More hydrangea love.

So pretty, I wish I had some free money (that's not aside for travel) to pick up this sweetie from Felt Good, on Toggle.

Since I already bought one brooch today- I can't really justify it!

Kiwiana.

I did my fair share of Kiwiana gift shopping today, we thought we best have some things to give these great people who are letting us into their homes along the way and to anyone else who helps us out of any sticky situations!

I need some more ideas though? I went to Studio Ceramics, on Hurstmere Road, Takapuna and picked up some great tiki wall hangings, a maori inspired mask wall hanging and a paua bowl (all seconds, I can't see whats wrong with them? and absolutely dead cheap) and then hit the $2 shops for other little bits and pieces (note the I love NZ shotglass, tasteful, hehe). Any suggestions? Lovely Ginny, from Swonderful, just suggested the plastic tomato shaped tomato sauce dispensers (only $2 at Pak n Save she tell me!) and they are definitely a goer, and the tiki salad servers at Iko Iko I must go back and investigate them.

I also have collected a bunch of NZ souvenir spoons, I made myself a Georgina Baker rip-off a we while ago (after I bought one a real one though!) and think I might put them to good use and make some pins and necklaces as unfortunately our budget doesn't stretch far enough for some of Georgie's beaut pieces!

I hit the market in the morning too in Takapuna, hoping to pick up some goodies but there wasn't really anything I fancied in terms of gifts. I did get a little side tracked and bought this pin for myself. I thought it was a steal at $10!

Happy Sundays all round!

The City Designers Market.

A great place to go for brilliant clothes in Auckland is the City Designers Market. Alex and I both bought this skirt last weekend, we figured I'm off and we both loved it that much. It's a Flox number and is such a nice soft fabric. I'd been wondering where all the talent from the Aotea Markets had run off to!

The 'market' (more like a sporadic store) is open every Friday & Saturday, right off the square between High Street and Chancery. You won't miss it and it's not to be missed!

Market Publique.

I just stumbled upon Market Publique and so far love everything about them. Loving the logo and the mushroom tunic especially. They aren't ready for business just yet but sounds like they're nearly there and no doubt they'll stuff sell out immediately (it's all so gorgeous). Their photography is styled so perfectly and are being bandied about on Lookbook 'hot' page too, great advertising no doubt. That's how I came across em!

As well as selling their own bits and pieces it sounds like its going to be a vintage etsy sort of affair so you can upload and sell your own vintage pieces too. Sounds like a bit of me, I've joined the mailing list already. You can see their progress on their blog here.

The treerific thing I did last night.

I went to the Yellow Treehouse! and I'm still grinning from it.
Prepare for photographic essay below.

Thrilled.

All that seemed to be holding us to this tree.

The dinner was a lot of amazing little meals by Dawsons Catering, I couldn't quite get through this one.

The view from our table up.

Diners, Jenny Shipley included, I was a little starstruck.

Popping out to the (porta) loos.

The clean up. We were the last ones to leave. Whoops!

My last shot before hopping in the car and heading home. I found it difficult to say goodbye.

Thank you Tracey and all the staff for making out time there so great!

Making the most of the long weekend.

I've been working on a bracelet project today, since it's a long weekend I thought it would be a good idea to test out some of the things I've had waiting in the wings. I brought these liberty bells before Christmas with grand wrapping ideas in mind but it didn't happen so now here they are on these bracelets.

The longer version, with gold chain.

The shorter version.

I am off to do some very, very exciting tonight, will let in on the secret tomorrow. Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend here in Auckland.

Some things I've been meaning to tell you about.

My good friend Alex is born on Christmas Day. Which makes birthday celebrations a little difficult, so this year we had a small suprise picnic with close friends to celebrate on the 23rd. We set ourselves up, decorations and all (homemade bunting included) in Wenderholm Park, just north of Auckland and all brought scrummy goodies! Kendal baked the cake (which was delicious!) and we think/hope the afternoon was lovely for her.

Happy Birthday again A! xx

Those close to me know am a wee bit of a Obama fan, lets face it who isnt?, to the point where I recieved this for Christmas (and love it!). It was painted by the very talented Libeau team (you can often find them at Kraftbomb) especially for me after a request from my boyfriend, thank you! and thank you guys!

My mum made these little badges to wear on the Inauguration day too, guess Obama love runs in the family.

And last but not least another gift for Christmas I just could not fail to mention (actually two)! Hello Cupcake! Hooray, many happy hours decorating cuppies to come.

But my all time favourite gift this year (well last year now) would have to be my harmonica. I have been blowing away on that baby ever since the 25th, most probably much to the dislike of my family and friends. Hope you're all still enjoying your gifts and got to enjoy some lovely time with your families over the break. xx