Akari Noguchi Furniture

I was once given the most beautiful gift. An Akari Noguchi desk lamp which I treasure to this day. Isamu Noguchi was one of the most important artists of the 20th century (1904-1988). Isamu was the son of an American mother and a Japanese father, poet Yone Noguchi. He was born in LA, USA and spent his childhood in Japan before returning to the USA for his early education. As a young man he traveled to Paris to work with renowned sculptors and then went on to develop his own career as an artist in New York. His designs to this day are unique and immediately scream NOGUCHI. Very hard to find, the only store I found that seems reputable would be The Noguchi Museum Store http://akaristore.stores.yahoo.net

THE ULTIMATE KITCHEN

This is my idea of the perfect kitchen & dining room around. I found this in a magazine called "Sunset" which is an American publication really hard to find in Australia. This house is in Savannah, Georgia USA. I can't find the designers to this to credit them but they certainly deserve the credit - just beautiful!

NORTHERN BEACHES ZUMBO ATTACK!!

Just in case you missed Good Living in the SMH today, Adriano Zumbo is looking at opening a shop in Mona Vale on the Northern Beaches!! I know my Husband and Dad are going to be SO happy about A) not traveling to Balmain and B) all the cakes in the world to eat!!!! How exciting read more at:http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/restaurants-and-bars/zumbo-to-stretch-his-sugarcoated-appeal-20100726-10sd5.html

GNP (Gross National Happiness)

Taktshang Goemba (Tiger's Nest Monastery) in the Kingdom of Bhutan is another one for my bucket list. It's a small nation (roughly the size of Switzerland) and is squished between China and India with natural barriers of mountains and forests. In the 1960s the king began the process of modernisation with paved roads, electricity and phones, quite refreshingly TV only arrived in 1999. The fourth King was famously quoted as saying "Gross National Happiness is far more important than Gross National Product." You've got to love a country where plastic bags and tobacco are both illegal and banned. The country opened to international tourism in 1974 with still to this date fewer than 30,000 visit this amazing part of the world per year, with Taktshang Goemba the country's most sacred site to visit, positioned at the gateway to Bhutan, this amazing temple was built in 1962, it's about a 2 hour trek from base and sits some 3000m up a sheer mountain rock face. It's one of the last sacred Buddhist Kingdoms in the world.

AmanKora resort (below) http://www.amanresorts.com/amankora/home.aspx over the last 6 years has opened small lodge-style accommodation in five valleys across Bhutan. The name of the lodges "Amankora" comes from Aman the Sanskrit €word for "peace" and kora the local word for "sacred circular pilgrimage". The properties are high end and have been built with respect to local people and the environment. Guests are invited to join in discussions about peace and happiness and hopefully gain an insight into the buddhist culture and beliefs.

DISCOVER HUNTERS HILL

Hunter's Hill is Australia's oldest garden suburb and a place of national heritage significance. It has a fascinating history. When proclaimed a borough in 1861 it was already known as the 'French Village'. The many early stone houses and buildings are still set in leafy gardens and streets and are close to enchanting bushland areas, including Kellys Bush and Boronia Park.

Its local government area is small (575 hectares), yet it contains seven distinct localities - Boronia Park, Gladesville, Henley, Hunter's Hill, Huntleys Cove, Huntleys Point and Woolwich. There are many places of interest, most of which feature on the sixteen walking trails developed by the locals. Examples are the National Trust's 'Vienna Cottage' (1871), the Council's former Marist Father's retreat 'The Priory' (1857) and the Harbour Trust's Woolwich Dock (1901). Cockatoo Island which lies nearby is now also open to the public.

During 2004 a group of local citizens formed the Hunters Hill Walking Trails Group and developed a series of magnificent interconnected walks throughout the Hunters Hill Municipality. These walks feature the many places of interest and highlight the natural and cultural heritage of the area. The Project is supported by Hunters Hill Council.

HARBOUR CIRCLE WALK

A splendid circular walk between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Gladesville Bridge, with a loop into Hunters Hill. The Walk was launched in September 2005.

GREAT NORTH WALK

This map includes the route of the Great North Walk from Woolwich wharf through Hunters Hill to Fullers Bridge in Lane Cove National Park, with an alternate return track to Figtree Bridge.

SYDNEY HARBOUR AND COASTAL WALKS

A significant series of walking routes around Sydney Harbour and its tributaries, and along the coast between Palm Beach and Cronulla.

COCKATOO ISLAND WALK

Regular ferries now run to Cockatoo Island from Circular Quay and Woolwich wharf. One can take a self guided walk or a tour around this historic island.

SEVEN BRIDGES WALK

The Inaugural 7 Bridges Walk took place on Sunday, 29 October 2006. This annual walk is a major event and traverses the 7 bridges between the City and Hunters Hill. In places it takes a different route to the Harbour Circle Walk because of the number of entrants.

WOODSTOCK

It would be so great to have a time-machine to experience some very cool parts of our world's history. I'm sure there's totally more important points in time to visit - but gee I wish I went to Woodstock.... For now I can just have the artwork and DVD of the festival to remind me of what I missed ;)

THE MARIA ISLAND WALK

I have a list, a list of places to visit, things to do/try - a bucket list.

On the list is The Maria Island Walk in Tasmania. On the website it reads "Four days that will last a lifetime" and I don't doubt that for a second. Day 1 - The walk is only 8km (approx 4 hours) departing from historic Salamanca Arts Centre in Hobart and heads eastward through rolling countryside to Triabunna. Here you board a charter boat exploring the sparkling waters of Mercury Passage en route to Maria Island. You will tread in the footsteps of great explorers and enjoy alfresco lunch on the way with million dollar views. You then stop at Casuarina Beach Camp where you spend the afternoon on short trails along the camp, have a fabulous gourmet dinner. Day 2 - about 13km (6hrs) after a hearty breakfast you retrace the steps of French Explorer Thomas Nicolas Baudin who walked the trail in 1802 along the beach and into the bush. Day 3 - 9km (about 4hrs) you will head inland and enjoy lunch at the Painted Cliffs then continue to the summits of Mt Maria or Bishop retire to a restored home and relax again with dinner and wine. Day 4 - 4km (approx 2hrs) your final steps begin, a circuit route from Darlington through woodlands and forests around Half Moon Bay and return via charter back to Hobart via Richmond and the beautiful Coal River Valley. The pictures above says everything, for more information visit http://www.mariaislandwalk.com.au/c/

AN INVITATION...

Stationery says a lot about a person. All good event or party should have beautiful invitations, and Alannah Rose has some really gorgeous stationery for all occasions.For more information visit http://www.alannahrose.com.au/