California Dreaming - a must see

No I'm not writing about the cool Red Hot Chilli Peppers song Calfornication - although that was stuck on repeat in my head - today we are Scouting (see what I did there?) out the cool exhibition currently at Queensland Art Gallery.

I know I'm very late in getting this to you, and everyone has written and photographed this exhibit, but I could not share with you one of the best exhibits I've see in a long time. Plus, you only have a few weeks to get on board - it finishes on Feb 9.

This was completely up my alley. Architecture. Check. Fashion. Check. 1950-1960 design. Check. Yes I was happy a chappy when I saw this. 

Now for the boring info (but necessary). California Design is an exhibition that looks at a broad spectrum of industrial, architectural, commercial, fashion and craft design from California from 1930-1965.

Organised by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and curated by Wendy Kaplan (Curator and Department Head) and Bobbye Tigerman (Associate Curator) from LACMA’s Decorative Arts and Design Department, the exhibition presents over 250 objects, including an iconic aluminium 1936 Airstream ‘Clipper’ trailer.

My favourites are the beautiful fashion items (aside from the out there swimwear- I would still wear all of the dresses) and focus on acclaimed designers Charles and Ray Eames (have a design crush on these two). 

The ball and chain and I have on the bucket list to own a beautiful Eames (replica of course! hey not rolling in money over here) chair and floor lamp. Oh one day, but until then here daydream along with me. 

Check out more details at this website thingo - http://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/current/california_design_19301965_living_in_a_modern_way

And dudes just in case your head is as weird as mine - here's the cool song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn67vSHIdOs

Flying south

In the words of the art (edited ) I am curious to explore Brissie

Why is it that it's only when you have people over or visiting that you really take the time to appreciate where you live and what it has on offer?

Why should all the cool stuff only be reserved for visitors or tourists?

It's with this in mind that I decided this weekend would be the start of a completely un-organised, non-routine and sporadic (knock, knock, are you still reading or have you already nodded off after all this excitement! ha) attempt to try a new activity or day out of my new home town - Brisbane.

The idea is that we'll try and explore a different activity each month.

The idea came about for two reasons - I was walking past the Brisbane Eye (or The Wheel of Brisbane for those factual people) on Friday and I saw/heard a very young kid yell out to his mum 'weeee, mum this is the funniest thing I've ever done.'

This got me thinking, why is it that this kid has been up there and I haven't. I have visited London a number of times (having an English husband does that to you!) and still yet never been up on the London Eye.  Secondly, the kid's excitement got me thinking about how every time I move I always have an attack of regret/guilts that I haven't done more in the place. You know what I mean, stuff you only ever do if you have the tourists knock on your door, you know visit the zoo, museums, beaches, funky cafes go and see a show.

All of these events (still there? riveting stuff I know), led me to coming up with this non-original idea to explore our home town.

So here goes. Today, armed with hangovers, lack of sleep and a rainy day, we opted to make the first day less stressful and more about sitting on our buts.


We went up on the Wheel. It was a great day for it. It had just stopped raining so when we up ($15/adults) the city looked really fresh and clean. We were told we would get to go around four times and were pleasantly surprised to go around about 8/10 times. I was too distracted with the view to count...

It was great...but by the last go I was ready to get off. Would have been magical at night with the sky lit up and twinkling...but was still amazing and highly recommend it. It's a great way to view this great city from a full 360 degrees.

After that we went for a wander down to the South Bank markets. Haven't been there for years. While there is a lot of touristy crap (sorry market vendors if you are reading this, I meant the other vendors not you), there are some cool stalls. One we found and stayed at for a while, is the vintage poster stand. Really well priced and boxes segmented in travel, Britain, old Australian posters, movie posters, fashion and beauty...some real gems and not badly priced. We got the three beauties (see below) for the vintage poster wall for $25.

After all the walking and searching, we ended up heading home via Red Hill's absolute gem Real Food Botanica. Every morning they make gorgeous desserts and treats that are all gluten free. I was in heaven...we got the passionfruit cupcake and the raspberry and white chocolate muffin.  Whether you are gluten intolerant or not, pop in and see them....beautiful food. botanicarealfood.com.au.

Until next time, I'll continue scouting out some gems and share them with you when I can be bothered or using this as an excuse not to vacum or do something mature like.

x

Five of the best

I was once told that writing a story based on lists was the height of laziness as a journalist, but I say bugger it with today’s post.

One, this is just a self-indulgent project and doesn’t have an overbearing editor breathing down my neck and secondly, it’s Sunday and I’m writing it while wearing Target PJS and odd socks. Yes Carrie Bradshaw eat your heart out!

Sorry for the long delay in posts, but hey so what, I’ve been too busy enjoying this great city and life to give a hoot.

But for some reason I woke up this morning with an all-encompassing urge to write an update on five things that have been circling in this crazy brain.

Five things that I have been scouting out and can’t recommend highly enough to you…

First off, mainly because there is a little time limit on this one, I can’t recommend highly enough for you to beg, steal and borrow to grab the last tickets to the Empire show currently decked out at King George Square in Brisbane. It’s amazing.  

It’s a sexy, burlesque version of Cirque de Soleil and is set in an intimate theatre of the round…and yes, you can get up anytime to replenish your drink and sit back like you are in someone’s lounge room and enjoy the marvel of human talent. It’s a show of comedy, circus, variety and burlesque.

Below is a link to the show I am talking about. Unfortunately, I was too busy enjoying the show to whip the camera out…but here is one of my lovely friend Robyn (who designed the header for this blog by the way – yes she’s super talented) and I before the show…and the carousel and performer who just happened to be sitting behind us. As you usually see at a show! 

This is just an example of how weird and wonderful this show is.  Be quick as the show finishes in Brisbane on June 30…but is travelling around Australia. http://www.empireaustralia.com/

Number two. While reading the Courier Mail last weekend, I came across a cool story about a new exhibition, titled Madmen, at my home away from home – the Woolloongabba Antique Centre.

It started on June 14 and runs until the 24^th. I went along on Saturday and had a look. It’s amazing and yes you can buy the posters too.

It’s a display of rare print advertising from the early 1900s to today, put together by enthusiast Roy Sims.

There are original ads from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Vespa to even Ovaltine. It’s amazing and a true reflection of the wonderful art that used to go into advertising.

While I couldn’t find it, apparently one of the oldest one he has is an original French ad for the Moulin Rouge, dating back to 1906.

They are really well priced. I picked up this gem from 1924 for our new office wall – only $40.

It’s really worth a look. Really interesting…particularly seeing the sexism in advertising and really how little we’ve come in this area.

Thirdly, this new place called Grand Ideas recently opened near us at Northgate. It’s right across from the train station. It has a great little café at the front – made out of an old shipping container and reclaimed furniture and the Grand Ideas shop behind.

It’s an amazing treasure trove of reclaimed furniture, recycled timber…anything you can think of that is second-hand. It has old hospital cupboards, seats from an old cinema, masks from old theatre backdrops, and row-upon-row of salvaged doors from old homes.

We visited – well I dragged four of us under the guise of Sunday breakfast – and low and behold the shop behind just ironically as we finished our eggs benedict. Wow it’s amazing how these miracles just happen! Ha ha

Owners, Paul and Christine run the shop and are just amazing. Their enthusiasm for salvaging wood and furniture is infectious and I’m pleased to say they haven’t succumb to making this form of furniture wanky or overpriced like many other places in Brisbane.

I take my hat off to the couple, who apparently have been working towards opening this store for nearly three years while collecting the gems.

Go and say hello and go treasure hunting. Their website is http://www.grandideas.com.au/.

Leading from three to four, is our new office. Thanks to two beautiful pieces from Grand Ideas, we’ve being busy creating two work stations for our home office.

After years of sharing one desk and many fights over our own unique filing systems for stories and projects, we’ve finally developed our own areas. THANK GOD.

No more searching for my story ideas and clippings among Ed’s endless love of post-it notes and hundreds of wires connecting to his new IT toy.

We bought an old door, sanded it back and converted into a trestle table. We bought an old table from Brisbane Racing Club (complete with the word Finish stencilled in it) and gave it a bit of TLC to turn into my desk. Here are a few photos of our work in progress.

We’ve (thanks to Ikea white frames) create a wall to finally hang our collection of random pieces of art. I bought a book of drawings of New York for 50c at the recent Life Line Bookfest and ripped out sheets to make some pieces. We’ll keep you posted if this works or not or if it looks like crap. Could go either way ha ha.

And finally, two songs I have on repeat that I love. Both very funky, hopefully you enjoy them too.

http://vimeo.com/64070110

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5Os1RRYDsA

Have fun scouting out new gems. 

A day in Dayboro

The beautiful pub at the end of the main street. Just loved the fig trees.

Following on with our mission to explore our new home town, we decided to venture north and up to the hills during the Easter long weekend.

The three of us ended up at Dayboro ... rather fitting 'a day at Dayboro'.

I have never been here. For those like me who have no idea where it is, it's on the way to Woodford and about 40 minutes out of north Brisbane. Basically go to Stafford or Everton Park and keep driving to the hills.

I can't recommend it highly enough for a day trip.

I really loved everything about this town. From the drive through the hills to the great little stores, Dayboro is a very cool place to visit.

Some great finds in here.

I was also impressed at the vintage/retro feel to the town. Right across the road from the cool pub (complete with big fig trees out the front and wooden picnic benches) there is an antique shop and a Bohemian vintage shop. Well worth the look.

Further down the street - heading towards the renown Dayboro bakery - is a vintage clothes store and one of the best little delis I've been to in a long time.

I'll let the photos tell the story.


But before I do, after your little trip through Dayboro take the time to continue to the hills and head towards Mt Mee and drive along the tourist drive - it's simply stunning.

I knew this place deserved a post when I saw a Mockingbird book

Check out Bohemism De-cor. It's on the corner. Some great stuff

Cute book shop.

Random but vintage clothes in here - worth a dig round.

The best deli! And dog friendly

Barkley begging to go and see the cows  rather than drink coffee

It wouldn't be a funky shop without a flamingo.

Everyone needs a little OSHA in their lives

I never thought I would be dedicating a blog post to funky baby clothes and toys. But then, I never thought I would enjoy eating fetta and jam sandwiches. Wonders never cease.

Anyhow, I wanted to let the photos speak for themselves in this blog, but I should give you a little background info before I shut up for the purpose of this blog.

Four friends of mine that I went to high school with have started up a very cute business called OSHA Handmade. When they started having babies (which apparently happens when you are mature and all - someone forgot to send me this memo) this creative lot decided to start sewing cute little dolls and clothes when their babies were sleeping. Due to the feedback they got about the pieces, they decided to launch a business to sell their wares at markets.

This very crafty lot (I am still yet to figure out how this talented bunch got stuck with me at school - but that's for another blog and time), have made some wonderful items. They use vintage fabrics and linen to make the cutest little outfits and toys.

I love the little owls (see below) and make it a habit to get one for all my dear family and friends when they have children. A little Auntie Sarah tradition that started when my gorgeous friend Bec (Becstar to me) had her boy, Harrison. While he's now (almost) two he still loves his owl and cuddles it regularly. So see below.

Not only are you supporting four lovely women, you are also buying products that are upcycled to create new products.
Find them on facebook.com/OSHAHandmade or at Peregian Markets. 

LOVE, love these little owls. So cute. They also do boy colours.

A few of my favourite things

Monday musings

As the weather continues acting like a crazy mo fo here in Brisbane, I decided to make this post about things that have grabbed my attention lately.

This was just one pile of the Dan Brown books...crazy stuff.

First off, if you haven't already, make sure you get down to the Lifeline Bookfest. It finishes today (Monday January 28) and the last day (ie SALE DAY they call it) is amazing.

In fact, they say sale day has become almost as famous as the event itself. I went last week and picked up some great finds. Cracked me up how many Dan Brown books I found...piles and piles of the Da Vinci Code. That's because it's crap people....crap I say.

On Sale Day apparently the books in the priced section all come down to a $1 and books in the unpriced section become their classic 'fill-a-bag' special where you fill a bag for $5, or fill three for $10.

The High Quality section becomes their priced section - that is, all books $2.50. The rare and collectables - in the glass cabinet - are half price. The bookfest is at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Merivale St, South Brisbane.

If possible (weather permitting and you aren't in danger) get down there today. All money goes to the great charity.

The real Babushka doll.

______

In case you don't know, I am obsessed with Babushka dolls. LOVE, love, love them.

The birthday cake...just brilliant.

It's with this in mind, that my lovely husband decided to surprise me with a Babushka doll birthday cake, which was modeled off the authentic Russian Babushka doll he gave me for my birthday.

I've added a photo of the real Babushka doll and the photo of the cake. How great does it look?

What a cake...I have to give the amazing Brisbane cake-making team a plug here as they did an amazing job and even made a baby wheat and dairy free version for me as well.

They are called Cakestar (www.cakestar.com.au) - check them out.
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Cup of Truth - best baristas in Melbourne.

Lastly, recently while in Melbourne for the Australian Open (I know, never thought I would be saying that I actively went and watched sport live - I blame Mr Scout) I was on the hunt for the perfect cup of coffee to feed my caffeine addiction. 

I had heard great things about the funky trio who ran a small hole-in-the-wall coffee shop in the middle of the subway Campbell Avenue (under Degraves Street).

These cool dudes love their coffee! So much so that when a customer in line (before us) was too engrossed in his phone and missed his order, the dude yelled out "hey get off twitter and get this coffee while it's hot."

Rude or not (I say not!), I don't care...it's brilliant coffee.

Book recommendation

As part of my book club I recently read the wonderful novel, Shantaram, byAussie Gregory David Roberts. It's a very large and gripping book influenced by real events of Roberts.


In 1978, Roberts was sentenced to 19-year imprisonment in Australia after being convicted of a series of armed robberies of building society branches, credit unions, and shops. In July 1980, he escaped from Victoria’s Pentridge Prison in broad daylight, thereby becoming one of Australia's most wanted men for the next ten years.

He escapes to Mumbai (or Bombay back then) carrying a false passport in the name of Lindsay Ford. Next, the reader follows him living in the slums, becoming a make-shift doctor, friend to the locals, stand over man for local mafia and even running a business supplying extras for Bollywood movies.

He works in the black market, travels to Afghanistan to smuggle weapons for mujahideen freedom fighters and is planning a trip to Sri Lanka for criminal activities at the end of the book. It's a fantastic story and what's more remarkable is it's based on a true story.

Buy it, it's just too crazy not to love it.