A magazine addict, a lover of all things white, and a down-to-earth country girl. We catch up with the mind and energy behind the design and craft-lovers hotspot, Amy from Milo & Mitzy. Talking pet lambs, food trucks and her newest venture into woolen throws, we also ask Amy to choose her 'wish list' items from our Tessuti store... 

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- Who is Milo & Mitzy?/Tell us about how your blog started and what the motivation was behind this.

Milo and Mitzy were actually names of pet lambs that my hubby brought me home to feed one day. Milo and Mitzy the blog however, was born simply because at the time, I was studying online completing a primary teaching degree. The big world wide internet was a fabulous distraction for me. I used to find all sorts of amazingness, hence the blog began simply because I wanted to share this amazingness with others.

Milo and Mitzy now has all sort of things going on and so many opportunities have risen from it for me. My latest venture is the 100% New Zealand Wool chunky knit throws that I have designed and had made up. These are selling so well, especially to overseas customers at the moment as they enter the cooler months and I couldn’t be prouder. Lots of new ideas are floating around in my head to expand the Milo and Mitzy brand.

Me, well I am Amy - actually a country girl which surprises some. I live with my hubby Rob, daughter Frankie and son Patch on a farm in Hawkes Bay. I LOVE to cook, drink wine, wonder around farmers makets, play sport and I am mad about interiors and fashion.

- What are you working on or focusing on at the moment?

Being an amazing Mum, wife, business partner and teacher. I have so many good things to look forward to.

- What are some of your favourite interior books or magazines?

I am a magazine addict. Anyone who knows me can vouch for that. Otherwise I am a total sucker for a good recipe book. As far as interior books go, Pale and Interesting by Atlanta Bartlett and Dave Coote is right up there. Magazines that inspire me: Home Style, Your Home and Garden, Marie Claire, NZ Fashion Quarterly and Home Beautiful Australia are just a few of my favourites.

- If someone is planning to re-work their kitchen, what is the something you think they should focus on first?

Well for me, when we put our new kitchen in, although on a budget, I found a way to get the tongue and groove cupboards that I really wanted. Next I would look at bench tops. There are so many cool options out there. Polished concrete, wood, marble.

- Favourite material/fabric to work with/you have been seeing at the moment?

Wool. New Zealand wool is underrated. I think the industry is about to boom again.

- The last thing you saw that was absolutely amazing was...?

My new little boy Patch. Born on November 16th. Amazing after all that hard work to see those eyes finally steer up at you.

- The last purchase/gift you brought/received was?

Hubby just brought me a Nga Waiata citrine ring. Nga is making it up for me and shipping it over from the UK. I can't wait to get it.

- What is your favourite colour for this summer season?

I am a bit of a white fan in both interiors and fashion.

- I hear you live in Hawkes Bay! Where is your favourite place to eat out with friends here?

Oh that’s easy, Pipi in my home town Havelock North. It is a quirky pink palace, they make the best pizzas, have an awesome cookbook and now troop around Thursday until Sunday hitting different parts of Hawkes Bay in a cool little pizza truck. In saying that though, we are pretty spoilt for choice here in Hawkes Bay for great restaurants, cafes and wineries.

- Biggest indulgence?

Magazines! Like I mentioned before, an absolute addict. I would hate to add up how much I have spent on them over the years. I call it work related research! And I will also add onto that, a massage. HEAVEN!

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On Amy's wish list from Tessuti, from top left: Lotus Bowls by Rachel Carley, Mediterranean hand towels, Wallpaper Dish by Morgan Haines, and La Chamba Round Platter.