okay, how was that for a rhyme? pathetic, i know, obviously i am not destined to be a poet in this life.

so now there is officially one week left to hand over your hard work. this cutie reminds me of high-school love, sent in by diana…

go visit her super cool etsy store too.

There is only one week left to deadline! so this week is going to be completely dedicated to the My Heart Wanders countdown. I will include one random submission on each post so you can have a little sneak peek at what has been coming in. But I want to leave surprises for the final book, so you will only get to see a snippet of the entries in the lead up to the final selection. Starting today with this beauty, do you recognise her?

Yes it’s dear Alyson, making a garland of wandering hearts. beautiful.

Normal posting will resume next monday after the deadline, and i have been saving up some killer posts including a few exclusive home tours, some awesome etsy favourites, a new summer-inspired menu in the kitchen, and you know what, isn’t it time we all had a holiday on a tropical island? well next monday we will – I am going to take you with me to my favourite island that I’ve been having to keep secret from you for too long. We will stay in a spa resort, and we will be sipping caiparinhas poolside. Whose going to join me?

But, before we head off to this island hideaway, let’s cracking this week, we have just 7 days to be a part of something that is destined to blow the socks off us all.

PS. one more chalkboard countdown will be posted this afternoon to mark the 7th day to deadline. see you then!

PPS. and we need a song for the week, to get us in the groove, so THIS is it. If this song does not get your feet tapping and your heart singing, I don’t know what will! Here it is again in a cool original live version from the 70’s. Sly, baby, you rock.

As it turns out, a good nights sleep does do the trick! and a morning ride around the canals, a stop into one of my favourite boutiques, and a delicious breakfast in the Joordan…it all helps.

This morning I was returning props from yesterday’s shoot, and I can tell you, that is the worst part of the job. Sometimes I’m drawn to tears, having to return such incredible props. And many times I just can’t part with the goods so I buy them. Above are some of the flowers I bought for the shoot. Mes chères fleurs! I think they are so beautiful. Peonies of course are in season, but I also love these little fluffy blossoms. I don’t know the names unfortunately. Don’t they all go so well together?

Also on the kitchen table:

French Boy and I like to try different wines from all over the world but with the French palate that we (umm, namely he) has, we are pretty picky and often stick with the French ones we love. But we have noticed a good number of reds coming from South Africa lately. The other day, we tried this one with dinner and it was succulent. So I kept the bottle to let you all know about it, and we will be stocking up on a few for the wine cellar (aka a cupboard in the hull of the boat). And guess what – it is fair trade and organic! I know, we couldn’t believe it – we felt like we had hit the jackpot. The label is called “African Star” and the one we had was labeled ‘organic red 2007’: its harvested in South Africa by a company called Stellar Organic Winery. Proceeds go to one of the local primary schools. Jackpot, right?!!

These Oat Crumbles. I’ve been having them with my tea lately and they are sooooo delicious. They melt in your mouth. Made by Island Bakery Organics on The Isle of Mull in Scotland.

And this is my favourite outift combo du jour. I don’t know why I felt like showing you but I just do. I’m loving it that much. Maybe it’s the summer weather we are having lately, and the freedom to be in flowy frocks and flip flops. I bought this dress for 10 euros at Free P Star vintage clothing in Paris. It’s one of my favourite stops. The belt is handmade, I bought it at the art and crafts markets in The Corso, in Manly, Sydney. The cotton wrap is about 10 years old, I have no idea where I found that one but it has followed me around on my travels, it still holds its shape and is so soft. I usually pin a flower to the wrap to complete ‘the look’. And wear Thai black cotton flip flops on my feet. And my hair up off my neck.

Okay, enough procrastination on my part. Time to get back to the grind stone. Enjoy your day mes chers amis.

i have sat here looking at this post, wondering what to add, but it seems my brain has come to a halt for the day. or week. Perhaps a good nights rest will do the trick.

For my Paris readers, I hear there is an awesome brocante happening this weekend on Rue Charles François Dupuis in Le Marais, and Marie Louise De Monterey will also have a stall out the front of the boutique, so go grab yourself a bargain! And one for me too!

Bed time now. Sweet dreams. xx

well, i do. and i believe it comes in a soft-bound, full colour 110-page book filled with stunning polaroids by some of my favourite people. For The Love of Light is a tribute to the art of polaroid. It’s about to be available for pre-sale in approx. 6 hours time. There will only be a limited edition of 500 printed, and it’s $49.95. So in 6 hours time click here to order (noonish in North America, 6pm in Europe, and 2am in oz).