Its all about the beach 'pad'!!

All this rain combined with us designing and constructing our own waterfront home (which I'll share pics of as soon as possible) has gotten me thinking about amazing beachfront properties (well yes - and dreaming I was there too!!).
Everyone has their own version of what makes the ultimate ' beachfront pad' - some like it luxurious and opulent (very up market hotel like), whilst for others the most simple shack is perfect as long as it comes with space for bbq and beer fridge and of course the obligatory shed for fishing rods and anything water/sports related.
Personally- I like it somewhere in between (trust me not to be easy and go for one or the other of the above), I love to have little 'zones' as I call them, to escape to unwind and feel luxurious and be pampered, yet to still have the bbq and beer fridge (alongside the wine/champers of course) and be able to have the space for our Son to play, have a vegie patch and may some chooks, tropical landscaping and a swimming pool. Most of all, for me it needs to be a place to simply forget about the outside world for a while and just live in the moment.
I LOVE an amazing master suite - a big bed, lots of fluffy pillows, soft sheets, total block out curtains/blinds for the compulsory sleep ins, view of the water/ocean and a beautiful ensuite and WIR - I dont ask for much do I?
I have been dreaming and researching at the same time - so check out some of the stunning properties I found ..... also check out this link if your looking for somewhere to head for a break - they are stunning!!
http://www.homedesignfind.com/architecture/10-most-evocative-beach-houses-in-australia/

Back to Organics Childs Play ..

Something that has become apparent to me through my son Oliver attending daycare, is the scary level of sanitation day to day things have to be 'nowadays' - and this is coming from someone who is still in her mid 20's!!!

What happened to the days of running around in the rain, playing in mud puddles, knowing how to care for pets (not electronic ones), climbing trees (and probably falling out) and making cubby houses???? I know I know - I have heard the hygiene arguments ( and I understand and agree with - to a certain point) but why does it have to be at the cost of priceless childhood experiences? Why, when spending sometimes up to 5 days per week in childcare do the kids have to play with the same plastic toys everyday, not touch a blade of grass and heaven forbid have animals to learn about?? And then we wonder why they wont get their heads out of computer games as teenagers!!

Yes, I am very passionate about this topic .... SO, what to do about it? I have a vision for the new way of childcare being very organic, meaning that the kids have natural grass, animals to raise and care for, real cubby houses, ability to interact between age groups, mini gardens and vege patches to tend to ( and eat the produce of) and so on ..... yes this means them getting dirty and possibly having a graised knee but don't you think the positives far out weigh the negatives?

Yes I hear you say - what about cost? I believe that quality rules over cost in most cases and when parents see what the benefits are to paying $5-10 more per day I think this problem would be solved - I think the CCB should also be re-assessed with prehaps a few more flexible payment options to make life easier for parents as yes - its expensive, but the government needs to get onboard to assist in changing this so we can give our children these experiences again.

How does this all fit in with what I do .... I love making a house a home - I would love to be able to make the daycares that these children go to a home away from home - somewhere that is stimulating, exciting, fun, educational and most of all encourages the childrens natural enquisitive instincts to explore and learn. This also means getting rid of the clinical and sterile approach to the interiors of centres (yes hygiene must remain at a certain standard I agree) however this can be done in a fun a homely way with different products/finishes used.

I have included some pictures of elements I'd like to see incorporated in centres....


Have water play areas for hot days - can be quite basic and have tank water used



Having animals such as tadpoles that they can then feed, watch grow and release into wild



Patterns and Prints Galore .....

I always get a buzz looking at upholstery fabrics - there is just a never ending supply of amazing styles and variations of styles being produced, which then leads to thinking of where I can use them and how and so on and so on .....

Here's a few I found online from overseas that I am waiting on samples of ...

xo Mandy

High Style!!

Check out these photo's that were sent to me of an apartment in Shanghai ..... STUNNING!!!

A great example of why I am a big fan of a simple colour palette and accessorising with textures and bling!!

Paris Dreaming!!

This is my current background on my laptop - taken when we were in Paris on the night Brendon proposed to me .... it takes me back to feeling like I am there ... remembering the smells, sights and sounds of Paris (it was a million times better then I had ever dreamed). The baguette's are incredible - I can still taste them !!!

The city was amazing and I can't wait to go back - with a different agenda - buying!! They have the most amazing vintage pieces at the markets, accessories and textiles are totally unlike anything we get here - the history and cultire there is amazing. I can't wait to be able to have the opportunity to incorporate my interpretation of Paris into a home .....