Welcome 2014!

Hey everyone, I'm back! I hope you all had a brilliant Christmas and New Year, and a well deserved break. 2013 was a big year for me, with the introduction of my interior business, Bibby + Brady, and my little family getting busier every day. I really needed some R&R, and the beautiful Kuratau, in Taupo, is always the perfect place to relax and unwind.

As sad as it was to leave Kuratau, I love coming home. Home is my sanctuary, and this homecoming, in particular, reinforced to me how important it is to create a beautiful haven for you and your family. I was reading an excerpt from Kelly Hoppen's 'Design Masterclass' in the latest YH&G magazine which really touched me... 

The whole experience of 'coming home' is one we value more and more in a world that is fast, noisy and, at times, threatening. The moment we cross our threshold, we feel the cares slip from our shoulders and we are cocooned in comfort, safety and warmth. Our homes are our greatest asset, not just financially but also for our sense of wellbeing and happiness.

I know you feel the same way, and I'm really excited about the chance to bring you even more interior inspiration this year. I really thrive on your feedback, so I'd love you to think about the features you most like to read on the Cush & Nooks blog, and what you'd like to see more of. I'll be putting together a short survey, and I'd be most appreciative if you could take a few minutes to fill it in. By taking part in the survey you'll go into the draw to win a little something - watch this space!

all photos of my precious family and home

One of the awesome new features on the blog is the MONTHLY SPECIAL, which features on the top right hand panel. For the month of January there is 20% off all artwork in the Cush & Nooks shop. There are only one or two of each piece, so if you have your eye on one, snap it up.

Every month there will be a new special from either Cush & Nooks or one of my other favourite online shops (if you have an online shop and you're interested in taking part, contact me for details). I hope 2014 is off to a cracking start for you. Please bear with me over the next few weeks as I balance work and three lively children.

Mybuckett

Have you discovered Mybuckett yet? It's a fabulous new concept in shopping. Design guru and global adventurer, Peter Reid, has sourced many amazing products from his travels around the world and brought them together in one place for our shopping pleasure. I've always admired Peter's style, from when I first discovered him at his Auckland design store, Republic. He shares my love for unique and eclectic pieces that help make a beautiful statement in your home.

It's not just the pieces that are unique - Mybuckett is the only store in the world designed with generosity in mind. As well as enjoying your newly purchased products, you also get the opportunity to give back to charities and loved ones. Here's how it works... 

Once you make a purchase you receive a 20% giftback. 10% of the value of your product is returned directly to your Buckett to use as discounts on future purchases; or you can choose to donate any portion of that 10% to a selection of New Zealand charities. You then gift the other 10% to your Mybuckett friends, and hopefully they'll return the favour! How great is that?! Retail therapy just got even better! Here are some of my favourite products...

There are two great Christmas specials running at the moment, so it's the perfect time to get that last minute shopping done. Spend $150 or more and receive a FREE 3ft Fluro Christmas Tree. Purchase a one-of-a-kind Spinning Globe and receive a FREE 7ft Fluro Christmas Tree. These are guaranteed to bring joy and vibrancy into your home!

Mitsubishi Electric Heat Pumps - The Designer Series

I got a lot of interest and positive feedback from a blog post I did recently on the home of the gorgeous Sarah Hamilton. In particular, Sarah's feature wall designed to distract the eye from her Mitsubishi heat pump, was very well received.

I love our heat pump, and the fact that we're warm and cosy at the push of a button, but they can be quite large and ungraceful on your wall, if we're being honest. So I was thrilled when Mitsubishi contacted me recently to let me know about their range of heat pumps called 'The Designer Series' which they released at the beginning of this year.

These super slimline units featuring elegant clean lines and bevelled edges, are available in matte silver, glossy black, and classic white to complement your home's decor and existing appliances. How perfectly brilliant!

You'll be able to see The Designer Series heat pumps used on The Block NZ. Ben & Libby chose the stunning silver model in their winning home last year (below).

Mitsubishi are currently running a fantastic competition called 'SHOW US YOUR STYLE', where first prize is a Designer Series heat pump of your choice. All you have to do is head over to the Mitsubishi Facebook page and upload a photo or two of your most favourite room. Whether it's your bedroom or kitchen, vintage or modern... make sure it's looking fabulous and you're in with A CHANCE TO WIN! 

Mitsubishi Electric will select the best rooms and the public will be able to vote for their favourite. Get the most votes and you will be the proud new owner of your own Designer Series heat pumps. Four runner's up will each receive $1,000 worth of Dulux paint.
What an awesome competition - get photographing, and good luck!