Semi Permanent 2008
Friday 15 Aug – Sat 16 Aug
The Edge, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland
All graphic designers nationwide will be drooling and slightly fidgety in anticipation for this year’s design summit, Semi Permanent 08. The event is going to be held over two days with 12 speakers from around the globe. This year's event includes a line up of speakers including Pidgeon, Dumbo Feather, Stefan Sagmeister, Sea Design, The Wilderness and Toxi, with the final six to be released over the next month. A must-see for all those who love pretty graphicy things as much as I do. Tickets on sale here.

Bella
Rialto Cinemas - Released 22 May 08
An international soccer star is on his way to sign a multi-million dollar contract when a series of events unfold that bring his career to an abrupt end. A beautiful waitress, struggling to make it in New York City, discovers something about herself that she's unprepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down... Until a simple gesture of kindness brings them both together, turning an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience. Bella won the “People's Choice Award” at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival, and previous winners of the prestigious award incude American Beauty and Whale Rider.

Duffy - Rockferry
I overcame a pet peeve last week when I listened to a CD for the 4th time in a row back to back (thanks Ramarea!). We have completely fallen in love with 23-year-old Amy Duffy’s debut album Rockferry, demanding it be played daily (at least twice) on the office stereo. Her voice is one of a kind with a husky, sexy sound and she has been likened to legend Dusty Springfield, best known for the 1969 hit song 'Son of a Preacher Man'. Rockferry sports a gold mine of beautiful tracks, our favourites include, 'Mercy', 'Warwick Avenue' and 'Serious'. Perfect sounds for dancing unabashedly around the house while vacuuming. Can’t go wrong there!.
Click here to buy.

Taking Off
Howick Little Theatre, Auckland
May 17 – June 7 at 8.00pm
Four women set out – a little later in life than most – on their 'OE'.  Introducing Frankie, a teacher, who wins Lotto, ditches her husband and is off to re-create herself; Noeline, a nurse who after years of looking after an ill husband, just needs a little R & R; Ruth, a farmer’s wife, who has left her husband after discovering his affair with a share-milker; and Jean, who sets off with her redundancy payment after the death of her closest friend. Poignant, touching and very funny, be carried away with these four fabulous women on their travel adventures through Europe. For bookings click here.

Wooden Toy Magazine
I love my magazines, so here is another one for all my kindred spirits out there! I found Wooden Toy at Magnation on a random browse through. It came in an envelope with collectable art posters and postcards of artists featured in the magazine. Set out more like a book, this issue is a limited Chicas Edition (that's a girl focused one!), with only 5000 printed. Don’t worry it is still available online here if you just have to have it right now! This issue featured interviews and artwork by, Jen Lobo, Kate Bezar, Purple Fashion, Karlie Mackie and many more. It was a great read and showcased lots of art and design, each page devoted to women in a stylish, quirky way.