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Happy New Year!

I just wanted to pop by quickly with a moodboard and wish you all a Happy New Year! I hope that you've been enjoying the festive season, and that you are as excited as I am about the year ahead. I have a great feeling about 2014...

Images via Pinterest

I'll be back to posting regularly on the blog as best I can from next week. If I miss a day here and there during the month of January please forgive me. Like many of you, I'll be doing the school holiday shuffle and attempting to sneak off to the beach as much as possible with the kids, while the sun shines!

Instagram | Ideas & Inspiration

I haven't had as much time as I'd like for Instagram over the last few weeks, but hopefully I get the chance to be a bit more snap-happy over the Christmas break! Here are some that I've taken lately.

I've picked out three feeds to show you today, all quite different but equally inspiring. The first is Kenziepoo by Rachelle Francey, the American blogger and magazine editor who has an amazing eye for Scandi design. I love her home and style, shown here in these photos. You may remember her daughter Kenzie's gorgeous bedroom from this recent post.

Growing up I dreamed of becoming a professional ballet dancer. I studied ballet and other forms of dance for 14 years, and after I left school I trained full time at the National Theatre Ballet School in Melbourne. Even though I ended up on a different path, I'm still passionate about ballet, dance and the arts in general, which you may have picked up from my Pinterest Dance board. I've been a fan of the Ballerina Project for a very long time, and when I joined Instagram, I started following them straight away.

An ongoing series of photographs created by photographer Dane Shitagi, the Ballerina Project is "not your typical dance photography, but an etching of a ballerinas heart and emotions." A striking contrast to seeing dancers on the stage, I love these urban backdrops and I'm constantly in awe at the beauty and talent. The Ballerina Project has a current following of over 157K on Instagram. Take a look at their amazing feed here (including lots of videos) and prepare to be wowed!

I'm loving the feed of Brie Stanley (@Beebees80) right now. A recent discovery, it is pure eye candy, featuring gorgeous day to day images of her work as a Sydney-based event stylist for Sugar Coated Events along with her three adorable children. A self-confessed 'Instagram girl' Brie has started sharing her love of photography by way of mini cards, which you can purchase here.

DIY Inspiration | MyDubio

I recently discovered the blog MyDubio, written by Joyce Croonen, a lovely young Dutch psychologist, who loves to share her passion for interior design, fashion and photography. She juggles blogging alongside her consultancy job, running her business, and writing a book, admitting to being more of a "workaholic and computer addict than a let’s-party-and-sleep-all-day kinda girl." Well good for her, I say! Especially with all the cool content she posts on her blog, including an impressive line up of DIY projects. If you love a clean, monochrome Scandi-style but struggle to find (or afford) homewares that you love, then you should follow along. You're bound to pick up some great ideas to help add those finishing touches to your home.

First up, I want to show you Joyce's walk in wardrobe. I have to admit that since moving into our new home, and unpacking the wardrobe, I haven't done very much at all to our walk-in, but this has inspired me! I'm adding it to my bookmarks, along with my Wardrobe Inspiration post I wrote earlier this year.

As much as I try to colour code my clothes, they always end up getting mixed up. This is perfection! I also love the Small Talk Print, marble paper covered storage boxes (see the DIY below), vintage industrial cabinet and hanging light cluster (also a DIY, seen here).

Simple and affordable, Joyce made this Magazine Holder from a rack that she bought for €10 from Gamma, a Dutch home improvement retailer.

Any mention of diamond-inspired homewares gets me excited, and these Clay Diamonds that Joyce made are awesome! See how to make them here.

Being that marble is another one of my obsessions, I've been lapping up all of the marble objects Joyce has cleverly created. Perfect for the home office or wardrobe (as shown above) these Marble Boxes are so easy to make. The DIY Marble Cage Lamp is another favourite.

These DIY Coasters would definitely come in handy over the festive season.

I think Joyce needs to make and sell these Painted Ombre Candles. I'd be her first customer! For her DIY on how to make your own candles, take a look here. The second image shows the Ombre Candles alongside her DIY Concrete Pyramid and Thrift-shop side table that she partly painted white.

For more of this DIY goodness, as well as interior design and fashion inspo, sign up to MyDubio on Bloglovin. I also recommend following Joyce on Instagram.

Pinterest | Picks & Peeks

Having recently interviewed Superette founder Rickie Dee, I was excited to see her stylish home featured in the latest issue of Homestyle. With a sneak peek over at Fancy I also saw these awesome images by photographer Duncan Innes popping up on Pinterest over the weekend.

Rickie showcases her cool style with pieces from the Superette Home range and pops of bright colour. I especially love the office moodboard and reindeer hide in the bedroom.

When I came across this next image of a hanging planter I had to find out more. The result of a collaboration between one of my favourite designers, Brooklyn-based Doug Johnston and Michigan-based photographer Debbie Carlos, the pair spent the summer creating a series of objects under the name 'Material Material'. By simply shipping each other raw materials for each other to use, they came up with some very cool designs, later shown at the San Francisco shop Little Paper Planes. The Hanging Planter which I love, was made out of a sheet of rubber sent from Doug to Debbie! See more of their creations over at Sight Unseen.

I frequently pin the work of Swedish interior stylist and photographer Daniella Witte, who I featured in this post. Her newly decorated courtyard apartment caught my eye with its bright and airy interior, and signature pared-back Scandi style. Located in the country, but still close to both Malmö and Copenhagen, it would make a lovely weekend escape. See more photos over on Daniella's blog.

Lighting is definitely one of my favourite elements of interior design and styling, and I love pinning new finds to my Lighting board. The unique range of Helix lights by Brooklyn-based lighting designer Bec Brittain is exquisite. Made from custom brass hardware and LED tubes, I love the ellipse white marble and cravat granite counterweights.

Finishing off with a couple of Pinterest moodboards, I can't resist using this first colour combination again and again. Featuring soft pinks and blush tones together with muted greys, the effect is so calming. Perfectly suited to my mood at the time, I was thankful when Friday came around last week, after a busy few days.

Summer appears to have arrived early here, and I was so excited to see the first signs of red appearing on our Pohutukawa tree and the sun shining all weekend. I also made sure I got in some much needed rest and relaxation, with a moodboard inspired by the adorable photo of a toddler and puppy sleeping, which I pinned straight to my Moments board.

Instagram | Ideas & Inspiration

In case you missed it, I posted the first of this Instagram series about a week ago, as a way of sharing my own feed, as well as those of some of my favourite instagrammers. I loved receiving feedback from those of you who are on Instagram, and I hope that it may encourage those of who aren't to hop on board!

Images via my Instagram

While I got the house ready for a shoot last Friday, I took advantage of the fresh flowers and gorgeous Hexagon Blush Bed Linen from Thread Design to take snaps for my IG feed! We received more beautiful flowers from friends on the weekend, and you can also see a glimpse of our washi-tape Christmas tree which has been a big hit with the boys! Our home will appear in the next issue of Adore Home, the gorgeous Australian online magazine, due out on December 1st. See a sneak peek over on the Adore Home blog.

In yesterday's Monday Mix Up post, I introduced you to Maaike Koster of My Deer. Based in the Netherlands, Maaike is a multi-talented graphic designer and interior stylist, and proud mum to two boys. A recent discovery, her IG feed is one of the most beautiful I have seen. Filled with monochrome loveliness (the family dog included), my heart literally melts at the photos of her home and family.

If you're on Instagram, and you haven't yet discovered Stephanie Somebody, then it's time to climb out from under your rock! Somewhat of a legend in the world of Instagram, Stephanie has close to 129 thousand followers, which in the words of Megan Morton is "more followers than Kylie Minogue". A teacher at Megan's The School, Stephanie recently visited Auckland and from what I've heard, wowed all those who attended her class, Instagram Debunked. Her feed is pure magic, making it very hard to pick just a few photos, so I went with a 'kitchen' theme as a way of narrowing it down. It also showcases Stephanie's beautifully natural, organic style. For those not yet on Instagram, you can check out her website here.

Knowing how big a fan I am of Weekday Carnival, the blog by Finnish photographer and designer Riikka Kantinkosk, it will come as no surprise that I find her Instagram feed to be up there with the best. What I love about Instagram is that it provides another layer and further inspiration from those whose blogs you follow. It's easy to 'like' and comment, making interaction easy and fun. Riikka's lovely styling and eye for detail is shown in these pictures which include her home and also a cute cafe. I love the combination of white with black and pink, as well as the addition of natural wood and metallic touches.

Instagram | Ideas & Inspiration

Although I'm still quite new to Instagram, it's fast becoming an important part of the social media side of my blog, and it's addictive! As a blogger, I find Pinterest to be an amazing tool for sourcing and bookmarking ideas, and for driving traffic to the blog. While I like to share photos of my own styling, home and work, it's predominantly a place to pin images sourced from elsewhere, or repin from those who I follow. As such, it's a constant pool of inspiration and of course highly visual, which I love.

Instagram on the other hand is more personal. I take photos of our home, events that I attend, and sometimes the kids. I like that it gives a behind the scenes look at my life and blog, but what's more, it provides a great way to connect with others.

Images via my Instagram

Today I'm starting a new occasional series, Instagram Ideas & Inspiration. Similar to Pinterest Picks & Peeks, it's a way of sharing some of the instagrammers who I follow and love. If you're on Instagram, I'm sure like me you'll be able to gain ideas and learn from these clever people. If not, you'll still be able to check out their feeds and feel really inspired. Either way, I'm sure these images will leave you wanting more!

First up is Hanna Ahlin, a Stockholm-based freelance interior designer and stylist. I love her effortless style, which is a unique mix of Scandi, boho and vintage. Her blog is also fantastic.

Jessie Webster of Sweet Thing Blog has over 30 thousand followers, and it's easy to see why. Based in Los Angeles, Jessie is an incredibly talented photographer, and her feed of photos, taken only on her iPhone, will take your breath away.

Lastly, I just have to include Alice Gao, who has a remarkable following of over 640 thousand! Long before I joined Instagram, I had been captivated by Alice's photos on her blog Lingered Upon. Her ability to capture simple everyday things with such beauty is astounding.

Are you on Instagram? I'd love to hear what you think of this new series!

Pinterest | Picks & Peeks

I can't believe we're already at the end of the first week of school holidays. We've had the most beautiful weather the last two days, so there's been a lot of time spent outdoors both here at home, and at the park. My boys have have become bike-crazy lately so we're about to head off to the park again today, along with hubby who's taken the day off!

I thought I'd end the week with some Pinterest eye candy. The October image below actually came from the lovely Sarah at Coco Lapine's instagram feed and as soon as I saw it, I wanted to create a moodboard to kick off the month. Like Pinterest, I'm incredibly inspired by what I see on Instagram, and in fact I'm thinking about starting a regular blog post on that too! All other images are from my Pinterest boards.

There are a couple of things I'm loving right now, and therefore pinning lots of. The first is fashion. I've been so focused on the house and buying new homewares, my wardrobe has been completely neglected! Now that the weather is warming up and summer is on the way, I'm hankering for some new threads and accessories. Here are some of my fave picks of late, from my Pinterest Fashion board.

My Flowers board is the other one I wanted to share a peek of today. Spring screams fresh flowers, and I'm finding that right now I want them in every room of the home! With that, comes the need for lots of vases, and you really can't go past the simple use of glass jars and bottles. Here are some gorgeous examples.

To finish off, a Pinterest moodboard to inspire your Friday. Enjoy!

Musings & Moodboards

Is it just me, or does everyone feel a bit jaded, and in need of a holiday at this time of year? Schools break up on Friday here in NZ, and I'm looking forward to a rest from all the rushing around. Like the rest of the country, I'm hoping by then we'll have won the America's Cup race! Currently being sailed in San Francisco, Emirates Team New Zealand are racing Oracle Team USA, and with one race left to win, we are so close. Fingers crossed our boys bring the cup home!

I'm actually thinking about taking a bit of time off over the school holidays, so that I can spend more time with my boys. You'll still see me online everyday, on either Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest (that's a given) but the blog posts may cut down to three a week. I'll let you know what I decide by the end of this week, so you know what to expect!

Once back from the holidays, I'll be coming at you with lots of exciting new content that I'm working on, including giveaways and interviews. I'm also doing some public relations work for a beautiful new store, and in the early stages of setting up a little interior-related side venture. Lastly, I'm thrilled to have locked in a magazine shoot early next year to have our new home featured.

Because of all this busy-ness, I just have a couple of moodboards to share with you today. The first features that exquisite combo of black, white and neutrals together with a few things I'm loving right now such as DIY bookshelves and black interior walls. It also includes some of my fashion must-haves like hats, sunnies and leopard print!

This next one was inspired by the arrival of spring and features blush tones, bright airy interiors and beautiful flowers. Enjoy!

All images via my Pinterest Boards.

Interview | Claudia Kozub

A couple of months ago I had the pleasure of meeting Claudia Kozub, a talented Auckland-based interior and lifestyle stylist. With over 15 years experience, Claudia has her own company Style etc and is a regular contributor to NZ House & Garden, Life & Leisure and several other publications. She also styles weddings and events, and is now about to embark on a new and exciting venture, with the opening of Indie Home Collective, a furniture and homewares store in Nuffield St, Newmarket.

During that first meeting with Claudia, I was very lucky to have been given a sneak peek of the store, which at that point was in the early stages of renovating. Blown away by the sheer size of the space, I cannot wait to see the transformation, which will no doubt reflect Claudia's incredible style and love of white Scandinavian interiors, organic loveliness and boho cool.

So inspired by Claudia's passion and free-spirited approach to life and work, I was eager to ask her some questions, especially in the exciting lead up to the launch of Indie Home Collective. Not only has she answered them for us, she enlisted the help of her sister, photographer Eva Kozub to take beautiful photos of her work and home.

Have you always lived in Auckland? What do you love about living here?

I was born in Poland and have lived in Auckland since I was six years old. I love the fact that I can be having brunch in anyone of the great cafes that have opened up in the city and 20 minutes later (in either direction) I could be on a beautiful beach taking my dogs for a walk. We’re so lucky to have such amazing contrast.

Can you tell us about your background and how you ended up becoming a stylist?

I studied costume design but my first job was merchandising in a furniture store which I absolutely loved so have carried on down the interiors/lifestyle path ever since.

What has been your favourite styling project so far, and why?

That’s so hard to answer, I feel like I’m constantly working on fantastic styling projects. Having said that I really enjoy the fast paced nature of commercial work and pushing the boundaries in terms of what I’ve done before. And with weddings I love the fact that I get to work with brides to create something personal and intimate, and the locations can be pretty amazing too! Oh and I get to work with lots of pretty flowers!

You're passionate about flowers - tell us a bit more about that area of your work...

Working with flowers is amazing, I use them in a lot of my editorial shoots and also my event/wedding side of my company. I love the textural element that flowers can add to a shoot and in weddings I love how the scent of flowers adds a sensory element to the event. Nothings adds to the memory of an event like walking into a beautiful receptions that’s filled with flowers.

Your new furniture and homeware store, Indie Home Collective is due to open this week. What can we expect to see?

We’re creating a visually beautiful space that is filled with furniture (both new and vintage), homewares, jewellery, candles, lighting, fresh market flowers plus more.

It’s a place where you can come and set your whole living space, pop in to buy a gift or pick up your weekly bunch of flowers. Or just come in and enjoy looking at all the beautiful things. It will constantly evolve.

How would you describe your personal style and how is this reflected in your own home?

I would say my general style is eclectic with an organic twist. At home it’s clean, modern, industrial with an organic eclectic twist. I love to collect lots of interesting bits and style them against quite a clean palette. At the moment our house is very white. We love it, it’s amazing how bright it feels on a very dark winters day. I love how white can give such a feeling of space and light.

I work with a lot of colour which I love but it’s refreshing to come home to a clean white palette. I find it relaxing. I get the best of both worlds, I get to play with colour at work, and get to relax in my white sanctuary. I try and bring in as much nature into a space in a subtle way. I let it just melt into the interior so it looks like it’s just part of a setting.

What do like to do for fun, outside of work?

Gardening (I can spend hours at a garden centre, I love being around nature), hanging out at the beach - sometimes it’s for walks with our dogs other days it’s leaning how to surf (well more like knee surf at this stage). I meditate and do yoga every day which keeps me grounded, and I read most days. Even if it’s only a couple of pages, I like to learn new things.

I cook a lot. I’m always creating new recipes and we’re just about to set up our organic vegetable garden which I’m pretty excited about. I can’t wait to cook with my own veggies and herbs etc.

What inspires you... travel, other creatives, magazines, the web etc?

Yes definitely, travel is a big inspiration. Although sometimes I don’t think you have to go far at all. I think the biggest inspiration can be when you sit still and just take in what’s around you. There are so many amazing blogs I follow out there that I love (The Design Chaser being one of them). Also Pinterest. I avoided it for a long time and now I’m hooked. And of course interiors magazines.

What advice would you give to those who want to pursue a creative, freelance career?

Just do it! Follow your heart and believe you can do anything. I don’t believe in limits. I believe we are constantly evolving and that we create our own futures, so let yourself be a free spirit and try anything your heart desires. It’s really amazing how things will fall into place.

Sincere thanks to Claudia for participating in this interview, especially while juggling work and the mammoth task of setting up shop! If you're in Auckland, join me in visiting the store when it opens this weekend, at 51 Nuffield St, Newmarket, and make sure you 'like' the Indie Home Collective Facebook page. You can also follow Claudia at Style etc and on Pinterest.

Photo credit: Eva Kozub

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Happy New Year!

Instagram | Ideas & Inspiration

DIY Inspiration | MyDubio

Pinterest | Picks & Peeks

Instagram | Ideas & Inspiration

Instagram | Ideas & Inspiration

Pinterest | Picks & Peeks

Musings & Moodboards

Interview | Claudia Kozub

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