Here at Pigeonhole, we have cats on the brain at the moment. Animal-lover Chloe has recently inherited Johann’s pet, the mischievous cat formerly known as Billie. Her new name is Enya (ask Chloe to explain that one to you…) and tales of her adorable antics will make even the most stoic feline-distrusters smile. She hides in a chest-of-drawers, pounces at things that aren’t there, has big soppy eyes and her favourite food is tinned lemon and cracked pepper tuna (yep, the human-food kind.)

I know that not everyone is a cat person. But I also know that people who like cats tend to really, really like them. I call it the cat-lady effect. Having one kitty kind of makes you kind of want another, having two gets you thinking that maybe three would be nice, and before too long you’re wearing your slippers around in the day and carrying cans of Snappy Tom in your handbag.

To show your love for your furry friend without turning into someone akin to Mrs. Figg, get yourself some of the lovely whiskered trinkets we have in store at the moment…

 Limedrop cat earrings, $40, Night Owl cat card, $8.50, Liveworks bonjour card, $8.

And let’s not ignore our big-cat friends: as any good cat-lover knows, it’s only those pesky animal importation laws that are stopping you from getting a pet snow leopard, right? Instead have to answer those tricky questions at customs when your suitcase starts growling, placate yourself with some pretty jewellery:

Proverb lion ring and brooch, $45 each

So wear your love for Fluffy or Pusskins with pride, without looking like you’re a dressing gown and carpet bag away from this happening:

Hannah x

Whether you’re a “nothing fancy” instant-coffee drinker or an espresso connoisseur, most people can say that they appreciate a cup of coffee in the morning, during break times, after dinner or sometimes all through the night to cram in some last minute studying.

I asked a couple o’ local baristas, Jackson and Luke, for their thoughts on our favourite beany friend:

Where did you have your best cup of coffee ever?

Jackson: At home- can I say that? (Yes, you can, Jackson.)

Luke: Oooh, at Single Origin Roasters in Surry Hills, Sydney.

And how do you take yours?

Jackson: Black, or a french espresso.

Luke: I start with a flat white (in the morning) and drink espressos throughout the day. No more than four coffees a day.

What is the most important ingredient in a good cup of coffee? 

Jackson: Good coffee (beans).

Luke: Good beans and a good machine.

I’m no expert on coffee but these guys sure are. I’d be happy to visit Jackson at Zekka, 74 King St, Perth or Luke who’s down in Shop 50, London Court at Mini Expresso (both have excellent beans and machines!) to fill up my Pigeonhole KeepCup on the way to work:

KeepCups, available at all Pigeonhole Stores, $15 each

KeepCups are barista standard reuseable coffee cups designed and manufactured in Melbourne, Victoria. Made from recyclable plastic, not only are these guys super-handy, but they can be popped into the recycling bin along with yesterday’s newspaper when/if you tire of your colour combo. AND they’ll save you from drinking out of a non-recyclable cardboard takeaway coffee cup. Isn’t it nice to know that you can help look after the environment as you drink your way to consciousness in the morning?

Have a lovely week and drink up!

Sophia

When I was a wee young one, I had a little book and record set of The Teddy Bears’ Picnic: I would listen to the song and read along in the book, and it was all very cute. Cute song, cute book (so many bears in bow ties!) and, actually, an exceedingly cute teddy bear-shaped record. Because sweet, be-suited teddy bears gathering for a spot of afternoon tea on a gingham rug is an adorable idea. However, if we translate the song into the reality of the actual animal world, it becomes slightly terrifying: a group of dangerous, ravenous bears waiting for us in the deep, dark woods? Yes, we would be in for a big surprise! And the song suddenly becomes not-so-cute.

So, it’s all about perspective, right?

For example: wolves. Would you like to meet a hungry one in a dark alleyway? Snarling and gleamy-eyed and claw-y? I thought not. (Particularly if you’ve seen the preview for The Wolfman: I’m not afraid to admit that it frightened me.) But give me a Little Gonzales printed tee or singlet with a bunch of hipster wolves grooving away at their own personal dance party, and I’m sold!

Little Gonzales ‘Wolf Boogie’ print t-shirt $65, singlet $55

Even more terrifying than the idea of meeting a lone wolf in an alleyway is the thought of meeting both a wolf AND a sharp-toothed alligator in an alleyway (what are they doing in this alleyway anyhow?), but yet again, this new Little Gonzales print has me chuckling rather than running for my life:

Little Gonzales ‘Sharing is Caring’ t-shirt $65, singlet $55 each

(These excellent new Little Gonzales prints are available on t-shirts and singlets in black and white.)

And while foxes are technically considered a feral animal in our island nation, the delivery of more of our favourite Limedrop fox necklace (and rings!) had me thinking more about the delightful (and fantastic!) Mr Fox than the pestilence of Australia’s number one predator:

Limedrop large fox necklaces, $50 each (available in cherry wood, white and gold)

 So stop by and pick up a little something to help you change your perspective on some of our favourite ‘not-so-dangerous’ animal friends. And if you happen to pick up something for someone else, you can keep the ‘friendly side of predatory’ theme running with this lovely Night Owl card:

Night Owl wooden birthday card, $8

Maybe these furry fellas aren’t so bad after all! (I’m still putting on my disguise before heading down to the woods, though…)

Anna xx