trace's

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take a break…and see what happens!

We're brought up to believe that the harder you work, the better your life will be. I totally subscribe to that theory, so much so that I forget to take breaks. It seems counter-intuitive but (and I've learned the hard way), unless you take regular breaks throughout your day, at the end of each week and every couple of months, you can wind up being less productive and definitely less creative. (more…)

coral content

Coral in a fish bowl I love living close to the coast and so far I have been lucky to enough to do that, both here in Los Angeles and back in Australia. It hasn't always been a walk to the beach from my place but a short drive at most. I also love using the sea as inspiration to decorate my home. (more…)

nasi goreng

I first tasted Nasi Goreng while honeymooning in Bali, Indonesia and fell instantly in love. I'm not sure why I started thinking about this tasty fried rice-based dish now...maybe I have the travel bug after my trip to Australia or maybe it's because Valentine's Day is fast approaching, but crave it I do! (more…)

easy bathroom update

Grey & white chevron stripe shower curtains This is the same bathroom I showed you in my bathroom make-over story here. It is still not scheduled for remodeling even though it's definitely starting to show it's age (I'm currently knee-deep in dust while my master bedroom gets an upgrade, see before and after photos soon! ). (more…)

steve cumper’s black cherry trifle

A special dessert for a family gathering or dinner party doesn't need to take hours to prepare. Designed by Australian chef, Steve Cumper, this Black Cherry Trifle is easy to make and a memorable way to wrap up an evening...and it  tastes sooo good! (more…)

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white hydrangeas in bowls – flowers at my place

We saw this idea in my modern winter flowers and branches story here a few weeks ago, so I thought I'd give it a whirl at home. My local market was selling these pure white hydrangeas for $5.99 a bunch. I already have two glass fishbowls which have been used to house everything from coral, to fruit, to Christmas baubles, and actual fish. (more…)

closet organizing gadgets & ideas – links

Glasses storage After living out of suitcases for the past week while my old closet is being demolished and refitted, I'm started to get excited about the possibilities of my new custom-fitted, truly organized place to store my clothes. (more…)

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blossom branches – flowers at my place

Bringing flowers home and arranging them in simple but striking ways really brightens up my week! I tend to pick up bunches at my local Farmers Market or at Trader Joe's for a reasonable price (these branches cost $5.99 for the bunch), so I can justify buying them every couple of weeks. (more…)

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recycle your old sweater – DIY

I didn't wear this short sleeve, cowl neck sweater at all last winter (please excuse the glow-in-the-dark jewelry, it was Halloween!). Instead of tossing it, I'm transforming it into three different, fashion-forward accessories, a short infinity scarf, boot toppers, and a pillow for my sofa. My old (but hardly worn) sweater, will live to fight another day! (more…)