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Inspired by the colour green we found our 'must haves' on the market, envious that we don't have each and every item!

Email and text messages may be our primary form of written communication these days, but nothing beats a postcard in the post... Except maybe a postcarden! This mini garden arrives packaged as a postcard, with no weeding required

Check them out at the Third Drawer Down online store, and while you're there browse their ever increasing selection of limited edition textiles, objects and stationery items.

This is the last week to catch the Design Make Sunlounger exhibition at the Waiheke Art Gallery.

Eight designers from around the country including Marion Courtille, Andy Halewood, Roger Kelly, Edward Prince, Tom Kerr, Don Stodart and Paul Rhind contributed new concepts for Sun Lounger designs, and Hawkes Bay designer Chad Heays was announced the winner with his Sahara sun lounger.

Sponsored by Design Denmark in Auckland, the award was judged in Denmark by the design team from leading Danish furniture brand, Skagerak Denmark. The judges commented on the high standard of New Zealand designs “I’m truly impressed at the high level of both the design and craftsmanship,” Director, Trip Trap Denmark, Anders Bundgaard, said.
"As a design item made for outdoor use it (the Sahara sun lounger) has several important and valuable qualities. It has sculptural form giving the lounger a distinct expression and makes it at piece of furniture that’s both functional and holds high aesthetic value.”

There are so many New Zealand designers doing innovative work out there at the moment, and this is another great example in the field of furniture.

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.

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.

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!
 

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.

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.