SWEET INIFINITY

The Big G came back from lunch and said I HAD to try this new bakery in the Strand Arcade. By god, The Big G was right! I've just had the best after lunch treat this week! A mini Lemon Meringue Pie from Sweet Infinity Bakery in the Strand Arcade on George Street CBD. The store doesn't look like much from the outside but trust me, don't walk on by, stop, smell, TASTE! Turns out they have a fabbo catering business as well as their bakery in Riley St. Oh and some award :) Winner of the Foodies Achievement SMH 2009.... Visit them at http://www.sweetinfinity.com.au/

SWINGERZ!

I'm sure everyone remembers moments as a child at some point on a swing. My memories are about the very cool tree swings we used to have in our neighbourhood, which the local dad's had designed and built.

I think the 1900 steel Swing Chair by Fermob is the prettiest tree swing ever! I think it's only available from the gorgeous folk at www.cotswoldfurniture.com.au - what do you think?

UNIQUE ENTERTAINING

I love making an effort to entertain guests. Little things make a difference and often your homeware adds to the appeal.I'm a big fan of water jugs, whether it sits on your bedside table to quench your midnight thirst or whether you use it for entertaining, it is a forgotten often neglected piece of homeware. Just because something is practical doesn't mean it can't be beautiful :)

I LOVE the new colour range of Georg Jensen Quack thermal jugs. I love the designers quote on her piece "A thing should never just be a thing" too true! The jug is highly functional and is insulated to keep drinks hot or cold for up to 4 hours. The new colour range includes lavender, forest green and pearl blue... visit www.georgjensenstore.com.au for more info.

iittala (www.iittala.com) is a renowned Finnish design brand, a little hard to find pieces in Australia. I've spotted pieces mainly in Nordic Fusion and David Jones. Let me know if you find other outlets. They specialise in homeware and glassware and use leading worldwide designers including our own Marc Newson to design for their range.

Klaus Haapaniemi first designed the beautiful Taika range (meaning Magic in Finnish) and followed up spectacularly with his Satumetsa mystical forest range. The owls and foxes in Taika like in a snowy winter landscape whilst the Satumetsa design brings a summer feel with young deer as the main feature. I just love these products....

THE END OF HUNTING

I'm loving the new trend of wall sculptures floating around.
These innovative ideas should demonstrate to the dead animal head on a wall loving folk that there are alternatives and that hunting is so 1885! :)

There are various options in market that are made out of foam, or fake fur like materials but my fave is the Moose & Deer head range from Belgian designer Vlaemsch (www.vlaemsch.be).

These are made out of ply wood, which comes from sustainable forests.
You can purchase from various stores like www.dedeceplus.com or http://hartandheim.com.au/ or www.objexanddezire.com.au or http://www.formeaustralia.com.au/

HAVE YOU MET MISS JONES?

Once you do, you'll never forget her! This is a unique lifestyle company that specialises in selling bone china, clay pottery, capiz shell and metal lacework. You would have seen some of her pieces around in various gift stores mainly the bone china work.

Miss Jones aka Jennifer Jones has a background in fashion having worked in the UK and Australia for iconic brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike and Diesel. After 10 years in the industry Jennifer Jones left and started Have you met Miss Jones in 2006.

The company has gone from strength to strength over the years and is one of my ultimate favourite companies. I have so many of her pieces around my home and the pieces make fabulous gift ideas.

Below a small taste on some of her bone china products, for more info visit www.haveyoumetmissjones.com.au

BONDI DREAMIN'

Saturday morning I met The Divine Miss M in her local hood and spent the morning eating, shopping and people spotting. Avoid the tourist traps and hang out in Bondi - local style!

Start with some brunch at Deli Bottega Shop 1/ 144-148 Glenayr Ave Bondi Beach (02) 9365 7319. The salads are HUGE and amazing, Divine Miss M had the poached chicken salad with lentils (around $14), looked amazing and I had the tasting plate consisting of white anchovies, sundried tomato, manchego cheese and a big helping of crusty bread. YUM!

Now we have plenty of energy to carry on :) Next stop back to 143 Curlewis St, Bondi Beach to Chilton's Antiques. This store has the most beautiful antique jewellery and unique one-off vintage pieces.

Then head down and turn right up Gould St, there are so many places along this strip such as Shonna Joy Fashion, Electric Monkey (who always has the best bargains) and my ultimate favourite it BUTIK, 94-98 Gould St, Bondi Beach. They specialise in finding unique fashion and accessories that you won't find in any other store. Currently they have a selection of boots/shoes that are very Pocohantas plus hand made bags from Byron Bay.

We took our time down Gould St then turning right up Hall St with more shops to wander around. In 3 hrs we ate, shopped and spotted some amazing finds! Til next time Miss M.

BIG KIDS & LITTLE KIDS UNITE!!!

Are you a big kid at heart? Do you love to throw a great party? Bake much?
Here are some fun items I've found in my travels... love, love, love!!!!

Wiltshire have created a range of baking accessories called Little Chef. My favourite pieces are the silicone moulds that provide jigsaw segments. Quite clever - basically pre-made bite size pieces of cake ready to serve but how fun to try and piece the puzzle together to create a dinosaur, rabbit or butterfly? You can purchase at most stores including Myer or try www.petersofkensington.com.au they have some great specials online.

There's another fabbo website called www.littlebetsybaker.com.au one of the best online baking stores I've seen. My cousin would love this!!! The cookie cutter range alone includes castles, martini glasses, rockets and more :)

Nordicware made in USA is quite difficult to source in Australia. They have THE most amazing range of high quality non-stick baking moulds. Some of my favourites include the Big Caterpillar, Train, Easter Bunny, Octopus and Mini Castles. Alfresco Emporium in Collaroy has a large range visit in store or go to www.alfrescoemporium.com.au to purchase online.

Ok, so you've got the essentials, now you need some stationery to send invites, organise goody bags - look no further than www.papereskimo.com.au products or visit places like Pulp in Balgowlah www.pulpcreativepaper.com.au



Now it's time to party!!

MARKET DAY

I don't know about you, but I love trawling through markets on a Saturday or a lazy Sunday with friends. My grandfather and I used to go to the markets together going through people's trash to find hidden treasures, memories I'll always keep with me. There are some fantastic markets around Sydney, here are my favourites:
Glebe Markets - Every Sat 9am - 4pm www.glebemarkets.com.au
Rozelle Markets - Every Sat 9am - 4pm www.rozellemarkets.com.au
Paddington Markets - Every Sat 10am - 4pm www.paddingtonmarkets.com.au
Narrabeen Markets - 3rd Sun of month www.blueskymarkets.com.au
Bondi Beach Markets - Every Sun 10am - 4pm www.bondimarkets.com.au

VINTAGE TREASURES

Vintage pieces are a great investment. They are unique and have a story to tell.
If you are looking for that special vintage piece for your home or office, then look no further than VAMPT in Surry Hills. VAMPT buys, sells and hires danish furniture, retro & art deco classics.
Stock is constantly changing & the staff are always happy to help you source a specific item. Visit them at: www.vamptvintagedesign.com