Monday, July 7 2008,

a jolly good smack ...

I have been threatened with a 'smacked bottom' At 43 this is rather undignified. Plus as my tormentor (louisa) stands at 5.3 to my 6+ ft, she would be perfectly placed to plant a rather stinging missile at my tender (but firm) buttock. It's not that I don't want to help out, but as previous blogs mention, we're a shy, or I like to think 'mysterious' crew behind adila (just & fair). Plus, I don't have a funny little episode to share? So instead I will tell you what someone told me the other day ...

A good friend will bail you out of jail. A true friend will sit beside you and say, "blimey! that was fun!"

No it's not great, but it is a blog of sorts? So Louisa get off my case! And leave my bottom alone!

 

david (adila's dashing graphic designer)

Tuesday, March 11 2008,

it was a sign! (with johnny depp) ...

They're not good a blogging, they write them, they put them up, they take them down. Why? Because none of the team at adila really like being that exposed. All topics worth writing about reveal a little something of who and what they are.

The last deleted entry titled 'Storm in a D Cup' was actually quite funny and poignant. Louisa, who wrote it, felt on reflection it was inappropriate and a bit childish, removed it within 24 hours. When Louisa reads this she will say ..."great! now people know I can be childish and inappropriate!"

Yes, but also quite funny. Louisa's been feeling the strain, a new company that grows needs to grow, simple, but choices must be made. She bounces into adila HQ, just back from the post office (no one is too busy or important, orders must leave on the day received) announces "I saw a sign! If Johnny Depp and a few dancing Umpa Lumpa's appeared out of the bushes it would have been perfect, honestly, it was a sign!"

Even if you want to go home as I did, that sort of statement does make you hang around and ask the question ... What?

"Well, I decided to take the long route back, get some fresh air, then I saw it, a rainbow, but not just a rainbow. It was like a whole film set... rolling hills, swirling cloud, low sun, a winding road that disappeared beyond the horizon JUST where the rainbow hit the ground! It was a sign! A GOOD sign!" Okay, I'd heard enough, got my coat, said my goodbyes and left.

On reflection, these people really should NOT blog.

 

charlie (carrying out tasks beneath my talents. had there been an actual sighting of johnny depp I would have been interested enough to hang around!)

Friday, Jan 25 2008,

a valentine song ...

Writers - Rodgers & Hart 1937. Best cover (sorry Frank) Elvis Costello 1979.

Note: Sing in a heartfelt, whimsical, yet manly manner, for full effect ...

 

My funny valentine. Sweet comic valentine. You make me smile with my heart
Your looks are laughable. Unphotographable. Yet you're my favourite work of art.

Is your figure less than greek. Is your mouth a little weak. When you open it to speak. Are you smart?

But don't change a hair for me. Not if you care for me. Stay little valentine stay.
Each day is valentines day.

 

paul in packing (feeling romantic, whimsical & manly)

Wednesday, Dec 5 2007,

not tasteful ...

The music (at the product viewing, see below) was not tasteful as promised, it was in-fact just your normal Christmas rubbish. A huge discussion broke out, as we really do love ... Bing, Wham, Wizzard, Mud (pushing the boundary a bit here?) Cliff Richard. Actually we don't love Cliff, we're sure he's a nice man and everything, but, Just a bit annoying? And please stop wearing leather outfits, it's so? Not right at 60+. Take a leaf out of Val Doonican's style book. Still not trying, still sexy in a sweater at 80. Val we love you!

 

anonymous (as we suspect Cliff can afford to sue and will be grumpy)

 

Monday, Nov 26 2007,

dec 2nd - product viewing | christmas sale ...

The internet will always be our home, however sometimes it's nice to pick up a bag, try on the earrings, or just stand back and admire the art of Altaf Kramer. Our 'product viewing' will take place sunday dec 2nd, 2-6. We will be roasting chestnuts and marshmallows on the fire, serving fair trade South AFrican wine and playing some very tasteful Christmas music, come and join us! To obtain an invitation click here ...

 

Tuesday, Oct 3 2007,

why ...?

On a buying trip in South Africa. Been here 3 weeks or so? As always having a great time, busy gathering new handmade eco-friendly products for the adila (just & fair) collection, but a few things have been on my mind ...

Why would a grown man own a Quad bike?

Why do the WONDERFUL people of Langebaan, West Coast, South Africa, drive so SLOW?

Why do the seagulls grow so big here and feel it necessary to park their sizable bottoms on the tin roof of my house at 6.00am everyday?

Why can't we buy large glasses of wine for 60p in the UK?

Why do I eat a little of most foods, but polish off 25 pieces of sushi in one sitting?

Why can't we get furniture up-holstered in the UK at a reasonable price instead of replacing it?

So in conclusion, although I love this aspect of my job, I really should get out more.

 

louisa (buyer, thinker and sushi eater)

Sunday, Sept 9 2007,

just a walking and a talking ...

From the outset Louisa said 18-20 miles, so when we asked for the fourth time, "are we nearly there yet?" Louisa checks the pedometer, quick calculation into miles (actually not that quick) 23 miles and a rather annoying "It's just a little way now" It's not that we were grumpy, it's just there's only so many times you want to hear one of Louisa's rather vague, by now suspiously WRONG answers. Josephine was at a party the night before and only managed 3 hours sleep, we've just walked into the section affectionately called 'The Swamp' and we are now into the seventh hour of our sponsored WALK/TALK.

In spite of the extra 6-7 miles, scary psychotic bulls, sinking terrain and stinging nettles, it was a really great day. Louisa's talking Namibia next year? And if we do? She's so NOT in charge of planning the route.

We raised £550.00 for Bowy House. The sponsor page will remain active until the end of October 07. Click here to donate ...

 

marie & josephine (part of the original 2007 walk/talk team)

Friday, Aug 24 2007,

love work, love life ...

Popped into a well known, much respected shop in Cambridge, was told by a bored uninterested assistant "no we don't" not even "no sorry" or "no sorry, but why not try?" Having been dismissed I wander into the great 'Lush' shop next door, I'm quickly asked by a lovely young chap ... "looking for something in particular?" In-fact I was, and again, no they didn't have it. However this time, nice young man offers a solution. Whilst busily decanting my lovely 'lemon flutter' foot balm into four tiny pots, he enquires why? I explain about the sponsored walk for Bowy House, how I'm putting together little bags of essentials for the walkers. He tells me he's a dancer and advises I take care to be warmed up and flexible for the day ahead. He smiles, wishes us luck and hands over my package.

I leave very pleased with my foot balm, thinking that working in Lush is obviously not the young dancer's dream job, but until the dancer work floods in, he's taking the time to enjoy his work, enjoy his life, and make mine more pleasant. Lucky Lush, lucky me.

 

Louisa (recommends Lush, their tag line ... "happy people making happy soap")

Friday , July 6 2007,

playing with the big boys & john's a hero ...

We were asked by fashion director of the Daily Telegraph, Hilary Alexander to be included within her daily eco/fair trade talks at the House & Garden Fair last week. Because we're still new and easily pleased, Louisa put in a brief appearance and was delighted to see adila (just&fair) up there with the likes of People Tree and Edun. Louisa seemed suspiciously keen to be dragged from her desk and new Rufus Wainwright download? Until we noticed Tricia Guild (L's 2nd favourite designer after Sir Terence Conran) was giving a talk around the same time.

Louisa returned from London, feeling guilty for bunking off, just in time to erase and crash the entire adila email system with one simple click. SHEER PANIC! A very long, sometimes tense, 1.5 hour emergency phone call later all is restored. Due to the extensive patience, knowledge and kindness of John Chennells, the guy we normally call our web wizard, but on this occasion deserves far more respect. John you're a hero!

 

paul (big in the eco world, rubbish at packing)

Thursday , May 24 2007,

the no.1 ladies' detective agency ...

Some weeks at adila are great, really enjoyable. A fair amount of fooling around, tons of emails and skype chats, not all have to do with work, but make us laugh out loud!

Other weeks we think, WHAT? Has the world gone mad? At this point we do two things ...

1. We drink very hot tea from oversized cups. (louisa loves red bush tea)

2. We quote sections from Alexander McCall Smith's excellent Mma Ramotswe (Botswana's only - and finest - female private detective) series of books.

Oh yes, at adila we can be really wild!

What Clovis Andersen's 'The Principles of Private Detection' does for Mma Ramotswe, 'The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency' does for the team at adila. It's foolproof! Any problem can be solved through the wise and clever text. It works for general life problems too. If you don't have a copy, add it to your wish list or go and treat yourself! You won't be disappointed.

To gain a free copy click here ...

To learn more about 'The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency' click here ...

 

julie (marketing & maker of tea)

 

Monday, April 30 2007,

too busy to blog ...

Bloggings fun, and it's nice to share, but sometimes, we're just too busy living to blog.

7pm, just finished, actually not finished, stopping.

Off home to make duck wraps with hoisin sauce.

Blogging can also bit a bit dull?

Bridget Jones style note to self ...

Must improve blog entries & drink less wine. Very Poor.

 

louisa (buyer often boring)

Sunday 25th, March 2007

sheep rustling in SA ...

A welcome day off, driving the little hired Tazz towards Paarl. No air con, open windows, not talking, just enjoying. We see something? it's small and alone? We drive past. We feel bad. We stop. We turn around.

Trying to hide in the slim shadow of a pole is a tiny distressed lamb. Anxious looks all round. No one in sight, no sheep, nothing, just a scorching midday sun. Decide to ring Bessie of 'Darling mohair' to ask advice, phone out of money! Great!

Next step ... take baby blue blanket from boot, climb through barbed wire, coax lamb into arms and blanket, crawl back through, climb into Tazz with lamb. I am reminded by far more responsible members of our party that we,' I ' have just ...

1. Stolen a lamb.

2. Broken UK health laws by transferring an animal from one farm to another.

3. Intending to impose an unwanted animal onto one of the 'adila' suppliers.

4. About to be peed on, or worse, and get fleas.

All this was quickly forgotten, because 'Bluebell' was the sweetest, cutest lamb, who looked fantastic wrapped in his Ikea blanket. Soft pure white hair, ears pricked up, nuzzling and bleating like a REAL sheep! We all fell in love! By the time we reached Bessie's farm 20mins away, Bluebell to our embarrassment had made a fast recovery, now seemed alert and happy? With regret we hand Bluebell over to Gilley (Bessie's husband) who arranges for milk and care. Gilley, we suspect, now thinks all Brits are slightly soft and go around plucking/stealing lambs at will. Bluebell is being bottle fed by Bessie on the 'Morning Star' farm where the adila mohair is produced. We are told he will make a fine sheep!

And if anyone asks? We made this blog up!

 

(sheep rustlers of adila)

 

friday, march 9 2007

kindness & the number plate ...

Down town Cape Town, 3 lane traffic, very hot, running late. Not a good start! I pull up at a red light, absorbed in working out how long it will take to park? will anyone else be late? is there time to buy a bottle of water? A tap on the window scares the hell out of me, a round smiling face is speaking animatedly in a language I don't even recognise, let alone understand.

In Cape Town this is a normal occurrence, many people sell their wares amongst the relentless stream of traffic. Smart women with babies tightly folded into blankets, young men whistling frantically dart back and forth. Coat hangers, black rubbish sacks, newspapers, wire geckos, sunglasses and flowers ...

Some have nothing to sell, some look awfully poor, children as young as six, begging at car windows. Trying it on? some maybe? but not all, some just look unfed and very vulnerable. You get used to it to a point, assess each situation as it happens, at the very least smile and say no thanks.

My smiling face didn't have anything to sell, he did look very ragged. Having just arrived I had not stacked the car with small change, food etc., I start to explain this in my hurried English, he continues in an even more hurried, what I think must have been, Xhosa.

The lights change, cars behind are angry, start moving around me, I'm now late and stressed! Several more minutes pass, I'm getting agitated now and primly say .. "Look, i'm late, what is it you want?" Smiling face says, in excellent English, "You've lost your number plate, it's way down the street, shall I fetch it for you?" Off he dashes, bare foot, and fast! returning with my number plate. I offer a string of apologies worthy of a character played by Hugh Grant, "gosh really" to my embarrassment was actually used! I explain I have no money, he says that's okay, just don't go losing the other one as he may not be around next time.

I was late, but no one noticed and Value car hire will be pleased to know I still have two number plates, the front one (thanks to my smiling street guy) is on the back seat.

 

louisa (buyer / often late)

thursday, february 9 2007

snowmen & vanity ...

It's hectic at adila, not so hectic that we couldn't rush out and enjoy the snow. At the age of 28, Neville (a visiting South African, helping out with a spot of picture editing) built his first snowman. It was BIG, SA's tend to like things on a grand scale. With guidance from repeated singing of snowmen songs, Neville ensured time old tradition was followed ... carrot nose, eyes made out of coal and a very jaunty hat and scarf (not a 'classic bessie' it's a snowman after all).

Earlier in the week Louisa faced her worst fear, being photographed. Andrew Mcarthur (adila's photographer/philosopher) was given the very, very, sensitive task. How is it that a normal (sort of normal) girl turns into a petulant, grumpy, and there's no point beating about the bush ... pain in the arse! over such a little thing?

Discussions were opened up, what is an attractive image? who dictates attractive? what role does the media play? are we (adila) not also being dictated to, playing the game? The subject was chewed over for while, with no real point/conclusion reached.

And although the images Andrew captured were liked by all, loved by some, we can't help thinking that Louisa looked so much prettier lying in the snow, making snow angels, with red face and soggy hair, than wearing her flower frock and frown.

 

paul (packing & other stuff)

Wednesday, January 17 2007

january needs jack ... !

January, let's face it, is rubbish!

Yes okay, there are a few good things about it ... snowdrops, planning a fresh new year, my birthday, stacks of new pants! (lovely Christmas gift) log fires and homemade courgette soup (stashed away at the end of the summer, with this miserable month in mind) but that's about it?

So my tip to get you through the bleak, short, dark days of January is this ...

Jack Johnson! (He sings & plays the guitar)

Try it, it really works! Listen in the car, at your desk, during breakfast, on the tube.. ? You'll soon be conjuring up images of lazy, hammock hanging, summer afternoons that make you smile effortlessly at everyone!

 

louisa

Thursday, January 4 2007

that's nice ... !

We are all slowly getting back into work mode, some slower than others it must be pointed out "Louisa, where are you exactly?" During the holidays, the following was received from a new viewer to our web site ...

 

"... what lovely things, and in a madly materialist world it’s wonderful to find stuff that’s sustainable and beautiful – a lot of eco-products have frankly not got beyond the hair-shirt knit-your-own-sandals school of design!" Liz, Luton.

 

Thanks Liz! that's exactly what the adila collection is about!

Friday, December 1 2006

christmas cards ...

Christmas is coming! the mood at adila HQ is festive if not a little childish (nothing wrong with that) excitement. Party invitations (Louisa's been invited to the Turner Prize, which quite frankly is just not fair! what about the rest of us? we love art too!) David (best dressed designer in the whole world) is heading for Columbia. There's talk of food preparations, appropriate day to put up the tree (Christmas Eve!) best butcher for free range turkeys, gift wrapping, party frocks and how to cook for 5 hours, hold several conversations at once, follow Delia Smiths 'Countdown to Christmas' whilst looking fabulous, being amusing, in control and sober (actually we all agreed, this just isn't possible) So as you can see, not one Scrooge amongst us! except... on the issue of christmas cards.

 

In today's world of email, mobile phones, blackberries, cars, land lines and legs! We can all share our Christmas good cheer with those we love. Plus, there were a few confessions in the adila office ... only putting up handmade and tasteful cards, immediately ripping up and re-cycling 'George's card (we changed the name) old school 'friend' last spoken to Sept 1986, who thinks his new car, salary, summer holiday is of interest? and then annoyance at remembering to take the, by then lost cards, to Boots The Chemist for re-cycling.

 

Anyway, to avoid spoiling our good humour, and stop our moaning, we pooled together whatever money we would have spent on cards and purchased a box of christmas gifts for the children at Bowy House. Brown bears with ribbons, giraffes that play a tune, comfort blankets with spooky eyes, a few good books etc., Everyone had a favourite toy which received a certain amount of 'playing' with prior to being tagged, wrapped and shipped off to South Africa in time for Christmas. So please remember, there will be no cards from the people at adila this year, and we wont mind if you do something similar, in-fact we would prefer it!

 

So, with the card issue resolved to everyones satisfaction, it's back to work and more discussions of ... shirt with jacket or suit? are life size plastic snowmen tasteful? how many times have you watched "it's a wonderful life"?

 

Hope you all have as much fun as we intend to.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Monday, October 30 2006

adila photo-shoot ...

Andrew Mcarthur, adila's photographer/philosopher, is a cross between disillusioned 60's hippy, and cheerful sweater-wearing teddy bear. Andrew works from a large barn studio, which let's be honest, is rather untidy, and stuffed! with all sorts of 'useful' things? ... "ah yes! old mouse ball, never know when that will come in handy" Yeah right, like never? and it does not stop at the small scale! But we are being too harsh, Andrew allows us to turn up at short notice, push his 'useful things' aside, spread out our latest adila collection and order fresh coffee and thick cut toast. Discussions whilst shooting range from Madonna's recent adoption, to why Bob Dylan would be an unwelcome dinner guest at Louisa's table. ( ... he cant sing, his songs are depressing and he would probably whip out his harmonica for a few equally depressing, nerve-grating tunes, nightmare!) Louisa is not a child of the sixties, we suspect Andrew does not share Louisa's Dylan phobia.

However, whilst all the munching, moaning, shuffling of 'things' was taking place, the new adila 'Sparkling' jewellery was captured on CD. Richly bead-encrusted bracelets, earrings and brooches, each piece handcrafted by one individual ensures it is truly unique. Available to view on the adila web site Nov 9th.

Friday, Sept 15 2006

adila blog is launched!

John, the adila web wizard, had an idea. "Now we have the monthly e-news letter in place (click to register for your copy) lets change the old news page for a blog? providing an insight into the people and events behind the scenes at adila"

We all liked the idea! so that's exactly what will happen from now on. Everyone at adila will be invited to contribute, sharing the little episodes that make up our days and weeks. We can't promise high glamour and excitement every time, more likely it will be the funny, and often bizarre (the beetle really did go up in flames, see below) things that make us laugh, although Louisa says she wasn't actually laughing at the time.

Today there's not much winding down for the weekend, Louisa's rushing off to a photo-shoot, (look out for the new funky plastic range next week) John's retreated to an afternoon of technical bliss, free from Louisa's constant need for assistance and advice.

We are giving interviews and organising photo-shoots for two glossy magazines in South Africa, Fair Lady and Homes & Leisure. As you can see, it's busy, and although we only launched 2 months ago, we are delighted with all the interest and excitement adila has created.

Thursday, June 1 2006

adila (just & fair) is launched!

The story began last November, Louisa Power (buyer and other things) headed out in her not so trusty 35 year old beetle in search of the first adila collection. With a bottle of water, a map (which Louisa cant read) and lots of enthusiasm, it was an eventful and fruitful trip.

The first adila collection was gathered from Cape Town, and the west coast of South Africa. Louisa met the people behind the products. Community projects, farmers, home workers, designers, each with their own story to tell. (read more)

Mohair, intricately woven copper wire, beadwork, recycled plastic, discarded cardboard, satin, rescued cotton ... are just some of the raw materials which created the first adila collection.

As for the beetle? Unfortunately it came to an untimely, but not totally unexpected end in Simons Town on the cape peninsula. The South African navy did their best, but the beetle went out in a blaze of glory and the buying trip continued.

Thursday, June 1 2006

Design Indaba Expo 2006

Two new exciting designers were discovered whilst attending the Design Indaba Expo in Cape Town, South Africa. We are pleased to welcome Lime and Ollymolly to the adila range.

Lime will be designing limited addition, exclusive to adila, abalone jewellery. (view current designs)

Ollymolly have taken discarded printed material and woven it into a range of funky, fun and functional bags. (view bags)

Thursday, June 1 2006

Artist

We are proud and excited to announce the talented Dutch artist, Altaf Kramer has joined the adila collection. Abstract forms, symbolism, colour, combine to create works of true beauty and emotion. (view paintings)

10% of the profit from each painting will be donated the to adila sponsored project in Paarl, South Africa. (read more)