INFLATABLE SUN WORSHIPPING

In Sydney lately we've been lucky to enjoy a sneak peek at the summer weather which is just around the corner. The Haviana's are out of the cupboard and the turkish towel has actually made a few appearances on the sand (and grass) over the past few weeks and it's got me well and truly excited for summer!

Something else I spotted earlier this week that has also got me in the summer spirit are these amazing CHAT inflatable sun lounges created by Imaisde Design Studio, the winning entry in The Cool Hunter's Designer Inflatables competition.

Designed with 'social sunbathing' in mind, the 3 pieces can be connected together with hooks to ensure you don't float away from your fellow sun lovers. Amazeballs!

Unfortunately the CHAT was available as a limited addition run only and is now sold out. Lets cross our pruney fingers and toes though that after such a great reaction this won't be the last we see of this stripey threesome.

COOL KIDS // GINGER ELLIOTT

Not for those who like to play it safe, vintage meets edgy with these lovingly restored one-off pieces from Ginger Elliott.

With backgrounds in fashion and interiors design, Sarah and Nicole breathe new life into their collection with an eclectic mix of bright bold colours and fabrics which simply pop against the traditional lines of the vintage designs.

Upcycled has never looked so good!

WANDERLUST // ATLANTIC BYRON BAY

With the winter chill in full swing here in Sydney, these images from unique coastal boutique hotel Atlantic Byron Bay will bring a little sunshine to your day. Three original beach cottages have been transformed into Caribbean styled plantation houses set amongst tropical gardens and only a short stroll to the beach.

Sun bleached and salt kissed the property includes the main plantation house 'The Lodge', charcoal cottage 'Driftwood' and the Caribbean palette of 'Coconut Cottage', not to mention the retro beauty of the American Airstream trailer, taking camping to the next level.

Take me there now!!!

xx

WINDOW SHOPPING // ST. BARTS

Created from a love of the Carribbean coast and it's luxe bohemian lifestyle, Queensland retailer St Barts has launched it's new online store. With the ability to shop by collections such as Hamptons, Tribe, Global Eccentric, Cargo and Caribbean Home its just too easy to create a little bit of coastal cool in your own home. Here's my wishlist...

Samantha Robinson Belly Bowl // Ivory Timber Chandelier // Single Palm Tree Print // Palm Beach Collection Scented Candle // Blue Velvet Cushion with Pom Poms // Moroccan Cocktail Glass // Natural Drum Side Table // Cool Hotels by Kim Ingls

ADORE MAGAZINE// NEW JUNE/JULY ISSUE

It's been out for a month now, but just incase you've been living under a rock, check out the new June/July issue of Adore Magazine.
You can see my Electric Aztec spread on page 16 (isn't that paper chandelier divine) as well as a Q&A with aussie Creative Director for West Elm, Vanessa Holden, a tour of Melbourne store Crate Expectations and a peek into the coastal styling of Rob and Nia Row's Burleigh Heads holiday apartment.

And congratulations to Loni as well for her successful Pozible campaign to publish the Adore Home book. I can't wait to get my copy in November!! xx

COOL KIDS // JAI VASICEK // AHOY TRADER

I first discovered the exciting ceramic artwork of Jai Vasicek through the crazy/beautiful Lauri Elks of Ourlieu. A match made in heaven, Jai and Lauri joined forces to launch their cross collaboration at Life Instyle earlier this year and Jai's tiled palm tree mural which adorned the back wall of their stand (paired with his bubbly personality) was an instant hit.

With a childhood spent sailing the world on his family's boat and a stint living in Brazil it is no wonder the ocean and cross cultures are a constant source of inspiration for Jai's bold designs where he layers vibrant coloured paints with photographic prints and patterns on ceramic pieces including his famous crucifixes and portholes.

Besides the Martinique cushion currently adorning my couch, the crucifixes are a favourite of mine and currently at the top of my wish list. Adorned with feathers, shells and splashes of neon, these eclectic pieces are a true melting pot of Central/South American and Polynesian flavours with a modern twist.

Apart from being stocked at a number of designer retailers nationally Jai has created his own retail haven with his popular Byron Bay store Ahoy Trader, a bowerbird's nest of Australian homewares and fashion designers who share Jai's colourfully unique design aesthetics.

Jai Vasicek = Hot Property peeps! Get on board xx

Image Credits: Ahoy Trader, The Design Files

TEQUILA, LIMES & SUNSHINE: CINCO DE MAYO

Hola Chica's! So this Sunday marks Cinco de Mayo (5 May), the US/Mexican celebration of freedom & democracy in the first years of the American Civil War and the Mexican army's unlikely win over the French in the Battle of Puebla. It's no secret in my house that I am a total freak for Mexico. I love the landscapes, the colours, the people, the decor, the traditions and not to mention the tequila!!! So to get into the spirit here are a few menu ideas if your planning on donning your sombrero and joining in the party this weekend!

DRINK > RASPBERRY & KEY LIME MARGARITAS

Makes 4 cocktails

1 pint fresh raspberries (or about 1 cup frozen)
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup Key lime juice (or 1/2 cup regular lime juice)
1 cup tequila (hefty, yes…if you alter this amount I won’t be offended)

Combine the raspberries and citrus juices in a blender. Pulse until smooth. Use a fine mesh strainer and a spatula to press the raspberry mixture through into a bowl- this removes the seeds from the berries. Add the tequila, pour into a pitcher and pour into a salt-rimmed glass with ice. Garnish with half a Key lime or a slice of regular lime. Cheers!

DIP > GRILLED PINEAPPLE GUACAMOLE

Creamy guacamole studded with sweet, smokey pineapple chunks

2 large avocados
Juice of 1 lime
Salt
1/3 cup finely diced red onion
Small handful of cilantro
1-2 serrano peppers, seeds removed and finely diced
2 pineapple rings ~1/2-inch thick, core removed
Olive oil or cooking spray

Preheat grill to high.Spray or brush both sides of the pineapple rings with olive oil or cooking spray. Grill 4 minutes on each side, until nicely browned. Remove from the grill and set aside to cool to room temp. Cut the pineapple into small cubes. Remove the pit and scoop the avocado from its shell.Add lime and salt, and then lightly smash with a fork. Stir in onion, cilantro, peppers, and pineapple cubes. Serve with tortilla chips or as a taco topping.

DEVOUR > SHRIMP TACOS WITH ADOBO SAUCE

Serves two

4 Corn Tortillas
12 large raw Shrimp, Deveined and Shelled
½ teaspoon Chili Powder
¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin
3 dashes Sea Salt
1 1/2 tablespoons Olive Oil
3 tablespoons chopped Cilantro
3 tablespoons chopped Red Onion
1 cup shredded Green Cabbage
1 cup shredded Purple Cabbage
1 whole Lime

For the Adobo Sauce:
5 teaspoons Adobo Sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 11 ounce can)
¼ cup Sour Cream
1/2 of a whole Lime
2 dashes Salt

Chop the cilantro, and thinly slice the green and purple cabbage. Chop the onion and set the veggies and cilantro aside. In a small bowl add the adobo sauce from the can of chipotle peppers, sour cream, lime juice, and salt. Mix and set aside.
Put the shrimp in a medium size bowl and add the chili powder, garlic powder, pepper, cumin, and salt. Mix together so that the shrimp is coated with the spices. In a medium size skillet add the olive oil. Then add the shrimp. Turn the shrimp as they cook until each side is lightly browned (about 6 minutes). Reserve the olive oil in the pan, and remove the shrimp on to a cutting board or plate.
Cut the shrimp in half and put them in a bowl. Then add the remaining olive oil from the pan in with the pieces of shrimp and mix together.
Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for about 10 to 12 seconds.Then top with the shrimp, onion, cilantro, and the green and purple cabbage. Drizzle the adobo sauce on top. Serve while the tortilla is still warm, and with a quarter piece of lime.

Recipe Sources: Tokyo Terrace, Confectious of a Foodie Bride & Coupon Clicking Cook