Last week I went down to Christchurch to work on a design job. Since moving to New Zealand, I’ve now been lucky enough to travel there a total of five times, unfortunately only one pre-earthquake. This last time we were lucky and didn’t work too late in the evening, leaving me the opportunity to do some exploring. I put on my running shoes, stuck my headphones on and just started running.

Now I am possibly one of the worst runners out there, but being able to see this city on foot and see what’s changed, what’s still in taters, what’s been turned into art, was a great eye opener. This city is bursting with creativity and beauty but is still unfortunately full of everyday reminders of travesty from three years ago.

All the images in this post were taken on my iPhone just around golden hour – it was so beautiful to see the city really shine in such rich light.

This city is truly beautiful and is full of possibly the nicest people you’ll ever find in New Zealand. I promise to take some more pictures (with my proper camera) when I’m down there again next week!

This last weekend we attended our first Matakana Indie Market! Located only 45 minutes out of Auckland City, this picturesque village instantly brings a smile to my face. Surrounded by beautiful farmland, cute vintage buildings, and wineries – no wonder this place has become a big hotspot. Sunday turned out to be a beautiful winter’s day – the sun was shining, lot’s of people out and about, and friendly smiley faces everywhere you turned.

We had an absolute blast and can’t wait to do another one in Summer. Here are a few shots we were able to take on the day.

To find out more about Matakana and their markets you can visit the website.

This past week I was lucky enough to go back to my favourite New Zealand town – Wanaka! I positively love this lakeside town. It has an enormous charm, stunning scenery, great eateries, strong coffee – what’s not to love!? While there I popped into one of my favourite stockists Gifted Design Store. I met Rachael and Caz at the last NZ Gift Fair and knew we would hit it off right away! If you’re ever down south and in the area, make sure to pop into their store! Though beware you will want to purchase everything inside!

Store Name: Gifted Design

Your Names: Rachael Bowering and Caz Cruden

Job Title: Co-owners

Location: 19 Helwick st Wanaka

How did the idea of the store come about? There was a real gap in the market when I started it 8 years ago. I use to go the city and covet the beautiful Design Stores wishing there was something like it in Wanaka!!

Why the name? The designers we stock are Gifted!

What kind of products do you sell? Homeware, Jewellery, Leather bags and wallets, Art, Stationery, Occasional furniture.

What are the best and worst things about owning your shop? Best things are….Loving your job, talking to people who love what you’re doing. Finding exciting new product/designers. Worst things Wanaka’s shoulder seasons are a little slow…. need to be careful when ordering and staffing at these times.

What’s your favourite creative outlet? Changing displays….constantly. Also when new stock comes in.

What are your top 5 websites/blogs at the moment and what makes them stand out?

1. Studio Home - We love Studio Home, Julia is constantly sourcing new designers and ideas to keep her blog fresh and addictive!!
2. Design Sponge
3. The design files
4. Fancy
5. Finders Keepers
6. Etsy

How do you find new designers / products to stock? New Zealand and Australian fairs, Magazines, blogs etc and they often find us – which is nice.

What song or album are you currently playing in the shop? Nadia Reid – Letters I wrote and never sent. She played here in Wanaka last week.

Where can people find you physical shop and on the web? 19 Helwick St Wanaka, Also our facebook page – Gifted Design Store

This past March was also Toodles second birthday! Seeing as we didn’t quite celebrate and having my personal NZ anniversary this week – I figured a special something was in order…

…and with that I’ve created the Kiwi Love sale! As of today for the rest of May simply enter:

KIWILOVE

at your checkout through the Etsy store and receive 15% off your purchase!

Thank you everyone for your amazing support and making me feel so welcomed in my new home.

x

 Last week I was extremely lucky and went on holiday to my favourite part of New Zealand – the South Island. Don’t get me wrong, I fell in love with this country six years ago when I came here for a holiday (and never quite left) but there is just something particularly magical about the South. The mountains look like giants, the plains are as vast as your eyes can see, the golden hour seems to last a lifetime and the air is perfectly clean.

This trip we spent four days in the township - Wanaka – where my Mr.’s parents have now built their dream home. My parents flew in from the US (yup, the big meet of the parents!) and we all relaxed, enjoyed some specular wine, food and company surrounded by the most magnificent mountain scenery. I was even lucky enough to stop into a few of my stockists while in town – it’s always such a humbling and “someone pinch me” experience to see my products in shops.  After spending some time in Wanaka helping with the move, touring around some stupendous wineries it was time to travel further south!

I was extremely lucky this trip to see where my Mr. grew up, a teeny tiny township named Te Anau. It’s not exactly a metropolis like my home town, Palo Alto, but his old family farm took my breath away.  It’s no surprise the people from the South are so lovely, just look at where they live! From Te Anau we traveled into what really should be named one of the world wonders: Milford Sound. My parents and I planned to come on a cruise here five years ago but the trip was cancelled due to an earthquake – let me tell ya – it was worth the wait!  We all decided to do an overnight tour which meant we sailed alongside dolphins, saw rainbows, and woke up with fresh snow on the mountains. It really doesn’t get more spectacular than that.

Here is a small list of my favourites from the trip:

• My parents love wine tasting when they come to New Zealand (who doesn’t, right!), the Northburn winery has a fantastic antipasto platter that can be enjoyed on their spectacular lawns.
• There is a fantastic Wood Gallery just outside Wanaka passed Luggate – everything is made there on the premises by the owners. Their cheese boards are really something else.
• Another favourite winery that we visit every trip is Mt. Difficulty. It’s become a tradition to come and have lunch here every time we come to visit Wanaka. They also now make a Chenin Blanc – delish!
• If you’re traveling through Te Anau on your way to or from the Fiords, make sure to put Dunluce Bed & Breakfast on your list. Their hospitality, breakfast and decor was top notch!
• Lastly, here is the overnight cruise we took on Milford Sound. The crew was extremely friendly and knowledgable – highly recommended.

As you can see I have a strong love for New Zealand. It inspires me everyday with its beauty and lovely people. I hope you have enjoyed some of my pictures! x