Melting Magic in Nottinghill

Melt. What a deliciously appropriate name for a gorgeous chocolatier, in the heart of divine Nottinghill. Family, festive spirit & merchandising delights for all to enjoy, as shared by Bill Granger & his 3 daughters. Chocolate treats & perfect gifts all wrapped up in bonbon colours, simply yet beautifully displayed & something for all ages. I love the idea of one gift, whether it be a bonbon chocolate, soap, or a decoration for the tree, buy one in each colour, make a story, & make a statement, simple & understated - one of each colour, wrapped in a gorgeous little carry bag & tied with grosgrain ribbon to match, finished of course with a simple festive tag.

Hot pink with orange, lime & hotpink, or all 3 together, always looks fresh, happy & very chic. Hydrangeas & fairy lights, Jo Malone Candles, traditional carols, mince tarts, shortbread & eggnog, yes, I'm ready for Christmas coffee with friends:-)

http://www.meltchocolates.com/

OPENING THIS THURSDAY......

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe-Melbourne

opens THIS THURSDAY!!!

We can hardly wait...morning coffee (Nick makes the best latte!), freshly squeezed juices, delicious breakfast & lunch menu (I've been very lucky to sample many of the delights on offer by the Cafe Manager, Caroline, her culinary expertise is just amazing!), lots of energy, inviting ambience, friendly & fabulous staff, & a brilliant mix of produce & product. Over the past 3 months, there has been such excitement from other traders & business owners, Stonnington residents, customers & colleagues...thank you all so much for waiting so patiently for the doors to open, it has indeed been a huge project, but we promise you that it has been well worth the wait!!

We hope that you are going to love it as much as we already do, & that you will become familiar faces & regular customers. We are really looking forward to sharing our store, cafe, events, workshops & calendar activities with you as we open the first Colour Lab Store/Cafe this Thursday, November 4th, 2010 at 9am!! :-)

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe Melbourne
385 High St.,
Prahran, Melbourne. 3181
P: 03 9510 3858
E: thecolourlab@gmail.com

Exciting new retail concept in Melbourne...opening soon....

Opening Soon...

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe - Melbourne

Hello there!! I know, it's been far too long since I last posted a blog, but I have been very involved in a very exciting new retail brand, due to open VERY SOON!!

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe, the pilot store for a dynamic global roll out plan, is situated next to the beautiful Victoria Gardens in Prahran, Melbourne. It brings together a brilliant concept that is bound to soon become a destination location for retail, cafe & health lovers, embracing layers of colour in food, home, & for yourself, to enjoy, share & experience!!

This is an all encompassing new business brand & philosophy for creator & owner, Roz Mackay, an amazingly energetic, inspiring & passionate entrepreneur who has previously shared this collective vision in individual portfolios, including retail homewares & Interiors, cafes & art galleries.

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe - Melbourne, will offer a range of services & products, from cafe, take home produce, convenience shopping for busy professionals, weekend hampers for picnics in the park, gifts for every occasion, Vision Board workshops (a must for men & women, truly inspiring & insightful), & event management, fresh juices for that morning energy boost, to the best in coffee from Byron Bay Coffee Company.

Colour is energy, emotion & personal expression in all that we do, how we live, what we eat & how we feel. From the moment you walk in the door (& what a landmark door it is!), to the moment you leave, the team at The Colour Lab Store/Cafe - Melbourne, want to make sure that every customer feels energised, rejuvenated, happy & inspired...to enjoy the very best possible 'feel good' experience...

Stay tuned for The Colour Lab Store/Cafe - Melbourne lead up & opening...we can hardly wait!!!

The Colour Lab
385 High St.,
Prahran, VIC 3181
P: 03 9510 3858
E: thecolourlab@gmail.com
http://www.thecolourlab.com.au/

St Regis Punta Mita Resort - Mexican Magic...

St Regis Punta Mita Resort, is a magical & oh so beautiful coastal destination on the North of Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Instrumental to the development of this world class resort, was Interior Designer Roy Azar, who has lived in Mexico since 1970. At 22, he established his own design practice, & has channeled his passion for design, inspired by everyday objects, into his client work, including commercial & residential design, & in more recent years, the world of hospitality. His style includes new traditional, modern & natural, classic cool & rustic chic...all with timeless aesthetic appreciation.

The book of the same name, has been created with the same passion as the resort itself, & embodies the stunning beauty of the timeless appeal created by his vision. It absorbs your imagination, & takes you far away to a paradise on the Pacific Coast of Mexico...simply heaven...

"St Regis Punta Mita" by Roy Azar

Hasson publishing

Sharing with Whiteport

Just a quick thank you to the gorgeous Whiteport girls for profiling me on their blog this week with the feature article, "Pulling A Room Together" (expert tips).Thank you so much, it's wonderful to share & reciprocate mutual appreciation with other industry experts.

Jennifer McCabe, founder & owner of Whiteport, has the most divine online store offering a beautiful range of homewares, interior products & decorating ideas to enjoy for everyday living. I highly recommend that you subscribe to their fantastic newsletter & blog, in which you can adopt the decorating tips & ideas shared for your own home or space, using Jennifer's divine range of products for your bedroom, bathroom, dining & entertaining.

http://www.whiteport.com.au/

http://www.whiteport.blogspot.com/

A Corner Blooms

Fleur McHarg, renowned floral designer & event stylist, can take a simple bunch of beautiful blooms, & turn it into a stunning artwork. She has just opened her divine new boutique store in Armadale, Melbourne, aptly named "Fleur". As one of Melbourne's key floral artists, Fleur caters not only to private clients & corporate events, but the annual calendar events on everyone's social agenda.

Not only is her new village store a very welcome addition to the gorgeous Rose St/Beatty Ave village traders & clientele, but also for the residents who delight in visiting on their daily walk, on their way home from work, & on a Saturday morning amongst the weekend cafe activity.

Her expertise in working with fragrant blooms, unusual foliage, seasonal favourites & what makes the perfect gift is in every arrangement she creates. Integral to this destination location, Fleur is now catering to children's birthdays, creating parties full of fun, colour & activity delight. In fact, many mothers are already asking if she can recreate birthday luncheons for them, perhaps not with with baby pink cupcakes but something equally divine fitting for their own celebration! Fleur is passionate about her work & her clients, & her stunning array of beautiful blooms entice you from every corner. The fragrant & aesthetic appeal is sublime, & really, who needs a reason to enjoy such a divine experience?

FLEUR

13A Rose St.,

ARMADALE VIC 3143

T: 03 9804 3522

F: 03 9804 3722

E: fleur@fleurs.com

Open: Tuesday - Saturday

Timeless & Classic Design in Black & White

Black & White: Classic, Dramatic, Chic, Glamour, Elegance, Style & Sophistication.

Janelle McCulloch's latest release, "Design In Black & White" is all of the above & so much more. Janelle has divided this gorgeous bible of style & reference into four categories: 'Classic', 'Country', 'Coast' & 'High Glamour', incorporating a visual richness to every perspective she shares. From the simplicity of a black & white display of books, to spectacular architecture in New York, Melbourne & Paris, this renowned journalist & photographer captures the very essence of what is black & white - sophisticated, understated, elegant & timeless.

I had the great pleasure earlier this year of meeting Janelle, and what an amazing woman she is, full of inspiration, passion & wonderful energy. She is one of those people you meet in life who injects such happiness & spirit into your day, & it was wonderful exchanging our ideas & sharing our "love for beautful places, spaces & inspirational interiors". She later reminded me upon our next encounter to never forget my passion. I very much look forward to meeting with her again, thank you so much Janelle for sharing yours:-)

"Design in Black & White" by Janelle McCulloch

(images Publishing, 2010)

Have You Seen Hamish & Grace?

The most divine new homewares haven has just arrived in Carpenter St., Brighton, absolutely gorgeous! Owner Kate Cartney (with help from an amazing family team), has just opened 'Hamish & Grace Homewares', and upon walking through the front door, you are welcomed with a beautiful array of the latest pieces and bespoke artwork that would work brilliantly in any home space.

Durance , Silke jewellery (swedish design) Sacha Dobinson Yates artwork, Barrier Reef coral (stunning focal point pieces), custom made & ready made furniture, lamps for every space, room & interior, portugese soaps wrapped in a stunning array of papers & prints (the perfect touch on the bathroom basin or gift idea), as well as simple, stylish & bespoke pieces to complete & compliment your home style, whether it be a city, coastal, country, contemporary or classic interior.

As your arrive, you are immediately welcomed into the wonderful ambience that Kate's signature merchandising creates, & the hardest decision you will have to make is what to look at first, & when to stop buying!!

Yes, this divine new homewares & interior store will very soon become the village destination location that Brighton has long needed and will certainly welcome & enjoy! Parking is readily available across the road, & you can savour a latte before or after the divine experience to be had at Hamish & Grace.

Hamish & Grace Homewares

29 Carpenter St.,Brighton VIC 3186

P: 03 9592 7419

http://www.hamishandgracehomewares.com/

E: kcartney@bigpond.com

Hours: Monday - Saturday 9.30am -5.30pm

Easter - The perfect holiday

Easter is the perfect holiday of the year. A package of 4 days set in ideal weather, it is a time for sharing simple pleasures with family & friends (of course with hot cross buns & Easter eggs included). Unlike Christmas, it doesn't include frantic schedules, overloaded calendars or frenzied shopping lists.

Picnics anywhere the autumn leaves take you, walks along the beach, cooler evenings, slower mornings, Easter egg hunts, children playing in the park, our annual Good Friday family breakfast, all precious things to relish during the Easter holiday period.

Over the past few days I have enjoyed seaside walks, strolled through Melbourne's beautiful Botanic Gardens, ridden into the evening along the bay,(I've rediscovered the passion of bike-riding - free, fun & very enviro-friendly!), cooked without rushing, lingered longer over morning lattes, champagne toasts at the new Prada store, experienced fabulous service with delightful enthusiasm amidst the accentuated pace of retail at Easter. I feel rejuvenated, invigorated, & enjoying the simplest of things without needing to rush & accommodate the next meeting or appointment. Tomorrow, I will be sharing with you my latest library title, which is absolutely divine & I know you will just love it...!

I hope you too are enjoying Easter, savour it, enjoy it, relax.

Easter Picnic at Montalto

I love Easter, I love Autumn, so my favourite time of year is almost here, & a picnic at Montalto awaits! It really is the most gorgeous experience, one to be shared with family, friends or of course, just for two. Ideally it is best suited to one of Melbourne's idyllic Autumn days - sunshine, blue sky, & perfectly temperate for a picnic amongst the orchards on the spectacular landscape of the Mornington Peninsula, at Red Hill South.

Whether you choose to dine upon the hill, enjoy sea views, or picnic adjacent to the orchard groves, your gourmet delights will arrive by Morrey, the much loved red Morris Minor. Whether you choose to authenticate the experience by dining on the lawns, or indulging with crisp white linen & table attire, a picnic at Montalto in Autumn really is a gorgeous experience.


Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove
Red Hill South
http://www.montalto.com.au/

Magnolia Square Begins At St. Kilda Today

March Magnolia Square Begins TODAY!

Beautiful wares for yourself, your family, friends & home...

Treat yourself to coffee & cupcakes amongst gorgeous new creations & collections from 80 bespoke retail collections...

NEW VENUE - St. Kilda Town Hall

Today, Thursday March 18th, 10am - 9pm

Friday March 19th, 10am - 5pm

Saturday March 20th, 10am - 4pm

www.magnoliasquare.com.au

Chasing The Birkin...

The 'Must Have' Book For Autumn

Hermes Heaven!

Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet in Croc

Vintage Black Croc Kelly Bag - A lifetime investment, divine!

Hermes "H" Croc belt in fuchsia

Stylish, savvy, successful & fabulous - Michael Tonello

'Bringing Home The Birkin", by American Michael Tonello, is a gorgeous take on high society's passion for the divine "Birkin" Bag. A latest release that comes highly recommended,
"Bringing Home The Birkin" recounts Michael's travels across the globe for the better part of a decade to nurture client demands for the 'must have' Birkin Bag. His entrepreneurial spirit made the Hermes waitlist obsolete, providing same day Birkins to his elite clientele including celebrities & socialites the world over.

I suggest you invest in this delightful read, for soon enough bringing home the book will be as sought after as bringing home a Birkin!

http://www.bringinghomethebirkin.com/

Haven Home Visits Whiteport

Recently I was interviewed by Jennifer McCabe, founder & owner of the gorgeous online furniture & homewares business, Whiteport, in Sydney (http://www.whiteport.com.au/) for her Whiteport blog - http://www.whiteport.blogspot.com/

I first came across Jennifer's love of all things white in Home Beautiful a couple of years ago. All the images on her wonderful website are shot on location at her divine beach house on Sydney's northern beaches. I dream of having my own white beachhouse on the peninsula one day, and so was instantly drawn to write a feature post on her fresh, simple, stylish & timeless interior style (refer my post, "Whiteport for Home" February 25th, 2009).

Enjoy the new "Foolproof Decorating" series on the Whiteport blog, & visit www.whiteport.blogspot.com to read my tips on successful decorating, & when your visiting Jennifer's blog, make sure to browse the many delights you will find for every space & room in your home this season!

Thanks Jennifer:-)

New Season, New Style...

Since discovering TOAST, the brilliant UK lifestyle brand, incorporating travel, home & fashion, I absolutely love it! As another season begins, their collections are bursting with inspired colour palettes, bold designs patterns, ikat prints, eclectic & vibrant combinations of colour & texture...interesting, interesting, interesting!

The latest catalogue, shot on location in Mexico, is a style bible for wardrobe design, featuring the latest trends & a rich display from which to pick something fabulous for everyday & every occasion.

Divine co-ordinates all work together with effortless chic - tunics, blazers, shirts, pants, knits, dresses, in shades of lilac, lapis blue, apricot, indigo, gelati yellow to hibiscus. Accessorise the look with an array of gorgeous necklaces, bracelets, bags & flats with 'less is more' statement details.

TOAST online means you don't need to miss out if you can't shop in person. Whether shopping for flats, shirts, scarves or dresses, TOAST provides precise guides for you to measure your shape & size, converting UK, US & "continental" sizes to fit their range.

Although Autumn has just arrived here, nothing like transeasonal pieces, so TOAST for Spring is perfect for me - the "Shibori Print Shirt Dress","The Jazz Shoe" in Fawn tied back with "The Benny Bag" in silver/natural will work very well with my stone anorak & cashmere wrap for the crisp Sunshine of the days ahead...

http://www.toast.co.uk/