If I was actually writing entirely about my OWN week, it would just read A&E not once but twice in a week with a sick child, and one hospital stay.  It would read, worry, worry, worry, – with a good deal of panic thrown in.  Luckily THAT part of my week is over, my fifteen year old is safely at home watching every episode of Buffy ever made.  She appears to be in no hurry whatsoever to get better (or at least her body isn’t co-operating with the speedy recovery).  So to be honest, though I didn’t manage to fit too much work in last week – it is nice to turn my mind to something else other than an unwell child… Exciting things happened while I was busy, and at least I can TALK about them now!

The thing I was most sorry to miss was the FOOD and PEOPLE event at 1885. This eleven week-long event schedule will be hosted by different well-known faces.  They will be sharing their hand-picked menu, in a first come, first served event each Thursday evening.  To kick things off in fine style, Karen Walker and Mikhail Gherman, in association with Viva, handled the first night. They worked with Javier Carmona, the Head Chef from the rather fabulous Mexico. In the coming weeks Steven Dunstan, Nick Dwyer, Charlotte Ryan and the very lovely Juliette Hogan will be hosting.  This coming week it will be Simon Pound (media creative), Simon Farrell (Food Writer – Metro & Cuisine) and Murray Bevin (PR extraordinaire) leading the evening.  Starts 7pm – goes to 11pm.  Go to their Facebook page to keep up to date with what is going on.

This week saw Mana Dave open Pony Professional in Newmarket. Working on the Hair Spa concept, with healthy hair the main priority, Pony Professional will be offering everything from full hair spa treatments (2 hrs), through to dry style and blow waves for the walk in client. Mana Dave explained the concept by saying “After creating Blaze I wanted to go on and create the concept of ʻeverything for healthy hairʼ, a relaxed environment where every specialist hair product was available, and where my clients could receive the best product advice and pampering without us ever being intrusive. Then add to this the affordable indulgence of hair spa treatments; this was a perfect combination.” Sound fabulous to me!  The interior alone is worth a visit with Katie Lockhart working her magic with the space. Pony Professional is open at  290b Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland.

Calling all Fashion Designers…this year is the fifth annual DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship.  The Scholarship includes $10,000 worth of freight shipping, as well as coaching from DHL in freight and logistics.  Entries are being encouraged from all sectors – knitwear, merino, children’s wear and accessories as well as fashion in general.  Last years winners, Hamilton-based company NYNE, have found the assistant invaluable as they take their brand beyond NZ shores.  Here is the link to application form on the FINZ website

Much as people assume I love only colour – I also love things that are well designed.  William Morris said (and I paraphrase here) – surround yourself with things that are both beautiful and practical.  That should be the motto of Everyday Needs.  Well actually it probably is, to be frank. They have just re-launched their website, so that means everyone is able to sample their beautifully curated objects.  My current favourite is the  Falcon Enamel Bake Set, white with red rim $184.  It seriously makes me want to cook beautiful things with it.  Again it is the very talented Katie Lockhart that brings all these beautiful, pared-back things together.  I am in awe. Look for them on-line or they have a showroom by appt at 6a Kirk St, Arch Hill, Auckland 1002.

I know I have mentioned it before, but BLOC in Mt Eden are having a wee shindig on Thursday night.  With all the stores (Collected, Cool Food, World Beauty/Pencil, Bo Concepts, Citta) open and something to drink and nibble, it will definitely be worth a look.  Email here to confirm your place and make sure you get a goodie bag (yes – they are giving YOU something for coming…).  It is from 5pm til 8pm so you can pop in after work.