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.

The Elusive Leisure Time: Finding Moments for Yourself in a Busy World

As children, we saw our mothers endlessly busy with housework, a never-ending cycle of tasks. With the advent of time-saving devices, it was promised that we would have more leisure time. But fifty years on, do we? I certainly don’t.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding leisure time requires intention. I’ve discovered a few ways to sneak in those precious moments: a relaxing bath, savoring a glass of wine while cooking, combining exercise with social time, and creating a personal nook at home. Despite the convenience of modern devices, I yearn for the old, slower ways of life—cooking from scratch, raising chickens, and making crafts. One day, I hope to fully embrace this dream. Until then, I’ll cherish the small moments of leisure I find in my busy days.

April Updates and the new Mother’s Day Collection.

Morning pages with Julia Cameron. Written by Yvonne Nikolaison.