Sweet Mary

Its a rainy day here in Hawkes Bay and the perfect day to finish the last of my sewing in preparation for running my Sweet Mary stall at the Central Hawkes Bay Festival this weekend. I will be at the Pukeora Estate, on top of the hill just south of Waipukurau, 2-5 Sept., 10-4 daily. I will have all my usuals: lavender hearts, peg bags, notice boards, wheat bags, dried and bunched lavender. Newish products are ribbon or lace hearts and decorative bunting. This year I also have small bags of pretty haberdashery scraps for children. Hope to see you there - I should be in the Ruataniwha Room.

This pretty little house alongside the railway line in Napier is home to the studio and store called Fresh Vintage. There are two main rooms to look and wonder at. Lots of vintage "stuff" including gorgeous cushions, table cloths, renovated furniture, clothes etc. The owners have renovated this cute cottage in a truly vintage style. My favourite bit is this fabulous piece of vintage art showcasing old plates, some whole and some broken and used as the surrounding mosaic. I came away with this treasure which is in pretty good condition for a vintage piece. Usually the flowers are a bit broken but these ones are perfect. It reminds me that spring is in the air which is probably the reason I bought it. Fresh Vintage is at 49 Carnell Street (cnr Carnell St and Georges Drive), Napier. Not sure of opening times so call before : 06-835 6660

One heavily laden Meyer lemon tree. One large bowl of sweet smelling lemons. One very delicious Lemon Loaf - recipe thanks to Nigella Lawson. Three jars of Lemon Confit, favourite recipe from Greg and Lucy Malouf's Moorish or click here for recipe and ideas for use.