TRACIE ELLIS DESIGN

Hand printing in Delhi

2012-02-23T15:19:00.005+11:00

Last week we were lucky enough to visit Delhi, I have been travelling to India for years now and each time it never ceases to amaze me. A country so diverse and so colourful and enchanting, full of history and poverty. I do love India and thank her for allowing us an adventure with every trip if only we could stay longer.

Our first Tuk Tuk ride and we met a nice fellow that didn't mind getting his photo taken, with so many tourists visiting India these guys have become a tourist attraction themselves let alone where they take you!

First stop is our hand-screen printing factory where we watched our new table linen designs being made into screens, our colours being mixed and matched and then the first samples being hand printed - I love this, seeing the designs come to life right in front of my eyes!

A lot of interest in this fella's shoes - covered in tape they where a good way to not slip off the printing table!

I will show you more images of them hand-printing our product when the collection has been ordered. I'd like to thank the printing factory for their time and their patience teaching me every time I visit. As well as always going to a lot of trouble to print samples for me as I arrive - timing wise we sent them the artwork on Wed from Melbourne and on Friday we where in Delhi watching them print! Remarkable.

Cutest photo ever!

2012-02-14T17:00:00.003+11:00

I could be slightly biased but this is the cutest photo ever! And just happen's to be of my beautiful God Son Louis showing off his underwater swimming style!

Dreamy colours

2012-02-12T09:49:00.000+11:00

I am very inspired by this gorgeous house in Red Hill as seen on the Design Files this week. These images just take you to a calm place straight away. I love the soft dreamy palette.

And the outdoor bath is just beautiful! What a lovely place to be....

Take me to Mexico!

2012-02-09T19:07:00.002+11:00

This is Coqui Coqui Valladolid Retreat in Mexico - it looks stunning! I have just added another location to The Bucket list!

Our brand new Maison Ruffle Bedlinen has just arrived!!

2012-02-04T17:12:00.001+11:00

Our new Aura Maison Ruffle bedding has just arrived! "The Sky is not too much to ask. Why let your bed be earthbound when you could sleep on clouds? Maison is the cumulus of slumber, a soporific whisper of cotton and linen gently drawing you ever closer to the land of nod. Clouds it seems are no longer the preserve of angels.
Available now - Queen Bed Quilt Cover $219.

Lovely Amsterdam

2012-02-03T14:12:00.002+11:00

I'm back from beautiful Amsterdam and thought I would share some of my shots with you, it was my first trip and hopefully not my last. Have a lovely weekend!

Paris

2012-01-27T09:20:00.002+11:00

I arrived in Paris to my very lovely little hotel room, which seemed to be glowing Blue! I love staying in Paris with a window to the street below so I can watch life going on. The weather was abit on the dreary side as you can see below but it is always such a pleasure to visit this magnificent city.

On my walk through the streets on night I happened across this beautiful Christmas tree still lit up in all its glory in front of Notre Dame. What an amazing sight!

The rather unique Andrew Martin stand at Maison & Objet fair with a vintage Circus theme and below a very smart pooch looking rather regal on the wall. The fair was fantastic! and I love the tones of bronze, peach and soft pink also seen in the Maje window below.

Walking along the wide streets to the Metro in the morning I had to stop for a minute and wonder what it would be like to live in Paris for just a moment of your life? But as always my stay in Paris is never long enough now I'm off to experience the fabulous looking Thalys train to Amsterdam!

Harvey Nichols Windows - bring on colour!

2012-01-20T19:51:00.000+11:00

Its official if you don't like colour Harvey Nichols windows tell us that we soon will! Anything goes here as long as its strong, clashing and colourful! Gorgeous! (she says while wearing black :)

Colour inspiration from Notting Hill

2012-01-20T01:32:00.000+11:00

Gorgeous Sea Green terrace in Notting Hill, as I walked around it was hard not to be inspired by the amazing colours people use on their homes and the stores, even the rain only dulls the colour slightly!

Lovely coloured blue door and fabulous tiling.

It was abit of a shock leaving the beautiful Melbourne weather and landing in London this week - its been around 4-6 degrees and rain unfortunately - but the dull weather was not going to put a damper on the colours of the stores in Portobello Road!

Movida Cocina

2012-01-15T23:35:00.001+11:00

I am a very lucky girl! My lovely Son and his fabulous girlfriend, who just happens to be from Latin America, and understands my obsession with Spanish food - went to Movida Aqui for dinner recently and look what I got!! A personally signed copy of the new Movida Cocina from the one and only Frank Camorra and Richard Cornish. What a great way to start cooking for 2012! Thanks guys - you are the best and heres to some fabulous Spanish dinners ahead!

Our new Veggie Garden - part two

2012-01-08T22:52:00.000+11:00

Now to fill our new garden. I read up on what to plant and all about companion plants, I have definitely learnt alot over the last few days. We had our work cut out for us locating organic seedlings, after just filling our garden with totally organic materials, I wanted to make sure we where only planting organic seedlings and seeds. We headed over to Ceres in Brunswick, what a fabulous place that is, a Community Environmental Park and Urban Farm. Amongst many other things they propagate their own seedlings and we where able to find organic Climbing Beans, Red Lettuce, Italian Parsley and Sweet Basil.

Across town and we found organic and Heirloom seeds for our Carrots, Lebanese Cucumber, Eggplant and Zucchini's (which I now realise won't all fit!). And below, our first planting of Climbing Beans with Bamboo poles in the anticipation that they will indeed climb!

Then the addition of gorgeous little Red Lettuce's, Sweet Basil and Italian Parsley.

And then off to buy more Mulch for around the bases of the seedlings. The empty looking Compost on the lower left hand side is full of lovely Carrot seeds and the lower right hand side is hopefully going to be a healthy Lebanese Cucumber!

Then for a layer of protective mesh, as we were planting the bird chirping seemed to be getting louder with excitement. So we thought we best add some mesh so the lovely little seedlings and seeds are still there in the morning.

Then the water. Hubby added a little drip irrigation system in and attached it to our existing water tank (I have to say he is abit of a legend!) So finally all done, now to cross our fingers for the exciting times ahead - that we may be eating our own Vegetables and Herbs in weeks & months to come!

Our new Veggie Garden part one

2012-01-08T20:52:00.003+11:00

Well I've done it, actually we did it, thank you very helpful husband! Although on the 3rd trip to the Nursery in search of organic seedlings he was getting abit over it (they are not that easy to find!) so thanks for hanging in there. I thought I'd show you the making of our new Veggie and Herb garden - which we are both pretty proud of achieving and hope to enjoy home grown veggies in the months to come. Below is the arrival of our Steel raised Veggie patch which we found at Garden World.

And then off we went with the aid of our newly purchased "The Little Veggie Patch Co" book on how to grow food in small spaces - for the amateur gardener I can highly recommend the book - as well as being very informative it is full of humour which kept me entertained. In search of Organic fertiliser, Compost, Pea Straw and other things - only thing I am still trying to locate is Worm Castings - yep Worm poo! Looks like I will have to wait till they come back from holidays to get it directly from them.

Back home and the soon to be garden is in location - with the use of a spirit level and shovel we were ready to start filling with layers to create our no dig garden.

Our second layer of Pea Straw is in and we are realising it takes a lot to fill a 1200x700x800 sized space. There could be another trip to the Nursery involved as we don't have enough compost to fill it!

And another 8 bags of Compost should do it! Now off to do more research on what to plant!

Little Veggie Gardens

2011-12-22T13:08:00.001+11:00

I would love one of these! "Someone" in the office is keen for us to set up a work veggie & herb garden and came across these gorgeous Veggie Gardens made from recycled apple crates by The Little Veggie Patch Co - these are fantastic. You can order them either made up or DIY. It looks so easy and great if you don't have the space in your actual garden, as you can even order them with castors! A new project for the holidays maybe :)

Our lovely Jacaranda

2011-12-11T13:43:00.001+11:00

Our lovely Jacaranda tree was planted in 1954 the year our house was built. When we renovated 3 years ago we were very worried that we would upset the tree when we built a deck over the top of it. As you can see it is a pretty happy tree! We swept up the deck yesterday and here's what it looked like this morning - it is a bit of an effort to keep the deck from being covered in purple this time of year but you have to smile as its so beautiful!

The Design Files Open House

2011-12-05T10:37:00.001+11:00

I visited the Design Files Open House on the weekend, along with many other excited shoppers, and it was hard to pick a favourite - but it has to be this stunning umbrella from Basil Bangs called Chaplin Stripe. This would be perfect out on the front deck for summer! Hmm will Hubby let me buy it - lets see :)

Real Living December Issue

2011-12-02T15:25:00.001+11:00

Loving the new Real Living Christmas issue and the "Pretty not pricy" table settings. Favourite one has to be the outback glamour but then the natural & rustic features our very own Inka in Artichoke napkins!

My garden

2011-11-25T11:16:00.001+11:00

Both my mother and grandmother will agree that I did not inherit their amazing gardening skills, but saying that I do have to say that I am quite proud of our garden at the moment. Here's a few shots I took this morning as I was admiring it, we planted 2 years ago and I'm astonished at how much it has all grown. Hopefully the beautiful weather keeps up over the weekend so we can all enjoy being outdoors!

E.S.S and their new shoes

2011-11-24T17:36:00.001+11:00

Totally inspired by a beautiful pair of shoes from the very talented ladies at E.S.S my favourite store in Melbourne! Hand-made and hand-painted in Japan - the colours are just stunning - hard to pick one!

Deep in thought

2011-11-22T10:45:00.001+11:00

What a beautiful shot, from our lovely friends at Desire to Inspire.

Monday to do lists!

2011-11-21T15:18:00.001+11:00

Monday morning - so much to do! Loving this to do list from Ferm Living - this would be great for the AURA office, even comes with it's own chalk!

Barnwood Headboard - I love this!

2011-11-11T11:01:00.001+11:00

All this tree change talk (or is it just me?) has got me thinking about the idea of having a beautiful luxury getaway in the country - hubby getting his head around it still! I found this gorgeous headboard idea in the DIY section of the fabulous Design Sponge. It looks earthy & calming, just perfect, and better still I think even I could make it! Check out how to make it here.

How to style the perfect Christmas table

2011-11-11T10:03:00.001+11:00

How to style the perfect Christmas table!

2011-11-10T16:41:00.001+11:00

We have just uploaded our very first YouTube Video on styling a Christmas table, (quietly very proud of ourselves in here). Watch our very talented creative AURA team at work as they set up and style our new Ena, Maison and Wide Stripe Tablelinen during our latest Spring/Summer photoshoot. I personally love this shot and with Christmas coming up I have certainly started to think about my table at home and I'm loving the natural mixed back with the hints of red. Check out the behind the scenes video here! And thank you to the incredibly talented Glen Proebstel and Isamu Sawa for staring!

The cutest car! The Fiat 500 "Jolly"

2011-11-09T15:24:00.001+11:00

May we present to you our inaugural Ladylike Ride: the Fiat 500 Jolly. She was manufactured by Ghia in the late 1950s as a beach-side auto for Mediterranean playboys. This little baby had wicker seats, removed side panels, a “surrey-with-the-fringe-on-top” and came in a bunch of granita-like colors.

The Jolly is perfect for seaside picnics with a red checkered tablecloth, a nice bottle of white wine and a caprese salad. Jackie O had one when she was married to Aristotle Onassis and so did Grace Kelly. So, hop on in, tie on a silk kerchief, don’t forget the cat-eye shades and take a spin along the coast!

I just love this car! and check out this gorgeous video of the Fiat 500 Jolly in her "natural Habitat" So cool!! http://youtu.be/23hYuhdmdPo

Beautiful Christmas table styling inspiration

2011-11-08T11:28:00.001+11:00

I received my new Christmas issue of Inside Out today and I'm just loving it! Especially the "One Table Three Ways" themes - Classic European, Banquet Bouquets and Natural High. It is definitely inspiring me and getting me thinking about my Christmas "look" - If I had to choose my favourite its the Classic European, but I have a red painting in the dining room so maybe Natural High with Red could look fabulous? They are all beautiful, helped of course by the wonderful styling of Mr Glen Proebstel and Photography of Sharyn Cairns.

Waking up in the country

2011-10-30T09:28:00.001+11:00

I could wake up to this view everyday! On our way to Beechworth we have made a detour to Echuca for a couple of nights to a lovely little cottage on the Moama side of the river. Ahh the serenity of it all :)

Bring on the Padron Peppers!

2011-10-25T14:51:00.000+11:00

I have had an addiction to Padron Peppers since our trip to Spain and was very excited to receive 1 kilo of beautiful Peppers from Queensland today! Bring on the Olive Oil and Sea Salt and guess what we will be eating for the next week!

Loving Orange

2011-10-13T10:19:00.003+11:00

This week I have been totally inspired by Orange and this morning I came across this gorgeous shot, loving the deep copper velvet sofa and of course the beautiful "mans best friend" Would we be brave enough to add some orange into our collection?? :)

Sweet Paul Fall issue

2011-10-08T10:41:00.001+11:00

Yummmmm! This is a stunning read - the latest Fall issue of Sweet Paul's online magazine has made me very inspired to rush to the store and start cooking! x

Dancing in the dark at the convent

2011-10-05T16:01:00.000+11:00

This glorious light is at the Fringe Furniture Exhibition on until 8th October at The Abbotsford Convent, the Chandelier is made with old bed springs by Sally Mill. Just amazing!

Country living

2011-09-30T17:18:00.000+10:00

Ahh...

Inspiration for my new house in the country, from here.

My New Tea Cosy

2011-09-29T15:23:00.001+10:00

Some things just bring a tear to my eye and when my mother in law presented me with this stunning tea cosy for my birthday, I was pretty overwelmed - the thought that she would make this for me is just wonderful and I love it! The pattern is from Loani Prior's "Really wild tea cosies"

which is just fabulous and I hope one day in the future to have enough time to do abit of "craft" myself. Thank you Betty! x

Prunella Spring Workshop

2011-09-27T21:18:00.000+10:00

On my mission to explore the country and my new love of anything "Country Style" I headed up to Kyneton for the weekend. While the boys played golf I tried my hand at Prunella's Spectacular Spring Workshop! We where treated to beautiful delicacies (above) and French Bubbles by Vanessa and Caris, while teaching us the art of Quail egg blowing and bird nest making to decorate our individual glass cloches. What a wonderful relaxing afternoon - thank you ladies!

My masterpiece at work above and another lovely ladies creation in the making below!

Some beautiful inspirational shots inside the store - a simple and stunning feature on a lamp.

A new respect for pink, with these Spanish vintage bottles, I had to have one for my glass cloche to sit my exotic orchid in.

My finished masterpiece! I am very proud I love the orchid with the feathers - both with tints of pink within the little Spanish Pink Glass bottle... Not sure who won golf - sorry boys for my bad navigation and getting stuck at the back of the golf course on the 4 wheel drive track (bad form in a MINI!) and needing to be "man rescued" woops!

My new love of Terrariums

2011-09-21T16:39:00.000+10:00

After reading a lovely inspiring post on The Design Files this week we got in contact with Clea from Miniscapes and had two beautiful Terrariums delivered for a rather important meeting in the AURA showroom tomorrow. Thank you Clea for being so helpful and amazingly quick. We love them!

Grandma's ducks

2011-09-16T15:26:00.001+10:00

Reading through the first issue of Heart Home - a new UK online mag I found this great shot and I wonder if Grandma would be disappointed if I did this with the ducks she gave me???

Not sure I could do it but I do love it!

Emporium Magazine

2011-09-07T13:25:00.001+10:00

A lovely shot of our new Maxwell in Artichoke in the latest Myer Emporium - Spring magazine, and below some new range cushions and coverlets. Its great to see new products arriving in the stores as the weather starts to shine!

Prunella in Country Style

2011-09-01T14:51:00.000+10:00

What a fabulous surprise when I got home to my new subsciption of Country Style magazine (thankyou to by beautiful Mother!) And opened it up to a lovely story on two very talented and creative ladies, a white ago I visited their gorgeous store Prunella in Kyneton and met the very passionate Vanessa, I have been googling country properties ever since. For my last post on the store click here.

This is not a huge store but it is just so beautiful I was lost for words when i entered, this story is very inspiring and the styling by Mr Proebstel and photography by Ms Cairns is to dye for (like usual).

The interior of their store above and below. Does make you hope that someone special will bring you flowers home tonight (hint!)

Get yourself a copy of the Sept issue so you can read this lovely story if you are considering a Tree change like myself, and because it is a great issue and is fast becoming my new favourite magazine.

Beautiful India

2011-08-29T07:51:00.000+10:00

Welcome to India - I haven't been to Delhi since the Commonwealth games and it certainly has changed. After travelling to Delhi for over 14 years now it was a very welcoming surprise to arrive at a beautiful new airport. The lovely man that greated me at the airport said "yes madam the the city is changing fast - but the people they never change" Thats the beauty of India - the people!

Inspiration everywhere including the super cool dudes driving the tut tuts to the fancy Kainoosh restaurant in Vasant Kunj, which is definately the place to be. With an incredibly hip interior fitout i am loving the cutwork screens and the Tom Dixon lights, that I am now wanting for the kitchen at home. And the food was amazing too!

Being in India does have a way of making me feel like I could be back in Colonial times, the impecable dress of these lovely fellas! And below a traditional hand weaving loom kept as a symbol of the beginnings of this beautiful Silk weaving mill in Bangalore.

The beauty of jacquard velvet being woven - hundreds of threads going into create this amazing fabric.

A welcoming outdoor lunch, I love Indian food! Below was a great lunch made for me, bring on Summer so we can sit outside at home!

The beautiful circular staircase leading up to the showroom. The colour of the stain on the wood is something that will always remind me of being in India.

Bonjour Beautiful Paris

2011-08-16T13:01:00.000+10:00

As tourists these are the amazing sites we see, the beautiful and inspiring part of the city. I do love the tones of the sunbleached faded shades of the buildings, above just outside my hotel window. Then below, the totally breathtaking Louvre Museum, originally built as a fortress and then in 1364 Raymond du Temple, Architect to Charles V, began to transform the fortress into a splendid royal residence.

I love this shot of the main Louvre Pyramid, built in 1989, such a landmark of Paris. The clouds overhead above and below remind me of Gothic Paris from many years ago, below the guardians of Gothic architecture the Gargoyles show us the mysterious and exotic side of Paris.

Below - The Ferris Wheel in the Jardin des Tuileries, on the Louvre side, apparently it looks good at night??

Below, the Metro entrance at the Palace Royal, at Place Colette, so stunning - it took me a while to work out it was a Metro! Right next to the Metro I listened to classical music being played - an Orchestra on the street, how lovely.

Then there is the realisation you have walked for an hour to come back to where you have started from, oh well in such a beautiful city who doesn't want to walk! ....Just when I was needing inspiration, I found Astier de la Villatte, so lovely I felt like I could move straight in. A small store of 3 rooms which used to be an artists supply store, the cupboards holding the brushes and paints - the current owner has renovated it, but saying that it is still very original with the peeling walls, but not the new mean't to be peeling look we are seeing, these are actually peeling! Shiney antique wallpaper and chandiliers which blended in so well they looked like they had been there for years. I just love how they left it, cleaning away none of the history. The little private stairway's where so original I had a flash back to Jonnie Deep in Sweeney Todd, I could imagine the beautiful Helena Bonham Carter sitting in the corner!

Then on to Galleries Lafayette, the ladies store that was built in 1912 has to be the most beautiful department store in the world! I ran out of batteries so you will have to believe me! The grandeur of the Art Nouveau store is 10 stories high with the most amazing glass dome shining down through each floor. Above is Le Bon Marche, which means "the good market" or the "good deal" founded in 1838 in a small store and this store was originally constructed in 1867, it maybe not as beautiful as Galleries Lafayette, but oh so chic!

Taking about chic - I am loving the Fiat Abarth 500 series, very hip! Abit more Italian than French but looked right at home on the streets of St Germain! Below is the foyer of my favorite boutique hotel in Paris the Hotel du Petit Moulin in the Haut-Marais. Each time you stay you will more than likely get a different room, each designed by Christian Lacroix and sitting behind the facade of the oldest bakery in Paris which dates back to the 1900 century. People in the neighbourhood say that Victor Hugo came here to get bread! Missing my beautiful room in already!

London calling!

2011-08-05T23:29:00.000+10:00

So here I am in London town, just as bustling as usual, I am currently trying to write while siting in a very trendy bar at St Martins Lane hotel listening to a lovely african man play the drums to very cool music - so excuse any mistakes it is loud in here but they have wifi!

I think I have been walking around dreaming of the sunshine in Stockholm today as it is 18 degrees and raining here :( 2 days shopping, first day was an adventure in Islington and Shoreditch but one wrong turn and a dodgy map and I ended up discovering the estates of Hackney - 30 minutes of walking later I finally found a bus to take me closer to where I was meant to be! I have been mastering the london buses this trip!

Above are a few shots of the stores in islington, a gorgeous store called "Loop" specialising in very impressive knitting yarns and patterns, I was blown away - the girls where so nice and it could even make me think about picking up the needles again! The store next door named "SMUG" a small and unique homewares collection with a cool name in a very cute pedestrian walkway full of antique stores. And then the super cool store of Abigal Ahern, a moody black store with oversized items and lushly coloured flowers - stunning!

Second day out and about and I started off with the elegance of Harrods! a store that somehow manages to be perfect and beautiful each visit even with the hundreds of thousands of tourists who flock through it each year. How I'd love to see AURA in Harrods (you may be seeing a pattern here:) Now if you have some spare cash below are a couple of gems worth considering, a big rock of Amethyst at 22kilos and a giant Pyrite from Peru weighing in at 100kilos and on sale for 10,999 pounds! Only at Harrods!

The new Paul Smith kids collection on display in Harrods windows, it is amazing to be able to travel the world and see all of this wonderful retail! Harrods and Oxford Street definately defies the suggestion that retail is slow - these stores are so busy its crazy!

Anthropology in The Kings Road - how I love Anthropologie - this store is amazing, always inspiring and fresh - each time I visit I am just overcome - strange I know but there isnt much else like it in the world really and this Kings Road store is fabulous, I could just stay in there and admire all day!

Above, is a wishing pond in Anthropologie and below a lovely display of green ceramics in a garden rotunda I guess youd say. Now I dont know any other store with their own pond??

Another bus ride and the window of the Regent street store above (sadly closed - 8pm is just too early in a city with so many stores!!) anyway very sore feet and on to my ridiculously cool hotel past the beautiful Liberty store and a few happy tourists and locals in Soho- every night in London seems like Friday night!

Hard to say goodbye to a beautiful hotel like this! So until next time good old London town now on to the most romantic city in the world for some more shopping! x

Hej from Stockholm

2011-08-03T22:23:00.000+10:00

As soon as you arrive in Stockholm you know these are cool people by the duty free! Marimekko anyone? Unfortunately too hard to pack in the suitcase, and I couldn't pick between the green and the yellow below! Its been a year now since my last visit to the Nordic country and I was lucky enough to have a second visit, which proved yes it is a an elegant and beautiful place. A city full of heritage buildings, Viking cobblestone trails, wide tree lined streets, very cool bicyles, sunshine and parks all set around water.

Its Summer in Stockholm and lunchtime saw the parks full of sunbakers and picnicing as the locals take in as much sun as it lasts.

I visited the Saluhall below, a beautiful market full of fresh fruit and veg, amazing gourmet cheeses and the largest Salmon ive ever seen! I was talking to a Swedish 'chap' later who told me that you can catch Salmon around 12 kilos each! directly off the waters edge in town. Below is the fabulous lunch I had at Tysta Mari of smoked salmon, dill & white asparagus on toast, which I didnt realise was around $25AUD until later! That same chap also told me it is the most expensive market in Stockholm, and chefs go there to source the finest ingredients and he only goes there if he is having a special dinner party and wants to impress! Woops..

You can walk around Stockholm for days - unfortunately I only had one day and I visited many stores, alot which showcase the stunning Swedish, Danish and Finnish design, an ode to George Jensen, Marimekko, iittalia, Design House Stockholm and many more. But my favourite store is the super elegant NK, it was as lovely as before in amoungst the ciaos of sale mode everywhere else. I would love to have an AURA concept store at NK one day! Some shots of the fantastic window displays at NK the colours of the specially made glasswear was amazing! Check out NK's website for more pictures and information.

Above is looking down through NK - stunning, and below the busy Pedestrian street, Drottninggatan, where you can find all of the chain stores including Swedens favourite H&M, Zara, Allens, Topmart, Nike, just to name a few.

What would a post on Stockholm be without a shot of bikes! Notice the Design House Stockholm cool emerald green bike basket - id like one of these - also available in black if anyone is interested :)

More duty free! No I cant fit it in the bag - but I love it! Enough Salmon eaten, enough beautiful tall tanned blonds, so long Stockholm "London's calling!"

Welcome to Hong Kong

2011-08-03T05:15:00.000+10:00

Who would think, in Thailand on the beach one day and then in bustling Hong Kong the next, what a change of pace that was! The resort in Thailand was all about "slow living" that was definately not happening in Hong Kong. From the ever changing facade of the Espirit store to the dark and sexy interior of Hutong on the 28th floor with a great view and fabulous food.

To the wonderous variations in sushi at Pacific Fair, took me awhile to choose! And the woman behind the counter couldnt work out why i wanted to take photos!

And finally the ultimate homewares at Lane Crawfords Home store - a truely beautiful store worth a visit if you are in Hong Kong, always glamorous, always ahead of the trend! Ahh lovely super cool Hong Kong - until next time.

The colours of Yao Noi

2011-08-01T13:00:00.000+10:00

The beautiful water lilies in Yao Noi, yes it was amazing, such a beautiful inspiring place - 5 days of warm weather, fabulous food and sun and sand! Below a fantastic Tom Yum soup orchid and all.

And a wonderful fruit platter - why does fruit taste so amazing on Tropical islands!

Above, some fabulous hand made Batik Sarongs found while cycling around the island - when you are on holidays you always think everything will look great at home!

This is what is hard to believe when you arrive at a tropical paradise from a cold day in Melbourne, the amazing colour that the sun makes as it hits everything, the warmth and the "slow" life that you can have while on holidays far away... Ahh paradise take me back please xx

Winter Wonderland Workshop - This Saturday

2011-07-25T18:15:00.002+10:00

The lovely ladies at Prunella in Kyneton are having a workshop on making their "Winter Wonderland Glass Cloche" this Saturday 30th July if you would like be included - I would love to go if I wasnt going to be on an island with my husband for my birthday (sorry!!!) hopefully next time, or in the future when hubby and I buy a beautiful house in the country. There are limited spaces so for contact information visit their website and i'd love to see some shots of the day.........

Say hello to Spring with Sienna Caribbean!

2011-07-14T14:18:00.001+10:00

Isnt she lovely! Our Sienna in Caribbean has just arrived - The Breathtaking Blue of tropical lagoons, Sienna in Caribbean is an island hopping adventure. A Sultry, dreamy Peacock Blue meets the florid overgrowth of ancient jungles, entwining to create a quite bedroom oasis lapped gently by exotic tides.
See more here.

Best in Show!

2011-07-12T12:47:00.000+10:00

I couldn't help myself - how cute is this! If you would like to knit your own Jack Russell or one of 25 different breeds check out the pattern from Sally Muir and Jo Osborne's book "Best in Show" at the Guardian UK - who state "Bike-riding abilities are not guaranteed"!

Office Makeover - Lonny Magazine

2011-07-10T10:34:00.002+10:00

I'm very inspired to take some time to turn our AURA office space into a haven of creation after reading the latest Lonny Magazine article on their fabulous office makeover. These shots are of their office in Manhattan which they turned from "unslightly" to a beautiful place to work. I love the front office (top) and the use of the narrow desks to turn a small space into a fabulously good looking work area - good tip for home where you usually have less room or have to share with a loved one. And then the Back office with the use of the "theme - mood" wall in a deep shade is a great look and the multi space desk which makes good use of a small space and gives room for more than one creative mind to work.

Then Michelle's (co-founder and editor in chief) office - this is great - gone is the conventional desk for a round table/desk and what a lovely space full of her favourite things - a way to make going to work each day a lovely experience. I have to get the thinking cap on with the team to see what we can come up with to make our office a vision of AURA design - first things first our daggy office chairs just have to go!!

OMG I am excited!

2011-07-09T18:33:00.002+10:00

I am so excited! My very lovely husband has just booked the most amazing resort for a few nights get away for my birthday! We are off to Six Senses in Yao Noi in Thailand, we have been to a Six Senses resort before and still keep talking about it as it was so natural and beautiful! I cant wait - look out Sun here we come!

Yellow inspiration

2011-07-07T17:07:00.000+10:00

Working on our next collection and today I feel very inspired by the yellow in these shots above from this lovely blog here. Adding abit of sunshine to a very bleak Melbourne day..

AURA hits the lingerie dept in MYER

2011-07-03T10:11:00.000+10:00

A couple of shots from our lovely Visual Merchandiser Tanya in Sydney this week, our Satin Sequin cushion cosying up to a punk chic in the Myer Lingerie section - loving the boots and the hair!

And abit of AURA Love in Sparkling Grape, nicely matched back with the soft purple in the boots - cant help but love the little frill socks peeping out! Nice work Myer.

Living on a houseboat

2011-07-02T08:45:00.000+10:00

Ever dream't of living on a houseboat? I have - this lovely "Junk" in Hong Kong is over 3 floors, has an outdoor balcony - with a built in sunlounger area and a BBQ area. You get 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a study and im loving the Lexington style bedroom above - take a look at more here. Just wondering if my dog would find his sea legs as Im sure I could make this a gorgeous home for us all!

Real living July issue

2011-06-22T12:19:00.000+10:00

The Real Living July issue is out now and I was pretty excited to see this gorgeous shot of our Inka bedlinen in Smoke! I have been tossing up whether to get Inka for home and its a done deal now I think this looks great - and Im loving the Mustard wall back with it. Thanks Real Living!

Costa Lanta Krabi

2011-06-20T14:45:00.000+10:00

There is an obvious reason why I have the need to talk about holidays on Monday mornings im sure! Hubby and I are searching for a romantic getaway and yesterday I found this to die for location - Costa Lanta, on Koh Lanta - please take me here!!! Years ago we went to Koh Lanta on advice from our very good friends and loved it - I remember paying for our room in the dinner bill as the room was $7! Things have gone up abit on Koh Lanta the rooms at the Costa Lanta are 3200- 4900Baht $98-$151 AUD (but make sure to go before October 31st as it then doubles in price) a bargin if you ask me. I am loving the concrete walls and the wooden walls which push back to let you lye in bed surrounded by nature. Ahh yes please.

Table settings for the weekend!

2011-06-17T13:17:00.000+10:00

Above these lovely shots of tableware by Trine Thorsen are inspiring me today - loving the top shot especially with the yellow hints mixed back with purples, gold and black - thats my kind of table setting!

Bring on some chilli please!

2011-06-16T10:55:00.000+10:00

So after watching Master Chef last night I have a sudden need for Asian flavours and a bit of spice in my life - maybe it will help this awful flu leave my body!

Above is a beautiful, crisp, fresh & colourful looking dish of Pumpkin flower salad with Prawn and Pork from The Songs of Sapa by Luke Nguyen featured in Instyle magazine. I'II be trying this one tonight!

Pickled Vegetables

625ml rice vinegar
440g sugar
2 Lebanese cucumber
1 carrot
1 small daikon
1 celery stalk
1/2 lemon, cut into thin wedges

In a saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar and 1 tablespoon slat, stir well and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and set aside to cook. Cut the cucumbers in half lengthways and scrape out the seeds with a spoon. Cut the cucumber, carrot, daikon and celery into 5cm x 5mm batons. Combine the lemon wedges with the vegetables and place in a 1 litre container. Pour the cooled pickling liquid over the vegetable to submerge them. Cover with a lid, place in the fried and allow to pickle for 3 days before use. Store any leftover pickled vegetables in the fridge for up to one week.

Dipping Fish Sauce

3 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 bird's eye chilli, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons lime juice

Combine the fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar and 125 ml (4 fl oz/1/2 cup) of water in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir well and cook until just before boiling point is reached, then remove from the heat and allow to cool. To serve, add the garlic and chilli, then stir in the lime juice. Store, tightly sealed in a jar in the fridge, for up to 5 days. Makes about 250 ml (9 fl oz/1 cup)

Zara finally here

2011-06-15T14:25:00.000+10:00

Well the day has finally arrived that Zara has blessed us Melbournites with her presence, heres a shot taken in the city today of the crowds looking pretty excited and looking like they dont mind abit of a wait! With the newly renovated Myer and David Jones and now Zara - there's 3 good reasons to start shopping in Melbourne city centre again!

My Heart Wanders

2011-06-12T15:20:00.000+10:00

I struggle to read, I want to read, but I just struggle in my day to day life to put the time aside for reading. But being ill this week (and through the long weekend- not great!) has given me time to read Pia Jane Bijkerk's lovely book "My Heart Wanders" - I was actually visiting a bike shop a couple of weeks ago and it happened to be across the road from the very lovely Scarlet Jones, where I managed to buy a Matta dupatta scarf that I have always admired and this lovely signed copy of Pia's book.

Pia's book was very easy to read, I loved the opening of the book in which she described being at a fork in the road, one way lead to her normal everyday life, the other to a new exciting but somewhat scary adventure. An adventure that we should all at least consider for ourselves one day. A very honest rendition of her life moving around with her family and then by herself, a pleasure to read and admire the lovely shots all taken by Pia.

Dreaming of being in Spain

2011-06-07T15:42:00.000+10:00

Melbournes nasty weather may have taken its toll on me, stuck in bed with the flu and all I can dream about is getting away to the sun, destinations like the lovely Hotel Escondrijo in the Costa De La Luz in Spain could do the trick!

Bike ideas

2011-06-04T11:17:00.000+10:00

I've been doing abit of research lately on a new bike, after managing to sell my mountain bike on ebay so now I have the exciting challenge ahead of finding a new one. Looking around I have found out that ladies bikes have definately become a total fashion statement of style! What to ride? There are seriously some stylish bikes around and some are really built for looking lovely over speed - I fancy abit of both to be honest. Above, I'm loving the pearlescent Aqua Blue of this beautiful Neorealista a sporty Italian hand made bike from the Bella Ciao collection, and below the luxury cromed Moscova bike! This could be just a touch to "show off" for me.

Below is the Pilen Special, looking lovely in cream, "Pilen bikes are about Love - of bicycle riding, of the craftmanship, of the materials and of the people who own them".

This beauty below is the Victoria Balloon from Velorbis - "the most prestigious two wheels you will ever own" the Victoria comes with these very cool brown Fat Frank balloon tyres, and luxurious brown leather accessories, a beautiful brooks saddle, handle trims and mud flaps. With a swan like shape it is stunning and i do fancy those leather satchels - made in Germany, this would definately set me back a few bob!

And my favorite at the moment is definately below, the Electra Ticino - I have been googling for weeks and if looks are anything to go by this beautiful lady is the winner - i'm loving the diamond shaped frame and the cool graceful vintage design but still looking very sporty. I think I will head out this weekend for some test riding to make a decision. Now I just have to be able to find one to ride? But dont worry you will never see me doning the lycra on this baby!

Inspired by Blue

2011-05-30T15:02:00.000+10:00

I always get excited when my issue of Inside out arrives, definately my favorite magazine - this morning the new July/August issue landed on my desk and my day has been taken over thinking of gorgeous, deep, sensual blues. A lovely way to start the week, I think I might go home and redecorate tonight! I love the shots above of this small but very special inner Melbourne residence, designed by the very talented (and super lovely) Hamish Guthrie, that has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 2011 Houses Awards! Good luck I think it is a winner, from the the light filled bedroom which features the most stunning raw Bluestone wall and American oak floors - to the open living area featuring a very cute Urchin Pouf, the original knitted pouf by Christien Meindertsma , huge steel doors and one super special floor of poured contrete with bluestone aggregate chips. It's shots like this that make we want to renovate again!

Escape to the Country

2011-05-26T13:34:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I was lucky enough to meet Victoria Carey, the Editor of the beautiful Country Style magazine, and told her of my desire for her very aspirational magazine - hubby and I, like alot of city dwellers, have been talking up the idea of moving to the country and renovating a historic manor - I have visions of dark moody bluestone at the front and maybe a contemporary glass extension at the rear overlooking green valleys and the biggest trees ive ever seen... one day maybe? At the moment I can continue my dream by reading Country Style each month and today i'm inspired by the above shots from the the Home life blog - there is a little bit of French Country in all of us im sure.

Living Etc June issue

2011-05-18T14:46:00.000+10:00

Beautiful bold use of colour in the above shots from the latest Living Etc - June issue, I love them all but I especially love, love, love the dip dyed yellow tablecloth in the first shot - entitled modern country. I've been dreaming of moving to the country lately - a historic house built of bluestones with an awfully modern extension on acres of veggie gardens and a wonderful view - we can all dream :) x

Bride to be - Top five trends in table style

2011-05-17T17:47:00.000+10:00

The new issue of Bride to Be magazine, which I used to poor over when I was planning our Wedding, has styled the above Top five trends in table settings - Winter White meets Slate, Cape cod escape, The new romantics, Orange crush. I think these are all great and hard to pick a favorite but I am inspired by The new romantics the best at the moment - beautiful Grey with soft taupe and raw wood, and finished with stunning plums in the flowers. I feel another dinner party coming on!

Home Beautiful June issue

2011-05-17T10:51:00.000+10:00

Shopping for dinner last night I came across the latest June Issue of Home Beautiful that has just hit the shelves and look what I found - a Design Profile on little old me! Thank you Anna Koorey that made my night!

Food styling

2011-05-14T11:17:00.000+10:00

The AURA team where pretty excited this season (especially me) to have on board the very talented Claire Flynn - food stylist extraordinaire for our recent shoot. I thought I would share a few behind the scenes shot of Claire's glorious food that was used to prop our brand new Tablelinen collection. I can't wait for the new range to arrive and to share all of the beautiful shots with you, and maybe if Claire is kind enough, a few recipes as well!

Needless to say we were not hungry this day of the shoot! Claire's advice on roasting veggies is to lay them on baking paper - saves alot of washing up!

Is there such a thing as too much Chocolate Flan? I think there might have been for me - but gosh it was beautiful, imagine it topped with hazelnut's and cream hmmmmm. Below the amazing Chicken Pie that Hubby and I ate for dinner, perfect winter warmer food. I had to try to reinvent the Pastry top after we gave back the stunning copper cookware on loan, so I will definately be asking for the recipe on this as my pastry certainly didnt cut the mustard!

And what a good week it was!

2011-05-14T10:43:00.000+10:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks in the AURA office organising our next shoot and last week we had a fantastic time shooting our new Spring/Summer 2011 collection - I love our photoshoots, the pleasure of working with a team of very talented people to make our new designs come to life! Lots of love and emotion goes into the designing of our ranges and it is wonderful to have a team of people that understand that passion and feel it too!

The hours of work that goes into a photoshoot before the shoot and during the shoot is amazing. The most exciting part for me is when each shot is being set up and then that final look through the camera and the sigh of wonder at the beautiful creation that has been made. And I promised I wouldn't put the team photo :( but you know who you all are - thanks for such a wonderful job team - you rock x x

Beechworth and Beyond

2011-05-02T16:43:00.000+10:00

Our little relaxing hideaway in the country, above and below shots of our lovely Colby Cottage just out of Beechworth last week - I miss it already. Back to the city and all I want to do is read Country Style and think about starting a veggie garden. We cooked wonderful breakfasts on the beautiful little old stove and reclined on the well worn sofa in the sun. I am sure that I would love to live in the Country - just have to convince the husband! The weather looks abit wild - thank god for the open fire!

Below is the very elegant Spa at Beechworth, I just loved the inside decor, including sheer curtains tinted copper and matching metallic hints in the tiles, and then outside the trees where on show with their fabulous Autumn tones, such a wonderful time to visit and try my first Kodo Rock massage! I would totally recommend it if you have never had one before.

We met some very inspiring people on our trip to Beechworth, including the Morris family at their organic and biodynamic winery Pennyweight, it was wonderful to meet people who are so passionate about their products and we happily went home with a stunning bottle of Riesling and Muscat. I did feel rather jealous of their incredible property above. And below the local Church that I was rather keen on renovating! And yes it was for sale :)

A fabulous start to a Friday!

2011-04-29T10:45:00.004+10:00

Do you ever wake up feeling abit tired (especially after a fabulous and relaxing long Easter break) and wonder why do we work so hard all of our lives?? Well this morning I woke up to a little shot that was emailed through from our lovely Canadian distributor and all of those dreary Friday thoughts went straight out the window! I've always dreamed of AURA being up there with the Donna Karan's and the Calvin Klein's of the world and here we are in all our glory sitting pride of place next to Mr Klein in The Bay in Toronto. Take a bow team AURA - this definately out does the royal wedding for me this weekend!

Breakfast in Beechworth

2011-04-23T17:32:00.000+10:00

Our little breakfast table all set up, reminds me of my nanas place. Huge garden roses and hydrangeas with bone handled knives and proper English crockery. Our cottage in the country is just perfect, it makes me want to escape the city and move to the beautiful country, just like a man we met last night, he moved from our Melbourne suburb to Beechworth 21 years ago, he is the local taxi driver! Off to explore and take some inspiring shots to share.

Spring Summer 2011 range release!

2011-04-21T15:29:00.000+10:00

A Sneak Peek behind the curtain at Spring/Summer's range release!

Its been a long week of range showings for our new Spring/Summer 2011 collection to buyers, with great feedback it has been worth the effort we have all put in! Every 6 months for 2 weeks we dress the showroom with new and exciting products to show to our Australian buyers and international distributors. Luckily this season we have Easter in the middle for a well deserved break. I'm looking forward to heading off to Beechworth for 5 days of rest and relaxation, shopping and eating! Looking forward to sharing some fabulous finds with you next week!

Beautiful Autumn

2011-04-18T09:48:00.000+10:00

I had to stop on the way to the office today to take these shots of the beautiful Autumn leaves on the side of the street. I love Autumn, what a lovely season - the sun is still out but there is a chill is in the air telling us that Winter is on its way.

Thoughts for the weekend!

2011-04-16T18:12:00.000+10:00

Fabulous - makes you think - which is should - from this fabulous Blog!

Chevron love

2011-04-13T18:22:00.000+10:00

Seems to be abit of a mad craze for zig zags or "chevron's" at the moment. This fabulous shot above is from Brita Sweden, as seen on our friend Natalie's Hiccupings blogspot today! Go Nat for spotting this one and below a stunning shot of a very relaxed puss on some rather lovely emerald green Moroccan tiles from here.

Could our very own Inka Fig bedding be included in this lovely trend at the moment, I think so!

Love bedhead - just too sweet!

2011-04-12T19:24:00.000+10:00

I dont believe just how handy some womens husbands are - check out this gorgeous love bedhead from housetweaking, its just fabulous! I do have abit of a thing for the word "love" on things if you havent noticed - and this is just too sweet!

Beautiful Blues

2011-04-12T13:05:00.000+10:00

Could these shots be anymore beautiful if they tried! We are always searching for inspiration for our up and coming AURA shoots and our Marketing Manager Jaine (it is no secret that Jaine is a lover of blue!) found these very inspiring, totally gorgeous blues today. I love deep, dark sexy saturated tones - and these shots make me lost for words. Just stunning from the amazing Elephant Ceramics, all the way over in Manhattan! Why cant they be closer!

Anthropologie Earth Day Windows

2011-04-08T11:43:00.000+10:00

Take a look at these beautiful shots from Anthropologie's store windows to support Earth Day. Made from the most amazing coloured corks. With sustainability in mind of course - they have transformed their windows into fabulous art during April. See more here to admire their brilliant work!

Take me to Somerset!

2011-04-05T17:16:00.000+10:00

These amazing images are of the Dinger House, built in 1801 it is amongst other things a Georgian mansion in Somerset, England on 23 acres of garden. Who wouldnt want to live here?? I certainly havent appreciated Georgian houses in the past but I do now and with the design by the very talented Ilse Crawford im ready to move right now! The huge ballroom was made into a very contemporary kitchen and the kids have their own "Lego" room! For more images of this very exotic house have a read of the NY Times I especially liked some of the comments on the NY Times - apparently this house is not to everyone's taste!

Prunella - Flowers make you happy

2011-04-04T08:03:00.000+10:00

Above and below, gorgeous colours and styling at Prunella, Kyneton Victoria. I love the little bud vases and the green glassware, as well as the sign - Prunella - flowers make you happy - oh so true!

Stunning dark walls below, help the foliage sing in the store.

The deepest dark walls and the most inspirational styling, that's what we found at Prunella, a florist in Kyneton that I can only describe as simply scrumptious. A few weekends ago my husband and I were out and about in Kyneton, Victoria and came across this little oasis of colour in the country. Prunella is more than just a florist it is a treasure trove of lovely objects styled in perfect harmony - truely beautiful. Sometimes things that are small and special are oh so much more perfect - Vanessa and Caris your lovely store took my breath away - Congratulations. Tracie x

Myer - Now A World Class Department Store

2011-04-02T18:45:00.000+11:00

Today we ventured into the Myer Melbourne store, the grand opening was on Thursday night, the atrium has finally been unveiled with streams of light flooding the store - well done Myer it is truely amazing and we now have a world class department store in Australia!

This is one impressive view, its been a long time since we have had a department store with windows let alone a view of the Melbourne roof tops above and below. These images are on the way up to the top floor.

Oh is that an AURA bed I spy, yes there she is the new Inka Fig in all her glory! And below our fabulous new AURA poster that is up in the store - loving it!

If you havent been into the city for a while do yourself a favour it is a fantastic store with some great cafes, and a Champagne Bar! Go Myer we are impressed!!

Back to the 1950s - a before and after

2011-03-31T10:42:00.000+11:00

I was hunting through our renovation reciepts this morning and found these amazing old photos from The State Library of our house the year it was built in 1954! So I thought I would do abit of a before and after post! Our beautiful kitchen designed by John & Phyllis Murphy in the 1950s above with the servery and now below as one big open space, how life changes. Recently the son of Phyllis sent me a letter after seeing our house in Inside Out Magazine and I was very excited at the thought that she had seen the renovation and hope that she thought that we have done the house proud.

And below the old built in stereo, how fantastic that would have been, unfortunately it was long gone when we brought the house, and the underneath shot, after the renovation and the whole stereo wall was removed to create a more open space.

Our beautiful Wisteria tree, above in 1954 and below about a year ago, it is still going strong and now covers the whole front deck, we were worried during the renovation and the deck building but she has survived the builders well.

These stunning recent shots of our house where taken by Sharyn Cairns. And our renovation was designed by the very talented Emma Tulloch of Nixon Tulloch Fortey Architecture. I hope your having a great Thursday! x

Velvet and Linen what a perfect combination!

2011-03-25T15:55:00.000+11:00

Perfect timing, with the weather cooling down I have been thinking about abit more layering needed for the bed and our stunning new Velvet coverlets have just arrived! These are beautiful, a lush black luxurious Cotton Velvet on the front with a large pure Linen border, hand stitched with a natural top stitch. I know im sounding like a sales pitch but i just love them and have to take one home this weekend to survive our cold Melbourne weather! Have a lovely weekend everyone and hope you like the new shots x

Weekend Tea Cosy inspiration

2011-03-23T08:00:00.000+11:00

This weekend I was greatly inspired, yet again, by my very talented Mother in law and her amazing nibble fingers at the age of 86. Above are a collection of her Tea Cosies she has made, some patterns are from the crafty goddess, or as she calls herself the "Tea Cosy Queen" Loani Prior and her books Wild Tea Cosies. You can check out Loani's very colourful and entertaining Blog Grand Purlbaa here and her books and other Tea Cosy books here.

The inspiration of the Great Ocean Road

2011-03-19T16:57:00.000+11:00

Last weekend we ventured out of town and drove down the Great Ocean Road to visit some amazing places, sometimes you forget how beautiful your own country is with our desires to travel overseas for adventure! Above is the stunning landscape of the limestone cliffs at the 12 Apostles, there is a fantastic walk that goes along the great southern ocean itself, read more here. I just love the colours and the movement of the grasses and the abundant ground covers.

Below the beautiful Melba Gully, with the largest Tree Ferns I have ever seen and the most amazing tones of greens. There was slight emotion when we walked through the lush, tropical rainforest to our destination "The Big Tree" but to our distress the Big Tree is no longer - only the huge trunk laying on its side in the silent rainforest.

Those that know me would know that this is a big deal to me - I have a rather large fear of heights and the Otway Fly Tree Top adventure was out to test this fear of mine big time. But unlike the swinging wooden bridges in Peru, that completely freaked me out, this is a beautiful canopy walk that is a 600 mt long very sturdy metal structure that felt incredibly safe. The views where spectacular walking amongst the tree tops you could stop and hear the huge trees sway in the wind at 25-30 metres above the rainforest floor - from the ground you would never realise just how much these huge Mountain Ash

move in the wind. Apparently the walk is the longest and highest of its kind in the world able to withstand winds up to 280 km/h - luckily we didnt have to test that!

Heartbreak as we get to Timboon and the sign says "Sorry we are closed" I was looking forward to visiting Timboon Cheese but for those of you that would like to know it closes at 4pm! The shots above are of the wonderful manucured gardens - I remember visiting years ago and sitting for hours in the garden nibbling on some of their spectacular cheese. Hopefully we will go back when it is open again one day.

Moonlight Escape

2011-03-17T16:57:00.001+11:00

We had the pleasure of staying for 4 fabulous nights at the wonderful Moonlight Escape at Moonlight Head, near Johanna on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria last weekend. Moonlight Escape was designed by Glen Murcutt, this amazing house has the most beautiful natural light that streams in through multiple "saw tooth" angled skylights and wide glass windows that look out at the 10 - yes we counted 10 kangaroos who feed and play each morning and afternoon outside the master bedroom - hours of entertainment for our dog! It was a very relaxing stay and we where also spolit by moody floor lighting, Vola taps, that I have always wanted at home and Gaggenau appliances, that I now want at home! Have a look here for more images.

A perfect Weekend in the country.

2011-03-13T09:32:00.000+11:00

Here I am doing my favorite past time, reading fabulous cooking mags getting inspiration on what to cook the boys over the long weekend we are blessed with in Victoria. We are lucky enough to be staying near the 12 Apostles in Yuulong at Moonlight Escape, the most amazing house! I will show you some shots of the house soon but trying my hand at my first post from the iPad - which is not the easiest thing in the world! Hope you are having a great weekend. OMG just managed to change the size of my image - that is pretty exciting to me not being very technically savvy! X

New Winter Catalogue online now

2011-03-08T17:20:00.000+11:00

Heres a sneak peak at our brand new Autumn/Winter 2011 catalogue that we have just added online - you can check it out here. I hope you enjoy it - we are very proud of once again producing a beautiful masterpiece of a catalogue, and yes I am biased. Thank you to all of the wonderful creative people who where involved - well done to all and I would love to hear your feedback, leave me a comment to let me know what you think, Tracie x

Atelier Abigail Ahern

2011-03-07T17:13:00.000+11:00

The legendary and incredibly inspirational Abigail Ahern featured our new Inka bedlinen on her beautiful blog today! What an absolute honor to be featured by one of the worlds "coolest" interior designers! Thank you Abigail!!!

The beautiful Copenhagen

2011-03-07T12:17:00.000+11:00

In January I was lucky enough to visit Copenhagen, I was pretty excited as even though it was a work visit I had never been to Denmark before and had heard so much about this beautiful city. The first evidence of Copenhagen was in 1043 but even before this time where the Vikings! The above image is along the Nyhavn Canal which is a simply gorgeous setting, the colours of the buildings are incredibly inspirational - I had only seen images of Copenhagen in the Summer so the snow was an interesting element added to our visit - rubber souls where necessary (yes I know that now!).

The above are more shots of the beautiful Nyhavn Canal, full of traditional little restaurants where you head downstairs into the warmth and comfort of the open fires and a nice big glass of Red!

The piles of snow doesnt stop the glamour in Copenhagen! The Louis Vuitton store in Ostergade was glowing a warm shade of orange into the dark wintry streets.

The fabulous Day Birger store above was a pleasure to visit, even in sale time! The tiny cobbled streets of Copenhagen where just beautiful and an absolute must to explore. With an array of fabulous homewares and design shopping, the Danish are an exceptional styish bunch and such nice people! I would love to go back in Summer as I am sure the experience would be a much different one.

Shades of Grey in Belle

2011-03-04T15:56:00.004+11:00

Thank you Belle Magazine for featuring us in their brand new Issue in this lovely Shades of Grey shot - its pretty dark and moody but thats our new Ankita Natural and Inka Smoke pillowcases staring!!

Hanging Baskets - are there any cool ones???

2011-03-02T18:50:00.000+11:00

Amazing climbing plant Trellis from Terrace Outdoor Living.

Now heres a couple of lovely hanging baskets.

Or go all the way and spend the cash on this unique and fabulous macrame hanging basket, found some interested versions on macrame hanging baskets on Etzy....like this quite cute one below which is a hand woven hanging wall or door basket.!

The craze of indoor plants has hit me, my lovely mother in law has given me a Hoya plant and I have been wondering where and what to get to make it look cool? Its not that easy finding good looking hanging pots I tell you! I have found many a website/blog that tells you how to make these adorable flash backs from the 60's like this one here - Make a wild hanging basket- but not so many on how to actually buy something that doesnt look like its out of granny's fernery or that you cant put fruit in, although the red vintage tiered wire hanging fruit basket above is pretty cute.

A day in Sydney

2011-02-27T19:18:00.000+11:00

Mr Bromley's work on the side of the Greenhouse by Joost at the passenger terminal at Circular Quay - fabulous "Pop up" restaurant which was previously in Fed Square Melbourne. But this one has a slightly better view! This is when you get just that bit jealous of Sydney.

The outside of the Greenhouse, the walls made from straw bales set into a steel framework are covered in Strawberry plants, apparently they will all be composted when the cafe moves on - everything is made from recycled and sustainable materials. Read more here.

Not so excited about a glass of Vino out of a jar - but I did like the beer bottle glasses.

Sydney is more about traditional pubs than Melbourne - we seem to renovate them all and make them into trendy venues while Sydney keeps the Pub tradition alive.

The market at The Rocks, which seemed to be set up to cater for the hundreds of tourists off the rather large cruise boat that was in town! The Amsterdam.

Abit of Aboriginal art for the Tourists - they where actually quite lovely, amazingly detailed work in the tapestry patterning.

A bit of glass blowing in 35 degree heat - I had to admire his creative skills in this heat!

Our market purchase - my new eel skin wallet thanks to my husband - I love the colour!

I was lucky enough to have a day out and about in Sydney last week with my husband being a tourist (while the team was at the gift fair - thanks guys! :) being from Melbourne we do always tend to think of ourselves as the city of bars and restaurants but I have to say Sydney is an amazing place that seems to be constantly sunny and gorgeous! We started the day over at Watsons Bay and felt like we were in Queensland with all of the tanned bodies and beach activity. Then a lovely ride on the Ferry in the sun and we where in Circular Quay amazed by a huge Cruise boat "The Amsterdam" and alot of very well dressed tourists not realising it was going to be 35 degrees that day! A walk around The Rocks and the undercover market and then late lunch at The Greenhouse by Joost followed by a catch up with Jess to find out the gossip of the fair and a great dinner at The Winery. A good day was had by all x

Terrace Outdoor Living Sydney

2011-02-25T18:15:00.000+11:00

My favorite chair that I would love for my back deck!

While I was in Sydney last week I popped in to visit the lovely Paul Hopper at his sensational new store Terrace Outdoor Living. Paul and his business partner Bianca, have done such a wonderful job and I was very inspired and secretly jealous of their beautiful store. I love the 1960's building with a layer of welcoming ivy, a really refreshing new outdoor concept store. Paul will even visit you for a consultation on your new outdoor furniture and help you plan any marvelous outdoor events you have coming up! So much colour it made me wish I lived in Sydney with all of that outdoor weather!

Sydney Gift Fair

2011-02-22T19:51:00.000+11:00

This week we have been setting up our AURA stand at the Sydney Reed Gift and Homewares fair, Jess did a top job with the drill! We have welcomed in our Winter 2011 collection with a gorgeous "Mustard" wall, one of our feature colours this season - which was a great success so look out for some lovely Honey products in the stores. For those of you who dropped by to visit us at Darling Harbour thank you very much it was lovely to see everyone!

Our beautiful new Maison has arrived

2011-02-10T17:45:00.000+11:00

Our beautiful Maison bedding and tablelinen has arrived! In stunning Aubergine and Honey I already have my order in for a King Bed Aubergine quilt cover and Honey napkins. I am in love with our new shots, the moody rich blue on the wall behind the Honey tablecloth shot is stunning and just dreamy. I cant wait I adore these new colours - but yes I am biased...x

Funky Polka Dot shower curtains

2011-02-07T17:24:00.000+11:00

Looking around on the web today I found these gorgeous Shower curtains on a US mail order website! I just love the colours and if I didnt have a boring shower screen I would have to hang the yellow one up asap - I just love it, it would be perfect to jazz up an all white bathroom.

AURA on The Design Files

2011-02-07T14:44:00.000+11:00

We are very excited to have been working with Lucy Feagins from The Design Files on a guest blog which has started today! On our latest trip to London, Paris, Copenhagen and Frankfurt Jaine and I where busy taking snaps along the way for our inspiration and also in anticipation of our guest blog feature. Take a look here, and I hope you enjoy our shots which are all colour themed - a different theme each day. x