Das Park is full of pipes.

One place I'd love to stay in on our travels is the drainpipe 'hotel' of sorts that is Das Park Hotel.

The hotel is situated in a park right off the Danube River, and it's rooms are made from old drainpipes which have been converted into comfortable and stylish sleeping areas. No toilets or showers mind you but I think I could definately survive a night without such luxurious to stay here and it notes that their are public facilities around that can be used.

The best thing I think about this incredible idea is that you pay what you can afford or what you think your night was worth. I can definately see Rosie and I top and tailing in one of their great rooms, I have my fingers crossed we really get to do it.

Starting anew.

Christmas and the new year have come and gone so quickly, it's just about time to get back to it.

Rosemary and I's trip is creeping up on us so fast and I am thinking about it everyday now, a little excited but mostly feeling frightened! So I had a quiet new year up north with good friends and mud underfoot, thanks to December weather here in NZ. Relaxing and trying my hardest to think about today and not tomorrow.

Here are some shots of how I've spent the holidays, with new camera in tow!

A quick stop to admire the view on the way to visit a friends bach in the Coromandel after Christmas.

North Shore Hospital hands sculpture.

Visiting my dad in hospital, a frightening health scare, but pleased to say he's home now and mending. A reasonably rundown hospital with wonderful pieces of art- good to see they have their priorities right.

Cafe Eutopia.

A must stop in to see (and taste) just out of Whangarei .

Curious lizards.

Lifeguard to my snorkel mad boyfriend.

The swonderful bed & breakfast we thankfully got to enjoy a night at after 3 nights of camping.

And their cat Cola.

Bedside reading. How to be the almost perfect wife??

I'm not going to lie, I read the thing cover to cover, it doesn't sound too hard.

Russell's opshop.

I didn't find anything that day but did love their light and changing room decorations. Definately worth a look.

Some of the delightful goodies at the Russell markets (which consisted of about 3 or 4 stalls, all of which were fantastic). How I love hydrangeas, if you do too look here at Ambers tattoo (beaut!).

And lastly. We went Parasailing and it was amazing. This is not us but our day looked very similar. Photo from Hawaii Life.

Happy New Year to all!

The Christmas edition.

Kraftbomb, the Christmas edition, is tomorrow! 11 till 2 at the Grey Lynn Community Centre and this time it's going across both rooms, that means more stalls and christmas goodies for all. I've been working on some rosette present toppers especially for it, see the pictures below.

Make it your last big shopping day out before you collaspe in a heap!
Hope to see you there!

Serena Fagence.

Tonight one of my friends, Serena Fagence, is holding her second fashion show on K Rd. It's at the newly renovated Pull bar, no. 214.

Presented by 1am magazine and it's a show not to be missed. Serena makes amazing one off pieces that will make your eyes boggle, the lead singer of Charlie Ash can often be seen sporting her creations. This time the collection is inspired by unique dyed fabrics and prints forming innovative designs, all of which will be up for sale after the show.

So if you're in the area, pop in. The show starts at 8.30.

Good luck Serena! See you tonight!


Hm. I just read that the fashion show will also include emerging designer Blaire Archibald's menswear collection too. Blaire Archibald, hehe. Any gossip girl fans?

Couchsurfing.

Ah the internet. You are my friend, you have saved the day once again.

With our trip looming and the news that we are not able to stay with one of our friends in Brazil when we arrive, Rosemary and I were feeling rather hopeless and homeless about the Rio leg of our world trip. As we are in Rio for 10 days over the week of Carnaval everything, it turns out, is almost triple the price, even the cheapest hostels were going to be a stretch for us! Unbelievably one place we looked at was 40R the day before Carnaval begins and 180R the next.

But, aha! I remembered that we signed up for a couching surfing site when we first started planning our trip and immediately headed to the site and keyed in Rio. Turns out there are hundreds of 'couches' avaliable for 2 people in the city. We made contact with a few of the people who had really lovely comments from people who had stayed in their homes and crossed our fingers, and patiently waited.

A lovely guy called Jean was the first to reply and was at the ready to help us out and host us once we reached Brazil. After a few emails back and forth it is now done and dusted- we are staying with Jean and his mother (and their two cats!) while in Rio!

'It's ok if you wanna spend 10 days here, as long as you don't turn
the house into a a total mess.. because I'm not leaving you in the streets' What a great guy! Thank you Jean.

The internet (and Jean of course) is a god send, now we can't wait to reach Rio.


Jean, on the left?

Bon voyage.

While looking after our Craftwerk stall last Thursday night we asked a lady carrying a Oui Boutique bag what she'd bought, out came this great canvas Bon Voyage tote. Jess and I oggled the bag and the lady was chuffed- a completely delightful design on such a practical bag. Perfection. As she was putting it back in her shopping bag we noticed the Papercup swing tag. Turns out it's one of the new designs from our wonderful Swonderful friends and I want one!

They just put up their own post about the bags and the other styles here. Just $18! each, santa.. please?

Craft markets.

Craftwerk last Thursday was so great! Unfortunately Jess and I both got so caught up with running the stall and perusing the others that we forgot to take any pictures at all. We particulary enjoyed the new layout- we could breath and the punters could see, thanks Craftwerk! Another fabulous night.

I got myself a beautiful embroidered purse from Ruby in the Dust- which I haven't stopped using. It's the one on the top left of this image below and much bigger and better in real life! A perfect christmas gift at only $15- they will be for sale at the next Kraftbomb (this Sunday the 21st) too if you'd like to pick one up for yourself.


Ruby in the Dust embroidered purses.


Some pencil Christmas gift tags I picked up at Craftwerk.

On Saturday, Rosemary, Alex and I were lucky enough to be involved in the Edward & Son craft market, held in Western Springs. I really wish I had taken my camera as they had set out all the wares so nicely and there was a really great atmosphere too.

I had to dash in and dash out as was working that day, but managed to pick up a few Christmas gifts- the rest I'm hoping to grab at this coming Kraftbomb.
Thanks Edward & Son for having us! The day (or half an hour I was there) was super.



My stash minus the purse (because it's in use!)



Miss Mandy Stepford Brooch for my wonderful grandmother.



And my cat, 'helping' me type.