Christmas stickers

There's been a recent influx of overseas Christmas titles that have just hit Australian shelves. I saw these Christmas seals (effectively little Christmas stickers in the same shape & size as postal stamps) advertised in a December US publication. They've been produced & sold since 1907 with all proceeds going to a US charity.

www.christmasseals.org

Reindeer love

Another E-Bay find. I can't remember how much this adorable vintage candleholder sold for at auction, but remember thinking (in the words of Eliza Doolittle) 'Would'nt it be loverly?'

Taste of Christmas

Us lucky Melbournians have had the amazing 'Taste' food festival run here for the past 2 years. Hands down the best food festival I've visited, I was over the moon to discover London runs a Christmas version 'Taste of Christmas'. It's on from 2-4th Dec 2011. Last year's headline chef was Heston Blumenthal....need I say more?

www.tasteofchristmas.com

Live colourfully

Through-out the year, I'll be blogging about cool design discoveries. This latest Kate Spade ad ticks all the right boxes. Actress Bryce Dallas Howard features in it (she's plays Victoria in the latest 'Twilight' saga movies - don't ask me how I know that!)

www.katespade.com

Designer Nativity Scene

Living in Australia, I often receive overseas Christmas publications a month after Christmas! I got a copy of a UK Christmas magazine the other day and found this beautiful wooden Christmas nativity scene in it. It's based on artwork by NYC textile designer Alexandre Girard.

A month since Christmas...

Today is Australia Day & it's been a month since we celebrated Christmas. While we're celebrating with friends & a BBQ here at home today, our thoughts are still with those Australians that have lost everything because of the recent, devastating floods.

Rustic decorating

I'm off to Sydney soon for work & have been busy looking into shops & cafes to visit in my down-time. In the process, I found this lovely, rustic-looking Christmas decoration from the Woollahra (Sydney) store called 'Orson & Blake'.

www.orsonandblake.com.au

Cookie Exchange

I know it's January & Christmas is over, but I just came across this new book whilst looking at other food titles....

My husband & I have held our own personal 'cookie exchange' for a few years running. Each of us will make a few different types of festive biscuits on a weekend in December. We'll then enjoy the spoils afterwards & share the rest with people we know. I do like the idea of hosting something like this with a group of friends. It'd be a fun day...

NYC poster

Thanks to my buddy 'L2' for knowing exactly what puts a smile on my face! How cute is this poster link that she sent me?

allposters.com

The Hairy Bikers

I miss seeing these guys on TV. Si & Dave are madcap English chefs that travel the countryside cooking & generally being funny. This is their latest book.

www.hairybikers.com

Stuck for gift ideas?

I just visited the very beautiful 'Mud' store in Fitzroy, Victoria. Their flagship Melbourne store recently opened on Gertrude St. Australian-owned, 'Mud' creates amazing ceramics in all colours of the rainbow. Their items make beautiful gifts for friends & family - I was over the moon when I got four Mud pieces from friends & my husband last Christmas.

www.mudaustralia.com

Vintage Advent Calendar

I was tossing up whether to get this Advent Calendar before Christmas but decided against it, as my house is getting a bit too full of decorating props! How cute is it though? I love the vintage designs on it. It's one of the nicest advent calendars I've seen to date...

robertgordonaustralia.com

A designer new year

My very awesome web designer (for my business 'Little Kitchen') just send me the following wish for 2011. Love it...

www.sugarfreedesign.com.au

Festive Jewellery

I have my great buddy Lisa L to thank for introducing me to this cool Australian jewellery brand. She took me shopping towards the end of 2010 & we visited a store that sold 'Mafia Jewellery'. Oh, how I love the ice-skate chain!

www.mafiajewellery.com

New Years Resolution

I'm seriously hankering to go & snack at all the new foodie places I've discovered over the past year or so. So, in 2011 my resolution is to bite the bullet & go and visit some of the amazing new cafes Melbourne has to offer. While I'll need to book an International flight to sample this one, Cafe Vue recently opened up at the T2 International section at Melbourne airport. Soaring windows overlooking the runways, great food & awesome decor - a match made in heaven!

www.vuedemonde.com.au/cafe-vue.aspx

Greenery specialist

A brand new florist & giftshop has opened on Piper St in Kyneton, Victoria. 'Prunella' has instantly become my new favourite store. It has the most amazing vases, ornaments & blooms - I bought some holly from there a few days before Christmas in 2010 & it looked amazing on our table during the festive season.

The Nutcracker Ballet in 2011

In February 2011, Cinema Nova in Melbourne, Australia is screening 'The Nutcracker Ballet' as filmed in Russia's Bolshoi Theatre. The film runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes. Adult tickets are $23 each - a great alternative for those who can't afford to see the ballet in 'real life'.

www.cinemanova.com.au

Have a JOYful new year!

To get the new year off to a sweet start, I recently visited a drop-dead gorgeous cupcake store called 'Joy'. They currently have 2 Australian locations - Westfield Doncaster & Melbourne CBD. Their amazing flavour combinations, cute packaging & incredible interior design make for a super-awesome business.

joycupcakes.com.au

White Christmas - The Movie

I re-watched the old Christmas classic 'White Christmas' about a week ago. There's nothing like a bit of Bing (Crosby) at this time of year. Created in 1954, this movie features some really great song & dance numbers. It's also got the fantastic Rosemary Clooney singing in it (actor George Clooney's aunty for the uninitiated!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CcaNw2CM6o

Country Road Christmas

The other day, I was talking to a 'Country Road' sales assistant about how much I loved the calico sacks in their Christmas display. To my surprise, the sales assistant went off for a minute & came back with 2 for me to take home for free! Such a nice gesture - I'll make sure to put these to good use each year! Also, check out their impressive gift packaging & window displays from Christmas 2010.

www.countryroad.com.au

Have a sweet new year!

My (immediate) new year's resolution is to visit 'LuxBite'. This amazing pastry shop recently opened up in Melbourne's South Yarra at the "Paris" end of Toorak Road! Amongst other things, they make incredible St. Honore desserts. My favourite, I do believe, will be the pistachio flavoured one. Don't even get me started on their amazing business cards - just perfect!

www.luxbite.com.au

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!

After so many attempts the past few weeks to get a last-minute booking at a decent restaurant in Melbourne, I finally got one yesterday (yes, that's right - on New Year's Eve itself!) at Cafe Vue at Heide. Heide is a great art museum in Melbourne that is also home to chef Shannon Bennett's cafe & kitchen garden. I couldn't believe my luck! My husband & I had a great time & a great meal to match (Mine: Beef Cheek with Cafe de Paris mash & a Pistachio and Amaretto creme brulee). The cafe is well worth a visit if you live in Melbourne!

www.heide.com.au/heide_cafe