hospital hill

10.06.13

The husband comes from the Hawkes Bay. So we try to get down when we can and take a step back from the craziness that is our lives, along with visiting the family. So when we do it is always fun to discover something new. On this sunny Sunday, we took a drive to Napier, went up Hospital Hill, looking at the wonderful houses that sit nuzzled into the hill. It may be one of our favourite pass times at the moment, house dreaming. We tend to both lean towards the slightly unusual, the ugly duckling that with a little care could be the belle of the ball, the underdog of houses if you will.

Upon the top to the hill, there stands the abandoned hospital in all it’s beauty, A bit of a babe in it’s own odd and haunting way. Oh I would love to get my mits on it’s mid century style bones. Scrub her up all shiny. Here is to dreaming.

Until next time.

MAKE IT // Winter Soup

07.06.13

This is one of my all time favourite winter soups, The recipe is from a dear friend of mine. It is amazingly simple, delicious and pretty darn good for you too.

INGREDIENTS //

Half a head of Cauliflower
A big bunch of silver beet
( I also added a bag of spinach that I needed to use up )
One white onion
4 cloves of garlic
Three potatoes
Oil
Salt and Pepper
Veggie Stock
Turmeric Powder
Curry Powder
Garam Masala Powder
Water

Chuck a tablespoon of oil in a soup pot and throw in the chopped onion and garlic. Sautee those suckers. Roughly chop up the cauliflower, silver beet and potatoes, chuck them in as well. Mix everything in and add the veggie stock, and the spices…..I usually put a tablespoon of curry powder and a teaspoon of the others….Then pour the water in until everything is nearly covered. Let is simmer away until everything is cooked. Using a ‘wizz stick” get all those lumps out. Season that sucker and add more of the spices if needed. Serve with unsweetened yoghurt and chopped coriander. YUM.

Until next time.

Studio 46 // Terrarium Workshop

06.06.13

This week I had the pleasure of being part of Studio 46’s Terrarium workshop. And it certainly was a pleasure. Annie O, the resident botanical stylist is a bloody riot and wonderfully talented. Making delightful little worlds with a bunny called Barry and a beautiful toy plane crash. Everything laid out for you in their cozy nook on the North Shore. And off you go, making your own terrarium with a brownie in hand from the sweetness that is Rachael from Made From Scratch, a glass of something delish from Black Cottage and a goodie bag with the latest and greatest from Homestyle and something to look after those green fingers from MOR. Brilliant. Studio 46’s workshops are a must go for all, and they book up fast, Have a looksie here and get amongst it. Seriously. I will be there with bells on. And wine glass ready.

Until next time.

1 0 1 // Bookshelf Styling

03.06.13

( above photo is my bookshelf after an overhall! )

Personally I think that every part of a home should be styled. It creates a flow through the house and lets your eyes have a happy little stop over in each place. Starting with the humble bookshelf.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO //

COLOUR CODING // Often a bookshelf looks messy because of all the different coloured jackets. But by grouping them together it looks cohesive and you still get the lovely look of the spines.

STACKING // Try stacking different ways, in a pile, horizontal or even with the ends facing forward.

PROPS // No bookshelf is complete without a few bits & bobs. We all have them around our home, and often it’s hard to find a place for them. The bookshelf is the perfect spot. Old cameras, photos, nic-nacs and vases, anything works.

HATE IT? PAINT IT // Often we are given things, or buy things and our taste changes, but you still love the sentiment of the item. Painting it gives it a new lease of life, so you can put it back on display!

SPACE // Allow space for the items to ‘breathe’, There is no need to push them all together, creating space gives a more ordered and purposeful look.

STORAGE // Remember that not everything needs to be on display, using storage such as wooden or wire crates, decorative boxes and baskets can ‘hide’ things with making them still easily accessible. Then pop them on the shelf and it looks great!

REMEMBER // Inject your own personality into your bookcase, it is a fun place to showcase!

Until next time.