Delicious Postcards

Aren't these fabulous? They're all from the etsy seller aviewto - I just adore them!

Ok, now, don't get competitive!

Not to be outdone, another lovely Alice sent me a Paris space invader she found on her recent travels! Thank you Ali!

Space Pressies

The lovely Alice gave me an e-surprise - she found a space invader on her very own block in Brooklyn and took some photos for me! I love and love these deeply, so it was a delicious present - thank you! And have a look at her blog for some fabu election-love.

Je vous presente: E.R.F.

Some years ago I found this wooden suitcase in an antique shop and had to buy it. I was told by the owner that it was supposed to hold lawn bowls (lawn bowls?!) but my removalist thought it might actually be French, with the R and the F standing for 'Republique Francaise'. There's something about the careful craftsmanship of the box - the smooth wood, the neat staples and metal handle - which I find calming and beautiful.
I keep lots of my stationery and shop goodies inside it which only adds to how much I love it!

Coffee Break Stamps

When I was in Hong Kong, I came across this delightful set of stamps which give the "atmosphere of cafe". How could I resist? Curious Engrish and pretty little stampies? And an odd no-smoking stamp in amidst other seemingly normal ones? Sold!

Beside the Bed

Since moving, I have been trying to source the perfect bedside table. This alls happens in my imagination, of course, as the post-trip budget is a little meagre. Surprisingly, there's just not a lot out there that I like. The exception to this is the incredible bedside table by Josefun Hellstrom-Olsson which makes my heart flutter. A stack of books! For other books to be squirelled away in!

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This one, although less artsy, is a practical and very effective use of space - and my mind likes the separated categories, too. (One for literature! Nerd puzzles! House magazines! Thesis drafts! etc)

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This one intrigued me - I haven't decided what I think about it, but I like the idea of a bedside table working as a quasi-tray for a cheeky cup of tea, too.

In the meantime, this recessionista will make do with the very small Ikea stool and upside-down washing basket for the Pal...

Oh me! Oh my!

Cutest vase. Ever. From Pretty Random Objects.

Happiness and Kitchen Things

It has been so incredibly hot in Sydney this past week, and I have never been more grateful to have a cute Shinzi Katoh water bottle which I bought in Tokyo. There were so many to choose from, but the red and grey sang out to me. And I have to say, these things are amazing! Water (and ice) actually stay cold inside for a while, which means I have been toting this sucker everywhere I go.
One of the first things I set up in the kitchen was this little row of friends: Bonnie and Clyde (a gift from The Pal) and my Decole salt egg. I have been so happy to see them out of storage and gracing my benchtop. Eee!

Be Still My Beating Dining Room...

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How do such swoony things exist?

Study lovely

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While thoughts turn to both study and study places, I find myself looking at nooks where inspiration might come a-knocking. Isn't this duck egg blue place just the spot?

Meanwhile, have a look at Academic, Hopeful's tips on study. This girl knows her thesis-ing!

Keep Calm and...

I love this, Abbey!

Japanese stationery haul and shop update!

Having promised to both show off some of the stationery goodies I bought in Japan, I thought I'd conveniently combine the show-and-tell with a cheeky shop update.
Sometimes the stationery sections of shops made me actually short of breath!

I thought at the time I was being very extravagant by buying all that I did (and perhaps I was...) but it still all managed to fit in my carry-on luggage, so I did something right!

I can't emphasise enough how much I enjoyed the paper products - particularly of the kawaii variety - and here is a pretty fine selection of my stash.

Needless to say, I have placed a small selection in the shop if you feel like some would make a nice addition to your own collections.
Who can resist apples and squirrels? And together with a "Thank you for the delicious fruits"? Too much.
These matryoshka stickers are a real favourite. They combine postage stamps and simply beautiful colours.
I have a special fondness for the engrish on these - this set actually says, 'Bland hedgehog' on each page. Bland hedgehog?! Too hilarious.

Happy Day!

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Knots and Nuts

Via Poppytalk

Back to the Books...

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Some pretty disappointing news on the lady of leisure front. I found out my PhD results on Tuesday, and I have to submit another draft. I'm a bit crushed at the moment - especially considering how surprised my supervisors are at the result, too. (And considering my feedback was always so positive... Gah!) But realise the quicker I accept the news, the less painful it might be... Anyway, so as of February I will be back working on the draft for another 3 months at the minimum. Am trying to put on a brave face, but it has knocked me around a little bit confidence-wise.

Good news is that I will be posting more regularly as I'll be back desk-side, and hoping to keep up happy news of the new apartment, life, books, stationery and more.

I'm sorry if you know me and are only finding this out on the blog. That feels very impolite and I do apologise, but I am just out of energy to re-tell the story right now. Thanks xx

I'm back!

Some people might find it too weird that about two hours after the Pal and I landed back in Sydney, we went house hunting. And indeed, when I write it out like that, it does look a bit obsessive. And further, when I say we went house hunting and also put down a deposit to rent an apartment on that same morning, it might seem even stranger.

But we did! And I'm very excited. We move out this weekend (eep!) and here are a few photos taken by the agents.

Everything inside the apartment has been renovated about six months ago, so it's sparkling new, bright and breezy, with glimpses of water which is very nice. After living in a small studio last year, I can't wait to have a real kitchen again and more than one room to inhabit.

I'd love suggestions as I add to this large dining and living space - we have to buy a lounge and I am completely at a loss as to where I should start to look. Advice on that front?

I promise not to get too housey on the blog, but I'll keep you updated as the move progresses. It's nice to be back!

Photos courtesy of Real Estate.