Summer Days

Today was a day dedicated almost entirely to drinking beer and playing lawn bowls.

We didn't wear heels or manage the perfect pout, but we did manage to have great fun nonetheless.

Things have been a bit slow on the handbag front as I take a break for Christmas and enjoy the lead-up to my wedding (this weekend!!!). But I have some really exciting things in the pipeline for next year so I will hit the ground running when I get back from my week of honeymooning.

Bring it on!!!

Today I'm Obsessed With...

Today I'm obsessed with...'The Bay Run' in Sydney's Inner West. It's a lovely 7km path that runs around the water and is mostly nice and flat which makes for a nice easy jog.

My enthusiam has recently rubbed off on my fiance who has started joining me...however I am a very anti-social runner. I really don't like having to have a conversation while running and I don't even really like running next to someone else...throws off my pace or something.

So I make him run the course clockwise while I run it anti-clockwise and we hi-five in the middle :)

Yes I realise this is odd. But it's just the way I like it.

Groovy Greta

Here is Groovy Greta, the latest tote in the collection:

"Groovy Greta started life in the seventies as a psychedelic piece of vintage fabric. Now that she has been lined with a fun vintage print, topped with recycled buttons and 'rejenerated' into a funky handbag, she is ready to bring her own brand of groovy retro style to the new millennium."

You can buy her here.

My Life Is Complete.

I love coffee. I can't help it.

Every now and then I get a bee in my bonnet and try to transfer my addiction to herbal tea, which I also enjoy...but it's just not the same.

Most days I go for a wander in my neighbourhood and pick a convincing looking barista to fulfill my daily addiction.

I usually try to go with soy but often I fall back on that naughty dairy stuff.

Sometimes I will have the coffee in a cafe, try and get some work done and enjoy a brief change of scenery. But usually I get a take-away and head home to attack my inbox.

You know what that means? I probably go through at least 200 paper coffee cups a year, not to mention those enticing little plastic lids that keep everything all warm and contained.

Imagine if I had sugar?? That would add 200 plastic spoons and 200 paper sachets to the daily count. Ah, the guilt.

Is it just me or are paper coffee cups the latest fashion accessory?? It seems the paparazzi can't get a shot of a starlet who isn't clutching one of these little suckers.

Oversized sunnies. Check. Hideously overpriced handbag. Check. Enormous cup of Starbucks. Check.

But fear not ladies. Today I made the below discovery...

A porcelain cup that LOOKS like a take away cup. Now you can ease your land-fill guilt without giving up your dream of being the third Olsen twin...err triplet.

Just today's little gift from me to you.

Today I Have A Crush On....

Today I have a crush on Connor Oberst. Ok most days I have a crush on Connor Oberst. This is probably confusing for those who know me as he is, well, much too pretty for my taste. But he is the most amazing song writer and performer and I dunno...I just think he's tops alright?

Christmas Comes Early!

Isn't this dress cute? It's the 'Garden Love Dress' by Mother Maria. The designer behind the label, Katie Gannon, is a vintage lover from way back and the detailing on the dress is made from vintage fabric...each dress is unique and features different combinations of cute vintage prints. Mine has brown leaves and flowers. So cute!

The dress is one of my Christmas pressies from my lovely man and it arrived in the post today. I have to wait till Christmas though :(

Only 10 sleeps! Actually 9! One of the benefits of being half Swedish is you get to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Yeeeeesssss!

Mmmm food

Here are some of the culinary delights from my hen's night. The evening started out all ladylike with 'champagne high tea' in my courtyard but ended a little messier! In any case, it was a really fun night.

Summer? Are you there?

What is with this crazy weather? Right now I am wearing trackies and a hoodie...on the 12th of December!!! Oops, guess I just smashed any glamourous illusions about my new working life!

I have spent most of the afternoon day-dreaming about January when we will escape to a South Coast beach house for our honeymoon. Yay!

Fingers crossed that this weather clears up for my last night of crazy, single gal fun (hen's night) tomorrow night...

Green Gwynnie

Here is the latest edition to the Rejenerate range. She's such a great summer bag. Here is Green Gwynnie's story:

"Yep - she's bright green alright, but Gwynnie is green in more ways than one. Created from a piece of vintage fabric, lined with the layering from a pre-loved skirt and topped with recycled buttons, Gwynnie is the ultimate in eco-fashion. Pop her over your shoulder, jump on your bike and head to the local growers' markets for your organic vegies and your halo will be shining bright!"

Buy her here.

paperlion

I met lots of talented designers while doing the Finders Keepers Markets over the weekend. In the stall next to me was the lovely Jenny from paperlion. Her handbound notebooks are just divine.

Check them out in her etsy shop. They would make a gorgeous Christmas gift.

Finders Keepers = Success + Exhaustion

Wow - what an awesome weekend it was at The Finders Keepers Markets at Carriageworks. The friday night was especially PACKED with a funky and friendly crowd and I was on my feet all night chatting with people and selling my recycled lovelies. Luckily my gorgeous mum was there to help out as was my fiance...he and his mates did a great job of keeping the bar in business all night he he he

Thank you so much to everyone who dropped by to say hi, picked up some of my wares or just came by to check out my stall. A huge thanks especially to those who have been following my blog and came to the markets especially to see me. I had no idea all the lovely people out there who have been reading my blog. You really made my day!!

Yesterday was recovery day so we headed to The Rocks Markets (had I not had enough of markets???) to pick up some gorgeous handmade Christmas decorations and got out (and dusted off!) the old Christmas tree for the first time in five years!!

I must say that I find the commercialism of Christmas a bit overwhelming most of the time but there is something about a Chrissie Tree that really gets me in the spirit. Could have had something to do with the g&t's consumed while decorating :)

Today I have also had the morning off and headed off to 'Mint Condition' my favourite vintage boutique on Victoria Rd in Rozelle. I was on a mission to find a dress for my Hen's Night which is on this weekend and has a vintage theme.

I found a gorgeous dress from the fifties that will be perfect. The festivities are starting at my place for 'Champagne High Tea' so I headed to Vinnies as well and picked up a fabulous kitsch tea set to use for serving up all the treats on the day. The rest of the night's activities are being kept secret from me...should be fun!!

Today's last stop was Ikea. Having been born in Sweden, I always feel nostalgic when I am faced with all that natural pine and scandinavian fabric...not to mention the smell of meatballs and potatoes sizzling away...and I don't even eat meat!!!

I picked up a few Christmas specials, including one of my fave treats 'Pepparkakor' (ginger snaps). Ikea's version may not be quite as good as Farmor (grandma) made them, but I must say, they're pretty damn good!

Mmmmm...I'm off to get stuck in now! And then to attack the inbox full of emails that has stacked up during my relaxing morning of vintage fashion and Swedish yummies.

Finders Keepers Markets

If you are in Sydney this weekend then be sure to drop by and check out my wares at The Finders Keepers Markets.

The Finders Keepers Markets is a bi-annual event that showcases the work of over 60 emerging designers and artists from Sydney local designers to areas all around Australia.

WHERE: 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015. see website for directions

WHEN: Friday 5th December from 6pm –10pm Saturday 6th December from 12pm – 10pm

There will be so many fantastic Aussie designers to see and it's the perfect opportunity to pick up some unique and gorgeous Christmas presents while showing your support for independent Australian design.

See you there x

Vintage Violet

I have just arrived home from the post office where I sent my latest little clutch 'Vintage Violet' off to her new home.

Here is her story:

"Vintage Violet started life in the seventies as a whimsical piece of vintage fabric. Sadly she was never used and eventually found herself in a new millennium …still unloved and alone. Now that she has been completely ‘rejenerated’ into a sweet little clutch and topped with a button from a piece of vintage French couture, she is finally ready to get out there and make up for decades of boredom. Be prepared for Violet to put you in the limelight as she brings her undeniable sense of vintage chic into your life!"

Strangers With Candy

If you've ever wandered down past Crown Street in Surry Hills and ended up in East Redfern you would be familiar with this little gem of a restaurant 'Strangers With Candy'.

It was anniversary number 11 for me and the mister on saturday so a meal at this old favourite was just the ticket.

We were huge fatties and had three courses which were all divine. I had haloumi gnocci for main which was gorgeous and I topped it off with chocolate fudge cake with orange toffee sauce. YUM!!

This place has the best desserts you have ever tried...and believe me - I've tried many!

All washed down with a 2001 semillion from the Lovedale winery in the Hunter Valley...very appropriate really given how much I do indeed 'love Dale' :)

Anway - if you're ever in the hood...don't pass this great little place by. Wonderful breakfasts too!