Monthly Archives: September 2013
The Art Of The Leisurely Breakfast
1. At the first sound of children stirring, lovingly nudge partner and remind him that it’s your turn to lie in
2. Quickly reach for the earplugs and pull covers over head
5 Decorating Questions with Alex Fulton
Photo by Larnie Nicolson
There’s no doubt here that New Zealand Interior Designer, Alex Fulton isn’t afraid of colour. The use of a good dose of hue is also coupled with Alex’s ability to use clash to perfection, pulling off what most would be terrified to attempt. The result; a fun home that is true to her style, tells a story about who lives there and is a visual playground for the rest of us that demands respect. Her home has graced many magazines and most recently has been featured in the just released, New Zealand Interior Style written by LeeAnn Yare and photography by Larnie Nicolson. I’m so pleased to have Alex here today to answer my 5 Decorating Questions!
Insta Moments #1
I hope that you all had a great weekend? The weather is really starting to warm up for us here, so more time outside on our sunny back deck.
Here’s a little roundup of some of my favourite Instagram pics lately. You can follow me via @mel_chesneau or click here.
Creative Workspace – Gerty Brown Trading
Yesterday I visited the home of Morag of Gerty Brown Trading, in the creative hub of Titirangi, west of Auckland. It was a rainy overcast day yet I was welcomed with a big open smile and pops of colour, trademark to her cheerful brand, I warmed to her straight away. It’s custom in a lot of New Zealand homes to remove shoes on entering; as I offered to take mine off, Morag stopped me in fear that I’d step on a stray pin. You see, her home is her creative workspace, her kitchen table houses the sewing machine and overlocker, rolls of fabric in the corners, vintage drawers and boxes full of fabrics and ribbons under the couch and cabinet. My immediate impression was, what a wonderful creative environment for her two young children to grow up in.
Ceramics Handpicked
I could never tire of handmade ceramics, used as a stand alone decorative piece or to serve food and drink, it’s without saying that ceramics with their slight imperfections that make them even more aesthetically beautiful, have made a big come back in the last few years.
Preserved Lemons
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve chosen a recipe to make and then realised that it calls for preserved lemons and decided against it. Firstly, they’re not always the easiest to find and when I do, it’s usually so over priced for something that is relatively inexpensive and so simple to make that I can’t bring myself to purchase it. So yesterday when I faced that same problem, and had a kilo of lemons on hand, I decided to make my own.
Five Every Day Apps
Oh the beloved smart phone! Love them or hate them, they do have some fantastic features that can’t be denied and I’d find it difficult to go back to the old style mobile phones now. I was chatting with a friend the other day about our favourite apps and I really enjoyed knowing her recommendations, so I thought it might be fun to share with you what I use on a day to day basis. I’d also really love know if you have any apps that you sware by, other than the obvious social networking apps. I’m on the hunt for a good time management / to do list app for instance, so if any of you know any good ones – please share, along with anything else you use and love.
Serpent Sea Marine Rope Mats
There’s something so noble about boating marine rope. It’s strong, tactile and has lived many adventures. But at the end of its boating life, what becomes of it? An ingenious Austrian girl living in New York, Sophie Aschauer, is giving them the dignified retirement that they deserve, weaving them into colourful mats and I have to say, when I first saw them, my heart skipped a few beats, they are divine!
