The Black & Spiro Sale

So I popped along yesterday to the always highly anticipated annual Black & Spiro sale - and Anna didn't disappoint.

I made the mistake of being 20 minutes late and was met by a shop full of women clutching lamps and cushions, and their partners dutifully waiting outside. (Mr T joined took one look inside at the gaggle of ladies and soft furnishings and quickly joined them.)

There were plenty of bargains to be had - I was actually quite impressed by some of the markdowns - a lot of the larger pieces of art and furniture and even the gorgeous blue Peggy sofa that I'd lusted after here was discounted.

Alas I've got a deck to pay off so there were no pretty purchases for me - and to be honest the line for the register wasn't too appealing either. (Although it must be said everyone was very friendly and patient.)

But any non-purchase remorse was quickly soothed by an almond croissant at Bouquiniste.

Kova

Over the weekend I popped into Kova on James st too. It's another favourite homewares store - I still remember the first time I went in on a shopping trip with my godmother.

I love their wall of cushions - but was amazed at the two embroidered floral ones in the centre - they're the same fabrics and embroidery as one that I bought in Mexico last year - and I can tell you I didn't pay $320!

These graphic printed rugs are Tribe Home - the same brand as my zig zag rugs. I wish ours had tassels like these.

Kova always has such pretty wrapping paper. Though I can never justify simply using it to wrap gifts - one day I'll think of a brilliant craft project to use some.

d.i.g

I'm a total sucker for garden design stores - and one of my favorites is d.i.g. on James st.

Ornate garden sculptures aren't usually my thing but I think the catfish on this one make it a little more kitschy. A feature table of potted plants is such a good way to dress up a concrete wall.

And I loved these rustic light fixtures.

How amazing is this glassware stand?  You'd need a fair amount bench space though..

And I can never resist a tufted headboard.

Elephant lamp alert! Are elephants the new birds? This reminded me of this Elephant Accessories Roundup on Apartment Therapy

Jocelyn's Provisions & Magnolia Interiors

We made a delicious pit stop on Saturday morning.

Jocelyn's is possibly the prettiest bakery in Brisbane - and their cakes and savoury treats are amazing.

For birthday parties at my office we always order their Sour Chocolate Roulade - it's definitely a crowd pleaser.

But I have to say I'm pretty partial to their Orange and Almond or Carrot Cakes.

Whilst Mr Tchotchke was tucking into his mid morning snack (a very fancy sausage roll) - I snuck into Magnolia Interiors in their new premises across the way.

They've got so much more room to work with in their new store and some really gorgeous displays. Mr Tchotchke commented that even though he believes we're already severely "over-cushioned," he wouldn't mind adding the above octopus cushion to our collection.