Moroccan Inspired - Little girls bedroom

I have never been a fan of decorating children's bedroom with cartoon or Disney characters.  For one kids are always changing their minds of who their favourite is for the week and they make better birthday themes anyway...

So I have come up with this design.  A Moroccan inspired girls bedroom which is full of bright colours.  My girls love sparkles and what better way to introduce it in the cushions and lighting.

I just love this upholstered headboard, such a stunning design. With something so simple but eye-catching it can completely transform a room.

Moroccan Inspired - Little girls bedroom by lovemakesthehome featuring colored lights

Keeping it Cozy

Its been cold here in Cape Town this weekend.    This is how I like to keep warm.

Keeping it Cozy by lovemakesthehome featuring book boxes

How I decorated my Home Office

Planning and decorating my home office was so much fun.  I visualised what I wanted and used Polyvore to put my ideas together.  Because the office has no natural light I knew I needed to stick with white furniture to keep the office light then I added some girly and colourful accessories to brighten it up.  

This was my plan.......

My Home Office Inspiration by lovemakesthehome featuring Zara Home

I then took my design with me when I went shopping at our local home stores.  Our most popular home stores are @homelivingspace and +Mr Price Home, I find them to be very similar to Zara Home and their prices are reasonable.  Still there is no place like IKEA....

I wasn't able to find the all the exact same items like the desk or rug but I got pretty close.  This is how it turned.    

   

Most of the office accessories I purchase at Typo, I just love this store, they stock really fun and unusual school and office accessories and supplies.  

Oh and how sweet is that little owl, its actually hand lotion.   My husband brought it back from Amsterdam. 

Project #homeoffice complete,  can't wait to start on my daughters bedroom...  

Best Gel Effect Nail Varnish

Best gel effect nail varnish by lovemakesthehome featuring L'Oréal Paris

Are you're looking for a long lasting nail polish?...... look no further.....

I'm in love with this L'Oreal Color Riche nail polish,  its the closest to a salon shalac that I've tried.  You only really need to apply one coat over the base and its enough.  Usually I'm applying two or three coats to get a good colour.  I have tried so many products and this is one of the longer lasting nail polish i've used.
TIP: I always use a top coat which helps with shine and helps polish last even longer.

These are two of my favourite colours.   Ideal for summer.....  

Top 6 Kitchen Gadgets

Whether you enjoy cooking or not its always handy to have some help around the kitchen.   These 6 little gadgets are use everyday and I would not be able to function without them!!  

Number 1 needs no introduction as I'm sure a kettle is on the top of every ones list!   

I've tried all types and styles of lemon and orange juicers but this simple yet effective little lemon squeezer is my favourite.  Its so easy to use and to clean!

The domestic espresso machine..  This is the best invention since the toaster, if you like coffee as much as I do you will appreciate this machine.  There is nothing like a GOOD cup of coffee to start your day and even better when you aren't left with all the mess.  Those capsules are genius. 

OK I am going to be straight here...... I honestly would not be able to peel vegetables without a peeler. It just so fast and easy to use and still leaves you with a decent size vegetable!!!  oh and also great for flaking Parmesan cheese...

These little graters are perfect for garlic, I hate having to chop (smelly garlic fingers!).  They are also brilliant to zest lemons and limes! I also use mine for finely grated cheese...

I'm sure you've heard of Jamie Oliver's 30min meals....  They would not be 30min meals in my kitchen without the help from my multi-purpose blender...  It chops and blends and whisks and even crushes ice! The parts are machine washable so another hassle free bonus!!

What super gadgets do you have in your kitchen that you use everyday and couldn't cope without?  Why not share them with me, leave me a comment below I'd love to hear from you.... 

Beach House Accessories

Beach House Accessories by lovemakesthehome featuring wood wall art

Every beach house has to have the accessories to bring it all together. Here are some ideas!

Latest obsession....... Coconut Oil

Have you heard about how amazing and versatile coconut oil is??   I'm sure you have coz everyone is talking about it.  You can use it for cooking and for baking even down to applying it all over your body.   
I have not yet tried it in the kitchen (I'm Portuguese and we have our own little obsession with olive oil) I have however tried it ALL over my body and I have to say that yes its GREAT but don't go throwing all your other products away just yet!!!!

Here are some tips if you're going to try it..

1. The day face - great when used in the morning before applying sun protection and BB cream or foundation. I thought it would leave my skin oily and shiny but it didn't, my skin felt smooth and actually a good base when applying the other products. 
2. The going to bed face - it can be used alone in the summer but its winter here and I have found that its not enough so I like to apply my moisturiser over to seal the moister in.  That worked a lot better.    
3. Body - applied after a shower/bath is great and it leaves you with silky soft skin and a subtle coconut scent.
4. Lips -  not the best plain old Vaseline is worlds better. 
5. Hair -  now this is my favourite.  I apply it all over my hair and pin my hair up into a bun, leave it on over night and sometimes right through the next day.  I've been doing this once a week (for a month) and have noticed my hair is a lot softer and hydrated. I HAD to apply Moroccan oil before and after blow drying my hair and now I don't need to, its great!!  

If you are going to try it only buy an extra virgin cold-pressed coconut oil as its closest to its natural state, otherwise its not the real deal!! 

Have you got some amazing tips using coconut oil that you would like to share.  Drop me a comment below.

A Mother's Day showered with LOVE

Many of us put so much pressure on ourselves to get the perfect mother's day gift, but since becoming a mom I have realised that Mother's Day gifts are the easiest to buy or better still make! Sure you want to get your MOM the best but what mom's really want is to be appreciated & loved and maybe not have to do much that day!!  

Here are my TOP 10 ideas:  

1. Herbs, if your mom enjoys cooking and likes to use fresh herbs this is a great gift, always nice to know you have them handy.
2. A quirky card that tells her she is the BEST!
3. The finest chocolates will melt her heart, some are actually great when paired with wine.
4. A bunch of wild flowers or rustic bouquet is just so pretty, get the little ones involved in picking the flowers or arranging them.  Great gift for their Grandmothers, Ah...
5. Beautifully decorated cupcakes are still a winner.
6. If your mom has a sense of humour she will love these coffee MUG's, make sure you give it to her with her favourite coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
7. Go on.... Bake her a cake, how many birthday cakes can you remember her baking for you? 
8. Breakfast in bed (yes an oldie) just forget the newspaper bring the iPad and she is full of smiles...
9. These spa socks are just amazing! Get her to put her feet up and relax, bring her cup of coffee and leave her in silence for the 20min (as per the instructions) and she will love you for it! 
10. Here is the one that many of us mom's NEED the most, a morning to just sleep in.....

All mom's really need is to be showered with love, hugs and kisses.  So if your mom is near, give her a big hug and tell her you love her and how special she is, and if she is far.....  Don't forget to call!


Enjoy celebrating mothers day!!  

       XX Sof

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Get inspired: The beach house collection

The bedroom

Get Inspired: The beach house collection by lovemakesthehome 

Friday Night in the City

So you have plans for a night out on the town, a tiny break from the kids so you can let your hair down and shake like Shakira on the dance floor!  But wait, you realise you don't have anything to wear!!  Nothing new to our world.....  Hopefully this will inspire you. 

Friday Night in the City by lovemakesthehome featuring a 3.1 phillip lim blouse

1. You should have a good pair of Jeans. They are a must in any wardrobe. 
2. A BLACK TOP...  If you don't have a comfortable but elegant black top then its time you got one!  because just like the LITTLE BLACK DRESS you need a classic black top!  I love the peplum cut, it gives you a flattering curve at the waist where you need it and shapely hips.  
3. For Autumn I love the bootie and they do look great with a pair of skinny jeans! 
4. Accessorise with some bold pieces like this clutch bag and then add a dressy ring or cute earrings in the same tone as your bag or outfit to tie everything together.  
5. Always remember to pack (if nothing else!) some foundation, blush, your lipstick and gloss. Oh and dare we forget our phones!
6. Always love the way you look, are you really going to have the best time otherwise!!

Whatever your plans are tonight, enjoy and have a fabulous extended weekend! 

       Sofia x 

Get inspired: The beach house collection

The living room 

The beach house collection. by lovemakesthehome featuring blue wall art

Every girl should have a shopper tote.

Some of my favourites.

Some of my favourites. by lovemakesthehome featuring a black tray


Here are some of my favourite design pieces: 

1. The Eames Eiffel chair.  I just can't get tired of this design, you can use it in almost any style of decoration.  I like to have just one in a room as a focal point.
2. I would love to get my hands on one of these Kitchen Aid Stand Mixers, they are so funky and range in so many amazing colours.  The design is so beautiful you never have to pack it away! 
3. A bowl of sorts, must be colourful to pop, doesn't need it to be useful just eye-catching   
4. I just love a solid piece of wood as a accent table.
5. Quirky crockery is a must to serve a bit humour in your home! 
6. No comment needed here!!!
7. Fun, vintage and i just love to travel.  Add wooden legs to one of these and you have the cutest bedside table...
8. My home is full of baskets, i always find a good use for them and the perfect place.
9. I will own one of these some day...  This is the most beautifully designed chair to relax and read in, the classic Eames Lounger and Ottoman. 
10. I love to find homes for fun, colourful pieces like these little side tables. 

Saturday Night Glam

Saturday Night Glam by lovemakesthehome