It’s no coincidence that a girl from the Naki who started a gift box business happens to stock some of the West Coast Cocoa product range. For one, my love of chocolate is ‘infamous’ and those who know me well will remember a time i went without chocolate chews (from the supermarket pick n mix years back) for about 4 years straight - it was such a big deal as I went cold turkey and actually never looked back…how silly was i?
Read MoreSamantha from Sea and Clay and I have a lot in common. Our love of Netflix, our love/hate relationship with computer work and the fact we both admire Chelsea Handler’s attitude when it comes to not caring what people think about her. To KEEP GOING is the biggest lesson Sam has learnt from being in business and wouldn’t you know it, I also agree.
Read MoreWho doesn’t love a good High Tea? I’ve enjoyed my fair share of them over the years but I’ve never actually brewed a loose leaf tea before. I’m an EB (English Breakfast) lover from way back, just your average ‘Choysa, round tea bag’ kinda gal…I know, how refined of me! I don’t feel very regal when I make or drink it, in fact the only aspect of my tea drinking (thus far in my career) that meets any sort of ‘englishness’ is that I acquired my love of the cuppa in London back in 2003.
Read MoreHands up if you love Autumn? I never thought i would admit it but I do…the move from dresses to three quarter pants, the clean out of the summer wardrobe in preparation for the arrival of winter and all the Autumnal colours…my favourite (and on trend it would seem) is the mustard or ochre hue - so earthy and hearty!!!
Read MoreA rose is just a rose, and a Valentine’s Day gift is just a Valentine’s Day gift, right? Maybe not. The day of love is almost here. For many couples, V-Day has its own special traditions and rituals. Some let it pass like any other day; others plan out a roster of romantic ramblings. You know who doesn’t? The people frantically Googling: ‘What to buy someone for your first Valentine’s Day’.
Read MoreIt’s highly unlikely you’ll find any gift giving etiquette guidelines that say it’s a requirement you give your boss a gift at Christmas. But as it’s the festive season, some of you could be considering whether its ok to give your boss a gift...if this is you then be sure to read these guidelines first. We’ve even got a few suggestions on what might be an appropriate gift idea.
Read MoreJess and Jason are the couple (professionally and personally) behind the ‘Buy one, Give one’ business that is FRANK Stationery. Their story, beliefs and WHY is so inspirational and they are making an incredible difference on the lives of kids in our community…their product range is gorgeous and we love to support, in our own small way, enterprises with real purpose.
Read MoreWith the festive season approaching it can be a time of over indulgence and not just when it comes to food. For whatever reason you could find yourself this Christmas with one or two gifts too many - you just don’t have a need for them so regifting could be an option.
Read MoreDo you have a corporate gifting need and have no idea where to start? Is the sheer thought of it got you asking why me? Let our top tips check list get you fully pumped and ready to brief us so we can help you shine with a gifting solution that will knock their socks off!
Anyone else use their exercise time to get some clarity about a work project you might be working on? Well, Cheyney from Camille Co knows all about that and as she is busy juggling two businesses, hopefully her workouts are double the fun! Cheyney has been really open and honest in sharing her thoughts about her business and in life in general - striving to do better than yesterday is what keeps her going - I think that rings true for a lot of us.
Read MoreThe number one cause for employee disengagement is feeling unappreciated. So true! We have probably all been there! A Harvard Business Review survey found that 40% of workers would put more effort in to their work IF their contribution was recognised more often and no matter whatever your business or workplace size, this rings true!
Employees have three prime needs: Interesting work, recognition for doing a good job, and being let in on things that are going on in the company. Consider these factors for yourself and the difference they make to your level of satisfaction. Interesting isn’t it? As these are three things that can be addressed without incurring additional cost.
I loved the honesty being shown in a recent poll we did asking about gift giving. 86% of you agreed that most of the gifts you buy reflect your own tastes more than the person you are buying for. Not a big surprise really, we often leave gift buying till the last minute, we can rush the purchase decision and ultimately fall into that old ‘it’s the thought that counts’ thinking...at least you got something right?
When researching and curating all the amazing products that go into our gift box range it's essential that all the beauty/skin care products contain no nasties, use natural ingredients and made cruelty free...Handmade and Homemade is the epitome of these standards and expectations.
Read MoreThanks so much to Sharyn from JFriend & Co for sharing this YUM recipe with us - we wanted you to be able to take away an idea to recreate yourself if you purchase our Breakfast in Bed or The Dipper gift boxes - both contain JFriends Blackcurrant Honey - this is super easy to make, perfect as a dessert or brunch menu item if trying to impress!
Read MoreIf you love honey then you need to know about J.Friend and Co. Started in 2008 by Jeremy Friend & Sharyn Woodnorth, J. Friend and Co produce a boutique range of single flower honeys sourced from New Zealand's diverse landscape.
Read MoreThis will be my second Mother’s Day and to tell the truth, its a day I never thought would be mine to celebrate even once. Of course I recognised and celebrated the day for my own Mum, but being a Mum myself was never in my plan...I guess you can never say never!
Read MoreI have had such a great response from so many of our suppliers who have taken the time to share their thoughts with us and answer these Meet the Maker questions. You never quite know what to expect and Rachel from Misty Day Plant Potions doesn't disappoint - she loves horror films and is a podcast lover, you'll love how she came to pick her brand name!
Read MoreHands up if you can remember learning to hand write at school? I can, I actually use to really enjoy it, line after line of capital letters, lowercase and then finally stringing some words together. I’m sure this will still be taught in our classrooms of today but let's be honest - we live in a world where it’s easier to text, ignore phone calls and catch up with friends via our social networks. We don’t pick up the phone as often for a good chat, we don’t write letters or have pen pals like we used to which begs the question; how are we really expressing our gratitude these days?e…
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