Keeping it Realtor

Signing off but I'll be back!

Before I sign off and get ready for the family to arrive I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for supporting this here blog over the past year.   Thanks too for your comments and please keep them coming.  It's been a hard year for anybody in the property business and I don't think I've ever seen anything like it.  One minute properties are selling like hot cakes and the next minute it's like we've hit a brick wall and everything stopped.  Lets keep our fingers crossed that things pick up and start moving in the New Year.  See you in a couple of weeks.  Happy holidays.   

Lutz & Patmos Pillow Covers - Zigzag & Cable

I especially love Christmas and New Year holidays because it's a time when you can really indulge yourself.  The weather doesn't lend itself to lots of outdoor stuff so you can afford to be that little bit selfish and take time to yourself.  It's great to be able to curl up with a good book or watch that movie you recorded ages ago.

Wouldn't it be nice to snuggle up with these fabulous knitted cushions by Lutz and Patmos.  Don't they look really cosy?  You can snuggle up in these acrylic and wool cushions,  hug them, squash them, crush them and they'll still have that lovely designer look to them.  You can also get a lovely throw to match the cushions.  Delicious. 

Now where's the chocolates and that book I've been meaning to read?

Wine Tray by MuNiMulA

This unusual tray would make a really cool hostess gift.  It holds and keeps secure four stemmed wine glasses and a bottle of wine. 

I've got a really lovely stainless steel serving tray which I adore but there have been times when I've been serving drinks,in long stemmed glasses, when they've nearly slipped off the tray as I've been placing it on a table. 

This aluminum tray will store easily and is available in four funky modern colours too. 

It seems a bit expensive at $98 but then again if it saves the wine, oh, and the glasses, then that's got to be good eh?

White Ceramic Pedestal Bowls - So Versatile

These white ceramic pedestal bowls are sooo versatile. I have a very similar bowl in my own kitchen which I use for fruit but after looking at how these bowls have been "dressed" with twigs and candles I think my fruit may, from time to time, find itself on a plate on the counter!                                  

                                                                                      These bowls would look great on a buffet table filled with snacks and  goodies or filled with a fat candle and some Christmas baubles. 

They'd also look great filled with fancy soap, shells or coral . They're so simple with their little tripod legs that they'd fit in anywhere and because they come in different sizes and heights they look great in a group. 

Use your imagination and create a special look of your own. 

Unusual Wine Glasses

You can buy a pack of six wine glasses in any supermarket for a couple of pounds these days.  If you treat them carefully they'll last you for a long time and if you break any you can always pick up another six pack when you next buy your groceries.

So what more do you want?   Well, I'll tell  you what you want,  what you really, really want.  You'll want these gorgeous contemporary glasses for your holiday table. These Pythagore glasses are pretty special don't you think?   

I know that were're in the midst of a credit crunch but you can always buy a couple at a time until you have enough.  Or you could put them on your gift list!   I love the conical base and no nonsense shape to the glass . These glasses would steal the show in a very understated way and would enhance any table.

Love them, zigazig ha!

Recycled Bottle Lamp, it's cool.

If you don't fancy hauling those beer, wine or soda bottles down to the local glass recycling bin then this fancy lamp's for you.  You can recycle six  bottles in your own home, and, at the same time create your very own art installation. Not to mention the good feeling you're sure to have  because you've done your bit for the environment.  Maybe that good feeling will be down to the beer though!   

This funky recycled bottle lamp would make a great gift for any cool teenager you happen to know. 

Or, if you  have a "Chandler or Joey" in your life,  then this fab lamp is certain to be admired and appreciated!   

White Ceramic Pinecones - For Holidays and beyond

Holiday decorations that can be used all year always get my vote.  It's not that I'm mean, it's just that some decorations are so lovely that I hate to put them away.  For instance,  I'm especially fond of twinkly lights but it would be a bit naff to keep them out all year, or I sooo would!   However here's something that would fit in with the holiday season  or could be left to enjoy for the whole year.  Have a look at this group of three  white ceramic pinecones.  Aren't they just fab?   Have them in a group on their own or dress them up in your own holiday theme.  I think they'd look lovely grouped next to a fat red candle.  Or they'd look lovely in a clear glass fishbowl vase with different sized coloured baubles.  Or some red berries. .... 

Mini Temple Bells

Made from rustic brass plated steel these mini temple bells look great together as a group or they're just as nice hung separately. 

They'd look great grouped with some greenery and suspended by a ribbon for a festive look.  Or, you could suspend each bell from a Christmas tree branch with a shimmery ribbon tied in a bow. 

Just use your imagination and these 6 mini temple bells will last all year.

I'd use them grouped together near a door like wind chimes.  Any other ideas?

Peace Canvas

Do you know the word for peace in a dozen different languages?  Though not.  Neither do I, but you can't help but "get" this funky peace canvas. 

I really like this piece (heheee, do you get it?) and although the canvas rolls up for ease of storage I'd want it on show all the time.

Being a teenager in the 60's we were always shouting about peace and were naive enough to think that we could change the world, so this canvas appeals to me in a nostalgic way too.

This fab canvas would look good in any room in the house.

Authentic Kilim Pillow Cover

Changing pillows can make your home look totally different and it needn't cost a fortune.  At this time of year making the house look cosy becomes a priority too. 

These authentic kilim pillow covers will make the room look cosy and luxurious.  Each cover is cut  from an authentic rug which has been handwoven from thick wool. I love the colours and patterns of these pillows and can imagine them a few years down the line.  I reckon they'll age well, just like a well loved teddy bear!

They're backed with cotton canvas and no two are the same.  If you like them then you'd better be quick because they're in limited supply. 

They're so pretty, I love them!