The Wonder Stuff

How amazing are these baby portraits. Edward Mapellthorpe is an american photographer who takes baby portraits right around their first birthdays. The first little dude kills me!

I love citrusy, sour, limey yellows with deep dark greeny, bluey tones. yum!

images taken from www.designspongeonline.com

I love MAPS!

I've always been fascinated with maps. When we were young ( well we still are! kinda!) my friend used to have one beside her kitchen table and I couldnt take my eyes off it planning where i'd like to travel when I grew up! Maps are a brill way of filling a wall, whether they are bright, glossy and new or old, sepia coloured and faded they are a sure conversation starter, a great way to get kids inerested in travel and a little escape from reality...

Images from Elle Decor

Casual and chic...these bracelets say Summertime!

Just back from Paris and the show of all shows Maison D'Object!

Found some delightful interior companies, hip restaurants , fab new concept stores..so here's a taste of what I found!


photo from http://pm-betweenthelines.blogspot.com


This is a Concept store called Merci.

Its a new kind of retail therapy ...check out the amaaaazing leather bags and some great designer finds with vintage furniture, stationary, kitchenwares and 2 coffee shops all in the most beautiful converted fabric Factory.
What's differant about Merci is that all the sellers profits go to a kids charity in Madagascar and the staff are all volunteers...so if you think its a tad over priced well at least you know your extra euros are going to a good cause!

MERCI
111 Boulevard Beaumarchais
75011 Paris

MAMA SHELTER HOTEL

Philippe Starcks new venture..this mix of boutique hotel and upmarket Youth Hostel is the new hip place to be seen in Paris. Named in honour of the Rolling Stones "Gimme Shelter" this place is a crazy mish mash of graffiti ceilings, fusball tables, a small concert stage and a restaurant with a Michelin Star Chef. Oooo la la!

http://www.mamashelter.com

Les Cocottes de Christian Constant

We were lucky enough to be brought to a new "in" restaurant by a friend of the friend, I travelled to Paris with. It was a buzzing place...nothing too amazing to look at but the food was really excellent and prices not too bad! Only thing to watch out for are the large hanging pieces of cured meat...tend to be a bit sticky when you unknowingly lean your freshly washed hair against them!