13.11.13

Inoui Toosh Scarves in our Window


This scarf looks fabulous with 
the beautiful Donatella Pellini necklace!




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12.11.13

Inoui Toosh Paris New Scarves Have Arrived!


A kaleidoscope of colours with our brand new, 
just unpacked scarves from Inoui Toosh, Paris.
Softest 100% cotton and some mixed with silk, others with modal or cashmere.
Scarves that will brighten up any wardrobe 
with some large enough to be worn as sarongs.
 




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Le Blackboard





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7.11.13

AS Batle Graphite Pencil


In the histories of many cultures, 
the shell has been celebrated as currency, curative, adornment and art.
Once containing the whole of a life-form, shells shield cycles of birth and rebirth.
This graphite pencil is indeed a thing of beauty.
 



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5.11.13

The World's First Mouthwash.......Botot


Recognized by the Royal Society of Medicine as a 
superior natural product,
this mouthwash was invented by Dr Julien Botot in 1755 for Louis XV of France.
This original french formula is made in Italy and tastes AMAZING!!!




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4.11.13

Come and Visit us Soon






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3.11.13

IOSIS Totes


Handmade in France, using traditional tapestry craftsmanship 
these chic Iosis totes are ideal to use as a small handbag, 
for make up or carrying your jewellery when travelling.
Whatever its use you will love it!


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2.11.13

Iosis Cushion … Come and meet Finn


One of our new "dog" French Iosis Cushions...Finn


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IOSIS Cushions - new shipment has arrived!


Our new collection of cushions is in store now.
Combining the craftmanship of traditional French tapestry 
with contemporary design.





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13.10.13

Cire Trudon...L'histoire




In 1643, a merchant named Claude Trudon arrived in Paris. 
Through a fortunate marriage, he became the owner of a store in rue Saint-Honore.
He was a grocer and also a wax merchant, supplying his customers with domestic candles and candles for the parish. Trudon developed and perfected his know how to produce candles of the best quality.

On the Eve of Louis XIV's reign, Maitre Trudon thus created the first small family manufacturing business that carried his name and made the fortunes of his heirs. His son Jacques also became general storekeeper and wax producer and entered the court of Versailles in 1687, as apothecary distiller to Marie-Therese, wife of the King.

Maison Trudon officially became royal wax manufacturer in 1719. Wax supplier to Napoleon during the Empire, Maison Trudon kept on prospering throughout the centuries without ever interrupting its activity, particularly through the making of traditional and prestigious candles. Cire Trudon is now the oldest French manufacturer and produces candles of the best quality according to its time-honored traditions.


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12.10.13

Cire Trudon Candle... Solis Rex






Fragrance recalling the famed Mirror Gallery at the Château de Versailles.
The vapours of wax in opulent candelabras 
and the scent of the wooden floors in the palace evoke a decadent era. 
This regal and stellar perfume blends the green and wooded wake of coniferous trees 
to the sumptuous dizziness of incense with a light ray of citrus.
Green leaves, eucalyptus and orange are the top notes,  
with a middle note of fir bark ending with cedar and incense


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8.10.13

Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub

Now that summer is getting closer it's the perfect time get your skin looking great.

Start with Aesop's invigorating Geranium Leaf body scrub for all skin types. 

This stimulating gel-based exfoliant's precise blend of Pumice and Bamboo Stem sloughs away dead surface cells while botanical oils purify and calm skin, imparting a polished outer self no matter how rough the day.

Twice-weekly, dispense onto a sea sponge and massage onto soaked skin from neck to toe. Focus on dry areas such as elbows, knees and feet, then rinse thoroughly. 

Follow with your preferred Aesop hydrator to restore moisture and soften skin. 

 

 

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7.10.13

Kitchen Papers "Paper Disguises"


These interactive placemats feature fun disguises to color-in, punch-out, and wear.  
"Paper Disguises"  are a favorite among kids, but they are just as popular with adults! 
Perfect for parties or keeping in the car to entertain your kids. 
Printed with soy-based inks on recycled paper. 




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6.10.13

Iosis Linen Cushions


Made in France using traditional craftsmanship, 
the texture and simplicity of these Iosis 100% linen cushions 
bring relaxed luxury to your home.




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5.10.13

American Beauty


"I feel there is something unexplored about women
that only a woman can explore".
Georgia O'Keeffee

Claiborne Swanson Frank is a fine art portrait photographer.
After assisting Vogue editor in chief, Anna Wintour, 
Frank went on to pursue a career in photography.
In 2010, she released her first body of work, Indigo Light, 
a collection of 29 portraits of the women in her life, 
which served as the inspiration for American Beauty.




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4.10.13

Cire Trudon's new Candle...Bartolomé



The bow of a Spanish sailboat reaches the amber shores of Hispaniola, 
propelled by a soft, wood-tinged breeze that spreads a message of 
peace and calmness across the lush Caribbean island.

Its scent is golden, rich in spices with undertones of wood.
The top notes are saffron and nutmeg, 
the middle notes, cypress, carrot seed and liquorice,
and the base notes are cedar, vetiver, vanilla and amber.


Anonymous Portrait of Bartolomé de las Casas.


This original creation draws inspiration from Bartolomé de las Casas, 
a Spanish missionary turned Dominican priest who, in the 16th century, 
stood up against the colonialist practices of his country. 
Arriving as a coloniser on the small island of Hispaniola, he was shocked 
by the acts of violence of his fellow settlers.

In 1512, Bartolomé  became chaplain of the conquistadores in Cuba, 
slowly taking a stand against the massacres taking place on the island. 
Despite this, he remained the owner of an Encomienda, a plot of land given by the Spanish crown to its conquistadores on which natives have to work without pay. 

It is only in 1514 that Bartolomé launched himself body and soul into the humanist battle 
travelling multiple times to the continent to raise awareness against forced labour, 
and spread a message of peace and fair evangelisation.

Finally, in 1542, Charles V granted him an audience and as a result, 
decided to introduce a series of laws to ease tensions. 
Unfortunately their implementation met with epic failure, 
triggering widespread rebellion in South America. 
This situation shows how hard it was for this Dominican priest to be heard at a time 
when colonization was driven by huge economic interests. 
However, Bartolomé did not give up and continued fighting until his death,
ultimately becoming one of the most passionate defenders of the native cause.


The Bartolomé candle brings back to light this courageous man’s lifelong journey 
between the continent and Native American countries. 


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3.10.13

Aesop's A Rose By Any Other Name Body Cleanser


"A rose by any other name" is a part of a dialogue in 
in which Juliet argues that the names of things do not matter, 
only what things "are".[1]

In Act II, Scene I the line is said by Juliet in reference to Romeo's house, 
Montague which would imply that his name means nothing and they should be together.
Juliet:
O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I'll no longer be a Capulet.

Romeo:
[Aside] Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?
Juliet:
'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What's Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!
What's in a name? that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
And for that name which is no part of thee
Take all myself.
          (Above information taken from Wikipedia)





                                                                   And from Aesop...
                                           This beautifully fragrant low-foaming formulation,
                             which contains skin-softening botanical extracts and Rose Petal oil,
                                    gently yet thoroughly cleanses skin and delights the senses.
                                  Dispense a generous amount into hands or onto a sea sponge.
                                    Lather and massage over damp skin, then rinse thoroughly.
                                           Perfect to enjoy as a frequent-use hand cleanser.




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30.9.13

The Unique Fragrance of Cire Trudon Candles








 Every candle in the Cire Trudon collection is created in the same way 
a precious perfume is made, using only the finest ingredients from around the world.
With complex top, heart and base notes, these candles
have the ability to transport you, metaphorically, to another world.
All candles are manufactured in the Cire Trudon workshops in Normandy 
and are made from certified vegetable wax and beeswax, 
the wicks are made of cotton and each glass is crafted by artisans in Vinci, Italy.

Come and experience the journey...
lift the glass and smell the wonderful scent inside the bell jar.


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28.9.13

Cire Trudon Candle Burning Tips




INSTRUCTIONS
1. In order to get the most out of your candle, burn it until the entire surface of the candle melts.
2. To preserve the fragrance, do not burn your candle for more than 3 hours at a time during the first third of the candle 1 to 2 hours at a time during the remaining.
3. Do not leave candle burning unattended. Do not set in a draft. Keep away from children, curtains and pets.
4. Should the wick require centering, gently readjust to correct position when the wax is still molten. Allow candle to solidify before relighting.
5. Should any black smoke appear, trim the wick. It should be clean and no longer than 6 mm at all times.
6. Always protect the table or surface on which the candle rests (with a coaster or plate, for example).
7. Do not burn your candle all the way down. Always leave at least 5 mm of non-molten wax at the bottom.

Last but not least...relax, curl up with a good book and enjoy your beautiful candle!

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26.9.13

24.9.13

Aesop: Geranium Leaf Duet


Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser's purifying properties 
are complemented by generous post-cleanse slatherings of Geranium Leaf Body Balm. 
Enjoyed in tandem these formulations impart 
refreshingly cleansed, beautifully softened skin. 

Dispense Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser directly into your hands or sea sponge. 
Lather and massage over soaked skin, then rinse thoroughly. 

What to expect: your skin will feel cleansed and refreshed!
Follow with Geranium Leaf Body Balm; 
massage desired amount from neck to toe.

What to expect: your skin will feel hydrated, softened and greaseless!




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19.9.13

Cire Trudon The Imperial Pillar Candle






In 1811 Napoleon gave his firstborn son, Aiglon, a special gift.
 He commissioned Cire Trudon to create a beautiful black candle 
adorned with gold coins bearing his regal portrait. 
A fitting gift from an Emperor to a future Emperor.

Today, a replica of this candle is available as a limited edition.
Each candle is adorned with a gold wax cameo
and comes in a beautiful black and gold presentation box.


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18.9.13

Cire Trudon Mademoiselle de La Vallière






Secret powers of a naked flower for the love of Louis the XIV, 
Mademoiselle de La Vallière 
enveloped herself in the sweet and shattering intensity of tuberoses.

The fragrance of an intoxicating love: 
from the King's bedroom to her convent, Louise de la Vallière personified 
this deeply sensual flower, whose overwhelming aromas 
personify true, blinding, almost spiritual love.

 The top notes are bergamot, orange blossom and galbanum.
 Middle notes are tuberose, jasmine and ylang ylang.
Base notes are musk, rockrose and benzoin resin.

Available in  270gr  Candle and 375ml Room Spray.
True luxury.


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17.9.13

Serin Cini... ever wondered about that name?





 Le Serin cini est le plus petit représentant de la famille des fringillidés. 
Outre sa petite taille, ce passereau d’humble apparence se distingue par sa silhouette 
plutôt ronde et son bec très court, de forme conique. 
Le mâle a la tête et la poitrine d’un jaune vif teinté de reflets verdâtres, 
de même que le croupion. Ses joues sont vert olive. 
Le dos et ailes gris-vert sont rayés de stries sombres 
tout comme le ventre qui est de teinte plus claire. 
À l’automne son plumage perd toutefois en éclat, 
le jaune de la face et du poitrail s’atténue jusqu’à disparaître complètement.




Now you know... come and visit soon!


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15.9.13

And... More Megan Park Scarves




This multi-coloured scarf from Megan Park is gorgeous.
A combination of 75% cotton and 25% silk, soft yet cool.
Perfect for summer!

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13.9.13

Megan Park



"I try to create pieces that will remain beautiful for years to come.  
I think when something is created entirely by hand it has a truth and beauty for this fact.  
I work with an amazing group of embroidery artisans ( kurigers ) and a factory that I have worked exclusively with since the beginning of my label.  It is a unique relationship.  
The factory and the people I work with in India are like family.  
They are incredibly proud and driven to produce a collection of quality.  
I design firstly what I love and then think about all else later..  
Sometimes it might take 1 month to embroider one of our pieces."
Megan Park



These  scarves in 75% cotton and 25% silk can also be worn as a sarong.
The contrast tassle border adds a stylish edge.

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12.9.13

Megan Park Scarves in store




In the hills of India in 1995, Megan Park 
and artist, Pascal Cerchi, formed a lifelong friendship. 
Megan had been creating embroidered and embellished textiles 
for some of the world’s most renowned brands, like Kenzo and Dries van Noten. 
She confided in Pascal that her dream was to start her own business with 
some wraps and scarves, but wondered who would buy her beautiful creations.

This dream has become reality.

Get wrapped in this beautiful 100% cotton scarf,
embroidered and embellished in store now at Sein Cini.

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11.9.13

Cire Trudon Spring Window








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Larissa's Election BBQ!!!

 Wow, wow, wow!

Larissa invited us "shop girls" to a spontaneous "election" bbq 
at her place on Saturday night.
The wine flowed, the conversation sparkled and the food was wonderful. 
The star turn of the meal was this delicious Tomato and Pomegranate Salad 
(recipe courtesy of Yotam Ottolenghi) that Larissa whipped up.
Larissa changed it slightly...substituting raspberry vinegar instead of white wine vinegar.

Needless to say we have asked Larissa to make it again
 and bring it into the shop for lunch!
 



200g red cherry tomatoes, cut into ½cm dice
200g yellow cherry tomatoes, cut into ½cm dice
200g tiger (or plum) tomatoes, cut into ½cm dice
4 medium vine tomatoes, cut into ½cm dice (500g net)
1 red pepper, cut into ½ cm dice (120g net)
1 small red onion, finely diced (120g net)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
½ tsp ground allspice
2 tsp white wine vinegar
1½ tbsp pomegranate molasses
60ml olive oil, plus a little extra to drizzle at the end
1 pomegranate, seeds removed (170g of seeds)
1 tbsp picked small oregano leaves, to garnish
Salt and black pepper



Serves four

In a large bowl, mix together the tomatoes, red pepper and onion and set aside.
In a small bowl whisk the garlic, allspice, vinegar, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, and 1/3rd teaspoon of salt, until well combined. Pour this over the tomatoes and gently mix.
Arrange the tomatoes and the juices on a large flat plate. Sprinkle over the pomegranate seeds and oregano and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.


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10.9.13

Aesop Resurrection Duet

 

A delightful duo to cleanse and care for the hands.

Wash your hands lovingly with this mild cleanser then follow with a generous application of the rich, soothing balm. Each formulation is designed for frequent use to treat labour-wearied hands. 
 
 
 
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