Nina's Style

You may remember in my first Favourite Finds post here, I told that you that I have only recently become hooked on the Aussie TV programme Offspring. It's not just the crazy and hilarious family drama that takes place every episode, I absolutely love the style of the main character Nina.

The home she shares with partner, Patrick, is an amazing converted warehouse. In real life it's owned by Melbourne-based artist Adriane Strampp, and has been featured in the July/August 2013 issue of Inside Out magazine. The large rustic, industrial kitchen is flooded with light from those gorgeous windows.

The entrance is quite beautiful and grand in an old well-loved sort of way.

More fabulous light, and the artwork over the sofa is Ghost Garden (2010) by real owner, Adriane.

The art collection in Nina and Patrick's living room also belongs to Adriane. I love how it draws your eye up and away from the not-so-beautiful fireplace.

The home really is perfect for Nina's character - complex and beautiful, a little bit Boho.

The bedroom might just be my favourite room. The juxtaposition between the concrete wall and rough wood against the delicate patterns of the artwork and bedding. It's Patrick and Nina - don't you think?!

Pics via homelife | photography by Armelle Habib |  styling by Julia Green

And I also love Nina's quirky, Bohemian fashion style. That's one of the things I look forward to most each week - seeing what she's wearing. No matter what crazy situation she's in, she always looks fabulous in her trademark long scarf and brown leather boots.

Favourite Finds

This is the first of another new blog series - Favourite Finds. Once every week or two I'll be bringing you a selection of favourite things I've discovered - maybe a new website I've found, or a movie I've seen, a delicious recipe, or cool product... an eclectic collection. Hopefully there'll be something in there to inspire you to.

I've recently taken the Meat Free Monday pledge. The concept to cut meat out of your diet for one day a week is taking the world by storm, and little ole New Zealand is jumping on board. I quite regularly cook vegetarian meals for our family, so it won't be a hard concept for me at all, but I'm most excited to try the yummy recipes you can find on the website. Pop over and read all about why you should take the pledge with me.

Autumn fashion is hitting the shops already and my favourite label, Moochi, has lots of cool new stock to entice me. I have a long list, of course, but at the top are these awesome Lead Pants. Tapered at the ankle and with an elasticised waist they look really smart and super comfy - a brilliant combination!

I've just discovered the TV programme Offspring. I know what you're saying... "Where've you been?! Offspring has been around for ages!". Yes, I know we're about to start season 4 here in NZ, but before a few days ago I'd never watched an episode. Thanks to the wonder of TVNZ On Demand, I was able to watch the last three episodes of season 3 back-to-back on my iPad in bed. Now I can't wait for the new season to start so I can see more of the craziness and of course, Patrick - sigh!

I'm always happy to add another interior book to my collection, and I love the look of Creative Family Home. It addresses both the practical and decorative issues involved in creating a stylish home for your family, whether you've got one tiny baby, or a tribe of teenagers.

And last, but certainly not least, my favourite new find... get ready to have your heart wrenched! I follow an incredible instagram account called mommasgonecity. Owned by Jessica Shyba, her blog by the same name was initially started as a way to keep in touch with family when they moved from California to Manhattan. Jessica moved back to Santa Cruz, California with her husband, three adorable children, and their latest addition, a rescue puppy called Theo.

A very special bond has formed between Theo and Jessica's youngest child, Beau - there is nothing quite like the love between a boy and his dog. Read Jessica's full story here about how the pair became such close buddies, and how nap time is no longer Jessica's most productive time of day! She spends most of it watching this remarkable love story with her heart bursting. As a massive dog lover, this just makes me want to cry with joy! I'm a bit of a sook when it comes to animals, if you are too make sure you follow Theo and Beau's journey, as well as the rest of the family, on instagram.

The Home Journal

I'm really thrilled to be a part of, and share with you, a brand new online magazine called The Home Journal. It's going to be a fabulous and really valuable resource for home inspiration and modern lifestyle. Everything from interior design and architecture to food and holiday destinations. We'll bring you interviews with brilliantly creative people, and updates on hot new products and colour trends.

via

Let me tell you how The Home Journal has come about. Dani Wales has been catapulted into the limelight through her back-to-back appearances on The Block Australia. She and her partner Dan Reilly have been immersed in the world of renovations and interior design for the last one and half years, all while being filmed 24 hours a day with very little sleep - no easy feat! But it has given Dani a fast, and heavily concentrated introduction to interior design. With her fantastic style and great attention to detail, Dani is now excited to continue with her love of design. And so, The Home Journal was born!

It's fantastic to be a part of an amazing group of contributors from both Australia and New Zealand. I will be bringing a lot of New Zealand content to this publication, showcasing the major creative talent we have, and the beautiful locations we're so proud of. Make sure you come and visit, and while you're there, sign up to receive all the latest posts. Enjoy!

I'm taking a break over Easter to hang out with the whanau, but will back with you all on Tuesday. Happy Easter, and take it easy on the chocolate :)