Sponsor Shout-out: East West Organics

I'm super thrilled to welcome back East West Organics as sponsors.  Don't forget, Aucklanders, their  Super Store in New Lynn (complete with cafe, Art and Crafts Gallery, Heritage Garden Centre and Natural Health Clinic) is the perfectest place to go and get ALL your Christmas shopping done!  And if I'm on your Christmas list *wink wink* I loooove me some organic coffee and/or chocolate *wink frenzy*. 

If you are heading to the Super Store, don't forget to stop in at Ethos Cafe, which has been getting great reviews already.  And while you're in there, try one of their raw macarons (as seen on Growmama blog).  They sell a range of gourmet vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free and raw food, including something called a raw food stack which sounds kinda amazing...  And fyi the orginal East West Organics is STILL open, in Auckland's Glen Eden.  More options :-)

East West Organics have started a lifestyle blog entitled New Leaf, where they have lots of handy compilations of awesome gift ideas.  Check. Them. Out.  You can all check them out on their facebook page too, and stay up to date with new products, events and specials.  

If you are in the Auckland region do check these guys out, sounds like they have every base of awesomeness completely covered, and extra bonus, both stores are near train stations and on bus routes - so there are no excuses.  Christmas shopppppppppping.  Just sayin'. x

Sponsor Shoutout: Emma Makes

Hi Lovelies!  I'm super thrilled to have Emma Makes sponsoring me for the Christmas season.  This is a store you will definitely want to get acquainted with this Christmas, with so many beautiful (mostly handmade) products to choose from.  And what could be more appealing than doing all your Christmas shopping in your PJs?  Um, nothing.  Other than, perhaps, free gift wrapping (just ask at checkout)?!  Boom!

Emma is totally able to send overseas to meet international Christmas posting dates, and posts most orders by courier so you don't need to worry about lost or slow postage.  And you could basically buy all your pressies and have them gift-wrapped and sent to all your recipients.  And it will take like, 5 minutes tops.  Dude.

So I have handpicked some of my favourite items to share with y'all.  I shared my favourite Witty Pencils in this post (and bought a few to add to Christmas stockings).  I kinda want all of these bags for myself (and there are sooooo many other pretty ones in her collection - clever lass)...

1. Yellow Spot and Floral Big Bag 2. Navy + Floral Pleated Purse 3. Floral Dot Pixie Bag 4. Yellow Rose Big Bag

And some super cute stocking fillers...

1. Heart on a Stick  2. Rosa Journal (or any of her other CUTE journals) 3. Giddy Up Foldover Clutch 4. Tiny Tin 5. Purple Flower Treasure Tin 6. Brown Spot Pencil Case  

Happy e-shopping, friends xx

Sponsor Shoutout: Felt.co.nz

Back again with a spotlight on Felt, only our favourite place to shop in all of the NZ based online-land!  I've had the opportunity to meet the creator, graphic designer Lucy Arnold, on several occasions now, and she is just LOVELY!  She is joined on the team by Jo (support desk and blog) and Marcel (site maintenance and development) - working from a heritage building overlooking the Avon River in Christchurch, where they watch kingfishers alight from the tree outside their window.  Sounds kind of amazing right?

Felt is constantly on the grow, with more than half a million visitors in the past year, and over 22,000 products listed by the hand-makers of Aotearoa.  That's pretty epic!  There are sooooo many amazing products on there, such easy peasy Christmas shopping.  And to make it even easier for you, Felt-elves have also created a most excellent Christmas guide too.  Boom!

There are a bunch of different categories that cover all the bases, and I've already bookmarked some adorable items for this Christmas and for birthdays next year...  Here are some more of my faves, though there are SO many beaut items in there, it's pretty hard to pick.... (clockwise from top left)

1. Pillow Fighting Clubs.  2. Matakana Plant Markers.  3. Rainbow Raincloud Hanging. 4. Moths & Flowers Art Print.

1. Felt Donuts.  2. Resin Bangle.  3. Wooden Flying Bird.  4. Little Monster Softie

Go and have a look at their selection of handpicked Christmas gifts, there are so many beautiful handmade items listed... xx

Sponsor Shoutout: Emma Makes

Hi Lovelies!  I'm super thrilled to have Emma Makes sponsoring me for the Christmas season.  This is a store you will definitely want to get acquainted with this Christmas, with so many beautiful (mostly handmade) products to choose from.  And what could be more appealing than doing all your Christmas shopping in your PJs?  Um, nothing.  Other than, perhaps, free gift wrapping (just ask at checkout)?!  Boom!

Emma is totally able to send overseas to meet international Christmas posting dates, and posts most orders by courier so you don't need to worry about lost or slow postage.  And you could basically buy all your pressies and have them gift-wrapped and sent to all your recipients.  And it will take like, 5 minutes tops.  Dude.

So I have handpicked some of my favourite items to share with y'all.  I shared my favourite Witty Pencils in this post (and bought a few to add to Christmas stockings).  I kinda want all of these bags for myself (and there are sooooo many other pretty ones in her collection - clever lass)...

1. Yellow Spot and Floral Big Bag 2. Navy + Floral Pleated Purse 3. Floral Dot Pixie Bag 4. Yellow Rose Big Bag

And some super cute stocking fillers...

1. Heart on a Stick  2. Rosa Journal (or any of her other CUTE journals) 3. Giddy Up Foldover Clutch 4. Tiny Tin 5. Purple Flower Treasure Tin 6. Brown Spot Pencil Case  

Happy e-shopping, friends xx

Sponsor Shoutout: East West Organics

I'm super thrilled to welcome back East West Organics as sponsors.  These guys are doing amazing things, and I for one cannot wait to check out their new Super Store in New Lynn (complete with cafe, Art and Crafts Gallery, Heritage Garden Centre and Natural Health Clinic). 

The Super Store opened to a packed audience on Labour Day, with music, spot prizes, beautiful food and drinks all laid on.  Dude.  Sounds amaze.  Ethos Cafe (within the Super Store) is already getting great reviews and I for one NEED to try one of their raw macarons (as seen on Growmama blog).  They sell a range of gourmet vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free and raw food, including something called a raw food stack which sounds kinda amazing...  And fyi the orginal East West Organics is STILL open, in Auckland's Glen Eden.  Just so ya know.

East West Organics have started a lifestyle blog entitled New Leaf, read a wee intro about it here.  You can all check them out on their facebook page too, and stay up to date with new products, events and specials.  

If you are in the Auckland region do check these guys out, sounds like they have every base of awesomeness completely covered, and extra bonus, both stores are near train stations and on bus routes - so there are no excuses.  Plus, Christmas shopping.  Just sayin'. x

Sponsor Shoutout: Felt.co.nz

Well I'm sure you've ALL heard about Felt, only our favourite place to shop in all of the NZ based online-land!  I've had the opportunity to meet the creator, graphic designer Lucy Arnold, on several occasions now, and she is just LOVELY!  She is joined on the team by Jo (support desk and blog) and Marcel (site maintenance and development) - working from a heritage building overlooking the Avon River in Christchurch, where they watch kingfishers alight from the tree outside their window.  Sounds kind of amazing right?

Felt is constantly on the grow, with more than half a million visitors in the past year, and over 22,000 products listed by the hand-makers of Aotearoa.  That's pretty epic!  There are sooooo many amazing products on there, such easy peasy Christmas shopping.  And to make it even easier for you, Felt-elves have also created a most excellent Christmas guide too.  Boom!

There are a bunch of different categories that cover all the bases, and I've already bookmarked some adorable items for this Christmas and for birthdays next year...  Here are some of my faves, though there are SO many beaut items in there, it's pretty hard to pick....

Clockwise from top left:  Girl in the Wind Tee, "She'll Be Right" Cushion Cover, Fantail Mini Print Postcard (by Faery Sarah), Dreaming of the Blues - Pillowcase Set.

Clockwise from top left: Printed Pincushion - Kitty, Emergency Bucket-O-Porridge Kit, Queen Elizabeth Bunting, Lady Luck - Conversations with Creative New Zealand Women (p.s. look out for an interview with Yours Truly in this one!), Retro Tea Pot Print.

The only downside with online shopping is that you can't bump into randoms while you shop.  I'm heading there now, but I guess we won't run into each other...  And I might just beat you to the best items! xx

Super sweet deal at Emma Makes

Hi Lovelies!  I'm super thrilled to have Emma Makes sponsoring me for the Christmas season.  This is a store you will definitely want to get acquainted with this Christmas, with so many beautiful (mostly handmade) products to choose from.  And what could be more appealing than doing all your Christmas shopping in your PJs?  Um, nothing.  Other than, perhaps, free gift wrapping (just ask at checkout)?!  Boom!  

Emma is totally able to send overseas to meet international Christmas posting dates, and posts most orders by courier so you don't need to worry about lost or slow postage.  And you could basically buy all your pressies and have them gift-wrapped and sent to all your recipients.  And it will take like, 5 minutes tops.  Dude.

To make matters even cooler, Emma contacted me a little while ago and offered to run this promotion on a new product that I am particularly fond of!  Some of you will recognise the design as that of Rosa-May (my sis), who created the beautiful wallpaper for the Emma Makes store.  Now that same design is featured on these glorious notebooks, and I wantsneeds one.  

For every purchase of a Rosa journal (they are totally called that, yuss!) from now until next Tuesday (5th Nov), purchasers will be sent a selection of FIVE free Witty Pencils!!  Yeah, I know!!  I'm already trying to work out how many of these I need to purchase to get me through end-of-year birthdays and secret santa gifts.  And I may need to purchase some Jane Austen pencils while I'm at it, because obviously.

From now until Christmas Emma will be blogging every day on the Emma Makes blog with a big focus on Christmassy ideas, tips, and ways to avoid stress.  Go check it  x

July's Featured Sponsors

This month's featured sponsors are  East West Organics & Greatfun Designs - two awesome businesses that I am so proud to call sponsors...

East West Organics is a gorgeous store filled with all the types of products that I so love.  From food, housecleaning products & baby things to seeds, supplements and books.  All of these lovely organic items, and much more.  Not only this, but they have in-store naturopaths (handy!) who can make up a batch of whatever herbal formula your body might be needing.  If you are in the Auckland region, pop in to East West Organics (they have a store in Glen Eden and a superstore opening soon in New Lynn) and say hi, these guys look super friendly and have an amazing array of organic goodness available - not to mention an organic cafe and bakery - yum!   I only wish I'd had time to visit during my recent trip, I could build a massive wishlist of products from their extensive range.  They also have a pretty awesome Social Media Queen, who blogs over at Growmama (you probably know her already).

Greatfun Designs is the one-stop shop for bloggers looking for some professional blog design assistance.  If you are hoping to take your blog to the next level, and want a polished new look to go with your awesome content (or if you want to freshen things up, just for fun), pop over and have a look at the wide range of options Simone offers for upgrading your blog design.  Simone blogs at Greatfun4kids (we co-presented at the first annual BlogCon in April, alongside the super sweet Sophie of Sophie Slim [alliteration!] - and Simone is just lovely in real life) and has a host of blog make-overs under her belt, including two of my favourite bloggers, Deb of Works In Progress and Miriam of Create Hope Inspire.  Simone offers a menu of options starting at basic blog redesigns, all the way up to complete blog makeovers.  Go and have a look!

Welcome lovely sponsors, it's a privilege having you hanging in my sidebar! x

June's Featured Sponsors!

I have a few awesome new sponsors this month!  Yay!  This month's featured sponsors are Emma Makes, East West Organics & Greatfun Designs - three awesome businesses that I am so proud to call sponsors...

Emma Makes dropped in a few weeks ago to offer my readers an awesome discount on her range of Autumn purses.  I know that a bunch of you popped over and took advantage of that sale (including the most lovely someone who sent me on of these beautiful purses for my own self!), and will have seen some of the other beauteous things that Emma makes and sells.  For those of you who didn't manage to visit her then, I must implore you to click through and take a look now!  Not only does she have some stunning webshop wallpaper designed by my lovely sister, but Emma is one of those crazy talented types who can turn ordinary objects into items of desire.  She. Is. Clever. (Example: check out her gorgeous design for the Tiny Eyes collaboration project!).

East West Organics is a new-to-me store, filled with all the types of products that I so love.  From food, housecleaning products & baby things to seeds, supplements and books.  All of these lovely organic items, and much more.  Not only this, but they have in-store naturopaths (handy!) who can make up a batch of whatever herbal formula your body might be needing.  If you are in the Auckland region, pop in to East West Organics (they have a store in Glen Eden and a superstore opening soon in New Lynn) and say hi, these guys look super friendly and have an amazing array of organic goodness available - not to mention an organic cafe and bakery - yum!   I only wish I'd had time to visit during my recent trip, I could build a massive wishlist of products from their extensive range.  They also have a pretty awesome Social Media Queen, who blogs over at Growmama (you probably know her already).

Greatfun Designs is the one-stop shop for bloggers looking for some professional blog design assistance.  If you are hoping to take your blog to the next level, and want a polished new look to go with your awesome content (or if you want to freshen things up, just for fun), pop over and have a look at the wide range of options Simone offers for upgrading your blog design.  Simone blogs at Greatfun4kids (we co-presented at the first annual BlogCon in April, alongside the super sweet Sophie of Sophie Slim [alliteration!] - and Simone is just lovely in real life) and has a host of blog make-overs under her belt, including two of my favourite bloggers, Deb of Works In Progress and Miriam of Create Hope Inspire.  Simone offers a menu of options starting at basic blog redesigns, all the way up to complete blog makeovers.  Go and have a look!

Welcome lovely sponsors, it's such a privilege having you hanging in my sidebar! x

Sponsorship discount yo!

If you are thinking about giving sponsorship a go, I'm offering 2 ads for the price of 1 this birthday month!  Alternatively, if you only want a months worth - you will get 50% off!  Either way, cheaper than usual ;-)

Sponsor Feature: Tiny Eyes

Introducing one of my very favourite bloggers and hand-makers, the lovely Dee*Construction (yeah, I so don't need to tell you who she is huh!).  But just in case you haven't stumbled across this talent yet, then you need to know that Dee not only pens a beautiful blog, but she also makes these a.dorable dolls.  I know what I'm talking about here, we have two gorgeous Tiny Eyes dolls in this house, the uber cool Lemon Cohen, and his cute gal pal Lena.  Dee also made the sweetest little chappy for me to send over to my tiny premmie nephew a few years back.  From first hand experience, these dolls are exquisitely made, and not to mention a very stylish addition to any nursery or child's bedroom (ask Deb, she has a few too!).

I'm am constantly in awe of this lady, not only because she is awesome-in-every-way (though she totes is), has five GORGE children whom she home-schools, and is definitely the hostess with the mostess - but also the amazing ideas she continues to come up with for her doll-making.  If you follow her facebook page, you will have see her super stylish Dee*Luxe dolls, her Get Stuffed dolls (custom made wearing outfits like their human counterparts), dolls made to help raise money for Heart Kids NZ, dolls out of doilies, Courage & Comfort dolls (donated to special children in need of both - yeah, that gets me too *tearing up for reals*).  Creativity and kindness all combined, and a super mum at that.  

To find out more about this talented lady, follow her blog & her facebook page.  And of course, go ahead and order one of her amaze-pants dolls x

Sponsor Feature: Olive & Pimento

I discovered Olive & Pimento through a friend who had fallen in love with their wax seal necklaces - and it wasn't long before I had too.  I'm a sentimental girl, and the sentiments behind these necklaces are very lovely.  My personal favourite - the Bend, Don't Break necklace, is such a beautiful reminder that even in those darker moments, we have the strength to dig our roots into the ground and weather the storm.  I would totally choose this Spirited Horse pendant for Eleanor, because, you know.  She's my brumby.  I love giving gifts like this, ones that will be treasured right through childhood and adult life.  So lovely.

Olive & Pimento are a New Zealand business, based in Auckland.  I love the way they describe themselves - "Olive & Pimento are merchants of unique treasures and a place where pretty things live." Having always been a treasure seeker myself (I used to walk the pavements with my eyes to the kerb, in case some stray treasure had been abandoned there - sometimes I lucked out and found a marble, or, on other days, a bottle cap), I totally dig that description, and heartily agree that the pretty things do indeed live there.  

Party Tatto Set, Ship Over Stormy Seas, Tainted Love Shea Butter Hand Creme, Premier Tatto Set, Bend, Don't Break Pendant, Sing Song Leather Journal

Olive & Pimento specialize in beautiful jewellery, quirky and whimsical temporary tattoos, gorgeous journals and lovely, high quality skincare products (keep an eye out, I have a tube of Tainted Love TokyoMilk to give away soon!).  They also offer free NZ shipping for orders over $125, and free Aus shipping for orders over $200.  Yay!

Keep up to date with Olive & Pimento via their blog, Twitter, and Facebook.   It's a pleasure to have this beautiful store sponsoring my blog, do pop over and gaze upon all those pretty things!

Sponsor Update: Croutons

Outfit details

Eleanor: Tee from The Kidstore (gifted), skirt via Croutons

Garland: Tee via Croutons, Pumpkin Patch shorts (thrifted), vintage shoes (thrifted)

My lovely sponsor Rhiannon of Croutons - is joining me again this year.  Lucky me!  She recently sent these gorgeous summer pieces for my kiddos, a cute scrappy tee for the baby, and this beautiful skirt for the girl.   I happen to know that Rhiannon is rather preoccupied at the moment, but her felt store will be reopening soon - and I'll make sure you're the first to know...  In the meantime, stay up to day via her facebook page. 

Christmas Advent Ideas: Day 21 - Christmas Party

We are so lucky to live where we live.  Having a woodland area on our own property is such a treat for us (having previously survived with the tiniest backyard known to mankind).  I have been wanting to host a little woodland party for a while now, and I found it to be the perfect location for a small Christmas party.  Thanks to my sponsor, Pop Roc Parties, I was able to add some gorgeous little touches to this party that made it extra special (those Birch Straws stole my heart). I made all the food the night before, barring the sandwiches which I prepared in the morning.  It required very little set up, and we were ready for our guests long before they arrived.  After the party, the children exchanged Christmas gifts with each other, taking them home to open.  

Details:

Food - Milk in bottles, Chocolate Wreaths, Snowman Sandwiches, Christmas Puddings, Snowpeas (brought by a friend) & strawberries.

Games - Find The Candy Canes.  Zan hid these candy cane sticks in the trees, and the kiddos searched for them.  They also shared Christmas crackers after they'd eaten.

Decorations - Wreath c/o Pop Roc Parties.  Deer & Christmas Tree Toppers made into a snow globe, using this Christmas Snow Powder c/o Pop Roc Parties (the globe was part of the packaging from a gift E received recently.  Never throw away curved plastic ;-)).  Birch straws c/o Pop Roc Parties.  Mini Milk Bottles c/o Pop Roc Parties.  Thrifted tablecloth.  Table and toadstools belonging to Eleanor.  Handmade stool via my childhood.

I took more pictures on my sister's camera, which included our third guest (this guy), but we haven't yet swapped them over...  I may share them here soon.