brand love: ezibuy

Who knew ezibuy would have some marvellous pieces for the home? Look what I found...

Calla Lilly Flowers $89.99

Hunter Side Table $139.99

Hurst Lamp $89.99

Cotton Coordinates Duvet Set from $52.49

Trelise Cooper Curved End Sets $79.99

 All very affordable pieces for a quick room update or part of a complete overhaul. They have some amazing sheet and duvet sets so take a look.

jessica simpson's mansion up for sale

After almost eight years, Jessica Simpson is selling her Beverly Hills mansion for a cool $8 million. This is almost $3 million more than the star paid for the 500 square metre property back in 2005. Not a bad profit.

Previous owners have included Ellen De Generes and Paul Hogan

Here are some pics of the home. Images via Sotheby's Realty

nail the dinner party

Keen to nail the perfect dinner party & want to impress your guests as the ultimate host? Make it difficult for your friends to compete with these hot tips. Prepare in advance, leave enough time and don't be afraid to ask for help. Here are my Top 5 to make entertaining a success.

1. Sort the table setting

Table decor can make a big impression - placemats, vases that showcase your styling skills. This is the time to really make a statement - plus people love a good excuse for an instagram photo.

2. Plan the menu

Wow your guests with a meal they rave about for weeks. And you simply must have 2-3 courses. Everyone loves dessert!

3. Sort the alcohol

Plan ahead with what goes best with the dishes you're serving. Always a good tip to have a red option and a white option. White, cocktails or bubbles - make sure you have the glasses on hand for what your guests are bringing or what you're serving.

4. Work out the lighting

Lamps, candles or ceiling lights - it's all about the harmonious level of lighting.

5. Plan the music

Create a playlist ahead of time on your iPod for subtle background music. Good conversation is the key to a great dinner party but it sets the mood to have low level music in the background. Have music on standby from the TV or a stereo.

 

my favourite candles

I simply love candles. Everything about them from the aromatic scents that fill the air to the value of them as a decor piece. Here are some of my favourite scents right now, starting with my first choice of candle heaven - Ecoya's French Pear Metro Jar.

Ecoya Metro Jar in French Pair

Circa Home 1961 Candle in Jasmine & Magnolia

Voluspa Classic Maison Candle in Macaron

Glasshouse Marseille Candle in Gardenia

statement pieces

If watching The Block for the last several years has taught me anything, it's that statement pieces in a room can make or break it.

A statement piece doesn't necessarily have to be all about colour, the design and functionality comes into play too. A coat stand is fabulous as a piece that makes an impact in the room but isn't front and centre. Prints are an easy way to spice up the look and feel of a room.

Here are some of my favourite statement pieces at the moment - use with caution ;)

de de ce Peg Coat Stand

Domayne Blast Multi Pendant Light $249 

Hunting For George Prints $32.50 each

Contents International Design Clover Round Dining Table

themed living

Bring the secret garden to life...

Give your home spanish villa flavour...

Bring the rustic essence of the beach indoors...

scatter cushion love

top row l to r: Brown Paper Packages Cushion Cover $50.00, Freedom Velvet Cushion $29.95 & Freedom Chevron Cushion $34.95
middle row l to r: Table Tonic Cushion $79.00, Freedom Carnell Cushion $39.95 & Brown Paper Packages Cushion Cover $50.00
bottom row l to r: The House Queen Cushion $29.95, The House Queen Escape to Paradise Cushion $69.00 & The House Queen Rapee Cushion $39.00

cheap & cheerful

There's nothing better than a cheap find that instantly adds a bit of jazz to a room. 

Target Accent Rug $17.99

Ikea Florera Fin $2.95 each

Kmart Agarve Artificial Plant $15

monochrome living

Monochrome is such a popular fashion trend right now, expected to continue through to spring summer designer collections. Why not incorporate black and white style into your home for a chic overhaul. Black and white doesn't have to be boring; throw that misconception out the window. If you're not into big bold pop colour, then try this trend.

overhaul the home office

I love this chic home office. The space is clean and simple. The styling mirrors the space with a minimalist approach. The collage of framed prints is a great feature in the room.

Get the look...

Salt and Pepper Mirror Lamp

Ikea NYTTJA Frame $5.95

Ikea FEJKA Artificial Potted Plant $79.95

Domayne Victoria Carver Chair $129

Freedom Shorthand Desk $299