Biking in Style

My very first blog post, nearly three years ago now, featured my beloved Hawaii 3 Speed Electra Cruiser. She is so beautiful - my husband (the mountain biking guru!) has tried to talk me into a smaller, faster bike, but there is now way, she's here to stay.




I initially fell in love with the Carrie Bicycle Basket, and bought that before I even owned a bike. Unfortunately, on a recent windy day, my bike was blown over and part of the Carrie basket snapped. The damage wasn't too bad, but it just doesn't sit securely on it's brackets anymore. So inside, as a magazine holder, it has come.



The key to riding a 3 speed cruiser is stick to mostly flat terrain, and make sure there are some favourite cafes on route. For this you need somewhere to store your wallet, keys, phone, lipgloss, and all other essentials. You can throw your favourite bag over your shoulder, but I prefer to ride unencumbered so have been searching for another alternative.


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My favourite so far is this cute handlebar bag from the Beatrice Holiday Etsy shop. It comes in a range of vintage fabric and there is even a matching seat cover if you want (I have a cool leather seat, so I don't want to cover that up).





On my travels to find the bag I came across so many cool biking accessories. I say, if you're going biking you may as well do it in style!


mobile phone bike mount | swing basket | nutcase pink cheetah helmet 
bike wine holder | double bike bag | hawaii handlebar mirror


And if I didn't already have an awesome bike, this gorgeous gold polka dot, limited edition Karen Walker bike would be at the top of my list.


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If you're a social biker like me, and know of any other cute bike bags I might like, I'd love to hear from you. Enjoy your weekend and happy biking.

Treasure your Memories

The rooms and interiors that I am most drawn to are those that tell a story. Layers of memories that have been collected over time to create a space unique to you.


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If you are fortunate enough to travel, especially to countries with different cultures, be sure to bring home treasures that will remind you of your adventures. But if trips abroad are not on your agenda right now, we are lucky enough to have some incredible online shops that specialise in such pieces. Fenton & Fenton in Melbourne is the result of Lucy Fenton's desire to combine her love of travel with her passion for unusual homeware.






Sibella Court is well known for her travels to terrains less trodden, many that are documented in her series of beautiful books. Her shop The Society Inc. is home to an abundance of curiosities and treasures found overseas.





Anna Spiro is a super talented interior designer whom I admire greatly. Her shop Black & Spiro has a collection of gorgeous wares from all over the world.



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These are three of my most favourite shops, all based in Australia, but all available to us by way of their websites. If you want unique pieces from New Zealand shops try Republic Home for a gorgeous, eclectic collection; So Vintage who specialise in vintage and industrial pieces from France and Europe; and of course, at Cush & Nooks we have a range of stunning kantha quilts and kantha mini poufs. Find pieces you love and build your own memories around them.

Character Filled Dutch Apartment

Let's kick this year off with my favourite kind of post - a house tour. I love seeing how others create their sanctuaries - it's the best way to get inspired. This beautiful studio apartment is located in Larens, Holland. Clean white walls and contrasting dark floorboards throughout provide the perfect base. They have then layered simple, beautiful furniture pieces on top, all with a gorgeous earthy, rustic feel.







The colour palette of golden browns and tealy blues is simply divine. So pretty, and using subtle, slightly muddy colours is a great way to introduce colour to your home if you don't love bright, intense colours as much.






I'm definitely not a minimalist, but I don't do clutter either. This home has just the right amount of 'bits & pieces' to make it homely, without feeling too busy. Everything has a place and a purpose, even if it's purpose is just to look good! What about you?... are you a 'less is more' sort of person when it comes to decorating, or do you like to be surrounded by lots of treasures?