pretty post

Not quite sure where I came across London based illustrator Amy Isla's gorgeous little drawings (just found her name scrawled on an old diary page!) but after a brief google recap it's clear why I was keen to take note! Beautiful, delicate and oh so special!

läckra…that's swedish for yummy don't you know

Love it when a new cafe pops up in your neighbourhood! Beautifully styled and simple yummy food, this has to be a new fave!

the bride of bendooley

Even before you turn into the driveway of the Bendooley Estate, Southern Highlands, you sense you have arrived somewhere very special. Whether you have grown up on the beaches of Sydney, in the Yarra Valley or a town far far away, you feel like you feel like you have come home. This sensation is attributed, in part, to the gentle nature of the rolling land as it rises and falls, welcoming and glorious but more tangibly to the hospitable grace of Katja Berkelouw.

Katja, wife of Paul Berkelouw of the Berkelouw Book dynasty lives and works on Bendooley Estate and last month Lula & Bella caught up with her at her Berrima home.

Strolling across the beautifully manicured lawns, Labradors by her side, Katja’s smile reaches you before she does and it doesn’t take long to realise that the elegance and warmth that radiates from the Estate is an extension of her and the Berkelouw family values.

On a crisp Spring day a blanket of dew cloaks the private lawns, bestrewn with towering, ancient European trees. Before you know it you are picturing the drapes of a white marquee, guests milling round the rose garden, champagne in hand, a stolen newlywed kiss on the jetty of the lake... I do I do!

Stepping foot in the Book Barn is enough to make you squeal with delight. The log fire crackles, wine glasses clink over the noise of cheerful dinners, the intimacy is happy and relaxed. Exposed beams, leather- bound books and iron chandeliers invoke old world nostalgia while, impeccable service, attention to detail and a seasonal menu provide a fine dining experience.

Whether you are a bookworm, a wine lover or simply enjoy beautiful things done properly, Lula and Bella cannot recommend Katja Berkelouw and her team at the Bendooley Estate more highly for your wedding day. 

Visit their facebook page here or have a look at the website here.

cheese. cake. yes...a real cheese cake...

Savory lovers eat your heart out, dare to ditch the traditional wedding cake...and replace it with cheese!  I can't help but salivate just looking at them...I mean who doesn't love cheese?! These devine gooey towers are handcrafted by talented Australian artisan cheese specialists Farmgate Cheeses. Check them out here!

Images - Modern Wedding Magazine

Styling - Natalie James

say hello to cuteness

Having a week where we keep stumbling across amazing illustration...so we thought we'd share todays find, UK based children's illustrator Ashley Percival. Just love the quirky characters, patterns and use of colour!

spying the spotted quoll

Think these cushions by The Spotted Quoll Studio are just fab! AND they are organic, ethically made and limited edition! ...One shop I'll definitely be visiting when I finally get to Tasmanian!

sloth so good

Ever since stumbling across a documentary about baby sloths on a plane (...as you do) I've had a complete fascination with them! In my mind they are one of the most endearing and comical creatures to have ever walked this earth (albeit slowly)! So when we went for a Lula & Bella lunch today at the divine Belgrave Cartel, I could have squealed with joy at the display of sloth illustrations that surrounded us! Such a colourful, delicate display of such charming characters! All of which have been created by the amazingly talented local artist Laura Ives. Here are a few more pieces of Laura's work, love love love it! Definitely worth a visit if you are in the Manly area...and while you are there try Cartel's gnocchi ragu too...seriously yum!

typography du jour

Lots of the work we've been doing recently has been typographic led...which has been amazing! I love any excuse to play with typography! Here's a few of my favourite finds today...

Hustle - Dan Duarte  /  Ever After - Marco Fesyuk  /  London - Pablo & Co  /  Cool - Matt Vergotis  /  Born and Raised - Carl Fredrik  /  Riding - Sindy Salas  /  Love What You Do - Lucas Young