The Latest design to come out my Quentin de Manson designs. Its a website for  Nickei Falconer who works as a counsellor in Christchurch, New Zealand. She calls her business Life Works

This site is the first in a package idea I am experimenting with at the moment. Its goal is to create the customer a website where they can change the content and have a professionally finished website for an affordable price. Great for start-ups and sole traders.

The concept was to use wordpress a free blog based CMS (Content Management System). Choose a free theme, ‘tweak’ it to suit the client then get it ready to go. Judging by how quickly it takes me to put a site together in this style, I thought, ‘piece of cake’. Mmmm… Not so much. To make yeah.. quick and easy. But you still have to manage the client. The time is spent is persuading the customer on why i recommend some things and not others, the time is in the dialogue to get the content just right, the time is in giving the client the preview of the website before the build and so on, do you get my drift?

So my high and lofty ideas to make affordable/cheap professional websites has hit a bump. Not a wall, but a bump. Perhaps some time needs to be spent in documentation, guiding the client through the process, without me having to explain the same stuff to different clients several times a week (weither they read this is a different matter entirely)? Maybe have an online project management and client management system like basecamp set-up. So all they have to do is login and see where I am up to, what they need to do and download documentation on whats happening. Mmm, well there are options, I will keep you informed on how the experiment continues. Does anyone you know need a website that my little “experimental package” may for fill? Let them know I exist, I might be able to help them.

Credits for elements that contributed towards the above website:
CMS: Wordpress
Theme Adjusted: Kirby – By Ian Stewart
Plugins Used: Dynamic Headers, Akismet , Google site maps

I have finally been painting again.

In my spare evenings I plop down on the table and paint. I decided to paint on corrugated cardboard; because its free, because its not as hard on my paintbrushes as canvas is, because you get to paint on random sizes and because its on free stuff I don’t need to be precious about it. This is my finished one. I have another almost finished. Its quite fun painting on bumpy card.

I went to spend a lovely lunch time with Gretchen and her kiddies the other day, saw some of my prints on the wall. That was nice to see. Buy them here.

Hope you all had a lovely Sunday and have a great week ahead. Love the little hands in the above photo and the bits here and there.

I went to the documentary Handmade Nation last night. Organised by Miss Millie and sponsored by Felt. Credits over heres what i thought…

SO lovely to see many wonderful women and a few brave men in the theatre. The theatre seemed quite full. Quite the success! I caught up with a few delightful ladies I have not seen in ages, which was awesome. The doco itself is very inspiring and left me feeling capable of anything! I also really liked and appreciated the honest portrayal of crafters. Some make things to sell because they like it, not because it makes them lots of money. Infact alot of them sounded like they held down familes, jobs and their crafting lives, including making enough to sell their work at craft fairs. Its funny I always got this idea we are all supposed to strive to craft and make money crafting full time. For some, they make a product that works and it becomes a sort of fad and takes over, all of a sudden they are making enough money to live off. But for others it doesn’t, no reflection on the quality or coolness of the product, almost luck. But that doesn’t matter. What matters is friends and creative outlets and sometimes funding your craft. One resounded clang I got was a guilt lifted, the guilt I felt for not making it ‘big’ in my hobbies or having my hobbies make me enough money to live off. So what right? I like my hobbies, just because i dont make money off them doesn’t mean I stop doing them. I get to share it with a few, my photos get used on walls and in designs, thats enough right?

OK so about the money thing. My actual JOB is web design. Life in freelance has been slooow. Since Christmas I have been only just making ends meet and thats thanks to the support of my amazing loyal customers and fabulous partner. Due to slowness I have been REALLY looking into what I am doing and how I can re-think it, re-market them and get this show on the road again. I have made no secret of it though, the talking it out really helps me get perspective and removes the stress of it all somewhat. I also have had many great ideas come my way thanks to my business-y techy friends, esp Ben from Diversity.

The changes are inspired by the new ways of communicating to customers via the internet, things I can do to really help business’s in their online marketing strategies. The need to start pushing my passion for usability and logical layout has also become apparent. I really don’t make a big enough deal of that side of my web design experience. I am still working on the best way to explain these new services and how best to reflect it on my online presence and then follow that up with real life stuff. So many ways to do this these days, its so easy to get bogged down by them all! Along with it, will be a new website design AGAIN. Yeah what can i say, its what i do… So watch out soon to be a new website, new marketing approach and new bunch of services. Any colour requests?

Found here via swissmiss

The creatives will love this, quite wise I think. Any excuse to investigate the theory and motivation behind design. Love to know what you think….

I also liked the point on hiring people who are better than you and leaving them to it. So many owners of business’s let their ego dictate their decisions. Seen many a business with amazing people and never really succeed because they wouldn’t give the right freedom to their staff.

To warm up my fuzzy Monday morning brain I thought I might post a little on my lovely weekend. It started with a Saturday swim at the beach. First beach swim for the summer (i know soo slack) it was divine! I finished it off with some knitting.

We came home to start our baking and cooking fun. I made some more banana cupcakes, this time with chocolate icing and cinnamon. Using my icing funnel bday gift!

On Sunday we headed out with baked goods to a friend farewell pool party, where I was far too busy splashing around in a swimming pool to take photos. So I will leave you with a photo of my earlier-in-the-week attempt at making the kiwi classic pavlova. It was quite delish! Inspired by Jess over at spinning a yarn blog. It was messy and falling to bits, apparently that’s how they should be. I glued it together with vanilla cream…

I also made more cookies in the week (to use up chocolate chips) using this recipe, its fab i recommend! I sent most of them away to Kylie’s work so I wouldn’t eat them all. So addicted to baking right now.

Have a great week!

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!