Eataly

The philosophy of Eataly is "It is not just a market, but a food experience." Ignore the cheesy name, this place looks amazing! Mario Batali described his New York Italian food hall as a "temple" where "food is more sacred than commerce." Opening August 31, this more-than-a-grocery store is filled with all things Italian from a bakeries and butchers, to a coffee bar and pizza bar. But beyond the homemade food sections, there is a bookstore, a wine bar, Italian houseware, a rooftop bar, and a cooking school. The signs are in Italian and English (I love the signage design) and there is even an Italian Bank ATM. This will definitely be on my list when I visit New York (OH YES!) in October.

{Source}

GAP is as good as here

The official GAP site, click here, has launched international shipping to 50 countries including, yes!, South Africa! Just in time for spring/summer shopping.

Some of our picks available now ...

City T R188.40

Silky Ruffle Dress R534.50

Tuxedo Khaki Pants R380.70

Belted Pleated Skirt R307.50

Including shipping, duty and taxes this order would come to R2912.60, which according to the site is 100% guaranteed as the final cost. Still adds up but cheaper than buying it at the local stockist (you know who they are!) - let us know if you give this a try!

Adorable

I will make my little niece or nephew a tiny white mask. These little characters are dressed in clothes from TALC, a french kids' boutique.

{Via all the mountains}

Kitchen genius

To me, this is the perfect apron.  Useful kitchen instructions, measurements and the like are printed all along the bottom. And upside down so they are the right way up when the wearer is reading them. Genius!

 

{Available via Charles and Marie}

Lead SA

Holding onto the awesome optimism and sense of togetherness we all felt during the World Cup? Then we know you have already committed to LeadSA, we certainly have and so admire the creators and funders behind this initiative. Click here to find out more about LeadSA, which aims to highlight our country and people's achievments, to challenge people to take responsibility for the change they want to see. And join the Facebook page here.

We're followers already and committed to the simple ways we can be proactive leader:

1. Stand up for what’s right. If you’ve had a glass too many, let a designated driver take you home.
2. Stand up to corruption. Don’t bribe.
3. Stand up for morality. Report crime.
4. Stand up for your community. Get to know your neighbours.
5. Stand up against indifference. Take an interest in those around you.
6. Stand up for free speech. Listen to the other side.
7. Stand up for your future. Respect the environment.
8. Stand up for education. Read to your children.
9. Help instead of Hinder. Say yes when asked to do a favour, don’t look for excuses.
10. Acknowledge goodness. When you have something good to say, say it.

Be an activist

During the long weekend that turned into a lazy long week I watched The Cove and had to share it with you all. It's not often a movie, albeit, a documentary can spur me into action but this one certainly has. I urge you to see The Cove as soon as possible and then you, like me, will not be able to ignore the words of the one participant - "either you're an activist or an inactivist". This documentary won a well-deserved Oscar and will shock you and keep you on the edge of your seats as it breaks open the mysterious cove in Japan where the cruel killing of dolphins happens on an unimaginable scale. I so admire the makers of this film - brave, passionate, bold and true. Please see it, and then take action by sharing it with everyone you know.

Dreaming of Spring

We're already dreaming of spring and summer - literally a few weeks away! So this may be premature but we know you'll love these pretty, flowery tags from Eat, Drink, Chic (read these instructions first for info on the cute font) and use them lots for gift tags, tying around bunches of flowers, or how about around the necks of homemade drinks at your summer parties.

Click here to download now!

Decorex

Another great event for our Jo'burg readers, South Africa's largest decor and design show. Decorex started today and is on until Monday, 9 August. Be inspired by a fresh perspective on all the spaces in which you live, work and play. Find out about all the details here.

Exhibition at Wolves

To all the Jo'burg readers, join us tonight at Wolves Cafe for the Between 10and5 Serenade Your Walls poster exhibition at 6pm. Starting at R120, a poster by some of South Africa's talented young designers is a great way to get some inspired art up in your house!