Inspiration Monday #6: Monochrome Madness!

Happy Monday!

Can you believe it's already February? It'll be time for some Christmas crafts before you know it!! I thought I'd write a quick Inspiration Monday post this afternoon to get you through the rest of the week- Let's talk monochrome!

Words that come to mind?
Bold, Sophisticated, Classic.

This style has been around forever and is forever finding ways to reinvent itself.
Monochromatic design plays on design principles such as shapes, lighting and textures to create stunning spaces with the additional benefit of having clean lines to create definition.
 

 http://conceptbyanna.com

 http://decordots.com/

 http://stylizimoblog.com

http://shopmodmint.com



http://www.harpersbazaar.com

This style certainly makes a statement!
The pictures I've chosen to include in this post are quite beautiful. The contrast between the shades can easily appear harsh, but each interior uses soft textures and natural materials that warm up the space. These images in particular are just so bright and airy- something I just adore! If you prefer a dramatic look, try searching for some interiors that use darker tones as the dominant colour.

What about you, are you loving this bold trend at the moment? As always, please leave a comment sharing your thoughts as well as ideas for new posts in my Inspiration Monday series. Also, don't forget to check out my 'Monochrome Madness' Pinterest board for more Pinspiration!

I hope you all have a wonderful week and I'll see you back here for a new post soon!

Love Megan xo

Room to Bloom?

Welcome back!

I hope you all had a wonderful festive season and a great start to 2015!

Straight away, i want to apologise for my absence here on the blog. Leaving you all without any explanation is something I certainly never intended to do.

If you’ve been following me on Twitter, you’ll know that life has suddenly become completely crazy lately! I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to begin working full time which unfortunately meant that my free time has become quite limited. On top of this, I've also been dealing with some big changes in personal relationships. With everything going on, the blog simply became less of a priority.

Things are in no way starting to settle down, but I believe that if I don't begin writing again, I may go a little bonkers! It's time I get 'back on the horse' and commit to delivering some fantastic posts for you all.

In saying this, I now know that I would much rather deliver very few quality posts that are truly inspiring than a whole bunch of 'filler' posts that I won’t ever be proud of. I’ve made the decision to cut back on the amount of posts I upload in 2015. Although it may not seem like very much work, I’ve found it very difficult to manage and maintain the blog and keep up with other areas of my life. For now, let’s not put a limit on how often I'll be posting- Instead, let’s just take this journey together slow and steadily! It might not be very many, but I CAN promise you that every post that goes up on the blog will be a piece that I’ve put my heart into and I’m proud of. I hope that you’ll all continue to support me on my journey!

So, what's next for Room with a Bloom in 2015?

Probably the most exciting thing coming up in 2015 will be the launch of my Etsy store.. Eeeeek!!! I wont be sharing too much about it at this stage, but keep your eyes peeled for that!

I've also got some big plans for content that may include guest posts, giveaways, new community forum sections and some new series' too- I'm getting excited just thinking about it!!

So now I need your help..

Please leave me some comments with suggestions of posts you'd love to see on Room with a Bloom! Maybe there was a post in the past that you just loved- tell me about it! This will help me better prepare and plan for the future. After all, There's not much point spending time on posts that aren't interesting, right?

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your constant support, I love you all! I wish everyone a happy and safe 2015

Love Megan xo

#100happydays Weekly Catchup: #6

 
Good Afternoon!

It's time again to check out all of my happy snaps for the week!  As it's been a bit of a busy week for me and I don't imagine myself having very much rest this weekend, I'll keep it short and sweet today- Let's jump into my quick recap on the week that was!!

Day 33: 'Its a coffee kind of afternoon'
Is there really anything better than laying around the house on a drizzly afternoon with some coffee? um, no way! This was just so peaceful!

Day 34: 'Cuddling up with this little man this evening'
My little snoozy baby Max- Awww!

Day 35: 'Pretty morning coffee today!'
Artwork in my morning coffee is such a simple thing but this literally changed my mood for the rest of the week!

Day 36: 'So thrilled to have had such a gorgeous day in Melbourne today!'
You know the kind, Beautiful blue skies with not a cloud in sight?! Perfect!

Day 37: 'Absolutely beautiful way to start the day!'
Being blinded by this sunlight at 6am was totally worth it I think! Isn't it so pretty?!
 

Day 38: 'We often get caught up in the hussle and bussle of the city that we often forget to stop and admire the beauty around us!'
It has become my new morning routine before to work to wonder around this beautiful city and take some time out to relax before a busy day. It's probably my favourite part of the day now!
 

Day 39: 'A piece of sugar free chocolate cake at the end of a long week!'
Mmm... chocolatey goodness! What a lovely way to end this week
 

I hope you enjoyed this quick little post today! Please let me know in the comments below something that has made you happy this week! I'll talk to you all again in my next post!

Love Megan xo


Sisterhood of the World of Bloggers Tag!

Hello you!

Tag posts are so much fun to create, so I was super excited to see that Sophie from 'The Scientific Beauty' had tagged me to complete the 'Sisterhood of the world of bloggers' tag! Thankyou so much Sophie!

The rules are simple!

 

• Thank and link the blogger who nominated you.
• Include the award logo in your post.
• Answer the set of 10 questions that the blogger who nominated you has provided.
• Supply your own set of 10 questions.
• Nominate 10 other bloggers.

 

My Answers to Sophie's questions:

1. Why did you start blogging?
    
   I've covered this a couple of times on the blog, but if you'd like to learn more, I've included the full story on my 'About' page on the blog!
   Starting a blog was something I had been thinking about doing for a very long time. I wanted a way for me to inspire readers to decorate their homes. 'Room with a Bloom' was originally meant to be dedicated to only interior design. My passions grew and the blog became what it is today- I couldn't be happier with the result and can't wait to see where this blog takes me! 
    
2. What do you enjoy the most about the blogging experience?
    
   The blogging experience is no where near what I thought it would be. It's something you need to experience to understand. I love interacting with other readers and bloggers both here and on my social media accounts (particularly Twitter) I feel as if I've made hundreds of new friends over the past 6 months!
    
3. How do you find inspiration for your posts?
    
   Absolutely everywhere! Most often, Inspiration has struck while browsing Pinterest. There are so many fantastic ideas over there!
   I also find inspiration searching other blogs. There are so many creative and talented people on the web!
    
4. What is your biggest ambition in life?
    
   My ultimate goal in life has always been to have a family and a house in the suburbs. A couple of my more personal goals include building an Etsy shop and writing a book. Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to begin my shop some time next year! As for the book, I'm not even sure if i'll ever be given this opportunity, but one can dream! 
    
5. What beauty product could you absolutely not live without?
   
   
   I honestly think that there isn't a beauty product I couldn't live without. Except maybe a hair brush- does that count? Let's just go with my moisturiser. I'm currently using one from Nivea which I'm enjoying!
    
6. What advice would you give your younger self?
   
   During school, I often worried about being popular and having tonnes of friends. I really needed someone to tell me that it doesn't matter how many friends you have. What truly matters is the quality of the friends you do have!
    
7. Where in the world would you love to travel to?
   
   
   One day I hope to visit Paris. I'm sure many others have the same goal! It's just such a beautiful city!
    
8. What is your signature perfume?
   
   
   I've gone back to using 'La vie est belle' by Lancôme at the moment- Its such a delicate and feminine fragrance!
    
9. If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
   
   
   I don't think I've ever been asked this question, and I definitely had to think about it! I'm sure most people will have gone with a world leader for this question.. But I really would love a meal with Taylor Swift. She's by far my favourite musician and I'd love to talk to her about her writing process!
    
10. What is top of your Christmas list this year?
    
    
    I haven't even thought about this to be honest! 
    I think I'd like a nice pair of silver stud ear rings for Christmas! (hint hint dad!) I'm also looking to get a new handbag soon so that just might be my present to myself!
    
    My questions for YOU to answer:
    
    1. What is your blog about?
    2. What do you want to achieve by blogging?
    3. Which bloggers are you inspired by?
    4. What Christmas traditions are you most excited for?
    5. If you had to live in a decade other than the current one, which would you choose?
    6. What’s your favourite quote?
    7. If you were auditioning for The X Factor, what would your power song be?
    8. What's something unusual that you love to eat?
    9. What's your dream job?
    10. What do you feel has been your biggest achievement in life so far?
    
    Tag, you're it!
    
    1. Thoughts of glitter (Because she's a gem!)
    2. Aimee Dot
    3. Pink Chick Clair
    4. Think Meg
    5. Eleanor's Project
    6. Darcy Mae
    7. The Daily Vogue
    8. Dreaming Again
    9. Another Fashion Fanatic
    10. Bella
    
    I hope you enjoyed this post today! If you complete this post, please link me to your site- I'd love to see your answers!
    
    Have a lovely day!
    
    Love Megan xo

Inspiration Monday #5: Scandinavian Design

Hello there!

Monday again already? Oh well, Let's all remember to take each day as it comes and celebrate all of the little successes we have today. If that doesn't make you beam with positivity then todays 'Inspiration Monday' post definitely will! If you're like me and can get 'lost' in IKEA on purpose, then I think this just might be the post for you..

Today, we're talking all things Scandinavian!

This design movement began in the 1930's throughout Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. It had branched off Modernism and was characterized by it's simplicity of forms and functionality. It's often observed that this design movement has a strong relationship with nature due to the natural materials used and shapes formed.

Here are a couple of tips for achieving this truly gorgeous style:

1. Start with a blank canvas: These interiors have white walls and light coloured timber flooring.

2. Add small splashes of colour: This style is known for being a bit fun so add colours through use of accessories and soft furnishings!

3. Add soft, natural textures: This will not only give visual warmth but will increase comfort- which is another key component of this style!

 http://myscandinavianhome.blogspot.co.uk

 http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com

http://myscandinavianhome.blogspot.ca

 http://www.poppytalk.com

 http://moderndecorho.me

http://www.amazine.com

Oh I simply adore this look- aren't these interiors just beautiful?
I think the pale colour palette makes the overall feel of these interiors bright and 'airy'. The soft textures and bright accessories introduced creates a warmth so as not to feel sterile and cold.

These pictures are giving me so much inspiration for my own future place, I just love it!!

 

Thankyou so much for reading this quick post today. What are your thoughts on this style? Please feel free to leave any thoughts below, it really makes my day seeing all of your wonderful comments! Remember to check out some more of my favourite pictures on my 'Scandinavian Design' Pinterest board!
I hope you have a fabulous week and I'll talk to you again soon

Love Megan xo

#100happydays Weekly Catchup: #5

Hello readers!

It's time for my next weekly catch up! I can't believe its already been 5 weeks since I first started this project. It has been so much fun and has really helped me become a more optimistic person overall. Let's keep it short and jump straight in to the pictures!

 

 

Day 26: 'Wonderful day out at my local festival! So many bright and happy faces was fantastic to see!

Those little girls were just so cute!

 

 

 
Day 27: "Little coconut breads are just the perfect dessert!"
This is another Sarah Wilson recipe- they are so yummy!!

 

 

Day 28: "Back to one of my favourite places!"

Oh lush! What's your favourite lush treat?

Day 29: "Relaxing on this beautiful evening after a long day!"
I wish I was back here enjoying the peace right now!

 

 

Day 20: "The most amazing meatballs you'll ever have!

These are the famous meatballs you've probably heard me talk about- YUM!

 

 

Day 31: "I'm closer than I was yesterday!"

Feeling like I'm learning and achieving so many goals just makes me smile!

 

 

Day 32: "Leftover's always taste better the next day for lunch"

This Chicken stir-fry was amazing! :)

I hoped you enjoyed this quick post! Please remember to check out my Instagram to see all of my #100happydays pictures!

Have a lovely weekend and I'll chat to you all soon!

Love Megan xo

Recipe: Black Forest Cheesecake

Hello!

 

It has been a very long time since I've shared a recipe with you all so for today's post, I thought I would share one that I've wanted to make for you all for some time. This cheesecake has been a favourite at all of my personal events for awhile now. Anytime a birthday comes up, this special treat is always requested! 

This cheesecake is best prepared the night before and is super simple to make!

Here's what you'll need to create this cheesecake:

 

Base-

1 Packet Choc Ripple biscuits

80grams melted butter

 

1 packet of Philly cream cheese

3/4 cup caster sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tbsp. lemon juice

1/3 cup water

1 tbsp. gelatine

300ml thickened cream, whipped

1 tin pitted black cherries (drained- be sure to reserve the syrup for the topping)

1 tsp. cornflour

 

Using a food processor, crush the choc ripple biscuits until fine and add the melted butter. Press the mix into a prepared spring form pan (lined with baking paper) to make the base, then refrigerate.

 

 

 

Again using a food processor, blend cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla extract and caster sugar until smooth.

 

Dissolve gelatine in water and microwave for 30 seconds. Then add the gelatine to the cream cheese mixture and blend well.

 

Place the tinned cherries on top of the prepared base and cover with the cheesecake mixture. Make sure to tap the pan on your bench a couple of times to release the air bubbles. Refrigerate until firm.
 

 

To make the topping for your cheesecake, mix the cherry syrup and cornflour in a saucepan and bring it to the boil. Set it aside to cool for a moment before spreading it on top of the cheesecake.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you do make it, please let me know how you found it - I'd also love to see pictures of your recreations!

Have a fantastic week and i'll talk to you all again soon!

Love Megan xo