Introducing Whitebook

We all love to shop, right?! I know I do, and so do Sally Brochocka and Emma Robertson. But these two, who have been friends for many years, have decided the best kind of shopping is when you're buying products that are caring for our local and global environment. So together they have created an amazing online shop called Whitebook.

They have done all the hard work for us and collated a fabulous range of products, all beautifully designed, all created with fair ethics, and all good for our planet. For example, these oh-so-cute Animal Beanies are made in Bali by rice farmer's wives. The women can crochet up to two hats a day, which doubles their family's daily income. In an environment where employment opportunities for women are rare, it's a a wonderful thing, and the additional income is life-changing for the families.

Another incredible range is the Made jewellery which is all produced in Kenya, providing skills and opportunities for local artisans. They use a combination of traditional and Western methods, and all their materials are sourced responsibly. Made have collaborated with such powerhouses as Louis Vuitton, Topshop, John Lewis, Tommy Hilfiger and more.

There are loads of gorgeous gift ideas if you're still looking for Christmas present ideas. These sweet 100% recycled notecards by Ecojot come in a pack of 10, and would make great stocking stuffers. Ecojot's mission is to give children in need around the world a workbook and pen to write their way out of poverty and violence.

A very cool range of drink bottles and lunch boxes by Earthlust, will be a big hit with little and big kids alike. Earthlust are committed to donating 1% of annual net revenues to environmental organisations worldwide.

I love the cool stationery by Remarkable. The UK company take waste products destined for the dump and turn them into fabulous new products. Like their colourful pocket notebooks made from 100% recycled card and paper; and their sleek, black coloured pencils made from old CD cases.

When you've chosen and wrapped all your presents, you'll need (and want) some of these adorable Tikitibu gift tags. The wooden tags, made from sustainable sourced wood, can also be used as decorations on your tree, or around your home. And the paper gift tags will make any present look super special.

This is just some of what Whitebook has to offer, so make sure you pop over to see the full range for yourself. And keep up to date with all the news on their Facebook page.

Spots 'n Stripes

Spots and stripes - the two most basic patterns - I love them both. I often use them when decorating children's rooms for their striking simplicity and sense of fun. I tend to associate spots with little girls, and stripes with boys...

1: Harper + Hudson necklace | 2: Polka Dot kantha quilt | 3: Wunway Tara dress | 4: Polka Dot wall decals

1: Paperboy Stripes wallpaper | 2: Moped bunting | 3: Minti Bronx shorts | 4: Carnival Stripe rug

Of course, they are completely gender neutral, and you can dress your little ones in, or decorate their rooms with either. Or better still, why not both!

Little & Loved

I am very happy to introduce you today to a fantastic company that's looking out for two very precious things - our kids and our planet. Little & Loved is owned and operated by Zoe Salmen, who is passionate about living sustainably. With two beautiful wee boys of her own, Zoe knows the importance of natural and organic products. She carefully selects suppliers who share her values, and stocks a large range of quality New Zealand made products, as well as internationally recognised brands.

Adorable cushions, garlands, and mobiles by Needle&I feature happy clouds, plump bunnies and friendly ghosts - even the skull and bat are cute! Some of these are limited editions, so be quick to secure your favourite.

Hours of fun will be had with the Flatout Frankie range, designed in New Zealand and made from natural kraft board. They easily pack down for storage and travel.

I'm a huge fan of Lindi Kingi jewellery, and Little & Loved stock a range of divine bracelets lovingly handmade by Lindi. It's never too young to be stylish.

A beautiful range of wooden baby products are made by Zoe's Dad with Zoe's design input. With gorgeous organic forms, these tactile pieces are perfect for tiny hands and mouths.

This is just a small selection of the Little & Loved products. Pop over to their website to see the full range, which includes Zoe's own range of baby care products. And 'like' them on Facebook to keep up to date with all new products, special offers and giveaways.

Like a Magpie, I Live for Glitter

I like a bit of bling as much as the next girl. In the words of Mika... "like a magpie, I live for glitter", or in this case, brass and gold. Anything shiny and metallic usually catches my eye and my heart. When I tried to convince my husband that a particular (rather expensive) brass light needed to make it's way into our bedroom, he whisked me off to a local 2nd hand shop. Upstairs we found a plethora of old brass light fittings, and I was like a kid in a candy store! 

I chose a beautiful three-armed light - I love the shape of the arms - and with some Brasso and elbow grease, she came up a treat. We bought some large, round light bulbs, because I love the mix of old and new, and Mark wired it up. I couldn't be happier, and do you know how much that light was?... $10! (plus the bulbs). We still need to find the do-dackies (that's the technical term!) that cover the screw-in part of the bulb, and then it will be perfect.

In case there are more metallic lovers out there, I've complied a small selection of my current favourites. I already own the Jonathan Adler gold zebra dish, Tom Dixon candle, and Lindi Kingi bracelets, and the other items are high on my wishlist.

Carnaby Metallic Zebra Stacking Dish - Mondegreen | Brass Wall Sconce - One Forty Three | Gold Cushion - Collected | Cross Brass Stool for Kate Sylvester - Douglas and Bec | Tom Dixon Eclectic Scent Candle - ECC | 6mm Bead Bracelets with Skull - Lindi Kingi | Futagami Brass 'Galaxy' Trivet - Douglas and Bec | Gold Leafed Bar Cart - Furbish Studio

Light & Bright

I have a lot of appreciation for subtle, natural interiors... as long as lots of texture is present. I admire these interiors immensely, but I've found over the years that colour and pattern makes me happy. That's me. That's what nourishes my soul! Find what makes you happy and surround yourself with it. My advice for a happy home :)

I've chosen a few examples of 'light' versus 'bright'. Maybe 'versus' is not the right word, because they're not in competition, they're just different styles. I love all the natural images I've selected, I think they're beautiful. But give me a splash of colour or a hit of pattern and I'll take it every time.

Light & bright in the living room...

Light & bright in the kitchen...

Light & bright in the bedroom...

Light & bright in the work space...

Light & bright in the wardrobe...

and light & bright in these Cush & Nooks necklaces...

Random Goodness

Welcome to the start of a new week. It's also the start of the school holidays for my three young whipper snappers, so I will be working hard at balancing work and 'mum time' -
let the games begin!

Today I'm bringing you a random collection of gorgeous products. The one thing they have in common is that they are all things I adore.

I love my trio of Lindi Kingi bead bracelets in rose gold, silver, and gold, they look fantastic with my Michael Kors rose gold watch. And I can't tell you much I adore my Kathryn Wilson Rosie Boots, the cobalt and gold is stunning. I often sling the chain over the back, so that from the front they look like a simple black ankle boot - business in the front, party at the back! I get loads of compliments on them.

This Adrian Pearsall sofa from Mr Bigglesworthy is drool-worthy! I am totally in lust with it's delectable shape and soft, aqua velvet upholstery. Sadly, I don't think it will be coming to live with me in the near future. We're not in need of a sofa, and there are a few things that we do need, like a new bathroom.

These adorable crochet rugs have just arrived at Tea Pea. They're so sweet as a floor rug, but I think they'd also be great thrown on the end of a bed.

Speaking of throws, this handwoven grey stripe throw from Izzy and Jean is a beauty, and comes in several colour ways.

Lastly, I have ordered my copy of Megan Morton's latest book, I Heart My Room, and can't wait for it to arrive. It's a book about children's rooms and features the most amazing bedrooms, as well as input from the kids themselves.

I hope I have helped to get your week off to a good start. If you're a Kiwi parent, enjoy the roller coaster that is 'the school holidays' :)

The Mighty Jungle

You know I'm all about colour and pattern here at Cush & Nooks, therefore I'm happily embracing the animal print revival, both in the home and in the wardrobe. Throw in a splash of leafy green for a true jungle experience.

The Original Banana Leaf Martinique Wallpaper | Saben Dita Handbag | Leopard Print Scarf | Zebra Head | Thibaut Etosha Zebra Wallpaper | Calvin Chair in Leopard Spot | LKD Howlite Bead Bracelet | The Road to Memphis Cushion

Jamie Kay

I'd like to introduce you to one of my most recent advertisers, Jamie Kay. Jamie started her career in the fashion industry, but her love of design made it a natural progression to move into art, jewellery making, and homewares. With the arrival of two beautiful sons, Jamie spent her days looking after her boys, helping with her husband's farm accounts, and letting her creativity loose in her Canterbury studio. With her own range of jewellery, and inspired by her love of the vintage era, her business and online shop, Jamie Kay, was born.

Products are sourced from around the globe, and as well as her jewellery range, Jamie is currently working on a line of cushions, hand made using gorgeous New Zealand wool.
Watch this space!

Geometric Gold

To finish off this glorious week I'm hitting you with some geometric love in the glamorous tones of black, white and gold - just a little bit Gatsby, don't you think?!

Souk Wool Rug from West Elm | Art Deco Bracelet from Ezibuy | Gold Zag Tray from Up In The Air Somewhere | F. Scott Fitzgerald Book from The Dieline | Magical Thinking Geo Empire Duvet from Urban Outfitters | Envy Chair with Wooden Arms from Big Save Furniture | Soprano White Wallpaper from Graham & Brown | Between a Rock and a Lamp Base from The Land of Nod

Amelia Eicholz's Colour Love

My home is full of colour, I love the vibrancy and energy it brings. And so, it would seem, does Amelia Eicholz, whose home is a gorgeous work of art. Beautiful bursts of colour are found in books, art and accessories throughout her Boston apartment.

With a stack of amazing creative jobs under her belt, including working with a well-known jewelry designer, and the design team at Anthropologie, Amelia now has her own art consultancy business called Colour Bloc. She has the enviable task of helping people select the perfect art piece for their home or office; as well as discovering emerging, talented artists, and assisting them to get their work out to the public.

Amelia suggests getting adventurous with colour in your home. She chose a deep blue for her walls to create the perfect backdrop for her vibrant artwork. But if bold colours on the wall is too big a step for you, introduce it in smaller bites in cushions, flowers and accessories.

I've always been a believer that interior and fashion design regularly crossover. Amelia's interior style is much like her fashion sense - she starts with classic, neutral elements, and dresses them up with pattern and colour. Quite fitting then that the quote on her website home page is "art is the jewelry of the home".

For more of Amelia's home, you can see it on The Glitter Guide.