It's all coming together

It's all coming together for another great season at Bwana Johns.
The shipment we sent from Nepal in December has just arrived in Canada. Janice and Sarah are unpacking it and getting it organised to put in the stores. There are some great things in this shipment. It has been a while since we went buying in Nepal, so we are all very excited.
We have finally jumped through all the hoops and managed to get our Indian shipment together and it should be on its way to Canada any day now.
Steve is in Thailand now. The clothes we ordered in November and December have been finished and have been collected in our warehouse there. Steve and Sook have spent the last few days packing, topping up the jewellery, and getting the shipment off to the shipping company.
Meanwhile I am in New Zealand. I set up at a farmers market last weekend. The sun was out and the day was warm and there were lots of people about. It was a wonderful day.

 

I spent a little time playing with the very cute alpacas.

There were plants...

There were vegetables...

 

 

And there was me...

 

Over the next few months the results of all this seasons planning and designing should be in Canada. It's a great feeling when it all falls into place once again. Over the next few weeks I'll give you all a sneak preview of what's on it's way.

 

 

 

Bwana Johns in New Zealand

Last weekend we had our local food festival or Kai festival as it is known here in New Zealand.
People came from all over to sample the traditional and not so traditional food that was being served.
We set up our tent there and spent a great day being part of the local scene.
The weather wasn't the greatest, but that didn't seem to slow down the delivery of fine food or inhibit the great music.

 

 Those of you familiar with Bwana Johns will recognise some of the clothes and jewellery in these photos.

 

The Kai festival was held in Kawhia a small town at the end of the road sitting on the shores of a large west coast harbour.

 

 

The music played in the park, and as you can see the sun did shine through for some of the day.

 

Our favourite group on stage - Holly and the Blue Benders. I'm not just saying that because they are friends.

 

 

These kids were pretty talented too.

 

Lots and lots of food.

 

 

 

But my favourite has to be the wok cooked mussels. The whole process is very dramatic, and the end result is very yummy.

 

Not sure this is traditional, but the water melon and ice cream was a great way to finish to the meal.

 

Texture and colour

My wardrobe has lots of the basics in it. The usual jeans, pants, leggings, skirts and tees. The kinds of separates that can be dressed up or down according to the occasion.
It can be easy to get into a rut and put the same pieces together time after time.
I've found a great way to get out of this rut is to start combining colours that you haven't tried before, or combine some different textures or patterns. Adding a great piece of jewellery that shines can also add that bit of interest that can take an outfit from boring and predictable to outstanding.
Here are a few ideas I've been playing around with lately.

 

 

 

 

Keeping warm and staying stylish

There has been a bit of cold weather the last few weeks. The challenge is to bundle up and yet still maintain a sense of style.
The secret is in layering and great accessories.
Try a wool sweater over leggings paired with alpaca socks peaking over the top of boots. Add a colourful  hat and a colour coordinated pair of sunnies. A cosy scarf and a pair of gloves complete the look.

 

 

On milder days substitute a jacket for the sweater, try a felt hat instead of a toque and fingerless gloves instead of mitts.A chunky necklace can replace the scarf.

 There's a few more months of winter left, and lots of opportunities to refine your winter style, and add a little colour to your outfits to brighten up those dreary days.

Markets in New Zealand.

We have left Thailand, and are enjoying the sun and warm weather in New Zealand.
While in New Zealand we get to do a few local markets.
Our first was a big market held in our small town of Kawhia on New Years day The focus of the day are the traditional whale boat races.
There are lots of people around and it is a great opportunity to dust off our wares and offer them for sale.

 

There was lots of sun, and by the end of the day lots of sunburn.

 

A traditional whale boat out in the picturesque harbour.

 

 

 

Seasons greetings

We are staying warm in Chiang Mai ,Thailand as we hear of the blizzards back home.

 

 

Hope you have a great Christmas season. Stay warm.

 

New for Christmas

We have sent off some of the new goodies that we bought in Nepal to our stores. Just in time for that last minute shopping.
We found some really great silver and costume jewellery. The earrings and rings are particularly beautiful.

 

There are infinity scarves and magic hats in an assortment of beautiful colours and

 

 

Colourful shawls to wrap yourself in.

 

 

These stylish felt hats will keep your head warm, and the felt coin purses are just too cute.

 

The hand warmers are good for keeping the hands warm while the fingers are free to do their thing.

 

For the young or the young at heart there is a selection of animal hats.

 

And matching animal mitts.

 

Don't worry if you are running a little behind in the Christmas shopping. These are just in and there is sure to be something for that last minute gift.