roman holiday

Our hotel in Rome was a slice of roman heaven. Tucked away on the north side of Trastevere, steps from the river Tiber. You couldn't want for more a tranquil place to rest.  The Gran Meliá Rome Hotel is one of those places you don't want to leave. The staff don't miss a beat, they are friendly, extremely helpful and have a lovely sense of humour. Every experience they recommended couldn't have been more perfect. They have the best of Rome at just a phone call and it's not your run of the mill tourist expeditions.

The elegance of the hotel is noted everywhere, historic yet modern. The building is the authentic Villa Agrippina, which once belonged to the Roman empress, mother of the Roman Emperor Nero. Yet inside it is so elegantly modern, from the egg shell baths to the Nespresso facilities.What's more you're only 5 minutes walk from Vatican City and Saint Peters Basilica and if you spend a day in the Vatican State, which most visitors do by the end you are absolutely exhausted and an urban retreat is just what your bodies are commanding. This hotel was a gem. We couldn't recommend it more.

All images via Gran Melia Rome website.

pool of paradise

The heavenly pool at our farmhouse/villa in Poreta, Umbria, Italy. Every detail is simple, elegant and fits together perfectly. It's natural. As if it was built by their ancestors in a way. And is meant to be there, tucked into the landscape. For you Frannie.

sofitel rome villa borghese

Our first night in Rome, we stayed here at the Sofitel Villa Borghese. I found a fabulously cheap deal on bookings.com and this was worth every cent. It felt more like a boutique hotel, the service was absolutely impeccable and every room was a treasure, the guest rooms were so spacious I couldn't believe we were in a hotel in Rome. A 5 star hotel at its best. Pure Luxe. We took photos, however they really didn't turn out very well with the light. The bottom image is their rooftop bar and restaurant and yes that is Saint Peter's Basilica you can see in the distance. It was breathtaking. To top it all off, when we arrived in our room from our 20 something hour flight there was a lovely handwritten (i must highlight handwritten) card waiting for us that read like so:
Dear Mr & Mrs C, 
We welcome you to The Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. The whole team will remain at your entire disposal to answer every request you may have and wishes you a wonderful stay in The "Eternal City". Yours Sincerely, Manateressa Sesto
I have to say this hotel ticked all the boxes and more for me. I'll be back for sure. Fingers crossed.

Image 1, Image 2,  Image 3

earthy displays of love

I think Joslyn Taylor of Simple Lovely blog has such gorgeous earthy style. These photos of her home capture her creativity perfectly. She is so clever at creating little pockets of beauty by gathering her keepsakes and displaying them with what appear to be found objects - shells and stones, bits of sun-stripped wood, plant cuttings and flower buds in glass bottles. I've been looking for inspiration to decorate up high since my baby is on the move. All things within his reach have been cleared so our home is looking pretty bare/boring from my belly height down. I need to get inspired to decorate our walls, tables and shelves and these photos are just the ticket.

GUEST POST by Frances

Images by Manny Rodriguez

easter bunnies

I always love a little visit to eat drink chic, Amy Moss never ceases to amaze me with her artistic talents, I love everything she does.

oh my goodness I can't stop

Source: Uploaded by user via Rachel on Pinterest

Source: coolchicstyle.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Source: blogthedaydreamer.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest

More gorgeousness from want a cookie.

sweet paree

This incredible loft in Paris is breathtaking. I discovered it on my adored style files blog. Apparently located in the 20th Arrondissement. I love the raw, yet homely feel to it. Ooooo I'm excited about looking for a new house. What do you think? this can be created in Brisbane.

dodo

I can't wait until our new ipad case arrives. My mum bought the pink, I bought the blue, I do after all share "the" ipad with my hubby, I figured he wouldn't be overexcited with a pretty pink case.
the dodo ipad case from Rushfaster.

doily love

Pretty, pretty, pretty - homemade lanterns. I'm so sorry I cannot find where I found these, but where ever it was I want them.

blue love

Ok I have to officially stop stalking Style Files, I can't help myself every time I pop on her blog I'm transfixed. I was having an indigo blue moment and found this post. Photo 1 featured in Martha Stewart Living, Photo 2 from Coterie and Photo 3 by Covet Garden Design Magazine, image by Tracy Shumate.

ms g's

Ms G's in Potts Point, Sydney is a fabulous new restaurant/bar designed by Sibella Court. They offer asian fusion delicious eats and kooky cocktails, with - for a nice change - the most agreeable and pleasant bar staff.
Image 1 via, Image 2 via

summer house

Another post from Style Files I couldn't help sharing with you. How heavenly is this house, a Scandinavian dream.  images via johanna ekmark.

yummy apartment

Dreaming. I could see myself living in an apartment like this. via Fantastic Frank

reindeer hugs

I always drop by eatdrinkchic for creative inspiration. Today I'm wrapping Christmas presents. I absolutely love wrapping Christmas presents, mainly because I know the excitement I get when I see loved ones opening them, hmmm and of course when I'm opening them myself. I'm currently cutting out these gift tags, cute as buttons, tartain and reindeer's, love them. Super easy to create. thanks Amy.

mud australia

I'm dreaming of mud australia, I have the most perfect pink salad platter gifted from a dear friend for our wedding. They have so many lovely pieces.

the gramercy hotel

Brunch on the terrace at the gramercy hotel with Mia. Visit to nyc not complete without brunch on the terrace, drinks at the bar or checking into the hotel in the lobby.
photo 1, 2, 3

pink parasols - a field journal

Olivia from a field journal recently made these cocktail umbrellas for Papermash and photographed them in a picnic style setting. On her blog she tells you how they come together simply with mini doilies, wooden skewers and a few other art supplies. How cute is she?!

Plus, Olivia went on a little road trip and captured these moments. How stunning and romantic.  Ok I have to stop stalking her.

a field journal

I simply love this little blog by Olivia Kanaley from San Diego. Super talented, so young and so creative. A recent graduate of UCLA who studied art history. Following this blog is a sweet pleasure.

my new inspiration love

I have a new love, fantasticfrank. A friend in NYC told me about this blog, I have finally started following, I'm addicted.

sarah walsh graphic design

I wish these were available in australia