February 2010

More from Lamour

Aroha & Friends

As a regular visitor to House of Aroha, the online store/blog of Napier based Aroha Lamour I was excited to see this print that will become part of a new product range they're starting called Aroha & Friends. These guys have super talent, and are bound to come up with some must have designs for the range. Tune in to their blog for more of their work.

Greenlist

in
greenlist

Brought to you by the fabulous people behind the Sustainable Business Network and Ecobob, Greenlist, is a one stop shop for sustainable products and services. From accommodation to food, clothing to building materials, this online directory has everything you need to make the right choice. Click here to find out more.


"We believe sustainability is really about sustaining human life for the long-term. For us to be successful at this we need to re-examine much of what we currently do. Greenlist is an attempt to re-examine the contribution that the products & services we use make."
- Sarah Munro, Greenlist

 

Southland Secrets

Homestyle Magazine

Many years ago, a dear friend of mine moved to the deep dark south for love. Now with the wedding fast approaching and finding myself immersed in bridesmaid duties I find  myself making regular trips to Southland.
On my most recent venture an outing was scheduled to visit the small town of Wyndham; a visit my wallet was not so glad I made! Found on the main street of this small town is  'A Little Bird Told Me'; the reason for our visit. And what a reason. Owner/operator Johanna Stewart opens her boutique store only four afternoons a week but is drawing crowds from around the country. Selling homeware, gifts and accessories sourced from local New Zealand designers and what Johanna regards as the "best from overseas" there is something in this beautiful store for everyone. Opened to complement her restaurant Le Potager Johanna cannot believe the feedback and reaction her store has generated. She has certainly got this small town talking and has many a visitor returning!
 

A Little Bird Told Me, Main St, Wyndham, Phone 03 2064032
 

Bow Ties make the WORLD of difference

Homestyle Magazine

Local fashion house WORLD is supporting the Muscular Dystrophy’s Association (MDA) 2010 Bow Tie Campaign held 20 - 28th February, by designing a limited edition bow tie and a bow tie pin. The exclusively designed bow tie pin will be available in all WORLD stores, as well as ASB branches nationwide for a $2.00 donation during bow tie week.

Muscular Dystrophy Association Managing Director, Chris Higgins says, “We use the bow tie symbol to represent the many difficulties people with a neuromuscular conditions face each day.  It has been wonderful to have our Patron Judy Bailey front the campaign and to partner with WORLD for the 2010 Bow Tie Campaign.”

To make a donation click here.


 

Market Fresh

La Cigale in Parnell

If you're in Auckland and looking for something to do this weekend, I highly recommend a trip to La Cigale; the French farmers market in Parnell. I headed there recently with the intention of grabbing a quick breakfast, and ended up spending a couple of hours trawling the stalls, admiring the wide range of fresh produce and delicious products. With everything from bubbling Paella to a French Fromagerie, you're bound to fill your shopping bag with tasty treats... Whether or not your purchases will make it all the way home is another story!

Not only is La Cigale open on both Saturday and Sunday, but they also offer French bistro dining on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays as well as Market Kitchen Lunches on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Check out their website and you could be in to win a free tagine dinner for six people next Tuesday 23rd February.

La Cigale, 69 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell, Auckland, +64 9 366 9361, lacigale@xtra.co.nz
 

The Barn

Vintage items The Barn
On a recent trip out to North Canterbury we stumbled across The Barn in Kaiapoi. Spending an afternoon idling away amidst the eclectic array of items was easily done. Leaving without a purchase however, was not so easy! See more from The Barn and the talented woman behind its concept in the Feb/Mar issue of homestyle.
 

All That Glitters

homestyle magazine
Last night in Christchurch, homestyle were lucky enough to attend a Linden Leaves evening for the launch of some new products in their GOLD range. Combining the highest quality ingredients with the luxury of pure gold these subtly shimmering products offer a natural pampering skincare like no other; and most of them are made by hand right here in Christchurch! After a demonstration by Minseo Park, Linden Leaves Quality Control Manager, we were provided with the tools of the trade and set to work to make our own GOLD oil. Navigating a small sheet of 23kt gold into the pottle is not an easy task! A great night was had by all, and we can certainly recommend the new GOLD lotion for that little bit of luxury; the perfect balance of shimmer and parfum.
 
 

Sushi Roses For Valentine's Day

Sushi Roses

We wanted to try something a little bit different with roses for our Valentine's story in our February/March issue, so Laura from Harakeke showed us how to make these Sushi Roses. On their own or grouped together in a vase or dish, we love this modern twist on a traditional favourite.

The Kitchen Garden

homestyle magazine
Keeping up to date with backyard vege gardening know how is easy on the internet, and this is a great place to start. From composting to setting out your plots and even choosing the right variety of potatoes, The Kitchen Garden makes vegetable gardening simple, even for beginners.
 

Buyers Guide: Sweets for my Sweets

Homestyle Magazine

We've tried to avoid getting caught up in the consumerism of valentines day, but couldn't resist some of the bits and pieces that have come into our inboxes recently.

[image above clockwise from top left: heart baking cups, heart sprinkles, magnetic fabric hearts, doily tote, puzzle card, aroha card, fini wine glass & champagne flute, kisses cushion, choculator]

[image below clockwise from top left: doiley heart soap, aroha pillow slips, strawberry & champagne truffles, big love card, love rubber stamps, simple valentine, he & she frames].

For The Love Of Fabric

Bolt Of Cloth

Born out of a passion for fabrics and using it creatively, Bolt Of Cloth is a must visit for fabric aficionados and budding seamstresses alike. With a workroom and store in Christchurch, owner Suzannah "wanted people to be able to use the space like a bookstore where you feel welcome to come and browse for ideas", and thats exactly the feel you get when you walk in. With sewing services, an online store and the goal of supporting new designers to the market, Bolt Of Cloth will have new products on their site every week, so add them to your bookmarks!

On a recent visit I was talking to Suzannah about our upcoming home office feature and the fabric noticeboards we were planning to make. After much deliberation over which designs we wanted to use (narrowing our selection down to two patterns was no mean feat!), we came away with Knot Garden on Grey and Bright Buds in Grey from iconic American designer Amy Butler. After finishing these, we've been brainstorming/schemeing up ideas and projects, just so we can have the chance to use more fabrics from the Bolt of Cloth collection!

Photography Lisa Gane

To help you make your own fabric noticeboards, we've posted instructions on our Get Creative page.

Click here for more.