Simple Pleasures

 Photographs by Cindy Loughridge

When I stumbled upon Cindy Loughridge's photographs dedicated to her window ledge it reminded me to open my eyes more. Cindy has captured moments throughout the day to one little spot in her home that many of us would overlook. Including myself lately. It really doesn't matter how much money you have, if you're a homeowner, renting or still at home with the parents we can all find inspiring ideas within our space. Inspiration can come from the sun shining through your kitchen window, your pet running under your feet, your child’s mucky handprint on a light switch and even your shoes scattered across the floor. It's up to us though to stop and capture this moment. I will never forget when I went to Sir Terence Conran's house and while we were in his exquisite family kitchen he grabbed a garlic bulb from a bowl and sniffed it then stretched his arm up and examined it like a precious rock. He then went onto say "Isn't it beautiful, look at the colours: discovering beautiful objects like this each day is what keeps me going". I really did have a shitty year last year but this year I am taking back control and being proud in who I am. I really do think more of us need to slowdown. Instead of churning stuff out we need to use our personal space to help us carefully consider the new project, the new idea, the next steps. If we take in more of our surroundings and listen to ourselves more I believe this is when your soul, creativity and your talents will shine out even more. If Sir Terence can take a moment to enjoy life's simple pleasures - then so can we.  Cindy has a gorgeous blog here go and say hi.

It's A New Day

I don't know about you, but getting into the swing of 2010 has been a little slow for me, especially in the mornings. I'm finding it difficult to get out of bed! Why? Dealing with temperatures below zero, complete darkness outside and trying to find an outfit that fits me (curse those mince pies) have all played a factor in hitting the snooze button . I have been late for work nearly every day this week. Actually my only saving grace are my two siamese cats who meow outside my bedroom door insisting I feed them breakfast. Looking at Wai Lin Tse photos it shows me so many of us go through the same routine when we start our day.  I find this very comforting. Make sure you check out Wai Lin Tse' pictures here there are so many to LOVE

Poolside With Slim Aarons

Slim Aarons, an American photographer, is best known for his poolside photographs, in which he photographed, as he said, “attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places.” Aarons made a career out of “knowing everyone” and being invited to parties, and photographing these fabulous people. Lucky Slim. Well as I put on my Wellies in my little 2 bedroom apartment and trudge another day in snow I will close my eyes and think of the wonderful images of Silm's. I was inspired by Everyone Is An Art Director for this post. xxx

Drew-O-Rama In The House

All pictures by Drew over on his blog Drew-O-Rama and items to purchase at Kitsch Cafe

Girls and boys I think we should grab a little piece of Drew's life and put it into our own. I'm not talking about his fantastic style! I'm talking about reuse, repaint, reinterpret, revive, redeploy, or simply relish the things you have. As Ms Ilse Crawford says, "The idea that we can dispose of things easily weakens our links with the stuff we own. We need to commit to the objects that are partners in life - our tools and our treasures". Let 2010 be about revamping, reupholstering, rejiging. If you do offload, find a way to recycle or redistribute. Someone will love what you have tired of.

Hear Them Roar

You can purchase David Weeks Wooden Animals from online store Areaware

In 2010 one thing is for sure natural materials are going to continue to be important to those who like to shop for their home or bedroom. I love wood: it's a living material. I like to hold it, stroke it and sniff it. It gives a physical connection to the pre-industrial world. That sensual reality is a neccessary part for my home. The value of a natural made product that appears to be made by hand can add soul to our daily lives. I maintain that you can feel the mark of a living object, a piece of furniture, a building and even a toy. It's worth having and celebrating

The Glam Factory

 all photos by Heidi view more here

I love it when a person embodies style in every aspect of their life. Heidi's photographic talent transports me into her beautiful world giving me a little moment of escapism on my first day back at work. Oh to have the Californian sun on my skin right now. I love her wall divider. I've always been a huge fan of this kind of wall divider. I had one like this made for a set I had designed years ago for an advertising campaign I consulted on. They are relatively easy for a handy person to make. Heidi's home has so many great ideas so make sure you go and visit her at Flick'r

No Place Like Home

all pictures by Brighton based photographer Adam Bronkhorst