Urban Walkabout Launch Their Pop Up for Christmas…

Tags

Accessories, Australia Design, Australia Made, Christmas Shopping, Homewares, Jewellery, Local Artisan Shopping, Melbourne, Online Shopping, Perth, Scarves, Softies, Sydney, Urban Walkabout

(Image from here)

So I rang up my local swimming baths. I said ‘Is that the local swimming baths?’ He said ‘It depends where you’re calling from. (Tim Vine)

There’s a great little group of passionate locals who established the very useful Urban Walkabout back in 2006.  They publish a series of free lifestyle guides featuring fashion, food and design destinations in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne.

Their printed guides are a great way for locals and visitors alike to discover the best places to eat, drink, shop and more within a given area.

Urban Walkabout say it best: “Our printed guides include an illustrated map and business images and reviews that help direct readers to a carefully curated selection of boutiques, local artisans, galleries, designers, cafes, bars and restaurants in each location.”

And, best of all – you can pick them up for free.

This year, for the first time, Urban Walkabout have launched a new online pop up shop.   It’s a curated collection of unique product from local producers in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth – and, I think they’ve got some very cool wares on offer.

Wanna’ see some of my favourites?

‘Clem’ The Herringbone Koala
Born and raised in Creswick, Victoria.
Clem is double stitched and lovingly constructed from offcuts salvaged from the local wool mill by the delightful toy maker, Robyn from Sillee Billee. He stands 23cm tall.
$40
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Rosso Forte Scarf ‘Spremuta’
I love me a scarf… This one is a rustic still life of fruit and assorted produce laid out in preparation. Bold citrus colours are contrasted with light and dark accents. Billowy, lightweight washed silk. Designed and handmade in Italy. It measures 140cm x 160 cm. GORGEOUS!
$229.00
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Baked Optimism Tin
Created by artist Tara Daniel, this tin of Baked Optimism contains exceptionally cheerful baked beans. You can never have too much optimism. Or too many baked beans. I know a girl who loves her baked beans…
Also available in ‘Sliced Pessimism’ variety.
$20
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

L’ascari Man Candle
Mancandle is for every man. They apparently allow any man to be able to enhance his space be it at work or at home by being able to customise the scent of his environment with one or a combination of up to four sophisticated fragrances.
With a 27 hour burn time they come beautifully presented in a glass amber jar (height 6.5cm) with screw top lid and packaged in a rigid sliding box.
Fragrances available:
Sawdust – cedar wood & sandalwood paired with patchouli & musk.
Open field – think freshly cut grass & green leaves teamed perfectly with Australian fauna. Fresh just doesn’t cover it!
Old oak tree – a deep earthy fragrance combining oak, woods, amber & citrus fruit. “Smells like a hot man” – as overheard in the Urban Walkabout office.
Espresso – dark roasted coffee beans
$29.00
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

InSync Roost Earrings
These earrings by InSync are made from hypoallergenic stainless steel plated with 22 carat yellow matte gold. Each set comes boxed with details about the artist.
Iris Saar Isaacs is a Melbourne based design studio. InSync design studio maintains an independent approach to contemporary jewellery, whilst marrying industrial methods and materials.
$100
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Vintage Rubber Stamp Set from High Tea with Mrs Woo
Make your Christmas cards stand out this year! A great box set of vintage-style alphabet and number rubber stamps which make beautiful labels and gift tags. Buy them as a gift or use them to decorate your own. Includes a set of 20 blank gift tags.
Made in Korea (so not strictly local!). They make my ‘haberdashery’ tendencies go bananas!
$50
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Paper Potter Kit With Heirloom Seed Packs
I adore this concept! A clever and everlasting tool for pressing biodegradable seedling pots with newspaper. When seedlings are ready, plant them complete with the pot into the ground to avoid disturbing the roots. This beautiful kit includes heirloom seeds of beetroot and cauliflower varieties and paper strips so you are ready to get started straight away! This potter makes approximately 6 x 4.5cm pots.
$38
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Do go and check out all the offerings at the Urban Walkabout Pop Up here. Unfortunately, shipping is only available within Australia BUT, if you’re planning a visit to Sydney, Melbourne or Perth there’s also the free Urban Walkabout App which brings you a mobile version of the well-known and loved pocket-sized Urban Walkabout guides, to allow you to curate the city your way.

Third Drawer Down – For Those ‘Hard to Buy For’ People in Your Life

Tags

Ai Weiwei, Art museum, Christmas, Gift, Gifts, Gifts for hard to buy for people, Holidays, Irreverent gifts, Museum, Shopping, third drawer down

Colouring Book For Grown Ups
Materials needed: colouring utensils, scissors. Optional: Emotional Maturity, Financial Independence, Quality of Life, A paralysing sense of complete and total failure.
Available for $15 from Third Drawer Down
(Image from Third Drawer Down)

When it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing. (Vernon McLellan)

The silly season is nearly here. It’s fast approaching that time of the year when shopping for multitudes of gifts is upon us. Unless, of course, you are one of those ridiculously organised peeps who manages to shop throughout the year and finish your list in August. If so, this post is not for you (unless you want to bookmark it for next year!)

I quite like shopping for gifts. Actually, I get into it in a big way. I may have mentioned that I even theme my Christmas wrapping – which I freely admit may have OCD overtones.

But, there are times when it is not fun to shop for gifts. There are times when you have to buy for someone who is particularly hard to buy for. In times like these, there are a trusted few online stores that may help you out of your pickle.

And, top of my list is Third Drawer Down. I first discovered this wonderful trove of treasures after spotting one of their artist-designed tea towels years ago. And, the tea towel selection remains a winner for me, to this day. I even loved one of my purchases so much, I had it framed.

And, I don’t think the Third Drawer Down peeps will mind if I lift their description straight from the website – it explains what they are so much better than I ever could:

Third Drawer Down and the Museum of Art Souvenirs Store is a storefront museum and place of trade in Fitzroy, Australia. Assembling a curated array of art and designer products, the store functions as a museum and retail space with objects either hand-picked from various popular cultural contexts or made by Third Drawer Down Studio for leading cultural clients around the world.

The Museum of Art Souvenirs Store is nestled behind a graffiti tagged garage door and is Australia’s only trading museum. It’s like visiting all the best museum stores in one spot, and shipped everywhere (even to the moon). Our eccentric and witty taste of products by artists/designers and niche brands and publishers that question the mainstream conditions under which art and culture are bought and sold. (Third Drawer Down)

I have put together a few of my favourite bits’ n’ bobs from their current catalogue…

Altered Ceramic Plate – Bearded Woman
Available for $74 from Third Drawer Down (currently out of stock)
(Image from Third Drawer Down)

Bedtime Story Pillowcases by David Shrigley
Available for $65 from Third Drawer Down (currently out of stock)
(Images from Third Drawer Down)

‘Lab’ Animal Clothes Hanger
Available for $19 from Third Drawer Down
I know JUST the man for this gift…
(Image from Third Drawer Down)

Famos Vegetable Peeler
Available for $15 from Third Drawer Down
According to Remodelista, this is the best vegetable peeler to own. AND, it looks so sexy, too…
(Image from Third Drawer Down)

Easy Frame by Puebco
Available for $26 in a range of colours from Third Drawer Down
(Images from Third Drawer Down)

Ai Weiwei Study of Perspective Silk Scarf
A MOST covetable piece, I think!
Available for $140 from Third Drawer Down
(Image from Third Drawer Down)

Now, I know there are some of you asking why I’m talking gift buying IN OCTOBER!? But, consider this – Third Drawer Down ships all over the world – it just may take a little longer to arrive if you live in Timbuktu…

The Americans are Coming…

Tags

Australia, Bondi Junction, Cookware and bakeware, gourmet cookware, Homewares, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Sydney, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma store in Colorado
(Image from here)

It was back in August last year that I first heard that American retail giant Williams-Sonoma was opening down under. At the time it seemed quite a long way away, so I created a wee ‘wish list’ of things that made me look twice. Then I promptly put it to the back of my mind. (You can see some of my ‘wish list here. I’m not sure what planet I was on that day – a couple of the items just scream ‘twee’ to me now… What a difference eight months makes!).

Well, the day has (almost) finally arrived. Tomorrow is the official opening of Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm in Sydney. I’m imagining gridlocked traffic and bedlam at Bondi Junction. LM has promised to take me for a look-see. I’m not sure he realises just what a magnanimous offer this shall turn out to be!

Now if you are not from North America AND if shopping just ain’t your bag AND you have no idea what I’m yabbering on about, here’s the back story: Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is, according to their website, “the premier specialty retailer of home furnishings and gourmet cookware in the United States, Canada (and, as of tomorrow, Australia). Their brands are among the best known and most-respected in the industry. They offer high-quality, stylish products for every room in the house: from the kitchen to the living room, bedroom, home office and even the hall closet.”

In the name of research (!), I had another squizz at their websites and put together a few things that caught my eye…

Recycled Rag Rug Pouf from West Elm
I have no idea where I would put it but it’s red and it looks yummy…
(Image from here)

Shane Powers Hanging Glass Bubble Collection for West Elm
I LOVE these…
(Image from here)

Alphabet Trays for West Elm
Wouldn’t these make sweet wee gifts?
(Image from here)

French Cafe Side Chair for Pottery Barn
Bringing a piece of the Med’ down under!
(Image from here)

Croquet Set for Pottery Barn
And, while we’re sitting outside in the sun, a spot of croquet, perhaps?
(Image from here)

Grand Embroidered 280-Thread Count Boudoir Pillow Cover for Pottery Barn
I fancy the idea of embroidering a rude word or phrase onto one or two of these…
(Image from here)

Signal Flag Kilo for Williams-Sonoma
Kilo represents the message ‘I wish to communicate with you’.
(Image from here)

Stuffed Hamburger with lifter for Williams-Sonoma
I think this is a BRILLIANT idea. I may just have to invest in this wee beauty…
(Image from here)

Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand for Williams-Sonoma
I know it’s sexist, but I immediately think ‘man gift’…
(Image from here)

Fontana Gusto Wood-Fired Outdoor Oven for Williams Sonoma
Given my gluten-free life, I can’t even eat pizza. That doesn’t stop me coveting one of these gorgeous ovens…
(Image from here)

All of the items pictured are taken from the North American website. I’m not even sure the entire range will be available here… I guess we’ll find out tomorrow!

If you’re in Sydney, you too can visit the grand opening tomorrow from 9am at 472 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction. LM and I will see you there!

 

Are You a Retailer’s Wet Dream, too?

Tags

Abigail Ahern, Business, Customer service, Facebook, J. C. Penney, Mavericks Laces, Myer, Peanut butter, Retail, Squint, Squint Limited, Stellar Service, Twitter

(Image from here)

Every great business is built on friendship. (JC Penney)

I am a retailer’s wet dream. You know the kind of customer I mean – I like nice things (who doesn’t?). If you are nice to me and I’m partial to your product, I’ll come back to you over and over again. I’m incredibly loyal – if you treat me well, I will go out of my way to shop at your establishment AND I’ll tell all my friends how fabulous you and your product are. And, I can be quite persuasive, too. I’m often told I should be on commission. I often wish I was!

My local grocer, George, stocks product that I have recommended (and featured in this very blog!), namely Pana Chocolate and Pic’s Really Good Peanut Butter. The girls at Mecca Cosmetica at Myer all know me because I love their whole customer service experience just as much as their products.

Just recently, I’ve had two really, REALLY great customer service experiences and thought I should spread the word.

First up, last week I told you about the groovy team at Mavericks Laces in Melbourne. Well! Not only did the lovely Luke from Mavericks comment on the blog post and advise they are now shipping internationally; today my laces arrived. Given I only ordered them after I posted last week, I reckon that’s pretty smart service.

Oh – here’s the new look brogues ‘in situ’. What do you think?

Robert Clergerie Brogue WITH Dylan Laces
(Image by TSL)

Secondly, you might just recall, if you have a very good memory, my post on Squint – the Willy Wonka of Furniture. I have coveted a piece of their furniture forever.

The Corbiere carved mahogany king size bed made in a classic French style as shown with a patchworked headboard and footboard.
(Image from here)

To be honest, I would probably still be coveting a piece of Squint furniture if it wasn’t for LM. My birthday present last year was a bespoke number selected from the wonderful Squint showroom. As much as I adore their trademark patchwork, being the slightly more conservative type that I am, I went instead for a velvet cabriolet leg bedside table in two-tone orange velvet. I know this is a pretty high-ticket item, but I gotta tell you, Catherine and the team were out of this world fabulous – from the initial face-to-face consultations as I kept changing my boggled mind about what I wanted, right through to the shipping process. A-MAZ-ING!

Here’s a pretty ordinary image of some of my table with Boris, my lamp I picked up at Atelier Abigail Ahern. What can I say – it was a great birthday!

Boris and the Orange Velvet Side Table
(Image by TSL)

In today’s world of social media offerings – with blogging, Facebook, Twitter and all the rest, there’s really no excuse for less than stellar service. But still, there are always some that stand a head and shoulders above the rest.

Have you received any AMAZING customer service recently?

The Australian Souvenir Company – Seriously Stylish Australiana!

Tags

Australia, Australiana, Children, Childrens Gifts, Christmas Gifts, Mary-Kate Olsen, Mobiles, Souvenirs, Sydney, The Whitlams

Iconic Australian Animals Hanging Mobile
AUD$30.00
(Image © The Australian Souvenir Company)

Australia is so cool that it’s hard to even know where to start describing it. The beaches are beautiful; so is the weather. Not too crowded. Great food, great music, really nice people. It must be a lot like Los Angeles was many years ago. (Mary-Kate Olsen)

I’m not so sure Australia is exactly like LA was many years ago, but I do know it is a pretty fab’ place to live. The beaches are beautiful. The weather is a definite plus. It isn’t too crowded. As a rule, the food is great, as is the music (as I sit here listening to the Whitlams play). There’s a reason they call it The Lucky Country.

And now, wherever you are in the world, you too can have a wee piece of seriously stylish Australiana, all thanks to the most gorgeous mobiles available from The Australian Souvenir Company and created by my super talented friend, Sheridan. My Kiwi nephews and niece don’t know it yet, but they are each receiving one for Christmas.

Sheridan’s vision is to produce beautiful souvenirs that are both designed (by her!) and made in Australia.

The hanging mobiles are her first line – they are designed to be lightweight and pack flat for easy postage. Have a look and see what you think…

Vintage Australian Transport Hanging Mobile
AUD$30.00
(Image © The Australian Souvenir Company)

Australian Seadragons Hanging Mobile
AUD$30.00
(Images © The Australian Souvenir Company)

Native Australian Butterflies Hanging Mobile
AUD$30.00
(Image © The Australian Souvenir Company)

In addition to the mobiles, The Australian Souvenir Company also offers a range of framed designs and boxed stationery.

Framed Cane Train
AUD$34.00
(Image © The Australian Souvenir Company)

Iconic Animals Boxed Stationery Set
Includes Purple Platypus Design and Pop Echidna. 6 of each card design and 12 envelopes.
(Image © 2012 The Australian Souvenir Company)

Head over to The Australian Souvenir Company website here to see the full collection. It’s not too late to get your order in for Christmas and they ship worldwide!

Alexander & Pearl – Kind of Kitsch but Worth a Wee Look All the Same…

Tags

Alexander & Pearl, Christmas Gifts, Dogs, Elle (magazine), Gifts, Interior design, Interiors, Online Shopping, Shopping, UK

“The Marquis” Large Framed Dog Portrait from Alexander & Pearl
£150.00
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

I know ‘The Marquis’ is kitsch. I know he can hardly be considered original art. But, I kind of love him, all the same. I found him when I was checking out the Alexander & Pearl website, after seeing ‘The Yetti, a white fur armchair in the latest edition of UK Elle Decoration.

The Yetti – White Fur Armchair from Alexander & Pearl
£395.00
Not exactly the most practical piece of furniture…
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

The Alexander & Pearl e-boutique was launched in early 2010.  The business was started with one goal in mind – convenience (At least – convenience for the UK resident. Not so much the wee blogger from down under…).  What could be more convenient than a 24 hour shop whose door is open 365 days a year AND who delivers to your door?

Apparently, at Alexander & Pearl, they pride themselves in offering customers a very friendly and personal experience. If I lived a little closer, I might have tested them on that. Since I don’t live in the UK, I can only look at their website and share some of the products with you…

Club Lights – A to Z from Alexander & Pearl
£80.00 each
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

Louis Black Leaner Mirror from Alexander & Pearl
£425.00
Who doesn’t love a leaner mirror? I know I do!
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

French Green & Pink Lola the Bulldog Armchair from Alexander & Pearl
£375.00
Heaven only knows where a girl would put such a chair, but…
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

Theresa Bone Inlay Chest Console from Alexander & Pearl
£950.00
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

Alexander & pearl DO deliver internationally – and, if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, shipping will no doubt cost you a pretty penny. But, have a squizz at their site anyway. It made me smile. You can check it out 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)

 

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.

Jonathan Adler – fabulously fun but perhaps not quite quirky!

Tags

Arts, culture, Cushions, Design, Dogs, Furniture, Homewares, Interior design, Jonathan Adler, Lifestyle, Peru, Rugs, Shopping, VAses

I know – his work is perhaps a tad too mainstream to be considered quirky, particularly for you Northern Hemisphere dwellers, but hear me out… I spotted these Jonathan Adler Williamsburg vases the other day and added them to my wee list of ‘things I like’.

As with so many things, when you change the context, you introduce a new perspective.  Forget they are a fabulously-fun-yet-not-quite-quirky Jonathan Adler design… NOW, might they look the teeniest bit quirky?

Jonathan Adler Utopia Williamsburg Vase
A little bit of whimsy for US$38 for the pair
(You can buy them here)
His and hers, no less!

Following on from that find, I thought it only reasonable to take a decent squizz at the flamboyant Mr Adler’s site.  You know what? – he’s got some funky stuff. If its been a while since you popped your head in, let me share a few things that tickled my wee fancy….

Jonathan Adler Zebra Rug - in orange
Hand loomed llama's wool rug from Peru at US$995
(You can buy them here)
Who knows where I would put it but its ORANGE!!! (or black, pink, red, turquoise, green...)

Jonathan Adler leather Terrier
Handcrafted from full grain leather at US$695
(You can buy them here)
Or, maybe you'd prefer a hippo' or pig or elephant or rhino'?

Jonathan Adler embroidered 'Specs Case' - in green
Handmade wool needlepoint for US$42
(You can buy them here)
I suspect it makes me officially old that I even need to consider a specs case...

Jonathan Adler Walnut Claude Special Edition Gossip Bench Set
You can stack or reconfigure to your hearts desire. This one for US$1,890
(You can order one here)
These are limited edition collectors editions and - forget the exorbitant shipping costs - I have no-where in my home to put one. DAMN IT!!!

Jonathan Adler Mod Love Cushion
Spread the love with needlepoint at US$175
(You can buy them here)
This design is also available as a footstool. Perhaps not together, though... too matchy, matchy, matchy!

I even quite like the Jonathan Adler manifesto.  Who doesn’t appreciate a brand that has the audacity to state, “We believe that when it comes to decorating, the wife is always right. Unless the husband is gay.“? Or, what about, “We believe tassels are the earrings of the home“? What do you reckon’?

Aesop – Smells Great & Looks Good

Tags

Aesop, Australia, Balanced Life, Bathroom, beauty, Brand, Cosmetics, creativity, culture, Gifts, Homewares, Lifestyle, Merchandising, Product Design, Retail, Shopping, Sigmund Freud

Aesop Advertising Header on Seek.com

I’m a girl. That means I like things that smell nice and look good. Stands to reason, really. I’m also quite a loyal customer. I’ve worn the same perfume since I was 16 years old (but that’s a whole other story). When I find a product I like, I tell people about it. Sometimes it’s the little things that make you happy.

I wish we could see perfumes as well as smell them. I’m sure they would be very beautiful. (L.M. Montgomery, ‘Anne of the Island’)

Today, I’m telling you about how much I like my Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash and my Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. They both smell nice and they both look good. They sit side by side in my bathroom. I cannot remember how many times they have been replaced.

Do you know the Aesop story? Founded in 1987 by Aussie entrepreneur Dennis Paphitis, grooming brand Aesop has gone from strength to strength over the past few years. Aesop has signature stores throughout Australia, as well as in Paris, London and Zürich, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, with outlets in Europe, Asia, Canada and the United States. They have lovely androgynous apothecary-style packaging, very clean brand identity and beautiful smelling botanical products. The Resurrection range features anti-bacterial mandarin and rosemary. It is truly yummy.

I quite like the Aesop philosophy to a balanced life – “We advocate the use of our products as part of a balanced life that includes a healthy diet, sensible exercise, a moderate intake of red wine, and a regular dose of good books.” How much red wine do you think constitutes a moderate intake?

And, you gotta’ love an organisation that puts a quote like this on their website:

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. (Sigmund Freud)

Oh, and their retail shops are g o r g e o u s. Seriously. Worth a visit if you haven’t already been.

If you would like to know where your closest Aesop stockist is, or perhaps buy some of their product online, head to their website here.

(Images sourced from here)