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12 Days of Christmas | Winners + Moodboards

As promised, I have put together a list of the 12 Days of Christmas winners. I was blown away by all the entries! Special thanks to those who left lovely messages in their emails and sorry I couldn't reply personally to all of them. Of course I couldn't have done it without all the wonderful companies who participated, along with their generous contributions. I'm sure you'll agree the prizes were all fabulous and I hope that those who were lucky enough to win, gain lots of enjoyment from them!

Kauniste - Sophie Abell, Tracey Currington, Rebecca Barrow
Superette - Tracy Kavanagh
Paper Plane Store - Julia Paraha
The Fairy Light Shop - Fleur Maggs, Angela Smith
MintSix - Saralaya Frost

Tessuti - Lorena Barnes

The Wooden Horse - Emily Burn
Perch Home - Tania Hitchcock

Pencil and Hammer - Kristina Martin
George Art - Mary Rodgers

Indie Home Collective - Jacqueline Johnson
Good Regards - Sharon King, Gretchen Rowe, Frances Sandford

Tuturu Home - Tonya Drabble, Anna Mantell, Mel love
George & Willy - Savanah Ganly
Jamie Kay - Rose Dowall
Koko Classics - Jaimee Viner

I also want to thank my friend, graphic designer Heather Mason, who created the gorgeous 12 Days of Christmas artwork, and to those companies who provided exclusive reader discounts during the series. Remember that the special offers from Paper Plane Store, LET LIV, Pencil and Hammer and Jamie Kay run right through to the 31st of December.

I have a couple of Pinterest moodboards for you today, both of which include pins of our home. It's been pretty cool to see them popping up around the web, via blogs that have shared the Adore Home feature. The level of excitement is growing in our household, with the kids finishing up school and kindy, and we're off to visit Santa today.

I'm looking forward to winding down, spending time with the family and recharging the batteries but I'm also really excited about 2014. This moodboard features my favourite colour palette.

I'll be back tomorrow with some Instagram love!

12 Days of Christmas | Final Giveaways!

Finishing off 12 Days of Christmas on a high note, I have two lovely giveaways for you today!

The first is from Jamie Kay who I first featured here. The Canterbury-based online store stocks a gorgeous range of homewares from around the world, as well as Jamie's own growing collection of designs. A Mum of two little boys, Jamie has a great eye for stylish kids pieces, and many of her products are designed to suit both kids rooms and adult spaces. I particularly love her range of cushions (I own several myself) so I was very happy when Jamie offered to give away one of her newest arrivals, a beautiful vintage style Round Velvet Cushion, valued at $99. The lucky winner will get to choose from a range of colours including black, ivory, grey, vintage yellow and turquoise.

Perfect for use as an extra throw cushion on a bed or sofa, I love the white one above which has been added to a mix of cushions in different patterns and shapes, some of which are also available from Jamie Kay, along with her Cross Blanket that I featured in this recent bedding post. Jamie Kay have also offered 10% off all round Round Velvet Cushions through to the 31st of December, so pop over here to buy yours. To be in to win one, email me at email me at steve3star@gmail.com with JAMIE KAY in the subject line, along with your full name.

The second giveaway is from Koko Classics, who I interviewed here. Specialists in industrial and vintage inspired furniture and homewares, they have two popular Auckland retail stores, one in Mt Eden and one is Ponsonby as well as an online store. With an incredible range of ever-expanding products, make sure you keep up to date by following them on Facebook and Instagram (@kokoclassics).

Koko Classics are very kindly giving away a beautiful framed, Peruvian Blue Morpho (morpho didius) butterfly, valued at $86.

To enter, email me at email me at steve3star@gmail.com with KOKO CLASSICS in the subject line, along with your full name.

Entries close on Tuesday 17th of December and the two winners will be selected via random.org, and contacted via email to arrange shipping. All winners will be announced on the blog at the end of the series.

Please note that this competition is open to New Zealand residents only, and that we will do our best to ensure the prizes arrive prior to Christmas.

Before I go, I just have to say congratulations to all our winners so far. I feel a bit like Santa handing out presents right now! Be sure to check back over this week's posts, so that you don't miss out on any giveaways that are still open, and take advantage of our special offers from Paper Plane, Pop Motif, Pencil and Hammer and LET LIV. Why not get that last minute Christmas shopping done online over the weekend!

Update: This competition has now closed, and the winners have been notified. Thanks to everyone who entered, and huge thanks to Jamie Kay and Koko Classics for their generosity.

12 Days of Christmas | George & Willy Giveaway!

George & Willy are a New Zealand design company, formed by childhood friends George Wilkins and Will McCallum. Joining forces straight out of university last year, the talented Tauranga-based duo are already gaining recognition for their work, which follows the simple philosophy of producing honest, handmade goods that will last the distance. Not only have they taken the time to answer some questions for us, they've jumped on board the 12 Days of Christmas series with a very cool giveaway. Read on....

Can you tell us about your backgrounds and how you came to launch George & Willy?

We decided to launch George & Willy after finishing uni last year. We both grew up in Tauranga, but Will spent a few years in Argentina and we have both spent a lot of time at Mt Ruapehu - that's where we met when we were about 13. We've both always enjoyed making things.

You're never too old for a swing! Find a good swinging spot, hang it up and enjoy! The Everyday Swing will take you back to your childhood

What have you learnt along the way?

We have learnt so much this year. After studying three years of business, marketing and design it's been good to put it all into practice. The main thing we have learnt is that if you do it, it just sort of works out. People aren't going to be buying anything from you if it isn't for sale.

What have been some highlights - what are you most proud of?

Selling stuff through the website. Seeing someone on a Air NZ flight with one of our Duffel Bags was cool. We have a workshop with five of us, (us and three mates) all working, making our stuff, which we have found a market for. We've created this fun place for us to work and hang out.

George & Willy

Any favourite products so far?

It's good because we actually use our products to make the products. We have about six Project Desks which we make all our stuff on.

I love a good trestle table. Strong, solid and reliable, The Project Desk is a winner in any office

I've never seen a Wall Mounted Paper Roller like yours before. Tell us about this product - how did it come about?

Will was trying to find a paper roller but the only one he could find was designed for the floor and wasn't that suitable. We decided that there must be other people out there looking for a similar product, so designed one to suit. We use one in the workshop and it's pretty handy - we use it for our shopping list.

My favourite George & Willy product right now, the Wall Mounted Paper Roller is genius!

What are you currently working on? Any exciting products or projects in the pipeline?

Currently we are just busy getting everything ready for Christmas. We have just improved our Project Desk. It's now simpler, stronger and made from thicker plywood. Otherwise we are just trying to nail down the products we have at the moment, while doing a few custom jobs for people on the side.

Cool with an industrial edge, the Rutherford Clothing Rack is simple, strong and designed to last a lifetime

What inspires you - international design, the web etc?

We are just constantly looking and keeping our eyes and ears open for new ideas, and we throw a lot of ideas around between us. There are about 100 things we would like to make, it is just finding the time to make them.

We want George & Willy things to be the kind of stuff you find in your Grandparents’ shed; timeless stuff that you’re not gonna be chucking out in five years. So it’s made well. It’s not trendy, it’s just simple. It’s not overdone or quirky or anything. Just straight up.

The Wood Box is guaranteed to become a faithful friend. I could certainly do with a few of these around home!

What advice would you give to young designers wanting to start their own business?

Pretty much they just have to get out there and do it. Just start and it'll be all good.

Honest and straight up, much like their design ethos - thanks George & Willy for sharing your story. Check out the entire collection here, and follow them on Facebook, Tumblir and Instagram. Now for the fun part...

We have one George & Willy Wall Mounted Paper Roller valued at $220 to give away! Made from matte black steel, and designed to dispense and display recycled kraft paper, this easy to install product is super cool and practical. Put it in your office for to-do lists or the kitchen for shopping lists, recipes or menus. Great for gift wrapping, or kids arts and crafts... the possibilities are endless!

To enter, simply email me at steve3star@gmail.com with GEORGE & WILLY in the subject line. Please also let me know your full name. Entries close on Tuesday, 17th of December and the winner will be selected via random.org, and contacted via email, to arrange shipping. All winners will be announced on the blog at the end of the series.

Please note that this competition is open to New Zealand residents only.

Update: This competition has now closed, and the winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered - we had a fantastic response once again! And huge thanks to George & Willy.

12 Days of Christmas | Tuturu Home Giveaway!

I recently discovered a lovely little online store based in Auckland called Tuturu Home. Its product range which includes simple, quality homewares from Japan and New Zealand immediately resonated with me. I've mentioned before how much I love Japanese design, and the strong similarities I see between the traditional Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. As well as having clean lines and simplicity of form, they both favour the use natural materials and show beautiful craftsmanship.

The owner of Tuturu Home, Yukiko Kyogoku, is Japanese and has been living in New Zealand for almost 15 years. Based in the Auckland suburb of Titirangi, she loves natural, organic products, arts and crafts, and collecting the iconic New Zealand Crown Lynn range of ceramics! She also loves Scandinavian design. She has run a website selling NZ products to Japan for over 10 years, and earlier this year Yukiko decided to start doing it the other way around! She loves both countries, and enjoys introducing products from one to the other.

Prior to September Yukiko had a temporary retail store, and is now on the lookout for a new space. Until then she's happy to continue selling her gorgeous products online, including two of her favourite brands Fog Linen and Noda Horo. She loves that Fog Linen has a Japanese style, but is also suited to the natural New Zealand lifestyle. Noda Horo have been manufacturing quality enamelware in Japan for over 70 years. "They make really cool retro style enamelware and are very popular among stylish people in Japan. Because they only make limited numbers and are not that keen on exporting (they are a very old fashioned company), they are not very well known overseas. The good thing is there are not many available in New Zealand!"

Yukiko says she will be introducing new products regularly, particularly those that have not made it to our shores yet. Keep an eye out by following the Tuturu Home Facebook page, and shop the current collection here.

For the 12 Days of Christmas series, you'll be pleased to know that Tuturu Home are giving away three prizes!

The first winner drawn will win a Petite Kitchen 2014 Recipe Calendar, a beautiful collection of seasonal recipes, written and photographed by Eleanor Ozich of Petite Kitchen.

The second two will each win a gorgeous Fog Linen 2014 Calendar Tea Towel. The first of these names drawn, will receive the black on natural, and the second will receive the blue on white.

I'm sure you know the drill by now... to enter, email me at steve3star@gmail.com with TUTURU HOME in the subject line, and include your full name in the email. Entries close on Monday, 16th of December and the three winners will be selected via random.org, and contacted via email, to arrange shipping. All winners will be announced on the blog at the end of the series.

Please note that this competition is open to NZ residents only, and that we will do our best to ensure the prizes arrive prior to Christmas.

Update: This competition has now closed, and the winners have been notified. Thanks to all who entered and thanks to Tuturu Home for their lovely prizes!

12 Days of Christmas | Good Regards Giveaway!

We're on the countdown now, but there's no slowing down! Day nine's giveaway is brought to you by our friends at Good Regards. The little sister of well known store The Good Room, this recent addition to the family became a necessity due to demand! Initially the one store was dedicated to providing both homewares and skateboards, but the decision to give them each their own 'rooms' has worked out well, with each store having their own space to flourish!

Good Regards came across my radar earlier this year, and since then it's been a handy online go-to for homewares and inspiration. The retail store is based in Mt Maunganui and is open seven days, so if you are in the area, make sure you stop by. You'll find the address, opening hours and directions here. Offering a fun and eclectic range of products, there are plenty of Christmas gift ideas.

Good Regards stock an amazing selection of Wall Stickers. I recently placed some in my son's room, and they look fantastic! Easy to use, and also great for renters, I highly recommend them as a way of brightening up your home. Perfect for kids spaces, there are lots of designs and colours to choose from.

Now for the best part! Good Regards are kindly giving away three packs of Wall Stickers, and each of the three winners get to choose from the full range.

To enter, email me at steve3star@gmail.com with GOOD REGARDS in the subject line and let me know your full name. Entries close on Friday, 13th of December and the three winners will be selected via random.org, and contacted via email to arrange their selection and shipping. All winners will be announced on the blog at the end of the series.

Please note that this competition is open to NZ residents only, and that we will do our best to ensure the prizes arrive prior to Christmas.

Update: This competition has now closed, and the winners have been notified. Thanks to all who entered, and huge thanks to Good Regards for their generosity.

12 Days of Christmas | Indie Home Collective Giveaway!

What I love about this series, besides all the amazing giveaways and offers, is that I get to introduce you to some gorgeous local finds. If you're in Auckland in the lead up to Christmas, or at any time in the future, you must put Indie Home Collective on your to-do list! Founded by Lifestyle and interior stylist Claudia Kozub, who I recently interviewed here, and partner Neel Giri, the store offers a beautifully curated collection of pieces for the home, including unique items sourced locally and from around the world.

Located at 51 Nuffield St, Newmarket, the expansive store reflects Claudia's exquisite style which she describes as modern and industrial with an organic eclectic twist. You'll find international homeware brands such as Pony Rider and Fog Linen as well as exclusive lines, The Sent Of Home who produce the most divine smelling candles and Ay Illuminate, a range of beautiful lighting from the Netherlands.

There's also new and vintage furniture as well as customised pieces designed by Claudia herself, all styled against a clean, white palette and natural materials. Oh, and in case that wasn't enough, located inside the store is The Indie Flower Shop, an area dedicated to providing fresh flowers to customers, as well as catering to weddings and events. There really is just so much on offer, it's impossible to leave empty-handed!

I'm loving all the Christmas inspired pieces right now...

Constantly evolving, with new stock arriving all the time, make sure you stay up to date by following Indie on Facebook, Instagram (@indiehomecollective) and Pinterest. They are also currently working on a website, with future plans for an online store, so keep an eye out for that.

As part of the 12 Days of Christmas series, I'm thrilled to present this gorgeous giveaway!

The prize package includes the following:

1 x scent of Home Candle, exclusive to Indie Home Collective, with the scent Coconut & Kaffir Lime
1 x black and white Turkish Towel
1 x white Rattan Box

To be in to win these stunning products, simply email me at steve3star@gmail.com with INDIE HOME COLLECTIVE in the subject line. Please also let me know your full name. Entries close on Friday, 13th of December and the winner will be selected via random.org, and contacted via email, to arrange shipping. All winners will be announced on the blog at the end of the series.

Please note that this competition is open to New Zealand residents only, and that we will do our best to ensure the prizes arrive prior to Christmas.

Photo credit: Eva Kozub

Update: This giveaway has now closed and the winner has been notified. Huge thanks to everyone who entered - amazing response! Thanks also to Indie Home Collective for their beautiful prize.

12 Days of Christmas | Art Print Giveaways!

I hope you're enjoying your weekend. Thanks to those of you who are continuing to check in on the blog. You're certainly onto a good thing, as I have two more lovely giveaways for you today! Back in August I introduced you to Pencil and Hammer, an online art store here in Auckland specialising in typographic art and quirky illustrative prints. The collection is constantly growing, and these new black and white prints are among my current favourites.

To be in to win an A3 print of you choice, email me at steve3star@gmail.com with PENCIL AND HAMMER in the subject line, and let me know your full name. Please note that the print is unframed, and the offer excludes personalised ones. In addition to the giveaway, Pencil and Hammer are offering 10% off all prints, to worldwide readers from now through to the 31st of December 2013, along with free shipping New Zealand-wide. To redeem, enter dcchristmas at checkout. Shop the full collection here, and make sure you sign up to their newsletter to stay in the loop!

These next artworks from George Art are just delightful. Part of a project called Prints George, they have been lovingly created by Auckland mother of two and freelance graphic designer Georgia Williams. Featuring geometric alphabet letters in cute colour combos, layered with sweet little illustrations, I think they would be the perfect addition to any nursery. They would also make a very special Christmas or new baby present!

Signed and dated, the 8" x 10" (unframed) prints are available to purchase on Felt and Etsy. If you'd like to enter the draw to win on of these gorgeous prints in the letter of your choice, simply email me as above with GEORGE ART in the subject line.

Entries close on Wednesday, 11th of December and the winners will be selected via random.org, and contacted via email, so that we can arrange your choice of prints and shipping. All winners will be announced on the blog at the end of the series.

Please note that this competition is open to New Zealand residents only, and that we will do our best to ensure the prizes arrive prior to Christmas.

Update: These giveaways are now closed, and the winners have been notified. Thanks to everyone who entered and to both companies for their generous prizes!

12 Days of Christmas | Day Six Giveaways!

I don't usually post over the weekend, but I'm back today with FOUR more gorgeous giveaways for the 12 Days of Christmas series! The first one is from MintSix, who I recently featured on the blog here, regarding their store opening and new product ranges. One of these new ranges is HKLiving, and MintSix are the first in New Zealand to stock the cool Dutch homewares brand, which is very exciting! To celebrate this, they are giving one lucky reader a gorgeous HKLiving Marble Board, valued at $95. Too pretty to store away in the kitchen, it's perfect for serving cheese and nibbles, or as a cutting board for everyday use.

The next giveaway is the L'Igloo de Nuit, from the beautiful Auckland store Tessuti, who I wrote about here. Handmade by French designers Tsé & Tsé Associées, the Night Igloos are made from paper thin porcelain and feature a unique translucent design that allows for candle light to glow softly underneath. Accompanied by a saucer, and valued at $98, the winner can choose from three textural finishes including smooth, striped or riddled.

Perfect for lazy summer days, this gorgeous Hammock Swing Seat valued at $69.95 could be yours! On offer thanks to The Wooden Horse, one of my favourite local online stores for sourcing Scandinavian brands, the seat is ready to hang indoors or out. So comfortable and sturdy you won’t want to get up once you have sunk into its cocoon!

Of course a nice cool mixer or cocktail would be the perfect accompaniment! This vintage-inspired Wallflower Pitcher by famous textile designer Orla Kiely is made from durable melamine, making it both party and picnic proof. Thanks to our friends at Perch Home, I have one (valued at $59) to give away. Make sure you check out their site for the full range of Orla Kiely products, as well as many more exclusive Scandinavian and European homeware and lifestyle brands.

To be in the draw for one or more of these products, email me at steve3star@gmail.com with the corresponding name in the subject line as follows:

1 MINTSIX
2 TESSUTI
3 THE WOODEN HORSE
4 PERCH HOME

Don't forget include your full name. Entries close on Wednesday, 11th of December and the four winners will be selected via random.org, and contacted via email, so that we can arrange shipping. All winners will be announced on the blog at the end of the series.

Please note that this competition is open to New Zealand residents only, and that we will do our best to ensure the prizes arrive safely, prior to Christmas.

Update: These giveaways are now closed and the winners have been notified. Thanks to everyone who entered and to the four fabulous sponsors for their gorgeous prizes!