Autumn Decorations

I've got a nasty cold and have been stuck inside the house unable to enjoy this glorious autumn weather. Fortunately I decorated our house a little last week and was able to enjoy the things we collected from our visit to the forrest. 

I think the hardest thing about being a mother is not being able to call in sick and being forced to soldier on looking after the kids when all you want to do is curl up in bed and rest. Well, it's been pretty chaotic at our place this week but it's lovely having a little corner in your home that you can walk past and take delight in even when everything else is a little out of control. 

The black cabinet in our dining room is the spot I decorate frequently and the best thing: it's not within the boys' reach. Do you have a spot in your home that you pay particular attention to and that provides you with a sense of calm even when chaos rules?

(images: Nina Lamb)

By Nord's Hanne Berzant's home

While I was sitting down with a cup of well deserved coffee recovering from a morning of cleaning, ironing and washing windows, I stumbled across this beautiful apartment owned by Hanne Berzant and her family. Hanne and her husband are the founders of By Nord, a hugely popular danish lifestyle & interiors brand. On their Facebook page they share glimpses into their stunning Copenhagen apartment - including some of their latest products. 

(images: Morten Holtum via By Nord's Facebook page)

Decorating with Apples

Although we've had beautiful sunny days this week, there's a definite feel of the change of season - the air feels fresh and crisp. I'm out with my boys every day and the slightly cooler temperatures suit as well. I feel a lot more energized now than during the heat of summer. 

Today we collected some tiny apples that had fallen of the trees along our walk to kindergarten. They're really too small to do anything with other than decorate the house.

I made an apple wreath by "threading" them all on a wire. You could hang the wreath on the outside of your door or use it as an autumn centerpiece like I did. 

Thank you for your lovely comments on my last post. I feel excited to be blogging from the other side of the world before too long. I no doubt will have lots to show and tell when we embark on yet another adventure - the biggest one being finding a new home in poor old Christchurch.

Tschüss...

(images: Nina Lamb)

Dreaming of a cottage by the sea

I feel like my blog is at times facing the same fate as my pot plants - somewhat neglected but still loved. Life has been so hectic I have barely had the time to sit in front of the computer.

Our move back to New Zealand is looming and the list of things I need to get organized before we board that plane in December seems endless. My emotions are a bit all over the place at the moment. I can't wait to see family and friends again after almost three years away, but I am dreading saying goodbye to everyone here. Moving house is something I'm pretty used to, growing up we lived a pretty nomadic lifestyle and that has continued as I got older and started my own family.

I tend to look forward rather than back once the decision is made i.e. the flights are booked. I think moving is always a great opportunity for a fresh start and that of course applies to making a house a home as well as to any other aspects of life. I love our modern, light filled apartment with great views over the city but am secretly dreaming of a little cottage by the sea.

I have recently discovered the wonderful blog a beach cottage.
Originally from the UK, Sarah set out to live a coastal lifestyle with her husband and three kids. They moved to Australia in 2005 and purchased an old seaside property which they have lovingly restored. Sara's blog is more than an interiors and diy journal, it promotes a certain lifestyle that I feel very drawn to.

Whenever I feel a little sad about leaving behind the hustle and bustle of German cites, great shopping, cultural life and architecture I turn to Sarah's blog and feel excited at the prospect of throwing on some wellies and heading down to the farmer's market for some freshly gown organic veggies which I would bring back to my very own cottage by the sea - a girl can dream :-)

I hope you are coming along with me on this journey...

Tschüss....

(all images: a beach cottage)