To my fellow daydreamers,
I don’t know if anyone is out there reading, but if you are I just want to say thank you for taking the time and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a truly blessed New Year. May 2011 be the year your daydreams come true!

How time flies… I cannot believe it has already been 4 months since my first post and what a voyage of discovery it has been. I am not sure how many posts, if any, I will be making between now and the New Year given how I am mentally shutting down bit by bit, and after the year I‘ve had need a much deserved break, if I do say so myself. I hope you have found the offerings inspiring and do pop by from time to time as I have a list as long as my arm waiting to be posted.   

Missibaba
Take a trip into the Wild Wild West via CapeTown, with Missibaba’s latest collection of enticing luxury leather accessories. Chloe Townsend, the inspiration behind Missibaba is a self-proclaimed leather fanatic, having honed her skills in London before returning to South Africa and setting up MissiBaba.

Missibaba is a keen supporter of local business, supporting and working in partnership with local craftswomen. One such partnership can be seen with the talented ladies of the Kayamandi team, who are responsible for the intricate embroidery found on Missibaba’s gorgeous and colourful bespoke creations. Emerging from a skills development and job creation project, the Kayamandi team are based at the Ikhaya Trust Centre, located just outside Stellenbosch.

Not just limited to handheld accessories Missibaba’s innovative leather creations encompass belts, jewellery and hair accessories -  beautifully and elegantly constructed.

The leather collar above makes such a gorgeous style statement - I want!

Tunisian Ceramics
Having tried my hand at pottery many years ago as part of my fine arts module and being absolutely rubbish at it - they always exploded in the kiln!!! – I have a deep admiration for artisans who can produce the most exquisite and beautifully decorated pieces. Not too long ago I came across these really pretty Tunisian coffee cups on the Greater Good Network, and loved the intricate patterns and vibrant colours. However, if visiting Tunisia yourself you will find similar ceramics in abundance in the markets allowing you to mix and match to your hearts content, but do take the time to seek out the highly-skilled small-scale producers for a more authentic, traditional product. I think they brighten up any interior and; for decorative use you could melt wax into them and make your own candles in a teacup for yourself or as gifts.

Ceramic arts in Tunisia and much of the Mediterranean region stem from centuries old tradition and can be seen in products like plates, water jugs and ceramic tiles. The ceramics industry in Tunisia is noted as the largest employment sector often catering to the tourists who visit the country. The ceramics are hand decorated with more women being employed to do this in what was once a traditionally male sector. Unfortunately the handcrafted nature of industry is under increasing threat from mass-production to meet commercial demand and therefore compromising creativity, individuality and high-quality standards. This is a fascinating art and if you do want to find out more read the following article.  

[Additional information sourced from www.saudiaramcoworld.com]

Paradise Coffee
Based in Kyiv, Ukraine; Kyiv Coffee Factory brings you a carefully selected range of the world’s best coffee. The coffee is marketed under the brand name Paradise and comes beautifully packaged, it was through the packaging showcased on African Digital Art where I was introduced to the brand. Included in their offerings are some of Africa’s finest coffees from: Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi and Uganda.

The coffee can be purchased as loose beans or milled in vacuum packs. Paradise also has a vacuum packed selection of eight 125gram popular blends including coffee from: Costa Rica, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia and Nicaragua. All are beautifully presented in a stylish suitcase making them a perfect gift for the discerning coffee lover.

The Jeddah Seat
Take a giant, oversized woven basket and tip it on its side, add some sturdy wooden legs and voilà you have a chair, the Jeddah Seat to be precise. I appreciate its not that simple but the resulting effect is an ingenious approach to the humble, yet stylish woven basket giving it a contemporary look in the process. Woven from rush, the Jeddah chair by Italian designer Angelo Figus is a beautiful example of handwoven craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Mandina Lodges
Emerging from a hideous week of snow and the ensuing chaos, the appeal of getting away from it all has sent me into sunshine daydream overdrive, and I know I’m not alone if various conversations I have had are anything to go by, so cue some internet globe-trotting. 

If you fancy a variation to the run-of-the-mill holiday by the beach, then situated on a mangrove tributary flowing of the River Gambia you will find the Mandina Lodges at Makasuru Forest. The Gambia is on my 'must visit places' list and given how I love the serene, calming effects of water, the Mandina Lodges hooked and drew me right in. 

What a stunning and unique place to spend some vacation time don't you think?

Presented as a haven of peace and tranquillity, the Mandina Lodges were built with an emphasis on preserving the beauty of the rural landscape. A sense of exclusivity is maintained within the forest where you have a choice of only eight lodges located on or close to the waters edge, all built to a high standard using local materials. The solar-powered River Lodges are either floating or elevated on stilts. But if being on the water is not your thing then the Jungle Lodges are set back from the river.

The Stilted Lodges are split across two floors offering: a separate bedroom, outside viewing deck and lounge area on the lower level; and a dayroom on the upper level. The Jungle Lodges benefit from their own private roof terrace looking out towards the mangroves and forest. Enjoy al fresco dinners in the tented dining areas whilst cosying up to the warmth of a magical mood enhancing fire; or chose to dine privately in the comfort of your lodge.

The pace of life here is unhurried allowing you to: unwind, enjoy leisurely cruises along the river, partake in guided walks or with the Lodge’s strong links to the Makasutu Wildlife Trust and the Gardens for Life programmes sponsored by The Eden Project learn more about the various conservation projects in the area.

The Gambia itself is a small narrow country surrounded by Senegal, known as ‘the small country with a big heart’ and even though it has grown in popularity over the years it is still a best kept secret destination, not over run with hordes of tourists… and those who do visit have a habit of returning.

Just looking at them I can feel the warmth radiating from the images... so idyllic!


Additional Details:
The Gambia Experience currently has 7-nights packages ranging from: £699pp-£1,999pp
For further information visit: www.gambia.co.uk

David Tlale
David Tlale is one of those designers who leave you wondering just where will he go next. Defined as a brand for go-getters and jet-setters, wearing David Tlale is definitely not for the demure. With a flare for drama and theatrics, David Tlale’s eponymous line is a voyage into: yards of slinky fabrics, an explosion of frothy tulle and chiffon, ruffles and lace, exquisite detailing and gorgeous colour combinations.

Ideal for those stand out moments...

Iman Home
Revered as an international style and beauty icon, Iman brings her brand of luxury and glamour to interiors. Beautify your living space with Iman Home a range of fabrics reflecting Iman’s global life. Featuring the rich patterns, textures and colours of peacock feathers, zebra hides and Ikat textiles, vibrant motifs are embroidered onto opulent silks.

The fabrics conjure faraway places, bursting with diverse cultural richness that give traditional accents a modern touch. Iman Home is defined as the essence of chic.

Some gorgeous patterns just waiting to be transformed into cushions, drapes and giving tired furniture a new lease of life.

Coccolily
A belief that every woman deserves to be draped in luxury and have her body enhanced with special clothes is the philosophy of designer, Naana Tennachie Yankey whose bold, edgy designs are softened with feminine touches. Named Coccolily, Naana’s line is daring yet playful designed to draw out the edge and sexuality within every woman.

Spring/Summer 2011 sees Naana's signature silhouettes and cutout detailing produced in electric jewel tones. Called ‘Black Star’ the collection, inspired by 1960’s silhouettes and geometry, is dedicated to the Blacks Stars, Ghana’s national soccer team.