Good Stuff Holiday Guide

One of my favourite stores to visit in Melbourne was Meet me at Mikes. Now no longer, the owner Pip Lincolne is concentrating on her writing career (check out her books here) which to my benefit, is fruitful and oh so helpful.

I really do want to be Pip's best friend, though because we live in different cities and aside from the minor detail that we don't know any of the same people to meet to become besties, best that I just follow her online activities.

Pip's done us all a wee favour this Chrissie. Good Stuff Holiday Guide is just what it says on the tin - pretty awesome shit to get for your loved ones this present season. It's got 127 pages of things for your table, things for your feet, things for your mouth (corn fritters, yuuuummmmm), things to make, things to do, and things to visit. C'arn, get it in ya.

Updated: I realise that this is a flash file so doesn't come up on your smart phone. Here's the direct link, go forth.

Open publication - Free publishing - More craft

Smug

Is an indication of a good weekend purchasing a beautifully tailored vintage skirt? Visiting another cracking East London pub? Having the sun shine whilst walking along the street, popping in and out of interior design stores?

It's got to be, doesn't it?

A cloudy day, turned into sunny skies as my companions and I meandered along Upper St today. I normally ride along this road on my way to work, pedalling along furiously, my internal competitiveness kicking in. So today I wanted to take it in, peruse the boutiques and absorb their wares.

I've been in and out of the laneways that run parallel to Upper St many time before. Today turned a corner however, as it the first time I noticed SMUG, an interior design store housed with just about everything I love.

Filled with deco glasswear, retro furniture, accessories, kitchen utensils and more, SMUG made me smile- it's exactly the store I want to own. Immediately, SMUG made me want to have my own space to fill with all SMUG wear.

I'm keeping my eye on this one; I suggest you pop in when you're around Islington. Make day of it, then maybe your weekend will be as good as mine just was.

Smug
13 Camden Passage
Islington London N1 8EA

Throws

Because I'm a bit of a nanna, there is nothing better for me than couch-time on a cold day with a soft throw. I have sensitive skin, so it's paramount that the throw be the right fabric, nothing itchy will suffice.
Here are some ones that I could love to adorn my couch with.

Jocker Throw, by Missoni Home - £213

Merino Throw, by Waverley Woollen - $289



Large camel wool throw, by Cammello - £239

Nancy knitted grey throw, by feather & black -£99

Comparisons

I feel so horribly inadequate. I know I'm only young and there is a lot more life to live, though comparisons are inevitable and Lord above, do I compare.

As I watch TV, I'm comparing myself to Kirstie Allsopp, right now. She's a bit amazing in my eyes, and has achieved so much at 35 years. I know she's had a small helping hand, what with her lineage and being deemed 'The Honourable' from birth, though she truly has achieved. TV career, amazing style, home, family etc etc. She also has a kitchen to die for!

I think I need to cast aside this emotional immaturity and grow up. It's a hard pill to swallow when you realise you are falling behind and you not being taken seriously is due to your own shortcomings. My answer is to always educate yourself further, be it through a school or a course; to better one's mind is to be one's self.

There are so many options, which contributes to a intolerance of life. I need a bravery coat to jump in at the deep end. Or a therapist. Oh such indulgence!

When I grow up, I want to be Kirstie.

All I want for Christmas...

Robin cushion by Donna Wilson100% lambswool, knitted in Scotland.

Available in 3 colourways: brown with red robin, mustard with a bluebird and lilac with a green bird!Just beautiful and I can just image it sitting on my bed, tweeting away.

40cm x 40cm
Price £65.00

In Good Company Oiva plate by Marimekko
Design by Sami Ruotsalainen

The collection includes five cups, three bowls, three plates, a tea pot. I love the beautiful turquoise colour- I can just see my dressed table now, the pale pink peonies contrasting against the setting.

Available through the Finnish Design Shop.
Price on application.

Henry Dreyfuss 1950's Princess Phone in Baby Pink

I would be sitting on my bed, talking to 'Bud' or 'Chip', twirling the cord around my finger and popping my gum.

Available through PMC Telecom.

Price £29.35

Miu Miu Leather studded tote

I drool over this bag, it's such such a statement piece.

Of course, it would probably put my shoulder out after I fill it with copious amounts of let's face it, junk. Doesn't stop me from lusting.

Available through Net-A-Porter

Price £920