I am so excited to be Guest Blogger here for Anastasia today. I think Anastasia is tops and having actually met her in person only confirmed my thinking. Thanks for trusting your blog baby to me today sweet friend!

For the longest time I was convinced that I didn't have a favourite colour. Being a creative person, who truly loves colour, I couldn't see how I could possibly choose one over the others. Recently, however, I have discovered that there is one particular range of colours I am naturally drawn to and they are those in the greeny- blue sphere - aqua, turquoise, teal etc. So maybe I do have a favourite colour after all and today I am going to share with you some beautiful images filled with these gorgeous hues!

[image from Creative Flats]

[image via Style Hive]

[image from Thief and Bandit]

[image by Yokoo]

[image from Sparkle Farm]

[image from Everything Turquoise]

There are even a few blogs devoted specifically to this range of colours:

House of Turquoise and Everything Turquoise. Why not check them out!?

I hope you have enjoyed a little look at my favourite colour. What's yours?

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Did you enjoy this post? If so you can follow Amanda at her design blog or personal blog. Amanda also offers design services for creative business and Blogger blog makeovers. More info here.

Style Inspiration : Summer Hats
during those hot months not only do you protect your skin but you can look tres chic on the beach too

From paper bag to cutesy!!

Its Anastasia here!!

I thought id share what I made with this paper bag!

I punched out some circles, scrunched them up in my hands to give them some texture, unfolded them

and piled them up in layers of 5 - then I added a bright brad and made cute little gift toppers.

An alternative use is - add some magnetic tape voila! little magnets to add life to your fridge!

cutesy indeed!

Well, it's winter in Australia and absolutely freezing cold (at least in the south). Actually, it's meant to be the coldest winter we've had in decades. Now,I know the phrase "Australian winter" might seem like an oxymoron but this year is expected to be the coldest winter that we've had in decades meaning it will be the best one yet!

I say "best one yet" with lots of excitement because I, and my lovely family simply adore winter. We love the snuggling, the layers of blankets and reading in bed. I spend hours (truely) redecorating my house for winter but most of my time is spent in the bedroom...decorating it. I love warm colours, deep reds and pinks, all delicious and enveloping. I love cushions and quilts, so pretty and cosy. I love garlands and lamps, OH the lamps! GAH! So much gorgeousness!

So, here are some of my favourite winter decorating inspiration photos.

click on each image for more information

Now you can get to work creating your own dream space using the polyvore editor below. Just drag the items from below the CREATE space and have fun! Then click on Gallery to see what others are creating!

Get your own Mini Editor from Polyvore

Thank you so much for reading my very first ever guest post. I hope that I did my fabulous blogging friend proud.

Rachel x

Hello lovelies.
My name is Gracie from Graciebellabutterfly and the sweet Anastasia has asked if I could do a guest post while she is off travelling.
I want to thank her for giving me the opportunity to do so.


I love ballet. I like to watch it, browse pictures, wear ballet inspired items.

So I'm a fan of the Ballerina Project.


These photos are all taken in New York with different parts of the city as the background.


The black and white images are among my favourites. I like seeing the beauty and grace of the ballet positions, with the more grungy background. It's artistic and creative.

Thanks Anastasia for letting me show one of my obsessions. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday!
Gracie

Zapping out of a Creative Rut....

Last week I got to Guest blog over at Jess' lovely blog - I talked about a little challenge I set myself to get out of a Creative rut - works for me and might be inspiring for you too!

Thanks Jess for having me over!! (hope you're having fun in England!)

You can see my post here

Cheery Red
Hello everyone, this is Jeanne from Shop Sweet Things.

It's an honor to guest post here today for Anastasia.

I got acquainted with Anastasia and her blog not too long ago, but each time I visit her blog I'm always inspired by her posts and beautiful images. Lately, I've been especially drawn to Anastasia's 30 x 30 day challenge. It's not easy to remix your wardrobe, and I think she is doing a wonderful job, don't you think?

Anastasia also has a color story series which I love! So today I thought I'd put together a little color story of my own to share.

I love red. The type of red that's cheery and bright. It energizes me every time I see it, and it almost always makes my outfit a little bit more special. So here I am, sharing some of my photos I've taken that involves my favorite color!

Bon Voyage

We're off now!! see you soon my lovely blogger friends....stay tuned as I have some awesome Guest bloggers who will be sharing some lovely things!! Ive also scheduled some posts too so come back from time to time to see whats new!!
Hugs & sprinkles of kisses
Anastasia
x

*image - Kate Spade

Half Way Done!! 30 for 30 Remix...
13 of 30 - we fade to Gray, it was so windy that day!

14 or 30 - another work look (my hair needed washing that day!)15 or 30 - my favourite Vintage dress!
To see all my '30 for 30 Remix' outfits head on over here

Bastille Day

I have no idea what it is about France and all things French but deep down Im such a francophile.
i was so giddy with excitement the first time I visited France...
i love their corner bakeries serving fresh crusty bread, delicious pastries and gateaux.
The simple understated chic-ness, the fashion houses, the french accent ....the rooftops of Paris, the sleepy towns and villages with bistros serving long lazy lunches

...their love of food, wine and love of Life!

Happy Bastille Day
Vive la France!

*image from Gourmet Traveller Australia - The French issue (7/2011)

30 for 30 Remix - more outfits
some new outfits to share...i wont be finishing the challenge as Im off in 2 days time. I managed to do 15 outfits (more pics to upload soon) so half way there but trying to take photos during Winter is pretty tricky if your days are as busy as mine.
The great thing is I know this challenge works.. and Ive felt great doing it!! Its been fun!!
i'll see how I feel when i get back from my holiday - hey i might even end up finishing it after all.

Yes we can live with less and Im definetely going to start planning and thinking hard before I hit the shops and sales!

10 of 30

11 of 30 - Jacket on - Jacket off!

12 of 30 - off to work!

Etsy picks of the week: Pretty Little Things

I can never tire of searching Etsy - so many lovely handmade pieces, so many creative people offering pretty little things....who can resist?
i hope you like my Etsy picks of the week!

Ive started packing, three more days and then we're off.... i still have so much to do before then though. I'll get there slowly...


Top image of Meghan Douglas by Dominique Issermann * Three Amethyst Stacking Ring by Onegarnetgirl * Petals Pink Amethyst and Oxidised Sterling Silver Earrings by JenniferLynnJewelry * Beso Necklace Pink Amethyst on Silver Chain by PoleStar

Morning comfort...

I spotted a recipe for 'chocolate museli with warm milk'
in the paper a few weeks ago and thought it sounded like the most yummy Winter breakfast - enough to make you want to spring out from under the warm covers...so I gave it a go.
and its definetely a winner!
so very easy too - thought Id share here as well.
Ingrediants
2 1/4 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup hazelnuts chopped
1/3 cup raw almonds chopped
2/3 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup dried apricots
200 g chopped Dark Chocolate
warm milk to serve

preheat oven to 180 deg. celsius.
Line a baking tray
Combine oats, nuts, coconut and seeds in bowl and stir in the honey. Transfer to tray and bake for 15 minutes stirring twice. Cool a little then toss the apricot and chocolate. Serve with warm milk.
Can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks .
(Recipe found in Mx paper)

Full Circle

My beloved Grandmother Evroulla sadly passed away on Saturday afternoon.
She was 81 and had some health issues but it was a sudden passing that has left us all in shock and in a deep sadness.
More so, because in less than 2 weeks I was to visit her in Cyprus.

I couldnt wait to see my Grandparents at least one more time, to spend a few weeks with them, to enjoy their company, life stories and laughter.
Ive missed them so much the past few years, we called often for a chat and she would always ask 'When are you coming over?'

So on Saturday afternoon she went outside to put some water in a small bird bath she kept in her garden and when walking back inside her kitchen she collapsed in my Grandfathers arms.
a sweet death some might think - sudden, fast - no prolonged illness, or pain that many people have to suffer before they pass but
losing someone you love always hurts so much....so very much.

Our main concern now is with my Grandfather - his loss. She was his everything - friend, wife and companion for over 60years, her sudden passing will be heartbreaking for him.

When giving their condolences, Greeks have a saying 'Zoi Se Mas' (may Life be granted to us) so instead of wallowing in her death Im going to celebrate Life!
her life,
her love for her family - 5 children, 16 grandchildren and 15 Great grandchildren, her heart was always full of love...unconditional love,
her warmth,
her laughter...I feel so blessed to have had her in my life and she will always be remembered.

My mum has many vintage photos in our family albums but I only had this one saved on my computer - My Grandparents with my sister ....by her side (they were always by our side - with love and support and always will be...)

30 for 30 Remix Continues along nicely...
yes im still remixing - I havent neglected this little challenge!
Actually im feeling very proud of myself that im remixing with no problems using my batch of 30 pieces - they arent all fashion forward clothes, most have been in my wardrobe for a very long time but sadly not worn often...so yes, instead of feeling wasteful Im now one happy girl!

8 of 30
this wool skirt is lovely but its tricky to wear - the knot detail at the front is quite low so screams to be paired with a fitted top.
Maybe I should invest in some bodysuits (Donna Karen 1990's??) or onesies as they call them these days.
Anyone else have any ideas how to style it up?





9 of 30 - the most comfy dress ever! worn with black ruffled cardi.



What Ive learnt so far...
* fashion bloggers sure are committed! dressing, posing, finding the perfect light and location, smiling....(so many cool fashion blogs out there )
*that I need to wear more colour (ok mum)
*that accessories are key - the more the merrier girls!..
*and that I (or hubby) need to study the camera manual to improve the picture taking process!

Happy weekend everyone! hope to take more pics again tommorow....if I can convince anyone in my family - think they are sick of me asking (and begging)!