That time of day..

Around this time every afternoon I get a sugar craving. I am trying to be good so I have nothing sweet in the house to tempt me.

I was just catching up on my blogs and came across this on DustJacket Attic

This Chocolate cake looks so delicious....so rich and sumptuous...my mouth is watering!

Image via DustJacket Attic via Tide & Thyme

Jx

Dreaming of Venice..

Image: Jessica Flett

I am currently going through our photos and putting together some photo books. I have most of our photos in albums but they can be quite big and bulky. I did a photo book of our wedding at the end of last year and I'm really happy with it. I gave one to each set of parents for Christmas...so they make great presents too. They look great on your bookshelf or on display. You have design control and it's lovely to look through the glossy pages of a book.

It's a long process and I'm taking my time as there's no rush.

I have just been looking at our trip a couple of years ago to Italy and thought I would share some of the photos from Venice with you...

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Meet Tex.

Growing up on a farm we had working dogs. Dad's work dogs of choice are the Kelpie. They are a lovely natured (in my experience) dog. 


My family were at a regional country show recently for work. On their wanderings around they found a toy for my little man they couldn't resist....


Meet Tex.....

Image: Jessica Flett

He is a Kelpie just like 'Pa's' dogs. All weekend Dad was walking around saying to Harry. 'Sit Tex!', 'Get up Tex', Come behind Tex' it was very sweet to see and thankfully the little man quite likes his little dog.


On our last trip home to the farm Harry was fascinated with the dogs and vice versa. This photo shows you what I mean.

Image: Jessica Flett

Here are a couple of photos of Dad's dog Bosca, to show you how gorgeous the Kepie breed is.

Image: Jessica Flett

Image: Jessica Flett

Do you think they're gorgeous too?

Jx

You're never too old to need your parents...

Image: Craven Images

Sorry for my absence but we have been under siege.....attacked by the nasty gastro bug that's currently doing the rounds here in Sydney.


I came down with it late Friday, within 4 hours of my parents arriving for the weekend. My parents live on a farm in Central West NSW and came down to visit their Grandson (his parents too..) Well...the poor things, they didn't bargain on a sick daughter and then a sick Grandson.


I felt terrible for ruining their weekend but I was also relieved to have them in town to help my husband with all the work of looking after two sick people. 


Mum and Dad were great sports and a terrific help to my husband who is an absolute angel!! He was a superstar and took care of everything. Touch wood he has escaped the nasty bug. Mum and Dad weren't so lucky and came down with it when they arrived home on Sunday night. Thankfully they are on the mend and feeling much better.


A huge thank you and all my love to the three of you for your help and care.


It just goes to show...you are never too old to need your parents.


I hope all of you are keeping well and those of you who've had this bug...you know what I'm talking about...it's a nasty one!

Jx

Chan Luu....How fabulous!!

I just found these on net-a-porter and had to show you.....

Aren't they terrific? They are by a designer called Chan Luu. Would love to know if you agree.


If you like them as much as I do....you can find them here.


I'm also loving Chan's Gold-vermeil and leather five-wrap bracelet

and.....her fabulous Cashmere and Silk-blend scarves.

For more Chan Luu check out her website here....


I can't pick just one......what are your favourites?

Jx

The Great Gatsby...

The trailer looks terrific. I can't wait to go see it when it comes out at the end of the year. I love Baz Luhrmann movies and I'm hoping The Great Gatsby will be no exception.


I haven't read The Great Gatsby since school so I'm off to read it again. 


I would love to hear what you think of the trailer....will you be going to see it when it comes out? and like me, will you read the book again before going to see it?

Jx

Sniffles and Coughs...

Image: Jessica Flett

A late night last night (after a beautiful anniversary dinner), coupled with a sick baby and feeling sick myself equals a very slow day.

The little man is sleeping so I'm taking the chance to chill out and enjoy my Amazon book arrival. I am so excited to have these books and I promise to tell you about them later.

I hope you're all having a good day.

Jx

P.S The beautiful roses in this photo are from my gorgeous husband for our anniversary. He arrived home from work with them last night. He earned serious brownie points!

Second Wedding Anniversary

My Bridal Bouquet
Image: Craven Images

Today is our 2nd Wedding Anniversary.

The last two years have gone very quickly and they have, hands down, been the best years of my life.

I am very lucky to be married to a man who is wonderfully supportive, loving and fun. He is an excellent Father to our little man.

Watching him with our son and seeing how much they adore each other has been one of the most thrilling things I have ever felt.

Together we have a lot of laughs. That was one of the first things I liked about him...he made me laugh.

We have our moments like every couple, born out of fatigue and general frustration, but we always come out the other side with a smile on our face.

I was sitting here a moment ago looking through our Wedding photos. It was the most amazing day! Our Wedding day was everything I dreamt and hoped it would be and more.

We are going out to dinner tonight to celebrate. I am really looking forward to it. Moments together like these are not very often these day so nights like tonight are all the more special.

Wedding Cake by Samantha Joel of All Courses Catering
Image: Craven Images

Oh the muscle soreness......

Source: Pinterest

Saturday was my first proper training session since having a baby (who is now 10 months old) In fact it's really my first full on training session since falling pregnant (I walked and did pregnancy pilates throughout my pregnancy and have walked, done a few light training sessions and some pilates since having our little man). Oh the pain both during and after the session!!


I need help loosing the last few kilos of baby weight and trying to get back some semblance of fitness. So I have started back group training with my old trainer who is really good and a nice guy to boot. I started training with him 3 years ago and was successful in shedding 7kgs and being the fittest I have ever been. I am hoping by working with him again I can do the same.


The challenge this time around is being the most unfit I have ever been and finding the time to train. 


My trainer said the first session is always the hardest and he wasn't wrong. I really noticed the toll having a baby takes on your body and fitness. Fitness is such an unforgiving thing. It takes a long time to build up and seemingly half that time to loose it. I made it through the session and even managed a weak smile at the end but not since morning sickness did I feel that sick. 


My goodness, the muscle soreness!! It hurts to do everything. As much as it hurts it's also a good feeling because I know I have worked hard and hopefully, if I can keep it up, I will see results.


I just need to get my diet under control too. Since having our little man I have definitely not been as disciplined with my diet as I once was. 


It's all a work in progress and I hope I will succeed. 


Wish me luck!


I would love to hear how any of you have gone about loosing any unwanted kilos or just wanted to increase your fitness.

Jx

Happy Friday

Source: Here

Happy Friday all.....I hope everyone has had a lovely week. It has been a busy week, between getting quotes for some small projects here and overseeing a facelift for my parents' rental property we have had a few things on.


We have house and garden work ahead of us this weekend. What does everyone else have on? Nice, relaxing plans I hope.


Here are some fun things I found whilst looking around the net this week....


Love these personalised family portraits....


The Duchess of Cambridge, stunning in teal


Cute baby boy fun


A Wedding cake to match the Bride's dress...gorgeous


Nautical birthday party invites.. 


Degas...I could look at his work every day of the week and twice on Sunday.


Dreaming of your perfect luxury honeymoon

Jx

A pile of reading..

Image: Jessica Flett

I have a pile of reading that I'm dying to get through. I'm hoping to find a quiet moment this afternoon to sit down and catch up on my reading. It is a diverse pile of magazines. Amongst it all is Instyle, UK House & Garden, Little One Baby, Practical Parenting, Vogue & Home Beautiful. I can't wait for the next edition of Veranda and Elle Decor to arrive. My weekend guilty pleasure is OK magazine.


What are your favourite reads and do you have a guilty pleasure read like me?

Jx

That's not my dinosaur...

Source: Here

Our Son loves the Usborne touchy-feely books. His favourite is 'That's not my dinosaur...' They are terrific tactile books and there are lots of them to choose from. Our little man has several of them and I just love when he gets them out of his toy box, brings them over and holds them up for us to read them to him. He gets so excited and I really love how much he enjoys books. I highly recommend them. I have found they are readily available in book stores and toy stores. If looking to purchase them on line here is one of the places you can find them.


Here is a photo of our little man enjoying one of the books....'That's not my Teddy..'

Image: Jessica Flett

I hope your little one enjoys the books as much as ours.

Jx

My latest beauty obsession

Source: Here

I am besotted with Christian Dior's Creme de Rose lip balm. It smells beautiful. I love the scent of roses so it's right up my alley. It really does soften and smooth your lips. Previously I have only had luck with Blistex and Paw Paw ointment so I am very excited to have found this one and added it to my collection. 


The gorgeous packaging is a definite added bonus too.


I bought mine at David Jones but I have found some places on line here and here.


Enjoy!

Jx 

First Post

Image - Jessica Flett

Hi - I am venturing into the world of blogging. I am unsure about it but am giving it a go. I'm looking forward to learning more about it and watching 'A little part of the world' take form. I am hoping the things I'm interested in (photography, fashion, interior design, motherhood and life in general) are interesting to you.

Blank Canvas

Image - Jessica Flett

I am a total novice when it come to gardening! 


I am diving in head first. 


We are in the process of ripping out most of our garden to give ourselves a blank canvas. It is a total mess at the moment but I know it will not stay that way for long.


I am in the thick of researching options, thinking about and visualising what we want to do. On the weekend we took a trip to the nursery to have a look around. What we went there thinking, we are still thinking, so that's positive. 


I am completely in love with Gardenias and I am so excited to put lots of them in the garden. 

Happy Friday

Source: Here

Have a great weekend everyone......I'm looking forward to two quiet days with my boys.


Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers and soon to be Mothers out there.....I hope you are showered with love and appreciation by your nearest and dearest.


Here are some things I found whilst looking on the net today I thought you might like to see.


The fabulous Carla Coulson photographs Milan for Gourmet Traveller. Some must see and do tips.


Vicki Archer of French Essence - her terrific new website


Dreaming about Capri


Craving this....Macaroni and cheese


Cute pinky ring...


Beautiful baby photos on a beach


Book of names and faces....want to one of these for my little man


Never be lost for words again when writing thank you notes.....


Great way to organise your drawer full of loose take away menus


Beautiful newborn baby present

First Steps

Source: Here

Our little man took his first step yesterday at 10 months and 3 days which was very exciting. He has been threatening to walk for a couple of weeks now and he is still a couple of weeks away from walking solidly but we are very excited and proud none the less. First steps are a huge milestone. 

Jx

Milk Baby - Snotty Grotty

Source: here

My darling son was very lucky to receive a bottle of snotty grotty by Milk baby from a very dear friend of mine for Christmas last year. I have since fallen in love with this product and use it every night. Milk Baby was created by Lindy Klim, wife of husband Michael Klim who created the Milk range of skincare products for men. Lindy has created the Milk baby skincare range based on all natural ingredients suitable for the very sensitive skin of babies and centred around enhancement of wellbeing.


On their website they describe how and when to use snotty grotty;

If your baby has the sniffles & sneezes grab your snotty grotty room spray, stop praying and start spraying. Relief has arrived. Snotty grotty room spray helps to clear your baby’s nasal passage, ensuring that they can get a good night’s sleep, without nasty sniffles or sneezes.

Earlier in the new year our little man had a case of the sniffles so I started using snotty grotty. I believe it helped him settle to sleep when he was congested with the sniffles. I have been using it ever since as I love the smell of it and when he has the sniffles again it will help clear his nose and thus help him sleep better whilst he gets rid of the cold. 

Paris in Colour - Win a signed copy

Source: Here

Head over to Nichole Robertson's Little Brown Pen Facebook page for your chance to win a signed copy of her new book Paris in Colour. I have mentioned her book here previously and am looking forward to receiving my copy. I love her work and always look forward to seeing her lovely photos of Paris.

To enter the competition all you need to do is share and or comment on her post. Good luck!! 

Jx

Mothers Day Gift Ideas

This is my first Mothers Day and I can't wait to spend the day chilling out with my gorgeous husband and our beautiful 10 month old son.


Being a Mother is a wonderful, tough, tiring, rewarding, exciting, challenging, consuming, special job. I am very blessed to have a healthy and bright little boy who is so much fun. I am so lucky I get to spend my days hanging out with him.


This runs the risk of sounding very cheesy but everyday feels like Mothers day as my husband is so supportive and wonderful with me and our Son. He is very good at letting me know he thinks I'm a good Mother and happy with how we are raising our son. I think every Mother would agree - you can never hear that too much!


When he asked me what I would like for Mothers Day I had to put some thought into it. I am sharing some of my ideas as I thought I may not be the only person trying to think of a present to get the Mothers in their life......


A notebook and pen for the many notes and things we have to keep track of. I love Kikki-K so anything from there thrills me but this in particular caught my eye

Source: Here

Bookends from Domayne. I saw these the other day and thought they are perfect. They are neutral and smart and would suit any home.

Source: Here

Any book by photographer Mario Testino but in particular;

Source: Here

Source: Here

A subscription to Veranda magazine. So beautifully put together and a wonderful source of home decorating ideas.

Source: Here

As mentioned here on the blog already, some mugs from Anthropologie. They are all so pretty and colourful any would be lovely but I do like these;

Source: Here

I love these Santos Wish bracelets. These are the perfect meaningful gift that can be taylor made to your personal preference. I would love several in different colour with different saints. 

Source: Here

Candles, I love them and have them all throughout the house. My favourites at the moment are; Figuier by White Home, Figuier by Diptique and Living Room (Fresh cut Gardenia) by Lafco. I adore these miniatures by Diptique and would love to have the choice of which one to burn based on my mood at the time and what I want to smell the most.

Source: Here

I love photos and just discovered Polaroid have a new digital camera out. It has a built in printer and the size of the photos are more in line with the original polaroid size. I also love that you can connect the printer to your computer and print any photo you have out on the polaroid size. There's just so much fun to be had.

Source: Here