Flowers for summer balconies

 

As I'm looking at my balcony, I realize that it is in a desperate need for plants and flowers. Thankfully, it still has a few "survivors" from last year's heat wave and a small strawberry plant that even made it through the winter!
So, I have to buy some new plants that have to be "sun-resistant", as my balcony get serious, scorching sunlight during summer. It seems that the best solution would be to get some cactuses, because they are rather strong and durable. The only problem is that… I don't really like them. I would prefer plants with vibrant colors and big blooms:)

But, until they genetically mutate roses and daisies, I did a quick research to find plants that are sun-resistant. Here is what I found:

Gazania

A great variety of colors to choose from, and with pretty flowers.

Helianthus
 

Such a lovely, lovely, impressive flower. Plus, it can grow into a really tall plant! 

Lobularia maritima

Small, white, fragrant flowers that look really cute.

 

Osteospermum 

A wonderful, resistant plant with daisy-like flowers. My mother used to have these plants in our balcony, but, as I recall, they have a weird smell.

 

I will buy them and see if they.. like my balcony's sun :) 

Do you like these flowers? Which plant do you think can survive the summer heat? 

Outdoor Furniture

Crate and Barrel has introduced their new Dune collection. It is, as they say, an urban style, indoor room that lives outdoors. A bit too grey and industrial for me, but other than that it seems comfortable :) More on their line you can find here.

Three decorating accents

Hello all! 

Let's talk about home decor! To design, or to decorate a room, or a house is not an easy task. Let's not forget, that decorating and design are in fact professions. They require not only knowledge, but inspiration, too.

What do you think are the most important items that can make a room "pop"? What exactly can dress a room? What do you use to create a comfy, happy and welcoming feeling?

Let's see 3 home accents, that a room looks empty without them:

Cushions

Mix and match, or the same color, different patterns and different shapes, small and big, the cushions are there to "spice up" your room. Also, a nice and easy way to update, or to completely change your decoration. 

photo from HouseBeautiful.com

Curtains

Curtains seem a bit tricky to me! Hehe! And I say this, because their presence can never be subtle.   

 

Lamps

This blog's personal favorite. What a wonderful addition to any room; in the bedroom, in the living room, even in the kitchen, lamps are not only functional, but an ornament we cannot overlook.

All photos from hgtv.com

Lamps, lamps, lamps

Table lamps are a lovely decorative accent.  Depending on the lamp, it can give the room a nice, soft, subtle light, but it can also create a color pattern. Some lamps are big enough, or their color is bright enough, to become the centerpieces of the decoration.

I found this brand that makes customized lamps. So, you can design your own lamp by choosing the shape and the color. Really convenient, if you are looking for a specific design or color. Truth is, they are beautiful, a bit pricey though. But it is good to have our options open.

Spring Catalogs -- Ikea

It is true. Small spaces require a clever arrangement of furniture, so as to have some room for us and to avoid the look of a cluttered space. Now, that the weather is getting warmer, we seek to spend more time outside the house. And, here, in Greece most of us live in apartments with balconies, so we do enjoy a nicely arranged space. Add colorful flowers, fresh plants and the bright sun and we are set!

Let's see what Ikea proposes for Spring/Summer 2011.

 Click to enlarge

What do you think? Would you buy them to furnish your balcony?

Spring Catalogs -- Laura Ashley

Spring is here! With all its energy and the feeling of a new beginning, we can't resist it! We want this change, too!

Spring is all about bright colors and delightful floral scenes.

So, bring the flowery aroma into your home and let spring carry you away!

In this exuberating feeling, let's see what the new spring catalogs have for us.

Laura Ashley

Click the photo to enlarge

This catalog is full of pastel but also vivid spring colours. It can certainly make you feel happy, just by looking at the colour combinations. Laura Ashley has a distinctive romantic style that can inspire you. I'm sure there are plenty of wonderful ideas for you to choose from. For the complete catalog hop here.

Digging into the Etsy site #2

Whatever shines is not gold -- But it might be.

Hours and hours of browsing and searching, can bring up a small treasury!

I have recently discovered a great little Etsy store that sells handmade brooches inspired by the 20's. Even the thought of a brooch pinned on the lapel has a special... romantic feeling. But look at those little women! They are simply... art. 

I love them! They look so chic and they represent such a nice and innocent era (fashion-wise, but not only). 

Now, what if we framed them in elegant white frames and turned them into wall art? 

I'm sure they would look lovely! 

Snowing and listing!

It is actually snowing now. It is actually snowing in Athens. So, so weird, since it almost never snows in the city. But is seems that winter has not yet left us.

Snow can decorate, so wonderfully, an ugly city; so simple, so elegant a sight. 

 photo from sarotiko.blogspot.com

Speaking of decoration, I will be building up a list of online shops that can actually ship their items to Europe. I have seen so many lovely lamps, beautiful art, etc. and I get so disappointed that I can't find them in my country. So, with a lot of searching and maybe some help from you, I will make a well informed list to keep us… busy and happy!

Digging into the Etsy site

Whatever shines is not gold -- But it might be.

Hours and hours of browsing and searching, can bring up a small treasury!

Are you hungry? Then… Bon Appétit!

I came across this lovely little Etsy shop and I really liked the vivid colors and the floral patterns.

A nice message to be placed in the kitchen for those not really convinced by my cooking! :) 

Seek and you shall find... happiness!

Hello and welcome to my blog!

Like many of us, I try to be happier, to improve myself and my way of living. One might wonder, is it that hard to be happier? Is it that hard to be satisfied?

The truth is that it is. Whether we like it or not, we can never be completely happy, or totally content. Even if we feel happy, it usually lasts for a while and then we feel the need to change something, to move on, to find something else. And don't get me misunderstood here. I'm not talking about love and the significant other. I'm talking about aspects in our life, or smaller things, that have the magical power to make us put a bright smile on our face. To help us boost our energy, or change our mood.

So, this blog is about change. In times of crisis, or not, change is always welcomed.

I'm going to start this blog by mentioning a book. It is called The Happiness Project by and it is about... change.

Of course, it is not a panacea for all problems. But it is filled with ideas about changing our life. One step at a time, or one step at a month, this book will actually make you feel that with a little organizing, everything can be easier and better. 

Have you read it? Did you like it?