Need last minute gift ideas?

Are you still scrambling for last minute X'mas gifts or the office Kris Kringle present? If you're like some of us at 31STHQ – chances are, most of your X'mas shopping has been left to the last minute (either you're time poor or you don't know where to start).

Well no need to panic... 31STHQ have put together a list of our Top 10 favourite creative stocking stuffers to inspire your shop. From geek chic gadgets, handy foodie tools, office gizmos and fashionable accessories – we've got you covered... without breaking the bank. Sweeeeeeet!

Clockwise L-R
Polaroid 300 camera, Typo 'Say Cheese' magnetic picture frames (comes in pink, white and black), Rubik's Cube desk tidy, Fred & Friends 'Food Face' plate, MirrorBook Air compact mirror, Fred & Friends 'Lucha' key covers, Typo 'Alphabet' mug (other letters available), Green Spirit Level cufflinks, MIMOBOT USB flash drive R2-D2, Fred & Friends 'Obsessive Chef' cutting board.

Foldify App

We're pretty big ipad users at 31STHQ. We recently stumbled across this app called Foldify - that's coming out very soon.

You can customise your own 3D characters or objects and then print n' make - all from your iPad. Pretty darn clever and cute.

To watch how Foldify works click here. In the meantime sign up here to get it first.

Cloud

Here's something to make your friday smile.

There's not much we can say about this installation but WOW. Seriously incredible. It's stunningly beautiful, whimsical and so well constructed. Our office could do with mini clouds like this - yes?


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Our Favourite Things in November

1. The Apollo
If you love roasted greek lamb with lemoney yoghurt, then you need to get down to The Apollo. Other than the lamb, you need to order the taramaslata dip, the saganaki drizzled with oregano honey, oxtail kritharaki pasta and of course - the donuts! All are to-die-for. And to top it off, take the big greek lunch - only $55 per head. Score!

2. Island Bar at Cockatoo Island
If the sun's out - take the ferry, sit back and listen to some carribean tunes as boats go by. Sip on a mojito and dig into a wood fired oven pizza then explore the island. Island Bar's only open for a limited time - so get in early and find a perfect sunny weekend spot.




3. Oysters at The Morrison
Need a little NYC in your life but can't get there, then head down to The Morrison. New York with a hint of Brooklyn has landed. Step into 20 types of oysters, sip on some prosecco. And then tuck into the duck fat chips - yummo!

Ho Ho Ho... 31ST:SECOND'S Chrissy Party

Last Friday we frocked up fifties-style and put the tools down to celebrate the year that was. Lunch was served at The Roosevelt and post drinks joined by family and friends at The Gazebo.

And what a year it has been...

We are now 15 people.
We now have one mega office, creative studio on one side and accounts in the other office - but we still operate as one seamless team!
We have 2 mezzanine levels, 2 smaller meeting rooms and a lounge area.
We have a social team that organise social functions.
We have a culture team that make sure our friendly culture remains in tact even as we grow in size.

Other than the office, we are truly thankful for having all of our clients - who entrust us with many a briefs and have supported 31ST:SECOND in it's growth. We are truly passionate about what we do and look forward to working with you for years to come...

To see all the action from our Christmas Party head click here...

Step foot into Nespresso...

If you've never step foot into a Nespresso store - you should! There's a couple of reasons (not just the free coffee peeps!)...

Their windows are incredible. Stunning, artful and hero the product. Sometimes, the real product doesn't even appear - see below. And they change all-the-time. Love.

Their service model hails from a high end hotel. Concierge, uniforms, roped line-ups to the register and all. The store is like a lobby, hang out as long as you like. Ask as many questions - they're happy to answer all of them. The ka-ching sale isn't the push. It's service. Their hotline is open 24-7. True. If you need help, they are there.

They are about innovation. New coffee capsules, new coffee machines (in colours for every kitchen) and for a variety of pricepoints. Best thing about Nespresso, it's easy to use. You don't need to be a coffee nut or coffee tech-expert. Just drink and enjoy.

Can you tell we love Nespresso at 31STHQ?!

A QR code mapping system

Recently, we walked into an unexpected QR code mapping system at Custom's House in Circular Quay whilst waiting to dine at Cafe Sydney.

It's called Sydney from all Angles and is an interactive map showcasing regions of Sydney. How does this interactive map work?

The interactive map utilises the existing space really well. In the centre below your feet lies an impressive scale model of Sydney's CBD. The map extends onto the 6 vertical pillars surrounding the map graphically via a series of cube-trails. Leading from the floor up the pillars til eye level. At eye level the cube-trails form a series of QR codes - ready to be scanned. Each pillar represents a region not surrounding Sydney's CBD.

What surprises us most - is that this concept is also interactive. Allowing users to upload their stories from suburbs and share their experience. So, it is an informative website but also one that has cleverly integrated 'user-generated' content that is emotionally compelling.

Interested? Go down to Customs House and take a look, scan a few QR codes and explore virtually. A pretty interesting concept.

4 Things Happening in Social Media

1. Live Chat's on Facebook
This has been going on for a while. But what make's this powerful is that this form of facebook interaction was mostly used by TV - to interact with audiences post shows. Now, the faces behind brands are coming forward and offering up their knowledge. Ask the questions you are itching to find out. Ask the hard questions. Even put yourself in front of someone you admire. All that is holding you back is if you're available at that particular time.

2. Instagram Profile Pages
Thank the heavens this is now available. Previously to this, in order to see someone's instagram trail (only on a browser) you had to use a thing called statigram. So it was a little convoluted. Now its a simple www.instragram.com/USERNAME. Hurrah, insta-stalking is now so much easier. Here's what they look like.

3. The rise of Hashtag products
Kate Spade recently launched a series of hashtag handbags. Now Shop Til You Drop mag are now doing a similar concept and have turned to twitter. Will you jump on this fashionable social media trend?

Designer Crush: Rachael Castle

Rachael Castle's work crosses the line between craft and design. It's so deceptively simple, yet graphically beautiful and so well composed.

We are in love with her homewares; namely the velvet pom pom cushions and spotted pillow cases. We wish we could nab one of her original artworks or screenprints - if only they weren't sold out!

Better yet her collection for Gorman was a match made in heaven - colour, type, word-play... major design crush on this lady.

Check out all of Rachael's work here.

Aquabumps for Speedo

We have to say that Speedo has done a stellar limited edition swimwear collection using iconic Aquabumps images.

We love how the collection features womens AND mens swimwear (we know men miss out sometimes!). The photography is so well used and well placed on the swimwear. And designs are right on the fashion stakes. You could even cross the beach-to-bar in your speedos - when you fashionably add a piece of clothing and hop straight to the bar from the beach, never thought we'd say that?!

Best bit, it celebrates a pastime we love so much in summer... the beach. Check out the full collection here.

31st News Update

I know we keep saying this but it really is "heads down, bums up" at 31STHQ. This is why...

We've got a few new people. Say hello to Helen our finance manager, Wendy our new junior designer and Luke our new account director. Mel, our new senior designer is starting soon too. The office is officially full (Helen sits upstairs)!

Rach got our 15 seater boardroom table sorted and it's a ripper. It's had a lot of use since it's arrived and looks damn fine too.

There's also a new TV and TV unit. Pretty snazzy...
A few red rocking chairs are floating about downstairs - we've found they're great for brainstorming (and bringing out your inner child for a few moments).

Oh, and a coffee table with some new design books for inspiration.

We think that's it on the furniture and 31ST family front, but we do like to save the best for last...

We're expanding into the office next door and continuing the growth.

Starting next week, we will officially have a 'creative studio'. Exciting times are ahead, so do pop by and see the space, meet our newbies - you are more than welcome!

If you want more inside goss, LIKE US

October Bookmarked Lately

Fete Magazine

Where would be be without the internet? We love it (more than we can say) over at 31STHQ.

It's a constant source (and easy way) to get some creative inspiration, research a target audience or find colour palettes at a touch of a button *click*. Our most recent love is fete magazine, it's a free online lifestyle magazine with brilliant photography, great styling and with a real scandinavian feel.

It's a really beautifully art directed magazine and an easy read too. One you should definitely subscribe too.