Feel-good Friday: Feel Inside (And Stuff Like That)

Tags

Bret McKenzie, Comic Relief, Flight of the Conchords, iTunes, Jemaine Clement, Music, New Zealand, Red Nose Day

FOTC Support Red Nose Day
(Image from NZ Herald)

Remember Bob Geldof’s Live Aid concert back in 1985? Well, if you answered yes to that question, you’re officially old! Even if you’re too young to remember, the latest number from Flight of the Conchords and friends, and the accompanying video is going to give you enough warm-fuzzies to last all weekend. Promise!

Feel Inside (And Stuff Like That) was written and recorded by Bret and Jemaine for last week’s TV3 charity special Red Nose Day: Comedy for Cure Kids in New Zealand. The song hit No. 1 on iTunes after the show, and – after watching the vid’ –  I am not surprised.

The song’s lyrics came from primary school children at Clyde Quay School in Wellington and Grey Lynn School in Auckland, who were interviewed by Bret and Jermaine about their feelings on fundraising for the cause.

According to one of the ‘lyrical contributors’ (is that a term?), they need to raise “a million, and a hundred, ten and twenty-one dollars”. I shall be downloading my copy from iTunes.

Oh, and while I implore you to watch the vid’ – it is hilarious (even straight-faced Jermaine can’t prevent a smile) – do yourself a favour and grab a beverage before sitting comfortably. It’s 14 minutes long…

I’ve Fallen in Love With FatBoy

Tags

Australia, Bean bag, Comfort, Design, Fatboy, Finland, Furniture, Interior design, Marimekko, New Zealand, Shopping

FatBoy Marimekko Beanbag
Unikko Red
(Image from here)

I’ve got a thing about bean bags.  They’re probably not very cool and they certainly are not the most refined members of the furniture family, but I love them anyway. I love their welcoming informality. I love that they are like gi-normous cushions that forgot to stop growing. Mostly, I love them because they are so bloody comfortable.

Of course, I don’t actually own a bean bag. But all that may soon be about to change because I have discovered FatBoy, a Finnish bean bag brand, which is so cool they even collaborated with Marimekko…

FatBoy Marimekko Beanbag
Unikko Black
(Image from here)

The FatBoy bean bag was designed in Finland by Jukka Setala. This super comfy bean bag comes in more than a dozen different funky colour choices and is great for big and small kids, in the living room or even in the garden. The FatBoy Original bean bag can be positioned in a variety of different ways for maximum comfort when all you want to do is chill!

Filled with spheres that are guaranteed to rebound after use, the Dutch-made FatBoy Original giant bean bag is hard-wearing and wipe clean. All you need to do is give it a good shake after use to restore it to its original shape.

FatBoy Buggle Up Orange Bean Bag
(Image from here)

If Marimekko ain’t your thing but you’d love a bean bag – how about the super sized FatBoy Buggle-Up 6 ft. extra-large number. It’s a giant-sized outdoor bean bag which features water-repellent fabric and unique straps that allow it to “buggle-up” into a supportive chair. Yeah, Baby! Summer’s coming (to the Southern Hemisphere…)

Fatboy bean bags are distributed by HUB Furniture in Australia and Sinot in New Zealand. You can learn more about them on their website here.

I Want to be Like Rachel Castle When I Grow Up…

Tags

Art, Arts, Australia, Castle, Colour, Design, Inspiration, Interior design, Lisa Gorman, Rachel CAstle, Sydney, third drawer down, wall art

Modern Art Tea Towel by Craig Damrauer
(Image from Third Drawer Down)

Craig Damrauer’s tea towel for Third Drawer Down is kind of how I feel about the super talented Rachel Castle – only, you have to substitute his words ‘modern art’ for the name ‘Rachel Castle’, and I couldn’t really do what she does (except in my imagination).

Rachel Castle is one of those amazingly clever and creative design-y types who makes it all look so easy. I’m sure it wasn’t always so, but I just love her sense of fun combined with her joy of colour. I also loves that she works with her Mum.

‘I Come From A Land Down Under’ by Rachel Castle
Felt and sparkly cotton on vintage linen
(Image from Castle and Things)

Castle was founded in 2008 by Rachel Castle with a small range of bed linen made for friends and family. Considerable interest ensured it quickly became a commercial venture. The brand represents a love of beautiful, often handcrafted or handprinted, pieces for the home.

Rachel Castle has spent the past 20 years working in the homewear industry both in Australia and abroad. Prior to Castle, Rachel was joint founder of London-based branding and design agency, The Nest, and before that, worked for The Conran Shop in the UK. She regularly styles and writes for Australian lifestyle magazines, and currently lives in Sydney.

All handmade artworks are sewn by Rachel Castle and her very patient and loving mother, Jillian Patching. I love them.

‘Put the Love in The Coconut’ by Rachel Castle
Felt on vintage linen
(Image from Castle and Things)

‘Stripey Heart’ by Rachel Castle
Felt on vintage linen
(Image from Castle and Things)

‘Going to the Opera’ by Rachel Castle
Acrylic on 500gsm pure European linen
(Image from Castle and Things)

If you’d like to learn more about Rachel Castle’s work – like her collaboration with equally talented Aussie it-girl, Lisa Gorman – check out her website here.

Penguin Threads – Clever Design

Tags

Arts, Book design, Books, Classics, Cover art, Covers, Embroidery, Jillian Tamaki, Literature, Paul Buckley, Penguin Threads, Rachell Sumpter

Penguin Threads Secret Garden Book Jacket Designed by Jillian Tamaki

Penguin Threads Secret Garden Book Front Designed by Jillian Tamaki
(Images from here)

Commissioned by award-winning Penguin Art Director Paul Buckley, the Penguin Threads series debuted with cover art by the supremely talented Jillian Tamaki. I was blown away by her exquisitely embroidered classics book-covers and particularly love her Secret Garden cover.

Penguin Threads Black Beauty Book Jacket Designed by Jillian Tamaki

Penguin Threads Emma Book Jacket Designed by Jillian Tamaki
(Images from here)

The series now continues with cover art by Rachell Sumpter – beautiful gift-worthy classics. The covers are sketched out in a traditional illustrative manner and then hand-stitched using a needle and thread. The final covers are sculpt embossed for a tactile, textured and beautiful book design. See what you think…

Penguin Threads The Wind in The Willows Book Jacket Designed by Rachell Sumpter

Penguin Threads The Wind in The Willows Book Cover Designed by Rachell Sumpter

Penguin Threads The Wizard of Oz Book Jacket Designed by Rachell Sumpter

Penguin Threads The Wizard of Oz Book Cover Designed by Rachell Sumpter

Penguin Threads Little Women Book Jacket Designed by Rachell Sumpter

Penguin Threads Little Women Book Cover Designed by Rachell Sumpter
(Images from here)

If you’d like to learn more about the Penguin Threads or the Penguin Classics range, you can check out the website here.

Modern Vintage Style – Not an Oxymoron After All

Tags

Auckland, Bon'home, Books, Children, Decorating, Emily Chalmers, Furniture, Homewares, Interior design, Jieldé, Modern Vintage, New Zealand, Paris, Shopping

Modern Vintage Style by Emily Chalmers

A two-pronged post for you today. Part I is an open apology. Part II is a discovery.

First the apology. One of my favourite people in the whole world – let’s call her M1 – has been visiting over the weekend from Auckland. We go way back. WAY back. She brought her husband with her, too – this is good because I like him a lot and he gives great hugs – let’s call him M2. I love a good hug.

Anyhoo, M ‘n’ M are undertaking a fairly serious renovation of their home back in New Zealand. They bought M1’s maternal grandmother’s house – a beautiful old arts and crafts home in need of some love. M1 brought her ‘reno’ folder’ with her for some styling advice from yours truly. (I know – very flattering! I’m not sure I added much value.) As part of her extremely comprehensive folder, she has drafted a style guide in which she has documented her decorating ideas and theme for the home. She had termed her style ‘Modern Vintage‘ (or, maybe it was ‘Vintage Modern‘? I forget). The point is, I laughed at her. Not unkindly, but still – a laugh is a laugh. I reckoned that the term ‘Modern Vintage‘ was an oxymoron.

And, then I found an image of Emily Chalmers’ book ‘Modern Vintage Style’ (available here from Amazon) on the fabulous looking website for Serendipity. Clearly, I was wrong to laugh. Clearly, ‘Modern Vintage’ is a recognisable and accepted expression in interior design circles. M1, I apologise for laughing! Unreservedly. Will you forgive me?

Which brings me to part II – my discovery. Serendipity. A lovely looking boutique in Paris. One I think I shall be visiting. Here’s how they describe their philosophy…

Serendipity*, a magical spell.

To mix genres! To bring about happy coincidences! (One of the meanings of the word Serendipity.)

Founded in 2004, Serendipity pioneered the blending of vintage and modern design in children’s furnishings. True to its original concept, this amazing boutique features a selection of antique and designer furniture alongside contemporary creations, all in a 200m2 space. We offer an inspiring combination of unique pieces, limited edition objects and exclusive creations from around the world.

Dedicated primarily to children of all ages, Serendipity also aims to gradually win over parents who are seeking that special object, full of charm and eclecticism.

To meet the expectations of its customers around the world, Serendipity has finally launched its E-shop, where you’ll find a novel selection of items from this ‘one-of-kind’ boutique.

A chic, fun atmosphere. A natural, refined space. A unique place in Paris

* The term designates the gift for stumbling upon happy coincidences and is derived from a Persian fairy tale ‘The Three Princes of Serendip’, whose heroes were endowed with this amazing gift.

I think it sounds scrumptious. Here are some of their wares…

Serendipity Signal Table Lamp
212 €
Indispensable desk lamp made by Jieldé since 1953, jointed and coming in pop colors, an icon of French industrial art. We cannot get tired of it….

Serendipity Book Rest Lamp
59 €
The Book Rest Lamp is the perfect little home for your sleepy book. Made of frosted glass, it gives off a soft light that’s ideal for reading, but it also doubles as a book rest to ensure that you never lose your page.

Serendipity Knitted Nest Beanbag
595 €
Nest is an XXL cushion, handknitted by the skilled women of a fair trade production unit in Nepal. It has a beanbag feeling for soft nesting and can be used for casual relaxing.

Serendipity Mini Bon’home Blanky
30 €
Soft and lovely blanky to be tamed for decoration, having a nap or to share.
It’s made by the last French soft toy manufacturer. Finished by hand with European fabrics carefully selected. My sister will want one of these when she sees it!

Serendipity Pyjama Storage Cushion – Ghost Smiley
90 €
‘let life smile at you’
Made of soft rabbit hair with linen reverse, delicate and natural.
To tidy up pyjamas with fun, can also be used as a pillow with an inside cushion.
Made in France with love.

Serendipity Paper Teddy Bear to Personalise
16 €
Made from a resistant material, this lovely Teddy Bear is a unique and memorable alternative to a card that’s great for all occasions. Use pens, felts and paints, stickers, glues and glitter to decorate him anyway you like. It can even be sent through the Post.

Serendipity have a fabulous website AND there’s an E-shop – so, even if you’re not going to Paris, you can still check out their offerings. You can access it here. They’ll even give you an English version (mighty helpful if your French is as bad as mine)

La boutique des Boîtes à Musique d’Anna Joliet

Tags

Anna Joliet, Boites a Musique, Colette, Design, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, La boutique des Boîtes à Musique d'Anna Joliet, La vie en rose, Love me tender, Music, Music Box, Nostalgia, Palais Royal, Paris, Shopping, The Beatles, Travel, Yesterday

Ballerina Music Box
(Image from here)

Growing up, my sister and I were not part of the ‘ballet set’. Not even when we were very young. For starters, neither one of us would have been seen dead in pale pink. Not for us the pink leotards and hair ribbons. I didn’t even have one of those ballerina music boxes. Instead, my Mum’s godmother sent me a beautiful pillow, all the way from Germany, which – if I remember correctly – somehow played Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and smelled divine. I loved that pillow.

I do not recall ever feeling hard done by for not having a music box growing up, but I do vividly remember how I felt on one of my early visits to Paris when I discovered La boutique des Boîtes à Musique d’Anna Joliet (Anna Joliet’s Music Box boutique). This enchanting (and tiny) shop at the northern end of the Jardin du Palais Royal specialises in music boxes, both new and old, from Switzerland.

Boites a Musique Palais Royal
(Image from here)

Boites a Musique Music Box
(Image from here)

For almost three decades the store has occupied the same corner, next to a sign proclaiming that the writer Colette passed her last years here by the northern edge of the gardens of the Palais Royal. There’s hardly any room to move in the store, but it doesn’t matter because the melodies instantly transport you to your childhood (even when it didn’t feature music boxes!).

There are music boxes for every budget, some tiny cardboard containers with the inner workings displayed for less than 10 euros, or a gilded cage of warbling birds that costs upwards of 3,000 euros. I still have the small one I bought 20 years ago. It plays ‘Yesterday‘.

Boites a Musique Music Box
This is not my wee music box
(Image from here)

There may only be one thing for sale in Anna Joliet’s shop, but there is a seemingly endless variety of melodies from which to choose – from the classic “La Vie en Rose” to the wind-up tinkle of Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender” and the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine.”

I shall be visiting again…

(Image from here)

Williams-Sonoma are Coming Down Under…

Tags

Australasia, Bondi Junction, Homewares, Interior design, Kitchenware, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Shopping, Sydney, West Elm, William Sonoma

 

Pottery Barn Glass Apothecary Jar With Labels
No idea where I would put these, but they look gorgeous!

Well. I was going to post about something completely different today until I caught sight of the BIG news on the Vogue Living blog. Williams-Sonoma are coming to Sydney! I do recognise this news will not impress those of you who are based State-side and have been shopping at Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm for years. But – we down here in Australasia have not yet had the pleasure…

Anyhoo, apparently the newly constructed Exchange Building at Bondi Junction will house the four stores which are currently slated to open in early 2013. These are the first retail locations outside of North America to be owned and operated by the retailer as part of its overall global expansion strategy. Lucky us.

Now, just to whet your appetite, I had a wee trawl through the websites to see what goodies caught my eye. I could have wasted an afternoon, but these are the first few things I came up with…

West Elm Gemma Orkin Vases

Pottery Barn Organic Spa Robe
Monograming available. You can even buy a monogrammed bed for your pet!

West Elm Mongolian Lamb Pillow Cover

Williams-Sonoma Littledeer Cooking Utensil Set
Guess what – you can have your utensils monogrammed! Woohoo!

West Elm Layered Bed Look – Cool Blue

Williams-Sonoma Chalkboard Labels
Set of 12

West Elm Clash Baskets

Pottery Barn Karmen Medalion Rugs

Pottery Barn 5-Jar Pendant
(All Images from Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, or Pottery Barn)

 

Addiction Food, I’m Becoming Addicted

Tags

Chocolate, Coconut, Dairy Free, food, Gluten Free, Healthy Recipe, organic, Recipe, Shopping, Snack Recipe, Sweet Treats

Addiction Food Chocolate & Dark Chocolate Truffle
(Image from here)

ad·dic·tion
n.
Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance

If you haven’t heard, there’s a bit of food realignment going on in TSL-world. I won’t bore you with the details but the upshot is dairy is gone (with the exception of a little butter), processed foods are pretty much all gone, our vegetable and leafy greens intake is h u m o n g o u s, and we’re eating as organically as possible*.

What hasn’t changed is LM’s sweet tooth nor his love of chocolate. Given the dairy embargo, I reckon a little chocolate treat is almost a requirement here at Casa TSL. I have posted already about the wonder that is Conscious Chocolate – the best-est, healthiest chocolate out there (IMHO). And now I bring you Addiction Food and their Coconut & Orange Dark Truffle – a decadent ‘special occasion’ truffle made with Callebaut Chocolate, toasted coconut with a hint of orange that is also dairy free, egg free and gluten-free… (sigh).

It is seriously yummy AND David Jones food hall now conveniently stocks them – which means that when I ask LM to pop into DJs for some salmon, he has to walk right past all the Addiction Food Bliss Balls, Choca Goji Rocks My Worlds, Superfood Powerballs AND Coconut & Orange Dark Chocolate Truffles. I believe we have already established LM’s purchasing prowess. Needless to say, I think it’s time I look for a Coconut & Orange Dark Chocolate Truffle alternative…

And, before a girl can gobble down another Coconut & Orange Dark Chocolate Truffle, up pops option #1. Discovered on terawarner.com, I think I shall have to give these yummy looking morsels by Joanne Newell a wee try. I shall let LM judge their success.

Orange-Chocolate Bliss Balls
(Image from here)

Orange-Chocolate Bliss Balls

Makes 20 balls

Ingredients

1 cup almonds
½ cup cashews
4 Medjool dates
1 cup raisins (sultanas)
1 orange, rinsed & dried
¼ cup cacao powder (or carob powder)
¼ cup desiccated coconut, for the mixture
½ cup desiccated coconut, for rolling

Method

1. Place all nuts into a food processor. Process until they look like a fine powder (a bit like breadcrumbs – this will take at least 20 seconds).

2. Chop the dates in half and remove the pit.

3. Add the raisins (sultanas) and chopped dates to the food processor.

4. Finely grate the orange’s zest. Put the zest into the food processor.

5. Juice the orange and add the juice to the food processor.

5. Add the cacao powder and coconut to the food processor, and process the mixture until it is like a thick, sticky dough. If the mix is a bit stiff, add a few drops of water.

6. Wet your hands, and pull off a small chunk of the mixture (about a tablespoon). Roll it into a ball. Then roll the ball in coconut. Continue until all the mixture is gone. Chill the balls for at least 1 hour.

7. Eat ’em up!

If you’d like to learn more about the yummy goodies offered by Addiction Food, you can check out their website here.

*By we, I mean LM and me – the teenager’s diet isn’t as restricted although I am forcing the veggies on him, poor poppet.

Destination Victor Churchill – Meat-lover’s Paradise…

Tags

Butcher, Charcuterie, Cooking, Design, food, Meat, Nat King Cole, Peter Gilmore, Protein, Retail, Sydney, Travel, Victor Churchill

Victor Churchill Shop Front
(Image from here)

Primarily I’m a meat man, although once in a while I toy with a few vegetables. (Nat King Cole)

If you ask LM what he’d like to do on a lazy Sunday, he will suggest a visit to Victor Churchill’s. It’s his happy place.

When my father comes to visit from New Zealand, he considers Victor Churchill a favourite destination. We bought him a full-day Charcuterie course for Christmas last year. He was not disappointed (and we dined extremely well on his confit of duck).

Peter Gilmore, Executive Chef of Quay restaurant – which currently sits at number 29 in the San Pelligrino top 50 – says it’s his favourite food shop anywhere in the world. If its good enough for Peter, I reckon it’s worth a blog post…

The original Victor Churchill’s was established in 1876. Father and son team, Victor and Anthony Puharich, founders of the highly regarded Vic’s Premium Quality Meats, are the fourth owners of the butcher shop in its 136 year history.

Inside, it is a shrine to protein and has literally changed the way people look at butcheries. It’s got major bells and whistles in the form of a Himalayan salt-brick wall and the kind of visual merchandising you would more likely associate with high-end fashion (in fact it has been dubbed the Tiffany’s of butcher shops) but it more than backs up with a superb meat and poultry.

If you consider yourself a meat-lover or a foodie, or you just love great design, this is one spot to add to the list when you visit Sydney…

Victor Churchill Shop Interior
(Image from here)

Victor Churchill Himalayan Rock Salt Wall
(Image from here)

Victor Churchill Rotisserie
(Image from here)

Victor Churchill – the product!
(Image from here)

We have some good friends visiting from Auckland next weekend. I have suggested to them we might plan a visit to Victor Churchill on Saturday so they can hand-select their protein of choice for the barbecue that evening…

Victor Churchill can be found at 132 Queen Street, Woollahra. The shop is open 7 days AND if you happen to live is a selected part of Sydney, they deliver. For those of you who just want a squizz at the fabulousness that is Victor Churchill, check out their website here.

Le Labo – Sparking A Fragrance Revolution

Tags

beauty, Branding, Exclusive, Fragrance, Frank Capra, Gift, Health, Jo Malone, Le Labo, Mecca Cosmetica, Myer, Paris, Perfume, Shopping, style, Sydney

Le Labo Store (Marylebone)
(Image from here)

Don’t follow trends. Start them! (Frank Capra)

The fab’ duo at Le Labo, Edouard Roschi and Fabrice Penot, reckon that in a world where luxury perfumes are mass-produced and sold in places that look like supermarkets, where advertising campaigns try to fool consumers into thinking they are unique even though their ‘one of a kind’ fragrances are worn by millions across the globe, they offer another solution…

According to the good people of Le Labo, the first time you wear a Le Labo perfume, you’ll realise instantly how very different it is from traditional perfumes. Le Labo perfumes (apparently) ‘SHOCK’ and it’s that shock that captivates, astounds, titillates, intrigues and beguiles. I’m not yet convinced I want my scent to astound…

Le Labo perfumes are reputed to be special – not only because of the quality of materials used, but because they are made-to-order.

Regardless of whether you believe the hype, the packaging is gorgeous and I am looking forward to visiting the newest Le Labo boutique in Paris…

Le Labo Store (Marylebone)
(Image from here)

Le Labo Store (Marylebone)
(Image from here)

One of the very cool options offered by Le Labo is to provide the curious the opportunity (for a price) to sample its wares before splurging on an entire bottle. If, like me, you are fussy about your fragrance, this saves the pain of plunking down good cash for something later discovered to be personally repellant.

Le Labo Discovery Set
(Image from here)

For those of you in Syders who have yet to discover the magic of Le Labo, head to Mecca at Myer (George Street). I can’t believe I’m about to let you in on one of my best gift ideas, but a Le Labo candle is just about one of the best gifts for that special girlfriend – and you can personalise it! Move over Jo Malone!

The Le Labo website is gorgeous – well worth checking out here.