Acknowledgements

The biggest thanks have to go to Larnie Nicolson. What an amazing talent and an astoundingly amazing human. So much empathy and love for the world. Absolutely endless patience and calm (when many would have totally lost their minds!) I am in complete awe of your talent, Larnie, you truly are one of the greats. I feel privileged to have worked with you so closely for such a lot of your time. Without you this book would not exist. Thank you times a million.

Haley Ashby, for being the most amazing human ever. Without you, Haley, I would not be where I am. You started it all by inviting me to share your stand with you at our local market. You have encouraged and supported me through every trial and celebrated every success. I wish there was a more fitting way to express my gratitude. These words seem pale compared to what you contribute to the world. I know I am not the only one who has benefited from having your light shined on them.

Adam, for patiently accepting all the drama. For the late night stress sessions, for the meltdowns and the breakdowns. For the spell checks and raised eyebrows. You’re my everything. Thank you for letting me be me, and for delighting in it.

To my mum, Helen, for all the plants. So many plants. For all your hours spent slaving away in my nursery making plant babies and making sure the watering got done. For gardening with me at your feet as a tiny child and letting me explore my curiosity (eating snails) instead of crushing it.

To my dad, David, even though I know I really stretch your ability to support me with my crazy ideas – thanks for continuing on regardless. For the impromptu builds and last-minute frantic preparations and the many, many iterations of ideas. For acknowledging that I struggle to fit into boxes provided by society; thanks for noticing and thanks for not trying to force me.

Felicity Mitchel, you are so talented and beautiful. You inspire me. I aspire to be as effortlessly elegant and put together as you. Additionally, as a side note: thank you for being a Good Grammar Advocate when I had reached my limit. Your passion helped get me back on track and finish what seemed like an impossible task.

Krista Plews, you are the pinnacle of flawless design. I cannot convey my gratitude to you with words which would be adequate to the contribution you have made to me as a creative. You have supported and calmly guided me towards making a product that is truly and simply beautiful. Without your careful and relentless editing of my work, it would not be what it is today. Thank you for believing in me and sticking with me while I got it right.

Denise Moore, you are a saint. Thank you for looking after the kids without question or bother whenever we asked. I truly appreciate that you have just as much going on in your super busy life. Thank you for giving me the space to write when I needed it.

Therese Wally, hand model extraordinaire, all around good egg and pretty much the best assistant ever.

Nadine Thomas, what a legend. How did I end up all these years later with you doing handiwork for my book?!

Anouk Treutiger, for letting us into your home.

Hayley French @mylittlehouse, for allowing us to use your stunning home.

The Fitzsimmons family for letting us put moss everywhere and for the scrumptious smoothies!

Amanda Fitzsimmons @rococo_and_rose, your artwork is amazing!

Dion and Irene, for letting us into the best kept 70s secret in Ponsonby.

Leanne Martell, you are the nicest person ever. Thank you for being such a dream. Thank you for being so understanding of the challenging process of running a business and writing a book simultaneously.