Sweet Mary

Its Art Deco weekend in Napier again. Lots of pretty ladies and vintage cars to look at on a perfect sunny Hawkes Bay day.

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

Linens to Love on the corner of Tennyson and Market Streets in Napier are stocking this exclusive line of Sweet Mary lavender hearts - made from a black and cream printed linen with striped ticking back. Black satin ribbon to hang in wardrobe, as a decoration or as a special gift.

Packing up my home-made Rose and Lavender Potpourri ready for my stall outside Linens to Love ( see left for address ) in the morning. I love my new red and white twine and snappy red and white stripe bags. Not sure how many of these lavender doves I have now made but I can see them in my sleep. They are made out of wool felt and filled only with New Zealand grown lavender and would make a geat gift at Easter or for a child or both.

My Sweet Mary stall all set up early Saturday morning on Market Street - all quiet and waiting for the bustle to start as its Art Deco weekend in Napier. Soon the streets will come alive with people, some dressed in the style of the 1930's and others just to look and take photos of all the magnificent sights. My husband walked around all morning taking photos so I have included the following favourite shots. Please click on the highlighted link as this site gives you concise and interesting information on the devastating 1931 Napier earthquake and how the town centre was rebuilt in the popular architectural styles of the day.

I am running a Sweet Mary stall in Napier tomorrow morning, outside Linens to Love on the corner of Tennyson and Market Streets. So, a busy day today just making sure I have plenty of stock - drop by if you are in Napier.

A day out with my husband today as we are both working this weekend. These special days always involve morning coffee somewhere nice and lunch also. We had the coffee at a new cafe overlooking the water in Napier, it was so pretty on this sunny day but as I forgot my camera you will just have to take my word for it. These days also involve a good rummage around a few secondhand/opportunity shops where I am nearly always guaranteed a "find". Today it was a bag of Black Doris plums (my favourites), a cute vintage childrens book, 2 big bundles of willow twigs for the fireplace and this gorgeous mirror that will look even more fab after a paint job. Sum total for my haul was $13.20. Perfect.