Psssst ....

It's no trick. Definitely a treat. Christmas has come early. Freedom is having a family and friends special for readers in Australia. 15% off November 1-4. Yes 4 days only. Rush instore. Dare I say start the Christmas shopping early. Yes only 54 days till the big day. Or better still if you don't really "do Christmas" (that would be me) it's a good time to spruce up for summer entertaing.

Last chance to enter our Matt Blatt competition

Entries close Saturday October 6 at 5.30 pm AEST for our Australian readers. Click over here to tell us how these chairs would make your summer perfect.

Matt Blatt store opening and competition

Thursday night in Brisbane saw several hundred people join me at the opening of Matt Blatt's new store in Doggett St, New Farm. What a great night! I turned up a little early to take some snaps. I knew once the crowds poured in it would be difficult  to do anything except talk furniture and blogs, champagne in hand. I'm really excited about the new pieces that Matt Blatt are introducing to their already extensive range. Lots of ethnic and colour brights, quirky boho and beautiful contemporary timber pieces. Loved the rugs too but that's no surprise because we all know I have a rug fetish. Thank you to the Matt Blatt crew for inviting me to be part of their special night. If you are in the south east Queensland area you really should drop in to the New Farm store and say hi to Aleks and his team.

P.S. Don't forget our Matt Blatt giveaway for Australian readers. It is open for another week and I can tell you that having seen the chairs in person they are fab! Talk about a summer tonic. Head over here to enter.

Store opening and competition

A big shout out to South East Queensland readers. Keep the early evening of Thursday 27 September free. Matt Blatt is celebrating their Newstead store opening and I will be there to help. It’s going to be a fun evening with champagne, canapés, gift bags and 15% off in store for the night. (You need to RSVP by 24 September. All the details are just below.)

Just as exciting is that Matt Blatt has kindly given me two of these fabulous chairs for an Australian reader to win as part of the celebrations. Matt Blatt's version of this classic Mexican chair is valued at $345 each and perfect for summer! Today is certainly hot in my neck of the woods and I could do with one of these tangy beauties to relax in and catch some rays.

What do you need to do to win these summer time essentials?

1. You need to be an Australian resident. (Boo! I know overseas readers. It is not fair but Matt Blatt is only based in Australia.)
2. You need to tell me, in the comments below this post, in 25 words or less "How would these chairs make your summer perfect?".
3. You need to leave a name and email address for us to be able to contact you when you win.
4. You need to answer in 25 words or less .... honestly ... 25 ... or less. Better count them.

OK get going. Time to think up your most creative answers. You can enter as many times as you like before 5.30pm AEST Saturday 6 October 2012.

See you on Thursday night! I'll be the one with the champagne in one hand, camera in the other, snapping pics, chatting and figuring out what to add to my wish list. Can't wait to meet you.

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Another Freedom sneak peek and a family and friends offer

My Freedom insider sent me another peek at Freedom's new range for Summer. And for Aussie readers a sweet little family and friends offer of 15% off until Sunday. Pop over to my page and you can print off the offer then hop into participating stores and get some extra bang for your buck. Hmmm there is a rug I have my eye on ...perfect timing.