Be my valentine-o...

A great coffee table book can look fabulous in your lounge room and be bliss on those really boring rainy days (or excruciatingly hot days like today!). Valentino: Themes and Variations by Pamela Golbin ($160 in store) recounts the remarkable career of the ever-stylish Valentino, celebrating his exquisite haute couture creations that have made such an impact on the fashion industry - and will be impossible to resist reading before your first rainy day.Marvel over the pages of intricately made gowns, and look back on some of the couture house's glamorous campaigns and Valentino's favourite moments.

After flicking through the pages of this beautiful book, it's not difficult to see why the golden skinned and smartly dressed Italian was farewelled with a standing ovation following his final collection and will be remembered for his flair, talent and creativity for years to come.

Making a splash..

If you love a splash of colour as much as we do, then be sure to check out the beautiful and intricate paintings by local artist Eliza Piro. Inspired by the textiles and embroideries of Indian handcrafts, Eliza's work is a reflection of her love of nature and feature an eye-popping mix of colours, shapes, and motifs.

Colours of Spring

Check out Eliza's latest exhibition at Art Images Gallery or visit us in store and pick up your very own mini version of some of Eliza's most popular pieces that have been printed onto cards.

Social Birdies Tree

Wise Owls 2

All images via elizapiro.com.au

The sound of music..

You can now officially end your hunt for a smart looking, high quality sound system... the Swiss designed Geneva sound systems are our new must-have for the home.

These sleek and stylish speakers are perfection, bringing impressive sound into any room in your home or workplace in one trendy little unit. From February 2010 we will be stocking the Geneva Sound System Model S (RRP $599.00) which is an introductory model to the extensive Geneva range (click here to see the whole range).

As well as enabling you to listen to your favourite FM radio stations, this system is also iPod and iPhone compatible, performs as an alarm clock, and has an award winning amplifier that is energy efficient.

We also love the fact that the Model S also comes with a detatchable table stand to save space on your bed side table, desk, or bench.

(image from genevalab.com.au)

Deluxe dining...

On an early morning caffeine hunt this morning we stumbled across the fabulous new DELUXE ADELAIDE magazine. This chic new go-to guide for all things ADELAIDE provides inspiration for everything from fashion, food and wine, to events, festivals and local holiday hotspots.

Don't go past the delectable 5 page dining guide, Tasting Plate, which features a number of Adelaide restaurants who are hosting some of our 2010 cooking classes. It makes us hungry just reading about them!

The DELUXE ADELAIDE team have certainly reminded us about how special our little old city is .. We can't wait to read the next issue ...

Marimekko-mania....

Leading Finnish clothing and textiles house, Marimekko, made their mark back in the 1970s with their trademark bold, bright, and beautiful prints developing a cult-like status across the globe.

Fast forward 40 years and Marimekko is still a huge talking point in homes from Denmark to Dandenong proving that their stunning designs still have global appeal.

We just can't go past some of their latest designs which are not only striking and modern, but come in some great colours!

(images from marimekko.com)

Take a peek at the other gorgeous designs here or come in store to visit and flick through their

catalogue.

Kickstart your 2010 New Year's Resolutions

After waving goodbye to a very busy 2009, the girls at Outdoors on Parade welcomed 2010 with an assortment of New Years Resolutions.. and we have an inkling that many of you may be attempting similar feats.

It's no secret that most resolutions don't make it past February, however we are determined that our 2010 goals will see us through to next year. Many of you may be sharing similar achievable goals, and we found some fabulous bits and pieces in store that will help to kickstart your new year and sticking out your different New Year's committments.

1. Spend more time with friends and family!
Spending time with your loved ones can be as simple as playing a fun board game (Baulderdash $65.00 or Articulate $49.95), or enjoying a sunny afternoon together with a BBQ and a game of outdoor cricket (Notebook grill $69.95; Beach Cricket $49.95).

2. Get fit and fabulous!
When it comes to getting fit, every little bit counts! Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can make your goal of getting fit or losing weight more achievable. Why not get a group together and play a game of beach soccer (Sunny soccer ball $29.95)? Or tune into your favourite radio station and start regular walks (water-resistant digital FM walkman $32.95)? Doing laps at your local pool is also a great way to get fit during summer (luxurious beach towels from $59.95)!

3. Improve my cooking skills
For many people, New Year's resolutions incorporate learning or improving a skill. Cooking is often a skill that many people wish to improve on and can need a little boost and some new 'tools' to get the wheels turning. Inspire yourself with some new recipes from some real kitchen whizzes (The Cook's Companion, by Stephanie Alexander $130; Fabulous Food: Minus the Boombah, by Jane Kennedy $39.95)! Treat yourself to some new 'hardware' that will see you whipping up devilish desserts and mouthwatering feasts in your sleep (Pizza Maker $169.95; KitchenAid mixer $649; Bamix Basic $159)!

While New Years resolutions can be lost in the upcoming stresses of work and other committments, these goodies will certinaly help you to get closer in achieving your goals. We're off for a game of beach cricket, but we hope to see you all instore soon. Happy New Year, the girls at Outdoors on Parade!

Xmas Day Seafood Feast

Dreaming of a long lunch on Christmas Day with loads of fresh South Australian seafood. Why not try this delectable dish from Peter Clarke of the acclaimed Vintners in the Barossa Valley.

SA Snapper & Prawns with Beetroot Ginger Butter

Serves 6

6 x 150g pieces snapper fillet
18 shelled prawn tails
1 dessert spoon salmon roe
1 clove garlic 100ml vegetable oil
100ml reduced fish stock
1 knob ginger cut in julienne
1 tblspoon fine diced raw beetroot
100ml stones green ginger wine
Juice of 1-2 limes
180g butter diced in small cubes
Salt & white pepper Baby coriander - garnish

Sauce: Place the ginger and Stones green ginger wine in a pan & reduce by half, add reduced fish stock, bring to boil & remove from heat, squeeze in ½ the lime juice.

While still hot add the beetroot then slowly add 150g of butter stirring constantly until the butter is taken up by the sauce, set aside in a warm spot.
Dust the snapper in flour & pan fry with ½ the remaining butter & veg oil till just cooked through, season, in another pan sauté the prawns with the garlic and remaining butter till just cooked.

Place the sauce on the plate, then snapper with the prawns on top, garnish with baby coriander.