Mini makeover

One of the hazards in my job is choice. I am forever discovering fabulous homewares and interiors inspiration through the pages of our magazine, and the temptation to makeover my home every weekend is often overwhelming! I've learnt that the key to minimising the damage to credit cards is to update and rotate.

I try to start small, maybe choose a colour - this month, it's aqua, inspired by Bree Oliver's home in our July 09 issue. I go through what I call my 'treasure chest' ( a cupboard of collected curiosities from years past) and bring out objects that fit the new look. After I have sprinkled these around the room, it's time to update. Cushions and throws do the least amount of financial damage and then often a lamp comes out of another room to make its debut!

Here's this week's Before & After:

Budget breakdown:

Alexander floor lamp, from Freedom, $229; leaves the study for a day and plays dress up with some velvet ribbon bought from Spotlight.
Plush throw, from Bed, Bath N Table, $29.95; keeps away the winter chill.
Velvet cushions, the star attraction, are made from 'Elegance' fabric in Peacock Blue by Warwick, $65/m.
Floor cushion, made from a french flour sack, from Shades of Pale.
New coffee table, a recent sale find, Meizai.

Food nirvana

I must admit, I am a pastry snob. For years I have suffered the crunchy croissants and the sometimes-good coffee of the local cafe, but no more! Recently, I was having this rant whilst having my nails done, when my manicurist let me in on my areas best-kept secret - coffee and pastries from Choco Cannelle in Sydney's Ryde. This patisserie lies in the middle of a quiet suburban street, behind a unassuming storefront (I nearly drove past it on my first visit) and inside, Jean Francois Perron makes the most beautiful pastries outside of Paris! It's like the speakeasy of bakeries and my waistline will never be the same. The almond croissants are to die for!
Choco Cannelle, Shop 1, No2 Callaghan Street, Ryde, NSW.