Courage to follow a dream

We have again been very busy at the shop, changing displays, wallpapering, organising furniture. We have had a great response to our Carribean Room and as always it is wonderful to meet all the lovely ladies (and gentleman) that make that special trip to Lily-G.

Everyday we hear such lovely and positive feedback from our clients. This is the main reason I wanted to go into retail to get that immediate gauge on how we are doing as a service and how we can improve on an already successful business model.

We are still in the process of deciding what stock to put on the on line shop.

I have sourced my own Linen Range which will be classic and elegant and from the same mill house that supply for The Ritz and for Harrods!! So am very very excited about that and will be selling that on line too. That is only a couple of weeks away so I guess I better get my Toosh into gear.

I know that shopping on-line is convenient and easy but I still feel that a tangible experience is the most integral part of the experience, and I watch my clients walk dreamily around the store touching the fabrics, languishing on the comfy lounges and smelling the gorgeous candles and soaps...I know that having a store and an ultimate location for people is vitally important.

We are all working very very hard here at Lily-G to keep enhancing an already good experience into a great one.

The shop is transforming into what will be it's final carnation.. A gorgeous retail space and Complete Interior Decorating and Design consulting space up on the Mezzanine level.

I was going to transform upstairs into a bedroom but our Interior Jobs are happening so fast that we need to expand into a much larger area...so It's upstairs we go!!

Saying that though my bed should be arriving any day and it will be featured beautifully right in the middle of the shop so that is going to be something new and exciting.

Interior Job

Here is a little job we have just finished. The Client wanted a re-vamp of her existing pieces and I wanted to bring the gorgeous outlook inside. It wasn't a huge job but a lovely one as The Client was the most fabulous and happy individual. All jobs are important but it is the relationship with the client which matters most to me. I like to develop a strong collaboration with anyone I am working for.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEDROOM BEFORE

AFTER

Again, The Client only wanted a re-vamp and we lightened the room with neutrals and lighter tones.

DECK BEFORE

DECK AFTER

I used lots of Green to bring their magnificant outlook inside. The colour scheme became prominantly Greens with black accents, lots of natural finishes and colour.

Mother's Day

Haven't posted for a while....it has been completely mad in my little world for the last couple of weeks! So much going on and only one me. Trying to juggle being a good mummy, partner, friend, employer, daughter and sister to all the important people that exist in my little universe...and to top it all of I hurt my back whilst nursing a head cold...something had to give; and it was the blog. Finally disaster diverted. Life continues in same topsy turvy fashion. Back is better. Head cold evicted....so now back to business. WHATS BEEN HAPPENING: Lily G has been crazy busy with photo shoots and shameless self promotion in QLD HOMES and Brisbane News. We have been doing lots of Interior Design work and re-jigging the shop to keep up with my ADD...and trying to get Newsletters out and getting our little brand out on some cute products that we are stocking in the shop now.

We are introducing yummy french Macarons for mummy's on Mondays..add a cup of Byron Bay organic coffee and I can't think of a more civilised way to start the week. I am designing my packaging now so they will be available in a gorgeous take home pack. I have taken on a new Interior Designer to add to the Design & Decorating Department. We are very excited about Natalee joining us. She has added a great energy to the Interior Design department and we are taking on exciting new Interior Design projects...Kitchens, Bathrooms, whole renovations and Total Builds. We are brain storming constantly to build the ultimate female friendly group of building professionals and tradesmen. A bespoke Lily-G building team who are managed by us for our Clients. Very very badly needed from all the horror stories that come to us every day. Just about to head down to Melbourne for a shopping trip. Planning winter with lots of beautiful cashmere throws, velvet comforters and lots of lush fabrics. I will post some photo's of some jobs we have been doing and will keep you up to date with my new building venture. I'm imagining all my Tradies in lovely Lily-G polo shirts and tan pants....a tad over ambitious??? Here is Bella wearing our Lily-G Apron and the Beach Bag!! Not necessary at the same time of course :) I'm sorry but this is sooo cute. Taupe and black with black pom-poms and a little pocket. I might even start up cooking so I can wear one?!?!? hmmm again over ambitious.

Just a quick pic of the shop. Looks so pretty with these Designer Guild Fabrics and the Designer Guild throw. Love my green chinese drums they are a gorgeous colour.

Carribean Room is getting a great response. I love my chairs here with this gorgeous mirror just leant on the wall.

New York

At the moment planning our New York trip for this year.....Last year we went for our birthdays...Michael and I share the same birthday so we have a double celebration (hard for me to share the day but I manage :) ) Last year we had the most fabulous time. When I travel I try not to do all the touristy things....long lines, over priced everything. I like to try and mingle with the locals and live their lives for the time we are there much more exciting and a better taste of the city/location you are staying in.

But Of course there are some very important things a girl must do while she is in New York.....and here is a few of my favourite things to do and some must do's

Stay down town in Tri be Ca or Greenwich village or any of the other down town areas it is fabulous in the villages....lots of my girlfriends like uptown but give me down town any day!!

If you are going to New York thoroughly recommend the 'Greenwich Hotel' OH MY GOD!!! it is amazing. Robert De Niro is a part owner and it is such a lovely boutique hotel. All reclaimed doors, cabinetry, mirrors, old worn velvets and big fire places. A big favourite of celebrities because very private and elegant and low key.

The service is amazing and a big basket of cookies and yummy treats every day (not very healthy but great for that sugar hit after a long day of shopping)

Always, always go to the iconic Ralph Lauren store...love, love, love it. I wanted to move in...didn't want to leave!! The home wares, the clothes, things I didn't even know existed I wanted ha! ha!

Go to Nobu absolutely divine and the signature Black Cod with miso sauce is sooo good.

Go to the theatre (of course) I am a huge musical fan just love all that dancing and singing...but also of course go see a play on Broadway it's a chance to get up close and personal to a star or two...We saw Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon in 'Exit the King' long and exestionalistic but god SHE looks good for her age!!

We got the concierge to find out what events were in town and ended up spending the evening at THE Paul Newman Hole in Wall foundation Charity show......Robert Redford introduced, Julia Roberts M.C'd, Art Garfunkel sang and Jerry Seinfeld did a comedy act!!! I saw Ralph Lauren in person and I was in Star Struck heaven Ohh and the surprise guest was Bill Clinton (and this was an average night) I wish I was a New Yorker.

Up town.

Go to The Plaza for high tea, The Oak Room for a drinky poo and Buddha Khan for dinner....all gorgeous, all divine food and atmosphere.

The Iconic and gorgeous Ralph Lauren Building 867 Madison Avenue....You know there's just some lust worthy something waiting for you in this The Fashion and Home wares Mecca of New York. The decadent and charming Greenwich Hotel in Tri Beca. Came home late at night after dinner and show and got our lovely Charlie to light a fire and open a bottle of something, snuggled at the fire, sinking into lush velvet distressed chairs.

One night we came in and the lead actor from The Soprano's was having a drinky poo too!!

Lovely personal rooms with little touches of home. Antiques and old books and time worn patina. Perfection!!!

Buddha Khan restaurant...Yummy and visually amazing. All these chandeliers are actually carved out of wood and all the panelling and details are exposed timber.

After a week in New York get on the Jitney or any of the other buses and head up to the Hampton's!! We were in house heaven! Walking around the Hampton's felt like being on a movie set. The shops were perfect, the houses were absolutely amazing! As we walked around the lane ways we saw deer, squirrels, bunnies and chip munks felt like I was in a Walt Disney cartoon.

We stayed at the gorgeous Mill House B & B absolute perfection. Breakfast to die for and lots of fresh fruit and juices and cookies on tap!!

The Mill House....Very close to everything and stuffed with East Hampton's charm.

A new baby on it's way...

I've put in my birthday order...1 French Bulldog. I am hoping to get the little boy on the left. Aren't they gorgeous. I have already ordered a french little baby dog bed for him and he will sit in my shop and make the place look even more fabulous. Also the boys need a little dog as the chickens just aren't cutting it as pets!! Now I need a lovely french name.

Mirror, mirror on my walls....

Just a quick note to show you all the lovely mirrors that have arrived. They look so beautiful in the shop will post photos of them hanging...Stunning!!

This lovely oak mirror is absolutely to die for.... It stands about 6 feet and is very very stunning.

I have placed this one in my Caribbean room just leaning and it adds so much interest and depth.

This one stands about 4 feet.

A lovely textural finish with all the chinks of wood. Oh also these magnificent Apothecary drink urns have finally arrived...Iced Tea, Water with cut up lemon, Pink Lemonade....Very gorgeous and elegant. Orders being placed because of limited numbers.

Sugar Coated.

Hmmmm....may be a tad hormonal, but am just loving all the candy colours at the moment. Here's some more fresh and fun interiors of some gorgeous beach houses from Coastal Interiors. Colour against an all white backdrop just really lifts the spirits and as long as it is tempered with natural fibres and elements such as cane, rattan and wood it is never too much. I have the most gorgeous cane chairs in the shop at the moment. I almost wish no one buys them (ha!) so I could sneak them home. Love the fabric...fresh and happy. Very quirky all the fringing on the lounge. Love the Candy Apple with the blue and then a hit of yellow to offset the blues and picks up the lemons and brings in the eclectic collection of jugs and bowl in the background.

Perhaps a tad too much blue and green here, but all is forgiven because I would sell my left kidney for this house!!

P.S if this was my two they would be wrestling each other while swinging from the bannister's!

Colour here but a little faded with a vintage edge...denims and soft raspberry and green with vintage recycled furniture..Very nanna and lovely.

Yes Please!!! There goes my other Kidney ha!ha!

Big Boy

Emerson's Birthday It was my little baby's fourth birthday yesterday...and mummy took a long overdue day off and spent the day doing whatever my 4 year old wanted to do (with some passive guidance of course) Pancakes with cream & bacon! Then off to Emporium for Milkshakes at Bella Epoque and over the road to his favorite toy shop....He was given his choice of presents and I was smiling with his very humble selection. We all spend so much money on our children, but I found out yesterday that given the choice a 4 year old wants in no particular order 1. A pony on a stick to run around with (very old school) 2. A witches hat 3. A container and stick of bubble blowing stuff and 3 small plastic African animals....wilder beast, cheetah and baby lion. That was it!!! No Ben 10 No transformers, no huge plastic monstrosity...all open play toys that he will need to use his imagination for....I might let them choose more often instead of letting Marketing Executives sway me into buying some block buster movie merchandising. Now onto a small little party for 4 friends and a cute theme. Found these on Martha Stewart aren't they lovely. Wish I had the time to whip this up and the pink is obviously not appropriate (just having girl envy again) but I do like the golf themed one. So pretty for that little girl that doesn't particularly like fairies.

E is for EMERSON.....Happy birthday Mischief

This is the ' Oh I just did something really, really naughty but if I bat my eyelashes and smile you will never be able to be mad at me' look.

Terranium Love

Life in The Bell Jar These are so precious...found them on eloquent essence a very soft blog by a lovely blogger. I wish I had even the softest shade of a green thumb. I am determined to get myself some mini orchids they are to die for and I will put them under the cloches I have at the store....and I'll mist them and they will LIVE!!! As god is my witness I will not kill them.........intentionally.

Beautiful. Someone tell me the name of this lovely flower please.

Simple and a novel way to display your herbs.

So fresh and natural.

Blue, Green and of course White

Just before we all grab for our big warm chunky throws and start cocooning away for the winter I thought I would dwell on these lovely cheerful rooms. White as always is the star with blue & green sharing second billing. Love the twist here of this blue/grey floor opposed to the usual white. The Farmhouse sink is stainless here which is also something you don't see every day. The interior of the cupboard painted green is a great whimsical touch. Not really fussed on the light fittings though. I can just imagine a happy sun filled breakfast nook like this one in my beach house (when I get one that is) ha! ha! We have very similar light fittings in the shop...they add that feint touch of the industrial but are still quite handsome.

Isn't this combination just gorgeous! I love all the panelling down the staircase. We have a lot of these lovely soothing blues and greens in the store and they never fail to lift my spirits when I'm feeling a little down. I love the picture placed over the panelling...adds interest and all the elements are just working so well...and the clear resin stack tables (which is inspired)....tempers the heaviness of the coffee table.

P.S why is this craftsmanship so difficult to find in Australia??? Well particularly Brisbane?

We are house hunting at the moment and if I have to look at one more flat packed pre fab box I'll scream!!! I want a home that doesn't need an allen key to put it together!

Have spent the whole weekend either unpacking boxes in the shop or looking at boxes to potentially live in hahaha! Nighty night.