Nice Xmas Decorations

It's the MOST wonderful TIME of the year! Which must mean that we need to talk about CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS. Here are a few of my favourites. I personally like a mix of fun, classy AND cute. I get a real Christmas tree every year because otherwise it just doesn't smell like Christmas.... 

No. 1
BJöRN KöHLER deliver my absolute FAVOURITES. I have lots of these guys and one day I plan to have the whole nativity set. They are handmade in Germany and I absolutely L-O-V-E them. They remond me of how lucky I am to have travelled the world, and I love that someone has lovingly crafted them.
Santa Claus carrying an axe and a Christmas tree
image cred: http://www.erzgebirgepalace.com/

No. 2.
COUNTRY ROAD have a whole range of gorgeous, classy xmas decorations that would suit any modern home. If this isn't a classy stocking, I don't know what is. 
Issi Knit Stocking
https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/seasonal-events/decorations

No. 3. 
PAPAYA is and Australian homewares store that does the most wonderful job of curation and stocking beautiful wares. Their Christmas decorations range from understated to off-the-charts-cute  but these baubles combine two of my favourite things: rose gold and black in the most deliciously minimal of ways.
Cinnamon round & tall glass baubles black wth painted copper edge
image cred: http://papaya.com.au/Categories/Christmas/Christmas-Decorations

No. 4.
THE YARN KITCHEN. No words. Handmade felted PLANTERS that are so cute it would be hard to only just use them at Christmas. You can grab these guys at their etsy store (link below... and they do also do non-christmas versions too!)
Rudy the red nosed reindeer planter
https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/theYarnKitchen?ref=l2-shopheader-name

Nice Botanical Illustrators

I am SUCH a fan of Mother Nature (she constantly inspires me) and lately, I keep seeing the most gorgeous botanical illustrators. Probably because I've been making a lot of artworks out of pressed flowers. But there's something equally lovely about painters and photographers and their take on Mother nature too. I have a whole pinterest board devoted to "floral art", partly because I've been fortunate enough to work as a Design Director for several natural brands.

No. 1
WHAT I SEE WHAT I RUN is possibly a self explanatory concept! Obviously when Francis Ooi goes for a "run" he's doing more walking than running, because he finds the most beautiful specimens to take home and photograph. I have been such a fan for so long! I like his titles also.
Empress (Crysanthemum)
image cred: http://whatiseewhenirun.tumblr.com/

No. 2.
CHARLOTTE DAY combines two of my favourite things: type and nature. Perfect for a children's gift!
Floral letter print
http://charlottedaydesign.com/shop/

No. 3. 
LIVING PATTERN by Jenny Kiker is just so outrageously stunning. Hey watercolour illustrations are intricate but confident and vinrant. Love their frames too. SO up my alley! 
Monstera and Pine Fern Species Prints
livingpattern.net/

No. 4.
MARGOT HUPERT ART makes art that is refined, elegant and breathtaking.
Ferns 50x70cm
http://www.margohupert.pl/

Nice Bikinis

It's OFFICIALLY SUMMER (in Australia, anyway!) WoooooHooo! What is it about Summer that always puts a spring in your step? I am constantly grateful that I am SO lucky to live by the ocean and get my daily dose of vitamin sea. Just the smell of the salty air makes EVERYTHING better. Always. So here's a list of my fave bikini's that I've seen around-town of late. 

No. 1
MILÈA are doing the most gorgeous 'jungle prints' this season and I cannot get enough of it. Love the fresh green and cheeky palm fronds.
St Tropez U Wire Bandeau
image cred: http://www.sunburnswimwear.com.au

No. 2.
SEAFOLLY can never do any wrong. My collection is made up of a fair few seafolly numbers. They last well, and their cuts are awesome. I love the balance of this cut – the 'racer' style functional straps, with the frilliness and cute bow on the bottom. Heaven.
Shimmer Action Back Tri
https://http://www.seafolly.com.au/swimwear

No. 3. 
BILLABONG won me over instantly with the contrast of feminine fun florals and strong graphic print. Swooning over this reversible print big time.
Sea Dreams Reversible Isla
image cred: http://au.billabong.com/shop/product/swimwear/sea-dreams-isla-p

No. 4.
KOOKAI proves that sometimes simplicity is best. You'll usually find me at the beach, but if I'm sipping cocktails by the pool anytime maybe I'll need this little number.
Bella Frill Bandeau
https://www.kookai.com.au/collections/swimwear/products/bella-frill-bandeau-white

Nice Notes

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There is (without a doubt) NOTHING better than a good notebook. I always have multiples on-the-go. I'm a big believer of working things out on paper before hopping on a computer. It's a different way of thinking and good for the brain. I also think in words and ideas before I do in visual approach, so I need to always have a good notebook on-hand.

No. 1
KIKKI K prove that the simplicity of geometrics can be all that a girl needs. I love the accessibility of all that they do and loving the relevancy and beauty of their current 'pause' campaign. 
A4 Essential Notebook 3PK: Pause
image cred: http://www.kikki-k.com/a4-essential-notebook-3pk-pause

No. 2.
BLACKLIST STUDIO make me so happy. I have so many of their Sydney-based prints in my home. Their mix of graphics and beach prints are me-to-a-tea.
Make It Happen Notepad
https://www.blackliststore.com.au/product

No. 3. 
JASMINE DOWLING is such a talented typographer with many beautiful brand affiliations. Her use of mono-chromatic palettes and confident effortless style is so stunning.
Notepad 3 Pack
image cred: http://jasminedowling.com/shop/notepad-3-pack

No. 4.
RIFLE PAPER CO. are fun and floral and bright and happy.... These are a few of my of my favourite things.
Everyday Journal Evelina Smyth Sewn Journal
https://riflepaperco.com/shop/journals

Nice Scarves

I am SUCH a scarf person. As far as I am concerned, they are the ultimate accessories and this week I am focussing on a combo of warmer and lightweight ones... because the Summer MUST be coming sometime soon, right?! 

No. 1
ALESANDRO LJUBICIC is a Sydney-based artist that makes the most expressive and textural and colourful paintings. Swoon. I could get lost in his paintings for hours. This scarf features one of is works and almost makes it feel like it is dancing.
Magnolia Scarf
image cred: http://michaelreidmurrurundi.com.au/shop/collect/alesandro-ljubicic-magnolia-scarf/

No. 2.
MARIMEKKO can, in my opinion, do nothing wrong. I have their prints on my wall and their homewares in my cupboards. Love this version of their famous Unikko Flower by Maija ja Kristina Isola
Mai Scarf
image cred: https://www.marimekko.com/au_en/043786-160-mai-scarf

No. 3. 
CALVIN KLEIN always get monochrome right. Want. 
Calvin Klein Scarf black
image cred: https://www.fashiola.co.uk/women/accessories/scarves

No. 4.
COUNTRY ROAD always have scarves at just the right size and the Winter ones are delightfully light but warm. Love the understated tonality of this navy one.
Bold Stripe Scarf Navy
image cred: https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/woman/accessories/scarves

Nice Gardening Tools

There is something oh-so beautiful about an "ordinary" object being reimagined so that it turns an every day routine into a beautiful ritual. I love looking after my plants - nurturing them and seeing them grow with some Kate-love. And I'm coveting every one of these gardening tools below.

No. 1
The TAJIKA family has been producing handcrafted scissors and shears in Japan for over four generations.
Flower Scissors by Tajika
image cred: http://tortoisegeneralstore.com/online_store/tools

No. 2.
GRAFA makes the most elegant range of artisnal gardening tools I have ever seen. The owner (Travis) was inspired by the Austrian naturalist movement that found benefits of using copper tools in soil and agriculture.
Tube - Handmade copper garden trowel
image cred: http://www.grafa.com.au/products/handmade-copper-garden-tool
 

No. 3. 
EMMA SADIE THOMPSON know exactly how to treat Mother Nature right. 
Haws Indoor Watering Can Copper
image cred: http://emmasadiethomson.com.au/shop/haws-indoor-watering-can-copper

No. 4.
Sold at TERRAIN, these misters are so delicate and gorgeous, to keep your plants feeling hydrated and happy.
Brass Plant Mister
image cred: http://www.shopterrain.com/garden-tools-watering/brass-plant-mister

Totes Nice

Have you noticed how in the last few years tote bags have become COOL? Pretty much a staple for me (especially on the weekends when I like to bounce from one market to another!)   

No. 1
THE BEACH PEOPLE win my heart every time. Their first product launch saw the "roundie" towels have every success globally, but I can't get enough of their tote bags either. This is my absolute go-to and I use it ALL the time.
palm jute bag
image cred: http://thebeachpeople.com.au/

No. 2.
THREE FOLD STUDIO make the most gorgeous hand-made product. A Melbourne brand that is sure to be on the rise.
short shift tote - blush
image cred: http://www.threefoldmelbourne.com/

No. 3. 
RIEGEL GOODS COMPANY is a gorgeous etsy brand. They make their wears in many colours, but I like this mix of fluro and natural (life's about balance, right!?)
waxed canvas tote bag with leather straps
image cred: https://www.etsy.com

No. 4.
UASHMAMA uses washable paper and truly makes my heart swoon. I could happily buy one of EVERYTHING in this store. I bought a friend's birthday present there recently and took about an hour in-store trying to decide which piece I loved the best. So. Good. Looooove their rose gold stuff especially.
carry bag rose
image cred: https://www.uashmama.com.au

Nice Signature Scent

Lately, I've been feeling a bit nostalgic and have been reminiscing about the past. It's funny how a fragrance can instantly remind you of a past friend, boyfriend, holiday or time. Do you wear the same perfume all year long, or do you change with the seasons, or your mood? I change with all of the above, as well as for any drool-worthy packaging. Feel free to judge me.   ; )  

No. 1
STELLA McCARTNEY obviously bears no introduction. I initially bought this because I was in love with the packaging, but it soon became my Winter go-to. I stock up on the rollerball every time I'm at the airport, too.
Stella Eau de Parfum
image cred: http://http://www.escentual.com/

No. 2.
ISSEY MIYAKE knows the way to a girl's heart. I may or may not have fallen in love with this due to their campaign. L-O-V-E.
Issey Miyake Pleats Please Eau de Toilette
image cred: http://www.escentual.com/

No. 3. 
CALVIN KLEIN makes Summer smell like Summer. Love that their scents are unisex. This year it was inspired by a Summer adventure in the jungle... Refreshing, rebellious and citrus. COME BACK SUMMER! 
ck one Summer
image cred: http://www.hyggeandwest.com/products/pineapple-ebony

No. 4.
ELIE SAAB is always on my dresser. I'm all about fresh scents and it's my absolute staple. But it's floral and not too citrusy. Yes.
Elie Saab Eau de Parfum
image cred: http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/

Nice Walls

I actually love wallpaper SO much it's not even funny. When I own my own home one day, I'll probably wallpaper every room in the house. I'm not sure if it's the symmetry, or the pattern, or just the creativity that I'm so drawn to. Although I think (like in my top-four examples), it's the combination of beauty and personality that gets me. Swoon.

No. 1
JUSTINA BLAKENEY designs jungalicious goods for home and life. Palm print for the win. (probably good for the non-green thumbs).
AJA (teal) 
image cred: http://www.hyggeandwest.com/products/aja-teal

No. 2.
JUJU PAPERS makes handmade wallpaper that is truly to die for. Totally swooning over this rose gold number.
Ibo - Rose Gold on Cream
image cred: http://jujupapers.com/collections

No. 3. 
RIFLE PAPER creates plant-loving illustration beauty on whatever it touches. I have this wallpaper in the panels of a sideboard in my living room. Makes my heart smile. Aloha.
Pineapple (Ebony) Metallic ScreenPrinted
image cred: http://www.hyggeandwest.com/products/pineapple-ebony

No. 4.
JUJU PAPERS... Yes I put in 2 of their papers. Because I love them ALL. I totally have a sample of this in my "art drawer". So badly want to cover a wall in it one day... 
Sisters of the Sun - Gold on Charcoal
image cred: http://jujupapers.com/collections

Nice Weaves

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE... which makes me want to hang amazing tactile weaves on the wall and snuggle under beautiful handcrafted knits. I love how everything old becomes new again. Makers gonna make – and it's awesome to see the rise of some pretty extraordinarily inspiring creatives.

No. 1.
NATALIE MILLER teaches macrame & weaving globally, and makes the most insanely beautiful pieces of her own in the Southern Highlands in Australia.
Double Weave
image cred: http://http://www.nataliemillerdesign.com/

No. 2.
LOOPYMANGO sells chunky knits, but also lets you snap up the their Merino big yarn wool, so you can also DIY yourself. The perfect Winter project.
Montauk Throw
image cred: http://loopymango.com/

No. 3. 
MARYANNE MOODIE is a fibre obsessed maker from Australia who now resides in NYC.
Artwork name unknown
image cred: http://maryannemoodie.com/

No. 4.
LAUREN WILLIAMS makes dip-dyed tapestries in Texas. Love.
etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BOHObyLAUREN