Rata & Smudge

03/03/2026

Who’s coming to the in Middlemarch An awesome day to celebrate with the riders and horses
Market time We will be there This is our 4th Cavalcade and its ao much fun
Middlemarch Cavalcade 2026

21/02/2026

Cromwell Farmers and Artisans Market 🍂 Cooler mornings, darker starts… but market days are still magic.

I’m heading over to the Cromwell Farmers & Craft Market in the Old Precinct today and I’d absolutely love to see you there 🤍

The seasons are slowly turning, the air has that fresh Central Otago bite, and it’s the perfect time to stock up on a little herbal support for sleep, calm minds, sore bodies and winter wellness ahead.

Pop by for a chat, a smell, a sample, or just a hello — I always love catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones too 🌿

✨ Rata & Smudge will be there today
Come find your Herbal Hug.

See you soon Cromwell 💛

20/02/2026

🌿🛵 Fiona & Smudge is doing something a little wild…

Many of you know I’m usually found blending herbs, making balms, and sharing herbal hugs — not riding scooters across the Southern Alps 😄

But this year I’ve signed up for Scooter Safari — a 250km endurance ride from Christchurch to Hokitika on a 50cc scooter, raising funds for the Cancer Society Southern to help create a future with less cancer.

It’s known as one of the coldest, longest and toughest scooter rides around… and honestly, it’s well outside my comfort zone.

I need to raise $500 to secure my entry, and I’d love the support of our beautiful Rata & Smudge community.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a balm, a tea, a chat at a market, or a little herbal support from me — this is me asking for a small bit of support back ❤️

✨ Even $5 helps.
✨ Sharing this post helps.
✨ Cheering me on definitely helps!

Every donation supports the Cancer Society and the incredible work they do for people and families facing cancer.

Let’s see if we can get this girl across the Alps on a tiny scooter 🛵💨

Thank you for always backing small business, community, and good causes.

Herbal hugs,
Fiona – Rata & Smudge 🌿

Make a donation today to support Scooter Safari

14/02/2026

What a BEAUTIFUL day at the Omakau A&P Show 💛🌾

To everyone who stopped for a to say hi, smelt the balms, tried the oils, shared your stories or took a little Herbal Hug home — thank you. Truly. Your support means the world 🌿🤍

And we’re not done yet…

✨ TOMORROW ✨Cromwell Farmers and Artisans Market
You’ll find Rata & Smudge in the Old Precinct 🏛️🌞

Come and see me for:
💜 Gratitude Mind Hug
🌙 Sleepy support
🌿 Muscle & joint relief
🌸 Calm mind moments
🌼 Little ones love
🔥 And try the NEW balm — Courage

Courage is warm, golden, gently floral… a brave little blend for the heart space 💛✨ Come and have a smell — she’s special.

I’ll have all your favourites — and yes, you can smell everything 😉

See you in the sunshine Cromwell ☀️
Fiona 🌿✨

13/02/2026

I’m here at the Omakau A&P Show today! 🌿✨ Come find Rata & Smudge with all the herbal goodness—saffron dreams, blue lotus calm, and a whole lot of natural love! 🌸 Pop by, say hi, and let’s chat all things wellness. I can’t wait to see your lovely faces! 🌞

06/02/2026

You won’t see me this weekend We are celebrating my Father in laws very special Birthday in Christchurch He is 90 years young on Monday and we can’t wait to celebrate with family

01/02/2026

✨ Big news, Gore!

I’m so excited to share that Rata & Smudge is now stocked in Gore at The Natural Health Store 🌿
📍 57 Main Street, Gore

Seeing our small-batch, handcrafted herbal goodies finding a home in such a beautiful natural health space honestly fills my heart. This is a big, happy milestone for us 💛

If you’re local (or heading through Gore), pop in, have a browse, and give our herbal hugs a little sniff ✨

Thank you for supporting small NZ family businesses — it truly means the world 🌱

👉 Tag a Gore friend who loves natural wellness!

This is the beautiful Megan enjoying Gratitude 🙏

01/02/2026

with Tyler He’s 15 now and still happy to help his Nan gather this years Lavender. Thanks Ty 💜💜💜

30/01/2026

🌿 Where is Rata & Smudge this weekend? 🌿

I’m out and about again this weekend with all the herbal hugs — and something brand new… 👀✨

✨ Saturday
📍 Alexandra – Pioneer Park Summer Market
⏰ 10am–2pm
The usual spot, the usual favourites — plus you can be one of the first to smell our new blend, Courage 💛
It’s warm, comforting, and quietly powerful… come have a sniff if you’re curious.

✨ Sunday
📍 Farmers & Artisans Market
⏰ 9am–1pm
Same deal — pop by, say hi, and experience Courage for yourself.
No pressure, just a moment to breathe it in and see how it feels.

If you’re needing calm, grounding, sleep support — or a little bravery in a bottle — come find me 🌿
See you under the gazebo 💫

— Fiona
Rata & Smudge | Herbal Hugs