Happy Australia Day! I don't think Aussies are known for being all that patriotic, not as patriotic as other nations - I think that it is because we don't tend to take ourselves too seriously. I'm not saying that we aren't proud to be Australian - its just that we probably don't show it as often and loud as we should.
BBT is so getting its 'sale' on right now. Get on board here.
Trinket boxes.... love. Now $50 (were $70)
mmmmmm.... macaron cookbook. Now $15 (was $24.95)
love these long time - blackboard piggy banks. $25 (were $39.95)
Shake your bon-bon. Zoe Bon-Bon delicious resin bracelets, now $40 (were $70)
pair of white doves now $10 (were $24.95) - super chic my friends, 
I love me some selby in my inbox, especially the past week - Olaf Hajek's Berlin home is fabulous. Who said blackboard walls were 'so yesterday'?? - he uses it so well in his kitchen. He is an artist after all. Fun yet sophisticated, I'm hoping that is where the decorating of the 'SFC' is heading. This is certainly inspiring.I'm thinking there is a small space in my new kitchen that needs a lick of blackboard paint (i'm no artist but i'll be getting some artistic pals over to decorate it.. Emma??...Pippa?? swap a stir fry for some artistic flair in my new kitchen??....)
It feels like forever since I posted, and it kind of has been. But its a good thing. I've realised I spend too much time planning and plotting on how good things could be, when there is no way that any of it is going to happen if i spend so much time blogging and talking about it, I need to DO it. Actually, this isn't a new realisation, but this is the first time I've started taking action.
So, I'm not sure how often I will post, but I know when I do, it is because I have something fabulous to share, not because I feel I have to. And surely that is a win/win for everyone! Stay tuned.....
image seen over at my first little place (gorgeous, fabulous blog btw, go and catch up with Sarah if you don't already x)
Welcome 2012, endless possibilities, a clean slate and all of that. Looking forward to enjoying everything this year throws at me. Well, that's the plan anyway, start off positive! I have big plans for 2012 and I'll be sharing it all here (lucky you?!). Let the fun begin....
I really can't believe it is Christmas time. Every year I promise myself I will seriously get in to the spirit and enjoy it - but each year seems to get busier and busier. Thank you so much for your support of this here little blog and the shop throughout the year, its been a big year both personally and for Brown Button Trading.image spotted over at Maurice and King
Well, are you gifts wrapped and ready to go? - I'm still purchasing the gifts... (i love leaving things to the last minute, that's how I roll...) - but I've had the paper and tags sorted for a while now! Bespoke Letterpress have a gorgeous range of gift tags and paper available. The paper is great - double sided so useful for non Christmas gifts too. I always get excited about wrapping (probably why i have that and not the gifts organised yet, oops) - Briar has organised some ridiculously cool wrapping for her gifts this year, and she made it herself - too clever and crafty that girl! 
I've got a fabulous hallway to work with in the SFC. I want some sort of 'console' table/space happening, and I'm sure I can get something like the above via ikea. I've got two bedroom doors ready for some high gloss black paint (to match the front door).... Maybe I can replicate one of my favourite home images per the above. Although mine will have to incorporate a little more colour. This beauty from Marnie Gilder is currently being framed at the 'frame factory' on Magill Road - they were fabulous. I'm having it framed to replicate how she has framed her other screen prints. If you are in SA, you must go visit. Perfect start to a little art collection for the hallway. Stay tuned....
Sorry for the top blurry pic - I've worked out what I want to do with the kitchen/dining space in the SFC, so the wallpaper is purchased and on its way (whoop!), and I've been on the hunt for a dining table. Jack Horner Interiors on the Parade has provided the answer. They have a fabulous range of tables made of recycled timbers - now I just have to decide between oak, elm or parquetry elm - all just awesome. And seating? Benches would be easy and inexpensive, but soooo not as comfortable and beautiful as the linen upholstered dining chairs they also had available (per above). Kill. Me. Now. They are stunning. I tried to convince myself that I really didn't need them. How? "Surely they won't be comfortable, I'll sit in one to see"......nope, more comfortable than I could have imagined..... Why oh why do chairs have to be so expensive, and you need so many of them?? Just have to decide what colour. - I've got my 'bromley' as well (its a tea towel yes, all the more fitting for the kitchen..) - so at least in my head? the kitchen/dining is done. Next up? Lounge room...... top image by me, other images by jack horner interiors
really struggling to post anything remotely interesting this week..... so until such time - here is a pretty pic to enjoy (via style me pretty pinterest board) - xx
Launched today. Fete Magazine, an absolute god send featuring simple yet stunning ideas by the ridiculously talented Jane Cameron and Annabelle Kerslake. My favourite bits, Eliza's birthday and Sibella Court's Christmas. Read it here. Definitely the beginning of something absolutely flipping brilliant, and out of Adelaide too. happy weekend x
One of the biggest reasons I was excited about my new place is the space to entertain. I was quite happy at the 'shanty' - perfect size for moi. But it was difficult having friends and family around for meals as the space wasn't ideal, especially when you throw kids into the mix - no room for them to run around and play (clearly the children of my guests, not my own!) - I now have a fabulous kitchen space ready for a wonderful long bench table (still looking... any ideas anyone??) - and a great courtyard for outdoor entertaining. And what currently feels like a very long hallway for kids to run up and down (i have never done so much walking in my life, i'm not complaining but sheesh - i was so used to everything being 5 steps away from each other at the shanty!)
I'm so excited about heading home, so much to do and things to look forward to. Salamat Manila, its been good, I'll be back soon. Mwah xxx
I thought the worst she must have looked was this (remember I bought her while I was living overseas, pulled this from Google maps, figured it must have been pre renovations from previous owners, but no. It was worse....
So I had people come and quote on built in robes, and one of them commented on how much work had been done to the place and what a transformation. Um, hello, i asked, how do you know? He said he googled the address. So I did. And look at the pics I found of my new little home as it was prior to the previous owners buying it....
hmmmmm, no thanks!
not looking any better from this angle...
thankfully they knocked this bit off the back....
including this 'updated bathroom' (as it was advertised when previously sold)
Much preferring the neat courtyard I now have.
