prairie girl musings

Author: prairiegirlmusings

Rest & Relaxation in Rarotonga

I stayed up until 2am the morning we were due to leave for the Cook Islands, which seems to be a trend whenever I take more than a day off work. Our weeklong excursion to Rarotonga couldn’t have come at a worse time: work was manic, dishes were piling up, and we had just decided to change not only the date but the country of our wedding. Needless to say, relaxing wasn’t at the top of my to-do list.

Upon arrival, it was obvious that relaxation was on the agenda as I soon eased in island time…

Where to stay
Given that we were travelling as a group of six, we decided against staying at a resort. Instead we opted to stay at a beautiful house called Anchors Aweigh across from the beach, which you can find here. The photos on the listing don’t do it justice, and we were 100% impressed. We actually stayed slightly away from Muri, which is the tourist hub of Rarotonga and didn’t regret it! We rented motorcycles and scooters, which was our main way of getting around the island every day.

Activities
The one thing everyone told me about Rarotonga was how great the snorkelling is… and they’re right. The calm, clear lagoon makes for optimal snorkelling conditions and I couldn’t get over the warm water temperature. After visiting Great Barrier Reef last August, I’ve come to appreciate the fragility of coral and sea life in general. Much of the coral I’ve come across in the past few years is bleached and dead, which breaks my heart and makes me realise our environmental impact. Don’t get me wrong, we still saw some beautiful sea life during our excursions including some sea turtles, giant clams and rainbow fish of all sizes. When swimming, I urge you to pay close attention to where you’re stepping because the island is covered in coral and it’s sharp!

Speaking of sea turtles, we heard the place to see them was in one of the southern inlets to the reef not too far from where we were staying. However these passages are treacherous and can be extremely dangerous places to swim in the wrong conditions. We took extra care to ensure the tides were right and had a friend spotting in a kayak to make sure no one got into trouble.

Nick is a keen sailor and was a member of the community yacht club in Toronto, so he took us out sailing for a couple hours. He hired the boat from Ken Kingsbusy at Muri Beach Club Hotel, who also offers instruction and lessons if you’re wanting to try sailing for the first time! The boats fit five adults comfortably and I highly recommend it as a morning excursion.

Eating and drinking
I find it so fascinating that you can pack your own food in a ice box when travelling to the Cook Islands. This helped save us a lot of money because groceries are quite expensive in Rarotonga. Buying fresh fruit was surprisingly difficult given we were on a tropical island, which was one thing I struggled with quite a bit. Regardless, we found a few yummy restaurants and cafés (most are situated around Muri Beach) that I’d recommend checking out if you’re venturing to Raro:

Vaima: This was by far our favourite meal of the trip. The restaurant overlooks the beach, making it the perfect spot for a sunset meal. Given that we were a group of six, we tried almost everything on the menu. The beef wellington, seafood curry and chicken seemed to be the crowd favourites.

The Mooring Fish Café: Everyone who visits Rarotonga tells you to grab a F.O.B. (fresh off the boat) fish sandwich. Listen to them, these are some of the freshest and tastiest fish sandwiches you’ll ever taste!

LBV (Le Bon Vivant): I loved the name of this café, which means someone who enjoys luxuries like good food and drink and their ice coffees were absolutely divine. I was eyeing up their pastry selection as well…

Another great spot for iced coffee is Le Rendez-Vous, which is located near the airport. Owned by the loveliest French family, they serve traditional crêpes in a gorgeous café. If you’re after a flat white (I was the only one who was craving hot coffee in 30-degree heat), I suggest visiting Salt Café and Gallery. I was swooning over the mint exterior…

Vili’s Burger Joint: If you’re a burger fiend like me, be sure to hit up Vili’s for the most scrumptious burgers on the island. I don’t know how they do it, but the patties are INCREDIBLE!

Charlie’s Beach Bar: Well-priced drinks on the beach and tasty fries set Charlie’s apart from other local Raro bars. I loved going for a snorkel, grabbing a piña colada and then heading back out for another snorkel. What a dream!

Relaxing
I had my heart set on getting a massage while we were on holiday. After all, I was pretty run down from the past few weeks. After a bit of research, my friend, Bridget and I decided to get massages at Muri Beach Club Hotel. Little did we know, they’d put us in the same room (maybe they thought we were a couple?) The massage turned out to be very relaxing and just what we needed before heading back to Christchurch.

This was my most relaxing holiday yet. We did a few walks, ventured to the waterfall and visited the abandoned Sheraton resort, which was super eery. But other than that, our days were extremely low-key. I’d recommend this destination for anyone who needs to recharge their batteries. With an almost non-existent wifi connection, it’s the perfect little island to disconnect and spend quality time with your loved ones.

Have you ever been to the Pacific Islands before? Tell me about what you got up to!

April 1, 2018
In-Flight Entertainment

The next few months involve a lot of travel and my head is spinning just thinking about it. As much as I love travelling, flying can take its toll when I’m not adequately prepared. And while I wouldn’t say I’m a bad flyer, I do find it more and more exhausting as I get older. In my experience, the best way to enjoy flying is to plan ahead and pack the night before. I like to lay everything out on my bed to help me visualise what my days will look like. Along with planning my outfits and setting aside toiletries, I take great care in packing my hand luggage. When flying domestically, whether I’m away for a day or a week, I always pack a water bottle to stay hydrated, extra moisturiser (both hand and face cream) and a blanket/scarf. Oh, and comfy socks are essential.

Flight food is non-existent on domestic flights, which is difficult when you’re a chronic snacker like me. I’m flying to a few different New Zealand locations over the next few months and I’ve started thinking about what treats to bring. I typically like to have some fresh fruit and cut up veggies as well as a bit of protein. My new favourite are Nice & Natural Protein Nut Bars, which are full of super seeds (think sunflower, pumpkin and chia). They’ve just launched two new flavours: Arabica Coffee & Dark Chocolate or Coconut, Dark Chocolate with Raspberries… The Arabica Coffee & Dark Chocolate is my go-to because I’m addicted to coffee in any shape or form… I often have muesli and yoghurt for breakfast, so the bars are a good grab and go option for early morning flights.

I rarely fly without my laptop (unless it’s a 100% personal trip) and 3-4 hour flights are ideal for getting blog posts and work presentations written. I never leave home without a book because delays and fewer distractions mean I can usually get through a few chapters. I’ve heard a few people say this, but deleting photos off my phone is one of my favourite activities while up in the air.

Do you enjoy flying? And do you pack your own snacks? If you’d like to win your own box of Nice & Natural Protein Nut Bars, check out my Instagram post.

This post was sponsored by Nice & Natural, but all opinions are my own.

February 23, 2018
How to spend a day in Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a popular surf town a short drive (about 1.5 hours southwest) of the Gold Coast. Known for its excellent surf, beautiful walks, and laid back locals, it’s also full of world class cafés and bohemian boutiques. On a recent trip to Queensland to visit my Canadian cousins, I managed to sneak in a day trip to Byron Bay. Armed with a long list of shops and eateries, we certainly made the most of the 24 hours. While you can accomplish a lot in a day in Byron, I would highly recommend a weekend trip so you can properly relax and fully immerse yourself in the beachy vibes offered up by this picture-perfect destination.

Eat/

Start the day at Folk or their little sister café, Woods Bangalow. It’s all in the name – the caravan café serves up an all-organic, vegetarian menu in beautiful outdoor setting. Try the breakfast burrito, muesli or poached eggs and avocado and wash it down with a rainbow assortment of lattes (turmeric, beetroot, spiced pepper, the list goes on…) or opt for something stronger (their espresso is also excellent). You’ll feel like this bustling spot is the place to be, surrounded by fashionable bohemians and hipsters who look like they’ve just left The Falls festival.

If you’re after margaritas and quality Mexican fare, look no further than Miss Margarita We were slightly unimpressed by the service here, but the food was yummy. Try the mango margaritas and fruity Pimm’s punch. Their fish tacos (snapper and squid) are fresh and filling, but the true standout is the mushroom and spinach quesadilla.

Other highly recommended eateries and cafes:

Top Shop: great coffee and scrumptious breakfast. If you’re here for a few days, add this one to your hit list.
Treehouse on Belongil: tapas and shared plates with an Italian theme, this is another Byron hot spot
Balcony Bar & Oyster Co: the place for a sunny afternoon tipple and people watching in Byron, Balcony Bar overlooks one of the busiest parts of the town.
Combi: excellent coffee in the cutest café, I could have easily spent all afternoon here…
Leaf and Grain: another café for another time, the breakfast burgers look out of this world and their white tiles are oh so instagrammable!
Finn Poke: Look for the pink neon sign and white interior, this poke spot has received its fair share of praise.

Shop/
Spell & The Gyspy Collective: If you need the wardrobe to match your new Byron way of life, the 10-minute walk (from the Main Street) is a must. The light-filled shop caters to the gypset crowd, stocking embroidered dresses, beautiful bikinis and lovely homewares and curiosities. There’s even an outdoor area that plays host to weekly (in the summer) and fortnightly (year-round) workshops and events. Sustainability and conscious consumption is a focus here, and the shop girls are on hand to educate and answer any questions you might have.

Miss Brown Vintage Byron Bay: Speaking of sustainable fashion – Miss Brown’s is Byron’s go-to vintage store, carrying a large assortment of denim shirts, shorts and skirts as well as beautiful dresses and leather goods. I ran out of time whilst rummaging through the racks upon racks of impeccable second-hand threads, but immediately found a handful of gems.

Tigani Lux: Everything you’ll need for a week on the beach, Tigani Lux is full of quality staples. Think gorgeous basket bags, linens staples and beautiful jewellery that you’ll want to wear every day.

Ahoy Trader: Find homewares, exclusive Australian brands and plenty of beach necessities at this cute shop off the main drag. I wanted to transport everything home with me, but unfortunately didn’t have checked luggage.

Girl Overboard: Of course, you’ll want to check out swimwear shops while you’re in Byron Bay – … has all the latest Seafolly and Maje as well as stunning cover-ups and dresses that will take you from lunch to the beach and back

These are only a small selection of many fantastic shops in Byron, wander off the main drag, to the side streets and you’ll find plenty of unique boutiques.

STAY/

We were staying in the Gold Coast, but I have my eye on the following hotels and accommodations for next time…

28 Degrees: luxury guesthouses in the heart of Byron Bay – I dream of staying here with Nick.

Atlantic Byron: four original Byron Bay cottages that have been lovingly restored. Take a look at their website and swoon…

Do/
Whatever you do, make sure you make the trek to the famous Byron lighthouse. Even better if you visit during sunrise or sunset, when the sky takes on a pink and purple hue.

If you’ve ever wanted to take up surfing but haven’t yet had the chance… Byron’s a great spot to catch a wave. We went with Let’s Go Surfing because they offered 1.5 hour courses (rather than the typical 4 hours) and the instruction was friendly and hands on. I would definitely recommend going in a small group (no more than six) especially if you’re new to surfing. Although the waves were quite huge (and can intimidate beginners)…the instructors here will make sure you’re safe.

I had really built Byron up in my mind, envisioning a small, unrushed destination filled with well-dressed hippies, gorgeous surfers and organic cafés. What I wasn’t expecting was to fall for the town’s friendliness and quiet charm. I anticipated a place that was a little too cool, but experienced quite the contrary. Every local I interacted with was friendly and welcoming, happy to have visitors invade their little slice of heaven.

January 29, 2018
2018 Blog & Business Goals

I say this EVERY year, but where has the time gone?! I can’t believe we’re already a week into 2018.

As much as I love the clean slate of a new year, I’m all about setting goals year-round. While my goals usually include a personal component, I wanted to focus a bit more on business goals this year. Since leaving my full-time job and dedicating more time to my side hustles, I’ve been thinking a lot more about where I want to be 2018, so here it goes…

Work with a photographer
I’m lucky to have a few photographer friends, who I’ve been able to work with (quite sporadically) over the past year. Nick’s also a pretty good Instagram boyfriend, (or should I say, fiancé?) but I think it’s important to separate our personal and professional lives. This year I’d like to work with a photographer more regularly to take my content to the next-level.

Travel content
One of the reasons I started blogging was to share city guides and travel tips with you all. Living in New Zealand has been an incredible experience in itself (one I’m super grateful for…) but it’s isolated from the rest of the world and limits the number of places I can reasonably travel to. In 2017, I travelled to Japan, three Australian states, and all over NZ, but my city guides were few and far between… In 2018, there’s no excuse, I’ll be sharing all the best spots right here.

Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate
Christchurch is full of incredibly talented individuals. When Mooch Style and I hosted our bloggers meet-up, we were blown away by the number of people who attended and shared their blogging stories with us. I’d like to host another Bloggers Collective this year because well, last year was so much fun! Another goal is to collaborate with other creatives – photographers, writers and stylists because it’s such a great way to learn and stay inspired. I’ve already got a few partnerships in the works, so stay tuned.

Sponsored content
As a creative, it’s hard to resist opportunities that come knocking, especially those with desirable budgets. After all, we need to get paid. As hard as it can be to turn down opportunities that aren’t a good fit, that’s what I intend to do this year. I want to be as transparent and honest with you guys as possible because that’s what this is all built upon.

Always sign a contract
I’ve been burned a few times in the past by clients who’ve refused to sign contracts or commit to a payment schedule. I’ve talked to other friends in the blogging world and they’ve all experienced similar issues. As unregulated as our work can be, I’ll always handle myself professionally and only work with those who do, too.

Improve my blog’s SEO
This one is definitely a long-term game, but I need to focus on search engine optimisation. Despite working as a digital marketer for more than two years, my blog’s SEO ranking is abysmal, so I’ve got to dedicate some serious time to improving it or look to hire someone to help!

Blog rebrand & refresh
As much as I love my blog, this layout needs work and is overdue for a refresh. The navigation is non-existent and there’s no search function… I created this blog 5.5 years ago, and while I still love it, there’s lots I’ve outgrown. I am considering working with a designer and developer to create something a bit sleeker and user-friendly. Who have you worked with in the past?

2017 was a great year and I figured a lot out, here’s hoping 2018 is just as good!

Have you thought about your goals for the year ahead?

January 6, 2018
We’ve got something to tell you…

… Nick and I are engaged!

After nearly nine years together, we’ve decided to tie the knot. We’ve discussed marriage on and off for a long time, but ultimately wanted to wait until we had our ducks in a row before taking the plunge. It’s funny poring over old blog posts I wrote five years ago, after university, when Nick and I were embarking on another long distance stint. I’m forever grateful for those long, excruciating months we spent apart; refusing to sacrifice our ambitions despite our love for each other:

As we grow and evolve, I hope we continue to see the choices we’re making at the moment as the right ones. Perhaps I’m a walking, breathing cliche, but following my heart has never failed me. I hope you have the courage to follow yours. x

Since moving to Christchurch, figuring out our careers, and buying our first home, we finally feel like we’re ready to take the next step. With my parents visiting from Canada, it’s been fun discussing potential wedding ideas. Details on the wedding are yet to be determined, but I wanted to share a few engagement photos taken by the lovely, Nancy Zhou. We ventured to Sumner Beach, just after sunrise, a few days after Nick popped the question with his grandmother’s ring.

December 29, 2017
Fun Ways To Prepare For The Year Ahead

As we sprint towards the end of the year, I haven’t stopped to properly catch my breath. It’s been a big year, both personally and professionally, which I won’t dwell on in this post. Instead, I’d like to share some of my favourite ways to prepare for the new year.

2018 is a clean slate and the negativity and stresses of 2017 needn’t spill over into the new year. I like to start each year with a blank sheet of paper (both literally and figuratively). Finding a day planner that speaks to your soul is essential in my books (pun intended) and I’m always one of the first in line to purchase a new agenda. The ban.do planners are my absolute favourite because they don’t take themselves too seriously. There’s nothing worse than a dull day planner and these are quite the opposite. Chock full of stickers, hand-drawn artwork and important holidays (ie. National Plant a Flower Day!) – it’s a good daily reminder to not sweat the small stuff and to always use every shade of highlighter…

When mapping out 2018, I made sure to schedule in some holidays and plenty of travel. It’s the best way to stay inspired and continue creating and growing. I’m planning on visiting Gold Coast/Byron Bay, Rarotonga, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Toronto, heading back home to Saskatchewan, and exploring more of New Zealand with family. I also write down a few of the major milestones I have coming up, weddings, birthdays, babies, and everything in between. Life is worth celebrating, right?

In addition to taking pen to paper, I also like to get my digital house in order. I’m in the midst of unsubscribing from all the clutter in my inbox – a girl can only handle so many discount codes and free shipping notifications.

Now that my day planner is filled with dates (and stickers) and my inbox is looking a bit tidier, it’s time to think about my physical goals for the year. I used to love running half marathons, but haven’t done one in years, so I’m looking at dates and training schedules. I’ve been a member at Les Mills for almost two years, but the new year is a good time to consider alternative exercise options.

This year we moved into our first home, so Nick and I have started planning the renovations and home improvements on our wishlist. I’ve also started going through my wardrobe, donating the items that I no longer wear and organising the ones that are on heavy rotation. I’m messier than I care to admit, so my things tend to spill into multiple rooms. Needless to say, an end of year clean is a definite priority.

What do you do to prepare for a new year? Are you stickler for planning or do you prefer to take it easy and wind down over the last few days of the year?

This post was in collaboration with ban.do, but all opinions are my own.

Images by Jillian Miller Photography

December 19, 2017
PGM’s Local Gift Guide

My fondest memories are of family Christmases, whether at home for a snowy Christmas in Canada or in New Zealand for a BBQs and picnics on the beach. I’ve been looking forward to Christmas this year even more than usual because my parents are visiting! They’ll be visiting Christchurch, seeing our first home, and exploring the South Island for the very first time.

Despite loving the holidays, I still struggle with gift-giving. There’s so much pressure to find that perfect gift, it sometimes puts me off gift-giving altogether. My family rarely does gifts apart from necessary household items and holidays/experiences together. For friends and Nick’s family, on the other hand, I’m always on the hunt for useful, quality goods.

I partnered with Adairs to put together a Christmas gift guide to help you find something special for each person on your list. They have recently opened stores in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington,

I prefer to shop local whenever possible, so all of these items are available in New Zealand. I’ve broken my list into categories, focusing mainly on those ‘hard to buy for’ individuals who deserve something extra special.

For the new homeowner (or homewares lover, homebody, etc.)

My home (like many of my friends) is starting to look like a greenhouse. With small plants left, right and centre, I immediately fell in love with this three-tier plant holder. Perfect for smaller spaces, it fits well in a corner or behind your couch.

Another welcome addition to any living room is a shaggy, multicoloured cushion Whether for a pop of colour or a more-is-more bedroom, I’m all about mismatched pillows in various fabrics and textures.

Adairs 3-Tier Plant Holder
Adairs Cushion (SOLD OUT) – Similar here and here

If your loved one is a bit of a homebody, they will love the lush rose bathrobe (pictured above) for lounging around the house. I always buy my mum all-natural laundry detergent because it’s a treat I know she appreciates. A vibrant beach towel is another essential for a Kiwi summer spent at the beach.

Mercer + Reid Ultra Soft Bathrobe Rose
Aroma Wash Laundry Liquid 1L Fresh
Mercer + Reid Standard Velour Beach Towel Banana Leaves

For the men in your life

New Zealand mainstay, I Love Ugly opened a pop up shop in Christchurch – just in time for Christmas. On St. Asaph Street (wedged in between rows upon rows of car dealerships), you’ll find this lovely menswear shop. Stock up on goodies for the men in your life. I actually gave Nick his shorts a few weeks early and he’s been living in them!

Frankie Short Sea Foam
Finley Short Black
Initial Tee White
Gentleman’s Brand Co – Face Scrub

For the food and wine lover…

Do you have a friend that’s obsessed with food and drink? How about a picnic in the park, a wine and cheese evening or a basket full of delicious goodies? These are some of my favourite items for that foodie friend who’s already eaten at all the best restaurants in town.

Black Estate – Treble Rosé
Fix & Fogg Peanut Butter – Honey Fix & Fogg Peanut Butter – Honey
J.Friend & Co – Lavender Honey
Heavensent Relish – Aubergine & Chilli
The Chocolate Workshop Salted Caramels
The Fine Cheese Co. – Toast for Cheese (available at Fresh Choice supermarkets)
Home Republic – Luna Salad Servers (Brass)

For the resolution warrior…

We all have one friend who is a machine – charging ahead at their resolutions with resolve and determination. If your loved one is fitspo AF, I’ve got a few gift ideas they’ll love. These items are also great for those who have vowed to hit the gym come 1st January.

S’well Drink Bottle
Nutra Organics – Red Velvet Latte
The Beauty Chef – Holiday Boost Pack
ban.do Day Planner – available at Pepa Stationery

Adairs Wrapping Paper with Gold Spots
Home Republic Festive Gift Tags
Mercer + Reid Triangle Bauble Silver & Champagne
Home Republic Wooden Hanging Houses
Mercer + Reid Festive Lumiere Lights Copper

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet…? What’s on your wish list this year?

This post was sponsored by Adairs, but as always, all opinions are my own.

December 10, 2017
Morocco Moments
Before booking my trip to Morocco, I heard lots of comments and concerns from my parents, friends and boyfriend. So, I researched and read over 20 blog posts and watched several vlogs on different people’s experiences to learn more about the people and culture. Overall, it was 50/50 on whether people enjoyed their time and if they recommended the trip. It took me almost a month before I finally made a decision, took the plunge, booked my flights and a tour. I knew that if I was with a group of people and a local guide, my family would feel more comfortable with my vacation choice.

When preparing for my travels, I knew I wanted to be covered up and dress appropriately. I felt this was a simple way to avoid negative attention and respect local culture and etiquette. I read a lot about the importance of covering up, but also saw several photos of people wearing revealing outfits according to Morocco standards. When I was in the more touristy areas, I encountered plenty of people who wore what they would in their home countries. Personally, I feel like this was a big reason why I had a positive experience.

I enjoyed Morocco was more than I could have ever imagined. The interior design was out of this world. Art is such a big part of the culture. Everywhere I looked, I wanted to take a photo. In Fez, for example, the traffic lights were a beautiful chrome design. I’ve never been anywhere else where they put that much artistic consideration into traffic lights. If it wasn’t for my phone not having any more space I probably could have taken double the amount of pictures.

Trip Highlights:

In Fez, visit the medina and explore all the shops. It’s less overwhelming than the one in Marrakech. Make sure to stop at Bous Inania Medersa, which is quite hidden and can easily be missed if you don’t know where to look. The entrance fee is 10 DH, which is equivalent to $1 CDN and totally worth it! Fez is also home to the oldest (operating) university in the world, University of Karueein. (It was founded by a woman! Cool, right?)

In Marrakech, stay at the various beautiful resorts or riads. The accommodation is seriously incredible! Also, be sure to spend a night in the main square. Be prepared, while this is quite overwhelming, it’s also completely worth it!

In the Sahara Desert, we rode camels and stayed at this really cool hotel. If you want to go glamping in the desert, make sure to go during their warmer months. We met a group that went in November, and they were FREEZING – shocking, I know since it’s the desert and Morocco!

Ifrane – Morocco’s “Switzerland” – We briefly stopped here, but I would love to spend a few more days here. Ifrane is where the rich people have their vacation homes and it’s fun to admire the mansions and architecture. It’s also completely unique to the rest of the country and is also home to a world-class university (if anyone’s considering studying abroad…)

Overall, I wish I didn’t have such a fear before arriving in Morocco. I think my skepticism was probably apparent to my local guide during the first few days, and it was completely unfounded. Thankfully, I was able to see a lot of the country and appreciate its beauty.

In summary, these are my four main takeaways when travelling to Morocco:
1. Make sure to visit more than Marrakech. I highly recommend Fez and the Sahara Desert.
2. Remember cultural etiquette by dressing modestly; that means long skirts or pants and sweaters or cardigans.
3. Have ample storage on your camera or phone – you’ll want to take photos at every turn!
4. Save room in your luggage for purchases. I only brought a carry on, which now being home, I regret.
This guest post was written by Natalie Ortynsky. For more Morocco photos, follow her on Instagram.
December 4, 2017
A North Canterbury Winery That Gives Back

The only problem with living so close to an incredible wine region is deciding who to buy from. With so many world class wineries at our doorstep, supporting local winemakers is a no brainer. With only a month to go until my parents visit Canterbury for the first time (ever!), I want to make sure our house is well-stocked with local produce and wine…

When 27seconds launched in North Canterbury (one of the coolest wine regions in the world) earlier this month, 100% proceeds going towards ending modern day slavery. Pete and Alanna Chapman combined their talents as a winemaker and an NGO marketer to create a vehicle for change.

The concept came about after a life-changing trip to India. Alanna and Pete were visiting friends who worked in the country’s largest red light district, Songachi, Kolkata; meeting and hearing the stories of young girls and women who had been trafficked or sold into prostitution. In fact, every 27 seconds someone is sold or trafficked into slavery.

“We left India acutely aware of our privilege and eager to help those who don’t have the same choices we have,” says Alanna.

Partnering with award-winning wineries, grapes are sourced from Terrace Edge before being processed into organic wines by Greystone Wines.

All profits go towards 27seconds’ giving partner, Hagar, which provides trauma care, education, and economic empowerment to survivors of slavery. What started out as a one-off fundraiser, escalated into a social enterprise. “We love the idea of applying what we do to help improve other lives,” says Alanna.

And they’re doing just that.

November 24, 2017
How To Take Food Photos Without A Professional Camera

Food photography has gained popularity in recent years with the rise of Instagram. If you search #foodphotography or #onthetable, you’ll see an eclectic mix of styled food shots that could easily belong in your favourite cookbook. Many of my Toronto friends are food stylists, food bloggers/writers and professional food photographers, however, unbeknownst to most – many of their photos are taken with a humble iPhone.

The key to taking good food photos isn’t the quality of your lens, it’s all about positioning and lighting. Here are my super straightforward tips to getting a top notch photo without much fuss!

Dine during the daytime
Is your reservation at 9PM in the middle of winter? Don’t expect to get a great food photo without natural light. That brings me to my next point…

Sit near the window
When I make restaurant bookings, I always request to be seated near a window. You’ll want natural light streaming in, but be wary of weird shadows on super sunny days! If you find yourself seated in the back corner, don’t bother. And never use flash!

Wait until everything comes out
I find this increasingly hard in Christchurch where I only know a handful of food Instagrammers and typically eat out with friends and Nick. If you look back to some of my Toronto shots – you’ll see that we’ve waited patiently until everyone’s meal has been served before whipping out our phones. Also, the more meals, the better. You want to showcase the best of what the restaurant has to offer.

Be confident
Sure, you might get a few stares or weird looks, but my friend, Isabelle (food stylist extraordinaire) says it best: “I just stare right back. The people who look at me funny for styling and photographing my food are the same people who are liking and marvelling at my content on Instagram,” which is definitely true in her case!

Don’t be afraid to move things around…
The best food photos, in my opinion, are carefully styled. Just like a chef artfully arranges the food on the plate, urging you to first eat with your eyes, so should the plates. Experiment with moving plates around, adding or removing cutlery and glasses, and add a hand to humanise the photo.

Showcase unique elements of the restaurant
While many of my food photos showcase just that, the food, I also try to tie in interesting elements of the café or restaurant I’m shooting. Whether it’s a tiled floor or a beautiful bar, capture café interiors are often as beautiful as the food itself!

If you need some inspiration, I suggest following these accounts:
allons.y
food.diva
didieryhc
dialaskitchen
danielaaebliphotography
all_the_yumm
rosaalyn
thefoodnest
charlierosecreative

Are you into food photography? Tell me, what are your tips?

November 18, 2017