July, 2011

Shop Instyle: hardtofind.com.au

Sunday, July 31st, 2011

Tracking down an amazing gift, a perfect accessory, kids essentials or unique homewares can be a time consuming task for retail shoppers. And trying to do it online can leave your mouse exhausted. So we praise the ecommerce gods for giving us hardtofind.com.au. Once you’ve found it, you’ll never forget it.

We caught up with Erica Stewart, one of the directors behind the site to ‘find’ out a more about her venutre…

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Tell us a little bit about your store and how it was established…
hardtofind. is a shopping website featuring beautifully designed, hand-made or unique products – homewares, gifts, kids’ stuff and accessories – that are not easily found elsewhere. As working mothers with little time for shopping beyond the basics, we realised that there was a gap in the online market for a quality website where you could rely on finding only the best available. Having spent (between us) 35 years working on lifestyle magazines, we got to know the secrets of the stylists and importers — where to find those irresistible products, so we decided to share our knowledge with other, like-minded shoppers and thus hardtofind. was born!

What sets your store apart from other stores?
We curate the site with only products that we love. hardtofind. is like a gorgeous shopping mall, where you can browse through a number of smaller boutiques selling unique, high-quality products. You can buy from as many boutiques as you like, simply adding each product to your shopping basket as you go and then proceeding to one easy checkout. Each boutique (or seller) will then dispatch the products directly to you.

What are your favourite products in your store right now?
I’m loving the stylised designs from Make Me Iconic, especially the Iconic Choice teatowel, the Hoop ‘grandelier’ from Who Did That – a cleverly-designed, flat-pack lamp made from future-friendly wood materials from certified, sustainably managed plantations, and the whimsical little art prints from Printspace.
IconicChoiceTeatowel
Do you attend Life Instyle? If so, why?
I do! My business partner, Trudi and I go every year and sometimes to Melbourne too. We love discovering gorgeous new products to feature on hardtofind. and LifeInstyle never fails to inspire us.

What do you look for in products when selecting stock for your store?
They need to be unique, have a certain design aesthetic and a high production quality – many of our products are handmade to order.

What has been the biggest surprise since opening your store?
How much I didn’t know about online! We’ve learnt a lot about e-commerce in three years.

Right now I’m:
Eating… raddichio, fennel and orange salad (homemade for lunch)
Drinking… copious cups of tea
Reading… The Sydney Morning Herald online – with three kids and a business I don’t have time for anything else!
Hearing… Katie Noonan, played through my iphone speakers in the shower earlier to keep my youngest (Charlotte, aged 1) occupied. There’s usually me plus at least one or more kids hanging out in the bathroom every morning – I’m sure other mothers will relate!
Planning… My belated honeymoon to Bali – can’t wait.
Buying… Bitton pear & cinnamon jam from hardtofind. A-MA-ZING!
Enjoying… my family

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IN STYLE: Jane Tryon, Focalpoint Home

Sunday, July 31st, 2011

If you’re heading to Life Instyle Melbourne on Thursday, be sure say hello to Jane Tryon of Focalpoint Home. Look out for her Tunisian fouta to brighten up your buying adventures.

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What exactly is a fouta you ask? As Jane explains, “Striped fouta are traditionally offered at Tunisian bathhouses and are sometimes referred to as French towels, hammam towels and spa towels. Whether for beach, spa or everyday use, the beautiful towels have a couple of practical features too. They’re made from absorbent woven cotton that gets softer the more you use it. They easily roll into a small bundle for easy packing, and can double as a wrap, blanket, scarf or tablecloth. Each towel is luxuriously large and highly absorbent.”

Sounds like the perfect summer accessory. Here’s some more about Jane…

How did you end up where you are today?
I studied Interior Design at the University of Technology in Sydney, and have worked as a stylist, florist, retailer and designer. My time in Tunisia led me to investigate the fabulous handcrafts from North Africa, which led to a passion for the fouta. My husband and business partner Mourad Nafti sources our suppliers in Tunisia: concentrating on fair trade practices. We have been wholesaling our products for a number of years and are excited to be appearing in Melbourne.

What’s the best thing about what you do?
The best thing is the creation and development of new ideas. For me the design and planning that goes in to new products is the most challenging and exciting side of the business. We have plans to collaborate with other creative professionals who are as passionate about design and beauty as we are.

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When did you start exhibiting at Life Instyle?
Sydney 2011 February was our first ever show.

Why do you exhibit at Life Instyle?
As a retailer I have visited many trade shows in the past and find the quality of bigger shows quite ad-hoc. Life Instyle offers an edited collection of suppliers that makes the buying experience a pleasure for the visitors, not a chore.

What has been your Life Instyle highlight?
For us it is definitely the face to face contact with our stockists. The great response and feedback we got as a first timer in Sydney has encouraged us to develop our range further.

What can we expect from you at the next show?
Our foutas versatility as a homeware item has inspired a cushion range, which we will debut in Melbourne. We are also collaborating with photographer Lisa Haymes on textile designs (see cushions below).

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Right now I’m:
Living: at Killcare on the Central Coast. Am very pleased we made the move here as the beachside lifestyle is at our doorstep.
Eating…. Autumnal soups and stews- I love my slow cooker! We had a lovely Tunisian lamb and lentil soup for dinner last night which is great for lunch the next day too!
Drinking… Mint tea or coffee
Reading… Online! I follow Design Blogs and tweets. Design Sponge is a favourite and the great thing about tweeting is that you can get direct responses – I had a tweet from Amy Azzarito who is the managing editor of Design Sponge yesterday, she had checked out our new website.
Hearing… the cockatoos and kookaburras in the trees outside
Planning… expanding our homewares and maybe taking them to an international trade show
Buying… Bonds singlets for the kids- weather getting cooler now
Enjoying… my morning walks

For more information visit www.focalpointhome.com.au or meet Jane in person at Life Instyle Melbourne this week.

Jane-and-Mourad

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Video: Exhibitors at Life Instyle

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

With just a week to go, we’re getting very excited about seeing all our fabulous exhibitors LifeInstyle, Melbourne 2011 at the stunning Royal Exhibition Building. Here’s some of the reasons why Life Instyle/Kids Instyle attracts the best brands Australia and New Zealand has to offer.


(if you are getting this post via email, click here to view the video)

If you haven’t pre-registered to visit yet, get to it here. See you there!

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In Style: Sarah Miller, HQW Distributors for Smateria

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Through HQW Distributors, new small business owner Sarah Miller represents Smateria – bags and accessories handmade in Cambodia from common and recycled materials. According to Sarah “Smateria is an innovative brand that employs Cambodian craftspeople in accordance to international labour law and operates under strict adherence to fair trade principles. By purchasing Smateria products not only do you receive a fashionable, functional and sustainable product but you are also contributing to the development of Cambodia and its people.” We love brands and products with heart, and Sarah and her love of international studies formed a business that cleverly combines sound commerce and soulful goods.

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How did you end up where you are today?
It’s been an unusual and circuitous route to starting a business with my fiancé…after finishing a Bachelor Degree in International Studies, I took my love of travel and decided to try working overseas…first as an English Teacher through the JET program in Japan and then as a PA/Project Coordinator in the Citizens Advice Bureaux in the UK.  Next I returned to Australia and moved from my hometown of Adelaide to Sydney and worked for the NSW State Government in Project Management. I finished my Masters in Development Studies part-time and then headed off for my dream job in Community Development in a developing country – Cambodia. What started out as a 9 month volunteer contract, was extended and extended and I ended up staying in Cambodia working for a small local NGO which supported children and education, “The Foundation for Developing Cambodian Communities” (FDCC) for almost 3 years. During a quick stint in Australia in between contracts in Cambodia, I met my fiancé who miraculously was able to follow me back to Cambodia and began work on beginning our distribution business.  Together we secured the exclusive distribution rights to two amazing brands in, Smateria and Tendance Khmere and can now combine our love of Cambodia and helping it’s people with our very own business venture. We have only been back in Australia for four months and with the great support of Gareth’s family business, HQW Distributors, we have been able to hit the ground running, and things are now really starting to happen for our business!

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What’s the best thing about what you do?
After living in a small, isolated country town in Cambodia where we could be completely immersed in the culture, we quickly grew to love Cambodia and its people. We knew we’d want to work overseas again and now with the establishment of our own business, we can. Not only do we get to maintain our link with Cambodia and support the employment and training of Khmer staff, we also get to raise awareness for Cambodian-made products and prove to Australians that innovative, good-quality, well-designed products are beginning to come out of this beautiful country. Cambodia really needs the support of the international community, particularly to assist its economy to grow which will in turn allow the country to develop. Even more so given its tumultuous past.

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Why did you choose to exhibit at Life Instyle?
We exhibited our Tendance Khmere brand at the Life Instyle show in Sydney in 2010. Having just arrived home, we weren’t ready to take either brand to Sydney in February 2011 but have been preparing for the Melbourne show for some time. When we first visited the show, we just knew it was the right one for Smateria, the exhibitors all show fresh, new designs and there is a strong element of unique craftsmanship which really supports the elements that shine for Smateria.

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What can we expect from you at the show?
Bags, Bags and Bags – Bright colours, unique design, sustainable materials, excellent craftsmanship all with a great story that gives you that “feel good” factor!

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Right now I’m:
Eating…. A chicken schnitzel with mushroom gravy and chips – can’t get one of those in Cambodia!
Drinking… South Australian ”Bird in Hand” Sparkling Pinot Noir
Reading… Dale Beaumont’s “The Secrets of Female Entrepreneurs Exposed!”
Hearing… Powderfinger’s Greatest Hits
Planning… My wedding at Bird in Hand Winery, South Australia
Buying… warm clothes for my first Bowral, Southern Highlands winter
Enjoying… the new paths life takes you…

For more information visit: www.smateria.com.au or register to visit Life Instyle Melbourne 2011 and meet Sarah in person.

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TOP PICK: Knuffle Kid

Monday, July 25th, 2011

Knuffle Kid is returning to Life Instyle in Melbourne, starting in just over a weeks time!

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On show will be their Summer 2011/12 Collection, Forest for the Trees (available August ) and Winter  2012 (Available March 2012). Summer has been inspired by getting lost in the details… of “not seeing the forest for the trees.”  It also draws inspiration from Hansel and Gretel. Not the weird-children-eating-old-witch bit of Hansel and Gretel, but the bit about siblings hanging in the forest together, climbing trees, imagining edible houses, getting lost and then becoming found again.

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The colour palette is a mix of teal, rose, pink, greens and charcoal. In spots, stripes and the knuffle kid topography print on organic jersey. Adorable “lolly pop” shorts and “gretel” skirt with strap’s, gingham “grimm” shirt and the spotty “sister” dress are only a few that make up the range.  Beautiful Australian made lace trims the garments, along with red detail stitching, pleats and gathers.

The Winter 2012 Collection is called Waldheim.

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A long time ago deep in the Tasmanian bush, there lived a couple.  Gustav and Sarah loved each other deeply.  They built a home with their bare hands and named it ‘Waldheim – home in the forest’. It stood proudly in one of the remotest and wildest parts of the island, and they wanted to share their beloved home and environment with everyone.  It is now a national park, Cradle Mountain National Park to be exact.

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This seasons ‘Waldheim’ range is all about the outdoors and what to wear while you’re there.  With olive, grey and black. Mixed with navy, red and musk pink. The colour palette extends from the natural environment. Echoing gums, the colours of the rocks at sunset and the berries of the area’s native flora.

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With timeless styling, all of the items are practical; but still smart and elegant. The choice of fabric demonstrates the harshness of the environment, with manufactured holes and pulls which give the range a raw modern edge. The signature fabric is silhouettes of old gum trees and leaves, which is used to detail the clothing.

Exciting News! Knuffle Kid now goes to Size 8!

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For more information visit Knuffle Kid at Kids Instyle, Melbourne 4 – 7 August 2011 or go to www.knufflekid.com

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TOP PICK: Kidsagogo, Endless Summer Days

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

redgirlOwner and creator of Kidsagogo, Sue Hadinata opened her first store in 1989, after dresses she’d made for her own 2 daughters attracted a lot of interest from family and friends. “From the moment I opened the shop I just haven’t stopped”, she says.

Her now internationally recognised brand has gone from strength to strength and her love of creating children’s clothes and accessories continues.

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The range consists of crisp colours and fresh contemporary designs which define the Kidsaoggo style.  Beautiful 100% cotton fabrics have been custom printed and dyed to create a unique look. The colours of this collection combine red, blue, rose, tangerine and greens swirled with cooling whites in stripes, checks and floral prints.  This range offers dresses, skirts, tops and shorts for boys and girls, aged 3months to 8years.

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Kidsagogo also has a fabulous range of accessories, home wares and soft toys. Known for their detail, many styles have bold hand embroidery and stitching.

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Kidsagogo will be represented by Melanie Pearce Australian Distributor at the Kids Instyle Melbourne, stand K69 or visit www.kidsagogo.com

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TOP PICK: Hello We Make Stuff

Monday, July 18th, 2011

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Some see poor economic conditions as a reason not to start a business. Others see it as an opportunity. Hannah and Caleb started Hello We Make Stuff in March 2009 from Hannah’s mums spare bedroom having just moved from New Zealand to Australia during a recession.

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Having no choice but to create work for themselves as jobs, they started mucking around with ideas for jewellery. Polymer clay, resin, scrabble, dominos, you name they tried it. The ones to stick (dominoes and scrabble) were to go on and sell more than they could ever dream.

As Caleb explains “Having no real qualifications we had no choice but to use our creative sides and imaginations. We didn’t get a loan, instead sticking to slowly building the business one customer at a time. A lot of hard work but worth it to have something that we have built from the ground up, just Hannah and I, an honest and simple business inspired to make fun, new, inspiring, handmade products for our customers and friends.”

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In Melbourne in August 2010, Hello We Make Stuff debuted at Life Instyle Melbourne, being picked up by some of the best boutiques and galleries in Australia. One of the proudest moments in their history was been asked by The Tate Modern Gallery of London to stock their shop.

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They went from making stuff in a spare bedroom to a flat behind Hannah’s mums to a house on the central coast where Hello We Make Stuff now takes up the double garage. We wonder where they’ll expand to in 2012!

Say “hello” to Hannah and Caleb at Life Instyle Melboure, August 4 – 7 2011, or visit http://hellowemakestuff.bigcartel.com/story

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Top Pick: MIDA, clothing for little Aussie blokes

Monday, July 18th, 2011

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MIDA is a boys fashion brand catering for 1-6 year old boys. Seriously, how many brands out there can say that? Not many!

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MIDA has a  clear “no” policy to commercial slogans, characters and grown-up styles. Instead, MIDA offers the best combination of quality, style and fun! Design inspiration comes from everyday ‘boyish’ activities, mostly chosen by the owners –  two year old son, Tommy.
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Favourite toys and activities, interesting birds that stop by to say hello and lots more things Tommy finds interesting, ensures each garment is fresh and stylish with a distinctive design signature.

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Good designs aren’t just for the day – who says fun should stop when it’s bedtime? MIDA has a range of nightwear that makes getting ready for bed something to look forward to.

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MIDA. It’s Tommy’s take on Mr!

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MIDA will be represented by Wholesale Baby at Kids Instyle Melbourne, Stand k52 or visit www.mida.net.au.

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In Style: Kathryn Barbary, My Rocking Horse

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

Unrequited childhood love for an object never had can make adults do wild and wonderous things. Kathryn Barbary is the poster child for this phenomenon. She’s created My Rocking Horse, a company that creates the most whimsical rocking horses a child could ever wish for…

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How did you end up where are you today?
Doesn’t every child dream of having a rocking horse? My Rocking Horse is the result of a global search for a beautiful wooden rocking horse for my daughter Lucinda.

One of my earliest memories is gazing in awe and admiration at my mother’s friend’s wooden rocking horse when I was about four. I started combing the world for the right horse five years ago, when I found I was pregnant.

After extensive research and product development with a dedicated rocking horse maker, I was delighted to see the final product in our home. My dream for Lucinda has come true.

Tell us about My Rocking Horse…
We pride ourselves in producing beautiful wooden rocking horses that are unique in their craftsmanship, ‘green’ and of premium quality.

We produce beautiful wooden rocking horses. Every horse is a work of art in itself. They are individually and expertly hand-carved in a dedicated rocking horse workshop. They’re beautifully shaped and proportioned, with a similar stance to a real horse.

We use only legally certified hardwood. Environmentally harvested from fast-growing, sustainable plantations.

Our fittings are crafted from genuine, quality materials. For instance: real cowhide for the saddle and bridle, real horsehair, solid brass in the saddle, belt and stand. Swarovski crystals can be ordered to adorn the saddle. All fillers, paints and varnishes are non-toxic.

We use the Safety Stand in the foundation for all of our rocking horses. Compared with the traditional bow base, it’s much more stable and needs less space. (It doesn’t ‘walk’ as the bow base does either.)

My Rocking Horse is designed and built for kids from three to eight, but always with adult supervision.

What’s the best thing about what you do?
Seeing the admiration and complete excitement on my daughter Lucinda’s face, each time she sees ‘more’ new rocking horses.

Why exhibit at Kids Instyle?
We’re using Kids Instyle as a platform to launch our product to resellers, obtain feedback, assess alignment with potential resellers and make decisions about channel marketing for our product in the future.

My Rocking Horse Logo

Right now I’m… Enjoying the peace whilst my children are both sleeping!
Eating… Old style, slow cooked and Winter comfort foods! Tonight we enjoyed marinated lamb, roast vegies, tomatoes and cauliflower with a cheese sauce!
Drinking… water
Reading… TV Chef cook books! My library is definitely growing – I’m not so sure that my culinary skills have improved!
Hearing… A gentle whirring sound from my fireplace! No children!
Planning… A trip to a warm, sunny paradise… (Hawaii!)
Buying… Custom rugs from Tsar…
Enjoying… Exploring all things Melbourne with my children – who are both on school holidays at the moment!

For more information visit www.myrockinghorse.net or meet Kathryn at Life Instyle Melbourne, August 4-7.

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In Style: Monika Mamrot, Nika & Mink

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

For the past 10 years Monika Mamrot traveled extensively, meeting inspiring people, hearing wonderful stories, and always returning home with something exquisite from far away lands. On one such sojourn a vision was conceived – to work with interesting people, to have creative freedom, to tap into artisan skills in places where income is needed. An so Nika & Mink was born.

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Monika’s brand specialise in feminine fashion accessories and silk garments. Nika & Mink is committed to making a positive contribution and fostering close relationships with the team and community whilst producing beautiful products.

Find out a little more about Monika below, and meet her at Life Instyle Melbourne, August 4 – 7 2011.

What’s the best thing about what you do?
The deeply satisfying nature of hand made products means intimate relationships develop with our team throughout the creative process. It is such a joy to see all those around you flourish as a result of our combined endeavours From conception through to the finished product, collectively the team develops an enormous pride in everything we produce. It is also wonderful to see women on the street enjoying their Nika & Mink tote or scarf.

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When did you start exhibiting at Life Instyle?
I have been exhibiting at Life Instyle now for 5 years.

Why do you exhibit at Life Instyle
Life Instyle provides unparrelled access to a vast range of quality contacts which has been an integral part of growing my business.

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What has been your Life Instyle highlight?
I thoroughly enjoy the comraderie and kinship of fellow exhibitors. I am inspired by their creativity and align with the knowledge that we all share the same joys and challenges in growing our businesses. We support one another. Many of those exhibitors I now call friends.

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What can we expect from you at the next show?
This season, Nika & Mink SS12 ‘ROMANTIC CARNIVALE’ promises a rapturous celebration of spring delights. New seasons colours set a convivial scene with hibiscus hues, poppy reds, praline, vintage iris and perennial black. Silk gelato ball scarves add sophisticated contrast to hewn organic wrap around belts, bone bracelets and chic natural fibre clutches.

Tissue fine spring bud hedgerows adorn sweet surrender slippers, dainty eye pillows, cosmetic bags, eye masks, compact mirrors, lipstick purses and hair accessories.

Play meets luxe travel style with ipad and ipod covers in embellished designer bows, froufrou and spring bud ruffles.

Signature blooms, rosettes, poppies and spring blossoms add an exuberant allegorical statement to silk taffeta clutches, style defining totes and bags.

This season, garments partner, Sondra & I have designed luxuriously voluminous 100% silk garments cut a joyous swathe of Spring/Summer style in new seasons brights – hibiscus red, royal blue, smoke and black.

Exceptional quality and hand crafted detail are signature hallmarks of NIKA & MINK SS’12 ROMANTIC CARNIVALE.

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Right now I’m…Eating a yummy sweet Pastilla in Fes … a daily must have.
Drinking… a super fresh and sweet mint tea.
Reading… right now the Lonely Planet on Morocco … when I return to the riad it will be The Widow Clicquot -”The story of a champagne empire and the woman who ruled it.”
Hearing… a call to “come to prayer.”
Planning… my next trip, a hard one … what could be more exotic than being here.
Buying… sssshhhh! my husband may read this … but tiles for our bathroom.
Enjoying… this very moment!

For more information visit: www.nika-mink.com or visit Monika at Life Instyle Melbourne.

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