In my recent Reader Survey most of you told me that you love discovering new products and online shops, so I have a fantastic one to share with you today... Feather the Nest is a beautiful new online shop providing 100% organic cotton sheets, duvets, blankets and cushions for the little people in your life.
Many online shops/businesses are formed when someone finds a gap in the market, or struggles to find something they want. This is exactly why Portia Treadwell and Mitch Campbell formed Feather the Nest. When they discovered they were expecting their first baby, they were part way through a major house renovation. Their planned office suddenly became the nursery and they began to get ready for their new arrival.
What they had trouble sourcing was the organic bedding they wanted for their baby, and they found they weren't alone. So they began to import the beautiful Uimi products - designed and manufactured in Melbourne from all natural fibres, including extra fine merino wool and organic cotton. I am so thrilled to have a Uimi Indiana cushion from Feather the Nest in my daughter's bedroom. You know I love to pattern mix - my rule is stick to a palette of three main colours, in this case, blue, green and pink (with accents of black and gold). The Indiana cushion in mint is a perfect addition, and it's delightfully snuggly and tactile.
Feather the Nest are also proud to be the exclusive New Zealand stockist of the new 'Oh Deer!' and "Whale of a Time' ranges from Goo Collection in Australia. The collection is made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, and includes sheet sets, duvet sets, quilt covers and cushions.
With such great quality products already available from Feather the Nest, it's exciting to imagine what will come next. Well, keep watching because Portia and Mitch have big plans - the team will be heading to New York and Asia later in the year to source more fabulous products especially for you and your little ones. Pop over to their website to see the full range, and see how you can follow them to catch all the latest news.
I keep a folder on my desktop of my favourite finds during the week, and this time they seem to have, unconsciously, fallen into two distinct categories - healthy & wellbeing, and cute & cuddly.
I'm a big fan of Lorna Jane activewear, and they usually have a free gift when you spend $150 or more. Currently you get this great citrus squeeze water bottle to give your water that extra zing. We all know that we're supposed to drink lots of water to keep us healthy and hydrated, and I always have my water bottle on hand. But for those who struggle to drink their quota, this is a brilliant idea - a bit of flavour may be all they need to make it more appealing. Be quick though, this particular offer only runs until 25th February, or while stocks last.
One of my young daughters is having trouble getting to sleep, with her overly active imagination fueled by a scary movie she saw at her friend's place recently. So to relax her before bed I've been doing a simple yoga routine with the twins. Although this is called 'good morning yoga sequence' it seems to work in the evenings to stretch out their little bodies and leave them with a sense of wellbeing. They absolutely love it - I may have created a couple of yoga addicts!
If you're looking for something beautifully delicious for you or your friend's baby, Coast New Zealand have created The Baby Mac. It's a smaller version of their Mackenzie Throw, and made out of 100% NZ wool, it's light and breathable while still being snuggly and super warm. You can also have your choice of initials embroidered onto your blanket turning it into a family heirloom.
I happily stumbled across the most gorgeous Danish online shop called De Winkel Van Woonblog (super cute name!). They have some some adorable products and they ship to New Zealand.
As the owner of two cats I can tell you they would love these cute hideaways - the CatCube and the Cat Tipi - and because of their cool design, I'd be happy to have them in our home.
Lucky last (my favourite), my Mum bought the book Quake Dogs for my niece at Christmas time, and my girls loved it so much she bought them their own copy this week. It's a collection of stories about dogs that were affected by, and survived the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. Some were rescuers, some were rescued, some of the stories will make you chuckle, and as a hopeless dog lover, some made me cry!
If you're a fellow dog lover I highly recommend this book by Laura Sessions with simply beautiful photography by Craig Bullock. Part of the proceeds from the book go to support HUHA, a national organisation that works to rescue and re-home animals around the country. They went to Christchurch three times to take more than 70 dogs, plus numerous other animals, to safe and loving homes elsewhere in the country.
I love working on interiors for our Bibby + Brady residential clients, but we recently got to put together a design for a restaurant, which was amazing and so much fun. In commercial jobs you get to be a bit more adventurous and daring than you would be in someone's home. It wasn't a complete re-design, certain elements were to remain.
With restaurants, especially those that are only open in the evening, the ambience and atmosphere are very important. Lighting is great for creating that. We chose the most divine black wallpaper covered in a native New Zealand design - ferns, tui, crayfish, kowhai... This was to run down one wall behind the high banquet seating, teamed with gorgeous brass wall sconces and black chairs. We wanted to create a sophisticated, moody atmosphere.
At the entrance to the restaurant there is a bar area which has a more casual, relaxed feel. This is where you can have a drink while you wait for a table. We opted for deep sea blues, and sandy golds. Copper pendants hang over the restaurant servery echoing the wall-mounted lights. Behind the servery the kitchen is a flood of bright light, in contrast to the softly lit restaurant.
If you have a cafe or restaurant and would like our help, don't hesitate to get in touch.
