Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Well into the New Year - I know... but very busy with family, looking after my great niece Milan (what a cutiepie) and of course growing bigger and bigger with the 'Baby in the Puka'(Maori for tummy).
Christmas was relaxing, intimate and just the pace I required. New Years was not exciting at all but spent with the only man I would want to have had the pleasure of doing so - husband, cuddled up on the couch with a DVD, listening to the fireworks going off over the city, and people partying in the neighbourhood.
So for me the New Year is finalising, finishing projects and continuing to get ready for baba.
Take care all, have a fun yet fortunate New Year with friends and family close. Until we meet again...

Out of the Blue

The girls are off to Rangitoto Island tomorrow for a days outing via ferry and then a tramp to the top of the volcano. A stunning view is to be had. I took this photo during winter. A mid morning fog was clearing and I just couldn't resist the tones of blue bellowing in an electrifying scene. The Island looks as if it is erupting. Well have a great weekend and until we meet again...

Pure honesty

In this world I always try to be honest, real and fair. I've been re-landscaping the front yard and trying to purchase second-hand pavers off a popular site here in New Zealand. It amazes me how other people try to scam the system, jump in line or try to persuade the seller to withdraw the auction just so they can get the bargin. This happened to me today - I'm bidding on pavers while some other person was being dishonest. When I brought this to their attention the seller left a nasty remark and took my offer away, not wanting me 'the honest one' to bid anymore. Instead of taking this personally and allowing it to effect me I held my head high in honesty. Some people can be real Goats!

Back again...with love

Hello again, I'm back but with good reason why I haven't been blogging.
That naughty weekend away to Waiwera has given us a gift. I'm now coming up to 6 months pregnant. Wow Wee!!! What a shock!
I had been quite ill with morning sickness, had the flu, visitor's staying, home stay changes, great niece looking after, organising new carpet and flooring, knowing more visitor's are to come and working on a new garden courtyard landscape all the while upping my days of work but doing shorter stints.
I have been checking into my favourite bloggers and keeping up with news but to sit and find interesting things about myself - well I'm just the vessel now, tired and un-inspired. Sorry.
Anyway I'm interested again and will endeavour to capture my blogger instincts (even if for myself). Until we meet again...

Getting Fitted

This week has been one of education, teaching, showing, healthy, hands on and intimate with truly great customers and a truly girlie event.
The Pyjama Co week of professional bra fittings with in-store special guest Joy Kroll. Joy has had over 30 years experience in retail and lingerie. All of the staff have undergone the Triumph International Bra Fitting School and , well , what a success!!!! I have been in Lingerie for over 11 years now and like Joy a qualified corsetiere. The genuine amount of 'Thank Yous' that the staff and I received was overwhelming.
We wanted the experience to be a 'no pressure to buy' atmosphere. Clients who made confirmed bookings received a goodie bag comprising of L'Oreal lipstick, Trio Pro eyeshadow compact, a bar of Whittaker's Chocolate (any girls pick me upper), New York 'Laundress' delicate had wash sachet, a lingerie wash bag, a bra fitting guide although they too are now experts in buying, and a 15% discount card for the month of June. What a gift!!! Everyone was so happy and so girlie (did I just say girlie again).
Hey - you out there, not sure on what to look for in a good fitting bra, just email me.
Well back to work, until we meet again...

Thrifty

This afternoon I went down to my local thrift shop (Hospice) and you'll never guess. Another Swan that cost only $3-. Amazing and looks absolutely fab next to my trinkets.I finally get to keep one without feeling guilty. I also picked up this 1970's metal deer plaque for $4- which has found a home at the front door entrance. How cool was that, so satisfied. Until we meet again.

Swan

Recently I'm having an obsession with the 'Crown Lynn Swan'. A very important piece of kiwiana from the 1950's. My grandmother has a huge collection of Swan ornaments and I know hidden somewhere will be a Crown Lynn. Apart from this I happened to be the local Hospice shop last month and found a small one for only $2-. I felt so bad after my purchase that I had to give it away, they are reaching $50- to $100- on Trade Me. The first image from 'Kiwiana' is for sale. Below are from 'Your Home and Garden' shows how a collection of swans and Crown Lynn Vases can really off-set a beautiful arrangement and focal point for any area of the home. Also showing another home image where old can become new again. The last image is from artauction. A Rudolf Buelee screen print showing the elegance of the swan from a 1950's retro form yet through strong contradiction of colours has represented a modern perspective. Hope you enjoy, until we meet again...

Just the Black and White of it...

Sorry I havn't been in for a while but at least you can tell I'm too busy as the last write up was all about taking some time off. We are coming up to Mothers Day in the shop, another busy patch but today I'm just blogging around. I found these really beautiful black and whites while browsing through 'Love made Visible'. Rodney Smith has been popping up at lately and I just adore these first two photos. While looking through I also came across one of most favourite photo's by Rue Moffetard that is in our favourite restaurant in Devonport, Auckland. Portofino's Italian restaurant is wear my husband feels comfortable and we always seem to get the table below this print. It brings a smile to my face. Cheeky little monkey, until we meet again...

Weekend Away...

Romantic get-a-way. Waiwera is only 35 mins north of Auckland and is very well known for the hot thermal pools, spa and resort. The apartment was amazing, everything to believe you had landed in some far off destination. Mediterranean style meets a flair of French with the New Zealand seaside right out front. The furnishings where lovely and the sofas so soft and comfy that they nearly ate you up.I loved the 70's prints of Paris throughout the apartment. Pity the weather wasn't better but then again the hot pool below with private mineral spas meant you where wet anyway, and besides nothing more romantic than cuddling up with hubby while the rain pattered on the view. Thank you Gary and Sandy for renting out this beautiful 3 brm apartment - you can too. Until we meet again...

Until the weekend

So after just finishing work with feet humming, I get to sit on the couch and do nothing except listen to the community of birds that have taken residence in our Fig tree. A huge community from Sparrows, Thrushes, Blackbirds, Minors, Fantails and Wax-eyes. It's amazing to watch. I believe they have a hierarchy system and all talk to each other. It's actually really beautiful to listen too and I'm so happy for them to have a local 'cafe' to pig out and hang.Well until we meet again...

Shake your tail feather

So I am truly an addict to Polyvore, in fact taking over my routine in the morning and I just have to create. What do you think? Hope you enjoy...until we meet again...

I have been inspired by movement lately. These images of what is to become of Dubai really emphasises how movement influences the future of architect, lifestyle and landscape. Also and therefore an element of nature and how forms naturally represent movement and grace, even in furniture, for everyday life.
1st Pic: 'Dubai towers' is the centerpiece for the large 'lagoons' development. The buildings and the development were all conceived of by TVS. The four towers range in size from 54 to 97 floors and were inspired by the flames and movement of candlelight.
2nd Pic: 'zaha hadid' dancing towers are planned to be located in Dubai's business bay development area. The plan consists of three buildings which rise up from the ground bending and intertwining with each other to create fluid animation of the forms.
3rd Pic: 'chul an kwak' is a young Korean designer who aims to inject furniture with dynamic emotion, breaking from the static norms.

Happy Easter

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter with lots of chocs, time to relax, enjoy friends and family and have a great long weekend. Until we meet again...

My first make-believe

Thanks to ABT for introducing me to this fab new (well for me it is) site that is called polyvore.
I came up with this ensemble of exactly what I would wear right now, only problem - I don't own the garments (would love too though). I can see time being wasted to this totally addictive site. Thanks Anna and your friends who highlighted it to you. Well until we meet again...

To The Easter Bunny

New fab favourite of "esty.com" now. I mean WOW, very cool stuff and great prices. Heaps of inspiration and gorgeous things, all brought to you by people who are very crafty and arty. Here is a collection of Easter goodies that I love.
Pic 1 = The Bunny for 2008
Pic 2 = Easter Tags
Pic 3 = Bunny Necklace
Pic 4 = Cute Bunny pattern
Hope you enjoy...until we meet again...

Snuggle Bunny

Hey, I know a sweet deal when I see one. What about a calorie free way to get the warm fuzzies this Easter. Snuggle Bunny Bambury Robes in a variety of colours. Soft, light to handle, scrummy colours and won't pack the weight on like Chocolate does. The Pyjama Co has $15- off for a limited time only. Enjoy... until we meet again...

French Holiday

French Holiday is a new range from Karen Stretton (The Pyjama Co). It starts off in Paris, and eventually we will move through to the Riviera and so on. The inspiration for Paris comes from the typical stereotype colours of the all important French Maid. Black and white laces, swirls, stripes, laced lawn cotton, liquid satins, french portraits and luxury lingerie. Hey if we can't be there then at least we can pretend. Until we meet again...

I just fell in love with this image and construction of this chandelier.The form of the chandelier is constantly destroyed and recreated through movement
which is generated by computer-controlled servo motors. Does it bring light or is it just lite? I don't care - it's art and I want it. Thank you designboom.

Opulence

Sometimes I see a space and just know exactly what piece of artwork needs to placed there. This one was not asked for but merely given and specially made for them. My employee's - Karen's front lounge sun room needed a slightly more modern edge (other than the very vintage and don't get me wrong he is my favourite artist - I even did a school project on him - Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers) to entangle all of her fabulous bits n' pieces. Her style is current but French with all the swirls and hearts. Still however with straight lines, opulent cushions and a duck egg covered chaise lounger to die for (hence the introduction of turquoise). Hope you like my art... until we meet again...

Beautiful 'Lynch' mob

I'm a true fan of JH Lynch. I grew up with the ladies adorning our family home, believing that my mother was a living representation of 'Autumn Leaves'. After my mother passed on and too young to have her life gifts, they went into storage. Unfortunately when I was old enough to recover them only one was left, the 'Woodland Goddess'. I don't know what happen to others, I think they may have been sold or destroyed, but I'm always keeping an eye out for original 1970's prints. My 'Woodland Goddess' has the privilege of overlooking the hall and stairwell. Looked upon everyday. Do know anything about this mysterious painter or have a comment on his works? Let me know...so until we meet again...

Where have I been?-where have you been?

Hey I'm back, I've actually got time again - yes finished with the almighty 'retail' Christmas frenzy, setting up sales and now (that time went fast) launching into the love fest of Valentines.
I'll post 'The little Black Book' soon - showing off the completed photo shoot and how my set design came up. The issue was VERY successful for us.
So after doing that, husband visiting Brisbane, brother arriving from the South Island, home-stays going home for the Christmas holidays, looking after my adorable 2 year old niece - Milan, employing staff for the season and working full-on full-time while trying to maintain a social life, keep family happy, visit Nana on a regular basis, and be awake for Christmas - all a bit much really!
Above are snaps of the decorations that I created for our stores. Feminine, seasonal and sophisticated. Hope you don't mind more xmas theme photos so late after the fact, so until we meet again...

Works of Art

The first artwork is yet to find a home. At the moment it's sitting in the large art-deco wardrobe we use in our lounge. Again I get the urge to do art and by the looks of things, for no apparent reason. I'm thinking of doing up our deck area and perhaps including this as outside art. I just have to think of a way to make it waterproof. The second has a lot of meaning to me. When I first moved into this house it was with three other girls. I had just ended a long relationship and ended up flatting with my dear cousin Erin. We advertised for a third flattie and choose Cathy, who had basically just stepped off the plane from Canada. Three Chic's, young and ready for adventure. We decided 'to hell with the landlord' and redecorated the place ourselves. Choosing the colour scheme and everything. All we needed was some great colourful artwork to bring the silent walls alive. I used an old frame, covered it with a dirty drop sheet that we used for painting and then created 'this' form the actual house paints (again I've always said my house is very colourful). It represents three flowers (us), living in one space, growing together but standing on our own stems and leading different lives but still watching each other blossom. It sits in my living room today. Well hope you enjoy, untill we meet again...

Ideas Interior

Just a few images of interiors that I like. The influence with East meeting West and adding the modern edge. Colour has always played a part for me. You need detail too. Living in something straight out of the showroom, to me, doesn't necessarily reflect personality, it's the small things that count. Especially details that have history or sentimental value. Hope you enjoy, until we meet again...