Loving... pretty shops

Yellow Brick Road

Have you ever daydreamed about having a cute little tea shop, or a gorgeous boutique selling pretty clothes, jewellery and gifts? I definitely have and it is a bittersweet feeling to find out someone else has already done it, but I love discovering them! I am always grateful for a little treat or some window-shopping (linking up with Paisley Jade's 'Things I'm Loving').

The Tea Lady (pic by Kute Kiwi)

I had been meaning to visit The Tea Lady ever since I heard about it - Birkenhead isn't far away and the website is super-cute... I don't drink real tea but love fruit teas and there were lots to choose from. My sister and I took my mum and my auntie, and after playing musical tables (there are only about 5 tables, thank you so much familiar-looking-lovely-lady who swapped tables twice to accommodate others!) we had tea and a big fluffy scone each. The vintage decorating includes polka dots, florals and retro toys, the perfect girly outing (thanks to Kim @ Kute Kiwi for the photo, her tea party-friendly blog is here).

I found Yellow Brick Road online a few months ago and couldn't figure out where in Parnell it was... it is worth the effort to find (and not that tricky really, just past the gelato shop) and so, so pretty. I haven't actually bought anything yet but am very tempted by these pads and a lot of the jewellery. The clothes are lovely too (see more on their blog).

Little Craft Store

Are there any other pretty shops (in Auckland or anywhere else) that you would recommend? Next on my list is The Little Craft Store, although I don't think I will be able to restrain myself from spending there...

Note: Not a sponsored post, just things I like    :)

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Loving... pretty houses

I have seen lots of pretty houses on the interweb this week - somehow looking at amazing houses isn't frustrating like looking at the local ones just out of our reach!

We write about Amy Butler a lot because we love her fabrics - Apartment Therapy has a tour of her house and it is so beautiful. 

Lovely blogger Retromummy is considering a move from Sydney to the country, and her weekend open home adventures (with four children!) have produced some gorgeous photos.

Have you seen Sophie Dahl's cooking show? This is the London house where it was filmed, clean and white so you can imagine what you would do with it... on the show it was filled with vintage china, candles, bunting and snuggly furnishings... (via Meet Me at Mike's)

And finally, my favourite new website, Unhappy Hipsters. 'Mid-century modern' decors with dream furniture - and tongue-in-cheek captions (like this one). I even spotted Karen Walker's house...

'Things I'm Loving' - Fridays at Paisley Jade's     :)

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This week...

...I'm loving small projects at home to keep my mind and hands busy.


Like this trophy for my office's Oscar-picking competition

Making Cat Taylor's creamy fudge recipe for the Delish Cupcakes bake sale this weekend (proceeds to Red Cross)

Starting a new project (with help) for the wall

Trying origami cranes thanks to li'l magoolie

And being amazed by the coolest amigurami.


But of course my thoughts are still with Christchurch - see Aimee's post for how to help, and check out this fundraiser that is guaranteed to make you smile. More loved things at Paisley Jade each week  :)

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Things I'm loving...

It has been a busy week but these things have made me smile...

This new Lego game is like Pictionary but you build instead of draw - we got it for my brother-in-law's birthday and it looks awesome! Available in NZ at the Warehouse or fishpond (cute review here).

Did you know that the Auckland supercity means all 55 libraries are now amalgamated? I had forgotten to check out the revamped Birkenhead Library until a couple of weeks ago, but it is lovely... airy and modern with lots of natural light, and a playground right outside.

NZ artist Sarah McNeil is known for her beautiful animal sketches, and is having a sale to clear her Etsy shop - how cute is this "Trying to be happy a lot of the time" print? I bought the set of quilt notecards.

And finally, if you have the Living Channel on Sky (or want to watch online), take a look at Kirstie's Homemade Home (Monday nights). It fits perfectly with our re-design theme, and just in last week's episode Kirstie made a cool teenager's bean-bag (with pockets for remotes!), stencilled on some window blinds and made a glass bowl. This week she tried the machine embroidery that is like drawing, I can't wait to try it myself.

See what everyone else is loving this week on Paisley Jade's blog (and check out her amazing rainbow cake!)

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