I got Schooled

That's right!  I went to the The School's Styling Masterclass on Saturday.  Megan Morton was as fabulous, engaging and funny as she is talented and a creative genius. I lapped up every moment of being in such beautiful surroundings, for those that don't know the class was held at Black & Spiro in New Farm, and enjoyed the company of interesting and creative people.  I gotta say, it was also a bit of a Fashion Mecca. Note to self: I need more neon in my Spring wardrobe.

We learnt about what a Stylist is, how to think like one.  We got technical pointers and heard about the difference between home styling and styling for photo shoots. It was information overload. The biggest thing I walked away with was confidence.  I now have the confidence to say 'I can do this, I can take this life long obsession I have had with beautiful things and make it something'. So...stay tuned. More to come from Whoa Nelly! and my world of vintage, beauty, bowerbird'ness' and styling.

So, it's off to my 'real' job today filled with inspiration and creativity.  My mind is full of ideas and I'm excited about where my renewed excitement might take me.

And being that tis whole blog scene is all about the visual...enjoy!

 The school is based in Sydney and this weekend was a roadshow of fantastic classes.

Megan assures us that they will be back...and next time they will offer the kids classes as well.

You can find out more here.

Megan's new book.

Unfortunately after the book launch this week and a courier who couldn't park (or something crazy) there were no copies of the book available to purchase at the class so I will eagerly wait by my mailbox until inspiration arrives in paper form.

This is she!

Ahhh.

It's Monday morning and I don't usually blog before breakfast but this one I had to share.  I also didn't get to write a post over the weekend because not being home all day Saturday puts an end to the day on Sunday...that and a teething/cranky/snot machine that is my one year old.

Oh, and I did manage to squeeze in a lightening fast trip to WAC where I picked up an old railway sign for the bathroom.  Pics to come once it is on the wall.  Crazy in love with it. Crazy!!

Have a great week.

J xx

Mighty fine party y'all!!

We had a bunch of little cowboys and super cute cowgirls come party at our place on the weekend. Although the weather was a touch 'tropical' it didn't rain and we didn't get blown away so I'm happy with that.  Take a peek around the Ranch...

Yeah, I got my 'craft' on! 

The backyard. Thanks to my Hubby and his unnatural obsession with his lawn.

Everything looked fantastic.

Martha has nothing on me...NOTHING!!!

Before...

And after!

What a great birthday for a beautiful little boy.

Now, in non-awesome-cowboy-birthday related news I am off to The School on Saturday to take part in Megan Morton's Styling 101 Workshop.  I couldn't actually be any more excited. Not sure what I am looking forward too the most...spending the day at Black & Spiro, meeting Megan Morton, being surrounded by like minded creative folk or just being inspired!!!   

Happy Birthday

To my little Sonny Boy. Happy 1st Birthday. 

To us you represent true happiness, you remind us what life is all about and you make us 

thankful for all we have. 

All that wrapped up in the sweetest, happiest little boy that I have the honour of calling my Son.

Dream big little man xx

Ode to Anthro

It's no secret that Anthropologie is my favourite store...ever...in the history of cool places to buy stuff. I love it. And even though it's a 'chain' store each individual shop is fitted out with its own look but in the signature Anthropologie style.  Each time we go to America I bring as much "Anthro" gear home as I can stuff into my luggage i.e handbags, coffee mugs, candles etc but the furniture is what really does it for me.  I was perusing the website today and picked out a few pieces I intend to purchase to decorate our little bungalow in Santa Monica. Oh, I'm so silly, we don't have one of those. However, if I should receive an email indicating I'm actually Nigerian royalty and have millions of dollars awaiting my collection I shall be ready to pounce.

What I'm lovin'...

The Mathilde Sofa 

The Woodland Slumber Canopy bed 

Who wouldn't love a Chatsworth Ottoman

My cat would go gang busters over this!! 

And an Inge chair.

The only place in Oz that comes close to the Anthro furniture style is Ruby Star Traders. Maybe if my 'bungalow dreams' pan out closer to home I might have to get my shop on.

Well, I returned to work. And it is weird. New desk, new team, new floor, totally new role and NO baby. Its a lot of change and a lot to get used to. I'm the lady that throws herself through the doors at 9.29am after having been up since 5am, dropped one boy at daycare, cries all the way to drop the other boy at Big School then sprints to the car, drives home like a crazy person, runs to the bus stop, takes 2 short buses to work, runs into the building, can never find her ID tag (the kindly security guard takes pity on her), then plonks down at her desk hoping she still looks like she showered and did her hair 3 hours earlier.  On the upside I've thoroughly enjoyed wearing cute dresses and lady shoes this week. Apparently I'll know what I'm doing in no time and the new routine will become...routine.  I hope so. I really really hope so.

GO ME!

Byron Bay Bliss

We're back from our few days away at Byron Bay and it was glorious. The weather was magic, the Farm Stay was gorgeous and all that sun, sand, shopping and walking was just what the Doctor ordered.

The farm where we stayed was on the same road as Shannon Fricke's "amazeballs" (I stole that from Giuliana Rancic) farm house that is coincidently featured on the cover of this months Real Living mag. Its a wonder I didn't sustain a neck injury trying to peer over the fence every time we drove past. Just beautiful. I plan to do one of Shannon's styling workshops next year.

So, without further ado (I know, lame turn of phrase but it's hot and I no longer have access to the beach)... here are a few holiday snaps.

The beach (and my beautiful boys enjoying the sun and sand).

I have a couple of little beach bums on my hands.

And no trip to Byron Bay is complete without some shopping/treasure hunting in Bangalow.

I came home empty handed but loved combing the shops imagining where all that loot would go back at my house. Bangalow is beautiful and there are some fantastic pieces to be found but unfortunately its rarely at bargain basement prices.

A visit to Heaths Old Wares is a MUST!

It was only a few days but it was really relaxing. I'm choosing to gloss over the fact that Sonny was on 'farm time' and was bright eyed and bushy tailed at 4.30am (after several wake up calls during the night)....I thought all that fresh air and good old fashioned fun was supposed to make children plumb tuckered out. Not so.

Well Folks, the time has come. 13 months at home and I have to return to my day job...on Monday. I'm excited and nervous and not ready for the next chapter but looking forward to finding a new balance. I truly have mixed feelings about it all. I'll keep you posted.

J xx

PS: My little man started walking today. You know those crazy, wobbly, legs and feet everywhere kinda steps that have you diving all over the place in an effort to minimise the head injuries before he gets a handle on his latest skill. Oh, stop growing up so fast...both of you!!