Hello all, I have been having a lovely week of treats. So far 30 is pretty darn good!

I have been thoroughly spoiled in the last week with TWO (not one) pancake breakfasts, chicken pie, curry, cheesecake, chocolate cake, nachos and more. Yes I do need to go on more runs, incase you were wondering. The gifts that made it my way were happily received (some people know me so well!) Kylie sneaked away to buy some Crown Lynn china that I love so much and developed a bunch of old films I still had in the fridge from Oh…just 2002! (You may see some of those a bit later) Dad brought me a little charm necklace that I modeled on my newly knitted socks for you (finished those about a month ago). I also received two parcels from my ‘other’ mothers. The sewing mum in the USA made me the gorgeous tote and little bag, don’t you just love the colours, embroidered flowers and crocheted and beaded flowers on the tote?  Linen love! Gush gush! The north island NZ mum was quite clever and negotiated Kylie for a parcel pick-up containing a much desired cake decorating funnel (otherwise I may have picked it up early and ‘found’ it unwrapped). The old funnel is very cheap and pretty hopeless. Now I will be looking at learning a bit more about decorating things prettily!

Hello! As the Cantabrian people know our summer is being slightly un-cooperative this year. We have some hot weather but mostly drizzly or overcast. Hense the gardens are a little slow starting up. Mine this year (my first attempt at a vege pot/bucket garden.) is a little slow. Herbs are great, leafy lettuces pretty easy although the wet weather tends to make them a little less pretty looking. Corgettes slightly slower in a pot than in the ground. Pumpkins I won’t bother with in a pot again, they do so well in the dirt and are so little work, its sad to see them in a pot as all the babies prob are not getting enough juice to make all large. Potatoes are fun grown in a sack, mine are going quite well. Beans, i will persevere not really flowering or doing much. Silverbeet, even the large variety is doing really well, so will continue with that. Brassicas, the battle between me and the aphids continues.

I have recently been loaned the nicest book to read with a cuppa tea and a banana cupcake. Its called “The Thrifty Gardener” (also sold in USA as “garden anywhere“) I have been EATING it up. I am enjoying so much I will read ahead to get a quick answer but still read it page by page and then re-read what I read before, i have now learnt how to correctly make potting mix (mine not so good apparently), worm farms, composts, pest control and surviving garden shops. Its is written in a friendly, clear cut, up front manner. The design and photography is gritty and feels effortlessly styled, rather than over styled. The writing has not being dumbed down (well according to me anyhows), she tells you WHY one does some things and you can learn why plants do what they do. She assumes your are not afraid to weld a hammer and electric screwdriver and you get right in there to make something. I still have book vouchers in my purse, so might see if the town bookshop has anything by her. Cause I WANT them. She has a blog here. Yet to discover all i want to discover about her. I think by the end of the day i may feel a bit like a stalker.

As I mentioned in the title I am soon to turn 30! Goodness me. This has made me start looking at what I am doing and take some stock. Am i really happy with what i am doing at the moment? One thing i have recently made ‘peace’ with is my inability to be that happy at a similar task (eg a full time job) ever day for 5 days a week. I start sorta start phasing out and being unable to concentrate on whats at hand. What does this mean right now? Well i am trying to find various different ways to make money, not just web design anymore (see photos for sale). I need something else and maybe something else after that! The more i read about people and talk to friends and family its quite common! So I am going over my ’skills’, knowledge and passions – trying to moosh together a bunch of interesting money making activities…

I leave you with some photos from the vege gardens in Hagley Park out the back of the Curators House Restaurant.

Just uploaded a bunch to flickr too, enjoy!

Well with all the holidaying going and work being all rather slow this month I have been out on the town writing an article for Design*Sponge and finding excuses to check out other places around town. Since no work means i cannot really spend money at these places…. LIES, i brought some lovely cups and saucers by Crown Lynn at Decodence (151 Hight Street) $5 each. No-one else go in there and buy them because they will run out for my next treat!  I have a weakness for this Crown Lynn stuff.

I have also been knitting…

The Central Park hoodie to precise (as previously mentioned) Its so much fun to knit, i am pretty happy about it. Little M decided hoodie deserved no more attention and it was time for hug…

Lastly, i wanted to highlight the hard working little bees. Hagley Park is all a flower at the moment.. a must stroll…

I recently published an article on Design*Sponge about my wonderful hometown Christchurch. This is the full one! So if you are coming here you will probably be interested in the loooong one. I will try to keep this one a bit more updated… new places, closed places and the like. So if you chch peeps think something should pop up here… just comment!

Christchurch is a small city in the south island of far away New Zealand. Surrounded by stunning scenery, whimsical old mining towns and plenty of tourist attractions, if you make it all the way down here to NZ I have no doubt its not just to see my little home town! So if i was traveling around a remote country looking at towering mountains and eating in little tearooms and restaurants on the road, what in a city would a designer like person miss the most? MMMmmm easy, coffee, shops, well designed pretty things, yummy food and the buzz of the city. I will do my best to inform you on the best places to go to feel in touch with civilization once again.

Christchurch Central City

BOTANICAL GARDENS To help with your transition into civilization I recommend a stroll through the gardens, its completely free with many themed gardens and lush green lawns, plus a fishy looking fountain. Don’t neglect the greenhouses, warm and interesting.

ARTS CENTER
Weave your way from the Gardens to the Arts Center and if this is a weekend it will be full of Market stalls!  The Markets run from 10am until 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. The old buildings that used to house our university are now full of permanent shops that stock mostly locally designed and made goods. Some places you even get to peer into their messy workshops. This is where you will be able to buy things that remind you of your trip here, but are not the typical tack you can get in souvenir shops. Try some fudge in fudge cottage if you need a sugary treat. The shops and galleries are open 10am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday.

COOKING WITH GAS is a restaurant with YUMMMY (be warned… expensive!) food situated across the road from the Arts Center

THE DUX DE LUX (the dux) Popular with the locals for its beer and meals, but mostly the extensive outdoor seating in a great location, if you like ginger beer try theirs, very refreshing. They also have the occasional band playing on Fridays and Saturdays.

CHRISTCHURCH PUBLIC ART GALLERY
Over the road and around the corner from the Arts Center is the new Gallery. If you like Art and what not head in that direction. Open 10am to 5pm daily. Late night Wednesday until 9pm. Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch. Great big glass building with sculptures outside. Can’t miss it.

COCA
The Center of Contemporary Art often has some “less famous” but just as cool artists on show.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.  Saturday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm

Ok now lets head into town, walk/drive/skip towards the cathedral, take Hereford street east! On the way you will see these little favourites:

SCORPIOS
For the bibliophile, I usually feel like I am being sucked into a black hole when i walk in here. “Oh that looks interesting, and that and that…” Interior Design books are at the back, if you make it that far…. 79 Hereford Street, Mon – Thu 8:30am – 5:30pm, Fri 8:30am – 7:00pm, Sat 9:30am – 4:00pm, Sun 10:00am – 3:00pm

VIVACE
Across the road from Scorpios is cafe and a coffee roaster. Small but delightfully simple, good coffee small snack, passionate barista.

TETE A TETE
Antiques and vintage clothes, these guys were around since before ‘vintage’ was fashionable.

If you walked up Cashel Street you would see these places:

THE VAULT
Up some old wooden stairs is one the shops that begun the gifty, handmade wares craze in Christchurch. Alot of the work has a NZ feel. Get something for anyone from babies to funky grandmas. I often covet designer jewlery in the wavy wooden cabinets, some ‘manly’ stuff for the guys often in stock. Coffee shop right next door with a view of the river and street from the windows for the tired traveller.

TWO SQUIRRELS
Vintage Home ware, Antique Furniture and some clothing. Owned by the Tete a Tete peeps. Upstairs, look our for a cute sign, very close to the Vault.

REAL AOTEAROA
Clothing, glassware, gifts and art all with the New Zealand theme, classy and well presented.

NOOD
Stands for “New Objects Of Desire” this is a new Furniture and Homeware shop.  Scandinavian influence, closest stab at competing with IKEA. (No Ikea.. I KNOW.) This is at the end of the pedestrian mall, next to the hotels. 141 Cashel Street, Mon-Thu 8.30-5.30pm, Friday 9-6pm, Sat 10-5pm, Sun 9-4pm.

So concludes the two streets of interest closest to The Cathedral. Next, still in walking distance are “the Lanes” a bit like a mini melbourne we have a few hidden gems in amongst some lanes and alley ways recently redone with a lovely vibe. What was once a bunch of alley ways known only to residents that lived close by, is now a thriving community of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. A write up on it for you here .

Around and About these lanes are some gems not to be neglected:

FAT EDDIES
A popular Jazz bar.

SMITHS BOOKSHOP
An old school three story second book store, floor to ceiling books, magazines, records and anything else one might put in the book category. Smiths has even been used for the occasional fashion photo shoot.

C1 CAFE
Very Popular with the locals for good reason, best coffee, best breakfast and atmosphere second to none. Been around since I can remember starting to drink coffee. MMmmm yes gotta be a favorite of mine.

DUSK GALLERY AND STORE
A treasure trove of handmade goodies. Photography, cards, home wares and more. Great stop for some crafty handmade inspiration.

TWISTED HOP
Delicious Beer brewed onsite.

MITCHELLIS
A cafe with friendly service and good coffee.

THE VESPA ROOM
Bar and Resturant, featuring the occassional band or DJ.

FOUND
A small beautiful gallery run by design savy collectors. Vintage and New Furniture and Homewares, 179 High street.

DECODENCE
Specializes in Vintage Ceramics and lighting. However they have a lovely selection of furniture and odds and ends also. 151 High St Christchurch, Mon – Sat 11:00am – 4:00pm

BOLT OF CLOTH
Fabrics from international, local and australian designers.

FRILIGREE
For beautiful designer jewelry

THE BISMARCK
A German Delicatessen, Bar, cafe and restaurant. Fast becoming a local ‘hot spot’, good sausage.

THE BICYCLE THEIF
Pizzeria and bar. Nice atmosphere. 21 Latimer Square, Christchurch

EBISU JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Nom nom nom! 96 Hereford Street, Hours: Mon-Sun 5pm-Late. Lunch Mon- Fri 11.30am-2.30pm

LYTTELTON

Through the tunnel is Lyttelton Harbour a busy port with much comings and goings. Its a beautiful spot whose claim to fame is it was the location of Peter Jacksons “The frighteners” there are scenic walks to be explored. The shops and community have a funky atmosphere all its own. Be warned the opening times for some places are a bit sporadic. London Street and Oxford Streets are the places to meander.

Lyttelton Markets
On oxford street in the school the markets are held every Saturday from 10am – 1pm. Food, vintage and handmade stalls. Fresh, organic produce.

Lyttelton Coffee Company
Yummy food, good coffee and views. Quite visually interesting… I find myself just looking around at all the little things. London Street. Quite often has live music.

THE WUNDER BAR
Fun Crazy bar, full of weird and wacky things with the occasional band, pool table and foosball. A fun night out!

NOT CENTRAL CITY

Antiques and Vintage
Due to our lack in affordable well designed new furniture we have a thriving antiques and vintage retail presence. Here are some nice ones if you are in the area.

MR MOD
Antiques Furniture and Homeware, nicely presented. 88 Wilsons Rd, St Martins. Wed-Fri 11am – 6pm, Sat 11am – 4pm, Sun – Tues Closed

FORAGERS
Antique Furniture and vintage goodies. Lots to chose from. 369 St Asaph Street, Monday – Friday 10-5pm Saturday 10-3pm

Refreshments
The cafe culture is alive and well in Christchurch, expect good coffee and great service, if not there are plenty that offer that, so go somewhere else.

THE CUP
For a view of the city and yummy food. Just up the road some more is Victoria Park for more views. 127 Hackthorne Rd, Mon – Fri 7.30am – 4pm, Sat & Sun 8am – 5pm

UNDER THE RED VERANDAH
Run by one of the best cafe bosses ever (yeah i worked for this lady once) ‘under the red’ has delicious organic/free range food. Always good coffee and fab teas. Closed on Mondays!

LINKS:
Event finder : for events in New Zealand

Local Vanguard : Really nice blog on Christchurch

I have a favorite blog that I at least once a day visit and happily scroll through the pretties. Its call Design*Sponge. It pretty much interior design candy. Mmmm candy… I had the pleasure of writing a “Christchurch Design Guide” for Design*Sponge recently and its just been published! Hoo rah! Thanks so much Grace. (There was a bit of nail biting and wondering if it would “fit the bill”). If you don’t already visit this beautiful blog then it will be worth a look. Especially if you are looking at giving any living spaces a bit of “zing”. Heaps of styles and ideas.

I created a flickr album with a bunch of Christchurch photos I took especially for the guide. However my flickr is full of Canterbury shots to if you want more piccies have a look-see through those. As most know I love my home town, its small but so close to so many playgrounds and a great city vibe. If I have missed out on any places, my fellow Cantabrians, please comment on the post in Design*Sponge, it will be great to have different perspectives.

Little cat is sitting across the table from me as I write this (so cute). After setting the scene i can tell you the much anticipated build is soon going to start, the plans, as I type, are being completed by my beloved, who is currently endeavoring to get me a 3d outline of our house on the hill that I can sketch on. You see we need to decide on cladding (thats the stuff like weatherboard or brick… it goes on the outside… “YES SIMONE” i hear you saying) and retaining wall design. We thought it would be fun for me to sketch up a “artists impression”. At one point in my life I have been a passable technical drawer, I even used to enjoy it. So finally i get to use those skills again!

Lately I have had so many things on my brain that I feel like I am fumbling around getting the odd things done in a constant daze. I keep on saying to myself “how do you eat an elephant” (not that i WOULD eat an elephant, but thats beside the point) I felt like sharing that I watched a funny little movie the other day, that sufficiently distracted me from my abundance of brain activity and I happily finished a pair of socks I have been knitting.

We watched “Flash Gordon” whilst eating a delicious pizza. I made the superior amazing pizza crust (it was rather good to spin around into a circle apparently) and Kylie put the topping on. It was a perfect pizza, we are very pleased with our Christmas prezzy pizza stone (good guess Gill) the pizza crust was crispy even in the middle!

Flash Gordon was hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed the “Oooo Flash” moments as the woman watched in awe of his superior strength and display of human nature. The delightful wooden acting (i don’t think there was any other way to act with such a script) and great 1980 set design (little fact, i was born  in 1980, which means I’m 30 soon!). All in all a good wee night.

I finished the socks and have now started The famous “Central Park Hoodie” I now know why its so popular is sooo fun to knit and after two pairs of socks with tiny tiny stitches, the wonderful FAT yarn and easy knitting is like walking on air. I wake up in the morning and think “O I wonder how much of my hoodie I will knit today” I won’t be modeling the socks yet, I want to block them first. But sock blockers are SILLY prices, so I am going to make one. Add that to the list of things to do that makes my brain overload.

My holiday was VERY busy, infact busier than the whole month we spent in America, alot of travel was crammed into two and a bit weeks. Rest time was probably largely spent in Te Puke for five days over Christmas. Lets just say I was VERY eager to get home and get back to normal. Its a rather lovely feeling when your happier that the holiday ends than when it began. This must be a sign that I like what I’m doing everyday! Very unlike the days when i used to dread waking up in the morning! Although this year has started on the back foot work wise (a job was delayed due to less sales than anticipated, recession hello) I feel inspired and ready to see what else I can do in its place.

The photos in this post are of the property we spent our New Years at. Which was pretty cool to say the least. It was an hour and half drive up a 16k crazy four wheel drive track to a clearing that used to be a saw mill. Now it has several huts and a house with so much character and stories to tell. The land belongs to our friends parents, it is in various stages of re-growth back to native bush the land is full of caves and birds (we saw two baby rurus/moreporks – feed by their muma, Fantails, Tuis, Bell birds and the Wood pigeon.. plus lots of the little ones you get around there) The house was built in the 1970’s, they wanted colour and cheerfulness to live in, to get away from the chaos outside.

It was once completely surrounded by mess from the saw mill and goodness knows what else (not anymore!! Lovely now). Colour and happiness it certainly has. So well cared for I got to swoon over some great patterns from back in the day, when no-one was scared of using colour. The best photos are taken by Kylie, who FINALLY has some up on flickr!

To add to the many goals people are making public in their posts this year I have several. In one sentence i will write it SO quickly that MAYBE i won’t change it. Run a half marathon (EEEEEK), open an online shop, start writing here and in other places a bit more (blogs and magazines perhaps), tramp and bike alot more and have and exhibition of my photos and paintings somewhere. Others might include a stall in the markets and to create my own knitting pattern.. i had an idea over the break that I want to try. Also sell and giveaway wordpress templates and sell more photos selling in mychillybin, aswell as prints. Phew… and its at the end of the post which means maybe none of you read it right?

Reporting from Christmas Land in Te Puke. We have driven up to a warmer, wetter climate. Kylie’s Mum and Dads place. There is a big tree in the living room with a Christmas village and railway tracks complete with a Christmas train. There are lights outside on the trees and shubs with Santa’s sleigh being pulled by reindeer on the roof.

Today I have put together some of my favorite tutorials for christmas tree ornaments.. or ones that can be used for that. Some I would love to make for the tree next year. This may be the last post before the new years, busy holidaying. Wish you all a Merry Christmas and Wonderful New Years… I am off to the beach! Been hankering for some swimming for awhile… Love a NZ Christmas!

1.Christmas Birds 2. Pom poms (for garlands and hanging off the tree.. plus little “flowers”) 3. Dragon Boats 4. Circus theme Christmas Tree decorations on “design sponge”, the very cool topper on “once wed“ 5. Fabric pom pom garland (could use for anything) 6. For the knitters, little sweaters (thanks to buzzy bee) 7. Mini Terrariums

Little note to add: Twentycentmixture has just put together a really nice list of ornament ideas and Tutorials!

O and I was featured on Studio Home! Yay! Thanks lots Julia!

There are many lovely downloads popping up for gorgeous gift tags. So i was inspired to add to the fray. But for mine i wanted to add a New Zealand flavour. Our christmas is in summer after all!

Download Here (1.5 mb)

Let me know if anyone has issues downloading… not sure if it will work!

Texture Plants

We all know I like my gardening right? I had the honor of redesigning one of my old sites I designed from scratch, around two years ago.

The Texture Plants site has been re-organised to allow people to browse by plant purpose aswell as alphabetically. Some helpful gardening know-how advise has been added, the gallery was tweaked to make browsing the images a little easier, Virtuemart was upgraded and the catalogue given a new layout to help the user gather more info without having to click all the way through to the product description. To add to all of that I gave their template a spruce up, they were after some bolder and darker colours to make the site easier to read and scan. They were happy to stay with their old joomla system, so all was familiar on that front. There was a final push to get it live ready for Christmas, which we achieved! Wooo hoo!

Working with the guys who own Texture always keeps me on my toes and reminds me there is more to gardening than growing vegetables. Now I am imagining my deck full of lovely interesting looking succulents with a nicely setup table and chairs to sit and drink tea in the sun on. Have a look around the Texture site for some inspiration and oodles of gardening advise. Even better, if you love visiting garden nurseries and are in town go and have a look around, its not your normal nursery, inspiration for the succulent lovers and more is abound…