Little Lot

I recently learnt about a great New Zealand company helping brands connect with their audience, while helping charities with their cause. Little Lot realised that people spend a large part of their day looking at their computer and phone screens, so they created a social movement that connects individuals with the brands they love via their desktops and lockscreens. By signing up for Little Lot you also get to give to your favourite cause without costing you a cent.

This is how it works... it's completely free to join Little Lot, and when you sign up you get to choose which sort of brands you'd like to see - music, fashion, design, travel... Each day you'll get a new ad - I love switching my computer on each morning to see who's going to greet me. It was great the first day I saw my own ad.

You also get to choose your favourite cause - I chose Paw Justice, who work with the community to reduce animal abuse and cruelty. Each time you get a new wallpaper that advertiser makes a cash donation to the cause you care about. Your cause gets much needed funding all because you invited the advertiser into your personal space.

We all have a lot to give, so why not help those that only have a little. It's simple really, and quite brilliant, don't you think? Here are a few of my favourite wallpapers, but remember that your wallpapers will relate to things that you love.

And for the advertisers, you get to connect directly with the right individuals in their most personal spaces. A computer desktop is like a digital billboard with a 24 hour impression. And the phone lockscreen is viewed up to 150 times a day. You can find out more here.
Pop over and download the Little Lot wallpaper app today. It's a win, win!

MagnaPix Fridge Magnets

Your fridge is the perfect canvas for your kids' artwork, postcards from friends, and photos of your loved ones. You often have a medley of magnets holding everything up, but what if your magnets were your favourite photos!... MagnaPix is a New Zealand based business that will turn your digital images into glossy fridge magnets. The magnets are 68mm square and come in a pack of eight.

I recently tried out the process to see how easy it was to create my own magnets, and was pleasantly surprised at how simple it was. Once I had chosen the eight photos I wanted to use I just had to select them and upload.

Once the image has been uploaded you can enlarge or reduce it by clicking on the plus or minus icons, and move it around until you're happy with the position. I chose some pics of my beautiful girls, and doubled up on a few to give to my Mum.

When you've uploaded all eight images and are happy with how they're looking, you're ready to complete your order. Easy peasy!

Within days the little package was delivered to my door.

I used my craft knife to run around each edge and they popped out ready to display.

I'm thrilled with the result, and will definitely use them again. My Mum loved hers too, so they're a great gift idea; and would also be excellent for corporate use - a photo of your product with your logo and/or website, and you have magnets for marketing.

The lovely team at MagnaPix have offered a whopping 30% discount for all Cush & Nooks readers. Enter the code mag30off at the checkout and enjoy the savings on your very own personalised magnets. To see more examples pop over to the MagnaPix Facebook page.

This post was partnered with MagnaPix, all opinions are my own.

Taylor Travel Bags

It's always exciting to discover a fabulous new product and company, and even better when I can share it with you. New Zealand designer, Shelley Barlow, is the founder of Taylor, a company that creates beautiful travel bags from genuine leather and 100% cotton canvas.

Shelley has a background in photography, and her extensive travels, and love of colour and pattern has led her to create this new brand. After finishing a screen printing course Shelley was keen to use her new skill somehow. She knew she wanted to work with leather and printed fabric, but the handbag market was pretty well catered for. So she came up with the idea to design a larger bag that was practical and robust, with a unique design element.

Designed with the busy woman in mind, Taylor combines practicality with modern design. Perfect for traveling, they are within approved airline cabin bag size, have a detachable shoulder strap, two internal pockets, and a soft drawstring bag for storage. They're available in three limited edition prints...

Moroccan Weekend Bag

Egyptian Weekend Bag

New Yorker Weekend Bag

Shelley will be growing her collection with different patterns and styles, and introducing new products to the Taylor brand. Make sure you keep up to date with all the news on the Taylor Facebook page. I've got my eye on a Moroccan Weekend Bag, which is your favourite?

Congratulations to all our Mybuckett competition winners - Andrea Brown, Trent Fisher, Sandra Young, David Bunce, and Jane Hawkes - you will all be receiving a cushion from the Mybuckett tropical range. We had a great response, so thanks to everyone who entered.

Mybuckett Cushion Giveaway (Now Closed)

Do you remember when I introduced you to Mybuckett recently - a great new online shopping concept bringing you unique pieces from around the globe? (pop over here if you want to see how it all works). Right now Mybuckett has a whopping 25-50% off storewide! And as if that wasn't enough, I'm also really happy to give you the opportunity to win one of their stunning cushions...

I have selected my five favourite cushions for five of my readers to win (one cushion per winner). All five have a distinctly tropical theme, including some from the new Riviera range - a design collaboration between Natasha Turgilini and Peter Reid, inspired by the fun summers of our past and future.

The five winners will be drawn randomly from all entries, and the winners won't know which cushion out of the five they have won until it arrives on their doorstep. All you have to do to enter is register to Mybuckett by Tuesday 11 March and enter this promo code: MYCUSH2X14.

In a weeks time Mybuckett will collate all their new members who have used the above code, and draw the winners. They will deliver the cushion to the address supplied at registration, and I will announce all winners on the blog next week. Good luck!

1. navy leaf cushion | 2. natural with white pineapple tropical cushion| 3. turquoise moroccan cushion
4. sky star retro cushion | 5. navy palm cushion

Autumn Salon

Happy Monday everyone. Here's hoping you all had a fantastic weekend. I certainly did, especially on Saturday night when I attended Autumn Salon, a beautiful evening put on by Aroha & Friends and FG Smith Eatery. You may remember I blogged about it here, a girl's night out to celebrate the change of season and to enjoy food, fashion, and music.

The scene was set when the invitations arrived in the mail with Tracey Tawhiao's amazing handprinted artwork.

On the night, more of Tracey's creations awaited us at Smiths - handprinted goodie bags, and stunning art pieces hung on the walls and from the ceiling.

We were treated to music by Sarah Bell and Brad Gamble (one of the few men allowed), and also Sarah Wigg, and poetry from Tracey Tawhiao. The food by FG Smith, which included five small tasting courses, was absolutely divine. And Sarah Bell swapped her bass guitar for a microphone to talk us through the fashion show she had put together. A brilliant stylist, Sarah had picked outfits for the two gorgeous models from Aroha's new season range, and also a new wearable collaboration by Melaina Newport of Aroha & Friends.

Thoroughly satisfied by the delicious food, and inspired by the fashion show, we were free to wander through Aroha & Friends for some retail therapy, and to see Nikki Gabriel's fabulous and colourful installation.

It was a fantastic night, and so well organised. Because it was so successful it's quite likely there'll be a Winter Salon - fingers crossed! I'll leave you with a few more images by Sarah Bell and Pam Tinning featuring Marie Drew - a fashion story showcasing just some of Aroha & Friend's winter collection. Pop instore or online to see more.

Big Love for Fenton & Fenton

Anyone who has followed my blog for a while will know how much I love Fenton & Fenton in Melbourne. Can you believe I have never stepped foot in their shop?! So far I have only been able to love them from a far, but it is my mission to make it to Melbourne very soon - anyone want to sponsor me?! ;) 

I was on the Fenton & Fenton blog yesterday soaking up the beauty. I really couldn't be any more in awe and inspired! Their shop window displays are divine...

These photos featuring some of their bedding range... also gorgeous. Just the right amount of colour, pattern and boho, with a bit of the unexpected. Styled by Julia Green and photographed by Armelle Habib, pop over and check out more.

And just a few sneaky peeks around the Fenton & Fenton store...

Have you been lucky enough to visit in person? I would love to hear your experience.

The Foxes Den

Because our lives are so busy these days, many of us crave a calm oasis in our homes. Instead of accumulating hoards of 'stuff' to weigh you down, my advice is to choose wisely and only have things in your home that are useful, or you believe to be beautiful. OK, so that was William Morris who said that, but I am in complete agreement. The Foxes Den is a divine online shop that can help you with that.

Based in Christchurch, The Foxes Den was founded by husband and wife team Marce and Daniel Marshall. They believe in making every day special and surrounding yourself with simple but quality pieces. They are constantly searching the globe for stylish products for the natural home. Their focus is on the materials used, low-impact production methods, integrity, simplicity and craftsmanship.

Sometimes you need to spend more but buy less. So instead of buying several sets of inexpensive sheets that will wear out quickly, just buy one set of exquisite linen sheets which will get better with every wash. The Foxes Den stock a range of linen that they've sourced from France. The authentic French flax linen has been stonewashed for a relaxed and incredibly soft feel. Super hard wearing it will last you for years to come, and the duvets are beautifully finished with mother of pearl buttons. Available in Dove Grey, White, Natural, and Soft Taupe.

The range includes duvet covers, sheet sets, pillow cases, and a ruffle blanket. You can even order a free linen sample to help you with your choice, and all shipping is free within New Zealand.

As well as the beautiful natural French linen, you can also find adorable linen for the little ones. I love these polka dot duvet covers with matching pillowcases, also made in France. But numbers are limited so if you love them too, get in quick.

Here is just a taste of what else you can find in the shop. These are some of my favourite items, but pop over and see for yourself what else is on offer.

And make sure you check out the lovely natural Bondi Wash cleaning products. All natural ingredients, smells beautiful, kills germs, and gorgeous bottles good enough to leave out on display. I love my Tasmanian Pepper & Lavendar Bench Spray, it almost makes cleaning enjoyable!

Neon Vintage

I always love to discover new and exciting designers and their products, especially those with a similar design aesthetic, so I was thrilled to learn about Neon Vintage recently. Founded by Brisbane designer, Kirsten Millbank, Neon Vintage is a new collection of bold and edgy homewares inspired by African safaris and tribal textiles, with a touch of vintage 80's design.

With a background in architecture and interior design, Kirsten's decision to launch this label stemmed from her desire to create extraordinary objects of art for the home. She has collaborated with several international artists - Ashley Goldberg and Jennifer Sanchez from the US, and Sarah Bagshaw from the UK. Three very talented women, you can read more about them here.

Neon Vintage's 'Love Zambezi' collection consists of a range of large striking cushions. Measuring 45cm square and 6cm deep, they're printed on a cotton linen blend fabric. Each cushion is slightly unique due to the fact that the pattern on the side panel differs slightly on each one. The backs are charcoal cotton with an invisible zip.

Maddox

Safari

Zula - Yellow

Zula - Black & White

Zula - Pink

Zephyr

Zambezi

Designed around the world, the eclectic collection is then handmade in Brisbane, Australia. You can purchase from Kirsten here, but I'd love to know what all you Kiwis think - would you like to see some of these stunning cushions in the Cush & Nooks shop, and which are your favourite designs?

Awesome photography by Briony Masters