WINE, SUN, FRIENDS & PICTURE BOOK SCENERY

Yesterday my husband and I (and a bus load of others) were lucky enough to share a very special birthday celebaration for a special friend.  The mystery location, which was indicated on the invitation ended up being a bit of a mystery for the bus driver as we traveled up and down a dusty road trying to find where this winery was!  But it was worth it, at the end of the unmade road was little bit of Tuscany in Panton Hill.

We were treated to a tasting by the owners (who built the house) under the watchful eye of their resident dog. The weather of late has been torrential rain and thunderstorms but on this day it was perfect blue skies and a slight hint of breeze kept us all comfortable as we drank, ate and mostly laughed.
I can't think of a better way to toast the end of 2010 into 2011.

Cheers to you all!

NATURES INSPIRATION - STAMENS & STICKS

I have no idea if this artist got their inspiration from Australian Native gumnuts but that is the first thing I thought of when I saw this street sculpture in Melbourne. I wish I could ask him/her but there was no plaque to say who the artist was - if anyone knows who it is please post details.
You cant tell in this pic but the sticks have a beautiful movement to them them the wind blows, adding to its organic inspiration.
Gumnut pic

LOVE LOVE LOVE LONNY MAGAZINE

Check out the December Issue of Online Magazine Lonnymag.
Love the simple layout, products, stories and profiles of designers and designs.
A must on your list!  Just wish I could buy them all her in Australia without ridiculous shipping prices.
Make sure you click on the video of "how the Christmas windows were made - cute and great song.

Dramatic Australian native.

I love a flower that demands your attention and nothing is as dramatic as the King Protea.  The vase needs to be tall and keep everything with it simple.  You could go for more green leaves to make it full but I have gone for white tortured willow for extra height and a little 'winter' Christmas magic in the Australian summer.

At $15 for a bunch of 3 and will last at least 2 weeks, I think this is massive value for money.