It's great to see some local ladies doing their own thing - what's more designing a completely unique product. That's exactly what local girls Skye and Claire have done launching their business Hollie & Harrie just a few weeks ago. Being Mums themselves they saw a need for better sun protection that the kids actually wanted to be under "with five very active children between us, we adore the beach and outdoors but dread the sunburn. We are very 'sun smart' but find the existing beach tents on the market too stifling, provide no natural air flow and our children do not enjoy sitting in them" and so the Sombrilla was born, the girls have designed and manufactured the Sombrillas plus a sweet collection of gorgeous Sunshirts for littlies.
I for one love the yellow Sombrilla and have already ordered one - perfect for Al and his 4 cousins to play under this summer. They're really versatile and can be put in several positions providing more or less shade, they're lightweight and easy to put up. Now all we need is for the rain to stop and we can get to the beach and use ours!
Pop over to Hollie and Harrie for more details.
IMAGES: via Hollie and Harrie
The Millswyn is one of the new kids on the Melbourne block (on the former Lynch's block no less) it's neo French in a Nordic setting. Sitting right opposite the Tan, it's light, joyful and evidently the work of Hecker Guthrie, HG say "it is a fresh, comfortable space where domestic references are rife and no doubt, a new institution is in the making". I'm already looking forward to the Superfood Salad on the terrace this summer.
Snap shot from Terence Conran's book The Ultimate House Book, an encyclopaedic guide to modern living. Apparently this is an image from his own home, I wish my shed was that beautiful and that organised.
Well look who went and got a great cafe - East Malvern did! Continuing on in the welcomed trend of great cafes opening up in suburban areas, comes Servery and Spoon. It's a favourite of mine on a Friday morning, after I drop off my son I grab a rare solo coffee. Bliss.
Exciting news - my hand-made Christmas trees are now for sale! Due to an overwhelming response I've decided to take orders, we can make to any size or scale. If you'd like to see one in the flesh, head to A Shop Called Moth where there is one in the window. I make them from old pieces of wood, so there's no cutting down trees this Christmas. 
So, so, so excited to have designed this coffee table and to see it come to life with the help of my team of timber guys. I am lucky to work with local craftsmen who share my focus simplicity, attention to detail who are also hell bent on using recycled materials.
Another shot the canary yellow coffee table - can't resist!
It's no secret that I am a huge fan of working with concrete and wood. What I love about this execution by Japanese designer Teruhiro Yanagiharra is the simplicity of the design, the mix of materials, it's minimal yes, but still so warm and cosy.
Going to check out (not-so-new) cafe Monk Bodhi Dharma in the AM, great to have another cafe in my local area. They use Market Lane beans - so should be in for a treat.
I just adore this photograph by Chinese photographer Fan Ho, it has such a sense of calm and quiet. I feel very lucky to be able to have Fan Ho's work in my collection over at One Thousand Words.
Reminds me of the Fermob pieces I used in a residential job recently. 
