MUSHROOMS GALORE!!!!

As you all know I just adore mushrooms!!! This week I'm showcasing a very talented local lass who has stolen my heart with her creations. Bec Wilson is proud Mama to her three little ones and also a crafy felter who operates Radish and Ruth, a little workshop in her kitchen, creating one-of-a-kind toadstools, garlands, playmats and more. Specialising in wood, whimsy and wool - if you love handmade - click 'Like' to follow Radish and Ruth on Facebook!! Some people are just so clever aren't they? These gorgeous goodies have made a lovely window display, so I thought I'd let you all see and take the time to thank Bec for all her hard work!!!

Cheers,

Merita xxx

OUR FIRST OFFICIAL SALE, YAY!!!

How exciting, our first official sale!!! Even more exciting is the new stock which will make it's way to my little shop over the next few months! I am quite the collector of all things beautiful and need to make room for the new arrivals. This ad will appear in the Geelong Times tomorrow. You don't need to bring in the coupon as such, just mention the ad in store and don't forget to spread the word! Happy shopping, everyone loves a bargain....I know I do!

Cheers,
Merita xx

CHEEKY LITTLE SOLES!!!

Just thought I'd share this pretty ad soon to hit the Geelong Times, our fantastic local Magazine. These shoes are so cute and very well made by Melbourne designer and mum Lisa Koba. We have a range of soft soled shoes for the littlies which come in leather or fabric uppers and Lisa has recently launched some stylish rubber soled, sturdy little shoes for the walkers of the family! Enjoy!   Merita xxx

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

Hi Everyone! To all you Mum's out there, I hope you had a lovely break over the holidays. I managed some lovely sleep ins, hit the pictures, went swimming, encountered  Maccas for breaky and we even found time to  make home-made bread, yum!! Thanks everyone who entered our Holiday Browsing Competition, we have a Winner...............drum roll please.................Congratulations Kelly Stanfield!! You'll be taking home one of the beautiful ceramic birds, well done!! They are from a gorgeous little studio in Melbourne called Lightly. Here's some pics of some of their other goodies we have in store including the doiley plates and the mirrored ducks, just a lovely modern twist on some old favourites.

Cheers Merita xx

HOLIDAY BROWSING GIVEAWAY!!!!!YAY!!!!

Hi Folks,

School holidays are upon us and for me it's a chance to slow down, sleep in and enjoy my four children.  As holidays are a bit quieter in this area business hours will be 1-5pm Tues-Friday and Saturday 10-1pm. Next Monday I will be closed. To reward our regular customers we're running a promotion where, if you come into the store over the next two weeks, you can put your name in to win one of my beautiful flying swallows cut from antique plates by Lightly Studios in Melbourne. They come individually, I just like to display them in threes.  All names will go into a hat, there are great odds of winning and the winner gets to choose the swallow they love the most!! My fav is the one with the distinct green head, he's so pretty!!!

Cheers,

Merita xx

IT'S A RETRO REVIVAL!!

So excited!! Much thought and contemplation went into placing our new stock of Retro Revival Lamps around our little shop. Retro Revival is a Melbourne based business owned by the very talented Tamara Watts. Tamara scours the countryside for original, rare vintage fabrics to construct new lampshades which she teems with a various range of new and original lamp bases to complete that authentic retro look. The lampshades vary in style from 1960's floral patterns to bold 1970's geometrics - each lamp is therefore made as a one off which gives you a truly unique piece of decor for your retro or contemporary style home. Beautiful don't you think?

This little piece is from a latest media write up in an Adelaide magazine,

Cheers, Merita xx

Bla, Bla! Yes, that's what I said!

We wish to extend a warm welcome to our supercute friends from Bla Bla! Bla Bla is an American brand fostered by designers Florence Wetterwald and Susan Pritchett in 2001. On their extensive travels they discovered Peruvian villagers; artisans in yarn and everything hand knitted. The pair developed their concept lines and  started to work with these amazing artists using the beautiful natural materials available in Peru. The result: hand created products which look contemporary yet feel like old friends! I shall be sad to see each family member leave my little shop, however I do realize they are going to very good homes :)

Cheers,

Merita xx

Autumn or Winter, that is the question???

Hi everyone, hope you had a lovely Mother's Day!! New in store is a fabulous, colourful, fun, quirky collection by Crowded Teeth!!!

I love, love, love the cute mushrooms!!!

Michelle Romo is the creator of Crowed Teeth designs and is a self-taught illustrator who is fueled by cookies and naps. Her influences include Mid-Century, Japanese and Scandinavian design and pretty much anything cute!
Michelle created her line in 2004 and continues to create characters and products under the Crowded Teeth name. When she isn't working she spends her time eating good food, hugging friends, playing video games and crafting. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband Jason and their two cats, Hurts and Morgan.

Cheers!!!

Merita xxx

MOTHERS DAY!!!

Hi everyone! Hope you had a fabulous time over Easter! I should have spent more time searching for the Easter Eggs instead of eating them!

Mother's Day is just around the corner and I've prepared some lovely photos to show you a little of what's in store for Mum. Tea anyone?

Cheers Merita xx

DESIGN DOCTOR THE SHOP HAS ARRIVED!!!

Let me introduce myself, my name is Merita Mannings; nice to meet you! My little shop, Design Doctor, opened about eight weeks ago with not much fanfare ( but with lots of love) in Minerva Road, Herne Hill. Why Herne Hill, you say? Well, my children walk up to the shop from the local primary school and I thought the residents would certainly enjoy some Fun and Functional Design! I come from an Interior Design and Mother of Four background, with a belief that your home should be filled with things that make you smile. I’ve asked a few of my wonderful customers to help me describe the ambience of the shop; “a welcome relief to have something quirky and fun, stylish with a great mix, I’ve seen your products in the latest magazines and online, cheeky, cute, different, I know some of your Aussie Designers, vintage inspired, great graphic design, it’s like having a market right here; I LOVE EVERYTHING!” I appreciate the welcome I’ve received and I warmly invite You in to view our special mix of Homewares, Giftware, Lighting, Stationary, Jewellery, Handbags, Clothing and Accessories. Lots of what you’ll find can be traced back to their beloved Designers, some of which are Proudly Local and others from France, America and Sweden. Other bits and bobs, new and vintage, are sourced simply because we love them!  There’s also a little play nook for the children, we giftwrap (although I need some practice) and you may even witness a spinning top demonstration. Design can be fun! Oh, I’m also venturing onto Facebook and yes I promise to update my blog! Kind Regards, Merita!