All hearts return home for Christmas...........
I read a nice little quote recently, "All hearts return home for Christmas" and this got me thinking about one of the best parts of Christmas is being surrounded by our family and friends.
Home is word that resonates deeply for many people it evokes family and childhood.
If we are lucky, it is a word that brings comfort to the soul, that is a place we want to return to , that makes us feel safe, loved and nurtured. We may not all have grown up in the ideal environment , but we can relate to the hope of inspiring these feelings in our own home.
I know we are doing this in our home by creating our very own family traditions and as well as using some that have been passed down to us.
I am sure Mums, Dads, Grandmothers, brothers and sisters everywhere are busy preparing
for the arrival of family returning home for Christmas. I love preparing the home for the arrival of guests. I drive my husband crazy as he has to mow and weed the garden but we love the end result of sitting with our family and friends and enjoying the surroundings and relaxing over the Christmas break.
Allow yourself to enjoy the moment, relax and create some new special Christmas memories. Turn up the Christmas Carols and charge your glasses for a happy and peaceful Christmas.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all from all us here at CS Home Decor.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Creating Moments............
Creating Moments...............
We all have those precious times that only we have stored in our memory. They're not for anyone else they are just our own little moments that we have experienced and ours to reflect upon at any time we like.
I had one of these moments with my son the other week.........one of many that we have.
Jack and his friends were playing in a magnificent old Poinciana Tree out on our farm. The boys were oblivious to my presence and they were busying themselves with tools, wood and rope making quite a stunning swing in the tree.
But the best was yet to come.....the laughter and fun that those boys had pushing and swinging
all afternoon was a moment I will treasure and so will they for life.
What a magnificent site...three young boys swinging high in a brillant red Poinciana tree.
Now that school is out and our children are enjoying some unstructured freedom it is time to enjoy creating your very own moments.
Enjoy the school holidays and have lots of fun!
We all have those precious times that only we have stored in our memory. They're not for anyone else they are just our own little moments that we have experienced and ours to reflect upon at any time we like.
I had one of these moments with my son the other week.........one of many that we have.
Jack and his friends were playing in a magnificent old Poinciana Tree out on our farm. The boys were oblivious to my presence and they were busying themselves with tools, wood and rope making quite a stunning swing in the tree.
But the best was yet to come.....the laughter and fun that those boys had pushing and swinging
all afternoon was a moment I will treasure and so will they for life.
What a magnificent site...three young boys swinging high in a brillant red Poinciana tree.
Now that school is out and our children are enjoying some unstructured freedom it is time to enjoy creating your very own moments.
Enjoy the school holidays and have lots of fun!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Christmas Table..........................
The Christmas table...................
Now we have decked the halls and made our homes beautiful for the Christmas season it's time to think about the festive food and our Christmas table. I must say I love to cook the Christmas
lunch and dinner and the whole family joins in on this, the most joyous meal of the year.
Every November we all discuss what we ate last year and what we would like to have for lunch this year............Roast Pork & Turkey with all the trimmings, James' famous glazed ham and a little seafood is always a must followed by a rich Christmas Pudding topped with warm brandy custard.
Our kids always ask for the special Christmas ice cream which they are always very excited about making.
Now we have the menu sorted it is time to think about the table setting........
We have decided on a bush Christmas this year in our home and have been collecting gum nuts and natives over the past weeks.
This will be quite appropriate in our rural setting.
This does break tradition a little but I am sure a large vase of gum leaves in the centre of our table will look quite grand on a crisp white cloth.
A beach Christmas could also be created with a magnificent hand made drift wood Christmas tree in the centre of the table with napkins tied with jute and a small piece of drift wood.
The ideas are endless so I do hope you all have some fun planning your own Christmas table setting and menu.
Cheers!
Now we have decked the halls and made our homes beautiful for the Christmas season it's time to think about the festive food and our Christmas table. I must say I love to cook the Christmas
lunch and dinner and the whole family joins in on this, the most joyous meal of the year.
Every November we all discuss what we ate last year and what we would like to have for lunch this year............Roast Pork & Turkey with all the trimmings, James' famous glazed ham and a little seafood is always a must followed by a rich Christmas Pudding topped with warm brandy custard.
Our kids always ask for the special Christmas ice cream which they are always very excited about making.
Now we have the menu sorted it is time to think about the table setting........
We have decided on a bush Christmas this year in our home and have been collecting gum nuts and natives over the past weeks.
This will be quite appropriate in our rural setting.
This does break tradition a little but I am sure a large vase of gum leaves in the centre of our table will look quite grand on a crisp white cloth.
A beach Christmas could also be created with a magnificent hand made drift wood Christmas tree in the centre of the table with napkins tied with jute and a small piece of drift wood.
The ideas are endless so I do hope you all have some fun planning your own Christmas table setting and menu.
Cheers!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Book of the Week.....
Velvet Pears by Susan Southam.
This inspiring and beautifully illustrated book tells the autobiographical story of a young bride, Susan Southam who moved into a little weatherboard cottage sheltered by huge Norfolk pines at the foot of a purple mountain. Over the next twenty-five years she transformed four hectares of bare paddock into a romantic garden planted in the English style. Here at Foxglove Spires, one of Australias best loved gardens, Susan celebrates the romance and beauty of the country life, following the rhythm of the seasons and she creates beautiful rooms in her home and garden.
By far my most favourite book ever!
This inspiring and beautifully illustrated book tells the autobiographical story of a young bride, Susan Southam who moved into a little weatherboard cottage sheltered by huge Norfolk pines at the foot of a purple mountain. Over the next twenty-five years she transformed four hectares of bare paddock into a romantic garden planted in the English style. Here at Foxglove Spires, one of Australias best loved gardens, Susan celebrates the romance and beauty of the country life, following the rhythm of the seasons and she creates beautiful rooms in her home and garden.
By far my most favourite book ever!
Beauty in the ordinary.......
Beauty in the ordinary........
This week I have been reflecting on how busy my life has become and how we sometimes forget to take a moment to find beauty in the ordinary. I find it's the moment I stop, listen and look around I find that I am surrounded by beauty, I just need to slow down and take a moment.
There is beauty all around us, perhaps it is a cherished old desk, a comfy couch that has seen better days, a homemade lemon cake or a vase of freshly cut flowers from the garden. Or when Meg is dancing and doesn't know I am watching or when Jack says, "Mummy why am I not shy anymore?"
We see beauty in things that we find appealing and things that make us comfortable and happy.
My home is a haven for our family as this is where James and I and the kids spend our precious time together away from work, school and other commitments. Over the years I have enjoyed creating a space and garden that suits our needs as a family but also reflects our lifestyle and personality. This is also what I have achieved with my store. I have a passion for French vintage designs which I have combined with more contemporary styles. There is no wrong or right when it comes to creating a beautiful home.
The criteria is simple, if you love it you can make it work. We often find beauty where we least expect to, that is the joy of living.
After 11years of being married to a farmer I can now even see beauty in the land in the middle of a drought where as years ago I would have thought it looked awful and barren.
So give yourselves some time and create your own moments over the festive break..........
This week I have been reflecting on how busy my life has become and how we sometimes forget to take a moment to find beauty in the ordinary. I find it's the moment I stop, listen and look around I find that I am surrounded by beauty, I just need to slow down and take a moment.
There is beauty all around us, perhaps it is a cherished old desk, a comfy couch that has seen better days, a homemade lemon cake or a vase of freshly cut flowers from the garden. Or when Meg is dancing and doesn't know I am watching or when Jack says, "Mummy why am I not shy anymore?"
We see beauty in things that we find appealing and things that make us comfortable and happy.
My home is a haven for our family as this is where James and I and the kids spend our precious time together away from work, school and other commitments. Over the years I have enjoyed creating a space and garden that suits our needs as a family but also reflects our lifestyle and personality. This is also what I have achieved with my store. I have a passion for French vintage designs which I have combined with more contemporary styles. There is no wrong or right when it comes to creating a beautiful home.
The criteria is simple, if you love it you can make it work. We often find beauty where we least expect to, that is the joy of living.
After 11years of being married to a farmer I can now even see beauty in the land in the middle of a drought where as years ago I would have thought it looked awful and barren.
So give yourselves some time and create your own moments over the festive break..........
Friday, November 20, 2009
"Book of the Week"
"Book of the Week"
'Homemade Christmas" by Tessa Evelegh.
This outstanding book has 35 easy to make projects, from tree decorations to table settings, from advent calendars to door wreaths, Homemade Christmas shows you how to decorate your home for the festive season. Using the book for inspiration we have created some homemade parcels and gift tags in store. It is easy and fun, why not give it a go this year.
'Homemade Christmas" by Tessa Evelegh.
This outstanding book has 35 easy to make projects, from tree decorations to table settings, from advent calendars to door wreaths, Homemade Christmas shows you how to decorate your home for the festive season. Using the book for inspiration we have created some homemade parcels and gift tags in store. It is easy and fun, why not give it a go this year.
It's the thought that counts.........
It's the thought that counts...........
The old adage "it's the thought that counts" is really what Christmas is all about. It is often the smaller, more thoughtful presents that stand out from the crowd and are so gratefully received by your family and friends.
Christmas is an expensive time of year but not everything needs to cost a fortune. This year why not consider a more homemade Christmas. You can apply this concept to every part of your Christmas preparations, from making your own gifts, creative gift wrapping, Christmas decorations and setting your Christmas table.
In store we are having lots of fun creating beautiful Christmas displays using our unique handmade decorations that can be used to compliment any Christmas theme. Many of our customers are very creative, buying some items to use on their home made trees and Christmas displays. We have been inspired by all the clever ideas and it is heartening to see people embracing the joy of this special season.
Feel free to pop in and see us if you need some inspiration or help with your Christmas preparations.
The old adage "it's the thought that counts" is really what Christmas is all about. It is often the smaller, more thoughtful presents that stand out from the crowd and are so gratefully received by your family and friends.
Christmas is an expensive time of year but not everything needs to cost a fortune. This year why not consider a more homemade Christmas. You can apply this concept to every part of your Christmas preparations, from making your own gifts, creative gift wrapping, Christmas decorations and setting your Christmas table.
In store we are having lots of fun creating beautiful Christmas displays using our unique handmade decorations that can be used to compliment any Christmas theme. Many of our customers are very creative, buying some items to use on their home made trees and Christmas displays. We have been inspired by all the clever ideas and it is heartening to see people embracing the joy of this special season.
Feel free to pop in and see us if you need some inspiration or help with your Christmas preparations.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
SIMPLE PLEASURES OF SUMMER............
Simple pleasures of summer........
Entertaining outdoors, creating a craft masterpiece for a dear friend, cooking up a storm for family and friends, digging in the garden all Sunday afternoon. These are the simple pleasures to enjoy.
My passion for the garden only started after marrying my husband who is a farmer and loves the garden. We now have two children that love the outdoors and love to grow things just like dad.
There is no greater pleasure than cooking and eating the home grown herbs, tomatoes or vegies and cutting your own roses for the table, or the sheer peace of sitting outside by the garden on a starry night.
Bring life to your outside space with organic textures and colour. Take inspiration from your surrounds and choose colourful flowers that are easy to grow, and use fabrics and furniture to make your outside area a luxurious place.
Scent and taste are two very basic luxuries that I love. My family loves to cook and we have
a lot of traditions when it comes to food. Again I really only learnt to cook when I meet my husband as he is a chef as well as a farmer.
There is nothing better than entertaining outdoors with the barbecue loaded with fresh seafood, a gorgeous old oak table trimmed with neutral whites and creams and the table laid with candles on a balmy summer evening.
Oh and what to do when the summer rains come.....grab your artistic ability and all your goodies and start creating that craft masterpiece.
Enjoy!
Entertaining outdoors, creating a craft masterpiece for a dear friend, cooking up a storm for family and friends, digging in the garden all Sunday afternoon. These are the simple pleasures to enjoy.
My passion for the garden only started after marrying my husband who is a farmer and loves the garden. We now have two children that love the outdoors and love to grow things just like dad.
There is no greater pleasure than cooking and eating the home grown herbs, tomatoes or vegies and cutting your own roses for the table, or the sheer peace of sitting outside by the garden on a starry night.
Bring life to your outside space with organic textures and colour. Take inspiration from your surrounds and choose colourful flowers that are easy to grow, and use fabrics and furniture to make your outside area a luxurious place.
Scent and taste are two very basic luxuries that I love. My family loves to cook and we have
a lot of traditions when it comes to food. Again I really only learnt to cook when I meet my husband as he is a chef as well as a farmer.
There is nothing better than entertaining outdoors with the barbecue loaded with fresh seafood, a gorgeous old oak table trimmed with neutral whites and creams and the table laid with candles on a balmy summer evening.
Oh and what to do when the summer rains come.....grab your artistic ability and all your goodies and start creating that craft masterpiece.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Book of the Week: Simple Home by Mark & Sally Bailey
Simple Home calm spaces for comfortable living by Mark & Sally Bailey.
This book is a true inspiration to any designer or interior decorator.
The philosophy in which the authors follow is in tune with the current desire to buy well-made,
well-designed items that will grow old gracefully, and to create homes that are sustainable and stylish. This doesn't mean a minimalist home - it's about living in comfort in a carefully considered space.
The authors then show you how to create a welcoming yet practical spaces room by room, space by space.
This is my favourite coffee table book at the moment the pictures are just devine.
SIMPLE HOME........
Our homes are our sanctuary, a haven from the stresses of our everyday life.
So let's get back to basics and keep it simple, calm and clutter free.
Surround yourself with things in the home in which you really love and colours that create tranquility teamed with comfort from cosy textiles and a comfy lounge to relax in at the end of hard day.
By living without excess and surrounding yourself with just enough of the right things that are
personal to you and are thoughtfully designed you will feel an amazing sense of satisfaction as well as making your home feel refreshing, relaxing and simple easy place to be.
I have been doing some decluttering for some clients of late and it has just reminded me of the importance behind a clutter free home is a clutter free mind.
Open your mind and you will be amazed at what you will find!
So let's get back to basics and keep it simple, calm and clutter free.
Surround yourself with things in the home in which you really love and colours that create tranquility teamed with comfort from cosy textiles and a comfy lounge to relax in at the end of hard day.
By living without excess and surrounding yourself with just enough of the right things that are
personal to you and are thoughtfully designed you will feel an amazing sense of satisfaction as well as making your home feel refreshing, relaxing and simple easy place to be.
I have been doing some decluttering for some clients of late and it has just reminded me of the importance behind a clutter free home is a clutter free mind.
Open your mind and you will be amazed at what you will find!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
THINK PINK.......
We are all probably aware that the month of October is breast cancer awareness month and we at CS Home Decor are raising funds for the Cancer Association in as many ways as possible.
We have started with an in store raffle to the value of $250.00, so please buy a ticket and help
in any little way you can and come in store to see our many other fund raisers for the month of October.
Unfortunately all our lives in one form or another have been touched with cancer and I personally feel very passionate about being proactive and a positive influence in raising funds for the Cancer Assosication.
So think Pink or have a Girls Night In and have plenty of fun whilst raising much needed funds.
Cheers Kylie
We have started with an in store raffle to the value of $250.00, so please buy a ticket and help
in any little way you can and come in store to see our many other fund raisers for the month of October.
Unfortunately all our lives in one form or another have been touched with cancer and I personally feel very passionate about being proactive and a positive influence in raising funds for the Cancer Assosication.
So think Pink or have a Girls Night In and have plenty of fun whilst raising much needed funds.
Cheers Kylie
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Deck The Halls!
Deck the Halls..........
The anticipation and excitement that we remember from our childhood Christmases is recaptured the very moment the first decorations go up.
Suddenly our homes are transformed and dressed up with lights, baubles and flowers all ready for the Christmas season.
The decorations you have may be old or new, but the pleasure they give is as powerful as ever.
We at CS Home Decor have been busy decking our halls with lots of beautiful decorations and
hanging out the stockings, putting up the tree and talking about our traditions and rituals and of
course the baking of the Christmas cake and all those special treats we look forward to each year.
I must say that Jack and Meg are very excited now that they can see all the gorgeous Christmas
decorations in Mummy's shop.....and have both picked out the special one they want.
So make a start on those creative ideas as Christmas is not far away!
The anticipation and excitement that we remember from our childhood Christmases is recaptured the very moment the first decorations go up.
Suddenly our homes are transformed and dressed up with lights, baubles and flowers all ready for the Christmas season.
The decorations you have may be old or new, but the pleasure they give is as powerful as ever.
We at CS Home Decor have been busy decking our halls with lots of beautiful decorations and
hanging out the stockings, putting up the tree and talking about our traditions and rituals and of
course the baking of the Christmas cake and all those special treats we look forward to each year.
I must say that Jack and Meg are very excited now that they can see all the gorgeous Christmas
decorations in Mummy's shop.....and have both picked out the special one they want.
So make a start on those creative ideas as Christmas is not far away!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Welcome - "Come in and enjoy the experience".
Welcome - CS Home Decor has a new location...in a beautiful old house at 22 Arthur Street, Yeppoon. We have unpacked our new beautiful things and we are overflowing....please come in and say hello and take a look.
Our new things include gorgeous French provincial furniture, frames, linen, shadow boxes, antique items, vintage quilts, lamps, outdoor settings.......
The team has also grown. Tanya, Shelley and I have been joined by Sheena. Together we have enjoyed moving and displaying all the fabulous things.
We have a play room, full of fun things to be played with while you shop. Kids are welcome.
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart"
(Helen Adams Keller)
Our new things include gorgeous French provincial furniture, frames, linen, shadow boxes, antique items, vintage quilts, lamps, outdoor settings.......
The team has also grown. Tanya, Shelley and I have been joined by Sheena. Together we have enjoyed moving and displaying all the fabulous things.
We have a play room, full of fun things to be played with while you shop. Kids are welcome.
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart"
(Helen Adams Keller)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
CS Home Decor Book of the Week
This book suits us this week...an old house is our new home."How do you show off the best features of a home built for another age, while adapting it for modern living? Whether you want to keep your old fireplaces but love contemporary furniture, or you'd like to create a faithful period piece, you'll find inspiration here."
OLD HOUSE NEW HOME stylish modern living in a period setting
by Ros Byam Shaw with photography by Christopher Drake
In Old House New Home, acclaimed interiors writer Ros Byam Shaw combines the expertise of designers and home owners with her own experience of renovating old properties. She looks at the many different ways we can furnish and arrange an old building to suit today's needs. The book is divided into a series of key styles, 'Period Piece', 'Urban Chic', 'Rustic', 'Recycled Spaces' and 'Country House' - although you can create a rural style in the city, or take urban chic to the country. At the end of each section there are helpful pages with ideas for furniture, lighting, fabrics, colours and finishing touches appropriate for that style and type of interior.
A beautiful book, to inspire and to help us dream!
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