The 40th Auckland International Film Festival
July 10 -27,  2008
It’s the perfect time to go to the movies this month especially if you are in Auckland. Take some time out and get yourself off to one of the many brilliant films this year at the festival. Be quick as there are only a couple of weeks left and tickets do sell fast. Check the website out for more information. You can also enjoy a drink at the café style THE EDGE Festival Lounge in the Wintergarden at the The Civic before or after your film to discuss your movie choice. Classy.

Son of Stitch’n Bitch - 45 Projects to Knit and Crochet for Men by Debbie Stoller
Workman Publishing, RRP $35.00
Tee dumped this delightful book on my desk last week and I’m glad she did!. Son of Stitch’n Bitch comes after knitting superstar Debbie’s previous books; Stitch’n Bitch, Stitch’n Bitch Nation and Stitch’n Bitch Crochet. Although I can’t knit or crochet to save my life, this book has inspired me to get some of those needles and knit something for my man. The book has lots of lovely patterns and step by step guides. Some of my favourites would have to be; The Uncle Argyle Scarves, The Smokn’ Jacket and the Half Pipe Hat. Get it for yourself here.

The Naked and Famous
This Machine
I've been listening to NZ band The Naked And Famous all week, and it's been great. They are said to become huge, even the best band you've ever heard! I really liked the six song EP, their electro-pop sound was fun but dark and droney and just what I needed that Saturday afternoon. The band are a talented pairing of composer Thom Powers and vocal siren/lyricist Alisa Xayalith. Grab their EP here and have a listen. The Naked And Famous are playing at the Ellen Melville Hall, Cnr High St and Freyberg Place, Auckland on the 1st of  August at 9pm if you want to check them out live.

Rita Angus: Life and Vision
Te Papa, Wellington, 5 July to 5 October
I remember studying painter Rita Angus when I was at school and I was really excited when I heard that Te Papa was showing the largest ever retrospective of her art. The exhibition features nearly 200 works, including sketchbooks, studies and unfinished works. The show also includes the iconic ‘Cass’ - voted New Zealand’s greatest painting in a 2006 television poll. Te Papa Press has also produced a major catalogue/book to accompany the exhibition, and since I can’t fly down to see the show I was grateful to be sent the beautiful book to look through. So for all you Wellingtonians who live only minutes away, make a point of going and checking it out!.

Art Director’s Pick - Blogging
I have been obsessed with blogging over the past month or so. It is really easy if you have been thinking about it yourself, and the cool thing is you can write about whatever you like, because it's YOUR blog.  If you are interested in starting your own blog, you can use any of these free sites: Blogger Live Journal Word Press Tumblr. It is a great way to see what friends are up to and what like-minded peers are writing, creating and finding on the web. Check out these blogs I read: Design Sponge, Photographers Nest, Design is Mine, This is Glamourous. If you feel like a nosey, check out my one here: BobbyRobin or check out an nzgirl staff favourite here: iCiNG. Have fun and let me know how you get on!