stall.

I've just got home from a few days up the coast. So good.

There are so many things to enjoy while being away: reading in the sun on the deck, adventures on the rocks, visiting favourite cafes, and bushwalks to secluded beaches, but my favourite is usually visiting the side of the road stall selling fresh home grown produce.

There's something amazing about stepping inside this stall, choosing my limes, exploring the new produce, checking to see if there are any eggs, and joyfully putting my money into the honesty tin. I don't know why, but I just love it!

I love getting organic limes packed in baskets for a steal. I love that my eggs come in reused cartons with today's date printed on them. I love that I get local honey. And I love supporting these people, in their side of the road adventure.

Next time you drive past a side of the road stall, stop and see what they have. You'll probably find yourself a bargain, support a local business, and get local, seasonal, organic food... winner!

who gives a crap.

Who Gives a Crap.

What an amazing name for a company who cares!

I recently found about these guys as I was doing some research into Plastic Free July. Plastic Free July is about refusing single-use plastic. There is no need for it so why don't we got a little out of our way to make the earth a much better place?! These things include plastic shopping bags, plastic cups, straws, packaging, coffee cup lids, plastic bottles. Quite easy to start if you think about it and you're prepared.

I am already quite passionate about this in the plastic bag department and carry a fold up shopping bag in my handbag at all times. I have also been known to pile up groceries in my arms when I have forgotten reuseable bags. But I didn't even think about there being options for packaging. When I came across Who Gives a Crap, I realised that I should!

Who Gives a Crap cares not only about the environment but also about sanitation in the developing world, the consumer, and puns! I think it's a win-win-win-win!

The environment: Their toilet paper is 100% recycled (but super soft). They source their paper from their local production area and they don't use any chlorine, inks, dyes or perfumes. It is also wrapped in paper and delivered in cardboard boxes so that's all recyclable (or reusable: think wrapping paper).

The need to wipe shouldn't mean we need to wipe out the planet!

The developing world: Because 40% of the world don't have access to a toilet, and diarrhoea related illnesses kill over 2,000 children under 5 every day (thats's a lot!), they give 50% of their profits to WaterAid to build toilets and improve sanitation in the developing world. They also create jobs for people in China where they personally monitor ethics, quality and environmental issues!

Let's help flush poverty down the loo!

The consumer: The toilet paper has no nasties in it so your body doesn't get any nasties in it. It's soft and strong so you can use a normal amount. And it looks oh so cool!

If you're not already sold, and you're thinking about the expensive price of these small companies, then listen to this:

I usually purchase Quilton 24 pack. In the toilet paper world, they price things per 100 sheets. Quilton 24 pack is 26 cents per 100 sheets at Woolworths. This is... wait for it... 25 cents per 100 sheets for a 48 double roll pack. And guess what, FREE SHIPPING!

Now I no longer need to carry the big toilet paper rolls through the shopping centre, I just get a ginormous box at my front door. Thankfully we have lots of storage, but if you don't, why don't you share with a friend... it's a win-win-win-win!

Check out their website now and get ordering!

Do you give a crap?

studio cockatoo.

With the Brisbane Finders Keepers markets on this weekend, I thought I'd share with you a favourite from the Sydney Finders Keepers markets that I came across on my visit.

This awesome company called Studio Cockatoo create "beautiful geometric and modern art" which we both fell in love with straight away.

We both absolutely loved these two birds which they had displayed. How sweet would they be beside a bed, looking at one another. Unfortunately they wouldn't go with the set up of our bedroom, but I am already dreaming of ideas for our "new house." What I'm going to do which I can't do here. I'm really good at planning ahead as we have no intention of moving any time soon....

I love this little goldfish and the use of negative space.

Not only are they gorgeous but also very affordable, starting at $20 for an A4 print. I know where I'm going when I'm next looking for a print.

Check them out. So many other great prints! Visit their website: studiocockatoo.com.au. (All images taken from their site.)

desk.

A home office/desk/study often gives so little motivation for you to work at. It often consists of an old desk, a pile of filing/bills/junk mail, lots of cords, and a chair. Sounds like I should get back in to bed!

Why should your work space be boring!?

I'll share some ideas for your home office, that can be used whether you have a cupboard to work with or a whole room.


A little while ago on Better Homes and Gardens (yes, my Friday nights are generally quite uneventful) they made over a spare bedroom – it became an extra TV room, home office and spare bedroom... with lots of storage. They did all this by using a sofa bed and putting the office in the cupboard! Yes, the wardrobe became the office, and I think Tara Dennis did it quite well!

You can watch the episode here.

Here are a few other great ideas for doing up your space.

Put a plant on your desk. You can't always look out the window, but add some life to your space with a low maintenance plant. And make sure it's real. According to one website, "Having office plants can make you nearly 50 percent more creative and 40 percent more productive at work." To see the plants they recommend, visit here. I personally liked their cactus.

Succulents. Can be planted in whatever you fancy. Image: Pinterest (etsy link broken)

Snake plant. Image: Pinterest (unlinked).

Phalaenopsis Orchid. Image here.

Storage is important otherwise things get lost. For me I need an excellent mix of practicality and good looks. Get a clean look by colour matching magazine holders and making space for them. It's key that everything has it's own place so you feel organised and your space is tidy.

white on white. image here.

black. from kikki.K

gold. from country road.

clear. also country road.

Make sure you add your own personality to your space and include what's important to you!

What inspires you? What makes you happy to be there? What will help you enjoy your space? What makes you work well? For me: photos, inspiring quotes, beautiful images, candles, fresh flowers, a visual display of what I'm doing (calender or week plan), a mug of tea, and a well stocked top drawer.

I love this simple space which includes all the necessities. Image here.

A quote, printed from the internet, helps remind you what you're doing and where you're going. I find it gives me perspective. Plus if you washi it to the wall, add it to a frame, or clip it in a clipboard, it can easily be changed each week or when a new reminder is needed! Image here. 

An inspiring image always helps to lift your gaze. Maybe your favourite flowers, a past or future holiday destination, or a beautiful sunset. Something that means something to you helps. I also like to include pictures of people close to me. These also can be changed whenever you fancy. Image here.

Candles create the greatest calming mood and beautiful scents. I have recently come across this brand, Enflamme, which make beautiful candles for a good cause and the vessel can be reused as a tea cup, planter, or storage container (for your paper clips, perhaps). If you can't light a candle at work, try a reed diffuser. My favourite scent is sweet pea and jasmine by Ecoya.

You need some good things in your top drawer. I'd recommend a beautiful tea (or a few), a great lip balm, headphones, healthy snacks to keep you going, and hair ties for when you just need to get it back!

A favourite tea is Japanese Blossom by The Loose Leaf Tea House.

Splash out and get Korner Just Delight Lip Cream. Your lips will thank you!

There are a few ideas for making your desk and office space sing. I have many more! I am thinking of updating our home office/study/desk/spare bedroom/storage room/library at some stage so I'll keep you posted with any changes I make!

What do you love about your office space? Or what would you love to have?

wall banner.

I was at a friends apartment last week and I loved it. It's a small, modern, inner city apartment which they have given lots of character. They have collected beautiful things from the side of the road, second hand shops and gumtree (like us), and her partner even made an awesome TV cabinet. The mix-match style is beautiful! I need photos. Imagine retro furniture, beautiful artwork, Moroccan style soft furnishings. Beautiful.

Many things caught my attention. I'd love to bring many of her things home. But I keep thinking of a banner they have on their wall. It reads, "IT'S OK". 

What an amazing thing to have declared on your wall. It's ok. No, actually, it is. I think I need to be reminded of this.

http://shop.secretholidayco.com/product/it-s-ok-banner

I wonder what else I need to be reminded of. 

I have been thinking about the phrase, LET IT GO. There is power in that too. We must let it go. I've written a whole journal entry on this. (Maybe for another time). 

http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/let-it-go-wall-banner.html

I wonder what other phrases could speak life into our lives. 

I found this DIY so I can put up whatever I'd like in whatever colours I like and whatever size I like. Fun. And who doesn't love DIY!?

http://breathehappiness.co.uk/2014/no-sew-resolution-banner.html

What would you say on your banner? What words do you need to be reminded of daily?

cards.

During the week I worked on a project that I had wanted to do for a long time: card making.

I hate waste so I try to reuse anything I come across. I made some cards and gift tags from used envelopes, conference brochures, boxes and cut outs from magazines and newspapers. 

Simple, cheap and they look great! And they give an extra special touch to a beautiful present or added meaning to a hand written card. 

Here is a sample of some I made this week. 

And these are a couple I made a while back, but are still favourties.

The Mother's Day card I made for my mum last year.

However, if you're not in to making your own, there are lots of handmade ones to buy to support small and local businesses. I recommend TEAPEAlala, the small business of my friend, Erin. She designs and creates cards with simple photographs or special messages hand written over the top. 

Images from http://www.etsy.com/shop/TEAPEAlala

She also does custom wedding stationery, amazing hipster bow ties, and is an all-round lovely person. Check out her website and etsy store, like her on facebook and follow her on insta – you won't be disappointed.

Image from http://www.teapealala.com/shop

socks.

It's coming up to the time of year that I end up looking like I only ever wear the same clothes. Often I am wearing jeans, my warm black jacket and boots. Sometimes I wear black stockings with a black skirt or I change my shoes. I usually have a nice top underneath but I rarely take my jacket off.

So I need something exciting to bring some colour and life to my outfit.

Welcome my new socks.

Mother's Day usually means presents for mums, but according to gorman, it means presents for mums and daughters. I'm ok with that!

Here are some ways in which I'm wearing my new socks.

While we were at gorman, I got to see up close the things I'd been eyeing off online. So many nice things this season!

And now, I'll leave you with some cute owl socks.