Elle Deco

We have five weeks until my due date, 12 August, and it feels like we're a million miles away from being ready. Thankfully, this weekend we have some help with thinning out some furniture. I'm sure the end of our decorating will then be in sight. I know that I'll feel ready once we've been able to suspend the baby cradle in our bedroom, even if the baby's room isn't quite ready. Still need to buy the cot (in white) and chest of drawers, but do have the toy box on order ready for end of September delivery.

As part of our preparation, a couple of weekends ago I parted company with 10 years worth of Elle Deco, but not before I sat and flicked through every copy... January 1998 to December 2007.

I remembered how much I used to enjoy features which no longer appear, such as the "48 hours in..." travel articles, "Eating Out" and "Eating In" recipes for dining at home or in the garden... it was also interesting to see how much things have gone up in price...

- Alvar Aalto Stool 60 January 2000 issue price £55, now £160
- Iittala Mariskooli bowl in red October 2004 issue price £21, now £69
- Jean Prouvé Standard Chair August 2003 issue £395, now £517
- Isokon Plus Penguin Donkey 2 March 2002 issue £255, now £410
- Robert Welch Hobart candlestick in red March 2004 issue £35, now £50
- Kristian Vedel Architecht Made wooden birds March 2004 issue £32, now £44

Penguin Donkey 1, 2 or 3?

I often wonder if it's possible to squeeze one of these Isokon Plus delights in to my home. Sadly, I think it will have to wait until we have more space. I'm certain that one day I will find the perfect spot... but then I'll have to decide which one of the three to pick. That'll be tough.

The original Penguin Donkey, designed in 1939 by Egon Riss:

The Penguin Donkey 2, designed in 1963 by Ernest Race:

OR The Donkey 3, designed in 2003 by Azumi:

How do you decide?! Once I have the space, I'll let you know...