Paisley St Claire

Japan: cat parlor

Its no secret that the Japanese can be a little bit quirky. So when in Tokyo, we decided to do as the Tokyoites do and go to a cat parlor (they call it a 'cat house' but I think cat parlor is cuter). This one is at the top of Tokyu Hands in Ikebukero and is called Nekobukero (a little play on neko - meaning 'cat' and Ikebukero - the suburb). The fascination for me was to see people (most in there were adults) super excited about the prospect of getting to hand feed and pat ordinary household cats.

We spend our time watching cats sleep and trying to coax shy ones from their hiding spots. After about 5 minutes, a lady comes and jingles a little tamborine. Cats come running from everywhere - there were more cats in there than I had thought. She then hands out a little handfull of cat biscuits and we proceed to entice cats to eat from our hands. I'm no going to lie - it was fun - and I'm a dog person. 

Day-Ruining Notepads

Something to make my husband laugh today - and I'm sure there are a lot of readers who would like one of these too - Day-Ruining Notepads.

Typographer and illustrator, Jessica Hische, has developed her own 'Business Solutions for Incredibly Annoying Clients' in the form of a notepad of invoices which require annoying clients to remit payment for things like comfort pizza, ibuprofen or 30 minutes of necessary therapeutic phone ranting to a friend. Basically, all the things you wish you could say and do to your client, but can't. Love it.

Shop for Jessica's notepad and typographical prints here.  

Together Forever

When I got married I planned everything down to the last detail and everything was absolutely perfect... except the cake. We had little people made out of icing by the cake maker. Unfortunately, I discovered the day before the wedding that the little people looked ridiculous and didn't even have the right coloured hair. She then tried to fix the hair colour and made it even worse. It was the one failure of the wedding.

So you can imagine, every time I see one of Sarah Neuburger's gorgeous (and perfect) cake toppers I cry a little inside. Maybe I will treat myself to one for my 10th wedding anniversary. Find out more about Sara's cake toppers in her store Together Forever.

I'm on a horse

Ok, this is not the thing I usually post about but it made me laugh so I'm sharing.

Via Bust Magazine.

Here I am...

Its been a busy couple of weeks so I'm glad to be able to finally blog again. A lot of my time has been taken up organising my sister's upcoming bridal shower. Of course, a happy by-product of that is that I have a huge stash of great webfinds to share. Stay tuned.

Sweet tea cups found here.

Kindle My Heart

I'm always touched by people who take steps to actively make a difference in the world. Kindle My Heart was just an idea to Californian local, Vanessa da Costa, but within only a couple of months she established a wonderful program with the mission to empower and support young girls.

Aimed at helping girls and young women who have experienced some kind of personal trauma, such as cancer, abuse or the juvenile system, Kindle My Heart uses meditation, art and beauty to make a positive change in their lives. The program is sponsored by the Art of Living Foundation who teach a Youth Empowerment Workshop that involves breathing techniques and yoga and Paul Mitchell salons who offer a beauty day, plus gift bag with hair products. Kindle My Heart also arranges for artists to teach art classes to children in hospitals, donates parenting books for young mums and Valentines and Birthdays cards to hospitals.

Its only the beginning for Kindle My Heart, Vanessa has lots more ideas to help young girls. And there is an easy and super fun way you can help... shopping! Go to the Kindle My Heart store and make a purchase - 100% of the profits from the sale of their shoes and mini skate decks are used to support the program, including buying wigs for cancer survivors. The beautiful artwork on these pieces have been donated by Brazilian artists Patchoca and Rubens LP.

Alexander McQueen

Sadly, this morning I (literally) awoke to the news that British designer, Lee McQueen had died. What a tragic loss to the fashion industry. The company's official statement can be found here.

As mentioned before, this Alexander McQueen Novak tote is one of my absolute favourite handbags.

To market, to market...

Its a HUGE weekend for designer markets in Brisbane this weekend! The good news is that if you are organised you should be able to make it around to all of them - I'm going to try.

 

The first ever and much anticipated Brisbane-based Finders Keepers market opens when: Saturday at 12 noon and runs right into the night and then starts again on Sunday at 10am. Where: at The Old Museum in Herston (ie. next to the show grounds). Who you'll see: some of Queensland's top independent designers and artists, like Michelle Freer, Blossom Creations, Little Jane St, Liana Kabel and Kim Wallace of Udessi. For full details check out the website.

 

Mathilda's Market is undoubtedly the biggest and best markets in Australia for unique, stylish, beautiful baby and kids stuff. When: Sunday from 9am to 1pm where: Brisbane City Hall. Who you'll see: superb designers, artists and retailers like Honey Bunch, My Girl, Mini Mermaid, Cute as Buttons, Tiny Concept and Baby Goes Retro.  For full details check out the website.

 

And of course, the original supporter of independent and emerging designers in Brisbane - South Bank's Young Designers Market will also be on this weekend (its on the first Sunday of every month). When: Sunday 10am to 4pm. Where: on the lawn which runs along Little Stanley Street (across from all the restaurants). Who you'll see: the line up of designers and artists at YDM is always changing and there are always new retailers so its best to just go along and check it out - who knows what you might discover? Check out the website for more info.

Edited to add: I've just found out that two of my favourite Brisbane designers will be at this weekend's YDM: Thea & Sami and Hot Toffee.

So if you're in Brisbane, there's no excuse for having nothing to do this weekend. Grab some cash, have a great time and support the local designers!

Boutique Markets @ Portside Wharf this Sunday

The Boutique Markets at Portside Wharf is on again this Sunday (12th July) from 8am to 4pm. It will be an extra huge day because it coincides with Portside Wharf's annual Coffee and Chocolate Affair which starts at 10am - just in time for morning tea. I've seen the list of stall holders for this weekend's Boutique Markets and there are some great retailers like Little Jane St and Thea and Sami. Should be a great day.

Also, I've updated my bloglist (on the right) with a few new Fresh Blog Finds. Some great blogs - something for everyone.

Have a great weekend! 

Free Lily&Cino Desktop Wallpapers

Brisbane-based boutique stationery label, Lily&Cino, have listed 6 gorgeous FREE wallpapers for your computer on their blog, a lily in bloom. Click here to get the details on how to download a wallpaper and instantly turn your desktop from geek to chic.

Brisbane ABCD (part 2)

Ok, so I see from Steph's post about the Brisbane ABCD meet-up that my gift bag didn't have some people's cards. Here are the people I missed:

Anna's renovation blog, Toxteth.

Beckybean's gorgeous bags made from coffee sacks. Check out her store and blog.

Divine jewellery by Madeleine Brown.

Danielle of Nesting Bird Interiors.

Brisbane ABCD

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Brisbane ABCD (Artists, Bloggers, Crafters & Designers) Meet-up at the Powerhouse. The meet-up was organised by the fabulous Kim of Udessi and Steph from Bondville. It was wonderful to meet so many creative and very talented people. Regetably I didn't get to talk to everyone so that will be my mission for next time.

Most people were able to drop a little something in the gift bag, which was so much fun to go through when I got home. Thanks for the kitkat Kim!  So, given that I'm going on holidays for a week I thought it would be cool to share the links of some of the ABCD lovlies to satisfy your pretty-things cravings.

Screenprinted hemp/organic cotton homewares by Red Seed Studio.

Gorgeous bags handmade using vintage and reclaimed fabrics from Obelia. Check out the brand new etsy shop here.

Delightful design and illustration by TskTsk. Love this.

Jane Peacock's charming pendants under the label, Girls Made This.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful dolls from Tiny Concept. Contact Kristina to discuss the custom options available.

Bright and colourful paintings by Nadine Sawyer.

Possibly the sweetest toys I have ever seen - Florence Forrest's Flying Star Toys.

Pedrosprout booties and other treasures. The booties are made from Kunin Eco-fi felt, a high quality polyester fibre made from 100% certified recycled plastic bottles. Neat.

 

Kylie Johnson's enchanting Paper Boat Press pieces.

 The always elegant Bespoke Press. Check out their gorgeous blog here.

 

Check out retailer & stylist, Sarah's blog, Red Felt Flower. Thanks for sharing some of your favourite things - super sweet!

 

I also got to check the brand new issue of Peppermint Magazine and meet the magazine's Founder/Editor, Kelley Sheenan. This is a truly great magazine so get your hands on a copy. This issue's cover is illustrated by sublime Bec Winnel.

 

Gorgeous new eco-friendly stamps and cards by my friend Erin at Blossom Creations.

 

Check out the dreamy blog Kurashi Arekore by Momo, who also makes little people's clothes with pure linen, organic hemp, 100% cotton and eco felt.

 

Lily & Cino boutique stationery and handmade jewellery by my friend Michelle Freer. Check out her blog here.

 

Of course, also check out Kim Wallace's website Udessi where she sells her own ceramics (above) and other great Australian art, craft and design items.

 

If you're looking for the lowdown on cool Australian art, design and products bookmark Steph's blog, Bondville.

 

And if you are wondering what I do, this is my website here. That's me in the first photo on the far left.

With Sadness & Love

 
This week I'm sending my love to all the Australians who are suffering. To those in North Queensland who have endured the floods and to those affected by the devastating bushfires in Victoria - the worst in Australian history. As I write this the death toll stands at 173 with 800 homes lost and 5000 people now homeless. If you are able to help, donations can be made to the official Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009 via the Australian Red Cross website.

Image: Lola & Bailey brooch at Modamuse.

Australia Day

Happy Australia Day aussie readers! Hope you enjoyed the holiday.

For non-Australians here is the recipe for Lamingtons (pictured above), a classic Queensland treat - soft sponge cake dipped in chocolate icing and coated in coconut. So yummy.

Image: Gourmet Traveller

Feels good to be loved

Thanks to redblackbrown for the lovely mention on their blog. If you're into art and design this is a blog to watch. Also, they're giving away some very cool calendars - check it out and leave a comment.

I'm also feeling a little bit of renovation envy today. Check out the amazing basement renovation by Yvestown (top) and the gorgeous diy table in Bespoke Press' studio (bottom).

Happy New Year! Welcome 2009!

Well, there you have it another year over. I'm kind of glad really, 2008 was not that great a year. Nothing especially bad happened but I just look back on the year and I don't remember anything that fantastic happening either.

So here's to a new year, new beginnings and new possibilities. Welcome 2009!

Limited Edition 2009 Birdie Desk Calendar by Joom available here.

Tag Me Happy

The lovely Nicole from Bits of Toffee tagged me last week to share '6 quirky/unimportant things that make me happy', then tag 5 other people to do the same.

So here goes:

 

1. My 20-month-old daughter's obsession with geckos  - the little lizards that run around on the outside of our windows at night. It was one of the first words, 'gocko'. She squeals with delight when she sees them and makes everyone go look. She also loves drawing but the only thing she wants people to draw for her is a gecko.

2. My son, who is 5, never says 'breakfast'. He always calls it breakwix - a cross between breakfast and weet-bix.

3. Breakfast makes me happy. I have the same cereal everyday because I love it so much.

4. I wanted to take my husband to Japan ever since we met (because I love Japan so much) and then when we went last year he fell in love with it too - maybe even more than me. It makes me happy that we both love it.

5.  My dog having a hair cut. They say change is as good as a holiday, well a haircut can give you a whole new breed of dog. He usually looks more like a husky.

 

6. Sleep, oh sleep (but proper sleep where you're not being used as a pillow or foot rest). You do make me the happiest of all. *My husband took this picture with his phone and then took it to his work so everyone could have a laugh.

There you go. Thanks Nicole!

 I tag the following people: A Lily in Bloom, Handmaiden, That Girl Designs, Design Lovely,  and Jenn Ski.

And the winner is...

Can you help?

I know I've mentioned Softies for Mirabel before but after reading Pip's post on Meet Me at Mikes I feel compelled to mention it again. I am thankful that my children live in a home completely devoid of drugs and alcohol. Sadly, there are children for whom the exposure to illicit drugs is a daily experience. Mirabel reaches out to these children. We can help Mirabel.

Go here to find out what you can do, its not difficult - there are even non-crafty options. If Melbourne is a long way from where you are, perhaps find a local charity working towards this cause and support it.

Have a lovely weekend.

Well, thank goodness for that...

 
Obama Hope poster by Shepard Fairey.