The Weekly Digest #27

I know, I'm sorry! Its been such a long time and you've all probably moved on by now... But alas, I have been busy reading, reading, reading - such is the life of an English student! That does mean I'll have lots of great reviews for you very soon (though not to soon as if you look at my Goodreads profile you'll see I'm currently in the middle of 21 books...).

I have for you a Weekly Digest though (or should that be monthly? Its been awhile...)

1. This fantastic reversible shopper from Marcs. It comes in number of colour combos but my pick is the classic black and cream.
2. The Coveteur's chat with the remarkable and wonderful Iris Apfel. There are many pearls of wisdom here including: "I have all of these lovely things that I've collected over the years that are just sitting there and are very hard to part with. I finally decided that it was ridiculous and that people should enjoy them." and "My father told me once not to expect anything from anybody so I wouldn't be disappointed. If somebody was nice and did nice things for me I should be overjoyed, but I shouldn't go through life expecting it, which is very good advice." 
3. Book Depository's 'Best Books Ever' list. Can't say I agreed with all of them, but you can suggest you're own. Check them out. 
4. The Royals. Mostly baby George and those ridiculous cheeks of his, and of course the Duchess. I mean could she be any more perfectly dressed? Nails it every time. 
5. The Life Picture Collection on Art.com. There really is something for everyone - from quirky images to monumental moments in history. 
6. I'm reaffirming my love for the Manrepeller with these latest gems: The 30% Theory, FODO,  and The Alarming Similarities of Lena Dunham & Kim Kardashian (I know, but read it & be amazed).
7. This stupid easy tin can DIY. You don't even need the paint to be honest! And the freezing tip is brilliant. I've started saving cans. 
8. These letter planters would make a great cheap & easy, yet impressive DIY gift. The blog Henry Happened is my new favourite thing.

The Weekly Digest #24

1. The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet - WATCH IT. I think its so important for women to have the conversations she is having. Yes, there are celebrities, but they are all intelligent women. Lady Gaga has some particularly enlightened things to say I thought, and Diane von Furstenberg should be our model for ageing. And it isn't only celebrities - there is a senator, writers, magazine editors. Anyone who is female with something to say. This is a show for and about women - it's everything we talk about between ourselves on a bigger platform.
2. Country Road has me pining for cooler weather. There are the cosiest knits, perfect ankle boots in every shade and some fantastic jackets. And then there are the spotty accessories and the homewares strike a perfect balance between cosy and modern. The menswear looks pretty good too. 
3. Flora Waycott offers up cute and quirky prints, which you can hang on your wall or dry the dishes with. You can even share the love with her greetings cards. 
4. I find it hard to get lovely bed linens in quality cottons that are still simple enough to please my boyfriend. I think Fictional Objects just might be the key to fixing all my problems. There splendid pieces come in all shapes and sizes, and aren't over priced. A Queen sized doona cover will set you back $190, and it's reversible so think of it as 2-for-1! 

The Weekly Digest #22

1. Claudia Pearson's Etsy shop. Very cute foodie illustrations on everything from calendars to tea towels. 
2. This up-cycled glassware made from old glass bottles. I like the blue glass tumblers and green vase.  
3. I love jam. I love it most when its homemade (I don't think I've ever actually bought jam in a supermarket...). The Jam Bandits are a creative pair based in Surry Hills who've come up with something I wish I'd though of - homemade, local in every way, small batch jam. Brilliant. See their site for info on where you can pick up a jar or two. Their Instagram is super cute too so get following. 
4. It's Mariah & Buble. Singing together. All your Christmas dreams come true. Watch it.

The Weekly Digest #15

1. Want to start a little garden on your balcony/courtyard/windowsill/kitchen bench? But Bunnings scares you? (Personally, I think its a heavenly place...) Well Urban Gardenista is for you. They've got a range of boxes filled with carefully chosen plants to get you started. They've got edibles, herbs, succulents & colour co-ordinated flowers. No Bunnings trip required!
2. I'm a literature nut, so when I found out about Samantha Hahn's new art book Well-Read Women I was over the moon. Hahn has created 50 portraits of literature's most famous heroines, from Anna Karenina to Daisy Buchanan, and they're printed alongside some of their best known lines. It launches in a few days, and you can pre-order online at Book Depository or Amazon.
3. Party food. Spring is just around the corner & outdoor entertainment can begin again! Featuring on my platters will be bacon jam & goat's curd pop tarts, avocado hummus, baked garlic & thyme brie, spinach babaganoush, and rosemary sweet potato chips.

The Weekly Digest #14

1. This is a fantastic idea - personalised recipe tea towels. Pick a recipe, fill in the details and order! 
2. The adorable artworks and quirky gifts from Alice Tait (available here). I'm coveting the portobello road print, her city maps, and a spring day in Paris print.  
3. Wall art from Not on the High Street. And yes they do (mostly) ship internationally. Plus they have a million other things to tempt you too, from tableware to novelty sweaters. I mean, you get a personalised sketch of your house done! Now thats a housewarming gift. 
4. Bread. I'm becoming a baker! Kneading can be wonderfully therapeutic, but an electric mixer and dough hook make it easier! Start with a simple pizza dough (no worries if it fails to rise then), before progressing to a white loaf and then a wholemeal or multigrain. Once you've mastered those try these for something different: malted walnut seed loaf, honey wholemeal, rye ale & oat, raspberry, chocolate & hazelnut breakfast bread, sesame seed buns, and blueberry brioche.     

The Weekly Digest #12

1. These quirky newspaper blackout poems. Might give it a go over my weekend paper...
2. Maxime Simoens autumn/winter 2013 collection. Why I have only discovered it now I don't know, but I can tell you it is the ultimate combination of ladylike and fun. 
3. How adorable is this Paris necklace? I'm not normally a jewellery person, but I'm desperate for this piece!
4. Old school desserts with a twist. I'm talking a proper English-style pud spiced-up. Try these this week: arctic roll, pear & blackberry cobbler, baked apples with hazelnuts & maple cream and gingerbread puddings with salted caramel sauce. 
5. Winter ice-creams. I firmly believe there is an ice-cream for every weather. My winter picks would have to be these rich and creamy options: rhubarb & pistachio, lavender & chocolate, brown butter, peanut butter & honey with choc chip and malted condensed milk.    

The Weekly Digest #11

1. These quirky artworks and other things from Little Circus Design (a.k.a. artist Madeleine Stamer.) I love the 'Blue Girl' print, the giant bird wall motifs, this babushka dolls print and this dove print.  
2. I'm a Keira Knightly fan (and even more so when directed by Joe Wright as she is here). And even if you don't like her that much, you need to watch this video she's done for Women's Aid on domestic violence. Its 2 minutes of your day that you really should be spending on Youtube. 
3. The quaint little decanter-inspired porcelain vases from Shan Annabelle Valla. I'll take a triple set please!
4. I'm really liking Moroccan-style prints at the moment. Like the one on this Oscar de la Renta dress or skirt, and these pieces from Asos: tile print pants, shift dress, scarf print dress, and mini dress.   
5. These quirky cushions. Since moving in with Mr Boyfriend, there have been some decorating issues - I am a girly-girl and he, well, obviously isn't in to that so much! I think Zana offers just the right balance (that is, he can put up with these ones, but not these incredible floor cushions from Bonnie & Neil)
6. Neil Barrett's autumn/winter '13 collection is a masterclass in good coat-wearing (and one of his is probably a good place to start). 

The Weekly Digest #8

1. This list of books to read before they become movies. I'll be getting a start while on my uni holidays!
2. Art.com's collection of Life Magazine photos. My favourite would have to be the ballerinas. 
3. I'm always on the look out for new and exciting teas. The Loose Leaf Tea House goes back to basics - all the classics are there. They also have some great hampers that would make fantastic gifts for someone a little tricky to shop for, or for tea-brewing beginners. 
4. The Great Gatsby soundtrack. No words.
5. Stocktake sales are on now. Its really the only time to shop - bargains to be had! And bonus, both Myer and David Jones are offering the same deals online! (And a heads up - some of the best savings are to be had in the underwear department). Just try not spending!