Lifestyle - Inspired Living SA

Interesting outdoor décor and lighting ideas

What is your idea of the ultimate outdoor space and what would you do in that space? I thought I would share a few of my favourite outdoor décor and lighting ideas, with you!

I love the idea of dining alfresco under the African sun or the thought of dining under the stars on a balmy summers evening. Living in such a beautiful part of the world, lends its self wonderfully to this concept. Naturally during the winter months this becomes a bit trickier to do; all you need to do is experience a “Sunny-Cape Winters Day”, as we did yesterday, and you quickly realise that outdoor dining can still be a possibility, even in winter. As we approach the spring time, my yearning for outdoor dining becomes even more pronounced – I think I am willing winter to an end! Then we can enjoy the long warm summer days and those equally warm nights.

Although there is such a vast array of décor styles, my favourite is a slightly more casual look; it has a Cape Cod beach aesthetic to it. I particularly like wooden furniture with muted soft furnishings, allowing décor and nature to blend seamlessly into one.

The great thing about decorating outdoors is that it can have a slightly more eclectic quality to it and it does not have to follow the same concepts and ideas as your interiors. The only necessity in the design concept is comfort; you need to be comfortable while sipping on that cold glass of ‘bubbly’!

I also love the more whimsical approach that is used a great deal outdoors – using old reclaimed items and re-purposing them in your outdoor space, thus turning what could be considered ‘old junk’ into something beautiful, giving it a new lease on life.

Outdoor lighting, can also have a rather fun character to it, using an old chandelier or glass jars and candles to create a magical ambience. Paper or Chinese lanterns have also made a big come back on the décor scene.

This is definitely an area of home décor and design that you can have an immense amount of fun with, letting your creativity run wild. It could also be a great idea to get the kids involved, with re-purposing items, decorating them and using them in your outdoor space. I found this great DIY project using tin cans, to create fun lanterns!

So as those temperatures start to become more bearable, get out there and have a blast! I would love to hear about or see pictures of your outdoor space.

Image Source: Pinterest

Children, Family, Young@Heart

"Life as a 10 year old"

About Me:

“I am a ten year old girl who loves high jump and art. I hate soccer and tomatoes. I have a dog and one sister. Someday I hope to be a super star, chef, artist, horse breeder or all of the above.”

My Life:

“My life as a ten year old can be a struggle but with my parents help I know I can do anything. My teacher sees I am a great student and I am brilliant at art. I love it when a teacher tells you that you are so talented and she loves your work.

I know some people have problems at school, I have some problems but with my Moms and Dads help I know I can make it. I am so glad that I have them. So if you are a ten year old girl like I am, I know what you are going through.”

By “Super Girl”

Image Source: Pinterest

Fashion, Lifestyle

Jeans: Could you live without them?

Definition: ‘pants that are made from denim’

Origin: ‘The word “jeans” comes from the French phrase bleu de Gênes, literally the blue of Genoa. Jeans fabric, or denim, originated in the French town of Nîmes, from which ‘denim’ (de Nîmes) gets its name.’

History: ‘Some of the earliest American blue jeans were made by Jacob Davis, Calvin Rogers, and Levi Strauss in 1873. Starting in the 1950s, jeans, originally designed for the U.S. Army and working people, became popular among teenagers.’

When you first think about jeans, iconic brands like Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Lee, and Wrangler, come to mind. Newbies on the scene include: Diesel, Gap and True Religion Jeans. There are so many different cuts of jeans: skinny, tapered, straight leg, boot cut, curvy, maternity, and flare. Never mind the heavy price tag attached to some of the more popular brands of jeans.

‘Jeans’ or ‘denims’, as they are also known, are the ‘holy grail’ of a woman’s wardrobe. How can something so simple create such pleasure and pain in a woman’s life? All woman out there, know what I mean – we spend our lives in search of the “perfect pair of jeans”. When you find the right fit, it is cause to celebrate but it can be a long and arduous journey. I have been known to travel, as far afield as London to get the ‘right fit’!

I personally love and live in my jeans, ‘they’ should hand you a voucher for a life time supply, once you become a mother. They hide a multitude of sins and that includes: “lumps and Bumps”, that “muffin top” and sticky little hand prints.

Most men do not understand a woman’s relationship with her jeans and they are at a loss when you are devastated that your favourite pair has “shrunk” in the wash! There are many debates, as to what you would rescue in event of a fire; personally, my jeans would feature high up on my list! They are the first item I pack when I go on vacation and I then coordinate the rest of my wardrobe around them.

The greatest thing about jeans is that anyone can wear them; fat or thin, tall or short, oh and men too. If you are like me, a shorty, you have a pair to wear with flats and a pair to wear with heels; I should say ‘pairs’. You can dress them up or down depending on the occasion. Not to forget that there are jeans for style and those for comfort. I am sure we have all contemplated lying on our bed just to try and zip a pair closed – those would be the style pair!

By pure luck while I was writing this article I came across something that Mr Price had on their site, it is great to see I am not alone in my love of denim. Go to Mr Price in the Loop to have a look at their post featuring Wrangler Jeans.

So do not forget to ‘love’ and appreciate your jeans today, where would we be without them! I would be lost without mine!

Source: “Definition, Origin & History” – Wikipedia “Main content” – Supermom

Image Source: Pinterest

Fashion, Fashion, Lifestyle

Fashion – You have to "LOVE" it

I am truly in love with, the romantic, “love” inspired, fashion that seems to have taken world by storm. It can either be pretty, with lots of frilly lace or understated, with muted pastel tones. In fact there are no rules; the only requirement is that it oozes sensuality and romance.

This trend is nothing new, but it is possible that I am more aware of it, because I am the mother of two “fashion forward”, young girls. I have had my older daughter looking over my shoulder, whilst I was writing this blog, exclaiming “ooh I love that, it is all so pretty!” I have to admit that even though I would not wear a great deal of these items, I love the flouncy, frilliness of it all!

Your look can be classy and chic or vintage and Bohemian. Fabrics like chiffon and silk feature a great deal in many of the fashions, which although beautiful are not always practical, for a mom. I guess it is OK to dream.

If you feel that the whole look would be too much for you, then pairing a beautiful blouse with a pair of jeans could be an option.

The same trend can be seen in hair and makeup. The look in makeup is definitely ‘less is more’, muted natural shades, with pinks and corals featuring a great deal. Hair too is soft and natural, with lose flowing curls or swept up, with beautiful hair pins and floral accessories.

Jewellery is baroque inspired, with gold and pearls and lots of layers. Antique style earrings and ornate rings are a must; even ‘the brooch’, has made a grand comeback. Pretty floral or lacy scarves are also popular when accessorizing this look.

So the key is to have has as much fun as possible and unleash the “inner romantic” in you.

Image source: Pinterest and None via Fiona

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Books – I Don't Know How She Does It

I am in the process of reading a book, “I Don’t Know How She Does It” by Allison Pearson. It is a rather satirical take on motherhood, at times I am not sure whether I should laugh or cry. I love the blatant honesty that is portrayed; the situations that the main character in the book, Kate Reddy, finds herself in are so real. Even though unlike me, she is a working mom with two children, I can still relate to her expectations of life as a wife and mother. The story ultimately poses the question “Can you have it all: marriage, children and a career?”

The book has now been made into a movie, soon to be released, staring none other than Sarah Jessica Parker. I love her character in Sex in the City, and would probably see the movie just to see another one of her performances. The trailer is very funny and hopefully the movie will live up to expectations. So I will wait expectantly for the release thereof later this year. Have a look at the trailer below to see what to expect from the movie and if you have not read the book yet it is well worth it.