I love the thong (or ‘jandel’) necklace in the Pink Lou Lou necklace collection.  The range is a little Aussie inspired and is the creation of Skye Campbell.  You can purchase any of the pieces online and have them shipped to your door – prices start at about AUD$128.00.  These would make a great Christmas present for someone special this year.

image [Pink Lou Lou]

While the sewing machine is at my sisters (hers gave up after 20 years!), I’ve decided to give this easy Martha Stewart DIY a go. As yet, all the bits and pieces are in a plastic bag for when I get the chance to try it.  Quite good to throw all the soft toys in, and you can hook the smaller ones on to it when taking it to friends homes.

1. Download and print 2 copies of each template section. (Template A and Template B)

2. Cut out rectangles, and tape together to form template for bag.

3. Lay a piece of Ultrasuede fabric slightly larger than the template on a cutting mat. Attach template to fabric with masking tape. Using a craft knife or a quilting wheel cutter, cut through template and fabric along marked broken lines, working inward; then cut along border to remove excess fabric.

Joseph Joseph always has clever ideas for the kitchen and here is their latest range.  Not sure when it will reach NZ but you can get the range now in Australia from the Gifted Store.  I have their nesting bowls that I posted about a while back and they are great to bake with and an awesome way to keep all the baking gear together.

via [Core 77]

I can’t tell you much about this house as I don’t speak spanish and the website is well..spanish.   It is in Gandario, Galicia, Spain and the architect is Carlos Quintáns.  It’s a stunningly simple home blending the new form with old stone – striking and visible from inside the home.  In one of the photos, I love how the wooden floor vents are not in metal, but are seamless with the wooden flooring.  Of course the glass across the entire front is always a winner for me, and check out the view!

via [Materialicious]

Now, I myself love my laptop just as it is, but if anyone out there doesn’t, then this site has a great selection of laptop skins that are cool.  Should I ever tire of seeing the lovely apple, my fave is definitely Hokusai (the waves).  Just select if you own a mac or pc, what size or model and they start at only US$19 (NZ$25) and shipping overseas is only NZ$10.  You can also custom design with your own image or they cut and custom fit from the large range available.  If these don’t light up your life, they also do mobile phone skins and wall schtickers.   Go take a quick look at the Schtickers website for some inspiration.