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Tag Archives: Christmas Gifts

The Perfect Gift for Dog Lovers – ‘Quake Dogs’

29 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by Joanna in Dogs

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Animal Photography, Book Review, Books, Boston Terrier, Chihuahua, Christchurch, Christmas Gifts, Dog, Dwight D. Eisenhower, French Bulldog, Gifts, Gifts for hard to buy for people, Irish Wolfhound, Labrador, Lord Byron, New Zealand, Photography

Quake Dogs Book

‘Quake Dogs’*
Text by Laura Sessions
Photography by Craig Bullock
(Image from Furtography)

What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight – it’s the size of the fight in the dog. (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

‘Quake Dogs’ will make you melt…

At 12.51pm on Tuesday, 22 February 2011 a magnitude 6.3 earthquake severely damaged New Zealand’s second-largest city of Christchurch, killing 185 people. It followed an earlier ‘quake of 4 September 2010 which caused significant damage to the region, but no fatalities.

‘Quake Dogs’ is a dog’s perspective of surviving the Christchurch earthquakes. The book is made up of a series of stories about individual pooches and what they went through.

100 dogs, 2 cats and a chicken were photographed for the 68 stories in the book. And as sappy as I know it sounds, each one is more engaging and heart-warming than the last… Honest.

Cilla the Boston Terrier Quake Dog

Cilla
(Image from Furtography)

Cilla, the Boston Terrier, may have slept through the big ‘quake, but the many aftershocks caused her great anxiety and apparently her hair started falling out, and she lost a lot of weight.

She has since moved to just north of Auckland where she lives with her owners and new best friend, Oakley, the French Bulldog.

Jet the Labrador Quake Dog

Jet
(Image from Furtography)

Jet, the Labrador, was collected by her owner’s daughter after the 2010 quake. She developed separation anxiety and was able to anticipate aftershocks.

When the big 2011 quake hit, she was alone outside and had to wait, surrounded by liquefaction, for three hours, teddy in her mouth, until her owner could get home. Fortunately, her separation anxiety is much better now.

Chloe the Chihuahua Quake Dog

Chloe
(Image from Furtography)

Chloe, the Chihuahua, lives with Caiou (a Greyhound) and Little (a Labrador). When the big quake hit, the dogs were home alone. Apparently, their house was like the inside of a washing machine on spin cycle…

To avoid being crushed by a falling cabinet, Little smashed through a glass door and received a nasty glass cut on his head. Caiou and Chloe followed him and they all huddled in the garden together until help arrived.

Today, Chloe has proved the most resilient of the three pups, although she is small enough to fit in a hand-bag, so this may be a contributing factor!

The poor dog, in life the firmest friend. The first to welcome, foremost to defend. (Lord Byron)

My Mum sent me my copy of ‘Quake Dogs’. I just love it.

Written by Laura Sessions (who has two dogs – George and Mildred) and photographed by FURtographer Craig (who has no dogs, but three cats – Jazz, Mr Tinkles and Millefeuille), part of the proceeds from the book go to support HUHA, a national organisation that works to rescue and re-home animals around the New Zealand.

If you have a dog lover in your life, they will love this book! The book has been such a success that it has sold out BUT new stock is expected by 2nd December (in time for Christmas!). You can order through the Furtography website (payment through Paypal) and the book will be sent to you. AND, you can even get a personalised dedication… All for NZ34.99!

*Guinness, is the face of ‘Quake Dogs’ – in New Zealand he became a very familiar scruffy face and appeared regularly in the TV news updates. The enormous, shaggy Irish Wolfhound became the pin-up boy for the Student Volunteer Army and was awarded a medal for his work with their rescue effort.

Lusting After a Castle Cushion…

05 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Castle, Christmas Gifts, Colour, Cushions, Gifts, Henry David Thoreau, Homewares, Rachel CAstle, Shopping, Velvet

Penny Round Cushions from Castle and Things

Penny Round Cushions from Castle and Things
(Image from Homestyle NZ)

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion. (Henry David Thoreau)

Well! If Thoreau had come across the gorgeous velvet offerings from Castle, perhaps he might not have been so willing to sit on a pumpkin…

More Penny Round Cushions from Castle and Things

More Penny Round Cushions from Castle and Things
(Image © Castle and Things)

The lust-worthy Penny Round cushion comes in nine colours. Apparently the hot pink has been so popular it is currently out of stock. No matter – the teal is lovely. But then, so is the charcoal. Or, maybe the green?

Teal Velvet Penny Round Cushion

Teal Velvet Penny Round Cushion
(Image © Castle and Things)

Charcoal Velvet Penny Round Cushion

Charcoal Velvet Penny Round Cushion
(Image © Castle and Things)

Green Velvet Penny Round Cushion

Green Velvet Penny Round Cushion
(Image © Castle and Things)

If you would like your own Penny Round cushion, the cover retails for AUD$49. For the down and feather insert as well, you’re looking at AUD$84.

You can check out the full range of Castle and Things offerings here. Shipping offered worldwide.

The Australian Souvenir Company – Seriously Stylish Australiana!

04 Tuesday Dec 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design, Retail

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

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

Iconic Australian Animals Hanging Mobile

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

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

Australian Seadragons Hanging Mobile

Australian Seadragons Hanging Mobile

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

Native Australian Butterflies Hanging Mobile

Native Australian Butterflies Hanging Mobile

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

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

Iconic Animals Boxed Stationery Set

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!

Jonathan Adler Does White Well…

28 Wednesday Nov 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

Christmas Gifts, Gifts, Holiday Gifts, Homewares, Jonathan Adler, Kim Kardashian, Mae West, P.Diddy, Puff Daddy, Shopping

I feel safe in white because deep down inside, I’m an angel. (Puff Daddy)

Sure you are, P.Diddy…

You may recall that way back in April I posted about the fabulously-fun-yet-not-quite-quirky Jonathan Adler (here, if you feel like a refresher). Well, recently I saw a great video at 99U where the highly commercial-yet-irreverent Mr Adler talks about keeping other people’s opinions out of your creative process. I have to say, I do like him and his approach.

Anyhoo, that put Jonathan Adler in my mind, AND I’m in that ‘what do I buy <insert name here> for Christmas?’ space, so I revisited his site and found all sorts of goodies, which just happen to be (mostly) white.

Perhaps some ideas for the silly season?

White is actually one of my favorite colours. I have a white car. I love white. (Kim Kardashian)

Carter Kustera's Adler Portrait

Carter Kustera’s Adler Portrait
A winner of numerous awards for art and illustration, New York based Carter Kustera brings his talent for creating custom portraits to Jonathan Adler customers.
All custom portraits are single image, hand painted in opaque watercolour and have a self-written tagline.
All this for inly US$750 (I would still love one of LM!)
(Image from Jonathan Adler)

Giraffe Lamp by Jonathan Adler

Giraffe Lamp by Jonathan Adler
I kinda’ like how Mr Giraffe’s head pokes out the top of the lamp…
US$395.00
(Image from Jonathan Adler)

Orange Piped Towel from a range by Jonathan Adler

Orange Piped Towel from a range by Jonathan Adler
You all know how much I love orange!
Prices range from US$8.00 for a wash/face cloth to US$44.00 for a bath towel
(Image from Jonathan Adler)

The Edie Vase by Jonathan Adler

The Edie Vase by Jonathan Adler
According to the ad’ blurb, ‘Surprising, surreal, sublime’
US$198.00
(Image from Jonathan Adler)

Dachshund Bookends by Jonathan Adler

Dachshund Bookends by Jonathan Adler
It’s a dog. WHat can I say…?
US$150.00
(Image from Jonathan Adler)

Muse Pitcher by Jonathan Adler

Muse Pitcher by Jonathan Adler
The muse pitcher, inspired by Jonathan’s love affair with Salvador and Misia, is hand-sculpted white porcelain with a sheer glossy glaze.
US$98.00
(Image from Jonathan Adler)

Utopia Sailor/Captain Mug

Utopia Sailor/Captain Mug
For the boaties in your life…
US$26.00
(Image from Jonathan Adler)

I used to be Snow White, but I drifted. (Mae West)

And, finally – I know it’s not white but can’t you imagine filling one of these with favoured chocolates and giving it as a gift…?

Uppers Canister (Mustard and White) by Jonathan Adler

Uppers Canister (Mustard and White) by Jonathan Adler
US$98.00
(Image from Jonathan Adler)

To see more of Jonathan Adler’s most fabulous wares, and maybe even do a spot of online shopping, head here.

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

09 Friday Nov 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design, Retail

≈ 7 Comments

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

“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

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

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

Louis Black Leaner Mirror 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

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

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.

Page Thirty Three – Too Cool for School…

08 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Australia, Christmas Gifts, Colour, Design, Designer, Lighting, Magda Sayeg, Page Thirty Three, Product Design, Shopping, Sydney, Yoga

Knitted Yoga Ball from Page Thirty Three

Knitted Yoga Ball from Page Thirty Three
(Image from Page Thirty Three)

I think it was the latest Top3 By Design catalogue that first put me on to the wonderfully cheerful yoga balls by Page Thirty Three. I think they’re gorgeous!

So, of course I had to learn more about the seriously cool duo behind the brand. Bianca Riggio and Ryan Hanrahan are the talent behind Page Thirty Three, a creative design company which creates objects and artworks. They draw reference and inspiration from trees, flowers, weeds, art, music, history, design, and the street. They have a clear focus on Australian design & Australian manufacture. Many of their objects are hand crafted at their Sydney studio, using renewable materials, ecologically friendly packaging, and a positive frame of mind.  They evolve household objects into functional art pieces for those intrigued by the cross-pollination of genres.

All sounds pretty good, right? Wait til’ you see some of their creations…

Knitted Yoga Ball from Page Thirty Three

Knitted Yoga Ball from Page Thirty Three
The Knitted Yoga Ball has been created with renowned Texas artist Magda Sayeg (Knitta). With a functional yoga ball core and a knitted sleeve made by upcycling used rugs and throws, the Knitted Yoga Ball leaves a profound visual mark on any space it inhabits. The Yoga ball can be used as a sculpture, chair and for basic yoga/stretch routines. It is a positive and happy design aimed at encouraging health, fitness and well-being.
(Image from Page Thirty Three)

Essential Oil Burner from Page Thirty Three

Essential Oil Burner from Page Thirty Three
The Essential Oil burner, draws reference to a classic yet refined science theme. The dark heaviness of the metal components and clamp create a beautiful contrast with the Tasmanian Oak hardwood base, and glass flask.
Each Essential Oil burner comes with a 5ml tester bottle of Australian grown lavender Oil, and an Australian made beeswax candle.
(Image from Page Thirty Three)

Cinematic Lightbox from Page Thirty Three

Cinematic Lightbox from Page Thirty Three
Drawing reference to classic cinema typography and display The Cinematic Light Box features interchangeable letters, so the owner can personalize their lighting and display. The black-coated plywood can be rested on a shelf, or hung from a wall as a feature lamp, making the perfect lighting addition to any Studio, Cafe or Home. Easy construction Flat Pack design. Includes 103 various letters and symbols. All you need is 1 x Phillips head Screwdriver. Designed and Made in Australia.
(Image from here)

Bath Tonic from Page Thirty Three

Bath Tonic from Page Thirty Three
Giant tea bags for your bath. The Lavender milk bath, with goats milk and cacao butter, has been designed to stimulate all of the senses.
Packed in Australia using local and organic ingredients wherever possible.
(Image from Page Thirty Three)

LifeSucks Drinking Straw from Page Thirty Three

LifeSucks Drinking Straw from Page Thirty Three
Type and functionality collide with dark irony, to form the Page Thirty three Life Sucks
Drinking Straw. Measuring a gigantic 56 cm in length, take a deep breath and watch with joy as your drink works it’s way along a liquid roller coaster to your mouth.
(Image from Page Thirty Three)

Alchemist Kit from Page Thirty Three

Alchemist Kit from Page Thirty Three
The ‘Alchemy Kit for the Modern Naturalist’ includes a range of organic elements & oils which you can mix together using simple recipes provided, to create personalised health and beauty treatments. Face masks, body scrubs, bath A, massage oil treatments for the face and body can be created with this kit.
(Image from Page Thirty Three)

There’s more… If you’d like to investigate Page Thirty Three and their offering further, check out the website (and online shop) here.

Chase and Wonder Screenprints are Just Lovely

05 Monday Nov 2012

Posted by Joanna in Art

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Art, Cats, Christmas, Christmas Gifts, Design, Dogs, England, Graphic Design, London, Printing, Retail, Screen printing, Shopping, Silly season, Worcestershire

We are officially in the run up to the silly season now. I’m hearing on the news here in Oz that retailers are expecting online sales to be up for the Christmas buying rush. So, with that in mind, today’s wee offering comes to you from the deliciously quirky duo at Chase and Wonder – all delivered to your door at the touch of a few keyboard strokes, wherever you may be…

Dandy Lion by Chase and Wonder

Dandy Lion by Chase and Wonder
Limited edition of 400
2 colour Screenprint
Paper size – 210mm(w) x 300mm(h)
(Image from Chase and Wonder)

Faye Pearce and David Aspinall founded Chase and Wonder in late 2010 with the simple aim of creating finely designed products with British personality. They design and print all of their products in their converted cow shed in rural Worcestershire.

It also sounds as though they might just be soul-mates, given they met at primary school and reconnected in their early twenties while in London. That just makes me like their lovely screen prints even more (what can I say – I’m feeling the love today!)

Anyhoo, these lovelies have quite a reasonable price-point for the silly season – and are especially great as potential gifts for those hard-to-buy for boys in your life…

Sophisticated Dog by Chase and Wonder

Sophisticated Dog by Chase and Wonder
Limited edition of 400
2 colour Screenprint
Paper size – 210mm(w) x 300mm(h)
(Image from Chase and Wonder)

Manners Maketh the Man by Chase and Wonder

Manners Maketh the Man by Chase and Wonder
Limited edition of 400
2 colour Screenprint
Paper size – 210mm(w) x 300mm(h)
(Image from Chase and Wonder)

Sophisticated Cat by Chase and Wonder

Sophisticated Cat by Chase and Wonder
Limited edition of 400
2 colour Screenprint
Paper size – 210mm(w) x 300mm(h)
(Image from Chase and Wonder)

Chase and Wonder have lots more to see at their store. You can check it out here.

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