Table Tonic

13 bookmark-worthy sites I discovered last week

2012-02-13T06:00:00.001+11:00

LOVE magazine via seven days of kate

seven days of kate kate moss!

fash-n-chips fashion
live simply by annie decor/lifestyle
blogilates fitness
the lovely cupboard lifestyle
nest designs blog interiors/decor
little pear events styling
jenesequa misc
styled by phillips fashion/misc
color me carla decor/misc
the house hunter interiors/houses
jessica buckley interiors

How to make the perfect Green Juice/Smoothie

2012-02-10T12:57:00.000+11:00

A bunch of you have been asking how to make Green Juices and Green Smoothies (yay!), so I thought it was time I dedicated an entire blog post to it (yay again!).

So. What's the difference between a Green Juice and a Green Smoothie? A Green Juice is made by passing raw fruit, veggies and leafy greens through a juicer (I use a Breville Juice Fountain). A Green Smoothie is made by blending a combination of raw fruit, veggies, leafy greens and water in a blender (I use a Vitamix - pricey, but so worth it I cannot even begin to tell you - you'll use it a lot).

Why drink them? Because they are hands down, two of the easiest ways to fill up on major amounts of leafy greens on a daily basis. And they are delicious. You actually will begin to crave your greens. I'm not even kidding. Oh, and your skin will be amazing, you will have more energy (instantly!) and you will "go to the toilet" more regularly - yes, I'm talking number twos! Happy days.

How do you make a green juice? Simply pass lots of leafy greens (do them first), a few stalks of celery, 1 cucumber, 1 peeled lemon, fruit (only 1 or 2 pieces ideally) and ginger (if you like it) through a juicer. Then I like to add a carton of Coconut water to my jug of juice, plus a handful of ice. This is how I start almost every day:

(above) This amount of green/veg/fruit, once combined with a carton of Coconut Water, fills 3 x 500ml jars with juice - Two for me, one for Mr T!

How do you make a green smoothie? One of the best Green Smoothie blog posts I've ever seen was 5 Steps to the perfect green smoothie by "The Wellness Warrior", Jess Ainscough who explained it perfectly with the following graphics:

My Green Smoothie hot tips:
- I always add 1 peeled organic lemon to my green smoothies. It cuts through the "grassiness" of the greens, particularly stronger/more bitter tasting ones like kale.
- New to Green Smoothies? Add lots of ice to the blender. The cold will neutralize the flavours to a degree, making it less taste "full on". And start with English Spinach as your green of choice (just 1/4 or 1/2 a bunch) - it's lovely and subtle.
- Familiarize yourself with Victoria Boutenko. Victoria claims to be the pioneer of Green Smoothies and her books The Green Smoothie Revolution and Green For Life are beyond amazing.
- Check out Kimberly Snyder and her Glowing Green Smoothie (the drink of choice of celebs worldwide!).
- Seriously consider investing in a Vitamix. It gets your smoothies SUPER smooth, making them even more "palatable" and is a breeze to wash up as nothing comes apart (you simply put soap and hot water in the blender and whizz it up for 10-20 seconds)! I make Jasper an oat, banana, almond and oat milk smoothie most mornings and last night I whizzed up roasted capsicum skins into the smoothest puree and added it to pasta tomato sauce. Yes, I should be on commission.
- Click here if you still have any questions, or leave me a comment below and I'll do my best to answer it!

And remember, Green Juices and Green Smoothies should ideally be consumed alone, rather than with a meal or snack - so have nothing at least 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after drinking one. Not even water. That way, the nutrients will be absorbed by your body quickly and more efficiently.

Happy Health Tonic-ettes!

Table Tonic: My week in review

2012-02-09T06:00:00.004+11:00

The movie: "Crazy Stupid Love". I know, I know. The cover looks el-lame-o to the max, but I have yet to find a human who didn't LOVE this movie. Top notch acting, a really cool soundtrack, full of laughs (and twists), and Steve Carell (he co-produced it)? Genius. Oh, and PS Ryan Gosling?!!?!! #swooooon Seriously, whether you're 15 or 95 or anywhere in between and you haven't seen it? RUN. Watch the preview here.

The beauty must-haves: My 2 favourite masques, Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque (click to buy) and Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque (click to buy) because they GET. SKIN. GOOD. Also my 2 daily clean beauty buys - Petroleum free Active Life Paw Paw Lip Balm (click to buy) and Original & Mineral Surf Bomb Sea Salt Spray (click to buy). Gives your hair the perfect amount of texture, so it doesn't go flat and... floppy. I would be lost without it!! Oh, and it smells divine too!

The new stripes: Damn you Pip Edwards! The minute the New Arrivals email popped into my inbox from Sass & Bide, I clicked on over and... Ooops! This stripey little fox found her way into my cart. Click to buy the "Homage to Her Jumper".

the intersection paddington

The cult beauty buy(s): Woot! Aussie favourite Kit Cosmetics's Essential Kit range is now stocked in uuuber-cool Parisian department store Collette - Quite an achievement for this wee collection of "best sellers"! For the rest of us mere mortals, grab your fix of Essential Kit hand, lip and body scrubs, washes and butters here. And PS The Body Butter? Whoa-good!

The Healthy Chef: Actually, I took a load off yesterday and had lunch with Mr T at The Healthy Chef (everyone in Avalon's favourite spot for a crazy-good breakfast/salad and a T2 chai latte!). I had one of my many usuals - The sage and ricotta tart. Exhibit A:

The book of the week: Susie Burrell is one of Australia's leading dietitians (you may have caught her on the Kerri-Anne show), so her first book Losing the Last 5kg was always going to be a killer read. It's divided into sensible sections, like Getting Started, Your Behaviour, Your Food, Your Body, Your Life. Practical, sensible and full of surprises all the way! More of a (pretty pink!) textbook than a novel, it's an easy one to pick up and put down. And such an important read. Highly recommended. Click to buy.

The modern wisdom: Taken from the Organic Avenues website. They're a brand new organic fruit & veg place (home delivery, plus a store) in Sydney's Bilgola Plateau. I can't wait to try them out!

The reminder: Don't forget to follow tabletonic on Instagram! This was me hard at ~~procrastination~~ work yesterday:

And yes! I have new hair (got it here)! But more on that later... Happy Thursday!

Modern Wisdom

2012-02-08T13:33:00.001+11:00

mana hair

Stylish Homes: Jerome Dreyfuss + Isabel Marant

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000+11:00

"For my house, I always have been inspired by California. It is filled with pieces from the 60’s and books about architecture." - Jerome Dreyfuss, legendary handbag designer and husband of Isabel Marant.

Jerome and Isabel's Paris apartment is up on The Coveteur! Click here to take the FULL tour...

4 cool ways to stick a rocket up your health & fitness!

2012-02-07T06:00:00.001+11:00

1. Sprouts: Yes you heard right! Sprouts! Organic Broccoli Sprouts to be precise (this is the brand they sell at my local organic place) - the inclusion of this superfood in your diet can have an enormous effect on your health. Because broccoli sprouts are so rich in glucoraphanin (a "phase 2 protein inducer" which arms our tissues, helping them defend the body against cancer causing free radicals), just two to four ounces (70 - 140 grams) is all that is needed each day. You'd have to eat 20 to 50 times as much broccoli to obtain the same benefits! Below are 2 sprout-y salads I made recently:

(above) Chopped raw beetroot, raw broccoli, avocado, onion, broccoli sprouts, goats cheese, chilli and (below) Kale, wild rice, broccoli sprouts, fresh apricots, lemon zest, bee pollen.

2. Shiny new gym gear: It's up there with new music in the motivation stakes, right? And have you stepped inside a Lorna Jane store lately? (Seriously, what did we do before Lorna Jane and Lululemon?!) There's a good reason why Lorna Jane's namesake founder and creative director has been shortlisted for the Australian Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award 2012. And why school mums everywhere are saying "bugger Elle Macpherson and Claudia Schiffer, Lorna Jane is good enough to wear to school pick-up!". PS You can shop online here. And yes, I may be on old fan, but I have a swisho new LJ walking/running/yoga outfit:

(above) The Pammy Crop top has built in "boobies". I am worshiping it.

3. A gym membership: Heard about that brand spankers new gym, P.E. DEPT. in Sydney's Potts Point (if only I lived closer...)? It's verrry swish and swanky and boasts the latest weights & cardio equipment, as well as a staff of highly experienced and motivating personal trainers & fitness instructors. Oh, and it's the only gym I know of that is designed by BKH (Burley Katon Halliday)! Fancy, huh? Check it out (and check out the P.E. DEPT. website for all the deets):

4. Coconut Water: Put down the flourescent yellow sugary sports drink (ick)! Coconut Water is where it's at! What is Coconut Water? It's the clear, fat-free liquid in the centre of a young coconut. C Coconut Water is my pick - it has five essential electrolytes - sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus with less carbs and calories than a typical sports drink (surprise surprise!). Oh, and it's DELICIOUS! Here's what I do with mine:

I chuck an entire 330ml carton into a blender (I use a Vitamix and yes, it's fo-shizzles worth the money!) along with your green smoothie ingredients (instead of water). Alternatively, I dilute my litre of morning "green juice" with a 330ml carton. Way to start the day firing on all cylinders! PS Read an awesome interview Jess Ainscough (aka The Wellness Warrior) did with one of C Coconut Water's founders, Adam Abrams here.

(above) I notice they now sell C Coconut Water by the case in Australia (12 x 330ml cartons in a case) through the C Coconut Water website (works out to $2.80 a carton)! Woohoo!

So, what have you been doing to stick a rocket up your health/fitness lately?

Happy Adore Home Day!

2012-02-06T05:59:00.004+11:00

The February/March 2012 issue of (Aussie) online decor mag Adore Home is live! Love the piece they did on super lovely blogger-designer-artist Jen Ramos, whose Made by Girl blog is a must-bookmark" (if you haven't already!):

Click to read Feb/March Adore Home!

The 4 (killer) salads I made on Christmas Day

2012-02-03T12:02:00.001+11:00

So here they are - Four quick, easy and fresh, low-carb salads that you can whip up anytime. I made these on Christmas day (to accompany the lashings of ham & turkey!), but you could happily add some sliced grilled chicken breast or a boiled egg to oomph it up for a one-dish-dinner/lunch!

(above) Caprese: Cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, olives and basil. Dressing: Extra Virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Woolworths Select brand do a superb balsamic by the way (it has figs on the label - this is the bottle).

(above) Modern coleslaw: Shredded cabbage, cannelini beans, sliced radish, freshly grated parmesan cheese. Dressing: Fresh lemon juice & extra virgin olive oil.

(above) Beet & Feta: Lettuce (I used frisee), beetroot, feta and orange. Dressing: Anything goes with this one - honey mustard, olive oil & white balsamic...

(above) Best Bean Salad: Green beans, edamame beans and toasted pine nuts. Dressing: White balsamic vinegar, S&W egg mayonnaise, extra virgin olive oil.

(above) All served with some the best bread in Sydney - Sourdough from Bourke St Bakery. PS It's well worth a trip to BSB, wherever you live in Sydney!

(above) Speaking of fresh, gorgeous, organic food, this was a beautiful Chrissie pressie from my cousin Si and his lovely wifey Claire and their girls - Organic: Don Burke's guide to growing organic food for your family. Thanks guys, we love it! Starting a veggie garden is top of the list for 2012!

Did you make anything scrumptious over the silly season? Share!

Fun times at Howards Storage World

2012-02-02T06:00:00.008+11:00

As I mentioned in Wednesday's blog post, I merrily trotted off to Howards Storage World yesterday. The lovely HSW folks gave me some pocket money to play with (SQUEAL!) and some for you guys too (DOUBLE SQUEAL! - But more on that later!). January 2012 was officially "Organising Month" at Howards and I'm calling February "Organising Month: The Sequel". So off I went...

I could have gone significantly more nuts than I did. Really. I could have. There were more storage solutions than you could poke a clear perspex shoe box at! But hey, as one of my Twitter followers so correctly pointed out, "OMG You're going to need storage for your storage!". Ahem.

SO. Here's what I came home with:

(above) An apple peeler/corer thingy for making "apple slinkys", a simplehuman grocery bag holder, a Space Bag combo set (hello winter doonas taking up way too much space in the linen cupboard!) and a Leifheit wall/cupboard-mounted roll holder.

(above) A silicon garlic peeler (they work brilliantly!), a toothbrush holder for Anoushka, measuring cups for mummy and a hook for my poor hand towel (I use cloth nappies and change them daily) which will be so much happier on a hook!

(above) Tupperware for our nuts (which always go in the overcrowded fridge) and sandwiches and Oxo ice trays.

(above) A pre-compost-bin mini bin for our vegetable scraps, wire racks for inside the kitchen cupboards (so much wasted space!), a tray for the bathroom drawer and a big orange storage box.

(above) Storage baskets with handles for the fridge (hows your condiment shelf looking?) and the pantry...

(above) Omigosh. SO excited about these "dryer balls". They go in the dryer with your clothes and bump around, lifting and separating out all the creases as they go. Certified non-toxic too - unlike fabric softeners (which I canned about a year ago) and which you will no longer need if you use these babies!

(above) Super clever shower caddies that hang over the side of the shower and have hooks over the other side. No more towels hanging on doors (a favourite pastime in our house!?).

So fasten your seat belts Tonic-ettes! I'll be holding your hand and guiding you through the various transformations that will be taking place in Casa Tonic over the next few days (or let's just be honest - this could take weeks!). It's going to be fun. The best bit? I have five $100 Howards Storage World gift cards to give away. Stay tuned for all the deets! Feeling lucky? Click on over and shop the Howards Storage World online catalogue (yes, the one with the Table Tonic mention!)

The Table Tonic 25% off storewide sale ends Sunday!

2012-02-01T21:40:00.000+11:00

Daily check-in: theyallhateus.com

2012-02-01T06:00:00.001+11:00

Some spectacular Wednesday randoms via one of my few absolute daily check-ins - Aussie fash blog theyallhateus. PS Off to Howards Storage World today to get me some organised-ness! Fridge, pantry, laundry, bathroom, you name it, there is a chaos-antidote at Howards for it. PPS There may just be a whopper of a giveaway happening here soon. Watch this space yo. Happy Hump Day!

Oh, and before I go, this is one blog post (on another favourite of mine) that I know you're going to L-O-V-E!

17 bookmark-worthy sites I (only) discovered over Chrissie

2012-01-31T06:00:00.015+11:00

And read into it what you will, but this particular list is almost entirely made up of food blogs. But GREAT ones. Healthy ones. And yes, I'm currently very much enjoying researching the concept of "raw food". Eating lots of raw, plant based food fills me right up (it's the strangest thing!) and feels good. It feels right. I crave it. PS I also have some amazing new books I'm going to share with you soon! Bon Appétit!

(above) Maria from Scandi Foodie's "Skin Beauty Salad". Mmmm...

scandi foodie food
the post punk kitchen food (vegan)

raw food recipes food (raw)
ooh la raw food (raw)
the green girls sustainable living
the green girls (blog) as above
natalia kw food (raw)
g living green living
uncooking 101 food (raw)
green lemonade food/health
fig and sage "organic goodness"
outside online health/fitness
greatist health/fitness
style tao fashion
space healer interiors
not without salt food
the healthy home economist food/health

I'm back! Nine things I learned while I was gone:

2012-01-30T13:33:00.000+11:00

Hellooooooooo! That was a long break, huh? Well school is back and so is the TT blog (yaaay!), so thank you so much for bearing with me! I hope you all had beautiful Christmas-sss and New Years-sss - here are 9 things I learned over the past 4 weeks:

(above) I learnt that a matching shoe/bag combo will get you far in life. Well, it will get you out the door looking "put-together", anyway... Wearing: K Jacques sandals, Country Road pants, Vanessa Bruno bag.

(above) I learnt that Mr Tonic's parents house is rather a nice way to wake up on Australia Day. Even when the weather is anything but.

(above) I learnt that Mr Tonic's parents house is rather a nice place for lunch on Australia Day!

(above) I learnt that our new breeze block wall beneath the front deck is going to look a little bit special. And yes, it will be Palm-Springs-white.

(above) I learnt that a Yellow Juju Hat goes far in elevating one's general disposition. Oh, plus they look damn good on a wall! Click to buy (Large, $650 or Small, $399).

(above) I learnt that owners of childrens toy shops took lessons in creative writing. Either that or they all moonlight as comedians.

(above) I learnt that organic Broccoli Sprouts are the new culinary black. Mine, anyway. One of theee healthiest things you can munch on, and they really do spruce up a salad!

(above) I learnt that good things must be purchased in twos (one for the shower, one for the basin). This is my current cleanser - Simplicite "Plant Gel Cleanser 1". Gentle, creamy, foaming, smells like roses? Tick, tick, tick, tick. I know. Buy it here.

(above) Vintage Levi 501 shorts, Kaye Quiney top, Mr Tonic's Gucci watch, Isabel Marant sneakers.

(above - and below is what I'm wearing today!) I learnt that the cost per wear on my new Isabel Marant Bobby (or Betty or whatever they're called) sneakers may in fact be as little as 11 cents by the end of the year. So good they sold out at Net-a-porter in, like, 2 days. Quick or the dead, people!

(above) Bassike dress, Michael Kors watch (click to buy), Isabel Marant sneakers.

And PS You'll have seen all these happy snaps already if you follow tabletonic on Instagram. What in the name of Tonic is Instagram you ask? "Fast, beautiful - AND FREE - photo sharing on your iPhone". Check it out, but be warned, it's a time muncher!

SO much more to share. See you tomorrow!

Hurry! The Table Tonic 25% off sale ENDS SOON!

2012-01-25T13:02:00.000+11:00

I hope you've all had a beautiful, calm and healthy(!) start to the year. I'll be back soon with oodles more Tonic to see you through those morning cuppas in 2012! PS Don't forget, the Table Tonic monster sale must end soon, so get those orders in! See you soon! xLouise

25% off EVERYTHING at tabletonic.com.au

2011-12-27T16:36:00.000+11:00

Goodbye for now...

2011-12-22T06:00:00.002+11:00

Hello my friends. It's been such a memorable year in the land of Tonic. And sharing 2011 with you guys, my Tonic-ettes, has been a huge and fulfilling part of that. If you're out there, thinking of starting a blog, I say GO FOR IT, because it has changed my life on a wonderfully grand scale. The people I have connected with and re-connected with as a direct result of this blog has been an absolute trip. And the best part of it all has without question, been inspiring you all on a daily basis - particularly, it seems, with my health posts! I just love it. But blogging is time consuming (and then some!), so it's time now for me to take a short break. But the news isn't all bad - I'm going to leave you with 18 fabulous websites to browse through at your leisure. And if you still want more, click here. I'll see y'all in 2012! MERRY CHRISTMAS from the entire Table Tonic team! Oh, right. That's just me...! xLouise

Simply Grove

emmy and mouse design/misc
iubiree misc
oil pulling health

the raw chef food/health
from scandina via with love interiors/misc
animals talking in all caps humour
all things stylish misc
hey look craft/misc
the marion house book decor/interiors
tomboy style fashion

weekday carnival design/misc

bradshaw styling decor/misc

beautiful-vegan food/health

young on raw food food/health

one fabulous day misc

dalai lina health/lifestyle

number-nineteen interiors/decor

mummy of style and substance parenting

A week in my (snapseed-ed/instagram-ed) life

2011-12-21T06:00:00.014+11:00

Friday's lunch: Chicken, Avocado, tomato, cucumber, preserved lemon (made by by sis-in-law), walnut tapenade, chilli flakes, olive oil, lemon juice.

Monday's threads: ALL of which were bought online! T by Alexander Wang knitted pants (from Shopbop), Bassike top, Michael Kors watch (from Shopbop), Tiffany & Co bracelet, Havaianas.

"Stormcloud": Stormcloud is a Chinese Silky and is, by far, the daftest of our chickens - not the full quid - but also the most beautiful...

God save the Queen: Another TT Union Jack cushion (actually, two!) finds it's way to a happy Tonic-filled home...

Tuesday's lunch: Smoked salmon, edamame, quinoa, pesto, walnut, lemon, lettuce wraps... Photographed on the patio floor for effect.

Tuesday's afternoon snack: Fruit smoothie, a-la-Vitamix (serves 3). 1 mango, 1 nectarine, 1 lemon, heaps of frozen raspberries, heaps of ice. Whizz for 30 seconds aaaaand....

Mega-healthy fruity gelato in a cup! Quick! grab a spoon! PS This lot served Mr Tonic, myself and Jasper!

Tuesday's threads: Remo top, Sportsgirl jeans, Table Tonic necklace (click to buy), Havainas.

On another note, by my watch it's exactly 25 years today since we immigrated to Australia from Durban, South Africa. I was 12 at the time, so it was all terribly exciting. But to think what my Mum and Dad went through to give my brother and I a better future in a country where bomb scares and carjacking are not the norm is remarkable. Yes, Australia really is the lucky country! Happy Wednesday you guys.

And the 10 Enjoy Lighting winners are...

2011-12-20T16:52:00.000+11:00

Thank you to everyone who entered the Table Tonic-slash-Enjoy Lighting giveaway. I was completely blown away by the number of you who wrote on the Enjoy Lighting Facebook page wall, so thank you (I'm feeling very "enjoyed" right now!). To find out if you're a lucky winner of one of the 10 flameless candle sets worth $120 each, click here!

Question: What's even BETTER than Instagram? Answer...

2011-12-20T06:00:00.001+11:00

Snapseed! Check it - BEFORE (left) and AFTER (right):

Let's recap - BEFORE:

...and AFTER:

Bet those professional photographers are pissed! Snapseed is around $5 from the Apple iTunes store or App store. Happy snap(seed)ing! PS Here comes yet another photo of Jasper holding a chicken (and looking dashing in his Remo Stripey thing - just like Mummy's!).

Happy Tuesday Tonic-ettes. PPS Don't forget there's free delivery on all orders, Australia-wide at tabletonic.com.au! 5 more sleeps until Christmas! Yipeeeeee........

Table Tonic's weekend in review

2011-12-19T06:00:00.002+11:00

Friday morning: This is the little ray of sunshine that greeted me when I got home from Pilates on Friday morning - the January/February 2012 issue of Vogue Living! Yes. The weekend was off to a flying start...

Friday afternoon: Powerballs just got... SQUARE! So fun. Buy your Rice Cube here and find the recipe for my "Sunday Night Powerballs" (they're a little bit famous) here. There. I just made your day.

Friday night: Friday night came in the form of a couch, Aussie Vogue's January 2012 issue (it's great one), ugg slippers and Green & Blacks organic dark chocolate (it's better than Lindt, I'm not even kidding).

Friday night: Mr Tonic, *cough* award-winning residential Architect *cough* received the following text message from one of his clients on Friday night. They are about to move back into their recently completed home and are (clearly) a little bit chuffed with Mr T:

Saturday morning: I made a batch of my favourite "My New Roots" Raw Brownie powerballs on Saturday, only I made the following modifications: Added 1/2 cup of organic coconut, added a big handful of organic rolled oats and reduced the cacao by about 1/4 cup. They are su-PERB.

Saturday afternoon: I took this picture of Anoushka shortly after she devoured a bowl of frozen berries (frozen berries = nutritious + convenient + delicious + affordable + kids love them). If there was ever one photograph that sums up my three year old daughter, this is it! Cheeky and dirty, mainly...

Sunday morning: Had a beautiful walk/run on the beach, a dip in the ocean pool and came home and made a green smoothie. Love Sunday mornings. I later threw on my Bassike dresses (I'm wearing two here), Spell Byron Bay wings necklace and Havaianas thongs. PS The Spell babes have got a fresh new website - check it out, your inner gypsy will go nuts for it! PS On my wishlist? This and/or this. Mmmmm. PPS Wearing zero makeup here. Healthy food-slash-exercise gives you killer skin, people!

Sunday morning: I keep meaning to show you Noushie's new Castle + Things pillowcases... Aren't they way fun?! Click to buy.

Sunday morning: Pesto is my new favourite thing to make - I took a bunch of organic basil, threw it in a food processor with a chunk of parmesan cheese, a big handful of pine nuts and a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of celtic sea salt.

Top it up with olive oil to prevent oxidization.

Sunday lunch: Salad! Baby spinach, tomato, avocado, quinoa, preserved lemon, walnut tapenade (recipe here), basil pesto (see above!) and Rich Glen Poppy's salad dressing. Ate it to the sound of two children frantically and relentlessly squirting each other with the hose pipe. #indigestion

Sunday afternoon: Mr Tonic continues to fix up the deck... See the strip down the bottom. Yup. New.

Sunday afternoon: Yes, you read that right! On Sunday afternoon, Mr DHL pulls up with a Shopbop parcel for me! Yay! T by Alexander Wang Cotton Knit Sweatpants in "Zest". And they are excellent! Click to buy.

How was your weekend? What was the best thing about your weekend?

FOUND! Perfect last-minute Xmas gift ideas!

2011-12-18T21:40:00.000+11:00

Stuck on the perfect last-minute gift for someone special this Christmas? A Table Tonic gift certificate might just do the trick! Available in a wide range of price points, each gift certificate is stylishly designed and arrives in a jewel-coloured box, wrapped with grosgrain ribbon - ready to give. Your gift certificate will be Express Posted (next day delivery) straight to you or the recipient, FREE OF CHARGE! Click to shop Table Tonic gift certificates!

A day in the life: 16.12.11

2011-12-16T06:00:00.008+11:00

Reading: Home Beautiful, January 2012 issue.

Loving: Not one, but three Table Tonic treasures on page 41 - An Orange Mexican Suzani, an Orange Baby Juju Hat and the Burnt Orange Ikat cushion! Big thanks to my unofficial press agent, Anecdotal Anna for the tip off! And of course thanks to Sami at HB mag.

Eating: Minestrone. Because Sydney has yet to get the "Summer" memo. We are in a perpetual state of "Possible Showers and 22º. Ugh.

Eating: Last night we had "Deconstructed Chicken Tacos". Everybody wins that way, see!

Adoring: If you've ever seen a child sharing a tender moment with a chicken, you'll agree it's a heart-melting moment to treasure. Jasper-Tonic had a day off school yesterday (teacher's strike), and we actually had a lovely day, including lunch with Mr Tonic at my favourite cafe ever.

Drinking: Chlorophyll. A few squirts of this spearmint flavoured liquid chlorophyll goes into every single bottle of water I drink throughout the day. Delicious and nutritious Tonic-ettes! Get it from your health food store.

Wearing: A Scotch and Soda "Mountaineering Bandana" (click to buy). Love it so much I want the blue one too!

Wearing: Scotch and Soda "Ralston" men's jeans.

Reading: These two gems by Susie Burrell and Kimberly Snyder. Two top chicks, two awesome books. More on them soon (once finished!)...

That's me for now! What are you reading/wearing/eating/reading/loving right now?

New-Balustrade-slash-having-fun-with-Instagram

2011-12-15T06:00:00.065+11:00

It's in! It's in! Or is it "up"? Yes, we are officially with Balustrade again. Kind of reminds me of a giant kid's play pen... but I freakin' luvvit! PS We got it from Art of Stone and it was installed by Art Weld.

Ignore the floor though - Yes, Mr Tonic has his work cut out for him (again) this weekend. Poor Mr Tonic... Actually, I shouldn't say that, he always says he would restore old houses full time if he won lotto (yeah right!). He wants to become a "conservationist" of 50's architecture in Sydney. And he would be damn good at it too.

I've discovered Instagram. Can you tell?!

Yes, I'm a little bit fashionably late to the Instagram party, but WOW. Too much fun for one lifetime! Lots to still figure out, but bear with me...

I have literally been walking around the house with my iPhone, like a kid with a new camera, looking for something, anything to photograph and turn into my own little piece of Insta-fun. Exhibit A. Jasper-Tonic's school work:

And I Instagram-ed yesterday's "arm party". Because why not. The deets? Michael Kors watch, Pepper Gibbs "you will shine" bracelet - email peppergibbs (at) gmail (dot) com, Tiffany & Co Venetian link bracelet, Skin & Threads cotton knit, Bassike long sleeve tee.

The Mini-Tonics. Do you have any idea how hard it was to get this photo? OMG.

And last, but not least, yesterday's new additions: Elle Decor, Home Beautiful and Aussie InStyle.

Oh, and if you have any hot Instagram-y tips, please leave a comment! I'm on my Instagram L-plates!

Modern Wisdom

2011-12-14T21:10:00.000+11:00

iubiree

A day in the life: 14.12.11

2011-12-14T06:00:00.007+11:00

The renovation update: So, today is a biiiig day at Casa Tonic as our new balustrade is being installed! Mr Tonic took much delight in ~~disassembling~~ ripping down the current wire and timber number, despite the fact that it took 5 times longer than he anticipated and resulted in him using "every bloody tool in my tool shed!":

(below) No balustrade! I could get used to this...

The hat stand: Yes it's true! Table Tonic Moroccan Leather Pouffes (shown in Caramel) make a nifty side table-slash-hat stand!

The salad dressing: Thee salad dressing, actually. And I never, ever use bottle salad dressing, but the only ingredients in this little beauty are olive oil, vinegar, sugar, onion, mustard, poppy seeds, turmeric, salt and pepper. The lovely Rich Glen Olive Oil people were kind enough to send me their "Poppy's Salad Dressing" and some beautiful oils, and my goodness it's delicious! And a little bit sweet, which I love in a dressing... Hooked. PS I've had it all of a week and look - it's half empty!

The C-bomb: The green smoothies are still going strong, as is my new Vitamix (beg, borrow and steal Tonic-ettes) and these days, I'm fortunate enough to be enjoying them with a carton of C Coconut Water thrown in (it's "Australia's first 100% pure organic coconut water"). I normally buy mine from Thomas Dux, but...

... (enter blogging perk number 2) A case of C Cononut Water arrived last week and I've been downing it like there's no tomorrow! Hot tip: It sounds obvious, but drink it ice cold. Refreshing and rehydrating (something about electrolytes) on a grand scale.

The bedroom makeover: See the inspiration behind the makeover and get the deets here!

(above) I bought the cotton blanket on our bed from Anna Spiro's very first Black + Spiro "vignette". I absolutely adore it. Way punchy.

The Tonic's tree: Mr Tonic spent the better part of Saturday morning yelling obscenities after the local servo sold out of trees by 9am. A trip to the next suburb proved fruitful and I, in turn, spent the remainder of the day yelling obscenitites. The tree was big and our existing decorations were measly. Off to the local $2 shop I went and $34.50 later, it started to resemble a Christmas tree. One that drops needles ~~and baubles~~ and requires sugar water every freaking day. But damn they smell good!

The instant updater: We're having 21 (or was it 22?) for Christmas lunch and I was delighted with the Christmas-y effect a couple of these Table Tonic "Marlon" buntings had on our dining room! It's instantly 110% more festive, and to be honest, I may just keep them up permanently (I just used pinboard pins, pressed into the top of the timber panels)!

Happy Wednesday Tonic-ettes! Only 11 more sleeps!

Attention Sydneysiders: DAN300 end of year sale!

2011-12-13T10:37:00.002+11:00

Hey you! If you're in Sydney this Thursday, don't miss the DAN300 end of year sale for oodles of beautiful things and bargains galore - Quirky greeting cards, brooches, hairclips... it's all handmade by the lady herself, Miss Dani! Where: Level 2 (outside suite 214), 61 Marlborough Street, Surry Hills - The building is called Marlborough House.

16 bookmark-worthy sites I (only) discovered last week

2011-12-13T06:00:00.003+11:00

the colour field

the colour field colour/interiors
inspired lines decor/misc

fox news nutrition-fitness nutrition/fitness

house to be mine decor/interiors
project take 2 decor/interiors
spruced fashion/misc
in the click decor/interiors
tamara maynes decor/misc
what she has found misc
the aviary decor/misc
yogaglo yoga
design field notes interiors/decor
(coco republic's new blog)
outdoors on parade decor
net-vignette decor/misc
glossybox beauty
the lennoxx decor/interiors

Fab online shopping discounts: EXCLUSIVE to TT readers!

2011-12-12T06:00:00.005+11:00

BLOOM :: Bloom have recently relaunched their website and to celebrate, they're giving Table Tonic readers 25% off storewide from the online store (perfect timing for Christmas presents!) until Christmas. You must go check out the new website, it’s easier to navigate and has lots of great new features like Natalie’s favourites, Collaborations and how to "get the looks". And take it from me, Tonic-ettes - the Bloom Organics range (below) is THEGOODS. Simply enter the code tabletonic25 at checkout. CLICK TO SHOP!

BAY & FYFE :: There's a brand spankers new concept label called Bay & Fyfe, set up by founder Frith Hunks "to collaborate with contemporary artists to create beautiful pieces of art-inspired fashion and homeware". The first collaboration is a collection of stunning limited edition, over-sized silk scarves printed with art from artist Daimon Downey. There are 4 prints in the collection and only 400 of each are produced. Dress up an outfit, wear one as a top for balmy summer days or heck, frame one (or two!) as art for your walls. Bay & Fyfe are offering Table Tonic readers a 20% discount on their first scarf (gift wrapped, with free delivery) until Christmas. To redeem your discount, simply email info@bayandfyfe.com prior to purchase and tell them you're a TT reader. CLICK TO SHOP!

HUSSY :: Woohoo! From now until Christmas, Iconic Aussie brand Hussy are giving Table Tonic readers 15% off storewide (that includes sale items!). Check out the "Little Hussy" range for the mini-Hussy-ette in your life - It's a little bit adorable! Simply sign up to become a Hussy VIP and enter code TABLE TONIC at checkout. CLICK TO SHOP!

FREE SHIPPING at the Table Tonic online store!

2011-12-11T17:55:00.000+11:00

CLICK TO SHOP!

Back in stock: Table Tonic Ikat cushions!

2011-12-10T16:14:00.000+11:00

As of rightnow, all of our beautiful Table Tonic handwoven Ikat cushions are officially back in stock and ready to ship! The most popular style/colour by far lately? These! They really do breathe life into any space or room, whether it's a kid's bedroom or a formal living area.

All orders placed on Table Tonic are dispatched within 24 hours of payment clearing (plenty of time for Chrissie orders!). Delivery within NSW takes around 1-2 working days, SA, VIC and QLD around 3-4 working days, and up to 10 working days for other areas. Contact me if you have any questions, and click to shop Table Tonic cushions!

And the Tampurse winners are...

2011-12-09T14:57:00.000+11:00

I think all bloggers find giveaways bittersweet - It's such a joy giving things away, but we want you ALL to be winners! To everyone who entered the Table Tonic Tampurse giveaway, thank you so much. It's a fabulous little Aussie product and I am proud to be throwing 3 of them your way. Don't forget, Tampurse are currently offering Table Tonic blog readers 25% off their Tampurse purchase if they enter the coupon code Table Tonic (2 words) at checkout until 24th December! Click to shop! Aaaaand the three lucky ladies are (drumroll please):

1. Amber Knight

2. Jane Frosh (yay Jane!)

3. Anna Nikkinen

Congratulations ladies! Send me your details and I'll get them on their way to you! PS If you haven't already, I'd love you to go and enter my Enjoy Flameless candle giveaway - 10 sets valued at $120 each? Yes! And you'll be a convert. I swear.

TT onine store update: Colour your world!

2011-12-09T13:02:00.000+11:00

A bunch of table Tonic Moroccan Leather Pouffes are now back in stock! Red, Turquoise, Bright Yellow... Even the popular Dark Turquoise pouffes are back! Colour your world and click to shop! PS Have you seen the newest colour? It's the prettiest lavender/mauve colour I've ever seen... Here she is (click to buy):

Happy weekend Hotties!

Turquoise and yellow: Our bedroom gets a makeover!

2011-12-09T06:00:00.001+11:00

The Lords South Beach Hotel, Miami (as seen in Adore Home's latest issue, below) is officially the inspiration for a little makeover I'm giving our bedroom. Yes, there's nothing like a quiet Christmas lunch for 21 to stick a rocket up your home's ~~wow~~ presentable factor!

So. Here's how I'm getting a little Miami into my world: Two of these (click to buy)...

(below) I already have 2 of these (click to buy)...

(below) Just bought 2 of these (click to buy)...

(below) Going to add one of these (click to buy)...

(below) And one of these (click to buy)...

This is kind of what our bedroom looks like now (below). Our current bedside tables are white vintage wooden crates, bought on eBay about 3 years ago and FULL of splinters...

(above) Table Tonic Moroccan Leather Pouffes, IKEA bed, curtains and rug, Aboriginal art bought on eBay.

Little bit exciting. I'll give you a visual update asap!

Out now: Adore Home and Rue magazine! Click to read!

2011-12-08T12:21:00.001+11:00

Have you read Adore Home's "Sizzling Summer Edition" yet? No? Hop to it! I've said it before, and I'll say it again - when it comes to the complete package (overall design/page layouts & content), Adore Home is my favourite online magazine. I think Loni's graphic design background is what makes Adore Home the pleasure that it is to read - Oh, and make sure you check out the Adore Home blog too. Alright, enough gushing...

Inside, I spotted (among the fabulousness) a Turquoise Moroccan Leather Pouffe, a Yellow Juju Hat and on page 16, a Table Tonic Cherry & Yellow Ikat cushion!

But wait, there's still more - Rue's Holiday Issue 2011 is also out now!

Also spotted - An orange Moroccan Leather Pouffe in this swoony modernist house in Atlanta...

Happy Thursday Tonic-ettes!

On sale today: Inside Out Jan/Feb 2012

2011-12-07T13:59:00.000+11:00

Happy days! The Jan/Feb issue of Inside Out is on sale now! Inside the issue, a designer "pied-a-terre" shows just how far a small space and a little design savvy can stretch. Owner Jonas Chow and industry experts reveal their spatial secrets - and they're spot on:

• Work within limits: Too much furniture will turn a cosy home into an obstacle course. Rather than stuffing an area with sofas, armchairs, a side table and coffee table, you have to be realistic about what will fit and how you live.
• Curate displays: Bare surfaces enhance line and length, but beautiful objects help to direct the eye. However, there is a fine line between clutter and displaying keepsakes; the difference is in the arrangement. For the best results, try grouping items in odd numbers and varying heights.
• Edit the palette: A little restraint, when it comes to colours and materials, can go a long way. As a rule, choose three base materials and try not to stray too far from them. If you feel like this cramps your style in any way, consider that neutral and natural surfaces create a chameleon-like backdrop for future colour experimentations.

PS It's packed with over 170 pages of holiday reading - think beautiful homes and inspirational design ideas a-plenty!
The Jan/Feb issue of Inside Out is on sale now.

Another happy customer email: My Table Tonic Juju Hat!

2011-12-06T06:00:00.001+11:00

Yesterday, I received a beautiful email from an ex-colleague-slash-Table-Tonic-customer:
"Hi Louise! Just a quick email to say a HUGE thank you for the Juju! See below for a quick pic – as I think I mentioned to you a while back we renovated our terrace a little over 2 years ago now and it’s still a work-in-progress when it comes to decorating but this has definitely helped things along...". I excitedly forwarded it to Mr Tonic. His response? "Very nice. They have gone to the Loulou school of decorating...".

Photography by Luc Remond

I'll take that as a compliment! Click to buy a Table Tonic large off white Juju Hat (a beautiful, fluffy new shipment has just touched down!). All orders are dispatched within 24 hours of payment!

TT GIVEAWAY! Enjoy Lighting flameless candles!

2011-12-05T11:45:00.002+11:00

ENJOY Lighting's company tagline reads: "The most realistic flameless wax candles in the word". And they sure-diddly are. In just 15 short months, ENJOY Lighting's flameless candles have captured the hearts of the style-savvy, and now boast a whopping 360 retailers worldwide! Die-hard Tonic-ettes may remember I blogged about them back here. Mainly because they changed my life. Uh-huh. You betcha. So how stoked-beyond-speech am I to be giving away 10 flameless candle prize sets, each containing not one, but two 4 x 8" (10 x 20cm) ivory vanilla scented pillar candles (hello statement pieces!) with a retail value of $120 per prize pack… PLUS one extra prize pack for the person who converts the most friends! PS Yes, that's them on the cover of Real Living mag (below)!

"Candle light is so romantic - these are perfect and our customers are loving them for every room, particularly in the Boudoir as we have them displayed at Hermon & Hermon (as seen below)." - Barbara Hermon

“These candles are so in line with modern living - imagine the look of a real candle with the instance serviceability of a battery powered glow. I love these - up a driveway, around a pool, ENJOY candles are Instantly understated chic. I have put them on super boats, clients houses, and in my own fireplace, pool and driveway for parties - the most reliable understated way to light up a space." - Megan Morton, Stylist

How to enter:
1. Like the Enjoy Lighting Australia Facebook page AND...
2. Invite your friends to like the Enjoy Lighting Facebook page (share the promo with a friend) AND..
3. Write “I enjoy my Table Tonic” (and it needs it be a tag ie. @Table Tonic - to tag, click on the name when it appears in the drop down menu as you type it) on the Enjoy Lighting Facebook wall.

PS You can buy Enjoy Lighting's fabulous range online at Buyster! Go go go! And good luck!

5 bookmark-worthy sites I (only) discovered last week

2011-12-05T06:00:00.002+11:00

All images vogue living blog

vogue living blog decor/interiors

candice lake fashion/streetstyle

carla loves photography photography

miss-design design

chan fantastic misc

Back in stock: Juju Hats in Off White and Yellow!

2011-12-04T21:24:00.000+11:00

Well. I have just unpacked the most exquisite shipment of Table Tonic Juju Hats (if you've never seen a Juju Hat, you're in for a treat!). The following are all back in stock and ready to ship (but be warned, these guys go fast!):

Off white LARGE CLICK TO BUY

Off white BABY SIZE CLICK TO BUY

Yellow LARGE CLICK TO BUY

Yellow BABY SIZE CLICK TO BUY

(above) Off white LARGE Juju Hat CLICK TO BUY

(above) Yellow LARGE Juju Hat CLICK TO BUY

And don't forget, if you're stuck on a gift for that special someone, Table Tonic sell a range of gift vouchers. Only 21 sleeps, Tonic-ettes!

Mr Tonic's birthday present(s)!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-02T16:46:00.000+11:00

So it's Mr Tonic's birthday today (Happy Birthday Mr Tonic!) - and his presents just arrived! We are both smitten on a grand scale (you can buy them here)...

(above) Next time you see our front deck, it will have a new, 50's style white iron ballustrade(!). We were hoping it would be ready by Christmas, but alas... PS I must fill you in with the renovations soon. So much to tell!

They match our yellow front door perfectly and have you ever sat in a Butterfly chair? They're SO comfortable! The covers are pre-scotchguarded, although it's advisable to bring them indoors when not in use. And let's face it, if you have a lot of birds in the area... Mike from 506070 is just lovely (and delivers for free in Sydney metro area). He also supplies Rose Seidler House with the covers for their Butterfly Chairs! PS Make sure you visit Mike's 506070 eBay shop.

In other news, MAGAZINES! Just droppped: Lucky (USA), Australian Good Taste, Real Living, House Beautiful (USA) and House & Garden. Consider them inhaled!

And a late addition from today's mail, Elle Decor!

Happy weekend Tonic-ettes!

Summer! Summer! Summer!

2011-12-01T06:00:00.004+11:00

It's very unusual to have 3 "meaningful" days in a row, but this time of year is so special for Mr Tonic and I - Yesterday was our wedding anniversary, today marks the first day of Summer in Australia (finally!) and tomorrow is Mr Tonic's birthday. And just wait until you see what I bought ~~him~~ us! Here's a clue. Happy days!

Images via Vogue UK and Pinterest

And Summer is EXTRA special because it's my sister-in-law's name aaaand... (drum roll)... she's having a baby next May! Woohoooooo! I have 2 nieces and a nephew on Mr Tonic's side, but this is the first child for my brother & Summer. It's just so dingin' exciting.

Happy Summer, Tonic-ettes - Get that Vitamin D into you!

9 years ago today...

2011-11-30T11:44:00.000+11:00

It's funny - Wedding Anniversaries would have to be the polar opposite of birthdays - Every time another year rolls around, instead of groaning that I "feel so ooold", I give myself a little high-five for notching up another year of ~~surviving Mr Tonic~~ wedded bliss. And 9 years ago today, on 30th November 2002, Mr Tonic and I tied the knot!

Where: Woodbyne, Jasper's Brush (near Berry).

The bride wore: Mary Ioannidis (and Manolo Blahnik heels!)

The ring: Jan Logan

Honeymoon: The Maldives

The Celebrant: Nerolie Barnes

Happy Anniversary, Mr Tonic! x

Final hours! Table Tonic 25% off sale ends tonight!

2011-11-30T10:28:00.000+11:00

A day in the life: 29.11.11

2011-11-29T06:00:00.002+11:00

The weekend: Sunday involved a beach, two Mini-Tonics and a bestie (aka the brains behind DAN300). I constantly pinch myself, as we live just a 5 minute walk (if that) from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world... At around 7.30am every Sunday morning, I walk-slash-run 8 laps of it, before jumping into the ocean pool at the South end. Yes. The best things in life are free, people!

I'm wearing: Bassike dress (buy it here) - mine is a Large, Dior sunglasses, gold Jennifer Zeuner necklace from Eclektica (buy it here), cap from Raised by Wolves.

The hot gloss: Or should I say, thee hot gloss. Remember Clinique Black Honey? Yeah? Anyone? Well that just-eaten-berries shade of lip perfection circa 1990 is now get-able in the form of Lanolips "Mulberry" Lip Ointment. I've been wearing it on my morning beach walk-slash-runs. It has just enough colour, without being tooooo much for exercising in. Trust me, this one is a ripper! PS Don't forget to check out the Lanolips blog - TT made it onto their Christmas Gift Guide! Eeeek!

The tea-towel-triumph: Hats of to My Hunter Gatherer for this eye-catching piece of marketing genius (how hot does our el-cheapo oven look?!):

The salad: Cannelini beans, yellow capsicum, toasted pine nuts, capers, lemon zest, garlic. Dress with a dash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon!

The gift: Tomorrow, Mr Tonic and I will have been married for nine years. NINE. How that is even possible, I have no idea. Feels more like... four. Alright, five max. And I have to show you what my parents bought us (hands up who worships Dinosaur Designs). Isn't she special? Thanks Mum and Dad!

The (under $25) online purchase: No sooner was I on the What's for dinner mum Facebook page, than I had ordered a set of Tovolo Star Pop Moulds from The Little Cook! Chucked a mango, some strawberries and a banana in the Vitamix, tipped it in the moulds, 4 hours later... healthy treats for nagging offspring! Admittedly, they all broke in half as we pulled the lids off but hey, we're working on our "formula"...

The recipe club: How cool is this - Australian Good Taste have formed an online "Heirloom Recipes Club" as a place for you and me to share our Christmas family recipes! But it’s also a site to house all types of family recipes, so you can share yours and keep those precious recipes alive. So, gather your beloved family recipes, snap a few pictures and upload them to the site. Oh, and then read all about it in December Australian Good Taste mag (below)!

Photography: Andrew Lehmann/Australian Good Taste.

The deal: You all know how much I love Simplicite anything, and from now until 11th December, when you buy any two Simplicite products (at selected Myer stores around Australia) you'll receive a third free (same or lesser value than the lower priced item)! How good is that?! And PS If you're looking for a killer body moisturizer? Consider it found!

The sale: All good things must come to an end, including tabletonic.com.au's storewide sale. The good news? You still have until tomorrow night to colour your world (and save 25% in the process)! Click to shop!

5 bookmark-worthy sites I (only) discovered last week

2011-11-28T12:51:00.000+11:00

above images olivia palermo

olivia palermo style/misc

net registry blog e-commerce/technology

urban road decor/misc

jennifer barker decor/misc

love home swap (stylish) house swaps!

PS Have you entered the Table Tonic Tampurse giveaway yet?

What? You've never heard of a Tampurse?

2011-11-25T06:00:00.019+11:00

Back in May, I did a "Day in the Life" post (nothing new there), featuring a shot of my handbag contents, including an intriguing little creature, otherwise known as a Tampurse (a discreet and glamorous little case for storing tampons in your handbag). I know. A piece of $24.95-mock-croc-covered genius, right?

Well. The nice people at Tampurse were so chuffed with all of your Tampurse buying following the post, that they decided to throw 3 Tampurse "sets" my way to give away to you guys - each set contains 1 x Vintage Glamour tampurse ($24.95) and 1 x Starlet tampurse ($19.95)!

HOW TO ENTER: Simply become a fan of the Tampurse Facebook page and write “I love Table Tonic” on their wall. A winner will be chosen at random and announced right here on the Table Tonic blog on Friday 9th December 2011.

But wait, there's more! Tampurse are currently offering Table Tonic blog readers 25% off their Tampurse purchase if they enter the coupon code Table Tonic (2 words) at checkout until 24th December! Click to shop!

Oh, and just quietly, IT'S ONE MONTH 'TIL CHRISTMAS! Yes, people, it's officially panic 'o clock! And I don't need to tell you where to shop, do I...?

The sale must go on: 25% off EVERYTHING at Table Tonic

2011-11-24T23:07:00.000+11:00

CLICK TO SHOP

Stylish Homes: Maria & Eduardo Villa

2011-11-24T06:00:00.003+11:00

When your name is Maria Villa, your background is in Interior Design and Fine Art, and your husband is an Architect, chances are, you're going to live in a pretty swoony, impeccably decorated house. Know what I'm saying? Maria and Eduardo are the Villas behind Sydney based design firm Villa + Villa, "a team of progressive Architects, Interior and graphic designers" and today we're going to sit nicely and look at some pictures of their beautiful Lower North Shore home. No fidgeting. And keep your questions until the end.

(above and below) Maria is thrilled with her Table Tonic Juju Hat! You can't beat an off white Juju on a dark wall - So dramatic isn't it?

Photography by Ross Coffey and Lucy Feagins.

Thank you so much for the extra photos Maria! PS You must, must, MUST take the full tour of Maria Villa's Sydney home on The Design Files. It really is one of the loveliest I've ever seen.

JUST IN! Multicolour Mexican Suzanis at Table Tonic!

2011-11-23T09:18:00.001+11:00

The beautiful Multicolour Mexican Suzanis are back in stock right now at tabletonic.com.au! Not only that, but for a short time only, grab one for 25% off the marked price (simply enter coupon code NOVEMBER at final checkout stage)! That's $366.75 (rrp $489). Whether you choose to hang it on the wall (like this TT customer) or throw it over your bed is up to you! Click to buy.

PS I'm often asked if the Mexican Suzanis come in a larger size (for a King Size bed). Unfortunately, they are almost all embroidered onto a (roughly) 180 x 180cm piece of base cloth BUT did you see this beautiful Mexican Suzani in the November issue of Real Living? Genius! Simply have a border in the fabric of your choice stitched onto it, transforming it from a beautiful Suzani, into a bedspread of grand proportions:

And remember, you can order a Table Tonic Mexican Suzani in virtually any colour you can dream of (click for more info). Happy Hump Day Tonic-ettes!

A day in the life: 22.11.11

2011-11-22T06:00:00.001+11:00

The magazines: I will never ever tire of magazines... This lot is on sale now. (Mr Tonic: "Is that my HOUSES magazine?")

The "treat": The children are loving treat nights sick right now. This might be why:

Thank you Cadbury Bubbly people. One bar will do just fine next time! And yes, Anoushka-Tonic approves.

The salad: Loosely based on Heidi Swanson's Carrot, dill & white bean salad, mine went like this:

Carrots (slowly sauteed in ghee, as per the recipe), 1 tin of cannelini beans, asparagus, chopped red onion, toasted almonds, chopped mint. Olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. And chilli flakes. And to my surprise, Mr Tonic loved it!

The mention: I did a little happy dance when I saw Jen's name in Harpers this month! Too funny..

The smoothie: Whoa! Are you ready? This one blew the tastebuds right out of my mouth yesterday: 4 tablespoons rolled oats, 1/2 - 1 cup oat milk, 1 banana, 10-15 raw unsalted almonds, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, pinch of cinnamon, ice. Chuck it all in a blender (yes, I am still LOVING my Vitamix!) and enjoy. And you will.

(above) Bassike dress (buy it here), Alexander Wang sweatshirt, Converse sneakers

The Zingy Springy thank you: Huge thanks to Loni for featuring Table Tonic's Neon Lime Spot Ikat cushion (yes, the same one that was recently featured in Inside Out magazine!) on her beautiful Adore Home blog last Friday:

Mmmm... all that lime makes me want a Margherita and a trip to Bali, thanks! PS Don't forget to shop the Table Tonic 25% off storewide sale! And yes - the discount can be used on pre-orders too! Happy shopping Tonic-ettes!

13 bookmark-worthy sites I (only) discovered last week

2011-11-21T10:10:00.000+11:00

eat boutique

eat boutique food
the happiness cocktail misc
oh my green eco crafting

health freedoms health

pure mamas parenting/healthy food

half-baked marketing, tech, culture

spell tumblr fashion/misc
kitchen confessional food
silver sea trader fine art/curiosities
luella and rain stylish bubs

the fit girl health/fitness

my design ethos decor/interiors
a perfect prism fashion/misc

SALE TIME! 25% off storewide at Table Tonic!

2011-11-17T13:26:00.000+11:00

14 things we can learn from Nov/Dec Lonny

2011-11-17T06:00:00.011+11:00

So I'm a bit late to the Lonny party this month, but better late than never, I say! The Nov/Dec 2011 issue ~~was out 6 days ago~~ is out now - Here are 14 things it taught me:

(above) THAT Ikea rug? Still as good as the day we first laid eyes on it (sigh)...

(above) A killer typeface is actually all you need in life. That, and a dirty great big, yellow slice of rock (number 18, I'm looking at YOU!).

(above) Jonathan Adler shouldn't get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day. Because he is the man.

(above) I need a green Jonathan Adler lacquered tissue box in my world. We all do.

(above) I've said it before, and I'll say it again: "Art maketh a room".

(above) ...Ditto a gold fish occasional table.

(above) Deep peacock blue walls are not for the faint hearted. And mirrored cube coffee tables are not ideal for home owners with offspring.

(above) Ikat cushions? Still hot. Duh.

(above) Bathrooms the size of a small apartment tiled in black marble subway tiles? That's a yes from me. The floor I could take or leave.

(above) Trick people into thinking you are Scandinavian by kitting our your home with timber floorboards, white walls and black furniture.

(above) More is sometimes more.

(above) Covering every square inch of wall with art is a "YES"!

(above) Wall to wall zebra could potentially be nightmare-inducing when laid in a bedroom. With that bed linen.

(above) Simple equals special. Every. Time. Ahhh. That's better.

Click to read the Nov/Dec 2011 issue of Lonny. So. What did YOU learn?

Table Tonic beauty spotlight: My favourite exfoliators

2011-11-16T06:00:00.001+11:00

When things are awesome, I want you all to know about it. It's as simple as that. Having a blog is handy like that. It's a place for me to share things I would normally only get to tell a handful of close girl friends. And you, Tonic-ettes, are going to love what I have here.

So let's talk exfoliants, aka the best way to keep skin looking dingin' fabulous on a daily basis (that said, most products recommend you exfoliate every second day - which is what I do). Quick mini-facial: Cleanse twice, exfoliate, pop on a mask. Moisturize. And glow. And PS Just so you know, my absolute, hands-down, all-time favourite exfoliator, like, EVER is...

...Dermalogica skin prep scrub. It's perfect. In every way. Good graininess (made from corn cob meal), not too runny (actually, not at all runny), the grains aren't at all scratchy and it contains no artificial fragrance or colour. It really does a marvellous job - I'm a fan for life. PS It's $51 and you can buy it here. My other go-to exfoliating scrubs are (above):

Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub, $38. "Made with real fruit and not tested on animals" (click to buy).

Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose in It, $19.95. A minty-fresh "face scrub and mask" (click to buy).

Simplicite One Step Exfoliating Cleanser, $46.90. "A must for teenagers and anyone who suffers from breakouts" (click to buy).

Okoii Organic Adzuki Bean Scrub, $29.90. "An excellent source of antioxidants" (click to buy).

(above) EXFOLIATING MASKS:
Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant, $67.50. "A non-abrasive hydroxy acid exfoliation treatment" (click to buy).

Simplicite Rosehip and Lavender Complexion Refiner, $51.90. A rub off mask. "Gives visible results for a firmer, smoother skin" (click to buy).

(above) EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUBS:

Kit Cosmetics Coffee Body Scrub, $32.95. "It features good stuff like caffeine, organic jojoba oil, vitamin E and grape seed oil with Australian sugar cane and native Australian botanicals." One of the best body scrubs I have ever used (click to buy).

Simplicite Macadamia and Bush Gardenia Body Scrub, $36.50. "Helps restore elasticity and moisture levels and invigorates and boosts tired appearance of the skin" (click to buy).

So there you have it! And if you have any questions, check out this great page on the importance of exfoliation. And you know I want to know your favourites too now, right? Leave me a comment!

PS All products are shown on a Table Tonic White Moroccan Leather Pouffe, $199. PPS Don't forget to follow Table Tonic on Twitter and find us on Facebook!

Modern Wisdom: "Dogs are my favourite role models"

2011-11-15T12:57:00.000+11:00

This is so beautiful. Not that I need a reason to worship Oprah any more passionately...

escapade

New book alert! 70/80/90 by Karen McCartney

2011-11-15T06:00:00.002+11:00

Inside Out magazine's founding Editor, Karen McCartney has just released her new book 70/80/90: Iconic Australian Houses (rrp $79.99) - a stunning "sequel" to the design classic 50/60/70 (which we also proudly own!).

And I never thought I'd say this about an Architecture book (sorry Mr Tonic), but it's an absolutely fascinating read. The book's introduction provides social, historical and architectural context, and a review of each house features technical and practical aspects of the design and personal insights from homeowners and architects, as well as a section focusing on architectural details.

(above) Featured architects include Richard Leplastrier, Glenn Murcutt and Wood Marsh.

70/80/90: Iconic Australian Houses (rrp $79.99) is published by Murdoch Books. Click to buy from Booktopia (for just $55.95!).

14 bookmark-worthy sites I (only) discovered last week

2011-11-14T06:00:00.001+11:00

It's not often I single out a particular website or blog on my bookmark-worthy posts list, but today I must make an exception. I actually only discovered nourished life ("living toxic free in the city") last night. Irene, the blog's author, writes (in her first post, dated 7th March this year):

"Here it is, my blog on the amazing discoveries I make while attempting to live an affordable toxic free, balanced & energetic life in the city. I’ve transformed from feeling average to bursting with energy. I have found life changing advice, products and ingredients to consume and to avoid at all costs. My blog is about how to easily remove toxic chemicals from our life and how making small tweaks will quickly result in fast, healthy weight loss, unrelenting energy, crisp clear thinking, glowing skin and an end to getting sick!" ENJOY!

nourished life

nourished life food/health
the stone soup food

a place for twiggs misc

black bird and shell misc

sofias journal misc

r's adventures misc

sweet lime and spiced tea misc

gold chalk decor

sous style fashion

india rose fashion

im fancy fashion

chan fantastic misc

oh the lovely things misc

what she has found misc

On sale now/soon: Real Living, House & Garden...

2011-11-11T06:00:00.008+11:00

WHOA! Happy 11/11/11 Tonic-ettes (that has to be lucky, right?)! Here's what's on the vintage cane chest I call a side table today:

(above) The Australian Women's Weekly, House & Garden, Delicious, Real Living.

Look at all that red! It would appear Christmas is indeed upon us! Which is equal parts exciting and scary, really. On another note entirely, I'll be "lunching" at The Ivy tomorrow for a VERY special friend's birthday. And I don't know what to wear. I think it's the footwear that's throwing me...What are you all up to this weekend? Shopping? Markets? Quiet reading? Time in the garden? Cooking up a storm perhaps. Share!

A day in the life: 10.11.11 (my new hair!)

2011-11-10T22:43:00.000+11:00

We have new weather (hot) and I have new hair (wait, also hot!). So a big thank you-ey shout out to Alan (cut) and Wayne (colour) at Atlantis hair in Sydney for this:

(above) Karen Walker Sunglasses, Country Road dress

(above) Check out the (ammonia-free) foils! Can I stop looking in the mirror? Not yet. PS Wayne, you are a mind reader and a genius. PPS Got a few new Original & Mineral products to try as well, I'll show you them soon!

(above) Country Road dress, Danika boots, Michael Kors watch, Meadowlark ring. Rug, Moroccan Pouffes and green chevron Ikat cushions, all Table Tonic.

A day in the life: 9.11.11

2011-11-09T06:00:00.002+11:00

The salad: I recently made this "Asian Cabbage Salad" from one of my favourite food blogs, So Good and Tasty. I chucked in some pan fried (in coconut oil), paprika-dusted chicken breast to ooomph it up for dinner and I used toasted cashews for the nuts. Grab the recipe here.

(above) via So Good and Tasty and (below) my version. And by the way, the dressing? Amaaaazing.

The collaboration: Kiehl's recently collaborated with red-hot Aussie fashion designers, Zimmermann, Ksubi and Sass & Bide to produce these three limited edition Crème de Corps! The three iconic brands have each designed a beautifully unique label, and proceeds from Kiehl’s sale of each product in Australia will benefit the charity chosen by the three fashion houses. Sass & bide has chosen to honour Barnardos, Ksubi’s charity is War Child Australia and the Starlight Children’s Foundation will be supported by Zimmermann’s floral design. Click to shop the Fashion for Kiehl's range.

The shorts: I was going to call these "Yoga" shorts, but I've decided to settle on "Attempted Yoga" shorts. Have you ever tried to do some yoga with two children in the ~~room~~ house? Yah. Not going to happen. Wait. I think I'll call them "Long walks on the beach without my offspring" shorts. There. PS They're actually the "Garment Dye" shorts from Country Road ($49.95). And the colour makes my heart sing.

The good oil: I first learned about Krill Oil from Dr Mercola's jaw-droppingly informative, and often alarming emails. Word on the street is that krill oil contains more Omega 3s and more antioxidant power than the highest grade fish oil (Everest Nutrition Krill Oil offers 54 times more antioxidant power than fish oil!). So after tweeting about my newly discovered super-oil, Sandra from Everest Nutrition came to my rescue and I'm now Omega 3'd up to the eyeballs! Click to buy Everest Nutrition Krill Oil. PS See what Dr Mercola says about Krill Oil in this short video - and he talks quickly, so you get stacks of great info fast!

The other salad: Ever since I bought Yotam Ottolenghi's Plenty (buy it here), I've been throwing read and brown rice salads around like there's no tomorrow. Then I basically add veggies, a fruit, a nut and a killer dressing (usually just olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey and sea salt). This one was:
RICE: Brown rice + red rice (health food store)
VEGGIES: Asparagus, Edamame, green beans, capsicum
FRUIT: Red apple
NUT: Pine nuts, toasted
DRESSING: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey and sea salt
EXTRAS: Lemon zest, shredded coconut

The (Biodynamic!) wine: Yes. This is my kind of wine - Certified Biodynamic Rosé from the award winning Krinklewood Vineyard in the Hunter Valley. And this "Francesca Rosé" was just what Sunday afternoon ordered.

The egg-sessorie: Given that our kids eat boiled eggs like they're going out of fashion, these gorgeous Dibbern Egg Cups are positively whizzing onto my radar! There are 37 colours in the Dibbern porcelain range (WARNING: Selecting your colour combination may take longer than boiling an egg!), including pop colours, pastels and everything in between. Click to visit the Beclau Homewares webshop.

The apartment tour: Two things: 1. If you haven't already, please do yourself a favour and familiarize yourself with Will and his wonderful/delightful/colourful blog, Bright Bazaar. 2. Check out Sydney Stylist Jason Grant's crazy gorgeous apartment tour here. You might even spy a Table Tonic Union Jack cushion (available for pre-order NOW!).

TT spotlight: The no-nasties products I use everyday

2011-11-08T06:00:00.003+11:00

I've been meaning to do this post for such a long time. My foray into natural health has been a real eye-opener and I've come to realize that natural "personal products" are some of the most effective, beautiful smelling goodies out there! These are a few that I've been loving:

1. Biologika Vanilla Kiss roll on deodorant (buy online): the first natural deodorant I tried. It smells lovely and, as with all aluminium-free deodorants (note: they're called deodorants, NOT anti-perspirants), you still sweat a little, but I quite enjoy sweating, knowing it's the body's way of detoxing.

2. Weleda wild rose deodorant spray: I like Weleda's product range a lot, and the rose fragrance in this is lovely.

3. Lavera milk & honey deodorant spray: This is the deodorant I have settled on (my hairdresser put me onto it). I'll put 3 sprays under each arm in the morning and then reapply if I'm going out again later in the day.

4. Simplicite firming rehydration eye cream: Absolutely, hands down, one of the most soothing and moisturizing eye creams I've ever used. AND it's all natural. A-ddicted. I'm about to buy more of their Damask Rose Day Cream and Revitalising Night Creme too!

5. Dr Bronner's citrus orange liquid soap: Anything by Dr Bronner is the absolute bomb, and it's very well priced too!

6. Comvita toothpaste: My fave

7. Grant's toothpaste: My other fave. Admittedly, they're the only two I've tried so far.

All of these goodies are available at health food stores, and be sure to shop around, as prices can vary quite a lot. PS If you live in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney, Healthy Life in Warringah Mall has 20% off everything on the first Monday of the month (plus, every time you spend over $100, you get a $5 voucher!). I've also been using a couple of MooGoo products - the shampoo and conditioner (not shown) which are just fantastic. I highly recommend them. The conditioner is one of the best conditioners, detangler-wise, I've ever used.

Now I'd love to know - what are you loving? Anything else I should know about?

11 bookmark-worthy sites I (only) discovered last week

2011-11-07T15:11:00.000+11:00

united we slide

united we slide craft/design
kelly oshiro events decor/misc
nicola chatham gardening
the wellness project health
the healthy apple health
the saha space health
easy eats food
my hunter gatherer decor
knitting onbtrains craft/food
nspired furniture/design

whole promise food

Attention Crafters: Make Hey While the Sun Shines

2011-11-04T06:00:00.012+11:00

The crafty Pip Lincolne of Meet Me at Mikes fame is back with her third book of "sweet and whimsical" projects. And is this not the most divine book cover ever?

In Make Hey While the Sun Shines, Pip shares 20 downright crafty things to make for Summer, holidays or any time! Think bike seat covers made from vintage fabric, crocheted baubles to decorate your house (or car!), hand-printed gift bags and pretty hand illustrated plates to customise your own ceramics. More adventurous crafters might like to try the Chatty Tote or the handy bottle tote to store your drinks when you head out for the day. Making hey isn't just about sewing and craft though - there are also 5 pull-out recipe cards with delicious goodies to take on a picnic or just enjoy at home. All of the projects have step-by-step instructions and illustrations to guide you through, and with sections on sewing, crochet and knitting basics, Make Hey While the Sun Shines is perfect for anyone who is interested in handmaking their own beautiful things. Amen to that! CLICK TO BUY.

And PS For a limited time only, Lark Store is offering Make Hey While the Sun Shines for $29.95 (limited time!).

A day in the life: 3.11.11

2011-11-03T06:00:00.008+11:00

It's been a while since I did a day in the life post, so here's what's been going down at Table Tonic HQ: The livestock: We got chickens! Initially, we got four (2 Rhode Island Reds and 2 Silkies)... Ever tried to photograph a chicken? OMG.

(above) From the top: Fluffy, Soup, Storm Cloud and Teebee (TBC)

...then we got another one (Isa Brown)... But she was getting picked on, so we got another one (Isa Brown).

(above) Pancake and Syrup

They really are such a delight to have pecking (and pooping!?) their way around the back yard all day. And the sweetest thing ever? They take themselves off to bed each night, once it gets dark. This would be the coop (it was already here when we moved in!) - complete with an old Juju Hat, which was unsellable, "to make them feel at home", thought Mr Tonic:

The dinner date: I had dinner with my high school BFF, Dani last week at High St. Bistro, beautiful little place in Willoughby (outstanding food, by the way). And lucky me, Dani brought along some of the beautiful bits and bobs she makes and sells through Dan300, her business/online store. This girl put the craft in "crafty", make sure you check her out sometime! (And yes, Anoushka loves her new hair goodies!)

The words of the day: Anoushka's words for when her shirt/skirt/socks don't feel quite right include "it feels all waffly" and "these socks feel prinkly". I'm still laughing...

The back door: You know those moments that just beg to be iPhone-d and subsequently blogged about? This was 5pm, Tuesday 1st November at our place - out the back door, to be exact. A perfect moment...

The kitchen gadget: Got kids? Heck, even if you don't - head over to ricecube.com.au, watch the very short video and prepare to be blown away. I was. And then buy a Rice Cube online here (they ship worldwide!). You can literally stuff anything into them. (And are you thinking what I'm thinking?) SQUARE POWER BALLS!!!!!!

The bookshelf: If you haven't already heard, Book Depository sell books online, super cheap (no one knows quite how they do it) and ship them worldwide for FREE. I recently bought six books (the five below, plus The China Study), all at once for some absurd amount. Delivery to Australia takes around 2 weeks for in stock items.

The juice: After enjoying green smoothies daily for a month or so now, I decided to embrace green juices (thank you slightly hot Dan, aka The Life Regenerator) and am loving them! A stack of organic leafy greens (kale/spinach/coriander/parsley etc), celery, cucumber, ginger, lemon and apple. 750ml or so in the morning (about half an hour after downing 750ml or so of alkaline water) - ridiculously nourishing and refreshing to boot. You could actually stick the same ingredients in a blender with a cup or two of water and you've got a (more filling) green smoothie!

(above) Wearing Isabel Marant sweater, Nudie pants, Isabel Marant shoes. Bracelets (L-R): Tiffany & Co., Isabel Marant, UberKate cuff.

Happy Thursday Tonic-ettes! Anything been floating your boat? Leave a comment!