This weekend...

Why don't you check out The Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston on Sunday. The very lovely Amy Kerr will be making her markets debut... see her gorgeous earrings and more (I have several pairs - love 'em).

Check out her designer profile right here on Canberra's Got Style.

Hooked on Swap-bot

I can blame the Shopping Sherpa for this, she was the host for the first swap I did, the April Black and White Swap. The idea of swapping items of interest across the world intrigued me completely - brilliant fun (I just love sending and receiving parcels!). The recipient of the black and white handbag I sent (to Canada) was well pleased (well that's what she told me!).

And now, in a moment of Canberran pride, I find myself committed to 2 more...
Candy From Your Part Of The World
I will be sending some Australian lollies or choccies to my random swap partner in Finland! Tim Tams were my first choice, but I need to think Gluten free - so I'm thinking 'Eucalyptus and Honey drops', Cadbury chocs with Aussie animals, and Darryl Lea Chocolate Macadamias. Or maybe Byron Bay biscotti with lemon Myrtle. What are your favourite Australian 'candies'?

Show Me Your Town
I'm looking forward to showing someone the best bits of Canberra in a virtual tour of our fabulous city. I will be sending another random swap partner a write-up of the day we 'spend together', tickets and receipts and photos of the things we saw and did. Would anyone like to be my imaginary/virtual tourist and spend a day with me? I will be sure to share our day out with the Canberra's Got Style readers.

and just for the challenge...
The Purse That Wasn't
I will be making a handbag or tote made from materials other than fabric - something that was never intended to become a handbag... and I have 11 days to do it!!! Sounds like a brilliant job of recycling fun!

Winter Warmers: Moroccan Plates

Still glowing from my fantastic experience dining at Mecca Bah in Manuka, I'm keen to try some winter warming slow-cooking goodness - the Tagine. So look what I found in the window at Your Habitat in Civic. These are gorgeous examples of Moroccan plates and more...

And a few delish recipes to try out here.

LOVING: Polka Luka

I was crushed last year when home commitments kept me away from the launch of a new Canberran jewellery designer whose work I absolutely adore, imagine my glee when a message from Alexandra Freeman herself was waiting in my inbox when I returned home from my 'holiday'... so now I'm so glad to show you...

Now relocated to costal NSW, the designer of Polka Luka Australian jewellery and clothing design label, grew up and studied in Canberra and launched her faaabulous wares in 2007 at the Front Gallery. Alexandra's work focuses on creating a cohesive range of designs that are both contemporary, timeless, and delicious. "Beyond fleeting notions of trend based fashion, Polka Luka aims to create designs which are effortless and simple – luminous, affordable, and wearable pieces for women."

Alexandra spent four years living in rural China and traveled through South East Asia, where she was engaged in cultural conservation work. During this time, she was exposed to the unique craft and artisan techniques- the embroidery and weaving of people living in this area and the simple functionality of traditional clothing. Having already achieved qualifications in Textiles, a love of costume, colour, and design encouraged Alexandra to continue studies in garment construction and jewellery design in 2003, and in 2006, Alexandra jumped in full time to design, launching the first Polka Luka range in 2007.

Polka Luka is stocked at the National Gallery of Australia Shop and The Terrace Interiors (Kingston).
Check out the full range on the Polka Luka website.

Celebrity shoes: Carmen Steffens

New to the Canberra Centre is entirely covetable shoes and accessories boutique label Carmen Steffens, only the second store in Australia (debuting in Perth). Every item is handmade in Brazil... and believe me these pieces are art. It's no wonder they are loved by Hollywood celebs and stylists.

"Carmen Steffens products incorporate exclusive Brazilian designs and utilise handcrafted adornments, hand stitched embroidery, authentic Austrian crystals and unparalleled attention to detail. The shapes and colours are inspired by the lifestyle of the fashion savvy, discriminating, and confident woman, delivering a level of exclusivity, beauty and unique Brazilian style which can be found in no other brand."

***{sigh}***

Carmen Steffens boutique is on level 1 in the Canberra Centre (next to the Oroton boutique). Ph 6162 4975

I'm Baaaaack! Did you miss me?

Well, while I survived a not-very-stylish plane ride outnumbered by my two small offspring, who knew that strapping them into a seat each for 4 hours straight just wouldn't wash?! Is it wrong to come back with twice the luggage one left with?! As long as it wasn't someone elses, all it means is that I have a shopping habit - oh dear. I can only blame the fact that Perth has an Ikea - and lament the fact that Canberra does not (boo).

Perth was lovely and we were well taken care of. We visited the beach, the zoo and did the new train ride down to Mandurah - lovely.

But gosh did I miss my house and my city (and my man)! Yes we are rather glad to be home.

Thank you to everyone who has left me lovely comments so far... don't forget to leave your comment (before the end of the month) to be in the running for the 2 great give-aways.

My bags are packed: I'm ready to go

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go! Off to Perth to visit my new baby nephew and family - back in a couple of weeks. Don't forget to leave comments on any Canberra's Got Style article to go into the May give-away draws to win those amazing Canberra's Got Style cupcakes or a Canberra goodies pack.

A couple of things I'm missing while I'm gone...

1. MODERN MORALS: A FAIRTRADE FASHION PARADE @ Knightsbridge Penthouse. In support of Oxfam Australia and Fairtrade Fortnight. Sunday May 18, 2008.

2. RSPCA Million Paws walk Sunday May 18, 2008.

3. A Celebration of Wool at The Old Bus Depot Markets Sunday May 18, 2008. Featuring the best of wool products from the region's knitters, felters crafters etc.

A few new hot Canberran bloggers have come to my attention, so check them out while I'm gone...
Some amazing "Sacred Photography" from Goddess Leonie, and faaablulous illustrator and woman-after-my-own-heart Penelope Boyd at Poppy Jane.

I will be back for more fabulous Canberra Style in 2 weeks, love Nina x

Lanterne Rooms

Canberra has a cool new dining venue run by one of the city’s most dynamic restaurant teams. Lanterne Rooms is the latest venture for Chris Hansen and Josiah Li, the same pair who are behind The Chairman & Yip in Civic and Cape Cod at Deakin.

In a space which could be described as Hong Kong warehouse meets Queenslander style, the restaurant features some very beautiful Vietnamese lanterns and sliding louvred wall panels, able to create private areas for patrons.

Asian influences are abound with the reeded ceiling and heavy timber elements in the interior. What a beautiful space for a unique dining experience.

French-trained Malaysian chef Jeffrey Shim presents mostly European style dishes with Asian influences. Have a look at this review for a taste of what is on offer.

Lanterne Rooms is at the Campbell Shops 3 Blamey Pl, Campbell ACT Contact 02 6249 6889 to make your booking.