{Bow down} Beautiful bows

Posted in Great pieces, Locally found by centralwestnest

Little Bumble Bugs is a fabulous local business who is adding some bling to your everyday.

This great little business offers something for everyone, from bows to lanyards, from sparkly gems to headbands. There is literally something for every occasion.

Our friends at Little Bumble Bugs can personalise your team colours or even create a bow just for you.

They make fantastic presents and stocking fillers. They would be incredible party favours or kris kringle gifts. I even have a few stashed away in the linen cupboard for all those sneaky kids birthday parties.

Little Bumble Bugs offer boutique bows, headbands and non-slip clips in various sizes for babies to adults.

You can find Little Bumble Bugs:

Website: www.littlebumblebugs.com

Facebook: @littlebumblebugs

Plus, they are offering all you beautiful readers a 10% discount! Just enter CNEST10 at the checkout!

27Nov2018

{Christmas Shopping} Thanks to the teacher

Posted in Great pieces, Locally found by centralwestnest

Each and every year I want to find a way to say thank you to those beautiful people who not only teach, but care for my little birdies.

It’s a really hard choice trying to find something to buy. I feel like most educators receive WAY too much chocolate. Probably have 14hundredthousand coffee cups and probably enough body wash to last a lifetime.

So when I recently found these gorgeous personalised candles and lolly jars I was over the moon.

I love that they are personalised, but also gorgeous gifts (plus they aren’t too exxy!)

A small business run by two entrepreneurial mamas these delightful gifts with be treasured for sure.

If you would like to order your very own personalised gift you can contact:

Amelia King on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amelia.king.18

or call Brittani Hotham on: 0421 10 4540

Happy Christmas to all the teachers and child educators out there!

7Sep2018

{The Design Nest}Architecturally enhancing your open plan space

Posted in Dream rooms, Great pieces by centralwestnest

Architecturally enhancing your open plan space

It’s no secret that we love our open plan living spaces, who wouldn’t? They provide so many lifestyle options – spending time with family and friends, cooking together, yelling at the kids, telling off James at the office for eating all the Kingston biscuits. But I digress.

In architecture terms the issues we face with open plan is ending up with a soulless echo chamber. To avoid this, the best designs define the various zone by playing with changes in elevation, materials, natural light, furniture placement, etc etc. The point is design doesn’t happen by accident; by adding deliberate layers a space can become more interesting and enjoyable to be in (and ensures James and the Kingstons’ are within eyeshot).

Define Zones

Think you can either have separate spaces or open plan? Nope, and that’s great news! The design of open plan can be manipulated into creating zones through various options such as floor level, floor materials, ceiling detail or as simply as your furniture configuration.

The beautiful home above shows a strong sense of separation even though the spaces are obviously in the same room – this has been achieved through the use of a sunken lounge. Originating from the 30s, the sunken lounge is making a comeback as the ultimate chill zone and space for intimate gatherings. But, be warned, don’t try it unless you make it a decent size. Anything small will come across as a pothole on the highway.

Create visual separation

The Central West has some beautiful old homes, and many are being altered to suit modern families. When doing this, creating a clear visual separation between the old and the new can really enhance the sense of more space.

The image above with the cute photobomber shows the parquetry floors have been contrasted against crisp concrete in the new extension. Overall, this style of extension allows you to experience the best of both worlds with old world charm and contemporary living.

Use an island

Kitchen islands are probably the most common design tool for defining zones, providing you have enough space.

Fun fact: most people don’t realise that open plan is so popular because of islands

A well-planned kitchen is not only functional, but give the added benefit of making people feel immediately at ease by knowing where they can and can’t be. A great example of this is any visitor will be instinctively aware of if they stay on the back side, they will be out of the way of the cook (and from being poked with any sharp objects).

Expert tip thanks to our favourite honey badger:

Remember the 7 P’s. Prior proper preparation prevents piss-poor performance

30Apr2018

{Mother’s Day} Gift guide 2018

Posted in Great pieces, The Nest Directory by centralwestnest

It’s only a couple of weeks away until the best day of the year… that is YOU-HAVE-TO-BE-MUMS-SLAVE-DAY otherwise known by Hallmark as Mother’s Day!

I have taken the time to find some goodies so that all you have to do is share this post with your nearest and dearest so they know what to get you.

If you’re like me – I am more likely to just buy what you want then wrap it and tell the bambinos to pass it to me mother’s day morning.

Here are our top Mother’s Day ideas:

Gift Voucher from Pop-Up Succulent Shop

Renelle from Pop-Up Succulent Shop is an absolute delight and any mum who loves a little gardening would love a voucher (or gift) for some succulent goodies! I have recently been to a Kokedama workshop class and it was amazing (you can read about it here -> The Central Nest Succulent Workshop).

How To Cook Everything A3 Print from Hard To Find.

This is a great print for a mama in your life who likes to cook (or eat). It would also be a great gift for someone who you might not know quite as well, such as the mother-in-law.

It’s funky, informative and pretty as a picture!

Spa Voucher from Macquarie Medi Spa

My absolute favourite indulgence is to have a facial. It’s not only relaxing but also you can literally see results straight away.

Good skin care really do care!

Robert Gordon Hug Me Mug & Saucer from Bake, Table & Tea

These gorgeous mugs are exactly what an sleep deprived mamabear desperately needs. What’s more to love than a cuppa who you can hug?

We will take one if each colour please!

A Photography voucher from Jennifer Stocks Photography or Aimee Cook Photography

There is nothing truer than the fact that photos steal moments in time and paying for a professional photographer to capture your special moments is the most wonderful thing you can do.

A pic on the Iphone does not even compare to the moments captured through the lens of a talented photographer.

If you’re interested in outdoor, fun, fresh photography then look no further than Jennifer Stocks Photography. She has an eye for detail that is unparalleled.

For studio shots we cannot recommend Aimee Cook Photography highly enough, she is fantastic at seeking out those moments-between-the-moments.

IMAGE: Jennifer Stocks Photography

IMAGE: Aimee Cook Photography

Earrings from Plastic Cactus

If the mum in your life likes a pop of colour you need to have a look at Plastic Cactus! Funky, show stopping fun. I personally love the ‘rad’ ones and the wooden fruit varieties! SO bloody cute.

A bunch of glorious blooms from Ivory Rose Botanicals

If all else fails I don’t know a mama that doesn’t love flowers. Ivory Rose is next level and will help build you that something special to show your mum just how much you adore her.

Whatever your gift, make sure you add a handwritten note and your mama’s heart will be filled. At the end of the day – just let your mama know she is loved.

Happy mother’s day to all the mamas xx

3Apr2017

{Gift Guide} Family Gift Guide

Posted in Great pieces by centralwestnest

Family Gift Guide

A year is full of wonderful dates which we all love to celebrate; there are many birthdays and anniversaries within a family and we all (but kids especially) look forward to the celebrations. And let’s not forget about the all sorts of ‘small victories’ which deserve to be celebrated: good grades, promotions, sport successes… It can become quite a challenge to come up with new gift ideas, but being predictable definitely shouldn’t be taken as a compliment. Here are a few tips for those who would like to keep buying great gifts.

Kids

Somehow, buying gifts for kids is the easiest thing to do. Since they mostly love playing games on their tablets, the safest solution is to buy them new games, or something game-related. Today, there’s plenty of merchandise inspired by Trolls, Angry Birds, Minecraft, and Star Wars. For little Minecraft enthusiasts there’s the exploding Creeper – when you press the button on its head it explodes (signature Creeper move). You can also buy them a hoverboard or a skateboard which is a clever way to make them be more active and send them outside to play.

Teenagers

Teenagers are more difficult to please and keep happy because they are going through puberty, and they are trying to discover who they really are. The teenage years are all about experimenting, trying to claim their independence, and – music. There isn’t a teenager who doesn’t like music, so you can’t go wrong if you buy them a T-shirt with a logo of their favourite band, a vintage record/vinyl or an official CD. If you want to really make them happy, buy them a ticket for their favourite band’s concert and let them have the time of their life.

Promotions

Being successful at what you do is incredibly important, and having your hard work and dedication recognized by others is equally rewarding. Being promoted is wonderful and it opens up a lot of great new possibilities, so it’s only natural that you want to celebrate this accomplishment with your partner or a close family member and show them how proud you are of their success. By buying wonderful unique gifts you will ensure that they remember you: a designer penbook, a colourful memo stand, a funny tape dispenser, or a strangely-designed calendar. These gifts will look great in their new office and every time they see them, they will immediately think of you and how much you’re proud of them.

Anniversaries

Anniversary presents are always tricky because they should show how much you know and love your partner, and that is not always easy to express through gifts. The greater the number of years the two of you have spent together, the more expensive the gift. Gentlemen, remember the golden rule- diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and by buying jewellery you will surely make your girl happy. As for you, ladies, men don’t always wear jewellery (if they do, it will be easier for you to pick a gift for them), but they usually wear watches. A nice watch is a great accessory (not to mention useful) and you can always engrave something on the back.

It’s important to remember that not everything is about gifts; the most valuable thing you can give to your family is your love and your devotion. Gifts come and go, but having a parent or a partner who is always there for you and who will always be by your side is much more important than toys or clothes. Keep your gifts unique and always put a lot of thought into choosing gifts for your family. After all, by picking a perfect gift you will show how well you know them, and that is something truly valuable.

29Sep2016

{The Nest Loves} 12 things I couldn’t live without – Spring 16 Edit

Posted in Great pieces by centralwestnest

These are a few of my favourite things as we head into Spring 2016.

Ronda Rousey – My Fight Your Fight

This book has been a great companion of mine as we pop through into Spring. An easy reading, yet surprisingly inspirational read about one of the fiercest woman in the world. You can grab a copy from Booktopia.

2. Celine Shadow Sunglasses

Love is these sunglasses. They are fantastic this time of the year as they are not too dark unlike a few of my other pairs. Definitely an investment worth having.

3. Thermomix

Once the spring fruit starts sprouting I love using the thermo to make jams and marmalades. Waste not want not and all that.

4. CR Mug

Coffee. Coffee. Coffee. Spring, summer, winter, autumn I need it for them all. Get yours from Country Road.

5. Samsung S7 Edge

I am never far from my phone it is my camera, my watch, my distraction, my calendar and above all it’s just mine.

6. ViraproX Lip Care

I tried this recently as a sample and since then have become a solid convert. It moisturises without being sticky and helps keep away bloody pesky cold sores. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

7. Fresh Flowers

These really are the simplest way to make your days happier. I love nothing more than spying a bunch of brightly coloured petals standing tall in the middle of the dining table. If you can’t be outside, bring the outside in! We loves these gorgeous posies from Vanessa Pringle Floral Designs

8. Bad sheets give me the shits

Waking up in good sheets makes for better days. Trust me on that. Good sheets are worth their weight (x a bazillion) in gold. I am currently lusting after the cool grey linen sheets from the team at InBed

9. Australian House & Garden

My not so secret indulgence is losing myself in the beautifully curated pages of this magazine with a cup of tea and a strict do not disturb mummy policy for an hour at a time. I always come away afterwards feeling inspired and happy.

10. Clinique Moisture Surge Intense cream

Makes your face prettier and stuff. Especially after all the artificial heating in winter.

11. Tiffany & Co Coin Purse

I was given this beautiful little gift a few years ago by some gorgeous girlfriends of mine. I love pulling it out about this time every year because it fits so perfectly in my little handbag that can just be swung over my shoulder in a summer dress. Easy Breezy.

12. My Kikki-K Planner

This is literally the only thing that keeps my days ticking over and me not crumbling into a sad sack of shakiness in the corner. All my information in one stop. Job Done. Get yours from Kikki-k today.

What are your faves?

9Sep2016

{The Nest Loves} Riff Raff & Co

Posted in Great pieces by centralwestnest

Any help getting the little people to sleep is always okay with me, when that help comes in a super duper adorable little package that is even better!

Riff Raff & Co in Melbourne sell one of a kind sleep comforters for all the little babes in your life.

One of my friends recently purchased one of these for her little lady and loves it! Apparently this was the first time she feel asleep without being held since being born!

We can’t wait to get our hands on the little fox! O, My!

BUY:

| www.riffraffandco.com |

5Sep2016

{The Nest Buys} Seriously Milestones

Posted in Great pieces by centralwestnest

Friend is having a baby – check

Did receive baby shower invite – check

Am shit at choosing present – check

Enter saviors at Spilt Milk Interiors & Lifestyle – check

Purchase and have delivered to my door without leaving my glamorous pyjama no-bra situation ‘SERIOUSLY – MILESTONE CARDS’

Automatically look like champion gift giver-er person – check.

Pop over and grab some today!

STOCKISTS: Spilt Milk Interiors & Lifestyle

Email | spiltmilkinteriors@hotmail.com

Phone | 0478 013 108

1Aug2016

{The Nest Loves} Swing with Vines of the Wild

Posted in Great pieces by centralwestnest

My latest love is Vines of the Wild, an innovate and quality driven producer of eclectic and whimsical products for the little humans in your life.

Vines of the Wild source products from local artists from across the country, the soul purpose of their products is to enliven the gift of nature and awaken your bohemian soul.

They are constantly aware of the environment and so utilise mediums such as wood, non-toxic paint and natural fabrics and recycled materials to minimise their ecological footprint.

I love that Vines of the Wild is not only a source of mindful products but also will cloak our little adventurers in style.

We love:

Find Vines of the Wild on Instagram @vinesofthewild

Happy shopping Nesters x

28Jul2016

{The Nest Loves} Female for life activewear

Posted in Great pieces by centralwestnest

While every single female body is different, every single female body wants to feel confident, supported and strong, especially when working out. I think I have found the answer, let me introduce you to Female for Life.

Female for Life provide a wide range of sportswear as well as a lifestyle range designed to help you feel comfortable while working out. Their products are quality, feminine and affordable.

Beginning back in 2009, Female for Life they certainly have come a long way, what I love about them is that they cater for your body, not for your size. They do not fear curves, bumps, big bums, no bums, cankles or otherwise.

An extra something special about Female for Life is the fact that they support Endometriosis Australia and they have a zero carbon footprint!

Happy shopping Nesters x

Find them:

| website: www.femaleforlife.com.au |

| facebook: facebook/femaleforlife |

| phone: 1300 025 013 |

the central nest

A life lived in the Central West

Category Archives: Great pieces

{Bow down} Beautiful bows

{Christmas Shopping} Thanks to the teacher

{The Design Nest}Architecturally enhancing your open plan space