One of the biggest benefits of wooden sunglasses is their eco-friendliness. They're made from sustainable materials, which makes them an ideal gift for companies who want to be environmentally conscious. Additionally, wooden sunglasses are durable and long-lasting, which means they are a gift that will be treasured for years to come with your brand that comes to mind.

Custom engraving is just one of the features we can offer here at Vilo Eyewear. They can be engraved with a company logo, a message of appreciation, or even the recipient's name. This personal touch makes the gift even more meaningful. Vilo offers various options for customization that can cater to the specific needs of the company.

Vilo wooden sunglasses are versatile and can be used for a variety of occasions. They make great gifts for employees, clients, or partners and can also be used as a giveaway at trade shows or other corporate events. With your very own brand name on them, they are a great way to promote the company as well.

Vilo custom engraved wooden sunglasses are the choice for companies wanting a stylish, eco-friendly, and personalized corporate gift. They can be customized as per the need, has a long-lasting durability, and can be used in various occasions. With your creativity and our know how, we can make it happen.

Contact us today for more information

Hiking in New Zealand is not only a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors, it is also an excellent way to experience the country's breathtaking landscapes and unique flora and fauna. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there is a trail in New Zealand that is perfect for you.

So, if you are planning a hiking trip in New Zealand, you won't want to miss these top 3 trails:

1. The Milford Track: This iconic 53.5-kilometer trail is located in the Fiordland National Park in the South Island, and it is considered one of the best hikes in the world. The Milford Track takes you through a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, lakes, and mountain passes, and it ends at the stunning Milford Sound. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, and there are plenty of places to stop for food and shelter along the way. The Milford Track is a popular choice for hikers of all levels, and it can be completed in 4-5 days.

2. The Tongariro Northern Circuit: This multi-day hike is located in the Tongariro National Park on the North Island, and it is known for its stunning volcanic landscape. The Tongariro Northern Circuit takes you through a variety of landscapes, including alpine meadows, forests, and mountains, and it offers breathtaking views of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, and there are plenty of places to stop for food and shelter along the way. The Tongariro Northern Circuit is a moderate hike that can be completed in 3-4 days.

3. The Abel Tasman Coast Track: This multi-day hike is located in the Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island, and it is known for its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches. The Abel Tasman Coast Track takes you through a variety of landscapes, including forests, beaches, and cliffs, and it offers breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, and there are plenty of places to stop for food and shelter along the way. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is an easy to moderate hike that can be completed in 2-5 days, depending on your pace.

No matter what type of hiking experience you are looking for, you are sure to find it on one of these top 3 trails in New Zealand. So grab your pair of Vilo's and hit the trails!

Wooden sunglasses are not only stylish, but they are also environmentally friendly. They are made from wood, a renewable resource, and they can be produced in a way that has a minimal impact on the environment.

One of the key benefits of wooden sunglasses is that they are biodegradable. When they reach the end of their life, they can be composted, rather than filling up a landfill. This makes them a much more sustainable option than plastic sunglasses, which can take hundreds of years to break down and can have a significant impact on the environment.

In addition to being biodegradable, Vilo wooden sunglasses are made from sustainably sourced wood. This means that the wood used to make the sunglasses has been harvested in a way that preserves forests, and the ecosystems they support.

Wooden sunglasses are also very durable, which means that they can last for a long time and do not need to be replaced as often as other types of sunglasses. This further reduces their environmental impact, as fewer sunglasses need to be produced, which means less resources are used and less waste is generated.

Overall, wooden sunglasses are a stylish and sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. They are biodegradable, made from sustainably sourced wood, and can be very durable. If you're in the market for a new pair of sunglasses, consider choosing a pair made from wood!

We all have these beautiful healthy people in our lives. They have the environment foremost in their minds and have taken the time and energy to research sustainable living. Each year I try to inch closer to becoming one of these beautiful healthy people. I'm buying our fresh produce at the growers market, home composting (with varying degrees of success) striving for more sustainability in our wooden sunglasses business, wearing second hand/ gifted clothing, becoming a recycling fiend ripping off labels and washing bottles, and this year have even sown seedlings for our own garden. This did in fact turn into a nudey mud fight between our children (nudey children...not nudey parents).  

Are you a beautiful healthy person? Or do you have that person to buy for this Christmas? A good person will ALWAYS say, "I don't need anything this year, no presents!" but when you want to ignore them and buy something the sustainable person would appreciate, have you considered sustainable sunglasses?

On my journey to make our business more sustainable and become a beautiful healthy person, I have discovered some harrowing facts. 12 million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans each year (or a rubbish truck full every minute!). Only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, the rest ending up in landfills where it takes upwards of 400 years to degrade.

The guilt factor (or conscientiousness) around single use plastics is becoming more widespread and mainstream. As it should be! Our wooden sunglasses as a product, are pretty darn sustainable; wood takes 3-14 years to decompose (although we're confident your Vilos won't end up in a landfill!), but whilst striving to become a healthy happy person, there are other areas of our business I have been able to improve. The courier satchels and adhesive address labels we send our sunnies in, are fully home compostable.

We pad out our sunnies in paper shredding from our local ambulance station and our bamboo sunglasses cases are made from Forest Stewardship Council wood.

So if you're looking to bless an awesome eco warrior in your life, to say a big fat "Thank you!" for caring about our planet as much as the rest of us should, they could appreciate a pair of sustainable wooden sunglasses this Christmas. Make them super unique and extra special with a personalised engraving on the bamboo lid. 

So I'm not yet a healthy, happy sustainable fiend, but with improvements little and often...I'm well on the way to becoming one. Little changes to our home and business each day, make for an easier conscience and eventually healthier world for my nudey babies. 

1.  Develop a product you're proud of. 

Vilo began with a problem. There were no eco-conscious, i.e. wooden sunglasses, available in Australasia that were truly sustainable but affordable.  While pretty early on we set on styles we loved and would wear, finding a team to help produce them would be more of a challenge. We went through three suppliers before finding our amazing team. The first few suppliers produced sunnies that were clunky and heavy, the next were too thin and brittle, the next had issues with craftsmen work conditions and well being.  The sunglasses we produce today are lightweight and slick, but laminated with multiple layers of thin strong wood so they are super durable. Our timber is also Forest Stewardship Council approved, ensuring sustainable forestry practices and work conditions.  You can't sell a product you aren't in love with, a product you're not proud of. It will keep you awake at night worrying you're ripping off your customers and the planet.  If you don't believe in your product, no- one else will.

2. Increase your Social Media presence.

For a kiwi and a British born kiwi, putting yourself 'out there' in front of the world was cringe cripplingly awkward. We initially shied away from social media. Showcasing instead photos of our beautiful sunglasses with vague inspirational quotes. We didn't want our brand to appear small or people to know we have buck teeth. We soon learned that customers and retailers are buying from small businesses because they want to support local business and know the pair behind it.  Putting ourselves out there has been a way to get to know our fabulous customers and what they need from our brand.  Customers are more likely to support you if they know you and what your business stands for.

This also ties in with being authentic. We've created a brand true to who we are, adventure loving wood nerds. You can't sell a brand or product you don't understand or believe in. Customers will quickly see right through that.

 3. Create a gold customer experience.

Vilo customers are the whole reason for our business. We've made it our mission to provide a valuable customer experience the whole way through. Our packaging is home compostable (this is important to us and the majority who support us) and we make an awkward personal video for every customer, personally thanking them for their purchase. Accidents happen so if our sunnies don't survive a mountain bike crash or an exuberant toddler, we offer 40% off a replacement pair. How can you provide not just a good, but an amazing customer experience? Small businesses can lead the way in customer services because the average person has been treated so badly by the big corporates, they're genuinely surprised when you answer an email quickly or receive a personalised video. It tickles us pink when customers repeat order and better yet refer a friend! That's the highest compliment.

4. Consult Experts

We tried our own accounting the first year of Vilo and it was muddled at best...a complete disaster at worst! We found a wonderful account who also had an e-commerce background to help us with business growth and streamlining our systems. The hard part is finding experts you can trust and we still get stung sometimes but when you find them, they're worth their weight in gold.

5. Hang with other small business owners

This sort of moves on from consulting experts. Hanging out with other small business owners provides great encouragement as well as creative ideas. You can be in a business funk but talking to other creatives and business owners can provide those light bulb moments or make you realise you've actually come quite far, sharing lessons you've learnt the hard way. Check out our closest business buddies at 

 6. Try new things

Some new ventures flopped. Check out an ad campaign we toyed with 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAmQU8eqQTY 

and others went gang busters like joining the kiwi community 'Chooice' or the Christmas Market at Coatesville.

Small businesses have the luxury of trial and error. Flops aren't that consequential and successes produce big outcomes. That after all...is half the fun right?

Vilo wooden sunglasses are as versatile as they are visually appealing. Not only are they handcrafted from high-quality, natural wood, they are designed to enhance your organic look. Whether you're on a hike, running errands, or enjoying a day waterside, a set of Vilo frames is a perfect companion.

The question is, which frames will be a perfect companion for your face? The first step to answering that question is determining which of the following shapes your face most closely resembles:

• Oval
• Round
• Square
• Heart
• Triangular

Once you’ve identified your shape, you’re ready to explore which frames will do your face justice. 

*Use the Virtual Try On feature on each product page and just remember; if you try them on and love them, that's all that matters. Use this as a guide but don't be afraid to be you.

Oval

Oval-shaped faces are long and narrow. The forehead and jawline are rounded and roughly the same width, and the chin is a slightly more narrow soft curve. 

Oval-shaped faces can pull off just about any type of frame because they take on features of other shapes. However, longer faces are better suited to longer frames. Try a deep, wayfarer frame for your best fit. 

What we recommend: our Molasses Wooden Sunglasses, Angelou Wooden Sunglasses.

Round

Round faces are full and circle-shaped. There are no highly-defined angles as the forehead and jawline are soft and curved. . 

Rounder, fuller faces work best with more petite frames, and you can complement your circular features with frames that have defined edges. Rectangular frames that sit at or just above your cheekbones will sharpen your look. 

What we recommend: our Phoenix Wooden Sunglasses, or our Harvey Wooden Sunglasses. 

Square

Square faces are similar to round faces in that they are typically not very long. However, square faces have more defined edges and lines around the forehead and jaws. 

Square, angular faces are best complemented by round frames. The bold top and subtle bottom rim of an aviator style frame will accentuate and soften your square features at the same time.

What we recommend: our Koura Wooden Sunglasses.

Heart

Heart-shaped faces have the wide to narrow taper like triangular faces, but without the angles. The forehead and jawline are more rounded, and while the chin narrows from the jaw, it doesn't come to a point. 

Heart-shaped faces have the most fun selection of frames, as the cateye style suits them well. The cateye provides a more narrow frame that is still curved at the bottom with an angle in the top corners to complement the curves of the heart-shaped forehead. 

What we recommend: our Prestige Wood Sunglasses.

Triangular

Triangular faces have wider foreheads that narrow through the jawline, coming to a point at the chin. 

Square frames will add some width to a narrow triangular face, but large round frames can also soften some of those angles while adding width as well. 

What we recommend: our Bounty Wooden Sunglasses, Florence Wooden Sunglasses, Eden Wooden Sunglasses, Henna Wooden Sunglasses, Urbanity Wooden Sunglasses.

Conclusion

Your face may not distinctly resemble just one shape, but take on characteristics of two or even three of the facial figures. That’s okay! Play to your most prominent features with a frame that both highlights and balances them. Remember too that at the end of the day your personal style and what makes you feel best far outweighs any guide. 

Your face is exceptional. Accentuate it with a pair of Vilo Wooden Sunglasses that are equally extraordinary!

While in Indonesia I met a fellow aid worker who told me this unfortunate story about a young girl travelling through India. Years later, completely unrelated, I met another aid worker who told me the same story. Apparently, my two friends were on the same trip to northern India and their story is a horrific tale of an innocent girl and her poo problem. Yes this is a poo story.

My friends were part of a team deployed in India to assist a church with its social programs. In India guests of honour sit on stage behind the preacher, much like a gospel choir in an African American church. The team had to sit still for hours as music played and the preacher rambled on in a foreign language.

One of the younger girls on the team (we’ll call her Jane) joined the team because her parents thought it good for her to have real-world-experience before university. Traveling wasn’t what she expected. Throughout the trip she’d complained about the food, the sleeping conditions, the long bus rides etc. things that a seasoned traveller relishes.

Jane had been eaten alive by the bugs, her feet were swollen in the heat, and her pretty features were glazed with a constant sweat. Her team had tried to offer support but her negative attitude was wearing them down. Perhaps in another world Jane was a nice person, but under pressure she was unbearably energy draining. The final straw was when she got deli belly.

After a day on the toilet Jane told the team she was over it. She had talked to her parents and wanted to fly home the next day. Everyone agreed her going home was a good idea. Before that could happen events were about to reach an all-time low... or high if you like poo stories.

For whatever reason the team convinced Jane to stay a few more days to help with a current project. She didn’t like it but agreed. Cue the church service scene:

Jane was still recovering from her deli belly. Sitting still for over an hour was becoming torture in the heat so she picked up her water bottle and excused herself from the platform.

Meanwhile Tim, another team member, was experiencing stomach cramps. He was asked to come forward and give a public address on behalf of the team. Tim could feel his bowels moving but couldn’t edge out of the situation, so he stepped up to the podium in his baggy-Thailand-hippie-pants. He got through a brief address when something inside gave way. The translator was still talking when Tim was bounding across the stage with his hand up his butt crack.

He must have looked alarmed because a man ran over to him and motioned if everything was okay. Tim had a clip microphone for his speaking, the kind that clips onto your shirt, and in his angst had forgotten about it. He spoke very little Hindi but enough to say ‘shauchaalay’ which means toilet. He repeated it a few times putting a twist on his accent until the guy understood. He caught Tim’s arm
and with a fast pace led him to the toilet. All the while Tim was plugging his butt with his left hand.

Tim had mistakenly alerted over 500 Indians at a religious gathering that he needed the toilet. But that wasn’t the worst sound the undercover microphone would pass on. The wireless transmitter could pick up signals from about 50ft.

The pair rounded a few corners when the man pointed to a concrete building. There were several concrete cubicles with no doors but a thin fabric curtain hanging over each entrance. Tim chose the closest one and pulled free from the clutch of his guide. Half running, half hopping to the entrance he swung his body round and reversed into the squatty potty. He reached behind him to pull the
curtain aside and used his other hand, previously blocking his tidal flow, to pull his pants down in one swift move.

You guessed it. It would have been the perfect move apart from the stall was already taken by Jane who was dealing with her own stomach cramps. Tim’s momentum and weight didn’t help the situation as he landed his bear bum in her squatted lap. Jane didn’t know what hit her but it felt warm.

It was the shrilling screaming that the gathered crowd was surprised to hear, because they weren’t sure if it came from the PA system or the toilet block behind them. It turns out the sound technician was Tim’s guide and had ran from his mixing desk to help the situation. He was powerless to stop the sound. Thankfully most religious Indians don’t know English expletives.

Jane took the next flight home and was never seen again. Travelling often produces some great stories, but I doubt my outdoor escapes and international adventures can top such a tragic deli belly story. I hope you’ve picked the moral here; she would have been fine had she been sporting a pair of Vilo sunglasses.

If you have any similar experiences be sure to let us know in the comments... and it’s ok to start with, ‘a friend of mine...’

A story by Matthew Guddatt

Trouble is… it’s easier said than done. It is easy to carry on and to hope for the best. Sort of like how ostriches deal with their problems, don’t look and maybe everything will be fine. We are all too aware that this negligence isn’t a solution. But how do we change?

That’s what I love about Vilo, they have created a way to evoke a change… without people even realising it! The best change is one you don’t have to make. Here are some badass pair’s of polarised shades, which won’t float the oceans for a thousand years. Ones that are sourced sustainably so that our kids can also have some badass polarised sunnies. And if more importantly so they won’t have to look at a dying world choked on plastic through that same set of badass polarized sunnies. 

So if you are inspired like us to do good by the planet then here are some things you can do to help out around the place.

Replace the plastic - This is the first step in the change to sustainability. We in New Zealand have all done it with single use plastic bags without too much of a struggle. Have a look around your home and possessions, what will still be around in a thousand years… (Basically anything plastic) Is it so irreplaceable that the time you spend using this plastic item is worth that amount of decay time? Replace the plastic items in your life with things that are inexhaustibly sourced and that won’t outlast our species.
E.g. Re-useable ceramic coffee cups, a metal water bottle re-filled from the tap, of course a pair of Vilo sunnies so you can look good saving the planet too.

Buy local – Keep your community bustling by supporting it. Head to the local market and grab a coffee in that reusable cup. Use local manufacturers, it may be cheaper to ship something around the world but there are unseen impacts like emissions and the potential for human exploitation. Buying local will usually ensure better quality goods, which last longer and come guilt free… they also keep the roof over your neighbour’s head.

Buy Seasonal – If you are buying local then you will realise we don’t have a year round supply of some things. Avocados just don’t like our climate year-round. Diversify your eating and make meals using only seasonal ingredients. You will find it cheaper too.

Read Labels - Most sustainable goods will advertise that fact on packaging. It’s something to be proud of so why not right? If you have two favourite brands and one is ethical and sustainable, then let that make up your mind.

Green Fingers - Start small and grow some herbs, then try your hand at growing some easy vegetables. Tomatoes, and beans grow amazing in NZ and produce plenty. Plant a lemon tree and other fruit trees, which will provide seasonal fruits for your future, along with cleaning the air we breath.

Save Power – Not all our power is generated through renewable sources just yet. We still use about 20% coal and gas to power our cities. So try minimising your usage, and save some dosh doing so. Don’t put on the drier on a sunny day, turn off the lights, don’t take 45min showers. If we all save a little it can add up to a lot.

Take the Opportunity - Donate old cloths rather than sending them to landfills across the country. Its that old chestnut ‘One mans rubbish is another’s treasure’. Then take yourself down to the local OP shop and get thrifty. You might find just that perfect piece and give a garment a new lease on life.

Go further, how can you make a bigger sustainable splash outside just your life… share your own sustainable ideas, make your sustainable dreams come true, and help leave this beautiful blue planet in a better way than we found it.

This article was guest written by Kiwis Off Course Brett and Bianca. Brett and Bianca have traveled around the world writing about their experience and capturing shots to inspire other kiwis to travel. Now they have settled down in Aotearoa where they have been exploring their own backyard paradise.

We’re not that old and smart phones had just come out but we didn’t have one and without knowing it at the time, it was liberating. Today if I was to eat out in a new place I find myself consulting Aunty Google and Uncle Tripadvisor and whilst they will often save me from bad experiences and rip off artists they also sanitize us from discovering the unexplored and unexpected. Even those that were awful experiences are now some of my fondest memories.

I’m a total hypocrite as I am writing for you a travel guide of sorts (this is the disaster version, the guide part will come later) but take my advice and ditch the phone every now and then and let your feet (or wheels) take you for a wander into the unknown.

Buying a Campervan

First off we had been living in London for the previous 3 years so we had time to hunt out and find the perfect (cough cough) campervan. I was told you could go to a street in Earls Court where people finishing their travels would sell their vans to people starting out but to be honest we never found it and I suspect it’s a thing of the past.

Tip Number 1: Buy a Decent Campervan

We didn’t. In an effort to save money we bought a 1981 Talbot Van (Talbot went out of business in 1994 : 1^st clue!)

 "Kristos" our home for the next 4 months

Guess which one is ours??

She was bought for 3000 pounds and was not in good condition but was a genuine self contained campervan with shower and everything.

To be fair the previous kiwi owners didn’t lie about anything but I was too impatient to hear their subtle warning signs. They had mentioned that the fuel tank could leak if you filled it right up but I assumed they meant a small dribble and only if parked on a hill.

We had a long drive scheduled and I’m a numbers man. I desperately wanted to know what sort of mileage we could get out of our new baby so I filled her to the brim, reset the odometer and went in to pay. With a glance to the forecourt I noticed a problem not in the form of a dribble but a rapidly expanding flammable puddle escaping from under the van. My sweet wife Francesca, oblivious to the danger beneath her feet smiled and waved back at me. I’m not proud of this but faced with this growing problem, I quickly paid, quietly prayed for no explosion, started the van and drove off.

I’m very sorry Shell Petrol Station of Oatlands Drive, I really needed those numbers…..

BTW we also sold the van for 3000 pounds so did we save anything by being tight………

Tip Number 2: Changing Down Saves Lives

I’m led to believe that Talbot brakes weren’t the best when they came out of the factory and they certainly didn’t improve when someone ripped a hole in the top and added an extra 600kg of weight to make it into a campervan.

Somewhere in the mountains around Oberaudorf Germany, Kristos was in the zone as we smoothly took crisp mountain corners in our stride cruising down steep mountain passes. I didn’t want to cramp our style by down shifting and hadn’t come across the term “brake fade” before so I decided to hold in the brake gently and keep us in the "zone".

The air was crisp, the views were breath-taking until they were filled with the smell of burning brake fluid and the views of mountain drop offs were breathtaking for another reason. Try as I might, I now couldn’t stop the van with the brakes and with a sharp corner approaching and a top heavy van I swore loudly and applied the handbrake to bring us to a stop. We breathed a sigh of relief, jumped out and had a cup of tea (cos we’re badass) and waited for the brakes to cool.   

Jumping back in, we were now in a position on a 21% decline and a 90 degree corner 100 meters ahead. In the interests of safety I made Francesca jump out and stand at the corner below where she would have prime view of me falling to my death. Thankfully they worked, she jumped back in and off we went, down shifting all the way.

And they say chivalry is dead….

Not actual corner. Between cursing and skidding with the handbrake I didn't have a free hand to take a picture for my years later blog

Tip Number 3: JB Waterweld Is Made Of Magic (not sponsored)

Coming from a very temperate Northland, New Zealand climate I was not aware that water freezes outside of freezers and frozen water bursts pipes. In my haste to try all the “features” of Kristos, I decide to test out the onboard water heater and then leave it overnight in the middle of the UK winter. For some reason the ability to make hot water in a van amazed me at the time, so the next day I tried it again to the inevitable soggy results. With not much hope and not much money, not only did JB Waterweld fix it, it stayed “fixed” for the ensuing 11,000 miles (17,600km). It also turned my curses into praise when our rusty radiator developed a gaping hole on the outskirts of Rome. I think I probably blocked up a quarter of our radiator in the process but it did the trick allowing us to explore that magnificent city and more.

Tip Number 4: Fuses Are Really Cheap But Sometimes Mislabeled

"Kristos" was fancy and had a gas heater. The previous owners had told us it works but under no circumstances were we to use it until its exhaust hose was fixed (cue carbon monoxide poisoning). I was onto it and in my haste to fix the hose it just stopped working. I imagined I knew what I was doing but after an an hour I gave up and told Francesca, the heaters not working but we won’t need it anyway because we’ll be travelling in summer.

It was 4 months later when I found out the fuse I thought was a unlabeled spare was actually the fuse for the heater. 20 cents later it worked………..

Tip number 5: Don’t Throw Chairs In The Dark

We found this fantastic spot to park up for the night somewhere in Sicily, Italy where there was a dried up riverbed where we decided to start a fire and cook our fish caveman styles. I was down below gathering wood, Francesca was up top getting the chairs when she called “incoming” and with uncanny aim which I’ve never seen before or since hurled a chair hitting me squarely in the shin.

Believe it or not, Francesca's an ED Nurse.....

It didn’t stop us climbing Etna the next day, even shunning the bus (sissies) to walk the whole way instead.

Francesca felt the need to verbally and with gestures harass the tour bus. She showed them....

Tip Number 6: Nothing Beats Exploring a Continent With a Campervan

Europe is filled with some truly beautiful sights free to be ruined with an ugly van. I can’t help but feel young people these days are missing a trick by shunning the campervan tiki tour of Europe. We thought the stops would be filled with people our age but to be honest it was all retirees.  You can’t beat the freedom to explore and how cheap it is to travel. Europe has a huge network of campervan stops, most of them free, or sometimes 2-3 euros. These are usually in pretty villages, lakes, cities or beaches, have free water fill up and waste disposal. One in Italy even had electricity hookup for free! It got to the point where if they were asking for 5 euros for the night we’d tell em “they’re dreaming” and move on. We’d be walking through the cities with only a water bottle in hand, where the poor backpackers would be lugging all their worldly possession on their shoulders. Where others were confined to the cities, we’d discover unspoilt frozen lakes, deserted coastline and “man make big boom” (more on that in later blogs) because “the road looked cool”

So in summary I dedicate this piece to "Kristos". Even though you were the ugliest van ever to grace this earth you were our chariot through Bosnian landmines and Sicilian drivers. You kept going despite missing fuel caps and dodgy fuel, leaking gas and knackered engine mounts. Your memory will be cherished forever.

About Vilo

Our aim is to produce world class wooden sunglasses and watches to accompany you on your life's little adventures. We’re not perfect (we've changed a bit since willfully polluting a petrol station) but in a world full of throw away plastic we want to look after this beautiful planet we love to explore.

Rest assured by purchasing from Vilo you are receiving something handcrafted, natural, sustainably produced and sustainably delivered (you'll notice none of our pieces are called "Kristos").

Not only that but 10% of all our profits go to A21 with the aim of stopping slavery and human trafficking still occurring in our modern world. We believe in creating value not only for you our customer but in the communities we live, work and play.

For your support we say thank you.

Isabella's first sail with her grandparents...

the initial dinghy ride perhaps a slight shock to her tiny system...

and a rare toddler free night away celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in Russel

10 years, 19 countries, 2 house renovations, 1 baby and 1 business...definitely a few more wrinkles from the fresh faced (nearly) teenagers we once were

The beginning of 2019 also bought our annual camping trip to Otamure Bay with a few of our oldest pals.

This year after 12 years of camping, we have finally graduated to a (borrowed) grown up tent...

What pure indulgence to be able to stand while changing and sleep supine (rather than in a ball to accommodate Josh's 6 foot 4 diagonal frame in 'bed'). We have not however, graduated to a grown up 'bed' with Josh still preferring mats to really, "get back to nature". 

The grown up trip continued, graduating from kayaks to our pals tinny boat, from snorkeling to diving and my 16 month old pals first trip on a (incredibly slow and responsible) sea biscuit! Traditional food remained however because you really can't beat BBQs and canned rice pudding.  The beauty of this place still astounds me with rolling hillsides and a pristine aqua beach laying peacefully side by side. 

The closure of summer also bought a week at a bach of a friend of a friend of a connection to another friend at Taupo Bay. 

While previous photos captured views and adventure, my photos of summer seem to be filled with the two loves of my life, Josh and Isabella. Not incredibly useful for filling a business blog!

The business has been royally blessed over summer with encouraging reviews from Vilo fans from all around the world filling our inbox, and new stockists joining us in Kaitaia, Whangarei, Cromwell and Australia!

We're pleased to start free express tracked shipping to Australia which often arrives overnight or else an ETA of 3 days. This is catered through our new international site www.viloeyewear.com. Lastly, watch this space as we are putting the final touches in offering personalised engraving for our wooden watch range. Perfect for birthday or anniversary gifts for your loved one.

With Autumn emerging it's time to reflect on a glorious summer and see what is in store next for our growing little business.

Take care

and like the modern woman I am...erected my own gazebo!

The day was so successful meeting Vilo fans and rubbing shoulders with other kiwi entrepreneurs, I seem to have caught the market buzz.  I will be hitting the twilight Christmas Market at Coatesville this Sunday 16th December at 2pm until 7pm (ish). 

I'm so excited to be debuting our latest pair of sunglasses at the Christmas Market which will be released on our website in the New Year. It is a rose-gold brushed metal frame with deep ebony wood. I've yet to name this exquisite model but seem to be stuck on a bird theme...Skylark...Sterling...Eagle. Josh isn't convinced by my current tangent.    

For our second Christmas in a row, we have to apologise. Demand has exceeded our expectations and unfortunately a few models have been sold out for a few weeks. Fortunately, today all models have been completed and are now available online and from the majority of our fabulous stockists.  

If you're umming and aahhing about whether wooden eyewear is the way forward for that unique gift, check out my only informative blog with all the lowdown on wooden sunglasses here (The Ultimate Guide To Wooden Sunglasses). This was written when I was in the throws of wooden knowledge acquisition and assumed everyone was as zealous a wood geek as I am! Not to be out done, our wooden watches also make a thoughtful eco friendly gift for family and friends (ours included...watch out sibs!)

I'd like to say I'm nailing the Christmas countdown, have my presents wrapped and cooking catered, but I seem to be woefully distracted by summer! Among a hive of sunglasses activity, my fourteen month old friend and I have stolen some glorious hours feeding the ducks...

working on fluffy mono-brows on our regular coffee dates...

and convincing Josh to dress in matching neutrals and swan about on Ruakaka beach!

My friend was generously gifted a family photo shoot by the incredibly talented local photographer Billie Axon. This precious lady really positioned us to look semi presentable and Josh, after initially threatening to use the photo shoot for a Vilo promo, even admitted the day was, "kind of fun".

So the wind down (or wind up) to Christmas can be a chaotic, heady season but this year I seem to be floating along and stealing some precious, family time with my little friend and her gorgeous daddy. So amongst your own Christmas chaos,  diary in some important dates to ensure your wooden orders will arrive in time for Christmas morning.  Place orders for... 

NZ North Island - 21st December before 2pm

NZ South Island - 20th December before 2pm

Australia - 12th December before 2pm (Expedited Shipping only)

after these dates we're all in no man's land whether parcels will arrive on time!

Merry Christmas lovely reader and the biggest Happy Birthday to Jesus Christ Xxx 

My dearest Grandma (Mamar) who at 88 still flies to New Zealand every year from England, sent Isabella four beautiful dresses for her birthday. Isabella donned one of them for a birthday picnic at Whale Bay where she enjoyed Josh's jandel as an entree.  

We had her little party two weeks later. I say little party but there was in fact 40ish adults, 15ish babies and 10ish big kids. This may sound ridiculous but really demonstrates how many great people are in our lives. There was no B list, we just invited everyone and bundled into the local parents center.  Unlike her mumma, my little pal isn't the biggest fan of large crowds so spent most of the day marginally terrified, snuggled into Josh's chest.

...and yes I am that mother who decided Isabella and I would wear matching dresses. Mine was an oldie but I saw the mini identical a few months before the party and thought heck do it now whilst she can't protest! Josh commented that it wasn't the lamest thing I've done...

So what have I learnt from a year of parenting? Well a lot of the same lessons from a year in business.

1. You don't need sleep when you're in love

My little pal has been a 'good baby' she did what the books said and fed every three to four hours and slept (mostly) at night. But I've still been shattered. Likewise in the business, most of our decisions have been long dismantled and discussed in the morning's tiny hours.  If you love what you're doing and you love who you're raising, you can not only survive but thrive on very little sleep!

2. There's so many ways to do the right thing

In my pre-baby and pre-business life, I would follow recipes, protocols or Google to do the right thing but there are so many "right" ways to parent and grow a business. From introducing solids to social media marketing...there's 100 ways to get it right. Time is the ultimate determiner of progress and hindsight it's helpful cousin. Your parenting style and business style is completely unique and there is no one right way to progress.  Figuring out the "right" way comes down to trial...trial...trial and lots of errors. Don't be afraid to give things a go, you'll never grow a baby or a business by doing nothing, through fear of doing it wrong.

3. Ask for help

After saying "give it a go" and "trial...trial...trial" asking others and learning from their mistakes can save you time and heartache. Given that there is no right way to parent or run a business, you can be fending off unwelcome advice from all angles which doesn't gel with your personal philosophy. Select a couple of mentors to bounce ideas off.  Obviously pick people who's children or businesses you admire.  Don't take on the quirky advice from everyone...be selective and deliberate of those you ask for help.

4. Network

Childbirth, breastfeeding and "wholesale directing" have been three new experiences for me this year. If I had isolated myself or just relied on Josh I would have driven myself (and let's face it Josh too) marginally bonkers. Finding like minded mums' (and dads') in the community and networking with other local business owners has not only ensured my sanity, it's kept my spirit buoyant.  Through the journey of owning a business, we've met other really talented entrepreneurs.  To name drop a few, 

Stephen and Charlee at Soil and Sand

Karyn at Kalm Designs

and Nick and Chelsea at Eat Conscious

have been some of the fabulous kiwis we've met during this business journey.

5. Be Amazed

Being amazed has been my greatest joy in our parenting and business journey. Both have bought extreme highs and extreme lows. From the dizzying highs of my baby's first roll and securing our first wholesaler...to the desperate lows of her first injury and faulty batch of sunnies, I've learnt there are no coincidences. God works all things together for our good. When the middle of the night brings worry and fret...the morning brings new milestones and opportunities. Learning to "be amazed" and not only seek out but focus on the triumphs, compounds great opportunities and makes the whole journey worthwhile.

So our baby and business have turned one and we're all still standing! A little weary but very happy.  Now onto the next year...

So before the adventures of parenting and launching a business, Josh and I were quite the travelling duo.  Our one year OE lasted over three years with travels including Europe in our companion "Christos the Camper van"

South East Asia

and volunteering in Vanuatu

 to name drop a few of my highlights. Obviously big adventures have taken a teeny break whilst navigating the highs and lows of a new business and new baby so it brings me so much joy to see Vilo fans out and about! Recently my brother in law had a meeting with a chap in Nelson who was sporting a pair of our optical frames. It tickles me pink that Vilo pieces are travelling about the world! We've been fortunate enough to be kept in the loop with generous fans sharing some of their photos as Vilo acompanies them on their adventures...

From Wanaka...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vilo (@vilo.wood) on Jul 2, 2018 at 11:49pm PDT

to Spain...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vilo (@vilo.wood) on Sep 1, 2018 at 12:23am PDT

to the UK...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vilo (@vilo.wood) on Jul 12, 2018 at 12:53am PDT

and Croatia...

View this post on Instagram

Listen to what @gwiljr had to say about his pair of Vilo Welkin Blue sunglasses - . "These Sunnies... @vilo.wood - these are amazing, 5 countries, a couple heatwaves, 9 flights, a sail Croatia and a cruise and they are still in amazing condition! No noticeable scratches or bent frames to spite all the abuse! Not to mention how awesome the lenses are! Wooden frame stood up to swimming in 4 different bodies of open water and never showed signs of wear! . AND...!!! 10% of their profits goes to Mercy Ships . This is not a paid advert, just that good!" . .

A post shared by Vilo (@vilo.wood) on Aug 8, 2018 at 3:41pm PDT

off to Europe...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vilo (@vilo.wood) on Jul 16, 2018 at 11:59pm PDT

as close as Australia...

View this post on Instagram

Repost from the lovely @thetravelkid.nz "I'm excited to pop them on and get on with the day! Here's my latest pair from @vilo.wood, a New Zealand company that uses sustainable wood and donated 10% of the profits to help provide essential surgery to people in Africa living in poverty" Share your photos at #vilowood

A post shared by Vilo (@vilo.wood) on Jun 15, 2018 at 11:58pm PDT

and as far as the USA...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vilo (@vilo.wood) on Jun 20, 2018 at 12:34am PDT

our portfolio of fans and their incredible adventures is growing. Also is the number of Vilo stockists! Vilo fans are frequently asking us where in New Zealand they can try our wooden pieces, so we've spent much of the winter hibernation seeking out superb businesses to work with and showcase our wooden creations. Fishers on Cameron are the exclusive stockist for our wooden watches in Whangarei.

 Visualeyez are stockist in Whangarei of our optical frames.

View this post on Instagram

We're pleased to introduce our new range of wood prescription frames, now available at VisualEyez Boutique Optometrists, Whangarei

A post shared by Vilo (@vilo.wood) on Jun 29, 2018 at 2:22pm PDT

We discovered Two Boutique in Matakana on a recent trip to the Farmer's Market one sunny Saturday and Alana and her team were keen to take us on...

View this post on Instagram

Summer dreaming with @katesylvester, @vilo.wood and @goodandco ☀️🌊 . . . #twoboutique #twomatakana #two #matakana #spring #springfashion #springoutfit #springstyle #love #cute #instagood #beautiful #fashion #shop #shopping #shoplocal #instadaily #onlineshopping #onlineboutique #boutique #boutiqueshopping #fashionblogger #style #newseason #ss18 #newin #katesylvester #goodandco #nzfashion #summer

A post shared by Two Boutique Matakana (@twomatakana) on Jul 29, 2018 at 1:35pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Two Boutique Matakana (@twomatakana) on Jun 29, 2018 at 6:52pm PDT

The ever loyal Thieving Kea in Wanaka have been full steam ahead all winter and now stock our full range of sunnies and watches!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thieving Kea (@thieving.kea) on Mar 20, 2018 at 12:45am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thieving Kea (@thieving.kea) on Apr 16, 2018 at 1:18pm PDT

and just this week Sequoia in Old Cromwell Heritage Precinct have taken on our full range of sunnies

It's so exciting working with other New Zealand businesses in the buzzy lead up to summer.  So while our next overseas adventure remains a vague sparkly dream, we're living another dream seeing Vilo grow from strength to strength and having the joy of meeting some world class kiwi entrepreneurs on the way. 

For now our adventures are kept to glorious Northland with yet another fabulous time in Taupo Bay last weekend.  This time three generations enjoyed marshmellows around the fire with my parents (and Isabella's grandparent's) accompanying us.

There's something quite special about sharing your adventures with family. I'd love my 11 month old friend to grow up knowing the adventure of travel, the adventure of home and the adventure of business. That's the goal...that's the dream.

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

We spent the first dreamy day pottering along the sand and trying to prevent my little pal from consuming the entire beach.

That night was spent over a couple of glasses of wine and in a somewhat looser fashion, brainstorming ideas for the business.  Some were great! Some not so great.  But enough material was created to provide a few laughs for a summer campaign.  My childhood boxing day swims in Brighton (England) and general parental encouragement to be a "water baby" is potentially responsible for my draw to the Ocean. Any time of year, I feel that you're at the beach, you must swim. I doned my mum togs and winter leg hair to brace the water and loved a Wednesday morning swim. 

The second day was spent in a similar fashion, moseying along the beach,

a brief run and the most wonderful kiwiana ending...smores over a fire.

I came away from this isolated paradise refreshed and excited for "The Collective Marketplace" on Saturday.  Those who know me would consider me a confident, friendly person, unfazed by meeting new people and that's true! But throw me into a "sales" situation and verbal diarrhea from a world class loon seem to tumble out.  My mental narrative is, "Stop talking, let them be, OH GOSH LEAVE THIS POOR PERSON ALONE!" However my verbal narrative is, "What can I help you with? How can I help you? OH GOSH PLEASE LET ME HELP YOU!" I was given an effective pep talk by Josh and seemed to reign in my mouth long enough to really enjoy the day.  The best part was meeting Vilo fans and hearing their invaluable feedback.  Also networking with other Northland businesses.  Prepare for a few collaborative giveaways over 'Plastic Free July!'.  The cherry on top was selling few pairs of sunnies, very exciting in the middle of winter! 

I wore a pair of our optical frames for the whole day and can give genuine testament to how comfortable and light they are! 

So I can confirm a well balanced week; Nature time balanced with business time.  Please don't restrict our beautiful backyard to the summer. Head North, head South, head anywhere just get out and about. There are so many untouched pieces of paradise in this country of ours, start wandering through them!

We began the meander marveling at the early winter sunshine and that in Northland we're still in shorts.  These walks are great at inspiring new business ideas and we quickly got in to the nitty gritties of our venture, wondering where and how we can expand.  There's nothing like clear views with a chilly edge for inspiration.  The craggy peaks of Mount Manaia are swathed in legend.  It is said that Hautatu, a chief who lived on the opposite side of the harbour, crossed the water and was chasing after his wife Pito and two children who had been taken captive by Manaia, the paramount chief of Whangarei. All five were struck by lightning and turned into the rocky outcrops visible at the summit, which now create the unmistakable entrance of Whangarei Harbour.  When driving north, any local will tell you that after the Brynderwyn Hills, when you see Mount Manaia at the harbour entrance...you know you're home.  After a sweaty ascent we reached the summit.

The summit, in lovable kiwi style, has no warning signs, no safety rails just a spectacular drop and incredible vista.  

I've done this track at dusk, at noon and after a misplaced bout of inspiration...at 4am to watch the sunrise.  No matter the time of day or season, the view becomes more beautiful...more breathtaking.  

This was perhaps the most important time I have scaled the summit, marking the first time for our 7 month old friend.  

On our return a stranger remarked, "she'll never forget this" Josh and I exchanged an eye roll but a part of me wants to believe on a primal, sensory level, our little girl will remember this hike...maybe not being plastered to Josh's sweaty torso though.  It's always been a personal slight to me if I can't beat the advised length of time by doc signage. Doc advise the hike is a two hour return.  Thankfully, we completed the track in 45 minutes up, and 34 down.

To plan your own Mount Manaia adventure, visit https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/whangarei-heads-area/things-to-do/mount-manaia-track/  

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.wood

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

After trundling across the grass airstrip we encountered these beautiful creatures up close.  I've never understood the compulsion to fling oneself into the sky with no engine and the hope of finding thermal updrafts, but then the first glider took off... almost silently.  Growing up in a sailing family I can only compare gliding to sailing in the sky.  The silence...oh the silence is the largest draw.  Josh and Sam spent the first few moments ogling the gliders,

their hands clasped excitedly behind their backs and paying upmost attention to Dave (the guy in charge). 

I don't know if it's all men, but Josh can buzz with excitement without moving at all.  I seem to fizz all over, occasionally leaving the confines of earth to jump and squeal but not Josh...he's very calm...very collected...but buzzing. At Kaikohe the gliders are launched via a winch launching.  Because these gliders have no engine...that's correct NO engine! They are launched via a tow rope attached to a winch. 

Gliders stay in the air via thermals (hot air rising from the earth), ridge lift (wind blowing against and up off one side of a mountain) and wave lift (wind blowing over a mountain). 

I learnt all these geeky fun facts from Josh on the giddy ride home.  Each of the boys were up in the skies for over an hour!

A massive benefit of coming at the beginning of winter is that they were the only two waiting a turn.  Dave reported in poorer conditions or with a long line of visitors the boys may have only had 10 minutes.  In fact their flights finished when it was getting dark rather than any other factor.  Kaikohe gliding club is an example of what makes New Zealand great.  A group of people passionate about their sport who get to fly with enough restrictions to make it safe but without all the health and safety nonsense one might encounter in other parts of the world.  So what did Gayle, myself and my 6 month old friend do?

Enjoyed a picnic and a yarn in the beautiful silence of Kaikohe airstrip.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) I feel another hobby on the horizon for Josh. At least if he gets a gliding license I can play at cabin crew in the sky and perhaps write another blog from first hand experience! Contact Dave 09 407 8454 on either a Thursday or Sunday to plan your own gliding adventure.  Or find them on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Kaikohe-Gliding-Club-Inc-663236720383432/  You will potentially be able to contact Josh shortly too if he pursues a gliding license!  

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

Here are six reasons you need wooden sunglasses and why they’re here to stay. 

WOODEN SUNGLASSES ARE GOOD FOR OUR PLANET

Recently the world has woken up to the glut of humanity and we’re beginning to ask, “how can I do my bit?”.  We currently lose forests at a rate of 18.7 million acres per year or the equivalent of 27 soccer fields every minute! Forests are essential to our survival. They purify our air, filter our water, prevent erosion and combat climate change.  Sourcing sunglasses or any wooden products through responsible forestry practices ensures the future of our forests.  The Forest Stewardship Council is an independent certification body.  Accreditation means forest management has complied with the Council’s 10 principles of Responsible Forestry Management.  By sourcing sunglasses or any wooden products from renewable forests, poor practice can be radically reduced. 

The hand manufacturing of wooden sunglasses also emits negligible greenhouse gas emissions compared to that of plastic.  Greenhouse gas emissions are responsible for air pollution, atmospheric warming, disastrous weather events and a rise in sea levels.  Bamboo sunglasses are especially beneficial as bamboo grows so fast and produces 35% more oxygen than a similar stand of trees.

Alongside the green beginning of wooden sunglasses is their green end.  Plastic sunnies clog up landfills for 450 years compared to a few years or less for wooden sunnies!

WOODEN SUNGLASSES ARE GOOD FOR YOU!

Wooden sunglasses are non-toxic and allergy free.  Those with plastic allergies will have to pay out for expensive metal or alloy alternatives but hypo-allergenic wooden frames are now the beautiful solution.  Far nicer to have natural wood grain next to your skin compared to compressed petroleum!  The most widespread protection from sunglasses is against ultraviolet (UV) rays.  Minimum classification for sunglasses is 380 nanometres (or 95% of rays).  Sunglasses which claim ‘UV 400’ filter out 99% or more of UVA and UVB light with wavelengths up to 400 nanometres.  Wide spread exposure to UV rays leads to arc eye, snow blindness, cataracts, conjunctiva and some forms of eye cancer. 

Dark lenses with little or no UV protection are more harmful to the wearer than no sunglasses at all! They cause the pupil to open wider and let in more harmful UV rays.  It is important to understand the protection offered by sunglasses manufacturers.

A post shared by Vilo (@vilo.wood) on May 20, 2018 at 11:28pm PDT

WOODEN SUNGLASSES ARE COMPLETELY UNIQUE

Various types of wood are used to make wooden sunglasses. Some include ebony, bamboo, rosewood, walnut, white maple, zebrawood and mahogany.  Different colours are from different woods or different parts of a tree.  As a tree grows, the center hardens, sometimes decaying, and forms ‘heartwood’.  The living outer layer is called ‘sapwood’.  Both these regions form different hues, veins and rings.  Knots are formed when parts of the tree die yet the tree continues to grow around the dead portion.  Every pair of wooden sunglasses is totally unique as no two trees are the same.  Darker frames are from darker woods rather than harmful stains or dyes.  Likewise, lighter frames or red hues are from different wood species. 

It can be fun learning about the different types of wood and which region of the tree it comes from.  In terms of a fashion piece, there is no other item where one will be completely different.

WOODEN SUNGLASSES ARE MOST FREQUENTLY CONSTRUCTED BY HAND

The construction of a wooden frame involves laser-cutting from planks of wood.  Once cut and ground to a uniform size, a buffing wheel is used to sand and buff every piece separately before they are assembled.  Wooden sunglasses can be solid wood or laminated.   Laser cut-outs of wood are glued together by hand, layer on layer, to produce wooden frames.  This layering of wooden pieces is called ‘laminating’ and layers are placed with the grain running in alternate directions to create strength.  Laminated wood frames allow for slimmer design and multiple hues compared to solid wood frames. 

It is more labor intensive to create sunglasses with wooden arms AND frames, than wooden arms alone.  Think of a plank of timber...multiple wooden arms can be cut from the same plank compared to the frames where only one may be cut.  The time-consuming hand construction of wooden sunglasses makes every pair a work of art and perhaps more special.

WOODEN SUNGLASSES TAKE SOME LOVING

Owning a pair of wooden sunglasses takes a little more time and love.  Wood is a living medium which will dry out and change hues over time.  Leaving them on a dashboard of a car for example, isn’t the best idea.  Butchers block oil, beeswax or lemon juice mixed with olive oil rejuvenate a pair of sunnies restoring the moisture content that makes them so beautiful.  Begin by rubbing a little oil or wax onto the wood, when it starts to shine, remove excess using a dry microfibre cloth.  Repeat every so often depending on how frequently the sunnies are being used.  Wood is far less pliable than plastic and frames are that bit more delicate.  It is important to store wooden sunglasses in a protective case to avoid damage by keys, phones or vigorous hugging by another party! 

WOODEN SUNGLASSES ARE LIGHTWEIGHT

While popular opinion would have you believing wooden frames are heavy, wood is in fact generally less dense than plastic, so frames are lighter than plastic alternatives! Wooden sunglasses made exclusively from bamboo will even float.

With six reasons to get yourself some wooden sunglasses, it seems this glowing addition to summer is firmly here to stay!

LIKE us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viloeyewear/

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

Check us out on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.nz/vilonz/pins/

This week our new prescription frames are finally ready! I've had fun naming the new frames and am excited to hear Vilo fan's thoughts. Click the photos below for the link

*Vilo Optical Wood Frames are prescription ready, meaning you can use them with the clear lens they come with or take them to a local or online eye care professional to have your prescription filled. Prices for prescription lenses range from $29 to $150. Contact us for information where you can get them filled.

I found myself trying names for our new time pieces in the wee hours whilst dancing the hug and sway with my friend.  This did however result in some unusual suggestions and Josh finding 'Scooby' not entirely appropriate for one of our new time pieces! 

This week I've found my life entirely out of balance and unable to give important time equally between a business, a baby, a husband and my love for the beautiful kiwi outdoors.  I'd love to blog weekly about extreme outdoor adventures with my little friend but this week...our outdoor adventure consisted of a potter over to Kensington Park with our nieces and nephews. 

Josh as always can never resist a photo op to showcase our Vilo sunnies out and about. 

This week our fabulous stockist 'Thieving Kea' in Wanaka posted a gorgeous pic of our sunnies in their store at 139 Ardmore St, Wanaka.

...far more creative than I can be with a lense! Becky and the team are wonderful to work with.  I am excited to be approaching new stockists at the moment as we are frequently asked by Vilo fans if there are local places to try our pieces.  However as mentioned before, this week new business ventures have taken a back seat to mummy cuddles with my favorite person.  I am hopeful Autumn and then Winter can provide ample opportunity for crisp adventures and a time to re group about the new opportunities and direction for our business!

Vilo Optical Wood Frames Collection

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

For a former 'wing it' pair...Josh and I had surprised ourselves and been completely organised, even completing a dorky dry run of our stall during the week previously.  We were happy with how the day turned out, getting to meet Vilo fans and have face to face feedback about our pieces.  We swelled at the compliments and were proud at how far the business has come.  Selling a few pieces was the cherry on top.

Not the most arty pair...even we were surprised at how nicely the stall came together! 

Fellow Northlanders' will know what a drizzly beginning of Autumn we've had.  However this week we managed to venture out into our closest beauty spot the Quarry Gardens.  Through the top of the Quarry, are multiple running/ hiking trails which used to be part of my pre-bub down time.  This week we enjoyed a more leisurely pace through the main gardens with fabulous pals visiting from Ireland!  Thankfully they didn't bring the snow and got to experience our glorious Quarry even in the drizzle...

This true-blue community project is a testament to Whangarei locals, built and maintained almost entirely by fit volunteers.  This beautiful place grows and changes every time we visit so I never tire of meeting visitors or locals here.  

To access the running trails, enter the Coronation Reserve on Russel Road. Pop out at the Quarry and treat yourself to a vintage tea experience at Quail Cafe

Today our first Vilo competition finished and we're pleased to share Elise Simionato was the winner of Sol sunglasses! We were overwhelmed by the response of Vilo fans and their kind words about our sunnies.  We were super nervous we would look like loosers' with no competition entries so were blown away by the amount of entries and shares! So a productive week professionally where I may have got the market bug.  Our neighbor stall holder made some suggestions for our next market venture and blessed us with pesto, guacomole and salsa at the market's end! Next Saturday 10th March we will be at "The Collective Marketplace" at Forum North so come down to support local business and have fun trying on our sunnies! 

To plan your own Quarry adventure visit http://www.wdc.govt.nz/FacilitiesandRecreation/WalksTrails/Pages/CoronationScenicReserve.aspx 

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

This stunning spot is part of the Whangarei Heads Coastline. To the East, Pataua and the Pacific Coastline can be admired and to the South Whangarei Heads and Mount Manaia.  The Heads is a jewel in Northland's crown and a wistful part of our retirement plan! Every corner reveals more beauty.  After the first steep assent, we were rewarded by stunning views and a sweaty cuddle with my friend...

What an amazing place for her to wake up. The view surely compensating for her sweaty pillow! We meandered down the rest of the track past Reotahi Marine Reserve where we've previously enjoyed...well endured not one but TWO disastrous dive attempts in overwhelming currents.  Reotahi is pristine with beautiful native sea life but worth some serious planning and consideration of tides! 
The loop track meets back at Tiller park where I could count the adventure a success and satisfied my happy tank for another week.  I also dragged Josh into a reluctant family photo where miraculously we're all smiling and looking the same direction...

The week hasn't been complete sunshine and loveliness...I have been dashing about preparing for the Mangawhai Beach and Country Market this Sunday 25th February.  It's the first time Vilo has been to Market and I'm a little nervous about how it will pan out...four month old friend in tow! I'm excited for a chilled atmosphere and community vibe.  Come check out our stall and make a day of it whilst enjoying this beautiful part of Northland. More information can be found on their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Mangawhai-Beach-Country-Market-537778696363897/ To plan your own Mount Aubrey adventure, visit http://discoverwhangareiheads.nz/walk/mount-aubrey/. Check out Reotahi Marine Reserve on the way back for a quick snorkel or complete dive to experience Northland's underwater world.  

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

The first hurdle was accommodation. For 11 years Josh and I have snuggled into our 'three man' dome tent, pooh poohing the idea of investing in a bigger tent instead preferring the minimalist camping experience.  Believing you're not 'getting into nature' if you take half the house with you.  However this year...our four month old friend in tow, we convinced ourselves that yes...we needed more space. Not convinced enough to invest in a bigger tent...but enough to scrounge one off Josh's parents! However arriving at this beautiful slice of New Zealand, it became apparent the bigger 'up market' tent was not only missing pegs...but also the waterproof fly!! So back to our humble dome we headed, Josh's diagonal sleeping and our little friend's basket made for an incredibly cosy stay.

The weather forecast was horrendous for this weekend.  We spent the first gale force day erecting multiple shelters so that if the forecast proved correct...we could bundle under tarpaulins with cups of tea, packs of cards and great company.

However after prayer and one blustery evening spent doing dirty dancing moves on the longest footbridge in the southern hemisphere...

...the weekend turned out fabulous! All sunshine and loveliness.  The footbridge is on Winnie's doorstep, I love that in New Zealand, you can puddle up to the deputy prime minister's gate and it's not swathed in security.  Just an understated wooden home on the edge of paradise.  The campsite nestles between two pristine beaches so we spent five lazy days between the two, exploring the rock pools, having mummy naps on the beach and teaching our four month old friend how to swim! 

...a perfect family photo interspersed with baby drool! During some down time, we convinced our much better looking pals to model seven of our latest sunnies in exchange for cuddles with our little friend.  They did an oober professional job...

and I think had a bit of a laugh too...

While our camping experience was certainly different from previous years and some evenings spent dancing the "hug and sway" with my little friend, it was the perfect closure to summer and beginning of our little ones adventures in our big, blue, beautiful outdoors. 

To plan your own Otamure adventure visit http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/whananaki-area/things-to-do/otamure-bay-whananaki-campsite/ 

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

as we struggled with TWO trolleys and one baby! Who'd have thought that one tiny person would require so much fanfare?  After an apprehensive flight where our little friend was, I'm happy to gloat...a complete dreamboat! We met with some of the sibs in Nelson and headed to Marahau in Abel Tasman National Park.  Thanks to some fabulous connections, this was our third trip to the Bach.  On previous adventures down here, I've thrown myself into (and off of) the mountain bike tracks at Kaiteriteri...

and enjoyed long meandering runs along Abel Tasman Coast Track complete with fantails and wekas...

This year, my dismally plummeting fitness meant a more relaxed affair.  With my smiling three month old friend and her eight scrumptious cousins, I was able to enjoy a new kind of fun. We spent our time on sunny walks, enjoying water play at the vast array of beaches...

(Split Apple Beach, Kaiteriteri and Stephen's Bay to name a few!), a sneaky mumma's only happy hour date and a less sedate day sea-biscuiting...

where my friend enjoyed her first tinny trip!

That face says it all. While she didn't cry, I can't conclude our water baby is a speed boat kind of girl and she is much happier under sail than horse power.  Josh managed a few mountain bike trips which this year thankfully,  didn't claim casualties.  The same couldn't be said for the odd version of rugby played at Stephen's Bay where my English brother-in-law lost his toenail. The jury has yet to decide on whether the dismal throw or appalling catch was to blame...

 ...and so a small piece of the Englishman will be forever part of New Zealand's pristine coastline.  To make up for the injury, Josh, myself and the keener family members spent an evening doing a childhood favorite...cockling. 

Our foraged meal was enjoyed over the final luncheon, complete with a few cheeky beers, blistering sunshine and great company.  Many people's eyes were agog at the thought of twelve adults and nine littlies rubbing alongside under one and a half roofs (including the tent) but it really was a fabulous time that came to an end far too quickly.  However there's plenty of summer still to be had on our return to the winter-less North!   

It hasn't been all sunshine and loveliness...this week Josh worked really hard installing the "Virtual Try It On" program to our website, where Vilo fans can try on their favorite sunnies via webcam or uploading a photo. It works with all face shapes and head sizes

...seriously EVERY face shape! Have a giggle with some of our more out there designs and let us know what you think.  Spread your giggle with pals by sharing you virtual Try It On via facebook.  At this stage it's currently easiest to work via desktop. 

Click Here To See The Range: Wooden Sunglasses

To plan your own Abel Tasman Adventure visit http://www.doc.govt.nz/abeltasmantrack. Be sure to check out the trails at Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park at https://bikekaiteriteri.co.nz/

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

My Dad designs and builds children’s wooden play equipment.  We’ve been the excited recipients of his beautiful balance boards but the rocking horse (called Ned) is a real show stopper! 

The last fortnight our little one has gone from bemused to overwhelmed with excitement by the Christmas tree. While a two month old may have little comprehension of Christmas, watching her watch our world has enabled me to see Christmas through infant eyes, as if for the first time.  As I reflect on this year, I’m first struck by my change of pace.  I can waste days with my little friend staring up at the grapevine in our garden or at the ocean when on the beach.  My little friend has slowed me down and opened my eyes to our beautiful world.  We’ve ended this year with time at the beach

Which introduced a glut of new sensations to my little friend!

We’ve also watched our business grow from strength to strength with the biggest high being customer feedback when they’re happy with our pieces.  Most of our decisions are made in the haze of the night when my little friend is asleep.  Feedback from Vilo fans confirms that yes…we’re doing a good job with great products! 

We became nostalgic and soppy this week on our 9^th wedding anniversary. Every year Josh grudgingly gives in to an anniversary picture, so I will be able to see ourselves aging in our ‘Anniversary Album’! He feels this is potentially one of my most depressing projects. Still he continues to give in, so our album becomes richer and our faces more wrinkled! Twelve years together has seen highs and lows.  After three continents, two house renovations, one business and one baby I still love him completely. We have some wonderful adventures planned over the Summer season. Family visiting from the UK, a trip to Abel Tasman, boating with friends in the Bay of Islands and a camping trip at Otamure.

Maybe it has been the arrival of our baby girl or our wedding anniversary, but we’ve wanted to extend the Christmas love.  We were supported by Vilo fans to donate 15% of all purchases from boxing day through to the 28^th December to Northland Rescue Helicopter.  As a thank you for the buy in, we’ll be running a New Year’s sale with up to 50% off all Vilo pieces from New Year’s day to the 3^rd of January 2018! Click the photo to find out more.

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

The journey from Whangarei to Waikaremoana holiday park was an adventure in itself with 90km of “state highway" 38 being a gravel road with no reception! I marvelled at the abilities of my Mitsubishi colt which was certainly not designed for such an ordeal.  As I weaved past the teeny catchments of Murupara and Ruatahuna I wondered several times if I’d passed the holiday park…or missed the 54km2 lake entirely.  When rounding one corner, and just when my fuel light awakened…there it was.  Waikaremoana or “sea of rippling waters” basking in late evening light.  Rocking up to the campsite was a welcome surprise.  The doc site is by far the best equip I have visited with warm showers, electric stoves and a cold cider to welcome me.  This was however a week after I had discovered I was pregnant and declined the lovely cider on account of my 8 week old bean. 

The first day was spent kayaking the shoreline, from Mokau Landing and hurling ourselves off a moderately scary waterfall!

A few chucks in the lake (courtesy of 8 week old bean) weren’t enough to detract from the glorious sunshine or crystal water.  The next day marked the beginning of the end of my running life!

We ventured out of our one-man tents and to the start of the blustery trail at 7am.  Unfortunately, bean wasn’t a fan of the initial and most challenging portion of the trail…Onepoto to Panekire.  At Waiopaoa and after several vom stops I decided to call it quits.  My iron woman pal powered through and completed the 46km trail by dusk! Myself and 8-week old bean managed just 17km but what a trail it was! 

A water taxi picked me and bean up and provided an impromptu tour of the entire lake with all its mystical history.  I’d love to return to Te Urewera with our daughter and complete the trail over the 3 days it’s designed for with overnight stays in the dotted doc huts.  This prehistoric refuge at the heart of New Zealand showcases the untouched, unspoiled natural beauty that kiwis are most proud of.  Why not immerse yourself in this haven and plan your own adventure at http://www.doc.govt.nz/waikaremoana. 

In Vilo News

Christmas is upon us and it's a reminder to check out the latest times on our shipping page to ensure you receive your watches and sunnies on time!

Brand new sunglasses this week: Zephyr

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

We had the perfect evening, the clarity allowing us to see not only the Hen and Chicks, but the Mokohinaus and Great and Little Barrier Islands. 

A post shared by Vilo (@vilo.wood) on Dec 8, 2017 at 10:41pm PST

The track was closed earlier this year after large slips. This Northland treasure has thankfully been repaired and is now very much open. The 5km track was an evening delight and we finished it off on the beach with Hoki and Chips from Stingray Matts in Mangawhai. While patting ourselves on the back about introducing our daughter to nature and how much she’d be loving the evening out…our little friend decided to undergo her evening cluster feed on the drive home! After a couple of stops (with beautiful views) for our little friend to enjoy some dinner, we eventually arrived home at 9.30pm. I’m starting to feel like me again, getting into the kiwi outdoors on a sweaty, sunny evening.

Seeing our little girl’s face both bemused and amused by the passing trees and dappled light makes these trickier trips worthwhile. 

In business news, we’ve had some frustrating moments with the delayed arrival of our sunnies this week. While promising Vilo fans that our latest pieces would be available last week, they’ve unfortunately been delayed.  Thankfully they will be ready in two days, well in time for Christmas.  We’re just hoping everyone can hang on until then!

New Womens Watch: Savannah

To plan your own Mangawhai Cliff adventure, visit http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/waipu-area/things-to-do/mangawhai-walkway/ .  Make sure you carb load after in Mangawhai with some fabulous kiwi cuisine!

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

For Whangarei locals Parihaka is almost a weekly fun spot.  Though challenging, it’s counted a quick ‘do-able’ workout for most.  The 241m high mountain used to be one of my regular runs.  However, 7 weeks post bubs just walking the trail proved a mental and physical Everest. This week my first attempt with Josh and bubs rated successful on my new scale of success. My new scale of success developed after travelling through the mental minefield of body comparison, pre and post bub (a dangerous place).  Post Parihaka hike, I’ve been reflecting on my changed role into Mum and my body which survived a miracle.

Motherhood has delivered the dizziest highs and most desperate lows I’ve ever encountered.  Poor Josh navigates through my hormonal / sleep deprived state almost daily! I’ve read inspirational pieces about the wonder of the female anatomy…about “earning my stripes” as a woman and loving your body because it has given life and I whole heartedly believe this.  While I’m amazed by my body, I’m not necessarily in love with it.  Pre-bub, every hike, running event and water adventure, I would be proud of the new level of physical and mental endurance I had achieved. 

Post-bub, and after slipping so far from my “baseline fitness,” I have a new understanding of physical and mental endurance.  While my naked self has slipped decidedly south…I am learning to love my new mum bod.  When WALKING (not running) single digit kilometres is challenging, my clothes fit funny (or not at all!) and my eye bags are un-concealable, I become wistful over my pre-bub bod.  But then my 7 week old friend starts smiling at me, or gains 260g in a week and the wistfulness disappears. 

Navigating a new business, a new baby and a new body is the greatest adventure I’ve encountered.  I’m enjoying afternoon cuddles on the couch while my friend naps on me and promising myself that tomorrow I’ll plop her in her bed like a ‘good mum’.  I’m making decisions with Josh about the direction of our new business at 11pm at night that are sensible and coherent despite my sleep deprived state! I’m walking with my friend everywhere instead of running and proud of each extra kilometre we conquer.  I love my mum bod because my husband loves it…and because of the tiny person it helped create.  My mantra from a precious pal, is to be, “out there doing it!” I’ve scaled back our outdoor adventures for now but can’t wait to get ‘out there’, and ‘do it’ in the great kiwi outdoors with my 7 week old friend and watch her learn about our beautiful world.  I hope future blogs are filled by outdoor adventures with our tiny person. 

With the Christmas lead up we’ve been blessed with so many new and returning Vilo customers and have sold out of many sunglasses. Thankfully more will be available in soon and we’re excited to update all those who’ve shown interest in the ‘notify me’ function.  What a boost of confidence that kiwis and a few overseas fans are keen to support our business adventure!

Watch of the week: Jubilee

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

If you'd like to know more about the Parihaka walk click here.

While Josh and I own all necessary diving equipment we are severely lacking in one diving necessity…a boat! Unless we beg, borrow or steal, we resort to shore dives, mostly in Whangarei’s fabulous harbour.  While not short on scallops (in season of course!) the visibility is hit and miss so when friends came to visit, we took the opportunity to head out with ‘Dive! Tutukaka’ and their boat Calypso. While our day started with an overhead warning of clouds and a reasonable swell… it quickly delivered dolphins on the 23km trip out to the Islands!

No matter how many times I see dolphins in Northland, the excitement never dwindles.  These mammals are beautiful and signify all that it right and unique about New Zealand’s warm, clean waters.  We visited two dive sites, the first Fraser’s landing on the Southern end of the Islands.  Converging warm water currents create a micro climate of bright tropical fish, sea creatures and native species.  As a bit of a nerd and sucker for all things colourful I was buzzing every time I spotted a neon nudibranch.  Josh was less impressed and couldn’t understand my fizzing over essentially sea slugs…but they’re so pretty!

Josh doesn’t really get excited…but he was visibly happy with the gargantuan Crayfish at Fraser’s Landing. This prehistoric monster knew he was resident of the protected Marine Reserve.  Instead of cowering in the back of his cave…he muscled his way out to show us, “yes I’m HUGE…whatcha gonna do about it!? Oooohhh look at all this meat on my bones!”

ARE YOU TRAVELLING ANYWHERE NEW AND STIMULATING? GOING ON AN ADVENTURE? IF SO, BE SURE TO BRING ALONG YOUR VILO WATCH OR SUNGLASSES AND TAG US IN ANY PHOTOS WITH THE HASHTAG #VILO.

The second dive site was Blue Mao Mao Arch.  I love diving in New Zealand, you can scramble and weave your way through each underwater forest without a care of ruining precious coral biodiversity.  Here Josh spotted an enormous Squid…he was buzzed and gesticulated through a serious amount of air before I saw the camouflaged gentleman. 

The confusion almost erupted into an underwater argument…not our first while diving together! It’s a serious mark of a good relationship to navigate underwater, disagree and still want to meet the other person safely at the surface.  Our visiting pals couldn’t have had a better time.

I loved showcasing one of Northland’s jewels.  While we have enjoyed the comfort of 30 degree waters in the tropics, I much prefer the interactive New Zealand waters where you can suit up and fly over, crawl under and scramble through the barely explored underwater world.

To plan your own Poor Knights Adventure, check out ‘Dive! Tutukaka’ http://diving.co.nz/ or any of the other professional outlines out that way.  For the nitty gritty nerdy info about Poor Knights Islands, check out http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/poor-knights-islands-marine-reserve/

Watch of the Week: Blackwood

Click the photo for the link

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo

I haven’t spent all week fizzing with Christmas anticipation…this week we launched the ‘Try It On’ programme at Vilo.   Josh and I are working hard to build a brand people can trust, with pieces people love.  ‘Try It On’ is a free returns programme for kiwi customers for if the watch or sunnies don’t fit or don’t suit.  We’re trialing #vilotryiton tag on Instagram and Facebook if unsure customers fancy our humble advice…

I couldn’t do a semi - Christmas blog without including ‘Francesca’s Festive Five’

One…Enjoy!

Christmas is a time for whanau and friends.  Embrace the looney in-laws and weird family members you bump heads with once a year. Use the Christmas work party to talk to someone new (or old) and perhaps invite some strays to Christmas lunch.  There’s far too many alone on Christmas Day…why not look around and invite a lonely someone who would thoroughly enjoy lunch with your weird rellies!?

Two…Get outside!

While many ex-pats may moan that a Southern Hemisphere Christmas “doesn’t feel like Christmas”, there are enough emerging kiwi traditions to kick a Northern Christmas’ butt! Take the sunny opportunity to head camping, go beach blobbing and stock the chest Freezer for BBQs.  New Zealand has enough wonder spots local to all kiwis.  There’s so many slices of paradise in Northland alone which I haven’t seen.  Bump was present at our last beach trip…we’ve yet to introduce our four week old baby girl to the long white sand!

Three…Serious Note

DON’T over extend yourself.  Out of control credit card debt and loans are catastrophic traps over the ‘silly season’.  The giftee (not gifter!) won’t notice the few extra dollars spent on them, especially children, but a bank balance can feel the Christmas hit, well into the New Year.  Expectations of Christmas presents and food have sky rocketed.  Take it as a personal challenge to change the culture of your Christmas and shift focus onto the true meaning (see point five!) 

Four…Prioritise

Many go through the Christmas season and emerge completely deflated.  While I’m a strong believer in embracing every opportunity to socialise, prioritise the groups you want to see and people you want to spend time with. 

Five… What’s It All About?

Christmas seems to induce stress and overwhelming temptation to pile on Christmas kilos and max out credit cards.  Why not reign it back this year? The glut of food and presents is far from the real meaning of Christmas.  It’s a celebration of the birth of the world’s greatest present and an opportunity to show love to those around us.

This may have been a premature blog (given it’s still November) but my first mince pie channelled all the fizzy Christmas feelings I try to supress throughout the preceding 11 months!  For more information on Vilo’s ‘Try It On’ programme, check out our website.  Or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. 

Clearly increasing market research into selfie taking is warranted here.  Unfortunately, in all our excitement about the sunnies and 1^st successful hike with our new addition…we hadn’t calculated the tides.  This walk is inaccessible an hour either side of high tide. I ended up wading back along the rocks with Josh ahead of me assuring me that yes he would catch me if I slipped. Well…catch is an over statement, he would catch our daughter and it “wouldn’t matter” if I got a little, “scuffed up”!

Not exactly the embodiment of class A parenting. 

Another exciting event this week is our first stockist! ‘Toot Sweet’ at Tutukaka Marina is the first stockist in New Zealand to stock our sunnies! The shop is bursting with beautiful things, including lots of locally sourced treasures. When stopping in on our way out to the Lighthouse, I had to steal myself away from indulging in too many yummy treats and floaty clothing! So lots happening in both business and family life.  We love our new line of sunnies and it’s given us another excuse and opportunity to get into Northland and start enjoying Spring.  Roll on warmer, drier weather!

To plan your own Lighthouse adventure visit http://www.tutukakacoastnz.com/tutukaka-headland-lighthouse-walkway/  for details and check the tides!! For information about ‘Toot Sweet’, find them on facebook https://www.facebook.com/tootsweettutukaka/ .  

Sunglasses of the week:

LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/vilonz

Keep up with us on Instagram: Instagram.com/vilo.co.nz

WATCH us on YouTube:  YouTube.com/Vilo