zuster

When I heard on the grapevine that iconic design mecca Zuster was launching a sister store and arriving in Sydney this Autumn, I was excited to say the least.

Established in 1990 by sisters Wilhelmina McCarroll and Fleur Bouw, Zuster has crafted a niche where beautiful design meets furniture that is built to last, redefining "investment furniture" for the 21st century.

The Surry Hills showroom is light and spacious, allowing the wide range of furniture to breathe. Warm hues of willow, american oak and amber timber are softened by grey and cream wool throws, punchy ruby rugs and contrasting denim-blue textile upholstered chairs. Throw in expressive artwork, colourful glass and south american inspired pom-poms and you have a blend of subtle style with glimpses of a colourful personality.

Whether you're looking for that next investment piece or just interior inspiration, beyond the fire-red doors, you'll find a calm haven dedicated to beautiful style with substance.

Zuster Sydney Showroom
247, Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, Sydney

embracing the art of digital storytelling

Recently, I have been trying to see things with a slightly different perspective and amazing things are starting to happen. When I wrote this post about writing your own creative manifesto, it really solidified for me the concept that creativity is truly unique, completely owned and crafted by the individual. And that's what makes it wonderful. And so, yes, you can feel the fear and do it anyway - because no one can tell you what creativity should look like.

So when Jaclyn from BlogSociety asked if I wanted to be part of an event about embracing the art of digital storytelling, I said yes before she even got the final words out. Featuring as part of the Vivid Sydney festival of light, music and ideas, the workshop is designed to help people tell their story through digital media - in a way that is unique to them. Giving people the tools and skills they need to let their creativity flow.

I'm so happy to be working on this event with such amazing and talented people. Vivian Mansour from interior design blog, ish and chi and Jen Bishop from Interiors Addict will be leading the creative way from the outset with their inspiring blog stories. Then we'll be breaking out into the workshops, lead by Natalie Hayllar from eat read love , Madeline Johnson, amazing stylist from The Loved Ones, photographer extraordinaire Milton Gan and myself.

Check out all the event info at Vivid Sydney or book your ticket here.

the big swim

 

Last Sunday it was very beautiful, warm, sunny, stunning blue sky. Now, I live in Australia, so this isn't all that rare, but as we're now into May and heading into winter, we're all appreciating the last of the warm days. Ok, hot. I am English, so in my book, anything over 25 degrees is hot.

Walking back from a lazy brunch in Manly, I watched truck-loads of surfers pile into the water. Feeling slightly guilty in my long sleeved layers, I promised myself that I would make the most of the ocean pool in Freshwater one last time this season. Striding down to the water in my swimmers and shorts (barefoot. because I live and the beach at that's still a novelty, even if I do get stones in my feet). I'll be honest, the previous summery confidence I felt wrapped in my warm sports lycra had now reduced, along with my body temperature.

But, deterred not, I was going to get in that pool.

I arrived, and of course, the usual scene presented itself before me. Accomplished ocean swimmers cut through the green water with grace in various strokes, but mostly front crawl. The kind where the swimmer keeps their face in the water for several breaths and then skilfully turns their head to take some air from under their armpit. Yep, the regular front crawl that normal people do. But for me, this is not so regular. I usually make an attempt, swallow a lungful of water and then make a scene, coughing and spluttering. Nice.

Despite feeling a wee bit intimidated, I plunged in, bracing the cold, feeling my body slowly going numb to that lovely tingly cold that begins to feel quite nice actually. Head held high (literally), I began to swim my usual granny breast stroke. The kind where I don't really get my hair wet. And yes, feeling slightly silly amongst my fellow swimmers, I swam a length. On my second lap, the wonderfulness began to sink in. The breeze on the water. The smell of the ocean. The salt on my lips. The laughter of kids playing. The sun in my eyes.

I was swimming like a novice. It was a bit chilly. I didn't care. I was frolicking in the salt water and loving every minute.