Webb’s auctions are many and varied and run the gamut from vintage motorcycles and modern design classics to fine wine and African art. Thursdays at Webb’s provides a more varied and eclectic selection than the more curated auctions but could provide just the intangible thing you’ve been looking for.

  This unassuming shop in Henderson has a mouth watering selection of Dutch goudas and cheeses, from plain unadulterated to aged cumin, herb flecked, smoked and pesto. There are also goats cheeses, a massive range of licorice, Dutch cookies and many other specialty items. 

Little Bread and Butter in Ponsonby are dishing out the finest organic breads in the neighbourhood. They use all natural unbleached flours, nuts and seeds and do a wide range of loaves including more-ish Walnut Loaf, Pumpkin Rye, wheat free Swiss Loaf and some unique breads such as a Fitness Bread containing wholemeal flour, carrots and seeds and a gluten free buckwheat loaf which is good news to the coeliacs and gluten intolerant bread lovers out there. Traditional white bread lovers are well catered for with the crunchy Tuscan Country, Parisian and Batard loaves. For the sweet tooth there are buttery pastries, cinnamon rolls and madeleines and Five Elements coffee to wash it down.

Have you ever wondered where Toru and Teed Street Larder get their superb baking from? Scratch Bakers are the source and now you too can go straight to it. They have opened a small but perfectly formed cafe in the City Works Depot and you can sit down to mouth watering fish korma or braised goat, harissa and yoghurt pies and follow up with a ginger creme brulee tart or twisted cinnamon dusted churro among many other sweet and savoury delights. They serve malty Three Beans Espresso and the decor is raw industrial in keeping with the rest of CWD but warmed up by a red painted wall.

It doesn't take much to lure me into Little & Friday - the cream donuts are a real weakness as are the caramelised onion and feta tarts, savoury brioche and pot of tea alongside is a heavenly accompaniment . But one of the most divine things I have eaten there is a chocolate eclair and boy are these things are elusive! If anyone sees them in the cabinet please alert me a.s.a.p.

If I need a quick bite Mamata is the place I head to for a lentil roll or cheesy vege pie. Both delicious and sustaining, I follow it with an organic coffee which they always make to perfection. For the sweet tooth the huge ginger and walnut cookies are out of this world!

Smith & Caughey's lingerie department caters for everyone. From simple cotton knickers to knockout French lace balcony bras. My favourite range is the Calvin Klein underwear - from the simple to the sublime with just the right amount of lace.

Ingrid Starnes floral and silk pieces sit perfectly in this store among luxury cashmere blankets and cushions from Missoni, delicate offerings from jeweller Charlotte Penman and pretty pastel ceramics by Rachel Carley.

I’m obsessed with the kilims at House of Haghi. There is a huge range and plenty of beautiful Turkish rugs too.

There are lots of wonderful things on offer at the Trade Aid stores. I love the highly decorative quilts and cushions. The tea sets are delightful and there is many a basket for practical yet pretty storage.

This is the best place in the city to get slippers and sheepskins at a great price. They have a huge variety of warm footwear and I am coveting a pair of the possum slip ons,  so incredibly warm even though they look like a furry tissue box holder. They have a massive stack of sheepskins and a huge range of undyed, natural skins in alluring shades of brown. You can also get seat covers and goatskins and the cutest calfskin baby booties.

Stepping into Madder and Rouge is like a small slice of France, Morocco and Istanbul all at once. Great for gifts or just to browse and dream of exotic locales.

Epolito’s is run by the enigmatic Chicky and she makes the best pizza in Auckland. Authentic New York style, the Eastside with artichoke, lemon and Parmesan and Sonino with pesto, olives and feta are taste sensations.