Favourite things - hooked on hue

One of my new favourite blogs to read, Bright.Bazaar, is all about colour. "Mr Bazaar" Will Taylor says he is "unashamedly hooked on hue." What a great phrase. We are thinking about renovations of late chez Bulger, and I've been scouring the Internet for ideas. I don't know that I could actually replicate all of the following ideas in my home, but they have definitely got me hooked on hue this week! Have a colourful weekend, dear friends.

1. Psychedelic stripes

By Glasgow-based artist Jim Lambie, in his floor series called Zobop. {Via Honestly WTF}

2. Piñata cake

Oh actually, I think this is one I will replicate at home. {Via B for Bel via A Subtle Revelry}

3. Wacky wallpaper

Joanna Goddard has collected 10 great wallpapers for us to admire and covete. Which do you like best? {Via Cup of Jo}

4. Striped ice cubes

I have bookmarked this idea for spring and summer. I will invite you over for sparkly, colourful, cold, fruity drinks next November. Save the date. {Via Oh Joy!}

5. Stitches alive!

Vibrant embroideries come alive in this short video about love. A little something joyful to take you into the weekend. {Via the Etsy blog}

And that's all, folks!

Favourite things - ephemera

Just five things from around the Internet that have been making me think covetous thoughts this week. Have a fantastic weekend! 1. The beautiful bowls

Painted wooden bowls, plates and other homewares from Nicole Porter Design

2. The chrysanthemum clutch

This handmade chrysanthemum silk lined aqua floral clutch from BagNoir in Ireland

3. The gorgeous girls' clothes

When Madeleine is big enough I can't wait to dress her in outfits from Latvian clothing line Aristocrat Kids

4. The 'dorable doormat

See what I did there, with the alliteration? Also, why has nobody invented a 3D doormat before now?

5. The nifty notebook

Are you a person who carries a notebook everywhere for those times when inspiration strikes? Me too. This Dodo iPhone case is also a notebook. 'Nough said!

Favourite things - family time

Assuming I figure how to schedule this post properly, by the time you read this I'll be touching down at Sydney airport, ready to spend a long weekend with my parents at their home in the Blue Mountains. It is amazing how much you have to pack for just three nights away when you have a little baby. Especially when the little baby is just learning to eat. I could fill an entire suitcase with just the flannels and wipes needed to keep Madeleine from painting the walls, the carpet, herself and anyone else within a 10-metre radius with whatever she is eating, in one meal.

But it's worth it. I love living in Melbourne, and feel really happy and settled here. But I do feel isolated from time to time (ok often) without my family here. Especially now that I have little Madeleine in my life, and I want her to grow up knowing them. So today is dedicated to family. I hope you get to enjoy something of yours this weekend, too.

1. Family photo shoots

Family photo shoots instead of family portraits: this seems to be happening more and more. It's certainly something I'd prefer when it comes to recording our time with Madeleine. Loved this one on Happiness Is.

2. Unknown, unmet family friends

I've been reading Katie's blog Pencil Box for a while now, and I just get lost in the her lovely, dreamy photography and little moments from her family life. She doesn't know I exist, but I still feel a kind of sisterly connection with her. She has a new little baby girl about the same age as Madeleine, and an older son who lives with them part time, as Em does with us. The love in their little, blended family is beautiful, and inspiring.

3. A wooden block family

So so cute, right? There's a tutorial on the Etsy blog, here.

4. Fortune cupcakes

Take a look at this little video tutorial from Oh Joy! on how to hide fortune-cookie-esque messages inside cupcakes. If I didn't have to leave the house at 5am, I would bake these and bring them as gifts to my family. One day when they next come to visit me, I think I'll do it for them. Imagine how lovely they would be at family get-togethers, like birthdays or anniversaries.

5. The Crawley family

How could I not mention them? Like the rest of the world, I am in love with this family and their humour and their melodrama and their incredible stately home and their fabulous fashions. I'm so annoyed because I tried to avoid the spoilers but of course I know what is to happen on this Sunday's episode, and of course I know what happens in the Christmas special and let me just say: Not. Happy. Jan. But not unhappy enough to stop watching, of course. Not while Maggie Smith remains to rule the clan.

Favourite things - people!

People are great, aren't they? I love people. Here are five people-oriented favourites to take you into Saturday. Enjoy! 1. About missing persons

Take a look at this fantastic photo series called "i'm not there" by pol ubeda. Eerie and rather lovely, don't you think? (Via The Daily Muse)

2. About memories

How amazing would this look on a wall in your home, positively twinkling with good memories and loved ones from floor to ceiling? You can make it yourself by following this DIY on A Beautiful Mess. (Via Poppytalk)

3. About posties

As in, I think the postie would love the look of this wonderful stamped copper postcard from Catbird NYC as much as your recipient would. (Unless of course you sent a whole bunch of them, which would weigh the postie down and actually make you somewhat unpopular with him or her, I imagine).

4. About paper dolls

The rather lovely Shannon from Happiness Is and her other half had vintage paper dolls of themselves made for their wedding save-the-date cards. Don't they look gorgeous? This sends my mind a bit boggly with the multitudinous possibilities...

5. About grandmothers

And finally... I thought this was just a beautiful and thoughtful story about families and generations and understanding and love and chaos, all rolled into one. It made me happy. I hope it makes you happy too. Have a great weekend!

Favourite things - get in my house!

Are you a renter? Do you dream of the day on which you will own your own home? Of painting the walls any colour you like; and hanging as many paintings you like anywhere you like; and planting a garden and ripping up old carpets and saving up to renovate the bathroom? Me too. What a coincidence! In the absence of a place to call my own, I am turning to my trusty friend Imagination to fulfill my nesting needs. In fact, I am constructing a major redecoration in my head right now. Here are some of my favourite plans.

1. The chalkboard window

Just imagine: the view could change every week! And how lovely does that hanging light look, casting an orange glow? (Via Poppytalk)

2. The ticket-stub cushions

I love this idea for a modern splash of colour on the couch, made from ephemera that has special meaning for you. Like that Eurail ticket, your stub from the Mumford & Sons concert, a business card from your favourite New York speakeasy... (From Ashley Allen via B for Bel)

3. The rustic potholder

This looks fantastic, don't you think? Just so long as the hooks were low enough that I could reach them. (I have to use a stepladder to reach the cupboards in our kitchen. No kidding. It was both humiliating and dangerous while I was pregnant.) (Also via Poppytalk. Double-whammy of favourites this week)

4. Marquee lights

These are home-made, out of those heavy cardboard letters you can buy on the cheap in craft stores. I love the lights though I'm not sure Mr B and are handy enough to make them. But I still think some brightly painted, spotted and striped letters would look wonderful in Madeleine's room, spelling out her name. (Via Oh Hello Friend)

5. Entry-hall hooks

A whole lot of pretty colour to stop Mr B ONCE AND FOR ALL from using the kitchen table, kitchen chairs and lounge chairs as places to toss his suit jackets, ties, towels and pants(!) as he comes in each day. (Via The Daily Muse)

Favourite things - something to share

It's Friday, at last! Do you have any special plans? We're heading into a long weekend here in Australia. Mr B and I are not doing anything in particular, but it will be lovely to have that extra time to spend together as a family. I thought it would be fun today to get a little bit intimate, and explore some little things you can share with someone special. Like these.

1. The two-cookie recipe

This recipe from no.2 pencil makes just two cookies. I have bookmarked it for those nights when Mr B and I crave something sweet, but don't want a whole batch of biscuits or cupcakes around the house to tempt us in days to come.

2. Romantic tattoos

Don't worry, they're not permanent. But these tattoos from SusyJack are a rather unique and lovely way to decorate yourself for your lover on a special occasion, don't you think? Via Poppytalk

3. Mother and child reunion

I would just love for someone to capture my days with Madeleine like this video of Joy (from Oh Joy!) and her daughter Ruby. What a beautiful memento of their time together.

4. Guess who?

Do you remember the detective board-game Guess Who? It was one of my favourites as a kid. How awesome is this customised version of Guess Who featuring family members, made by Simple Jill? I am so doing this! Via B for Bel

5. Cheesy love

Want the recipe for the most romantic picnic ever? Pack the following: 1. the apple of your eye, 2. a bottle of red, 3. some fantastic water-crackers, and... 4. a heart-shaped cheese. True love is sure to follow. Seen on Frolic, here and here.

Favourite things - Oh, sweetie!

Nothing too philosophical about today's collection of five favourite things. They are just all kind of sweet and lovely. I hope they make you think, "Oh, sweetie!" when you see them, just like I did. Have a wonderful weekend, friends. 1. Knitted NYC

I love these adorable knitted plush toys featuring New York icons, from Oeuf. I may need to order some from Madeleine, because it's never to early to culture a love of New York. Or maybe I'll keep them for myself! Image and inspiration from A Cup of Jo.

2. Fruity messages

How gorgeous would these be in a fruit basket gift for a friend? The friend thinks "Oh yay, fruit!" And then when they go to eat it, they discover special little messages, just for them! From Twig and Thistle, first seen on the Frankie blog.

3. Tea blending party

It just sounds special, doesn't it? A tea-blending party. I would LOVE one of these! Take a look at this post on Happiness Is for some wonderful photographs, and recipes.

4. Lizzy & Darcy

Adorable! Say no more. (But see more on the Mint Parcel Etsy shop)

5. Monogrammed biscuits

Now COME ON. I can't wait to do this for a kids' party. Wouldn't they make fantastic, edible game-props? I suppose one can buy alphabet cookie cutters somewhere, right? As seen on Oh, Joy!

Favourite things - everything old is new

In January we like to look forward. The year is given a fresh start, and we embrace it by making promises to ourselves, or others, or setting new plans, or accepting new challenges. But that doesn't mean that the old year (or the older years before that) have lost their value. Sometimes, it's nice to look backward as well as forward. 1. Vintage bikes

In a somewhat heart-breaking moment, I admitted to myself recently that as a new mum, I was not likely to be able to ride my much-loved early 70s canary yellow Speedwell bike any time soon (this bike is not the kind you can modify to include a child cart). It was gathering dirt and dust and looking decidedly neglected on our front porch. So last weekend we wheeled it out onto the pavement in case some passer-by wanted it. A minute later, it was gone. I hope it found a good and loving home. One day when Madeleine is old enough to ride her own bike, perhaps I will treat myself to one of these beautifully restored vintage bikes from Retrocykel, to replace Old Yeller. (Seen first on Frolic)

2. You are already successful

I rather like the sentiment in this post from Miss Modish. While keeping busy making resolutions and promises, it can be a healthy process (and a kindness to yourself) to take stock of the achievements you have already made, and the promises you have already kept. Yes, each of us is a work in progress. But guess what? You are already whole, my friend. Celebrate YOU today!

3. Old-school crafts

Watching people skilled at old-school crafts is like taking a little step sideways and backwards in time. Every time I come across a place like Shepherd's Bookbinders (as seen on Papermash), I think about the time and skill and patience that went into the making of the paper, the stitching of a book's cover, the way it feels in my hands and the way it smells. And it is good.

4. Ten green bottles

Or more. Twenty green bottles, perhaps, or even thirty? Actually, Shannon of Happiness Is is selling her collection of more than TWO HUNDRED assorted antique medicine bottles, German beer bottles and more. I'm not planning a wedding or party and I don't know what I'd do with them, but I must say it is lucky that I don't live anywhere nearby, or I'd be plonking my money down for these beauties, right this minute.

5. Ancient forests

Janee of Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard featured these stunning forest photographs by Jürgen Heckel on her blog earlier this week, and I fell a little bit more in wonder with each new image. I love the sense of mystery, of hidden stories, of so much that is unknown and beyond the photograph that he creates.

ps. Win tickets to see LEO in Melbourne here

Favourite things - how to survive summer

It's 41 degrees outside today and to be honest I am struggling to find my joy. We live in an old house with no air conditioning, and the one living space is lit by a skylight that's half the size of the room, letting the heat pour in without even curtains to block it. My forehead is damp with sweat, poor baby has heat-rash, and Em has been lolling listlessly on the couch for hours. Yet we are stuck inside because outside is a lot worse, and a visit to the beach or pool would be a heat-stroke / sun-stroke / skin-cancer risk off the richter scale. I am using today's favourite things post to help me feel better about summer and survive this heat-wave. Anything else you suggest?

1. Make ice cream

My Dad had an ice-cream maker when I was growing up. It was a plastic, battery-driven contraption that kept on stirring the ice-cream while it was in the freezer. We'd try all different kinds of flavours, and marshmallow was a favourite of us kids. But how about this one folks: toasted marshmallow coconut milk ice cream! Oh my! Get the recipe from How Sweet It Is. (Via B for Bel)

2. Reimagine summer

Reimagine summer as a time that is warm but not stifling; coastal, floral, and dreamy. Like this video of a pretty little slumber party, which is quite lovely, but also reminds me eerily of Picnic at Hanging Rock.

3. Plan a winter picnic

Supposedly, looking forward to a holiday releases all these good endorphins that help fight depression. So I figure, looking forward to winter and the cooler weather may do the same thing for me. I'm dreaming of a white... picnic. We don't get snow here in Melbourne in winter, but I do still like the idea of a fresh winter picnic, like this one. I think it could be quite lovely.

4. Drink lemonade

Litres and litres of the stuff. I don't think there is anything more refreshing on a hot day. This is my recipe:

1 cup fresh lemon juice 1 cup water 1 cup caster sugar 1 bottle soda water (the 1.25L kind)

Squeeze the lemons. Dissolve the caster sugar in the water in a saucepan on medium heat. Combine the lemon juice and sugar-water in a two-litre container, then top it up with the soda water, adjusting how much you add according to the strength you want. I often like to add some shredded mint leaves for extra freshness.

5. Start a good, old-fashioned water fight

This photo was taken in Madeleine's Nanna's back yard a year ago, while Mr B chased the cousins around with a bucket and hose. "Hey! I've got five dollars for each of you. Line up," he called. And the little cuties fell for it, each lining up and holding out their hands. "AHA!" yelled Mr B, and pulled the hose out from behind his back and squirted them all. They ran away squealing with delight. All except Livvy, then four years old, who closed her eyes and braced herself as she took the full force of the hose in her face without running away. When Mr B finally turned the hose off she wiped the water out of her eyes and held out her hand again, demanding, "Where's my five dollars?"

Why do we lose simple pleasures like these when we grow up? We've got a couple of friends coming over to join us for fish and chips for tea tonight. I think I might lure them into the back courtyard for an after-dinner water attack of my own.

Favourite things - surprise!

Do you know what day it is today? Today is the day that will forever be known as the We Survived the Mayan Apocalypse day. Surprise! You are still alive! The future is ours. Let's appreciate each and every day and make them GREAT. 1. The old-book vending machine

This bookstore in Toronto had a dearth of old and unusual books cluttering up the storage spaces. So the owner came up with a novel (sic!) idea: he built an old-timey-looking vending machine that dispensed old books for $2 a pop. You don't know what book you'll be getting until it's in your hands. Now the machine has become so popular that the shop's owner is having trouble finding books he's willing to part with for $2. (First seen on Fast Company).

2. Mail, but not as you know it

I've been decorating more mail packages, sending my book Airmail out to you lovely folk all over the world. Here are some of the latest decorated packages, on English Muse. Did you get yours yet? I'm a bit behind because of all the Christmas chaos, but I promise that if you've subscribed and asked for a book, I'll write to you as soon as possible. (Also a special message to Annie: I LOVED your email! I've sent you a book but I will write back properly, soon. xo)

UPDATE 5 July 2014: as of today I have run out of copies of Airmail to send you. However I would still love to send you something nice by snail-mail to say thank you for reading this blog, and I will still do my best to make it look pretty. If you have subscribed to this blog (or you want to), simply fill in your postal details on this page. And if you’re still keen to read Airmail, there’s a list of stockists here.

3. Miniature green worlds

I put out some fairly strong hints that I'd like a terrarium for Christmas. But given that I was recently asked "which item of clothing do you like most, jeans or shirts?" in a nonchalant manner while out shopping together, I won't hold my breath. In my old home town, Sydney, the Council has teamed up with Etsy to create a cute little tutorial on making a terrarium. So maybe I'll get brave and create my own. (Photo credit: incredible artsy terrarium with the house from Beetlejuice, by Face of the Earth on Etsy).

4. Sidewalk secrets

In pursuit of... what? Click here to find out.

5. On mothers and honey

Earlier this year, two of my favourite writers on the Internet, Gill Harrison and Karen Charlton, took stock of their own blogs, creative writing and families, and decided to team up and write together on Karen's reworked blog, Rhythm & Method. If you like wise words beautifully put, this is the place to visit.

Looking in the mirror the other day, I touched the fine lines that were appearing all-too-readily around my eyes (hastened, no doubt, by months on end of broken sleep). I winced at the pimples that had appeared a couple of weeks ago, another fun postpartum hormonal symptom. I poked at my jiggly arms and belly and legs, none of which represented the toned and trim me I still imagine I am in my head (until I look in a mirror or try to zip up my jeans). Overcome with self-loathing, I wondered if Madeleine would find me beautiful when she was older, or if I would embarrass her.

It was in such a mood that I read this post on Reclaiming the beauty in motherhood, by Gill. Thank you, Gill, this was exactly what I needed to hear.