Winter pixie cuts at Stephen Marr are all the rage, for a fresh new look this season, step into one of their salons for a chop, a style or a colour treatment. Don't fade away into the background, book your appointment today at Ponsonby, Newmarket or at The Department Store in Takapuna. Check out their website for news on their stylists, magazine editorials and Fashion Designer collaborations with Alexandra Owen, Miss Crabb and Cybele.

Your local fruit and vege shop is conveniently located in the heart of Ponsonby. Having been around for over 70 years, this family knows how to keep their business a success for so long. With a perfect combination of best quality fruit, freshest vegetables and flowers, no wonder their customers arrive daily to see them. If your home vase is looking neglected this week, why not treat yourself to a bunch of beautiful flowers? A perfect and eye-catching idea to beat the winter blues.   

Rocket Kitchen cakes are perfect for any occassion. Spectacular birthday cakes, scrumptious dessert cakes and pretty wedding cakes are on the menu among many others. Not only do they specialise in sweet treats, they also do savoury fare and gift hampers. If you need party catering, look no further as the team at Rocket Kitchen will take care of it all for you. Pop into their store today on 234A Ponsonby Road and see their delightful goods on display. We at Roadworks highly recommend their delicious Chocolate Whiskey cake and crowd pleaser Carrot Pineapple cake. Order one by calling 360 8834.

Always up for a wine bargain? Well check into Lovrich Wines daily to see their 1 Day wine sales and grab it quick before it goes. This week's specials include: Picton Bay Merlot for only $9.99 per bottle, Blackbirch Gris Blanc $8.99, Blackbirch Chardonnay also $8.99, Award-winning Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc $16.99 and Crossroads Pinot Noir for $14.99. All purchases are for a minimum order of 6 bottles. Want to mix it up a bit? Have a look at their Mixed Packs for great quality wine at an exceptional price. Cases of 6 start from only $53.94, so look at their extensive range today and save.

A Finalist this year in Metro Magazine's 50 Best Restaurants, Prego in Ponsonby is a culinary leader when it comes to exceptional food and service. This is not your ordinary Italian restaurant, not only are the wood fired pizzas appetizing and filling, there are a variety of pasta dishes and generously portioned mains that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Recommended options include the Market Fish, Calamari and BBQ lamb. You'll often find this place buzzing with people during they day and in the evenings, so make sure you're prepared to wait a few minutes at the bar as bookings are unavailable.

Smyth Galleries is a unique and fully-integrated art gallery and consultancy service. The gallery offers regular exhibitions from a hand-picked combination of emerging artists and there is also a shop offering rare and vintage posters, quality NZ lithographs and limited edition rock photography. Seek consultancy advice from Kieran Smyth, a passionate and experienced collector himself. Exhibitons currently on show is the Dean Proudfoot exhibition with latest works on till the 7th of July. A group show featuring artists Bill Hammond, Shane Cotton and Jeff Thomson will be on next month. Visit Symth galleries at 41 Jervois Road, opening hours are Tues-Fri 10am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 4pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm.

The Children's Bookshop has one of the largest selections of quality children's books in New Zealand. A variety of board books, nursery rhymes and poetry books, picture books, arts and crafts, toys, games and puzzles will keep all kids occupied this winter. The staff pride themselves on taking the time to help you find the perfect book or gift, and if you're after a title you cannot find, they offer a 'special order' service and will search for that special book. Featured products at the moment include the 'Witch in the Cherry Tree' by Maragaret Mahy, 'Loblolly Boy' by J Norcliffe, 'Old Hu Hu' by K Mewburn and 'Friends Snake and Lizard' by J Cowley.

The Garden Party is the perfect choice for gift ideas. With their easy to navigate online shop, you can now buy the best of The Garden Party products straight from the comfort of your own home. Even better, they're able to gift wrap your purchase and add a card to the parcel to send to you or straight to the lucky recipient. Quirky new items include a range of metal alloy cufflinks in various designs, Model-tech kitset models made from plywood veneer, magnetic bottle openers and beautifully designed fingerless gloves made from 100% New Zealand merino, just in time for the chilly season!

Shellshock is a boutique shop in Ponsonby specialising in costume jewellery and gifts for the fashion conscious. From jewelled rings, silver bands, long necklaces, beading, exquisite earrings and bracelets, and a selection of locally designed jewellery, Shellshock has it all. You don't have to go far to pick out a beautiful gift for a loved one, or if you're looking for a few accessories to add a last touch to your outfit, just drop in today and check them out for yourself. Shellshock is located next to the Red Current Store, on 53 Ponsonby Road.

A programme of between 150-170 features will be presented in Auckland for the 2010 NZ International Film Festival this year. An annual event that attracts thousands each year, eager to see high quality international documentaries, experimental films, animations, shorts and archival programmes from New Zealand and around the globe. There's a broad range of films to suit everyone, book your tickets online, early bird specials are on till the 8th of July so get in quick!

Kai to Pie - Auckland on your plate is a free exhibition that reveals and revels in what it means to be an Aucklander. The events programme includes the World on a Plate series, which showcases the incredible array of cuisine – from Maori to Mediterranean – in Auckland. There will also be a Trolley Dolly with food to sample on Sundays, a Coffee Festival and so much more. On now at the Auckland Museum, in time for the school holidays!

The Food Show, New Zealand’s number one culinary event, returns to the ASB Showgrounds from 29 July to 1 August 2010. The Food Show gives tens of thousands of kiwi foodies the chance to experience first-hand an astonishing variety of gourmet food and drink from everywhere imaginable and to enrich their own cooking with tips from the world’s top chefs. Get up close and personal with Al Brown, Peter Gordon, Julie Biuso and Masterchef just to a name a few. Special preview day is on Thursday the 29th of July. Get your tickets here.

Congratulations to Leila Thomas from Auckland for winning our latest Swing Station Competition. We have another draw this month, so enter here and be into win!