#birkenhead point

[spironidelkos]

Under the bridge

Birkenhead Point, Sydney.

[katieminett]

As an appreciator of both fine art and great coffee, I find myself especially satisfied when the two collide in the form of a thoughtfully decorated cafe that is staffed by baristas who are excellent at what they do. It’s not every day that one happens upon such a place - so to do so tends to be rather exciting.

This morning I met a friend at General Coffee in Birkenhead. She suggested the place, I was immediately impressed as I walked in.

The largely monochromatic colour scheme was offset by a vase of pink flowers on the main, low table. The trendy, modern industrial themed furnishings looked great and were well fitted to the very small room. the centrepiece is a large but intricate graffiti mural that really adds to the boutique feel of the place.

My muesli was good and my three coffees superb - the choose-your-blend idea is unique to the area and made me a little homesick for The Hangar in Wellington.

[halobrandbank-blog]

How to buy six garments in six minutes.

3.24pm            park at Birkenhead Point, early for my coffee catch up

3.31pm            coffee catchup…  carrying six new fashion purchases for Mr Him

How does one manage to buy six garments for another person in six minutes?  

Well, it starts with a state of mind.  The other day we went to the magnificent new Birkenhead Point outlet centre.  It such a shock to see that ugly duckling centre turned into such a swan… it really was so exciting that it made me want to shop immediately.

So we tipped into Witchery, straight to the Man section.  In a flurry of fabric Shaun pulled garments from the hangers and I concurred, collected and checked out.  3.31pm… job done.

The most interesting thing about this whole story is why?  I wouldn’t normally be a crash-tackle shopper, why this time?

Well firstly, the environment was so much lovelier than my expectations… there is something so energising about being pleasantly surprised.

Secondly, it’s an outlet centre. I was buying from a retailer with prices I am comfortable with even when they’re full price, let alone the $29 shirt I had in my hand. 

Thirdly, I had good advice.  Shopping with an enthusiastic partner opens your mind to new possibilities. 

Fourthly, I had a deadline.  I didn’t have time to agonise or ponder. 

And finally… the magic and mystery of retail… who knows what makes for those moments!