BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL PT 2

Tranquil river in the heart of Bright

Front of Boynton's Feathertop Winery, and well we did have to sample their hospitality.

I am so grateful Bright has the most stunning scenery to explore on foot and bikes as there is so much food and wine to explore that you have to keep active to work it all off!

We walked to town , rode the Mountain trail (which happened to end up at a Feathertop winery- of course!) and finished our arduous day with an in-house massage, stoked the open fire, played cards and enjoyed the peace.

Riding the bike trail
It's easy to get lost in the grand scenery, but don't forget to look down.
You never know what you might see!

The last morning we had a long breakfast with the morning papers (yes we did it hard didn't we) and I took myself off to explore the local shops while hubby rode his bike to get his fix of local football.
The shops were a great mix of craft, lollies, kids toys but the shop that sticks in my mind the most was Country Tales book store. It IS what every bookstore should be. Rows and rows of books with lots of little stands showing favourite books with individual reviews. Once I had my selection and went to the counter the girl behind the counter was so enthusiastic, knew the books I picked up (and everyone else who came to the counter) and talked about how much she loved them that I couldn't wait to sit under a tree and get lost in them. She had just opened the store 5 days before and her passion filled the shop and rubbed off on everyone that entered. I do hope you get to Bright and her store as I haven't had such a wonderful retail experience like that in a long time!

Go to the Country Tales Book Store and ask for Sally, she is gorgeous!!

So that is our 3 day adventure in Bright, Parts 1&2. I hope you get to this magical part of Victoria as it has put a spell on my husband and I and we are planning to go back again next year.

P.S. I didn't ask the outcome of the local footy, but to my defense he didn't ask about my shopping either ;)

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BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL PT 1

After a four hour drive (with our stop to Benalla) we passed our first winery, trail of Autumn leaves were beginning, but what made us stop was a fence made of bikes.
Bike riding to Bright is not a simple task but there is a disused rail line called the Murray Mountain Rail Trail that has been turned into a bike track. I wonder if this fence is made from some of those that didn't quite make it?
We made it to our accomodation - The Odd Frog with two choc frogs to greet us and our food fest had begun.

A ten minute walk into to town and we walked the streets to find a restaurant to celebrate our 10yr wedding anniversary for the evening. Most were closed on a slow Thursday so our only options were a small cafe or cuisine at Simones, who by the way has two chef hats.
'We are expensive', was our introduction to an inquiry if they were open. Yes, it was but hey 10 years married is a bit of a milestone in these times so 'expensive Simone's' it was. Dinner booked and now to fill the rest of the day.

The beauty of Bright is everywhere you turn is a park or outdoor area more stunning and inviting than the next. Opposite Simone's we stepped into the boutique Bright Brewery and decided on a sample tray of their beers. Seeing as though I hate beer I had a sip of each and left the tasting to my husband. What made the bitter taste more palatable was the view of the weeping trees, oaks and if you have kids, they can play on the fort-like playground as you watch from the outdoor bench seats.
Back to room to get ready we used the telescope on the suspended balcony but didn't need it as we were almost at arms reach of the local kangaroos.
Relaxed and ready for the the evening we made it to Simone's and luck be it a food critic was on the next table so we also got the best food and best service possible.
Verdict - expensive, but definitely worth it. (Oh, and lucky we went there as I was surprised with a diamond ring for our anniversary - wouldn't have been so glamorous in a small cafe!)

BARCELONA MEETS BENALLA

Deciding to travel to Bright, Victoria for a 5 day break turned into a discovery of delights that had my husband and I both saying "why haven't we been here before" & "sometimes the best places are right in your own back yard". Traveling the big wide world is an exciting and adventurous time but how well do you know your own country?

Our goal was a 4 hour drive to Bright with no stops and 'get us there fast'. But 2 hours into the trip we were starving and needed the ol' toilet break. Much to my husbands initial disgust I talked him into turning off to Benalla (which would take an extra 10kms out of our way). "Quick stop and we are out"- was the call from both of us. What we didn't expect was how beautiful it was.
With an unusual 25 degree Autumn day streaming through our windows it wasnt hard to be enticed by the local Botanical gardens as it blinded us with red roses, mature trees and a playground to envy any major town park. The locals were making the most of the sun and gorgeous parks so we got into the spirit and walked around the rose garden, found a monument to 'Weary' Dunlop and decided it was worth finding a nice cafe and stay for lunch. As we crossed the bridge a large public space rose from the river bank and made us feel we were being transported to Spain. The literature we found had no hint of a Guadi influence but the sinuous lines of the structure felt a world away from country Benalla.
A community project that is a work in progress since 1983 was adorned in handmade tiles picturing fishes, reptiles, local flora and its many nook and crannies were a delight to discover.


Opposite we noticed the local art gallery with a cafe on the balcony, so the venue for lunch was decided.
Another unexpected delight was not only the view but the menu filled with dishes made from locally made produce and this quick lunch had now turned into a feast.
We hadn't officially started our holiday but already my shoulders were relaxed, not scrunched to my ears and my husband had thrown the schedule out the window.

THE CIRCLE - CHANNEL 10

What a fantastic morning I had with the girls on The Circle today! If you thought there were laughs on the screen you should have seen it when we weren't on air. My lips are sealed!
I was invited on today (Tuesday 13th April) to talk about fun things for kids.

I think kids make a lot of their own fun and are always looking for ways to be inspired (even though they don't always know it) so I looked for things to bring on the show that I thought would not only stimulate visually, but give kids either an outlet to create or to give them reason to 'dream'.

Even though this Castle and Rocking chair are for the kids, we had way too much fun putting them together and painting them. I hope the kids in your house get the chance to play with these! The chair can take up to 40 kilos in weight which means it could last them all through Primary School!
www.ballandskittle.com.au/

These bright and colourful rugs are from the Funhouse Range from www.therugcollection.com.au

These rugs are the perfect 'decor' starter for a kids room. The rugs can set the theme and then all you simply need to do is add a bright doona with some of the colours in the rug, and you have a new room the same day!



Wall decals have come a long way over the past year and these removable decals really struck me as the pictures were so unusual and quirky! I thought the one on the left was perfect for kids to either help them count sheep to sleep, with numbers added gradually as they sleep in their own bed, or for any other use to give a positive effect in your child's room. www.jujube.net.au




And last but not least these beautiful lamps. I could have called them bedside lamps but I think they can be put in so many different places of a room. High on a shelf, under the window, sitting amongst the soft toy collection, but most of all it should be placed in a spot your child can see perfectly from their bed. There is something serene and magical about these lamps that I think will soothe a child back to sleep from a nightmare or as they are first trying to sleep, and help conjour beautiful dreams as their imagination goes wild. www.downtothewoods.com.au







So there you go, a children's room isn't just about pink or blue but a place of excitement, inspiration and the beginnings of wonderful childhood memories :)



And if you want to know where to get the gorgeous bracelet and necklace I was wearing, click here for Canix Jewellery.
Stunning pieces!

REECE INNOVATIONS AWARD

I am honored to be one of the five judges of the
REECE INNOVATIONS AWARDS that inspires designers to come up with a unique design for the bathroom. Whether you are a professional, student or tertiary student this is a great competition to be part of.
Not only do you win a major cash prize but are given the support to have your product manufactured and sold through Reece.


Click onto past winners to see the quality and high standards that have been reached through this amazing competition!
I look forward to seeing the entries in the near future and good luck to you all!!

Shaynna

SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO BE REAL

I love my job, I love creating and feel passionate about everything I do. The down side is the creative world can trigger times of self-doubt, questioning your ability and sometimes thinking it is all to hard. I am a big supporter of looking for inspiration from people who have made millions in areas they love and are passionate about. Reading books, listening to seminars, creative thinking and taking advice from others who have lived their dream or on their own exciting journey. But still there are times when this isn't enough.
Once you put down that book, turn off the computer, walk out of that seminar all you are left with is you. Your feelings, your drive, your attitude. My blog, website and youtube channel are all about interiors, quirky ideas and connecting to the world of social media, so why am I posting this blog?
I have had a few pretty hard weeks inspiration and motivation wise, have dabbled in a little self-doubt and pity and have been struggling to take full responsibility of pulling myself out of that never-ending rabbit hole. Then a girlfriend posted this video of Nick Vujicic on Facebook and all self-doubt melted away. Sounds too easy and possibly a little 'wanky', yes I know.
I have watched Nick on Oprah and seen him before so it is not like I haven't thought he was amazing and inspiring and thought, 'if he can be so positive with such huge setbacks, what is my issue?' So why is this different? Timing. Watching something like this when you have indulged in a little too much self-pity jolts you. Nick's motto of , "Attitude is Altitude" really hit me. Attitude is everything and your attitude to how you see yourself is your biggest destroyer, or can be your saviour.
My business and life motto is "Expression is the greatest form of Freedom" as creating, feeling and saying who and what you are, I believe will set you free and leave you open to what your heart desires. Watching this video gave me my belief back and reconnect with my life motto.
I hope Nick's attitude will give you a little something to lift your day and help set you free.

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY 'KNICK-KNACKS'?

Once the furniture is put in place, the lighting sorted and the rugs lay, how do I put in all the decorator pieces. There are so many things to consider such as colour, shape, size, style and even content. If you want help to get you started have a look at this video for some answers.

CREATE ART WITH YOUR BUTTONS

Devotion
Mixed media found object installation at Haines Annex, San Francisco, CA
Dimensions variable, 1991

We all love to recycle and create from what is lying around but this amazing artist
Lisa Kokin has gone to the next level and created art that is not only unique but inspiring. She creates individual sculptures as well as art gallery installations and then when you think she cant get anymore creative she brings out a book. Not the written kind but the creative kind.
I love her work and imagine if she doesn't already wear glasses she might have to in the future with the intricate works she produces.

Leotard
Buttons, thread, rug canvas, 33 x 13, 2003

Passage
Buttons and mixed media, imitation sinew, waxed linen, chicken wire
41 X 29-1/2, 2004

Partial History of Jewish Life in Modern Times
Stitched altered book, 8 x 6-1/2 x 3, 199

WHAT IS YOUR INTERIOR CHALLENGE?

Whether it is deciding on what colour to paint your home, select furniture or where to start - leave a comment and through my blogs and youtube videos I will help you bring the world of design to your home! I have made 17 videos so far on what I think people want to know but now you tell me what you would like to see.
I look forward to your comments and suggestions

Shaynna