Let’s Get Through This Lockdown Together!
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
PHOTOS: KARON PHOTOGRAPHY + LISA ATKINSON
OK Melbourne, we can do this!
Well, I think it’s fair to say that yesterday’s announcement by the Victoria premier Dan Andrews was genuinely heartbreaking. Our beautiful Melbourne is falling apart, and sadly the roadmap out isn’t making any of us smile. It’s easy to sit back, to feel angry and gloomy so I have decided to turn that anger around! I am starting today a 6-week challenge for myself... I’m going to give myself this time to work on my fitness, to eat well and to practice mindfulness. I want to come out of the next six weeks feeling the best version of me, ready to take on whatever is thrown at me. Are you with me?
So what brings me absolute joy? What makes me smile, comforts me and is such a beauty in itself? Flowers of course! Life seems better when you have a beautiful bunch of blooms in front of you. Sure, I am obsessed - maybe a little on the crazy side when it comes to flowers, but you know what? I LOVE IT! And when I am surrounded by floral love, I feel better - I want to do more - My outlook is more positive, and that can only be a good thing.
5 ways to bring joy into your home with flowers
Why stick to the usual suspects when you can go all out and making something breathtaking and amazing? Everyday items such as fruits and vegetables - even raw branches - can make the most stunning centrepiece. All you need is a little imagination and the willingness to play. Read the post A creative flower arrangement using vegetables for creative inspiration now.
No matter how you display them in your home, Daffodils are the perfect flower that let everyone know Spring is here. Create something interesting by putting a traditional flower in a non-traditional setting, mix up your vessels to make a real feature of this vibrant bloom. So let’s look at five ways to bring a Spring into your home by way of a fun floral arrangement.
Let’s make some floral pom-pom balls, shall we? These gorgeous balls are so easy to make and remind me of big floral pom-poms, so I thought they would be perfect to share. We have created these for past functions and yes, I did spend an afternoon hand-making nearly 60 of these so I am confident to say I am an expert at them now!
Wouldn’t a garden posie made from homegrown spring flowers just be adorable? Wander the neighbourhood and gather your blooms, mix them in with a combination of herbs, garden foliage and the odd flower. Small and delicate, yet funky and homemade. It’s a simple thing to do and I promise that you will love making it also, make your own garden posie today.
By now you would have seen every incarnation of a bloom adorning table tops, dining tables, kitchen benches, bathrooms, hall stands - you name it, I’ve put flowers on it! I love having Roses in my home because their look and aroma truly make me smile. But eventually, when those petals wither - do you throw them in the bin, or do you try and make the most of them? Let’s extend the life of your roses with these handy tips!
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FLOWERS…
Get your flowers into a warm water vase as soon as you get them, and try to not to overcrowd them in the vase. We all thrive when given a little space to do so!
Change the water regularly, it's good for the flowers and looks neater.
Add a little apple cider vinegar and sugar to your vase to keep water fresh longer, don't ask me how it works; it just does!
When you change the water in your vase, trim the stems a little. You can also trim the leaves off the stems, this saves them from dying off and discolouring the water.
Once one flower in the bunch is starting to look a little sad, get rid of it.
Is your room too hot? Flowers will wilt in winter so keep them in a space that doesn't get too hot.
