fleur's cottage is filled with vintage glassware, candelabras, religious icons and furniture creating a stylish and homey feel. The white walls and key pieces of furniture are soothing and show off the lovingly collected items to their best. A beautiful contrast with the dark timber floors.
Feminine, ethnic and vintage influences combine throughout the whole house, even in one table-setting.
The semi-renovated fireplace becomes a beautiful feature of the room when filled with candles, religious statues and flowers.
A half-bedroom, otherwise a difficult space to work, acts as a walk in wardrobe where Fleur's considerable wardrobe is easily accessed on simple white shelving.
Her favourite pieces are often on display- the huge and gorgeous mirror provides the perfect canvas as well as being a stunning feature.
Bay windows and white walls make the bedroom a light, bright space.
Pretty and feminine pieces are a feature in the house like these mini-mannequins and vintage fragrance bottles.

Interiors images: Belinda Aucott for marie claire

The Fleur Wood boutiques also have evidence of Fleur's eclectic interiors styling. I love the feature wall of mirrors and frames above the racks.

Combined with the shelving a sense of heritage prevails in-store which give aesthetic pleasure whilst browsing the beautiful ranges.

At a recent charity ball

there were some wonderful items being auctioned to raise money for the cause.
One of the auction pieces was an artwork by Gold Coast artist Abbey McCulloch and I fell in love! As I was running around that night I wasn't able to keep up with the auction and sadly missed out.
These are some of Abbey's beautiful pieces.

Bellagio

Toulousa

Blue Roamer
I Don't Want To Think


Sometimes I Like Listening


Submarine

“People ask me why I only paint women. It’s the flux. It’s the nonsense and the folly.
I have a persistent desire to document this, and if it seems a bit ‘mammoths and bison’ on a cave wall, it probably is. I am trying to freeze a moment in time and make it mine.”

Abbey McCulloch, December 2006

I didn't leave the ball empty handed though... through a haze of champagne I bid, and won this-
Yes- in the 'Violette'!! Which made me think of this piece which is appropriately named End of the Night
Why oh why didn't I pay more attention to the art?? At least the $$$ went to a great charity!