Back to the Drawing board

Colour your day with some images from Charley Harper, Mary Blair, J.P Miller and Joe Kaufman

never too young

More Miss Holloway...

Now we can Dress up like Joan!
These Illustrations are from the talented Graphic artist DYNA MOE and depict a whole series of favourite scenes from Madmen. And how about the paper Dolls!

Left:The print from Pete's Apartment

Playing Giddy'up of this nature

was sure to induce a Heart attack...

More Mad Men http://www.flickr.com/photos/nobodyssweetheart/sets/72157606178887453/show/

Joan Holloway

Mad Men is as much loved for it's costumes and set designs as much as it's stories and Characters....not since Carrie Bradshaw have I tuned into a show to see what a Character is turned out in.

Joan Holloway takes the cake for her impeccable style and Va Va voom.

You will never see this gal frumping around in a mumsy two Piece...(no Offence Peggy)

It's all pencil skirts and figure hugging garments for the Brilliant Joan. Betty Draper sure deserves a mention for her cigarette pants and dazzling gowns (on the odd occaision that Donald takes her out) But no one compares to Red.

The Hair, The button clipon earrings and the Bold Broaches.......

how I envy costume designer Janie Bryant

love can be a circus

I have never planned a wedding and never really wanted to up 'till now....

I discovered Adam & Halli's Vintage circus themed wedding via the Cool Hunter and have been day dreaming about my Bonbonaires ever since.

A wedding with a Kissing Booth! Oh so cute Dress! and gigantic Balloons and fairy lights.

Visit the ONCE WED site for more inspiration or delight in the other beautiful weddings on show.

Lots of ideas and links for the Bride and Groom ( or Muriels ) to be.

Photography Josh Goleman

Egg on your face (or beans or carrots)

I'm not sure of a local stockist for this novelty dinnerware....but I will endeavour to find one.

Fun for little one's parties and crazy dinners.

Meanwhile look here at the PERPETUAL KID

little fancy feet

Shoes are beautiful, but tiny shoes are soooooo adorable, all the better if they are are kind to the sole.

Not Much to say about

Baby Bloch, because they are just too cute ...

TipToey Joey are hard to beat for little feet... they have a flexible sole for the new walker, have a great range of styles for boys and girls

chook leaf have some stylish numbers on offer and are so soft that you can be assured those little toes will be cosy and supported. I especially like the Chookleaf thongs, very smart for summer for little Miss or Mr



Scruffy Dog have a great range to suit all needs for all kind of little pads..

Little Creatures Dining Hall

One visit and you will want to Eat/drink at this place every night.

Family Friendly, big and welcoming....you can even hire a free bike!

The fresh brewed beer is delish and it went great with my pickled onions and cheese.

Perfectly set on Brunswick St Fitzroy, the transformed warehouse makes for a simple and comfortable spot to visit often.

ANIMAL INDEX

These adorarable book dividers are a fun addition to the bookshelves. Designed by Hiroshi Sasagawa - look see

another subscription!

HABITUS Living in Design (Quarterly)




I am a sucker for a lifestyle/design/home magazine at the best of times, and this new Glossy is right up there. It's not even Glossy really...it's matt finish cover is simple and slick revealing a generous content that is truly a feast for the eyes and will set the mind abuzz. I especially love the 223 pages...bang for your buck!

read more...

Picture Books old and new

Back to Business after missing in action discovering lots of little treasures...

I have been building up my Picture book Collection and conclude that I don't think that this addiction is one to feel guilty about.


HERE COMES FRANKIE


Tim Hopgood has a winner on on his hands with this beautiful book. (Actually won Booktrust early years Award)
The story really comes alive because of the amazing illustrations and happy ending....is that a starburst clock I spot ? The story is told in terms of synaesthesia (the mixing of senses that has some people sensing music as colours, shapes and smells).

Very magical and well received when I read it to a bunch of 8 year olds as much as when read to a toddler.
Have a look at some more magical illustrations By the talented Tim Hopgood


THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA

Judith Kerr's lovable book can be read time and time again without losing it's delightful charm. First published in 1968, and still just as appealing today with it's beautiful illustrations and strange notion that a Tiger should come for afternoon tea and create such Havoc!

Now a stage show in the UK...see a sneek peek here

WHERE THE WILD THING ARE

Always a favourite storybook and soon to be movie, Maurice Sendak's timeless classic strikes a chord with almost all that read it.


Let the wild rumpus start!


all titles available from your library or Favourite little book shop!

How do you measure up?

I first spotted this Who Tall are You? chart on a friends wall and discovered that I'm shorter than Madonna and taller Than Edith Piaf was. It's quite fascinating to see how you literally measure up to better known figures in the world, not to mention a great record of your guests.

If you haven't already, the make sure you get to know Bakerella. They really are whipping up some amazing things over there.

I did try my own version of the cake pops a few weeks ago for a kids party and they were a hit.

But I think I will leave the rest to the experts. What an inspiration!

ooh la la ... a rather fancy bar and public house

Madam Brussels rooftop bar is just the place to sink a bowl of punch with friends, peek through the indoor plants to spy what the next group of crazy kids are up to, or just relax on the patio furniture whilst sipping a delicious mixed drink.... sounds nice? see for yourself

toys forever...

I am all for Toys that children can love for their entire childhood and still appreciate the great design and worth when they have children of their own.

Here are a few picks that fit into that category that I have or are on my wish list....

Lundby Dolls houses

Gorgeous homes featuring all the mod cons ( working lights and lamps), if you can't afford the main Stockholm, then maybe you could purchase the smaller more modest Gotland weekender. You will need your first home buyers grant to help furnish them.

We love our Sophie le Girraffe. She was there for the teething, she is great company and every once in a while she lets out a squeak and it reminds us how cute she is.

Mostly now she just sits on the shelf looking adorable. We recently watched 3 Men and a Baby... and we were so glad to see that she played such a wonderful supporting role. (Tom selleck's Character Bought Baby Mary a Sophie)

French company Vulli made sophie a long time ago, and she truly is a timeless treasure. Squeak!

Boy or girl should have one of those good ol' fashioned Garages. Can't find a good pic, but you know the ones...little plywood shell servo - bery basic. Ours was only $10.00 from the local Toy Kingdom... if you don't have a handy Grandpa to whip you one up... you may be lucky enough to find one at the opshop or garage sale.

and...

Farm animals and dinosaurs. Very kind on the purse, and always fun.

Interiors

MMmm...no place like home

Simon Carver styling and Interior design for your drooling pleasure

Marimekko

Marimekko (finnish Textile company) have my favourite prints of all time. They were established in 1951 and their wellknown Unikko pattern oozes mid - century chic.
My house is plain and I don't wear bright clothes, however this stuff could be my flipside.
Also see "I just love that Fabric" for fun prints and must have party bunting.

Magic childhood

When I was little and blew out the candles on my cake I always wished for a wig (for My dress up collection), and one of these.My cousin had one, my friend had one - but my wish necer came true.French company Vulli (home of my Beloved sophie Giraffe) has released a whiz bang Klorofil Magic Tree House and I am going to make my wish come true.Available at The infant Boutique

The Giving Tree

The giving Tree by Shel silverstein was first published in 1964. It a well known moral children's story and I have never owned a copy until now.. although I know the story well it was when I watched the animation that I almost cried...

Paper Dolls

Paper dolls make me giddy with delight... they are so prim and proper and their clothes are gorgeous and easy to change. Hours of fun and children may also like them too..! These cute little buttons Jack, Beth and Susie come in a traditional box with tonnes of outfits for every occasion. Meanwhile they can rest on their custom stands looking ever so adorable in their matching gingham playsuits... pass the scissors.
Designed by Sliced Bread for Moda Home.

Forever Young

I bought a heap of books today and this one would make a great gift for anybody...young or old, Bob Dylan fan or not.

I love the illustrations by Paul Rogers what a great idea to make a picture book out of a Dylan song.