Movie magic...

(image couresy of Vogue Living Australia)

It's heavenly images like this that make want to forget all about my love of French design and embrace the culture from my own backyard.

Whether it be French, English or Australiana, what is it about a feminine boudoir that appeals to my senses? I suppose it's the romance of it all. The fact that although I'm not royalty or a celebrity I can still create this illusion in my own home.

Catherine Martin is the brilliant talent behind this scenic beauty created for the new Baz Luhrmann movie - Australia. It is quite a feast for the eyes with it's intriguing wall of art, fresh plant life (LOVE orchids!) and just the right amount of pink!, including the gorgeous porcelain galah. Finally, aren't those blossom rugs and matching lamps too die for? Mz Martin is driving me crazy! Firstly she tantalizes and dazzles me with her Academy Award winning sumptuous Parisian sets on Moulin Rouge and now I find myself falling love with the interiors of 1940's Australia!

My God I love this room and I CAN'T WAIT to see this movie!

One of my favourite places in the whole world...

Well I'm back from my short break with my mum and the kids on Sydney's central coast. I feel so blessed to have this wonderful home in my family for us to share and enjoy. My parents and grandparents built this home almost 30 years ago and my grandparents lived there for 25yrs till their passing. Now it's used as a holiday house by my extended family.


My Pa was a "jack of all trades" and he made the tumbling water feature and planted the garden. Beautiful agapanthus and daisy's bloom in the spring. The plaque reads "grandpa's garden".

He also built all the timber work for the house including the pillars and crisscrossed balcony.


The interiors are very basic but comfortable and most of it is still as it was while my GP's resided.

^^This is bedroom 3

^^This is bedroom 4 or the nursery.

Sophie sitting on the bank of the lake sketching a duck.

This is the back of the house at sunset.

Sunset over the lake.

I HAD to mention, during our time away we got the chance to see Mamma Mia. It was BRILLIANT! I couldn't help dancing and singing in my chair like the dork I am lol. If you haven't seen it yet GO NOW! lol ;)

^^ My favourite scene

I ADORED the bohemian interiors of Villa Donna hehe. I have decided I am completely obsessed with aqua walls and shutters and they featured in abundance in this movie.

^^ Colin Firth = YUM! ;)

Another day was spent at the beach only 2mins away. The temperature was only around 20 degrees celcius but the sky was crystal clear, the sun was shining, the sand was clean and soft and the water was sparkling blue. I was wearing yoga pants and a hoody but the kids headed straight for the water - crazy kids!

^^The fortress

^^Emu Sophie

They insisted the water was warm, I wasn't convinced lol.

^^Aussie boy Will :)

For other posts and pics of my holiday home click here

http://villaanna.blogspot.com/2008/01/good-times.html

http://villaanna.blogspot.com/2008/01/lake-house.html

Anyways I'm happy to be back on deck and catch up on all my favourite blogs. I've missed you!

My Sex And The City Review **SPOILER ALERT**

(image courtesy of The Paris Apartment)

Last night was my turn to see the MUCH anticipated sex and the city movie. The evening started out with dinner and cosmo's with my 3 sisters and bff's Sarah, Fiona and Ashley. Now seriously, for anyone reading who hasn't seen it yet but plans to, don't read ahead! This movie is soooo much better if you see it for the first time blissfully unaware of the plot ;)

Just like everyone else I LOVED this movie. I'm trying to remember another time when I experienced a cinema crowd with so much enthusiasm and excitement. When the theme music began the audience erupted into cheers, whistles and applause. It was so thrilling to hear Carrie's sweet voice again and see our girls as we strolled a little down memory lane.

I was surprised at how emotional I was throughout the film. Parts of the movie had me crying hysterically, to the point I was trying not to snort and other parts, such as Miranda's swimsuit "situation" and Charlotte's Mexican water "situation" had me laughing so hard I almost pee'd my pants lol.

The fashion mostly made my heart sing but some I had to question lol. Carrie's appartment refurbishment was a success. Erin I bet you especially loved it ;) My favourite piece was definately the mirror dressing table. I've always had a love affair with mirrored furniture. Stunning!

There were "ooohhss" and "aaahhhhs" a plenty throughout the 2 1/2 hours and at the end the crowd once again applauded.

My only criticism was I thought the ending was too easy. Meaning, another proposal immediately after their inital makeup after almost a year apart? I don't think so!

Anyway Sex and the city = LOVE and I know i'll be seeing it again very soon.

Jean Harlow and old movies...

(Marilyn Monroe as Jean Harlow)

(Dinner at eight)





Isn't she fabulous?! Don't you just love her?! Don't you just love Dinner at eight?! I hadn't watched this movie for ever so long but after buying my new copy of Romantic homes magazine and seeing the darling Jean Harlow - Dinner at eight picture in the back, I was prompted to hunt the movie down and watch it again.

Those sets are so over the top yet absolutely fabulous! I adore old movies. My favourites are Hitchcock thrillers - especially Rear Window. My very favourite onscreen siren is Grace Kelly but I also love Marilyn flicks - who doesn't? lol ;) Another favourite is Doris Day in Pillow Talk.

I guess you could say I have a thing for blondes? lol

If you have any suggestions for ultimate vintage movies with fabulous sets please let me know :)






(how gorgeous were the 50's sets?)


p.s Aussie's, Romantic homes march issue is now available. I purchased mine at Borders. There's a feature on the gorgeous home of beautiful Sara Duckett of the Sadie Olive blog :)

(image courtesy of Sadie Olive)


pp.s I thought I'd treat myself to a little pressie from Ebay this week to add to my very own "cabinet of curiosities", and it just arrived in the post...weeeeee aren't they cute? hehe ;)

For the love of Jane Austen...

(All images courtesy of About.com)

Yesterday I went to the movies with another one of my beautiful friends - Kathryn - to see "The Jane Austen Book Club".

For all lovers of Jane Austen and overall girly flicks this movie is for you!

I LOVED IT. Such a relaxing, funny and romantic movie to watch. The stellar cast were outstanding. Kathy Baker is quirky and hilarious. Maria Bello is adorable. Amy Brennaman was inspiring and there certainly was no shorage of yummy boys ;)

I love most genre's of movies, with the exception of horror, but romantic comedys, I think, will always be my favourite. For a small escape from reality this movie will make you smile :)

My friend and I are now pondering the thought of starting our own Jane Austen book club lol.

Click here to see the trailer/preview

http://www.sonyclassics.com/thejaneaustenbookclub/