inspire*inspire

MOR

Nothing makes a product more appealing than great packaging. Don't you agree?! I often find that while a lot of cosmetic products deliver in terms of quality and performance, most of them lack in terms of good packaging which troubles me to no end. I mean, someone was actually paid to design the package yet the package serve no more than it's functional purpose, having no (or very little) aesthetic value. Which makes me wonder- is dull design cheaper than pretty design? Or is it just a question of taste? And wouldn't you rather pay a bit extra just to have beautiful packaging that brighten up your life and can be used again?

Well, one thing is certain- since I discovered MOR cosmetics, I have been head over heels in love with their stunning products and I would like nothing more than having them gracing my space.

Clockwise from the top: 1. Lip Delight green tea/ honeysuckle /sorbet lip balm 2. Nordica- FREIA body scrub 3. Nordica FREIA hand & body lotion 4. Nordica FREIA lip balm 5. Nordica FREIA  bath essence.

Clockwise from top left: 1. Nordica- DALA hand & body lotion 2. Nordica- DALA triple milled soap 3. Nordica- DALA body oil 4. My Sweet Napolitan- soapette gift set 5. Emporium- white hydrangea body butter.

Have a wonderful weekend! xo

Shop envelop!

Hello lovelies! The weather has been so kind to us lately and I couldn't be happier right now. Ah! glorious spring! Every year I am amazed at the transformation of London and its people around this time of year. The trees are bursting with brilliant blossom and all of a sudden heads are raise high, eyes brighten up and smiles are spread all around. The bars are full of chatty crowds spilling onto the pavements and even the cab drivers seem to be more relaxed (and dare I say even courteous on the road). I truly LOVE London in springtime!

Spring is also the time to brighten and freshen up your home and I just love these unique illustrated cushions from online shop envelop for a quick, easy and affordable way to instantly spruce up any space.

1. Carnival 2. Strawberry Swirl 3. Fly Away Peter 4. Three Boats 5. Abstract Owl 

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1. Little Blue Day 2. City View 3. Woolly Bear 4. Hatch 5. Bear Hugs

Visit envelope.eu for dozens more cushion designs, as well as tote bags, place mats, aprons and more.

Enjoy!

Pastel goodness

More on the subject of pastels (Perhaps it will help bring spring a little sooner)... Here are a few sorbet-colour goodies that I covet right now:

1. Mosaic rug by bernabeifreeman for Designer Rugs, 2. Silver pencils at Paperchase, 3-4. Cushions at Habitat, 5. Limited Edition ECAL Birdcage at Vivre, 6. Bowl at Anthropologie, 7. Wise guys paper owls by Mibo studio.

Enjoy!

Jonathan Adler

Hello Lovelies! Thanks for visiting this semi-neglected blog even when my posts have been reduced to once in a blue moon... I must say, I miss blogging regularly, but since I always put my heart and soul into everything I do, my studies have really taken up the majority of my time and energy over the last couple of months. But it is totally worth it!

I love the course and I love my new friends and I love how much I learn every single day! The only thing that could make me happier at this point is finding more time to blog...

Well, with the first term finishing in just a couple of weeks, my overall feeling is that I'm getting better at handling the workload, so *fingers crossed* next term will see me devoting more time to inspire*inspire! So watch this space :)

In the mean time, I shall leave you with these brilliant games and Hanukkah essentials from Jonathan Adler:

 

Also, to check out what's on SALE click here.

Enjoy!

BODIE and FOU

Whether you're already thinking about your holiday shopping or just looking for stylish gifts, look no further than this lovely online boutique, by French sisters Elodie (BODIE) and Karine (FOU):

images via bodieandfou.com

Full of goodies from bath products, kitchenware and home accessories to furniture, wallpaper and treasures for kids, this gorgeous boutique makes shopping for gifts a real treat.

Enjoy!

LAMA designs

By some strange fluke, just minutes after posting about Pepe & friends- and crowning it 'the cutest tableware design'- I happen to come across these adorable teapots that can, no doubt, fight for the title!

Designed and handmade by Lola Goldstein, these earthenware teapots come complete with either a knitted hat or scarf.

A range of Lola's cute ceramics and many more wonderful finds, such as textiles, paper goods, accessories and artwork (including one of my favorite indie artists- Geninne Zlatkis) can all be found at the online boutique LAMA designs. Dedicated to promoting Latin American indie art and design, the shop is packed full of colourful goodness and unique gift ideas that would make you want to put on your dance shoes and crank up the volume on your Buena Vista Social Club!

images via LAMAdesigns.com

New House Textiles

In my quest to find window dressing for our house, I stumbled upon the loveliest shop!

Based in the UK, New House Textiles features a unique blinds  collection.  But my heart really skipped a beat for the gorgeous, Scandinavian retro style, homeware collections:

Browse the website to find vintage tea towels, beautiful table linen, paper napkins, kitchenware and more.

Product images via New House Textiles

Wishlist: redecorating

We are in the process of redecorating our house and it is proving to be an interesting challenge. First and foremost, because redecorating always is a bit of a challenge, but also because we have our hearts set on buying a new house in a year or two so we are saving our money, time and energy to invest in that, when the time comes. As a result, we decided to avoid any major projects and only give the place a bit of a 'face lift'.

Having decide to keep the existing Navy Blue fitted carpets, we were faced with the challenge of working a scheme around this feature. We were pretty lost to begin with, but bit by bit started finding more and more inspiration and options that seem to work with that dominant element.

The scheme I have put together was inspired by the lovely rug I found at Laure Ashley, which will go in the lounge, on top of the existing carpet. I then saw this gorgeous 'Love' chair in Elle decoration, and fell head over heals in love with it right there and then! (Hmm... Perhaps that is why they called it the 'Love' chair...!) All the other items, I have had my eye on for some time and I love the fact that they fit so well into the overall scheme!

1. Karin Eriksson's ceramics (Flickr photo) 2. Dorit candle holders (Jean Pelle's Etsy shop) 3. Vase (Habitat) 4. Lamp (Heal's) 5. Rug (Laure Ashley) 6. 'Love' chair by Deadgood 7. Frames - Wall stickers (IKEA) 8. Aqua bamboo bowls

Be*inspired!

Branch home

Have I mentioned how strongly I feel about sustainable design, yet?! Well, in case you've missed it, I'll say it again: sustainability cannot be stressed enough, as far as I'm concern!

However,I will spare you my passionate argument on recycling,  restoring, repairing and reusing (but I reserve the right to bring it up in future posts). Instead, I shall send you over to the lovely Swiss miss blog, for a quick read of the brilliant repair manifesto.

I would also like to share  these sweet finds from the online shop Branch home, a site dedicated to researching and approving the resources, manufacturing process and materials of every item they put up for sale, so you can rest assured that anything you buy is sustainable and eco-friendly!

Product images via branchhome.com

Loveliness

We could all do with more loveliness in our lives, every now and then. Right?!

Perhaps even more so when things are not so ideal, like the current financial situation that puts pressure on us all! I believe that in situations like these, it is best to indulge in little simple things. A beautiful piece of affordable art, a personal accessory or a little something for the home can be a joyful investment, as you will have the pleasure to use and enjoy it for days to come.

True, that loveliness can be found in many things that aren't for sale, and we don't necessarily have to purchase something new to make ourselves feel good. But while I personally, find my daily dose of loveliness in nature, I do feel that surrounding oneself with things of beauty has great merits and can have an additional feel-good effect on the mood.

Simple things, like these IKEA tumblers for £0.19 {$0.29} each, won't exactly break the bank and the pleasure you'll get from seeping your morning tea or coffee from them will be priceless!

1. Aflutter painting by ThePaperApartment, 2. Feather nacklace
by Hoakon/Helga, 3. Au fil de..., 4. Lexi earrings by Kimberly Baker,
5. Mesa Southwest Scarf at Forever21, 6. ÄLMHULT Tumbler at IKEA

Little splashes of colour

1.'Picnic' by UNKNOWN ♥ on Flickr, 2.Bowls by re:modern, 3.Janisey Pouf by Amara, 4.Pocket-Pal wallets by Jenna Lou on Etsy, 5.Ballie Hairpins by PenFelt on Etsy, 6.Swimming cap wash bags by Pedlards

Eastern inspired*Living

When it comes to Eastern, or Asian-style, decor, I generally like it, as long as it's 'all in good taste'. In other words, a room, overloaded with Asian items, tends to look like a poor imitation of a great cultural concept. But wisely chosen 'highlights', can really create a respectful representation of Eastern elements. Achieving that all-important, yet delicate balance, could be a difficult task. No doubt, buying quality items can make this task somewhat easier.

It is one thing if you've got genuine artefacts, dragged half way across the world, from your travels to the Far East; Or if you wanted to embrace some cultural roots and a whole other, trying to express an Eastern influence in your home. But whatever your reasons may be, your best bet is to combine Eastern-style furniture and artefacts, with more contemporary elements.

Here is a reference to a great company that's really committed to offering good quality, affordable and exclusive furniture and accessories- sourced primarily in the Far East, and handmade, with the environment in mind. What better starting point can you possibly get?!!!

1.White horn salad servers  2.Tussar silk cushions  3.Turned wood candle stands  4.Amparo windlight  5.Curved bamboo bowl  6.Geometric, Embossed and Daisy photo frames

Taste full gifts

If you ever struggle to find a unique house warming gift, or a gift for 'the person who's got everything', I suggest you stop by the MoMA store for some unique designs. Much like the V&A shop here, in London, you can trust the Museum of Modern Art store to have a selection of special gift ideas. Anything from furniture and kitchenware, to stationary, books, jewellery and games- all creative, impressive and trendy.

Here are some tasteful ideas, for those with good taste:

From the top left: Index chopping boards, Alessi grater, Eggling, Colourful wobble glasses, Ball whisk and Elephant bottle opener.

Plümo

I was just about to finish writing a post about my anticipation for the delivery of this little Moroccan style tray-table that I've ordered a few days ago, when the doorbell rang and...

Well, you get the picture... (no pun intended!) My table has just arrived! And it is  absolutely gorgeous!

I don't know about you, but I just love Moroccan goodies! It could well be because I have some Moroccan genes in me... My grandparents, on my mother's side, were both born in Morocco. My grandmother, to this day, serves tea only in an authentic Moroccan teapot with gilded Moroccan glasses. Now, I am all for authenticity! So when I saw this table in a design magazine, I absolutely had to have it! 

It came from the lovely online company Plümo. Here are some of the goodies available on their website. Check it out, for more fantastic finds!

Be*inspired!