Just yes.

Tee hee.

Love. This.

I feel like my pillow wants to say this to me even when it's not written there. What a great idea.

Gold. Everywhere gold.

I don't quite understand what you'd do with these, but gee they're attractive. Packing a lunch? Keeping some things in a bag on a shelf? Quite alluring.

Play houses

Adorable little play blocks. When visiting Japan, I was struck by a huge trend of kid's toys being nice, adult colours, and not crazy, branded Dora catastrophes. It's nice to think that if I wanted to buy a child a toy, it could be simple, natural-looking and still heaps of fun. Also, ahem, I wouldn't mind these blocks....

Favourite Podcast Update

And now for a change of pace. A while back I wrote about my favourite podcasts. And then I wrote about them again. And I realised over the years that the list keeps changing. So in the interests of maybe helping you to find something fun to listen to, and for my good friend Annie, here's what's on my current rotation. (Oh and it's in alphabetical order, so I don't have to play favourites!)

A History of the World in 100 Objects - A fabulous series from the British Museum, curated by its director, Neil McGregor. Deliciously short features, each exploring a historical object (like a jade axe, for example) and looking at the broader historical period. Excellent for: burgeoning history buffs and list-lovers.

Arts and Ideas - An always-interesting discussions of, unsurprisingly, arts and ideas from the BBC. Good for: car trips or walks up the street.

BBC Documentaries - Aural documentaries, you say? Well that's what most podcasts are, but this one actually feels like the structure of a doco, too. Thousands of topics covered here, from North Korea to the AIDS crisis. Good for: learning about new parts of the world.

Forum - A World of Ideas - An always-engaging and well-moderated panel discussion with three new panelists each week, who come from academia, the arts and science/medicine and beyond. They draw fascinating parallels between their respective fields and the topic at hand - quite delightful.

Here's the Thing - A newcomer which is Alec Baldwin's interview podcast. I didn't think I'd like this, but a gateway drug would be the excellent interview with Kristen Wiig. Whom I adore.

KCRW's Bookworrm -  Where to begin?! Not only does Michael Silverblatt have a voice like warm honey, he is a genius when it comes to books. If you need an episode to convince you, try this heartbreaking interview with David Foster Wallace. After listening to one of Silverblatt's questions, Wallace says simply, "Adopt me".

Fresh Air - Terry Gross is a wonderful interviewer who always seems to have great guests. I love her sensitivity and insight - she is part psychologist and part culture fanatic. Bonus:  a brilliant comedy video from Mike Birbiglia featuring himself and Terry. Courtesy of This American Life (see below).

Radiolab -A very unusual and highly produced show, I would recommend listening to Radiolab in a dark room on a cold night. Scintillating and sometimes heart-stopping, start with Lost and Found and tell me you are not moved by Emilie's story.

Shakespeare's Restless World - A follow-up series from the British Museum (those guys are on a roll!), this series looks at themes from Shakespeare, like food or travel, and how those would have really been in Shakespeare's time. Riveting. Good for: Literary nerds and sonnet-a-holics.

Slate Culture Gabfest - It's hard not to adore Dana, Steven and Julia. When I first started listening to this back in 2008, I had no idea they'd become my 'friends'. Too, too wonderful. I've put a lot of my REAL friends on to this one, and they all seem to still be listening. Enough said. Good for: everything.

The Moth - Always riveting. The Moth is a series of stories told by everyone from famous people to your everyday girl next door. Storytelling at its finest. Best for: short trips.

This American Life - One of the biggest and most famous shows on NPR. Hard to explain the impact this show and its host, Ira Glass, have had on me. But suffice to say this never disappoints. One of my favourites is Switched at Birth (which another friend hates!) so at least it will provoke conversation.

Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me - A fun panel comedy show which talks about US current affairs and interesting topics. An interesting way into the news if you've had a week where you can't stomach real news.

Whew! Enjoy if any of these are new to you - I'd love to hear if you like them!

Flying Baby

The Flying Baby series is too wonderful to miss: it made me giggle and gasp at the same time. Enjoy!

Modcloth Canisters

Well hello there, shiny, pretty canisters. Aren't you just delightful with your wooden lids and 50s, Scandi-inspired prints. Nice job. 

Images from here and here.

Cubebot

My lovely sister bought me this Cubebot for Christmas. He is a robot made of wood: he has bendable joints and - wait for it - folds up into a cube. He is so perfect.

Papier Paris

I love this paper cut out of Paris. You can download and print here - a lovely design and a very sweet little paper city.

Fashionary

This is pretty fun. Fashionary is a book with templates to draw people and clothes in case you have big ideas but can't draw. I suddenly wish I had big ideas (as I can't draw and this would be perfect!).

Clutch

Hey delightful clutch! Do you like going to parties? Or hanging out with outfits and other accessories? I think you might like my wardrobe - it's a fun and happening place.

Paper robots

Paper robots! Gah! These little ones are, like many robots I like, far too pretty to be just toys. Delightful!

1st wedding anniversary

The Pal and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary on the weekend. We spent a beautiful, sunny day in the park with a Sydney Picnic and it genuinely couldn't have been lovelier. Picnic + sun + The Pal = much happiness.

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

This is a fairly life-altering video. I'm just saying. I took notes.

Robot Wallpaper

It's times like these that the Pal is lucky we are renting. Otherwise I would feel compelled to paper the whole house with robots. I am almost entirely serious... Thanks to my sister Em for the tip.

Mobile

Breathtakingly beautiful mobile from the ever-excellent Mr Kitly. Don't worry: it's sold out, so no danger of buying. Just so pretty to look at. Happy Monday!

Shiny, shiny nails

I have been experimenting with new nails at the moment. I can't keep nail polish on for more than a day, so I tried some new sticker-y things that stick on and last for 10 days or so without going to a salon. This is absolutely not a paid endorsement, but I have to show you and tell you about them, as they're just so great!

Apple of My Eye

Love me an apple ring. Just love it.

Wedding Photos

Yes, oh internet. I have been holding out on you with wedding photos. It is for the very good reason that it is going to be featured on another blog! So it's coming up, and I'll re-post here. So hold your breath - many photos are coming!

Wishing you all a wonderful and fulfilling 2011!

Vintage Books

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Some lovely vintage books - the first one encompasses so much possibility and excitement - what a cover!

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