Pinterest Loves

Do you ever just stop sometimes, even if only for a moment and not worry about the future or how you're going to achieve all your dreams and goals but marvel instead in wonder at what you have achieved so far. No? Me Either. But we should. We really should. I had read a quote the other day - surprise surprise - that went a little like this - "the reason people give up so fast is because they tend to look at how far they have to go instead of how far they've gotten". I am a huge believer in bucket lists, setting goals, having dreams but I also think its so important to remember and be proud of what you have achieved so far as well. Have you had some gorgeous children? Traveled somewhere you'd always wanted to go? Gotten a degree? Swam in a different ocean? Lived a tough life and come out a better person. Well I think you're amazing, nay, I think you're extraordinary - be proud, marvel at your own greatness and use it to be even more motivated in the future. Life is about living after all so celebrate what has been and get excited at what is to come. My Monday posts are about 5 things which inspire me currently on Pinterest however and here they are this week.

 

I have just acquired more coloured jeans - a red pair and a blue pair so I am constantly looking for new style inspiration on how to wear them well and loved this look (I need some coral coloured ones stat)

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Hi my names Anna and I love baths. Yup. Love them. I need this bath tub in this bathroom. Big tub + big window = Annas bath bliss

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Simple but so true. People won't always like what you have to say about everything but if you stay true to yourself and you're not hurting anybody then you're living as the best original you can be

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I am slowly putting together recipes for a high tea fundraiser I am going to host and this little mini pavlova has made the cut - mine don't look as amazing but one can only try right?

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Mr M & I's loungeroom walls are blank. Terrible I know. The reason being I hadn't found what I wanted to decorate them with but as of this DIY I have. I'm making words on canvas that suit us & our lives to hang. Love them!

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Advice after 5 years of Dating

I read something incredibly profound yesterday ... Life is only 4,000 weeks. Now, I don't know about you, but I measure my time in weeks. I don't think I ever mean too but if I am ever talking about how fast time is going it is generally accompanied by "I can't believe how fast that week flew by". Just 4,000 weeks. Depending on how you look at it is either a lot, or a little and of course your life could be more, or less. For me however, I read it and went that's it?? Never have I been more motivated, more inspired and more excited by the fact that the future is mine and those 4,000 weeks of life I have been gifted need to be lived in the most remarkable way possible. This isn't what inspired this weeks dating advice, but it made me realise after writing it that I am lucky to have found someone to live out the remaining 4,000 weeks with. So remember, if you're unhappy in love or life, you only have 4,000 weeks - that's it. Make yours count.

p.s If you want to read more articles that I write like attracting a king, being more approachable & Respect ... then visit it here

5 years & counting

Love is a crazy thing isn’t it? It is also a fun, incredible, world defying thing whilst at the same time being a jealous, angry, confusing thing. I honestly know I have never experienced and doubt I ever will experience such a profound feeling as love. I think I am one of the lucky ones though as 5 years ago, I walked in to a party – sure I was drunk - and met someone who would become the one who fulfils all of the above. An amazing start to a love story? Hardly, but a heart stopping love? Absolutely. Although only 24 (his 28), I think a healthy 5 year relationship does give you some credentials when trying to give some relationship advice... and here is mine.

Argue but don’t say mean things – keep your fights short, relevant and clean. No point in saying things you don’t mean anyway and keeping tallys on who said what or didn’t do that.

Forgive quickly – they love you, you love them, your arguments are petty in comparison to the love you share so why waste even a second holding on to a grudge or anger when you’re only going to forgive them down the track anyway.

Support their dreams – this is the essence of someone, the thing that motivates them, excites them and ‘is’ them. To not support their dreams is to say you don’t believe in them and belief is at the core of every human being.

Respect them – pretty simple to understand this one but respect them not just as a boyfriend/girlfriend, respect them as the whole individual they are and all the roles they fill – friend, brother, sister, colleague, and so on. This is important to understanding them.

Fall in love without loosing yourself – be consumed by all means and adore spending time with them but keep your own hobbies, friends and interests too. You’re still an ‘I’ just as much as an ‘us’

Laugh together – you don’t need to have the same sense of humour to be able to laugh together. Do this daily. It makes for a fun relationship and one where you can laugh through the good and bad times (and we all know we go through both).

Talk less, listen more – you will both be surprised how much more gets communicated and how much more you open up after a long hard day instead of saying ‘I’m fine’.

Find each others love language and speak it – don’t know what I’m talking about? For shame. This is my relationship golden rule. There are 5 love languages – Words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, physical touch. Figure out which one each of you are, do your research ... and start speaking in each others language.

Find your own rules & groove and go with it – everybody is different, which means every relationship is different. Find what works for you both and work on that not trying to emulate other people or relationships you think work.

So there you go. This is a snapshot of why I think after 5 years of a relationship I am falling more in love as each year goes on. Most importantly though, just love and have fun. We only have one life and it’s yours to live so make it count with the right person.

My week, with Instagram

As I am getting older I am realising just how much time does really fly and there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop it. They key, as I am finding out, is to discover ways instead to slow it down. So how exactly do you slow life down? Well frankly, your guess and suggestions are as good as mine, but one thing I am finding that is helping is when I stop for moments during the day to find beauty in the small stuff. Seeing the reflection of the sun, the love between two strangers, the smell of freshly ground coffee, the sunrise as we drive home from morning exercise - it all makes me live in a moment and appreciate where I am  at this exact time in the world. I think it's safe to say we all live incredibly complex lives with 1000 things to do at any one time and brains that never want to switch off. With that in mind I have set out with a new 'thing' to never complain I don't have enough time (after all there are 24 usable hours in every day) and to live more fully and present in each moment. I want to start a new weekly post where I share the lessons learnt or the quotes found that emulate this, and the images I take that sum up some of the moments I found the beauty in.

25 things before I'm 25 continued

Do you remember this list that I wrote about back in December? I had started putting together a list of 25 things that I wanted to do before I hit age 25. I had given myself 15 months to tick each one off, but at time of post it wasn't complete. I hadn't wanted to rush it for the sake of rushing it and rush it I did not. It has taken me 3 months to slowly think of more things to add but as of last week, it was complete. I have written them all down on my inspiration board which sits directly in front of me in my office so I am reminded constantly of my goals anytime I come in here. I genuinely get so excited every time I look at it because they're not dreams, they're goals, goals which I'm actively making a reality so to hit 25 and have ticked every one off (that's the plan) excites me to no end. I've already achieved 2, and have planned or set plans in action for every other single one. I'm sharing this with you why? Because back 3 months ago when I first wrote this list out, I remember distinctly look at it and thinking god there's no way no how I will honestly be able to do it. 3 months later, after looking at it every day and starting to put in place how I can do each one, it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when and I wanted to encourage others who have wanted to do something, anything, before a certain age to write their lists...today. It's fun, liberating and more than anything - exciting. I share each one as I tick it off like I did here with my Bali yoga retreat. Do you have a list? I'd love to hear what's on yours, or what you'd love to put on yours!

My 25 before 25 ...

1. Have a never say no Europe holiday
2. Swim with dolphins
3. Do something extraordinary for Morgan
4. Ride in a hot air balloon
5. Skydive
6. Ride a camel
7. Get to Melbourne with Morgan
8 Start my book on "....................."
9. Write a letter to everyone I love about why they're amazing
10. Start my second business
11. Run 10km
12. Obtain another certificate in Education
13. Sponsor a child in Africa
14. Be earning $100 000k
15. Swim with whale sharks
16. Go on a yoga holiday / retreat
17. Read 15 business books
18. Go on a road trip
19. Get a boob job
20. Go to Rottnest Island
21. Get a tattoo
22. Kiss passionately in the rain
23. Volunteer in an elderly care home
24. Learn 10 French words
25. Watch the sunrise and the sunset in 10 countries

Pinterest Loves

I don't know what it is about the weather that can dictate our moods so much, but as the cooler months are approaching my calmer mode seems to engage and instead of wanting to run and skip and laugh in the sunshine I can think of nothing better than curling up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee and Mr M. I know that our cooler months are on the way as the sun is rising much later when we're on our way to exercise and there is a cold nip in the air at the ungodly hour of 5:15am. In light of this all my motivations and inspirations have been geared towards things that can warm me up from the inside out - big windows where I can bathe in the dying light, yummy warm recipes and DIY's that would see me kept inside for most of the day. Here is my weekly round up of my pinning loves.

I just think this hairstyle is gorgeous, and would sweeten up any Winter ensemble that sees you covered from head to toe in fabric.

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Since I was a little girl I have been transfixed on having a big big window in my home with a comfy place to sit to watch the world go by, read and just 'be'. I just love this photo. I could spend hours in this spot.

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I am learning some powerful lessons at the moment about how I control my own states and happiness, so when I saw this quote I knew I had to stick it up at home, in the office.. on the blog

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My weekend plans coming up consist of perfecting the perfect sticky date pudding with homemade caramel - this picture inspires me to give it my best shot.

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After seeing this photo, I aim to have my own chalkboard painted in to my study. Love.Love.Love

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10 tips for living a fulfilled life

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Some time ago now, I had read that it takes 30 days to make or break a habit, just 30 days. I was fascinated by this and set out to think of something I could do positively for 30 days to create a new habit. Initially I thought of riding my bike to work, but then realised between that, the gym and my yoga, it was too much and something I could see myself not following through with. So I went back to the drawing board and really thought about what I could do, and then, it dawned on me. Reading. I love reading, but always seemed to 'not have time' or 'not be able to find the right book' excuses that stopped me from just stopping and sitting for however long it took to enjoy some 'me reading time'. So, for 30 days, each night before I went to sleep, I read for 30 minutes. That was over 2 months ago now and a day won't go by without me feeling the need to sit and read for 30 minutes. I seek out articles, great books, inspirational quotes... whatever I can find to inspire my mind. In light of this, I do happen to find some fantastic words along the way and last night was no exception. I found this website, and found the most beautiful article with pieces of advice for living. So although this week I am not writing on love or dating, I feel the below had to be shared. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

1. Memorise something everyday

This will leave your brain sharp and your memory functioning, you will also have a huge library of quotes to bust out at any moment

2. Constantly try to reduce your attachment to possessions

Those who are heavy-set with material desires will have a lot of trouble when their things are taken away from them or lost.

3. Develop an endless curiosity about the world

Become an explorer and view the world as your jungle. Stop and observe all of the little things as completely unique events. Try new things. Get out of your comfort zone and try to experience as many different environments and sensations as possible. This world has so much to offer, so why not take advantage of it?

4. Learn to focus only on the present

The past is unchangeable so it is futile to reflect on it unless you are making sure you do not repeat past mistakes. The future is but a result of your actions today. So learn from the past to do better in the present so that you can succeed in the future.

5. Smile more often

Whenever you get a grin on your face, your brain is releasing serotonin, the happy hormone. Smiling is the natural way to force yourself to be happy.

6. Be honest at all times

Lies lead to nothing but trouble. Being known as trustworthy is an excellent trait to maintain and essential to having integrity.

7. Figure out what your goals and dreams are

So many people wander aimlessly through life simply go for whatever small thing they want moment by moment. Instead, decide what your perfect life consists of and begin to put the steps in motion to reach that place. The most satisfying thing in the world is overcoming a challenge and reaching a goal. We are the happiest when we are growing and working towards something better.

8. Develop the ability to forgive

Forgiveness is something that most people fail miserably at even thought it’s so simple. Grudges only bring more misery to those who hold them and prevent good relations with the target. YOU makes mistakes all of the time so why not have mercy when other do.

9. Come up with a life mantra

You know, like “Carpe Diem” or “Live life to the fullest,” but not as cliché. Make it something that really hits home with you so that you will actually stick to it. Make sure it’ not so specific that it rarely applies but also not so general that it’s not personal.

10. Do what you love

There is a huge difference between making a life and making a living; which one are you making right now? So many spend their entire lives trying to make as much money as possible so that they can afford to do what they really want later. It makes no sense to settle in life until you’re 65 so that you can retire and do what you want when you’re already WAY past your prime. We only live life once so why wouldn’t you want to spend it pursuing your bliss?

How To: Organise your Beauty 'stuff'

If you all haven't heard of StumbleUpon then first and foremost, go and check it out...you're welcome. I have the app on my phone and adore flicking through all kinds of websites it provides me with when I have spare moments here and there. I find amazing quotes, fantastic DIY's and lots of odd bod websites I never would have found on my own. I stumbled upon (get it?) this amazing little DIY the other night though and knew I had to share it. So enjoy these little easy and creative ways to store your jewllerly and make up.

Coffee bean brush holder

This simple project keeps your makeup brushes upright and organized. Plus, your bedroom will smell like coffee every morning. Yum.

What you need:
• small, clear plastic tub (one side should be open)
• coffee beans/ small grains, etc.

Instructions:

1. Take the clear tub, and fill with coffee beans and/ or small grains (whichever you prefer)
2. Stick your brushes into the coffee beans, brush side up.

Rake organizer

Sure, you can buy little hooks to hang your necklaces, but we like this rustic, shabby-chic take on jewelry organization. And it's so easy ...

What you need:

• old rake
• screw and screwdriver
• sandpaper (optional)
• Rustoleum (optional)

Instructions:

1. Unscrew the handle from the old rake.
2. If the rake is rusted, sand off the rust or cover the metal with an anti-rust spray paint like Rustoleum.
3. Drill the screw into the wall/ door of where you'd like the rake to hang.
4. Hang the rake on the screw, rake prongs down. Arrange your necklaces on the prongs.

Magnetic makeup board

Is your makeup strewn all across your bathroom counter? Do you spend 30 minutes digging in your vanity drawer for your favorite blush? If so, you'll love this magnetic makeup board. Not only does it keep your makeup organized, but it also looks super cute on your wall.

What you need:
• old picture frame
• acrylic paint
• spray adhesive
• metal sheet or baking sheet
• piece of fabric
• mini magnets
• strong glue, like E-6000
• old, empty pill bottles

Instructions: 1. Find an old frame, and remove the glass. Paint the frame a fun color.

2. Take the frame to the local hardware store and ask them to cut a piece of metal to fit inside the frame, or use an old baking/cookie sheet if it already fits.
3. Cut a piece of fabric to the size of the metal sheet, and attach it to the metal sheet with some spray adhesive.
4. After the spray adhesive has dried, attach the metal sheet to the frame.
5. Line up all your makeup products — blushes, bronzers, eyeshadows — and attach a mini magnet to each item. Use a heavy duty glue to attach the magnets.
6. Take an old pill bottle and throw away the top. Paint the bottle. Once dry, attach a few magnets to one side of the bottle. Fill the old pill bottle with brushes, eyeliners, or mascaras.
7. Place each makeup product on the sheet, as well as the old pill bottle.

Babysitting

I made brief mention last week about my babysitting escapades that I was going to be getting up to this past weekend, and babysit I did! You know how people say if you want to see what it's like to have a baby you should first get a puppy? Well, having now babysat my 9 month old niece Delilah and a 8 week old puppy at the same time I can confirm, they are nothing alike. A puppy sleeps more and can be left on it's own, babies, cannot. My sister asked if I could look after my g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s niece on Saturday so she could have some of her own 'me' time and I was actually beside myself with excitement. At the same time, Mr M's dad had asked us if we could look after his new 8 week old Great Dane puppy Draygo - yes the name is from Game of Thrones - and of course we didn't want to couldn't say no. So, what do you get when you have a 9 month old baby and an 8 week old puppy at your house on a sunny Saturday? Well, a lot of cute photos and extreme tiredness by 5pm of course. Mums, I take my hat off to you I really do. Mr M was pretty much a super hero and had both Draygo and Delilah pass out on him for nap time at the same time - which of course melted my heart. All in all it was such a fun day filled with giggles, playing and exploring and taught me some valuable lessons, namely I am not ready for either a puppy nor a baby and especially not together. Mr M & I are content with "just us" for now.

Pinterest Loves

I had the perfect weekend by relaxing standards. There was lots of sleep catch up, long walks, Europe bookings and quality couch time with Mr M, topped off with a BBQ last night with good friends and cold cider. I had wanted to sink my teeth in to some little DIY projects Ive been dying to get around to but it seems finding accommodation for our upcoming Europe trip took the priority spot again. As we head in to another week full of unknowns, to do lists, meetings and dinner dates, here is what is catching my eye this week on Pinterest.

It's starting to get colder here in Perth (by my standards anyway) & I can't wait to start rugging up in warm winter knits and furs (faux of course)

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I would love to do my room in all white with pops of colour only coming from beautiful fresh flowers displayed near big window sills

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I read this over the weekend and fell in L.O.V.E - it gave me immediate inspiration to stay strong with all my big hopes and dreams and turn my own cants in to cans

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Ever since my Bali getaway and my daily morning banana pancakes I crave them constantly

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I saw this dainty hearts garland and immediately knew I have to add this to my DIY 'to do' list. I would use the pages of an old love story

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What are your rules in life?

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There has been only a few other times in my working career that I have been so happy to see Friday, and today is one of those days. It's been a hectic week and I can't wait for some relaxation and rest over the weekend. I am babysitting my 8 month old niece for the first time tomorrow which I am bursting out of my skin from excitement for. Mr M's dad and mum have just picked up their new Great Dane puppy - Draygo - so we will be seeing a lot of him this weekend. Here is this weeks advice brought to you from me with love. P.s If you are new and want to know what compels me to write these articles then visit my other website I started to bring back some love, respect and chivalry in to dating.

Breaking the rules

Rules. 5 letters but no matter how many interpretations, it essentially, holds the same meaning for most, and when a rule is broken, especially one of your rules, in life or love .. problems develop. But what if it didn’t have to be like that? What if you didn’t have to get so upset or angry when you felt somebody broke your rules? Well I believe you don’t have to, and like with everything it just takes a different perspective.

Life is an incredibly complex experience, an experience that brings us so many overwhelming emotions. We have the ability to love, to hate, to cry, to laugh, to be angry, to let go. We are amazing beings – so why then, do we set ourselves up with our own rules to be let down so often.

You might not think you even have rules, but I assure you ... you do. Your rules are your beliefs about what has to happen in order for you to feel good or happy about yourself or the experience.

Let me give you an example. Say you’re in a relationship, and in that relationship you believe (whether it is spoken or not) that for you to feel loved or know that your partner loves you they must do and say certain things, otherwise you don’t feel loved. The list could be a mile long. It might include things like the following; they must say I love you a few times a day, they must text or call a few times a day, they must always check with you first before they make big plans, they must think that you’re perfect as a partner. Now re read those rules. Do you feel they are realistic?

Honestly?

The above rules are set up for failure. At any point on any day, any number of these rules could be broken but at no point does it indicate that your partner loves you any less – it just means that your rules are unrealistic. To be fair, your partner will have their own set of rules which are more than likely just as long – but therein lies an even bigger problem, if you both have different sets of rules who’s are right or wrong? The answer is both your rules are right, they’re yours, but what can you do in this situation then? It’s simple. You either need to start communicating very clearly what your rules are to each other or, get better rules.

Imagine, just for a second if instead of having a long list of specific things that has to happen for you to feel loved, it was as simple as ‘when I do something nice for them and they appreciate it, when I wake up to them every morning and go to sleep next to them each night, when we laugh together’ .. Healthy relationships would have the above happen every.single.day, so how beautiful that you can feel loved just by changing the rules. That means that on any day at any time, you can feel loved because you and your partner shared a laugh together, because that morning you got to wake up next to the love of your life. And sure, maybe it is beyond frustrating when they leave their shoes laying around, or upsetting when you feel they don't talk to you as much as you talk to them, but it's not worth ever getting upset or angry over.

Change your rules to be more simplistic, make your rules broader, because feeling loved and happy is easy, it's up to you how easy you want to make it.

Life is already complicated enough without us adding extra rules that are unrealistic and that  cause more pain than happiness. So let go. Change the rules, and see just how much more love and happiness you let in to your life.

I dare you.

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Pumpkin Scones

I consider myself incredibly lucky that a) I was one of 5 growing up, and b) our mum was a 'stay at home mum' for most of our childhood. She was the most incredible baker and was constantly in the kitchen whipping up something delicious to feed 5 hungry mouths. My all time favourite recipe she made though was Pumpkin Scones. She would take them out of the oven and always put them in the same green container, wrapped in a tea towel so when we would run in the door from climbing tree's or catching tadpoles - we were outdoor kids - and see the green container sitting on the bench, it could have only meant one thing ...Pumpkin Scones. I had been craving them recently, out of the blue, having not eaten said scones since I was a child and I knew it was time to try to make them myself. I gave this recipe a go over the weekend and was happy with the results. Mr M & I devoured them straight out of the oven, smothered with Jam and Cream and I have to say, the feelings of my childhood did come rushing back...

Farmers Market

I had awoken on Saturday morning to one very hung over – I think he was still drunk - Mr M bouncing through the bedroom doors after a big night out with the boys. He had just gotten home and in a pure moment of being too kind/his going to regret this later, he suggested we go to the Farmers Market for the morning, something I’d been dying to do for months. So off we trotted, me, well slept and sprightly, Mr M, worse for wear and hungover. But alas, regardless of our demeanour's, we both had the same result – a lot of fun and a new found love in our local Farmers Market. We sipped on organic coffee, drank pure fruit juice, loaded up on our weekly organic fruit and veggies and I even bought myself some 100% pure oils which I’d been wanting for too long – tea tree and rose hip – and scored myself a bunch of my fav flowers from Mr M, lilies. Such a gorgeous morning and a new little place we’ll be visiting often.

[Fresh produce all ready to be eaten]

[Mr M chuffed with his find of 100% natural pure fruit juice. SO yum & SUCH a great hangover cure]

[Lots of pretty potted plants]

[Home, trying to juggle all of our purchases]



Pinterest Loves

I am going in to today after having the most incredibly fun past 4 days. We just had our long 4 day Easter Weekend and I made sure I filled it with a good mix of going out, staying in, yummy baking, fun adventuring, catching up with friends and having some quiet moments with Mr M, some of which will be shared on here over the next few days. As my quest of finding the perfect balance in life continues I seem to be getting more inspired than ever with cute DIY's (dying to do the wallpaper frames for my office), recipes I can bake over weekends and quotes that inspire. Here are the 5 things that are currently catching my eye this week.

I'm crushing any/all things knit at the moment but this outfit inspired me to no end with it's seemingly warmth and gorgeous pastel colouring. I need to add all of these pieces to my wardrobe LOVE!

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I'm constantly looking for aqua inspired design ideas for my own office at home and this just made me fall madly in l.o.v.e

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There is never any harm, ever, in reminding yourself that you should be and deserve to be chasing the life exactly like you imagined. I know I am

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Being new to my sweet tooth the first thing I have mastered to eat is cheesecake, this, coupled with my current obsession with cooking/presenting things in jars I am dying to give this recipe a go

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I am doing some of my own DIY wallpaper at the moment but saw this pic of framed wallpaper and loved the idea to brighten up our lounge room wall

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