Bibby + Brady Boutique Shopping Tours

Dael and I are very excited to be launching our very first boutique shopping tour in a month's time - Friday 30th October. We’re fiercely proud of the amazing creative talent we have here in Hawke's Bay, as well as our beautiful scenery, and exceptional food and wine. Bibby + Brady Shopping Tours are a way for us to share 'our' Hawke’s Bay with you.

We will host a group of 8-10 guests on a tour of our favourite shopping destinations for incredible art, furniture and homewares. The ticket price is inclusive of transportation for the day, and morning tea and lunch at two delicious eateries (as well as interior tips and advice from us). You will be treated like V.I.P's receiving special offers and/or the chance to meet and talk with the artists and store owners. Enjoy all of this while taking in our beautiful countryside along the way.

This will be an experience to remember! You will come away feeling inspired and (hopefully) the proud new owner of some amazing pieces for your home. Why not get a group of your girlfriends together and make a day of it. We also have some fantastic accommodation options we can recommend to you, so email us for details. Tickets normally $245 per person, but as a special offer to our lovely Cush & Nooks readers, if you book before October 16th, you can purchase yours for $195. To find out more click here.

Light & Bright

Do you favour a light and neutral palette, or a bright and colourful one? I'm naturally drawn to colour and pattern, but also love an abundance of neutral texture.

A black wall adds weight to a neutral bedroom, and a splash of green sets the scene for a tropical bedroom.

It's hard to go wrong with a classic white kitchen, and a hint of wood or brass brings some warmth and texture. White cabinetry also looks amazing alongside some vivid colour.

A tan leather sofa works well with whites, creams and black; and a yellow velvet sofa sits happily in front of a colourful bookshelf full of fun.

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Made It My Own with Annie Sloan

Annie Sloan developed her unique Chalk Paint™ over 20 years ago, and she is now perhaps the world's most respected expert in decorative paint, colours and techniques. With Chalk Paint™ you get a velvety matt finish without the need for tiresome printing and sanding. The paint sticks to just about any surface... wood, concrete, metal, matt plastic, earthenware and more. Add Annie Sloan Soft Wax to achieve a subtle sheen as well as protection and durability.

The colours available and finishes you can achieve are just amazing, and you'll find a fabulous range of tips and techniques on the website. Try two-colour distressing, a smooth, modern finish, or how about the rustic, chippy look.

Everything you'll need for your painting projects can be found on the Annie Sloan website - paint, wax, brushes, stencils, even books and fragrances, and I'm pretty taken with their range of fabrics.

Get inspired by creations and transformations others have achieved with the help of the Annie Sloan range...

And when you're ready to start on your own project, you can share and show off your creative flair and up-cycling skills, as well the chance to win $100's of Annie Sloan prizes. Made It My Own with Annie Sloan is running until the end of September, so there's still time to be a part of it. To find out what's involved and how to enter click here.