Dream Job

Being an interior stylist must be one of the coolest jobs. Styling for magazine shoots, commercials, set dressing, as well as private homes (my sister-n-law, Rachel, is very clever at that). Have a look at the work of these three stylists... you can clearly see their differing styles, and they are all are pretty inspiring.

Claire Larritt-Evans from Australia

Jessica Allen from New Zealand

Pippa Jameson from England

Windows to the Soul

Here is another amazingly talented photographer, and he is local to Hawke's Bay - Go The Bay! I've fallen in love with Richard Wood's photos, they are just sublime... the eyes say it all. He can tell a story with a single shot. It was hard not to show all his photos, but I managed to narrow it down to my favourites. See much more on his website, and his Facebook page.

If that doesn't make any overseas Kiwis homesick, I don't know what would!

I love this photo - just amazing

A little girl in front of her ruined house after the Christchurch earthquake - so powerful

Just because I love horses!

The beautiful Yvonne

How cool - taken for his daughter with a long exposure and a torch

Mix and Match

You had me at pattern! Mixing bold colours and pattern, in my eye, is a little bit of magic. Stripes, geometrics, florals, spots... just be confident, and mix them up.

The mix of bright magenta patterns work with the muted tones of the wallpaper

So fresh and pretty

Anna Spiro is definitely not afraid of colour or pattern

A variety of colours and patterns, but they all work beautifully together

It would be hard to get out of this bed - such a happy place

Great for clothes too - pretty yet relaxed

Nga Waiata Rings

Beautiful jewellery made by a beautiful woman. Nga Waiata is an artist and jewellery designer who lives and works here in Napier. She was working in local designer boutique, House of Aroha one day when my husband and I were shopping for homewares (fancy that, me shopping for homewares!). We had all three girls, and Nga Waiata just took them under her wing in her calm, gentle way so that we could shop in peace.
Her gorgeous knuckleduster rings are made from a variety of natural crystals and recycled native woods. See more of them and read what qualities the different crystals have, here on her website, and her blog.

Beautifully packaged and heading to London

Toyah, Colin and Kelly wearing their Nga Waiata rings

A Splash of Yellow

Just recently I've taken a real fancy to a splash of warm yellow - not too much, just a splash. What do you think?

I love the yellow with the white and green - quite citrusy!

A Moroccan Pouffe is a fantastic way to introduce a bold splash of colour

J'adore!

Pretty in paisley

The bag makes the outfit, I love it!

Born to Run

Thanks to everyone's comments and interest in my store - both on my blog, Facebook, and in person. I'm hoping to have it open to the public sometime in July (fingers crossed, will keep you posted).
I mentioned yesterday how a few things are being neglected while I set up shop, one being my fitness. I really miss my running - I'm staying up at night way too late, and not able to get up early enough for my morning jog. When I get back to it these are some of my running essentials...

Yurbuds - the most awesome ear buds that fit over your normal ipod earphones. Designed by an Ironman Triathlete and a 24-time marathoner, they never fall out, and it doesn't even feel like you're wearing anything. Take it from me, they are fantastic!
iPod Nano - of course the yurbuds are no good without an ipod.
Inspirational Music - load up your iPod with some really motivational tunes. My favourites to run to are "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor (go Rocky!) and Rihana.
Lorna Jane clothes - these are the best clothes for working out, super comfy and super stylish.
Nike running shoes - you definitely need good running shoes if you're hitting the pavements.
Running buddy - Sam is my perfect running buddy. She's always ready when I am, great company, and she doesn't mind that I listen to my music and don't talk to her!

Sweet Work Space

It's been a busy couple of days - exciting, but busy! I'm getting closer to opening the Cush & Nooks online homewares store. I'm still working my day job, raising three young daughters, looking after hubby, walking the dog, keeping the house in order (cos I can't function in mess)... it's been a busy time, but so exciting! A few things are suffering - my fitness has gone out the window (apart from the dog walking), I haven't baked in a long time, and I'm not getting much sleep. But I know I'll get all those things back soon.


Since I'm spending so much time on my computer I'm glad I like my work area. Here is another space I'd be happy to work...

Picture Source

Lindi Kingi's Exciting New Range

If you've been following my blog you'll know I'm a big fan of Lindi Kingi and her beautiful jewellery. I'm so excited about the new range she's working on - loving the feathers, and look at those colours - wohoo!

Papercuts

This is the beautiful paper-cut art of British designer and illustrator Julene Harrison. I think it's just amazing. What a cool way to be proposed to - you get to keep the proposal forever!

Images found here via here

Warm & Cool

I love the contrast of cool, classy blue with the warmth and fun of hot pink...

Topshop lips | Kurt Geiger clutch | Kurt Geiger shoe | Bluebellgray cushion | Lilly Pulitzer

Beautiful bedroom

Relax

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time". J. Lubbock

picture source

It's comforting to read those words today, as I'm having a very idle day. We were out with friends last night at our favourite restaurant, Milk & Honey. Great night, but feeling a wee bit weary today! PS: I love cloud watching.

Biking in Style

My husband is a hard-core mountain biker. He and his friends do the most crazy things - huge jumps, biking across a tiny log with a huge drop into a river below, insane downhill tracks! He laughs at me every time I get my bike out - he thinks I look like a grandma, but I know I look styley - just like these girls!

The Audrey Hepburn Look

How beautiful is that!

Sarah Michelle Gellar agrees with me

These Alexander Girard bikes are a work of art - I love them

She has my Carrie Bicycle Basket - I bought that before my bike, that's how much I love it

Great biking outfit

Getting married on bikes is quite popular apparently