Trick or Treat?

Image: Tattoo Socks

Bat Tights

When I was eight, I dressed up for Halloween as a bat. My Auntie made my outfit and painted glittery nail polish around the eye holes for some extra pizazz. As I was putting my costume on, I yelped, 'Shit!' as some glitter had lodged in my eye. My Uncle then snapped, 'We don't speak like that, in this household'. Feeling sheepish and deflated, the edge was taken off Halloween and I never took part again.

After spotting these bat-tastic tights though, I'm almost tempted to get my trick or treat on. Almost. If today's forecast wasn't for a sticky 30 degrees then I definitely would. Well, that's this year's excuse for being a spooky pooper, and I'm sticking to it!

Happy Halloween!

US$ 23; available from Tattoo Socks

Eat Face

Image: Fred & Friends

Food Face Plates

Is that food on your face or a face on your food? Either way, these Food Face Plates by Fred & Friends give junior the perfect excuse to play with their food. Heck, who am I kidding? I'd offer my first born for one of these bad boys!

US$ 9.95; Currently out of stock everywhere but usually available from Gadget Bargains who do ship to Australia.

Drink Drank Drunk

Image: The Age

Siglo Bar

Thanks for the hangover Siglo.

If you weren't so damn pretty, I wouldn't be in this pickle!

Siglo

Level 2, 161 Spring Street

Melbourne

T: 03 9654 6300

Getting Dirty

Image: Royal VKB

Mini Herb Garden

This morning part of our garden is coming out, and a veggie patch is going in. Funnily enough, it was this mini Herb Garden from Royal VKB that has been haunting me in every magazine and website I've looked at recently, that was behind this project. After contemplating starting a pocket-sized herb garden, I decided that I should stop being such a pussy and try getting my hands dirty on a bigger scale. Plus, it gives me a reasonable excuse to splash out on Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion.

Considering that I 'aint no Don Bourke though, the first thing I'm hope to grow is a green thumb!

AU$89.90; available from Milk & Sugar.

Back to Work

Images: Shop Until and Suck UK

Origami Sticky Note Pads

My stomach is in knots as today I'm returning to work after Maternity Leave. In many ways it feels like the first day of school!

I just wish I had found these Origami Sticky Note Pads earlier, as I've always been a firm believer in the power of brand spankin' new stationary to take the edge of back to school jitters. Perfect for notes, reminders and to-do lists, each pad also has folding instructions for ten different shapes including crane, butterfly, lily and water bomb - bet you didn't guess that one!

AU$5.95; available here.

Flap Your Wings!

Image: MoMA Store

Folding Bird House

I've got bird's nest hair and a bird brain.

When I was growing up, my favourite book was To Kill a Mockingbird.

If I could sing like a bird I would be more inclined to participate in karaoke.

My next tatt is going to be of a bird.

After seeing The Birds, I officially retired from watching scary moves.

I want to visit Birdsville Races, Bird City, and Turkey before I die.

I've never been one to sleep in because the early bird does catch the worm.

I wish I could eat like a bird - as opposed to a horse.

I always thought it was odd that the Birds of Tokyo are actually all male and from Western Australia.

Clearly, there's a pattern happening here! Which is why I'm all a flutter after spotting this Folding Bird House. It comes flat packed and folds upright to reveal the best bird digs going around. All it needs is a little bird seed and I'm ready to move in!

USD 50, available here.

The Sun Has Got His Hat On

Images: Grazia

Fashion Editorial in Grazia

Google now has the power to alter your memories. Or mine at least! You see, with the sun starting to shimmer and shine and hats aplenty in the lead up to Spring Carnival, this time of year always makes me think of my beautiful Nanny, June, who would sing:

The sun has got his hat on, hip-hip-hip-hooray

The sun has got his hat on and he's coming out today

Much like the National Anthem, I never heard her sing the second verse, so this morning I looked to trusty Google to find the missing piece. Boy, do I wish I hadn't! The second verse is wrong on so many levels, I don't know where to begin:

He's been tanning niggers out in Timbuktu

Now he's coming back to do the same to you

So jump in your sunbath, hip-hip-hooray

The sun has got his hat on and he's coming out today

Sure, times do change, but now this little ditty is ruined and I can never sing it again. If only the second verse had been about this mad hatter inspired Editorial that I spied in a recent edition of Grazia, and all would be right with the world.

By the Book

I bet you're saying, 'Enough already! Surely she isn't still banging on about that bloody trip to Bali.'Well I am - but I promise this will be the last time!

As holidays are the only time my attention span allows me to read an entire book, I merrily devoured three while I was away, and thought we could have a funny little online version of a Book club.

Image: Penguin Books Australia

The pick of the bunch was The Women in Black by Madeleine St John. Set in a 1960's Department Store, this sharply observed and witty tale of the lives, relationships and friendship of the women who work in the Cocktail Dress section, really took me by surprise. Every sentence is deliciously written and I often found myself rereading sections simply for the joy of how perfectly each word fitted with the next. The Women in Black is sheer brilliance. In fact, I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a novel so much...I know that's a big call, but I'm prepared to stand by it!

Image: Penguin Book Australia

Next up, is Perfection. This refreshingly candid memoir is written by Julie Metz, who was widowed at 44. Six months after her husband's passing, she discovered that he had a string of affairs, including a continuing relationship with a woman she considered a close friend. What follows is a compelling, albeit sometimes downright uncomfortable, story of love, loss, lies and moving forward. Although the last part of this book loses some momentum, Perfection is a quintessential summer read. Funnily enough, while I really enjoyed this book it is actually a quote Julie references from Mary Oliver that I have often thought back to:

Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?

Image: Harper Collins Australia

And lastly, a memoir of an entirely different type, is Mama Mia: A Memoir of Mistakes, Magazines and Motherhood by columnist/magazine editor/blogger/media personality Mia Freedman. I feel like a traitor to the 'sisterhood' by saying this, but I found Mia's book a little underwhelming. Particularly as the jacket says Mia has been called the voice of her generation! To liven things up, I suggest getting Happy Hour started early by downing:

• 1 x Lychee Martini for every reference to a 'ticker-tape parade'
• 1 x Bintang for every time she likened something to 'crack'
• 1 x Pina Colada for every proclamation that she would 'rather poke her eye out with [insert any sharp implement you can think of]'

Still, her searingly honest account of The Catch-Up debacle gives a fly-on-the-wall view of the toxic, blokey culture of Channel 9. And, in many ways explains why Sam Newman and his imbecile mates on The Footy Show continue sucking up air time.

So, have you read any of these books? What were your thoughts? And what are your recommendations for worthwhile Summer reads?

Pulling Art All The Stops

Images: Cocu Mag

Art and Commerce: Fashion Editorial Piece in W Magazine

Day four is my favourite part of any holiday. It's the point that I manage to untangle myself from the sticky residue of a routine, and when all the clutter that usually fills my head seeps out my ears! All that's left behind is a big fresh space that glows with new ideas.

One of the first things to lead my imagination up the garden path on day four of our Bali trip, was a gob-smacking Editorial, Art and Commerce, that I found in W Magazine. In this fanciful jaunt through the museums and galleries of Paris and New York, ladylike ensembles share the spotlight with an array of modern artwork. The concept and execution by gun photographers, Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, had me at hello. There's absolutely nothing understated about this piece - and that's just the way I like it.

Bali Belly

Holiday Theory #2

A holiday's greatness is measured by the nosh sampled.

When I go away, I like to eat the destination. And this trip to Bali was no different! Sure you can count on Ku De Ta and all the other old faves, but I came across a few other stand out spots that quite literally made our trip.

Image: Kevin H.

La Luccciola

'La Looch' is a Seminyak institution that is made famous for its ocean view. What better way is there to start your day than by staring out at the wide blue yonder over a leisurely brunch of coconut bread and lychee and lime granitas? Heaven!

Jl. Petitinget - Seminyak, Tel: +62 361 730 838

Biku

Start your day on the sunny side with a visit to Biku! This charming tea house/bookstore/antique shop is housed in a 150 year old teak Joglo and serves up an all day breakfast that can give you a taste of home (eggs any style, fruit and bircher muesli, buttermilk pancakes) or away (nasi goreng, mee goreng or bubur ayam).

Jl. Petitinget, No. 888 - Seminyak, Tel: +62 361 857 0888

Image: Striatic

The Cornerstore/Tuck Shop

The Cornerstore/Tuck Shop is the perfect place to indulge in some unashamed people watching. Grab a perch at one of their large courtyard tables, chow down on a crusty baguette or yummy salad and watch the world whizz past. But, wait there's more! Make sure you also check out their eclectic mix of mens, womens and kidswear. Fashion and food - what more could you want?

Jl. Laksmana, No. 10A - Seminyak

Grocer and Grind

Keep your stamina up while shopping along Jl Laksmana by taking a pit stop at Grocer and Grind. This little deli consistently pumps out salads, paninis, great coffee and irresistible sweet treats - perfect shopping fuel really!

Jl. Kayu Jati, No. 3x - Petitenget Beach, Tel +62 361 737 321

Honourable Mention

While it is a little exxy, Breeze at The Samaya is worth a visit for its beachside location alone. Plus, they do a mean fresh tuna niçoise salad.

Image: Thomas Hawk

Sarong

Sarong simply gets it all right. With internationally renowned chef, Will Meyricks (ex Jimmy Liks, Longrain), at the helm we had big expectations. And they were well and truly knocked out of the park. With it's modern take on a hawker mix of Asian cuisine, Sarong is perfect for a Big Night Out.

Jl. Petitenget No. 19X, Kerobokan, Tel: +62 361 737 809

Chandi

Our one and only Bali regret was that we discovered Chandi on the last night of our trip. They bill it as haute Indonesian cuisine and while I'm a little confused as to what that means, one thing I'm clear on - it's bloody good! With the majority of ingredients sourced locally and organically grown, Chandi produces really creative flavours like crunchy tofu squares, slow roasted chicken breast in Balinese tomato sauce or grilled beef tenderloin with savoury onion jam and sour cherry mustard.

Jl. Laksmana, No. 72 - Seminyak, Tel: +62 0361 731 060

And lastly, if you're planning on making a night of it and having a few beverages, it's hard to go past Ku De Ta. But other spots worth a look in are Blossom at Sentosa Villas and Sunset on Six. Cheers!

A Brief Interlude

Images: The Design Files

Kat Macleod's Second Solo Show - Slight Inclusions

I've still got a few Bali gems up my sleeve that that I'm desperate to share, but after visiting Kat Macleod's second solo show, Slight Inclusions, we just have to take a brief interlude.

Slight Inclusions comprises a collection of Kat's original drawings, and features pieces from commissions by publications such as Vogue Entertaining + Travel, The Cocktail and Real Simple Magazine. For the first time, she has also created large scale silk-screen prints of her work.

Kat has one of the biggest (and most fervent) fan clubs going around - and rightly so! Her heavenly collage ladies are strikingly raw and feminine. And as for Kat, she is wildly talented, beautifully modest and genuinely lovely. I think that's what they call a triple threat!

If you plan on stopping by Slight Inclusions - run, don't walk! Most of Kat's pieces have already been snapped up. Which is hardly surprising really...

Slight Inclusions - 15 October to 15 November

Lamington Drive

89 George Street, Fitzory, Victoria

Gallery Hours: Wed- Fri (11am - 6pm), Sat & Sun (12 - 5pm)

Mr Plastico Fantastico

Image: Bombastic Plastix

Bali Find: Bombastic Plastix

If I were a purse I'd want to be one by Bombastic Plastix. One part trash and one part treasure, they are unapologetic in their plan for world domination.

Produced by a small company based in Bali, Bombastic Plastix makes wallets, bags, totes and cosmetics purses by collecting plastic bags then washing and heat pressing them to form fabric. Genius!

But the main reason I want to be one of these purses is so that everytime someone unzips me, I'd could sing in my graveliest voice, 'I'm Mr. Boombastic, say me fantastic touch me in my back!'

All Over the Shop

Image by Indonesian Illustrator, Nady Azhry

Shopping in Bali

Holiday Theory #1

A holiday without shopping is like the latest pics of Suri in heels - Unnatural!

While I was happy to leave the knock-off handbags and Bintang t-shirts to Kuta, I did put in a mighty effort pounding the pavement in Seminyak. Here are three of my top haunts:

SimpleKonsepStore

SimpleKonsepStore is a trendsetting emporium devoted to the classics of tomorrow. You'll find there an avant garde mix of mens, womens and kidswear; accessories; homewares; gadgets; books and music. And if that's not enough to get you through the door, then their house clothing line which reinterprets traditional Balinese silk screen techniques should sweeten the deal. Batik has never looked so good!

Jl Lesmana, No. 40 - Seminyak

Saya Gallery by Lorriane

I went weak at the knees when I came across Saya Gallery by Lorraine and it's range of sculptures, paintings and homewares. But it was their jewellery offering from local artists that truly stole my heart. Think of it as the Balinese version of e.g.etal and you get the picture. Anyway, the mesh bracelet I bought there hasn't left my wrist and I keep pining for four other pieces that I wish I had purchased. Sigh.

Jl. Laksmana, No. 12x - Seminyak

The Prisoners of St. Petersburg

Sometimes it seems that no matter which country you're in, each shop is filled with the same old same old. Not so with The Prisoner's of St. Petersburg. In fact, I almost needed another suitcase after I had finished with this treasure trove! While it might be small in size, The Prisoners of St. Petersburg seriously punches above it's weight in the fashion stakes. Refreshing designs and unexpected fabrics at reasonable prices. What more could you want?

Jl. Laksmana, No. 42 - Seminyak

Home Again

We're back! The sun has warmed my bones and I feel as though I have been put together again all shiny, new and refreshed. Over the next few days I'll share with you some of the deliciousness that Bali brought. In the meantime, there are bags to unpack and a mound of washing - the hangover from a blissful time away.