Leg warmers: hot!

I luuurve the cold weather which graces us every year, and as the thermometer readings head south I get busy thinking about how to cozy up. I spotted these (actually quite sexy) leg warmers here on Etsy, fell in love, bought them immediately, and they arrived in my letterbox yesterday.

They look so gorgeous with these killer heels, now how can I work this into the pre-school drop off wardrobe?!

Also on my hot list is a grey long sleeve thermal top with black lace... at Big W! and maybe some felty wool arm warmers from here. Hmmm.

Casa Ribena: In the begining

So now you've seen the Home Beautiful feature, I thought I'd take it back to the start and invite you to behind the curtains - before renovation! This was our very un blank canvas when we took possession...

Above left: The view just inside the front door, awash with purple candy, possibly indicating the demise of an oompa-loompa.
Above Right: Further down the hall, you just know this person watched too much "Changing Rooms".

Above Left: In the original 1969 kitchen, the splash back tiles had been thoughtfully stenciled

Above Right: and a little splash of sunshine through to the dining room made this a happy place - on pills.

Above: The grand lounge room, complete with attractive louvred doors, is just around the corner from the purple entry... ahh, soothing blue. Rest your eyes my dear, because you are about to cry when you see...

Above Left: The laundry, yes that is a particularly retina burning blood red orange, bordering on flourescent, stylishly teamed with navy blue GLOSS trim - hmmm special.
Above Right: The bathroom, complete with wall paper borders, fluer de lis and the essential lace curtain with PARROT PRINT curtains WTF??? The rest of the bathroom is basic white with and terracotta floor.

Above: Continuing the clever decorating elements into the bedrooms, here's a sampler of my favourites.

Above: And the magnificent built-in wardrobe in the main bedroom, gorgeous!

If you're keen to see the after photo's too, check out the video below (I do hope it works), or check out the pics here, here and here.

Ninaribena's House - Before and After from ninaribena on Vimeo.

Love Nina x

Home Beautiful magazine: Casa Ribena!

It's been the longest, and most agonising wait for me and finally it has arrived! Nearly 8 months ago Home Beautiful stylist Louise Owens and photographer Craig Wall came down to visit our fair city in a small car loaded to the roof with photographic equipment and a bucket full of beautiful flowers, to feature 2 Canberra homes for the magazine, one in Yarralumla, and one in lil' old Higgins.

In the May 2009, special colour issue (which hit the stands yesterday), and still to my husband's disbelief - 8 pages are dedicated to our humble abode (yes it's the one in West Belconnen). I can't tell you how simultaneously excited and nervy I am, but here it is... enjoy...

If you are new to Canberra's Got Style, welcome! And if you are keen to see more of my home, here are a few links to start you off... here... here... here... and here...

And, if I may just note a couple of small corrections: the floor plan incorrectly labels our outdoor deck area as the dining! if only I had that extra luxury of space.
And credit must go to Dylan's Granny for making his fabulous bedspread - she's such a clever thing - check out the secret pocket in it ...cute!

And stay tuned for the full before and after journey of our house, it's a doozy! You'll love it!

For now though, get your copy of the May issue of Australian Home Beautiful magazine, I hope you like it,

Love Nina x

Frockaholics: wanting

Canberra based online fashion haven, FROCKAHOLICS.COM are serving up the best of Australian fashion straight from the catwalk, to your door... here's what's got me wanting...

Left to right, top to bottom: 1: Eryn Brinie Grey tie waist woven coat 2: Fornarina Andrew red spotted knit top 3: Nude The standard winter white shoe boot 4: Melissa Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon blue 5: Melissa Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon pearl 6: Melissa Vivienne Westwood 3 strap heels in red

Check out Frockaholics for your fashion fix here.

Real Estate Rooms: architectural gem

Spotted on the weekend, and now on Allhomes... I covet...

This original 1963 architecturally designed home was substantially extended in the 1970's and now offers an incredible opportunity for a quality renovation. The improvements provide numerous lifestyle options with granny flat or teenager’s retreat in addition to the 4 bedrooms plus study in the original structure. There are elements of a 1960’s time capsule with the original timber panelling, original period kitchen appliances, timber clad bar, even a music control and electronic intercom throughout with a state of the art (1960’s style) security system.

The formal rooms feature extensive use of timber finishes and the ball room size living area has 3 metre high raked ceiling and is drenched with natural light from the sliding doors to the courtyard and innovative roof lines. {drools}

Features I love include:

• Wood panelled and cork flooring kitchen overlooking rear balconies and pond
• 1960’s Kitchen appliances include chef cook top, Vulcan dishlex range hood and dishwasher plus Westinghouse 246 Fan forced wall oven (never used)!!
• Musicom music system and original electron intercom inside and out
• IEI 1960’s security system
• Timber panelled plumbed bar
• Powder room near bar
• Some quality antique light fittings
• Wine cellar
• Extensive front courtyards
• Some architectural gems with 3m raked ceilings , skylights and innovative window designs
• Some quality finishes in excellent condition including marble clad pillars in the living room and original tiling in the grand entrance and kitchen.
...and the WALLPAPER... keep keep keep it!!!

Check it out here on Allhomes, oh the things we could do...!

Bags n bling

Some of the grooviest women around town have been cleaning out their jewellery boxes and their bedroom drawers, and they are looking to recycle their treasures! They have sorted out their evening bags, their earrings and their scarves and they are passing on their pre-loved ornaments and hairclips. You are invited to see if you'd like anything!

Want to pick up a bargain?

On Tuesday evening Havelock House at Turner will turn into a veritable Alladin's Cave of treasures! There will be bangles and chains and earrings and beads; there will be bags and scarves and boxes! You might find just the thing to brighten up that new suit or go with that summer frock you've got.
Tomorrow night (5.30pm – 7pm) at Havelock House, 85 Northbourne Avenue, Turner
Tickets: $2 each or 3 for $5 www.womenslegalact.org

Don't miss: Mathilda's Market

On this weekend is Canberra's first Mathilda's Market, fabulous niche market that offers unique, stylish and affordable baby and kids wares that are lovingly handmade, from limited production or simply divine.

Discover a vast variety of funky, unique and gorgeous clothing (for example organic cotton, vintage, 70's, etc) wooden letters, canvasses, soft & wooden toys, soft leather shoes, travel activity packs, room decor, bags, paintings, fun & personalised accessories, vintage-inspired products, musical instruments, handcrafted jewellery, fairy & dress up costumes & accessories, hair accessories, doll houses & accessories, linen, sleepwear, scooters and so much more! And all this for your little ones ... it's a kid's shopping haven.

Most stall holders do not have a shop front, so you know you'll find something special, not available anywhere else. And some of my Canberran 'Mumtrepreneur' friends will be there including Emma from Brindabella Baby, Posie from Posie Patchwork, Jen from Red Instead and Charlie Mac of Wombagully Wonders. And just returned to Canberra from living in Bejing, author and busy mum Tania McCartney will be signing her books, Riley and the Sleeping Dragon and Beijing Tai Tai.

Sunday 5 April 2009 - Manuka Oval (Bradman Room), Manuka Circle, Griffith. From 10am to 2pm, plenty of free parking available, and a lift for those with prams.

Fabulous, I'll be there! Hope you have a beautiful weekend,

*Update*

Check out Tania McCartney's wrap of the event with loads of GORGEOUS images

Love Nina x

Polytoxic: Teuila Postcards

Perfect... Paradise... Polynesia: imagine a lush, green landscape surrounded by turquoise water with rolling white beaches dotted with bronzed, curvaceous women in coconut-shell bikinis. It all sounds too good to be true. And guess what...it is!

Direct from international arts festival 10 Days on the Island, en route to the Sydney Opera House, acclaimed Australian contemporary dance theatre ensemble Polytoxic comes to Canberra for two nights only with its tongue-in-cheek look at the oppression and the evolution of an island, TEUILA POSTCARDS.

In Polytoxic's remarkable fusion of traditional Polynesian and contemporary dance theatre, three tourists travel to a fantasy island, expecting an exotic, blissful, dreamlike holiday. What actually occurs is an episodic rollercoaster-ride through the stereotypes and surprises of Samoan culture, featuring historical missionary diary entries, an Elvis-style advert, a comedic floor show performance and a Samoan girl's experience of everyday life.

Created & performed by Efeso Fa'anana, Leah Shelton and Lisa Fa'alafi, this work premiered to sold-out audiences at the Brisbane Powerhouse in 2006.
TEUILA POSTCARDS by Polytoxic 7, 8 April (8pm)
The Street Theatre. Childers Street, Canberra City West
Tickets: Full $25, concession $20, students $15 Booking: 02 6247 1223 or www.thestreet.org.au

The sculpture of Bert Flugelman

Don't miss this...

This exhibition is a major survey of the recent work of distinguished Austrian-born painter, printmaker and sculptor Bert Flugelman.

He is best known for his huge geometric public sculptures in stainless steel, such as his Spheres in Adelaide, the Dobell Memorial in Sydney and The Cones in the National Gallery of Australia's Sculpture Garden (pictured above).

Many generations of ANU students are affectionately familiar with his fountain sculpture Untitled in front of the Bruce Hall of Residence. This exhibition focuses on Flugelman's recent maquettes and medium scale sculptures.

Above: Bert Flugelman, Tetrapus, 2007, stainless steel, 325 x 360 x 120 cm. Photo by David Perry. Image supplied by ANU Drill Hall Gallery

BERT FLUGELMAN: NOW SHOWING Until 5 April
ANU Drill Hall Gallery. Kingsley Street, off Barry Drive, Acton.
Open: Wed. – Sun. (12noon – 5 pm) Free entry