The weekend and the unmade bed

I love perusing decorating blogs, magazines and books. All those beautifully styled rooms with everything just so. It does pressure you sometimes to feel like you need to have everything just so in your own home. I have four children and this is probably not the kind of pressure I need. I do feel like I can think straight if my house is tidy, dishes done and bed made. I love my bedroom- it always feels like a beautiful b&b to me and each time I have to go in there I feel like I am on holidays. But come the weekend and unless visitors are coming I like to give myself a break. I woke up last weekend and went about making pancakes for everyone, when I went into my room to make the bed I saw the beauty in its unmade form. The light was just hitting the bed so beautifully throught the leadlight windows. I decided this is beauty too, even some of the masters of the art world have captured the unmade bed as a still life. Here is my version. Go ahead- let yourself go this weekend- leave your bed unmade! It is liberating. xxCorrina.

The little drummer boy

                                       Copyright Corrina Tough 2012

Here is my little drummer boy- Curtis. He hassled us for some time to get a drum kit- and he is all of 5 yrs old but look at the sheer joy on his face. He comes from a long line of drummers in both families. My husbands great uncle being world famous in the days of Charlie Parker, Billie holiday, Glen Miller big band etc etc and played with famous people in the USA and Europe. He formulated and wrote the famous drumming text book- a precursor to what we know today. I can't wait to see how this little guy goes. We started him on a snare and high hat and we'll add to the kit if he's serious. I love how he hears the rythm in everything even tv comercials and will break out in a tap or break dance. I am willing to let my ears get a bashing for him to follow his creative dream. Its great for boys too- they get out their aggression and energy when they hit those skins! xxCorrina

Tale of a dancer part 2

                                    Copy right Corrina Tough 2012

                              I just love to dance- even dream of it......

                                  Will you come dance with me?

                                                 today at 4pm?

                                                   Just give me a call....

The devine miss Ruby calls a friend to come and dance a dream ballet. Wear your prettiest tutu and ballet shoes,
"Some people move our souls to dance" (Anon) that's what you do for me dear friend. Please come- lets dance together to our favourite music. When was the last time you really let go and moved to a special piece of music- like a child with no inhibitions? Wait til you're alone, put on your favourite piece of music and dance your heart out- it feels sooo good. My favourite at the moment is 'Caravan' the last track on the soundtrack to the movie Chocolat. Even better if you're in the arms of the one you love.xxxCorrina. click the link below to hear caravan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0AGs5CTdsY

Tale of a dancer part 1

                                  Copyright Corrina Tough 2012

I know... I am a little biassed when it comes to my own babies but how beautiful is my Ruby? I must brag about the others next time but here is the first of two installments on a photoshoot with Ruby in her new outfit from Tutu du Monde. One of her chrissie presents. How devine is the beading on the top and the skirt is something else- so delicate and the perfect shade of shell pink. Ruby wanted to wear her ballet headband and shoes. The vest on the chair is from pumpkin patch a few years ago. Its so cute Ruby can still wear it but not for much longer. Pics were taken on location in our dining room! Doesn't it look gorgeous! xxCorrina.

Parisienne Farmgirl Giveaway!

Hi all, one of my favourite blogs is Parisienne Farmgirl and I am very excited to pass on the great news that Angela from Parisienne Farmgirl has a give-away to promote her new online magazine 'Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine'. You just have to go to her blog and check out the awesome  generosity of Parisienne Farmgirl as well as a sneak peek at what may be to come in the magazine. xxCorrina.
http://www.parisiennefarmgirl.com/

                                    French iron chair in autumn light
                                    Copyright Corrina Tough 2012

Happy New Year

                                               All that glitters............

                               Put on your lipstick................

                                    Set the table for a feast with friends

                                        Good friends, good food..

                                       There must be ambience

                                            Only candles will do.......

                                                    even outside

What will you be doing New Years Eve? May everyone have a wonderful night no matter what your style and looking forward to blogging next year, lots of love xxxCorrina.

Ruby the ballerina

                                       copyright Corrina Tough 2011

                                      copyright Corrina Tough 2011

My beautifully devine Ruby had her first ballet concert on Sunday. She's the one with dark hair. I just love how the tutu's went on and the kids were transformed into prima ballerinas. Of course as the proud parent I took heaps of pics- here are some of my favourites. I especially love the effects in some of the black and white shots. The ever lovely Carla Coulson's tips for photographing dancing in low light was especially helpful and most of all we all had fun.xxCorrina.

Joyeux Noel

                                            Traditional with a twist

                                         Christmas morning 2010

                                                   Silver Angels

                                            Turtle Doves with crowns
My take on decorating is a little eclectic with a touch of tradition and whimsy. I use a deep claret toned red, with bottle greens, golds, silver and white. My tree is quite large and we still don't have enough to cover the tree which is kind of o.k as I have it in a spot where you can't see the back so I cheat and put most of the decorations at the front and around the sides. Because of the lack of pretties, rather than try and change each year and make a theme as the trends seem to favour, I keep to the colourways I described and that way my tree always looks nice. More pictures to come. I have been so busy this year we're really just decorating the house now. These shots from last year. xxCorrina.