THE COLOUR PURPLE

This section is dedicated to my Sis. I can totally understand why purple is her colour - it's my colour inspiration for the day.

DOORS OF THE WORLD

Moment: Have you ever admired the beautiful doors of the world on your travels? We are looking for that ultimate piece to replace our front door, something that tells you enough about the people inside without even meeting them. The front door to your home says a lot about you or the person you are about to meet, next time stop and look at your front door? Or your neighbours - does it tell a story?

APPLES & JAM

This is adorable and gives us hope for the future.

Apples and Jam are a new age child facility located in South Melbourne. Apples and Jam take pride in teaching children that material things can have a second life. They thoughtfully capture the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle, reinvent then mix in our creative flair. Apples and Jam is for everyone who delights in naturally kidding around (that's me!) A place of laughter and discovery, their living classroom weaves planet friendly practice into creative parties and playtime. Apples and Jam sets a new standard with eco friendly practice, whilst still delivering that magical experience for children. They use recycled house materials in all our programs and beautiful decorations that don’t need to be discarded after each party. Hours of bliss spent with their children creating fairy gardens and digging for dinosaurs in sandpits. Parties at Apples and Jam feature old school favourites such as pass the parcel and exciting treasure hunts outside. They believe the first step in caring for our world is to help children understand what makes it so special. The result is an enchanting playscape where children can learn how to make mother nature smile. For more information visit them at http://www.applesandjam.com.au/index.php/home/

MEET MISS JONES AGAIN

I last blogged about Have you met Miss Jones about 2 years ago now. Since then, Jennifer Jones has grown her business dramatically (and rightly so), and has received huge media coverage. She has had a strong presence in most trade fairs and exhibitions and continues to deliver beautiful unique products to market, below are some of the new range, visit her blog and website and see for yourself - I love her products and have them all through my home http://www.haveyoumetmissjones.com.au/_blog/Have_You_Met_Miss_Jones_Blog

DAVID JONES FOOD HALL - NEW SUSHI TRAIN

I made a deal with my lovely husband that I would endeavour to take my lunch to work and have one food adventure day during the week (M - F). I do love him, so I try very hard. Yesterday was my food adventure day, so at 1pm I hit the streets to find the daily treat. David Jones Food Hall has been around for quite some time, it feels like they are investing more in the presentation and options now that they have strong competition from the Westfield Food Arena. Wandering through the Food Hall trying to decide whether I enjoy Oysters and Champagne at the Oyster Bar, or perhaps a Nasi Goreng at the Wok Bar - or maybe the Soup of the Day looks divine at the Produce Bar - not into meat so the Grill's definately out, although it looked pretty good. Gosh where does one start? In addition to above is obviously the fruit, salad, hot plate, curry and roast bars are excellent but I chose the NEW Sushi Train - food was SO good, unique options and have to say very well priced, the best plate options (yellow) were only $3 a plate, which if you know the DJs food hall that is really well priced!!!! As my meal was well under budget ;) I had to treat myself to a chocolate dipped strawberry and banana - YUM!!! They also had chocolate dipped cherries, mangos, walnuts, dates, plums - WOW so good!! More information at http://www.davidjones.com.au/services/foodhall

COCO ROSIE LOVES OPERA KITCHEN

Sydney in Summer is just magical. The best time to be in Sydney would definitely have to be mid Jan to March. The Sydney Festival is on http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2011/ , the days are longer, warmer, the water is at least 25 degrees, wouldn't wish to be anywhere else in the world right now (*~^).

Next week, we are taking Bobby Brown (one of our best mates) for his birthday to see Coco Rosie http://www.cocorosieland.com/ at the Sydney Opera House which kicks of at 8pm. We are going to meet around 6pm to have dinner and drinks in the NEW Opera Kitchen just opened, for more information please visit http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Opera_Kitchen.aspx

The Opera Kitchen hosts some of Australia’s most innovative and celebrated food producers, chefs and sushi artists. It is located on the lower concourse of Sydney Opera House directly adjacent to Opera Bar.

It's an innovative idea, the menu was always restrictive at Opera Bar, now at Opera Kitchen next door, you can order from the cashier a huge selection of divine food from great eateries like Becasse Bakery, Charlie & Co Burgers by Justin North, Cloudy Bay Fish Co. by John Susman, Misschu by Nahji Chu and Kenji a Sushi Restaurant by Kenji Nishinakagawa. Simple process, order at the cashier, get a buzzer, grab a seat by the water (no bookings allowed), grab a cocktail and enjoy the view!!

Let's start with Charlie & Co. Burgers:

Justin North just continues his brand evolution and creates Charlie & Co Burgers, the first one in the new Westfield on Pitt Street and now at Opera Kitchen. Inspired by Charlie Nagreen, one of the original founders of the burger, the Charlie & Co. burgers celebrate the producer as a hero.

Already well known as chef and proprietor of Sydney restaurants Bécasse and Etch and as one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, Justin North believes Opera Kitchen highlights everything that is so great about Sydney. All buns are baked fresh daily by the team of chefs at Bécasse. Highlights include the Wagyu & Co. Burger, The Federation Burger with seasoned Angus beef pattie and the popular hand-crafted Chilli Crab Burger.

Don't feel like a burger, then maybe some sustainable seafood by Cloudy Bay Fish Co:

Pioneered by John Susman, who has partnered with Isaac Piper of Cloudy Bay Clams to supply seafood straight from the sea to the consumer. John is one of the most renowned and respected seafood consultants in Australia. He is a passionate seafood advocate and a pioneer of sustainable fishing practices. Therefore The Cloudy Bay Fish Co. will feature sustainably caught seafood from the Marlborough Sound in New Zealand and a menu which delivers premium quality seafood in a contemporary, delicious form. Highlights include Pink Roasted Salmon from Marlborough, marinated with lemon and herbs, roasted on a cedar plank.The Fish Grill, the daily fresh fish grilled with olive oil, herbs and lemon, served with a watercress salad, tartar sauce and house fries - delicious and sustainable.

Ok - no Seafood, what about some Vietnamese?

MISSCHU By Nahji Chu has been inspired by the opportunity afforded to her in Australia and memories of her childhood in Laos, Nahji proudly represents Vietnamese food at Opera Kitchen - offering a range of exquisite handmade finger food and dishes using only the best and market fresh ingredients.

MissChu offers the best rice paper rolls and dumplings - yes husband, DUMPLINGS!! Some highlights include: Shanghai Pork Dumplings, Chilli prawn Vietnamese Rolls and Salads, Prawn and Scallop dumplings and more. Those who are already a fan of her tuck shop in Darlinghurst will be very excited to eat MissChu now on Sydney Harbour :) http://www.misschu.com.au/

What about some sushi?

In addition to all of the above (phew), there is also Kenji's Sashimi and Sushi Restaurant, which is the only section you can book. Complete Kenji menu can be found at http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/uploadedFiles/Kenji%20Food%20Menu.pdf

What's that - the dessert stomach is empty???

Don't worry, Justin North has you covered. In addition to his burgers he has provided a list of incredible desserts, treats and breakfast/brunch items to enjoy. Highlights include: Toasted brioche with butter and fruit preserve, Pain au chocolate, Pineapple and Coconut muffin, Warm goat's cheese and onion on bread, Lamb and paprika sausage rolls, vanilla bean and passionfruit cheesecake - shall I go on?

I can't wait for next week!!! The full menu for Opera Kitchen can be found at: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/uploadedFiles/Opera%20Kitchen%20Food%20Menu.pdf

COLE & SON - THE NEW OBSESSION

My latest obsession is Cole and Son Ltd in particularly the "Woods" collection of wallpaper they produce. The company history is very cool indeed. It was founded in 1875 by John Perry, son of a Cambridgeshire vicar, the company – then called John Perry Ltd was originally situated in a wallpaper mill in Islington, North London, an area famous for the 200 hand block printing companies working there in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today Cole’s factory is in Haringey, just a few miles further north of the original site, while the showroom is in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. In 1949, they created one of the very first screen printing companies in Europe and now are one of the foremost experts in historic restoration including key works completed on Buckingham Palace and the White House. Visit http://www.cole-and-son.com/home.asp for more inspiration, until then I shall be covering any walls I can find with the above/below :)

JANE SEABROOK

Jane Seabrook spent much of her early career working as an advertising art director before deciding to venture out on her own as a freelance designer and illustrator. In recent years she has focused her artwork on paintings of wildlife, and it is these whimsical studies that formed the inspiration for her series of Furry Logic books. All the paintings in the book are in watercolour, built up in layers, starting with the lightest tones and finishing with the darkest shades. The detail in each painting is achieved with a very small fine brush and most paintings take around ten days to complete. These days, Jane works from her studio just north of Auckland, New Zealand you can find more information on her website at http://www.furrylogicbooks.com/profile.php