Some time ago I starting documenting the mess in my house...a took a photo of the "reality" and posted it on instagram. It was a "stuff you" moment in which I attempted to bring the real back to social media to show that real life is not all about tidy homes worthy of magazines, styled spaces, perfect selfies. One must understand that social media is a place where most people only post the best of their life and style it accordingly. Sooooo I bravely rebelled and #messymonday was born. However since that little rebellious moment #messymonday has taken on more meaning for me. I have discovered ..read more

I think everyone is guilty of standing in-front of their closet filled to the brim exclaiming "I have nothing to wear" and deep down they know too well that disorganized excess results in more blindless consumerism. In preparation for the No Brand New Challenge and in welcoming Spring, I thought it was perfect timing to do a spring clean of sorts. A spring clean for your mind and home....out with the old mindset of more, and in with the clairity of appreciating what you have right in front of you...its just that the majority of us are too disorganized to find it. This all sounds very metapho ..read more

Home truth...I am a 30 year old female, living in a modern society, who will drink from a takeaway coffee cup, who loves purchasing online and the occasional binge trip to Kmart. I use disposable nappies for my children (big thumbs up to ladies who use cloth, I wish I was more organized and could keep up with the washing) I like the smell of brand new shoes, and quite like meat. I am human and I certainly have a carbon foot print. However the most important thing is that I try, I am trying to leave the world a better place for my children, I am trying to do my bit for the planet. BUT...To b ..read more

According to the very handy BNZ baby calculator the average kiwi spends approximately $16,000 on a new baby in the first year. Yes this includes nappies and food but a big proportion of this goes on nursery set up and equipment. This nursery and its contents cost a grand total of $500 including the clothing...it only took a bit of imagination, DIY, op shopping and some seriously clever sustainable NZ businesses for this colourful retro inspired nursery to come to life. Mostly everything in this nursery space is up-cycled, pre-loved and handmade. Its a sure way to keep costs down and also fee ..read more

I am always amazed at some of the talented individuals I come across here in New Zealand, especially in the No Brand New Movement. This week its particularly important to recognize that there is a story behind each business, each label, each stitch on each piece of cloth. Today marks the end of Fashion Revolution week or the "Who made my clothes" campaign. Much of the global fashion industry is opaque, exploitative and environmentally damaging and desperately needs revolutionary change. So we encourage others to ask brands "who made my clothes" to demand greater transparency. Its not just abo ..read more

For an entire year I set myself the task of buying nothing brand new…its been over a year since that challenge began. Did I succeed…what did I learn…and most importantly what did I gain. I chose Anzac day to publish this “end of the challenge” blog post. Even though the anniversary of my 1 year has been and gone today is far more significant. Anzac day is a day of remembrance, remembering those brave young men and woman who fell defending our country and our freedom, those men and woman who returned from war never to be the same again. I think of both my grandfathers and what they must of se ..read more

Many designers argue that wall art is what matters most in interior design. If chosen and placed thoughtfully it can make all the difference to a harmoniums space, to a mood, to the eye and even to the flow of energy throughout a home. However have you ever sat down in front of a piece of art and really absorbed it? Wondered what the artist was like, their reason for creating it, did happy or sad emotions make the brush stroke? Do you ever wonder if it was created ethically, safely, with passion as the main drive and not commercialism? Yes, a piece of art needs to be admired for its visual a ..read more

Some time ago I starting documenting the mess in my house...a took a photo of the "reality" and posted it on instagram. It was a "stuff you" moment in which I attempted to bring the real back to social media to show that real life is not all about tidy homes worthy of magazines, styled spaces, perfect selfies. One must understand that social media is a place where most people only post the best of their life and style it accordingly. Sooooo I bravely rebelled and #messymonday was born. However since that little rebellious moment #messymonday has taken on more meaning for me. I have discovered ..read more

I think everyone is guilty of standing in-front of their closet filled to the brim exclaiming "I have nothing to wear" and deep down they know too well that disorganized excess results in more blindless consumerism. In preparation for the No Brand New Challenge and in welcoming Spring, I thought it was perfect timing to do a spring clean of sorts. A spring clean for your mind and home....out with the old mindset of more, and in with the clairity of appreciating what you have right in front of you...its just that the majority of us are too disorganized to find it. This all sounds very metapho ..read more

Home truth...I am a 30 year old female, living in a modern society, who will drink from a takeaway coffee cup, who loves purchasing online and the occasional binge trip to Kmart. I use disposable nappies for my children (big thumbs up to ladies who use cloth, I wish I was more organized and could keep up with the washing) I like the smell of brand new shoes, and quite like meat. I am human and I certainly have a carbon foot print. However the most important thing is that I try, I am trying to leave the world a better place for my children, I am trying to do my bit for the planet. BUT...To b ..read more