WEEKLY REMEDIES

This week, I am loving...

1. Knitty Cup, Circa Ceramics 2. Conversation Heart Girl, Goose Grease 3. If Life Deals You Lemons Laser Cut, Julene

4. Caledonia 2 Print, Emily Hogarth 5. Vintage Anniversary Card, Jack's Red Barn 6. Paper Ornament, Essimar

7. Mrs Cow Eco Tote, Strand Redesign 8. Felt Stationary Award, Something's Hiding Here 9. Chandelier Felt Pillow, Pillow Pallooza

DESIGN THERAPY: Birkenstock

Forget Fit Flops, Masai Barefoot Technology and suchlike, there really can be only one classic design and perfect style in the world of happy feet, the Birkenstock. As far back as 1774, Birkenstock has it's roots in the German town of Langenberg. Johann Adam Birkenstock started the family profession of shoemaking. From 1897 Konrad Birkenstock produced contoured insoles with an arch support for custom made shoes, and in 1902 he produced insoles with a flexible arch support to be inserted into factory made shoes. These insoles had the support of the specialist Medical profession world wide and led to the publication of Birkenstock's Podiatry in 1947, the foremost publication on foot health of its time.

Karl Birkenstock launched their first sandal in 1964, and the modern day success of this company was established. If you are interested in the technical detail, check out the Anatomy of a Birkenstock here. Essentially, their unique sole is based on the design of our feet and the mechanics of walking.

Birkenstock for everyone, in the 70s

Birkenstock has kept ahead of the game and aligned the basic principles of foot therapy with style, constantly launching styles and colours that are fashion conscious and inventive. Patent leather, animal print, neon colours, vegan, felt, bejewelled or molded rubber, the choice is endless. They have side-swiped the hippy connotations and established themselves as accessible to the discerning customer, for professional or every day wear. Growing up in Vermont, I have to admit that in my early years I saw Birkenstocks as the domain of the hippy crunchy granola-types, and I still maintain that there is never an excuse to wear socks with them. Nowadays, I have my own wardrobe of Birkies in every colour, and material I love in the Boston, Arizona and Madrid styles. I couldn't go near the Roman/Grecian Sandal styles though, a little too Gladiator for my liking.

My favourites...

The entire range here and here.

Heidi Klum has a line for Birkenstock, as does Tico Tores from Bon Jovi. The juries out...I say, keep it simple.

WEEKLY REMEDIES

This week, I am loving...

1. Cow No 4 Letterpress Print, Lot 9 Press 2. Love Print, Lola's Room 3. A Beautiful Place Print, Slide Sideways

4. Mini Owl, Squirrel Momma 5. Love Owl Figurines, Fruit Fly Pie 6. Toy Bunny on Wheels, Woman Woodworker

7. I Love You So Banner, Giggle Room 8. Give Thanks Banner, Storia Home 9. Modern Stripe Stocking, Mish Mosh

DESIGN THERAPY: PlanToys

Perhaps being an Aunt as opposed to a mother, causes me to lean towards the aesthetic in the toys I want to give to the little foxes in the family. Those toys that are unique and do not come with batteries, produce siren noises or have flashing lights! No doubt the wee ones prefer the all singing all dancing versions, but I can only hope they will appreciate the beauty of my choices, and use their imaginations to enhance their playtime. I am not a total purist when it comes to toys. I have a guilty pleasure for Playmobil, my brothers' having their Pirate Ship when we were kids, and me left wishing for their Dolls House.

PlanToys' mission is to "create innovative educational toys for every developmental stage of childhood. PlanToys incorporates thoughtful design and age-appropriate challenges to stimulate children's creativity. Our toys encourage healthy social interaction, promote natural learning and instil a sense of wonder."
PlanToys are made from non-chemically treated rubber wood, and their green principles of reducing waste and saving energy in the production of their toys are behind everything they do. They are inventive and unique with a simplicity in their design and vibrant colours that serve as a platform for children's imagination to run wild. These are toys that any parent would surely be happy to have cluttering up their home.

My picks for Oliver...




My picks for Noah...




My picks for Honor...




For the entire range of PlanToys delights, go here.

MARMITE

"Love it or Hate it" is the unique strap line for this quintessentially British delight. Marmite is a savoury spread made from yeast extract, sourced from the by product of the beer brewing process. This is definitely an acquired taste, with it's unique salty tang reminiscent of soy sauce and celery. If you have tried it, you are firmly in one camp or the other. I love it!
Established in 1902 by The Marmite Food Extract Company in Burton-on-Trent, the yeast extract used was from The Bass Brewery, of Bass Ale fame. It's popularity soared through both World Wars, being included in soldier's ration packs in the First World War, and used in hospitals during that time too, and given to British based Prisoners Of War in the Second World War. It's strong source of Vitamin B was the reason for it's popularity in a time when malnutrition and rationing had taken hold. More here.

From the outset, it's branding and advertising was based on the nutritional benefits of Marmite. Nowadays, the marketing campaign is based on it's cult status and whether you love or hate it. It inspires passionate responses either way.
The name Marmite is derived from the French term for an earthenware pot, which was the inspiration for the original container Marmite was sold in. From the 1920s the jar was made of glass with it's distinctive yellow lid, but the label still shows the original earthenware container.
Marmite is constantly reinventing itself, with the launch of limited edition versions.

Guinness Version, 2007

The Champagne Valentine Version, 2008

Warhol-esque Print, 2009 from the gift collection

For those die hard Marmite lovers, why not get a custom Sterling Silver Lid to adorn your everyday jar.

You've got to LOVE that!