This guide is packed with practical, creative tips to help you embrace sustainable living effortlessly. From using Swedish dishcloths to greenify your kitchen to a 10-step checklist for a more eco-friendly home, it’s never been easier to start your journey toward a sustainable lifestyle.

What’s Inside:

• Simple eco-friendly swaps for every room in your home

• Creative and unexpected uses for Swedish dishcloths

• A printable checklist to kickstart your sustainable living goals

Ready to make your home greener?

Download your free guide today and take the first step toward a more joyful, sustainable home.

My illustrations are rich in color, texture, and storytelling, often with a nostalgic, yesteryear feel. I love creating full, layered scenes where every detail adds to the story—never just a simple vignette. Nostalgia plays a big role in my work because older things have a charm and lasting value that modern trends often lack. Just like we’ve come full circle with paper bags replacing plastic, I believe there’s something timeless about art that sparks memories and connections. My goal is to create pieces that speak to people, evoking magical moments and stories that last for years.

As 2025 begins, I’m reflecting on a magical New Year’s celebration filled with music, dancing, and connection. This year, my guiding word is create—a reminder to embrace creativity in all its forms, from my work as an illustrator to my personal hobbies. I’m also embarking on a year-long project and setting intentions for better health, balance, and joy.

Join me on this journey as I dive into a year of growth, connection, and creative exploration.

Discover the magic of a handmade Christmas! In this blog, we explore the joy of creating your own decorations and gifts—simple, cost-effective, and deeply meaningful. From natural garlands to DIY pamper kits, handmade items not only reduce waste but also add a personal touch that recipients will treasure. Embrace the slower pace of crafting and create memories that last far beyond the festive season.

Read more to get inspired and start your handmade holiday journey.

The rhythm of the seasons shapes so much of our lives—what we wear, what we eat, and even how we feel. For me, it also profoundly influences my art. Autumn’s vibrant colors, summer’s golden light, winter’s cozy comforts, and spring’s fresh energy all find their way into my creations.

Some seasons feel easier to capture than others. Autumn’s warm tones and textures often inspire me, while summer’s brightness brings a sense of playfulness. Winter, with its stark beauty, can feel challenging but also offers moments of reflection.

As the summer solstice approaches, I find myself celebrating this seasonal rhythm, drawing inspiration from the transitions and the stories they tell. Each season carries its own beauty—and endless creative possibilities.

What stories do the seasons inspire in your life?

Finding balance as a part-time artist isn’t always easy, especially while managing a business and working another job. If I could, I’d love to have a virtual assistant handling all the admin work so I could spend more time creating! This year, I’ve managed to carve out Sundays for personal projects, nature walks, and family time—my way of recharging and keeping my creative spark alive. It’s a work in progress, but even small pauses, like watching the alpacas grazing or listening to the birds outside, help me stay centered and inspired.

If you’re striving for balance too, remember to embrace those small moments—they’re the ones that make the journey worthwhile.

Shop small and stay safe this holiday season! With the rise of online scams, it’s more important than ever to shop smartly. Together with Loren Tomlinson, founder of The Social Collective, we’re sharing practical tips to help you recognize red flags, secure your social media, and shop confidently. Discover how to support local businesses, find unique gifts, and enjoy a joyful, worry-free holiday season with our easy-to-follow guide.

Embracing the Rhythms of Rural Life

Experience the simple beauty of rural life in Masterton, where each season brings its own tasks and rewards. From tending to our alpacas and gathering rainwater to finding creative solutions for life’s little challenges, living rurally is about embracing the slower pace and connecting with nature. In this blog, I share the quiet joys and self-sufficiency that make this way of life so fulfilling.

MY JOURNEY AS AN ARTIST: FROM STICK FIGURES TO SHARING MAGIC THROUGH ART

My path to becoming an artist wasn’t traditional. Though drawing didn’t come naturally, creativity has always been part of me—from sewing clothes for my children to knitting, crocheting, and even exploring bookbinding with my husband. In my 40s, I discovered art as a stress relief, beginning with coloring and eventually diving into mixed media and digital art. Today, I create to capture memories, express emotions, and bring a bit of magic into everyday life. Through my artwork, I hope to inspire others to pause, reflect, and find joy in the small moments.

In a busy world, finding moments to pause and enjoy life’s small joys can feel like a luxury. My tagline, “creating magical moments,” is all about bringing beauty and connection into everyday life. Each piece I design carries its own story, and when it becomes part of your world, it becomes a reminder to slow down, smile, and savor the present.

Excerpt from A Stress-Free Christmas: Your 13-Week Countdown to a Merry & Organized Holiday

Week 1: Holiday Budgeting Made Simple

“The first step to a stress-free Christmas is getting your finances in order. This week, you’ll set a holiday budget that works for you and your family. Start by listing all your expected expenses—gifts, decorations, food, travel, and even those unexpected costs that seem to pop up every year. Next, allocate a spending limit for each category. Don’t worry if you’re feeling overwhelmed; I’ve included a handy printable budget tracker to help you stay on top of things. The key is to plan early, so you can enjoy the season without any financial surprises.”

Week 4: Get a Head Start on Gifts

“It’s easy to fall into the trap of last-minute gift shopping, but in this guide, you’ll have everything organized well in advance. This week, you’ll finalize your gift list. Whether it’s for family, friends, or coworkers, now’s the time to start jotting down ideas and keeping an eye out for deals. I recommend setting aside a few hours to shop online or in-store. And don’t forget to leave space in your planner for wrapping! I’ll share tips on how to make it part of the holiday fun, not a dreaded task.”

As the Spring Equinox graces the Southern Hemisphere, nature awakens in a vibrant burst of color and warmth, inviting us to embrace new beginnings. Meanwhile, in the Northern Hemisphere, the Autumn Equinox paints the world in golden hues, signaling the cozy, reflective months ahead. Wherever you are, the changing seasons bring a sense of balance, renewal, and the promise of brighter days. Join us in celebrating this beautiful transition as we look forward to the longer, sunnier days of the Summer Solstice.

When life throws an unexpected challenge your way—like severe back pain that leaves you barely able to move—it’s a reminder of how important it is to have contingency plans in place. As a self-employed artist, I recently found myself in this exact situation, relying on muscle relaxants, pain relief, and a bit of forward planning to keep my business running smoothly. This experience taught me the value of preparing for the unexpected, ensuring that my work can continue even when I need to take a step back. Here's how I managed to keep things on track while focusing on recovery.

Ever wonder what makes a café or restaurant more than just a place to eat? It’s the magic that happens when ambiance, service, and community come together to create a space that feels like a second home. In this blog, I share my favorite spots in New Zealand that have captured my heart—places where every visit feels like a special occasion. Curious to know where they are? Keep reading to discover these hidden gems and what makes them so irresistible.

Swedish dishcloths are a game-changer in the world of household cleaning. These versatile, eco-friendly cloths offer numerous benefits that make them a must-have for any home. Here’s why they should be a staple in your cleaning arsenal:

The Sensuous Nature of Stationery

Have you ever thought of stationery as sensuous? Until recently, I hadn’t given it much thought or heard it described that way, and it piqued my curiosity. According to the Oxford Dictionary, "sensuous" means relating to or affecting the senses rather than the intellect.

When you think about it, this definition perfectly fits the age-old art of communication through letter writing. In the past, women often sprayed their favorite perfume on letters to evoke a sensory experience for the recipient. While I haven’t personally received or sent letters like that, the concept resonates with me.

The Magic of Outdoor Winter Baths: A Refreshing Experience

Winter often brings to mind cozy moments by the fire, hot cocoa, and warm blankets. However, for the more adventurous souls, it also presents a unique opportunity: outdoor winter baths. Imagine sinking into a hot tub surrounded by a snowy landscape, with the cold air and the steam creating a surreal atmosphere. This experience can be both invigorating and hilarious, as unexpected situations often arise.