Creative Kids Who Care!

While walking the dog last weekend, I came across this lamp post and it stopped me in my tracks. The writing is a little difficult to read so I've written out the text for you.

Top poster

Top poster - Environmentally Friendly. You can help the environment by not using plastic bags. Bio: We would all appreciate if you would put any rubbish in a nearby bin and pick up after a dog or pet with environmentally friendly bags. Thank you for understanding!!! Please tick here if you care. It’s up to our generation to save the world! By Stella and Lucy

Bottom poster - Tones of plastic finds its way into the water. It’s up to you to stop that. The neighbours of Balmoral would appreciate if you reduced the amount of paper you use. We can save the world if we work together!!! Please tick here if you agree. We really need help to save the world. By Stella and Lucy

What a thought provoking message. I agreed, so I ticked the box. But I hope these girls feel they are not alone in their care for this beautiful world of ours. We're with you Stella and Lucy! 

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Photographs and Memories!

I'm totally inspired!

My neighbour Maggie has told me she has 24 years worth of photos spread out on her dining room table. She's finally made the commitment to sort out years of photographs and memories into photo albums. You know, the ones we all used to put together before we went digital. Some of her gorgeous photos she'll turn into coffee table style books, which theses days, is so easy to do online. Pick a theme - the renovation, parties, travel in a foreign country, the camping trip, friends, summer holidays - the list is endless.

We all have photos languishing on our computers, most of which we will never really get to enjoy. So, while these nights are still cold in Sydney and staying in is a preferred option, I'm taking up the challenge and going through all my printed photos and those on my computer - the ultimate trip down memory lane. Want to join me?

I freely admit I love looking through photo albums, recalling all those, "remember when" moments. Like the many adventures I had with my beautiful Appolossa mare, Jazzie. We were a team for 10 years. What a horse! And isn't that what life's all about - our wonderful memories?

Enjoy your creative life, Jules 

Fits Like A Glove!

A few cold Sydney winter mornings and I'm reaching for my favourite gloves. I bought these black suede gloves many years ago in Paris and always feel very 'Euro" when I wear them. Isn't it lovely wearing something that brings back happy memories?

Glove styles rarely date, they last for ages and are easily carried in your coat pocket or handbag. And of course, keep your hands as warm as toast.

Just like a favourite pair of shoes, I love the way gloves soften over time and mould to the shape of your hands. And a pair of gloves is a great way to finish off a winter outfit. Now, for a stroll down the Champs-Elysees.........where's that beret of mine? 

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Click HERE to read a little bit more about wearing a beret.

Creating Art To Music

I've always loved art created by children and recently worked on an art activity with a group of 10 year olds, many of whom felt they were not "artistic". I asked them to let their hand wander over the page and to draw whatever came to mind as they listened to 3 different pieces of music - classical, rock and jazz. At first glance they felt their drawings looked like nothing but scribbles and swirls. That was until they rendered each piece using paint, pastels, pens and pencils. 

The result? The gorgeous cards pictured above and a group of children excited to have created their own "art".

The same music inspiring totally different interpretations.

I could imagine this pink and orange painting being printed onto fabric. And what a beautifully simple image of a red flower. Makes me happy just looking at it.

Why not not try this exercise yourself? All you need is some paper, a black pen and a piece of music. You'll never know what you might create.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Creative Collections

Have you started some sort of collection without even realising it? My love of vintage jewellery has meant that over the years, I've collected a variety of broaches from the 1950's and 60's and now I have enough pieces to call it a collection. I've chanced upon these treasures in op shops, flea markets and antique shops. 

I also have a small collection of shoe clips, although I don't wear them. They hark back to a bygone era but I still think they're gorgeous. 

Maybe you have a collection of books, china, shoes or scarves? Displaying a collection can act as a decorative feature in your home. Who doesn't stop and look at photos when they're grouped together on a wall? Even if you don't see yourself as a 'collector' it's amazing how a group of similar objects can become a talking point. A friend has amassed a gorgeous collection of glass and crystal decanters and has them displayed on a silver tray. They look fabulous.

So, rather than leave your personal treasures languishing in a cupboard or draw, get creative and find a place where your collection can be admired.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

The Big Chill!

When a coat is too much and a wrap is not quite enough to keep out the winter chill, go the Bomber or Biker Jacket. It's the contemporary alternative.

I picked up the jacket above last week and remembered what a great wardrobe staple this style is. Try a new season colour, such as rust or burgundy, to wear with your existing winter basics.

Faux fur, leather, pleather, suede or a lamb shin look, wearing the bomber or biker style jacket is an easy way to create a chic look.

You'll love how much wear you'll get from just two jackets once you add them to your wardrobe  - one in a colour and one in black. Stay warm!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Easy Winter Feast!

This little beauty has just gone into my oven. It's so easy because it cooks itself and gives me time to get on with other things. The ingredients are simple and the flavour, amazing!

Moroccan Leg of Lamb

• 2Kg leg of lamb (I've used a 2.4kg leg here) 
• 2 cups of vegetable stock
• 1 or 2 bunches of dutch carrots whole
• 1 or 2 sweet potatoes chopped (or potatoes)
• 3 cloves of garlic chopped
• 2 onions quartered
• 1 capsicum chopped
• A few sprigs of rosemary
• Place all the vegetables into a deep banking dish
• In a bowl mix - 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons each of fennel seeds, ground ginger, grounded cumin, ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• Rub honey and oil mixture all over the lamb and sit the lamb on top of the vegetables.
• Pour 2 cups of vegetable stock over the lamb and place rosemary on top
• Cover with a lid or two layers of foil and cook covered
• Cook on 140 - 150 celsius for 5 hours
• Serves 6 easily. 

You can pretty much use what ever vegetables you have. It will taste fabulous. I lift the lid after about 3 hours of cooking time, just to make sure it 's not dry. Add a bit more chicken stock if required. 

 I usually serve this with couscous, sprinkled with pine nuts and coriander. 

The meat just falls off the bone. If you're really in the mood to cook this weekend, why not take a look at my Autumn Berry Cake or Pavlova recipes. Two of my dessert favourites. Happy cooking!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Block It Out!

Lately I've been wearing a Colour Block - just one colour or near matching tones. All burgundy, dark blue, tan or classic black. Choose whatever colour you love. Combine any of the following and you'll instantly have a comfortable and contemporary look.  

• Sweater, pants and a pump
• Top, skirt and ankle boots
• Jacket, dress and long boots

Toss on a cap, beanie, scarf, wrap or jacket, grab your bag off you go!

Below are some great looks, courtesy of Zara.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

How Much Love Can A Doll Give?

Take a ball of wadding, pretty floral fabric and some cotton cording  - What could a child possibly get from that?

A friend to bring you comfort, a companion to share your adventures and a confidant to listen to your dreams.  

These beautiful handmade dolls are the wonderful creation of Gill Gray, Director of, Friends of Build Your Future Today Australia. An NGO organisation dedicated to helping Cambodian communities build skills for self-sustainability, education, health and employment.

Gill makes each unique doll by hand and no sewing is required. There are girl and boy dolls, each one brought to life by tying cord to form the head, body, legs and arms. Ultimately, the aim is for these dolls to end up in the arms of Cambodian children. It's hard to imagine, but for these children holding one of these dolls is usually the first toy they've ever had. 

I recently had the privilege of buying one of Gill's dolls and I just had to share my experience with you.

So, how does this work? With the doll comes a greeting card in which you write your message. The NGO receives your donation, a child receives the doll and card you've purchased for them and you receive a doll kit in a drawstring bag - one to make yourself. What an amazing gift!

One completed doll and doll kit. How fabulous!

Gill has found a truly creative way to raise not only well needed money, but also build awareness about this amazing cause. If you're interested in donating a doll to a child in Cambodia, you can email Gill at, gill.gray@friendsofbftaustralia.org or text/phone on 0409 783 295. She'll be delighted to hear from you.

Photo by Gill Gray

I think this picture says it all!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

The Long and Short Of It!

The Autumn/Winter seasons means wearing closer fitting long-sleeved tops, raised necklines and gorgeous sweaters. Neutral tones become our wardrobe staples once the weather turns cooler. But don't forget about your stash of costume jewellery, normally reserved for summertime. Give those short and long necklaces a Winter outing. Here are some of my favourites pieces.

Rose gold makes a striking contrast over dark colours.

The classic black and white combination - timeless!

Make it chunky - wear two pieces together.

I've found some great costume jewellery at places like, Lovisa, Colette Hayman, Decjuba and Zara. Play around with your tops and necklaces until you get a look you love!.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules