prairie girl musings

Author: prairiegirlmusings

The Ultimate Urban Bachelorette Party

It’s been almost a month since I celebrated my bachelorette in Auckland, surrounded by some of my beautiful friends.

I’ve only been to a handful of hen parties in my lifetime and each has been completely different from the former. A few were tightly organised, with every detail carefully thought out. Others took a more, “let’s see where the day takes us” approach. For mine, I really wanted a city escape and to stay right downtown.

I’ll never forget my friend, Kirsten’s bachelorette when we went to New York City. There was no itinerary and the group sometimes would break into groups of two or three depending on our moods and interests. I was able to catch up with a friend in Williamsburg and my sister, Stephanie and I even joined a march in Greenwich Village. It was a week rather than a weekend and we all made memories to last a lifetime.

Personally, I don’t believe in a one size fits all mentality when it comes to bachelor/bachelorette parties. The event should be customised to the individual’s tastes whether they want one last hurrah or a relaxing spa retreat to unwind after all the stressful preparations. There’s absolutely no wrong way to do it, and here’s what mine entailed…

A Quick Note…

I decided on Auckland for the location because it’s where I lived and went to university for three years. Many of my friends still live there and were travelling down to Christchurch the following weekend. Also, my Canadian family and friends were all stopping over in Auckland from Vancouver before flying domestically to other parts of the country before the wedding.

Barre Class

Faced with rain, we refused to let the forecast dampen our spirits. We met at our gorgeous central city apartment (who knew you could find Airbnbs in the heart of the Britomart?!) before walking to Parnell for a barre class. There’s nothing I love more than a sweat session to kick off the day, so I was excited to try Bloom Barre and Pilates on Gibraltor Street. The light-filled studio is a wonderful place to workout, and owner/instructor is classically trained, so you can expect the best possible training and technique. She ensured our morning class was heaps of fun and we spent the entire hour laughing. I’m sure I’ll be back the next time I’m in Auckland.

We discovered Bloom thanks to our friends at Romer App.

On our way home, I was seriously tempted to stop for coffee at Winona Forever, but we had brunch waiting for us at the apartment. Here, we played some games and got into the champagne and cupcakes my friend Robyn kindly brought along. After a few sips and a light bite, it was time to head to the ferry.

Waiheke Island

By this point, it was pouring, so a few of us grabbed Ubers while the others braved the rain. By the time we got on the ferry, the rain had subsided somewhat, but it was still a pretty bumpy ride. Despite being a bit nervous on boats, with some bubbles in my system and good pals by my side, I was having a ball.

Our wine tastings commenced at Mudbrick, which is my go-to Waiheke winery. I’ve been so many times and yet, I never tire of the space. It’s extra special on a sunny day, when you can sit outside and sip rosé. The cellar is equally impressive, a cosy place to spend a few hours.

As we polished off a few glasses, my sisters and Nick’s sister surprised me with a photographer, Joanna Walker, who took a bunch of amazing photos to help commemorate this part of the day. It’s been lovely to look back and relive my hen’s party all over again.

She also joined us at Cable Bay (our second winery of the day). Another Waiheke favourite, Cable Bay is a lot more modern than Mudbrick. Sadly, they’ve recently closed off their lawn to guests, so you can’t sit with a bottle of wine and relax like you could in the past. Regardless, the views are still pretty epic and I love the sleek space!

Dinner, Drinks, Dancing & Karaoke

After the wineries, we ventured back to the city to freshen up and meet up with a few more friends before dinner. Dinner was at nearby Ima (recommended by my friend, Emma) and it was the highlight of my day. A Middle Eastern restaurant with the best service (seriously we big time bonded with our waitress…) We ordered way too much and ended up having leftovers for breakfast the next day. Anyway, I can’t reclmmend Ima enough! The hummus is legendary and it’s PERFECT for groups. They also gave me a free cocktail, which was so sweet!

Full disclosure: I was quite unwell in the lead up and during my hens party, so I wasn’t up for a massive night.

That said, we managed to make it to a few bars (Saint Alice on the Viaduct is a new fave!) and to karaoke (Luxury Karaoke on Queen Street is great for groups!) I was in bed by 1am, which was not a bad effort for this sick gal.

It was an incredible day. I was surrounded by many of my lovely ladies and we managed to fit in many of my favourite activities!

April 6, 2019
On Navigating the Online World in 2019

Well, it’s been a while since we had a blogging debrief, a digital heart-to-heart of sorts. I’ve now been blogging for more than seven years and the landscape has changed considerably since then. I’ve been spending quite a lot of time reflecting on what I’ve learnt so far and what I wish I’d done differently…

One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t take blogging seriously sooner. In the beginning, it was simply an outlet for me and I sometimes feel as though if I’d had a bit of a strategy earlier on, I would be further along. In some ways, I think my content is better than it’s ever been, but like anyone, I occasionally struggle to come up with content that you all can connect with. When I started, I didn’t really care if anyone read my posts, there was less pressure and I just wrote about what I loved or things that intrigued me. Now, like so many other bloggers, I tend to fixate on numbers and worry that no one really cares about what I have to say (which sounds silly, but is a valid concern for anyone pouring their heart into their content…)

Here are some thoughts on where I’m at currently in the blogging world. More than anything, I want my writing to be more like it was back in 2012.

Let’s get realistic

When I started blogging, I’d get inspired by a book, a movie or even something someone said in passing. While my writing would have a loose theme or a lesson, it was less overwhelming and I didn’t feel like I had to write an essay in order to hit publish. Now that I’m self-employed, I feel like every post needs to be a hit with my audience. I want my words to resonate with everyone and that feels incredibly overwhelming to the point that I often leave posts in draft for weeks on end…

I like that I’m ambitious; that I want to connect with those who give me their time and attention, but it’s important to remember not every post will be a banger. I personally love spontaneous posts and visual diaries with less text every now and then!

Blogging and PGM in 2019

Many bloggers and content creators are moving away from the traditional blog format. Either they’re publishing less frequently or doing away with their blogs entirely. I get that, long form content isn’t for everyone and can be massively under appreciated. While I often neglect my blog in favour of other platforms (writing an Instagram caption is so much easier than writing a full-fledged post…) this is where I can truly share my story. As a writer, this blog will always be my main platform. It’s my little corner of the internet, and I feel lucky that anyone at all wants to read my words.

I often ask people why they read my blog posts because I want to create content that you find useful. I’ll continue to share city guides because I love travelling and exploring cities, but I also know that my audience isn’t hanging on to my every word. I hope it doesn’t sound ungrateful because I’m so thankful for every single person who reads these posts. That said, I’m not an ‘it girl’ or someone everyone wants to emulate, I think (and hope) that people follow me because my content is relatable and feels like it’s coming from a close friend. They might share my Napier guide with their friend who is heading to Hawkes Bay for a long weekend. Or, maybe they’ll bookmark my Christchurch post so they have a few brunch spots in mind for next week. No one is lining up for my advice, and I’m okay with that.

This year, I’m staying in my lane and focusing on what I have to offer.

Consistency and staying on brand

There’s been plenty of talk about sponsored and gifted content lately. While I’m all for consistent content, I often struggle with the one-dimensionality of social media. I’ve drafted up an entire post on this subject, but it’s one of those I’ve been hesitant to publish. I feel passionately about showing all sides of ourselves, even those that are less cool or on trend. I’m lucky that you lot are very supportive of and engage with my sponsored content. My posts aren’t hugely aspirational, everything is quite achievable. I’m not about getting that perfect body or following a strict diet. As a thirty year old woman, I want my content to empower you to love yourself more deeply, see the world a bit differently and cherish your body and everything it does for you regardless of the number on the scale.

When I left my full-time job, I was committed to writing two posts a week and whenever I missed a post, I’d get pretty down about it. Consistency is important, but there’s nothing worse than forcing a post when you’re just not feeling it!

What’s coming up…

This year, I want to focus on making this platform more interesting and more useful. I want to be constantly checking in with you all to make sure I’m writing about subjects you’re interested in. I want to interview inspiring people, show you more of my own photography and write about challenging, difficult topics. I want to put less pressure on myself to find the right words and just write because that’s what I love to do.

How are you feeling about the current blogging landscape?

Photos by Sophie Isabella

February 24, 2019
Home Sweet Home: Buying Our First Home In Christchurch

I’ve never told the story of how Nick and I ended up buying our first home.

About two years ago, we started looking at places to live in the central city. We had discussed the prospect of home ownership before our move to Christchurch from Toronto, Canada, but the idea still seemed daunting. At that point, our only experience with the housing market took place in two of the world’s most expensive cities, (Auckland and Toronto). Needless to say, we never imagined we’d be able to own property in our twenties.

Our home buying criteria was based almost entirely on location; it needed to be within the four avenues. We also knew we wanted a house with double glazing, having previously rented places where landlords weren’t willing to invest in efficient and economical heating solutions. We weren’t overly concerned with the number of bedrooms or bathrooms, but wanted something relatively compact and affordable. Settling on what we could afford was the first step. We didn’t want to be house poor and unable to enjoy everything our exciting city had to offer. Even after we started looking, I still wasn’t convinced we’d find something to suit our unique requirements. Out of sheer luck, we found our current home shortly after we began house hunting. Not knowing what to do next, we decided to make an offer after two viewings.

Neither of us had gone through the process of buying a home before. From getting approved for a home loan, figuring out interest rates and a down payment to securing a mortgage, it was all unknown territory.

I imagine MANY first time home buyers feel exactly the same. None of my friends are financial or mortgage experts, so we relied on each other to figure it out. When Mortgage Mates asked me to help promote their upcoming information evening, my first thought was how much Nick and I would have benefitted from attending a session before buying our home. As a Kiwi transplant, I wasn’t familiar with the ins and outs of KiwiSaver, so I spent hours googling and poring over online articles. Imagine the time I could have saved had I known about these two-hour sessions!

After making an offer, some negotiating and a few days spent waiting to hear whether our offer was successful, we settled on a price. It all happened rather quickly, especially given we had only viewed a few different places. While our first home is far from Pinterest-worthy, we feel incredibly lucky it’s ours. We have grand plans to renovate the kitchen and knock out a wall, but presently, we’re happy to have place to call home. Buying our first home together has strengthened our relationship and confirmed our love for this city.

Photos by Shayden of Mooch Style.

Thinking about making the jump to home ownership? Be sure to head along to Mortgage Mates’ free information evening on 28th February from 6:30-8:30 PM. Register here.

If you own a home, what was your first home buying experience like? And if you don’t own a home, what would your dream house look like?

This post was sponsored by Mortgage Mates. As always, all words and opinions are my own.

February 13, 2019
Christchurch City Guide — 2019 Edition

Many of our overseas family and friends are visiting New Zealand (and Christchurch) for the very first time in March, while others are returning to a city that has changed considerably since they last visited. Since receiving a handful of messages and emails about what to do in Christchurch from a couple days to a week, I figured it’s about time to update my Christchurch city guide.

Below you’ll find all my recommendations on where to eat and drink, which sights to take in as well as my must-visit beaches and favourite walks. Christchurch is having a moment, so if you haven’t been in awhile, I urge you to come for a visit.

Many of my suggestions fall within close proximity to the central city (as that’s where we live and where I think you should focus a lot of your time) as well as a few key areas I think are worth visiting if you have a vehicle.

Getting acquainted with the city//

With plenty of new cycleways, Christchurch is one of the best cities for cycling in the Southern Hemisphere. The city itself is flat and relatively compact, so it’s best explored by bike. Hire the coolest wheels in town from Action Bicycle Club on Walker Street and you’ll be ready to go.

If you’re wanting to try something a bit different, hire a Lime scooter for a trip or two. I wouldn’t recommend spending your entire weekend on Lime because that’s akin to taking Uber everywhere (it adds up quickly!) but they’re so much fun to use every now and again.

Where to stay//

The Crowne Plaza
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of the city, there’s no better place to be than the Crowne Plaza. Perfectly located just a stone’s throw from New Regent Street (the prettiest street in Christchurch), Victoria Park, the Botanic Gardens and Oxford Terrace, you’ll be able to get everywhere by foot.

There are plenty of Airbnbs scattered throughout the central city as well as in neighbouring suburbs like St. Albans and Sydenham.

What to do//

Spend a few hours at Tūranga Library
Your trip to Christchurch isn’t complete until you visit the brand new (and flashy) library. Peruse each of the four floors, experience virtual reality and spend some time interacting with the seven-metre touch screen Discovery Wall. Believe me, it’s worth checking out.

Explore the Botanic Gardens
There’s nothing better than an afternoon spent wandering through the tranquil botanic gardens. The idyllic spot makes it clear why Christchurch is referred to as the garden city. From the rose gardens to the various conservatories, it’s easy to spend hours meandering through the grounds. Don’t miss Garrick House, home to the most extensive collection of cacti and succulents in New Zealand. Ilex Cafe is the perfect lunch spot with a new incredible menu. Sit outside or grab a seat inside the bright, light-filled space.

Photo by Bayley Corfield

Visit the Christchurch Art Gallery
An iconic destination for both residents and visitors, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu is the city’s treasury of art, history, images, memories and ideas. Located on Worcester Boulevard, in the central city, combine your visit with a trip to the Arts Centre, the Museum, botanic gardens or for a coffee in the many nearby cafes.

Shop local at the Arts Centre
This newly restored heritage building is the centre of all things creative and cultural in the city. The Gothic Revival style building dates all the way back to 1877 and is now home to a myriad of cafes, boutique shops, art galleries and markets. Grab a coffee at Bunsen, formerly a chemistry classroom before checking out Pepa, a beautiful stationery shop. Next head upstairs to visit Frances Nation, a store dedicated to beautiful and durable wares from New Zealand makers and Indigo & Provisions for a carefully curated selection of fashion and homewares. Don’t leave before stopping at Rollickin’, the city’s best gelato shop.

Go see a show at Isaac Theatre Royal
The beautifully restored theatre has played an important part in the cultural and creative history of Christchurch since 1863. There’s always something on, from performances by Lorde to the Royal New Zealand Ballet, so be sure to check out the website for dates. It also doubles as the venue for the New Zealand International Film Festival, is a space for fringe theatre performances, talks, weddings, workshops and stand-up comedy. There’s always something on, so

Spend a sunny afternoon in Sumner
Sumner is a beautiful coastal suburb with some of the best surf breaks in the region. It’s a great place to go for a swim (or venture a bit further to Taylors Mistake, which is slightly more sheltered…) After your swim, be sure to grab an ice cream or sorbet from Utopia Ice. With flavours like Vietnamese coffee, matcha coconut and plum and earl grey, you’re sure to find something you like.

By the way, there are cycleways almost all the way to Sumner. If that feels a bit too far, there’s also a direct bus route from the Bus Interchange, which you’ll definitely want to check out whether you’re bussing or not.

Where to eat//

Miro
The restored Midland Building is, in my humble opinion, the most beautiful building in all of Christchurch. Home to communications agency, Brown Bread, suiting specialists, Crane Brothers and all-day café and restaurant, Miro, it’s a must-visit. Miro’s menu is extensive, they serve everything from colourful smoothie bowls to the more indulgent eggs benny on hash, plus Allpress cofffee to wash it down.

Here’s a closer look at Miro.

Black Estate
I’m already breaking my own rules here, but if your guests have a few days at their disposal, I’d highly recommend a day trip to North Canterbury’s best kept secret. Waipara is relatively new wine region, but is producing some of the country’s best wines. Black Estate is my favourite spot for lunch or dinner alongside a few glasses of rosé (their Treble Rosé is unbelievably good!) We made a trip here with my parents last January and had such a great time. If you’re heading to Waipara, I suggest booking accommodation here.

Twenty Seven Steps
A mainstay on every best restaurant list, Twenty Seven Steps is situated upstairs on picturesque New Regent Street. The heritage space is popular and for good reason, serving hearty, flavoursome meals made from locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients. Their wine list is mostly local and their cocktails are some of the best in the city. In 2017, they were named as one of the top 100 restaurants in the country.

Earl
New on the scene, Earl is making waves as a laidback all-day eatery in the central city. The casual but trendy Italian restaurant truly captures the essence of post-quake Christchurch hospitality. Here you’ll find satisfying Italian dishes paired with a selection of wines and cocktails. Be sure to try their Aperol Spritz, it’s one of the best in the city. Earl’s has a simple menu that’s incredibly tasty; a place you’ll return to again and again.

If you’re after some quick and easy lunch spots in the CBD, these are my top picks.

Where to drink//

Smash Palace
We’ve decided to have a post-wedding brunch at our favourite local watering hole for all our out-of-town guests. One of the most creative and unconventional bars I’ve ever visited, I’m so glad it’s our local. The vibes here are always 100% amazing and the food menu is excellent.

Gin Gin
I have been seriously limiting my drinking in the lead-up to our wedding, but could not resist visiting Gin Gin for a botanical chalice. With a gin cocktail list a mile long, this Victoria Street cocktail bar also has negronis on tap — I’m sold.

OGB
Located in the most stunning heritage building right in the heart of the city, OGB is a must! Not only are their cocktails amazing (as well as their wines) their menu is also super tasty. Their burger is one of the best in Christchurch.

Pomeroy’s
If you’re a craft beer drinker and love burgers, be sure to add Pomeroy’s to your itinerary. It’s one of the original breweries in Christchurch and their picnic tables are the best place to catch up with friends.

The Terrace
I’d be remiss not to mention the Terrace, which is home to a row of brand new bars and eateries. While somewhat touristy, it’s worth a visit for the beautiful landscaping overlooking the Avon. My top pick is Amazonita, which has a very expensive fit-out (basically the opposite of Smash Palace) and has been mentioned in countless national publications, so you know it’s good.

Best coffee shops & bakeries//
I have chosen a handful of cafés within walking distance to the central city and our wedding venue, but there are plenty of others worth visiting as well including Hello Sunday and Lyttelton Coffee Co.

If you’d like a deeper dive into some of my go-to cafés, have a look at the 10 Christchurch Cafés Worth Checking Out.

Kadett
My forever favourite, Kadett is dangerously close to my house. It’s a serene, light-filled space on the east side of St. Asaph Street. It’s the café of choice for freelancers and creative types. Try their kimchi toasties or one of their vibrant salads. Oh and they’ve got the best matcha lattes in town. Top it off with a Cakes by Anna slice and you’ll never want to leave.

Park Ranger
Given that our ceremony and reception are taking place at Riccarton House, I couldn’t resist mentioning Park Ranger, which is just around the corner. It’s a great spot for a pre-wedding coffee and snack (I have a thing for their espresso over ice with a dash of milk…) The leafy space offers respite from the busy suburb and serves up both indulgent and wholesome breakfast options.

Little Poms
A true Christchurch institution, Little Poms is a stylishly cosy spot for brunch. Serving up all your favourite brunch staples with a seasonal twist, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again. Sharing a building with their older brother, Pomeroy’s, you’ll also find a selection of craft beer and wine available. If you like your brunch with cocktails, their mimosas and bloody marys are both worth trying!

Uncommon
If you’re looking for one of the best menus in the city, you can’t go wrong with Uncommon Café on Tuam Street. With coffee by C4 and dishes that are always changing, we’re suckers for their ‘gram worthy hotcakes and decadent French toast. Their breakfast boards are perfect for those s who can never make up their minds. They also have plenty of excellent savoury options including our favourite, For the Dads. Centrally located, Uncommon’s a popular weekday and weekend spot.

Grizzly
A fixture at the Christchurch Farmers Market, Grizzly Baked Goods have set up permanent digs in Sydenham. Along with the best bagels in town (I’m Canadian, so I’ve done my research…) you’ll want to stock up on their freshly baked bread (the rye and sourdough are my favourites) as well as their morning buns and filled doughnuts.

Best walks//

I’m not going to write too much about these walks because you can easily Google them, but I’ll quickly list my favourites:

Crater Rim
On a fine day, this track provides stunning views of the harbour, peninsula, plains and alps.

Godley Head Coastal Walk
Follow the coastline from Taylors Mistake, this is an equally good running option.

Bridle Path
The first formed link between Christchurch and Lyttelton, this one’s an epic workout. Check out Civil & Naval once you’re in Lyttelton.

Bowenvale Valley: Sweeping views of the city to the alps and coastline!

Washpen Falls: A beautiful (and not too rigorous) walk complete with waterfalls.

I won’t get into day trips because this post is all about Christchurch, but if you want to read about my ultimate place to venture outside of Christchurch, head over here.

As always, if you have any questions or additions, please feel free to leave me a comment or send me a message on Instagram (@vanessaortynsky). I’ll be sure to get back to you.

Photo by Bayley Corfield

February 1, 2019
Bread & Circus: Christchurch is officially a festival city

About a year and a half ago, Nick and I co-wrote an article about what makes a great city. We talked a lot about how great cities are constantly reinventing themselves; they manage to tell a story about their past, but know where they are heading in the future. This statement couldn’t be more true for Christchurch at this very moment during Bread & Circus.

If you hadn’t realised, Christchurch has been taken over by circus and it’s time to catch up. The World Buskers Festival has been reimagined for 2019 as Bread & Circus with world-class acts, solidifying Christchurch as a festival city on the global stage.

Photos by Malia Rose

Here’s what we saw and loved:

Limbo
The headlining act, Limbo is a mix of cabaret, circus and acrobatics. We went on opening night and like Madonna, we’ll be booking tickets to go again. Think Cirque de Soleil with more personality and sex appeal. Lucky for you, it’s on until the end of the festival, so there’s still plenty of time to get tickets.

Hot Brown Honey
Hip hop politics and sassy feminism, Hot Brown Honey is unapologetically fierce and controversial. It’s a show that challenges stereotypes, shatters preconceptions and embraces resilience. I spent the evening laughing and crying and dancing in my seat. It’s one of the most life changing and powerful performances I’ve ever witnessed.

Piff the Magic Dragon
With sold out shows across North America, (plus a permanent stage at the Flamingo in Vegas) Piff is equal parts magician and comic. He impressed audiences on America’s Got Talent and his videos have over 100 million views… With his assistant and chihuahua, Mr. Piffles (who I got to hold for half the show, I might add…) and a nonchalant sense of humour, Piff had us shaking in our seats and Nick running across the stage to catch bananas in his mouth. His magic tricks, especially his card tricks, will leave you entertained without suspending disbelief.

The Miss Behave Gameshow
Direct from Las Vegas, The Miss Behave Gameshow is a fast and frenzied brew of variety, competition and disco that divides the audience into two teams based on their mobile phone of choice. With a series of challenges, the gameshow encourages the audience to let go of inhibitions and enjoy the ride. My best advice for this one is to expect the unexpected and prepare to be wildly entertained by both yourself and your hosts. Audience members compete for some pretty questionable prizes and become the stars of the show.

The O.T.T. Show
If you’re a fan of the ridiculous, the O.T.T. Show delivers on all accounts. With more nudity than I thought legally possible, this one-night-only show wasn’t for the faint of heart or easily offended. With Le Gateau Chocolat as our soulful and sassy host, we howled with laughter throughout one time only cabaret and theatre performances by Garry Starr, Betty Grumble, Daredevil Chicken, Hot Brown Honey and Tiffany from the Miss Behave Game Show. Think full frontal nudity plus ballet in a thong and that’s just the beginning!

LEO: The Anti-Gravity Show
A clever and contemporary take on mime and silent performance, LEO is both beautiful and poignant. The work challenges perceptions of reality through the interplay of live performance and video projection. Mind-bending and surreal, LEO may be less accessible than some of the other shows, however, the compelling work has impressed art critics all over the world and has taken home several festival awards.

The Feast of Fools
The highlight of my year, (and potentially my life) The Feast of Fools was a masked moving feast filled with gastronomic delights by The Catering Dept. and theatrical adventures throughout the evening. After purchasing tickets, we were emailed instructions on where to meet and what to wear. We dressed up in our most fabulous (and slightly ridiculous) festival attire for the medieval banquet of the century. We had no idea where the night would take us, but we met at Great Hall before boarding trams to dinner. Along the way, we were greeted by performers Daredevil Chicken and Cocoloco, who acted as our hosts, broke the fourth wall and changed character and costume more times than I could count! We ended up feasting on Oxford Terrace, along the Avon River, in the heart of the city. As we dined and were dazzled, I couldn’t help but marvel at our lively central city, absolutely buzzing with people.

The night concluded with the Festival Superband, Bread & Circus’ A-list of musicians, singers, rappers (and a few performers on the d-floor…)

There you have it, eight shows in eight days… although I’m now thinking we need to go see Garry Starr’s last performance tonight!

During my three years in Christchurch, I’ve constantly compared it to the other cities we’ve lived in and visited. Last night while having dinner along Oxford Terrace, I finally felt as though it had stopped trying to measure up to other cities. It’s matured, become comfortable in its skin, and embraced the vibrant, quirky and exciting place I’d always hoped it would become.

January 19, 2019
6 Ways To Improve Your Mornings

Raise your hand if you’re a morning person…

Personally, I oscillate between being a morning person and a night owl. I often struggle to turn off my brain when bedtime rolls around, even when I give myself time to wind down (sans screen). Since I started working for myself, I find it difficult to ‘switch off’ and often have my most productive hours outside of the traditional 9-5 structure (like 8pm on a Friday…) Regardless, I’m well aware of the benefits of waking early and am hoping with a bit of practice, I’ll learn to love 6am starts again soon…

For those of you who are best friends with your snooze button and looking for ways to enjoy your mornings a bit more, read on. Fortunately, becoming an early riser can be learned at any age. And while this post is just as much for me as it is for you, I hope you find it useful.

Shut-down early.
We’re all aware that excessive use of technology before bed is not doing us any favours. That said, watching a movie before dozing off can be oh so tempting. I’ve found what works best is doing things that are near impossible to do with technology – a lengthly, drawn out skincare routine or even treating myself to a monthly massage just before bed. In the past I’ve struggled to read before bed, but I’ve been reading Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming and it’s hard to put down!

Start your day off right.
Someone recently asked me how I stay motivated throughout the day and for me, it’s exercise. It helps clear your mind and focus on what you’re hoping to achieve. Another idea is to start your day off with an activity you enjoy, taking the dog for a walk or meeting a friend for breakfast, you’ll look forward to getting out of bed so much more. I find early morning gym sessions are a lot easier than after work gym sessions because I’m usually half asleep, so it goes by a lot quicker and wakes me up.

Avoid technology.
Again, if you can, avoid looking at your phone or checking your emails until after you’ve had breakfast or gone through your morning activity. I’ve been storing my computer and phone downstairs, so I often forget about them until about an hour or so into my day. I find I’m less distracted throughout the day if I give myself time to meditate, eat breakfast and get dressed. Get an actual alarm clock and hide your phone in another room.

Meditate.
I’ve recently started meditating and it’s completely changed my mornings. My dad has meditated every morning for as long as I can remember, and he’s the one who inspired me to start. Since I’m a novice, I’ve started off by using mindfulness apps like Calm and Headspace, but eventually I’d like to meditate without my phone because isn’t that really the point?

Eat your favourite (and biggest) meal of the day.
Skipping breakfast isn’t an option for me, and I often spend more time preparing my first meal of the day than other meals. I love having poached or scrambled eggs on toast with sautéed spinach or granola and coconut yoghurt if I’m in a rush. Oh, and a coffee (I’ve been having mine with oat milk) is absolutely essential as well.

Plan your outfit in advance.
Or if you work from home, like I do, make sure you change out of your pyjamas. While I’m not suggesting you put on a full face of makeup and heels if you don’t have to leave the house, but changing your clothes is a surefire way to differentiate between relaxation time and working time.

Listen to your body.
If you’re really struggling to get out of bed in the morning, it could be a sign you need to make some changes. Maybe your diet needs a rehaul or you’re not in the right profession. There was a period when I absolutely dreaded getting up and getting dressed, and eventually realised that I was unfulfilled in my 9-5. While I couldn’t make any drastic changes, I started looking for ways I could transition into a career that made waking up easier.

Well, there you have my top tips for improving your mornings. I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.

Photos by Malia Rose Photographer

January 8, 2019
On Turning Thirty

Today marks my thirtieth lap around the sun (it’s still the 17th in Canada…) Thirty is a daunting, anxiety-inducing age for many people. We spend so much time writing down goals and resolutions, trying to figure out how we can become better versions of ourselves — smarter, thinner, prettier, the list goes on… But what about embracing exactly who we are in this moment? Rather than looking forward with plans for the next decade, it feels like the right time to celebrate the woman I’ve become and share a few lessons I’ve learnt about myself along the way.

At thirty, I can finally confidently say that worrying about what other people think is a waste of time. I’ve spent years caring about what others think of me and trying to fit a particular mould. In the past, I wanted to be liked by everyone, valuing their opinions of me above my own. The older I get, the more I know exactly out who I aspire to be and care less about being liked and more about being respected.

I don’t have to live up to others’ expectations nor should I be expected to live up to society’s standards. Success, like anything, is relative and you’re not going to want the same things you wanted when you were younger. It’s taken a lot of trial and error, but I’ve stopped caring so much about how things should look and have embraced how things actually are.

The desire to be at the best party and to hang out with the cool kids is no longer a thing for me. I now want to plan my social life around those who give me energy and love; those who make time for me and put in what they take out. In the past, I’d make excuses for those who would subtly put me down or make me feel small, but I don’t have time for that anymore.

On the other hand, spending time alone, actually alone, without your phone or external distractions is absolutely essential. It can be unnerving, for sure, but it’s the best way to check in with yourself to see how you’re really doing. There have been times when, from the outside, everything in my life looked amazing. It wasn’t until I checked in with myself and realised things were not okay.

There’s a lot of focus placed on the end result, the destination — we all love ‘before and after’ photos and seeing how far we’ve come. But you know what’s even more interesting? The process. The process of becoming older and wiser, becoming healthier, happier and more financially stable — these are all habits that take time and aren’t exactly linear, but they should be both therapeutic and empowering, even invigorating. I read a quote the other day, “You are becoming — and you should take your time.”

The better you know yourself, the better you’re equipped to find someone who complements not completes you. I was only single for about three months of my twenties, but Nick and I did several stints of long distance throughout our twenties. While most people view long distance as a curse, in retrospect, it’s enabled us to become the best versions of ourselves. When you meet the love of your life at a very young age, the likelihood is high that one or both of you will have to make some pretty big sacrifices. Nick has always been 100% supportive of my dreams. From encouraging my solo travel to supporting me when I considered dancing on a cruise ship for nine months. I’m lucky to have met someone who understands the inevitable challenges of a relationship, but has decided to tackle the difficult stuff together.

And the absolute best thing about getting older? I’ve started to get to know myself better with each passing year. To become better acquainted with yourself is such a gift. As a thirty year old woman, I’m learning to be patient because everything comes at the right time. I’m no longer trying to fill a void because I’ve finally realised that I am everything I need.

“You’re so hard on yourself.
Take a moment.
Sit back.
Marvel at your life:
at the grief that softened you,
at the heartache that wisened you,
at the suffering that strengthened you.
Despite everything,
you still grow.
Be proud
of this.”

Photography by Reuben Looi

December 18, 2018
Summery Cocktails For A Southern Hemisphere Christmas

There are endless articles on festive favourites like spiked eggnog and hot chocolate with Baileys, but I rarely come across Christmassy beverages for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere. After attending Liquor King’s re-imagined Carlton store opening, I felt inspired to create a selection of cocktails to serve at my upcoming events. It’s an exciting summer, I’m turning thirty, spending Christmas/New Years with Nick’s family and getting married in March. Needless to say, I want to get in the spirit with a drink or two.

Each of these four cocktails is super straightforward to make, with minimal ingredients and little prep time, so you can focus on what’s important — spending time with your loved ones. They’re all light, of the easy drinking variety and pair nicely with anything from Christmas brunch to an after work BBQ.

White Wine Sangria: New Zealand is known all over the world for its white wine, so crafting white wine sangria is a no brainer. Light and refreshing, this drink is easily adaptable to suit your personal tastes. This chardonnay version is made with strawberries, oranges and a handful of berries. It’s a summery and more Kiwi version of the Spanish original.

1 750mL bottle of Wither Hills Chardonnay
3 oranges (cut into wedges)
1 lemon (cut into wedges)
A handful of strawberries
A handful of frozen berries
1/2 litre lemonade or Sprite

Top with ice and enjoy outside in your backyard or at the beach.

Aperol rosé: Combining my two favourite drinks, Aperol Rosé is the most refreshing drink you’ll have all summer. The Italian favourite has become increasingly popular in New Zealand over the past few years. I like to think of it as my summertime negroni.

Fill glasses with ice cubes
Pour three parts (75ml) of Daniel Le Brun sparkling rosé, chilled
Then, pour three parts Aperol (50ml)
Finish with a dash of sparkling/soda water (25ml)
Garnish with a slice of orange and strawberries

Pimms Punch: A refreshing staple served at Christmas lunch and throughout the summer months, Pimms Cups are a British, and by default, Kiwi tradition. I can’t wait to make another batch of Pimms for my 30th birthday this weekend. I made this version without cucumber as Nick isn’t a fan, but feel free to add Lebanese cucumber if you’d like! As with sangria, it’s easier to make a batch in a pitcher and then to top up with ice as needed.

1/2 litre Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
2 cups of lemonade
1/2 orange, thinly sliced.
1 lemon, halved lengthways, thinly sliced.
4 strawberries, hulled, washed, quartered.
4 small sprigs fresh mint.
Ice cubes to serve.

Rhubarb G&T: Although rhubarb’s prime season is April to June, it’s pretty common to find it throughout the summer. It’s my favourite fruit and I love adding it to anything and everything. If you’re after a ruby red cocktail to feel extra festive, mix with gin and tonic. If you’re pressed to find fresh rhubarb, cordial is an easy option.

For the rhubarb syrup:
Cut rhubarb into 2.5 cm chunks, making sure to discard any leaves. Combine rhubarb, sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and then cook until rhubarb is soft and beginning to break down, about 3 minutes.

Strain through a mesh strainer and reserve solids to make jam or a pie. Chill syrup in the refrigerator until ready for use.

For the cocktail:
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add Tanqueray London Dry Gin and rhubarb syrup, then fill the glass with tonic. Stir, garnish with lime wedge and enjoy immediately!

What are your favourite summery beverages? Do you like mixing it up for the holiday season?

Photography by Reuben Looi.

This blog post is sponsored by Liquor King, but all opinions are my own.

December 13, 2018
The Highs and Lows of a Summer Christmas
Now that I’ve experienced my fair share of Southern Hemisphere Christmases, I thought it was time to share my thoughts on swapping snow for sand. Having grown up in the Northern Hemisphere, I’ve always associated Christmas with reindeer, sleigh rides and candy canes. I love wrapping myself up in sweaters and sipping mulled wine by the fire. Sure, there’s much to love about Christmas on the beach, but plenty to miss about a cosy winter Christmas. Let’s dive in, shall we?

What I miss about winter Christmas…
1. Winter is a dreary time, but having the holidays to look forward to really makes all the difference.
2. The nostalgic (commercial) side of Christmas doesn’t quite work in the Southern Hemisphere and it all feels a bit disjointed to me. I remember my first Christmas in Hawaii at the age of eight. I was so confused when I saw Santa in board shorts on a surfboard. Christmas carols and movies don’t quite work either, so I find it harder to get into the festive spirit.
3. New Zealand businesses shut down over the holiday period. While many people LOVE this, I am somewhat indifferent as a freelancer. It also makes for very busy roads and beaches. I personally prefer to escape during the cold months.
4. I love a traditional Christmas dinner and my family goes all out on Christmas Eve with twelve (carb-heavy) dishes. I can’t justify eating my body weight in perogies if I’m going to have to put on a swimsuit a few hours later.
5. Christmas lights aren’t a necessity for a summer Christmas because the sun doesn’t set until 9PM. Traditional pine Christmas trees also seem out of place.
6. You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced a Christmas market, especially in places like the UK and Germany where the food is incredible and everyone’s drinking mulled wine.
7. Getting cosy (aka hibernating) and not having to leave your house for days on end is particularly appealing.
8. Everyone who visits brings delicious food, which makes leaving your house even more unnecessary.
What I love about summer Christmas…
1. Long daylight hours mean plenty of time to catch up with friends and family. The warmer weather means picnics on the beach and evening swims in the ocean.
2. Frequent BBQs are another reason to love a summery holiday season. We just had friends over last night and it was delightful.
3. The outdoor cinema game is next-level and it’s nice being able to sit on a lawn chair, with a drink in hand, rather than freezing in your car.
4. Christmas markets exist in the Southern Hemisphere as well and you can wear sunnies and shorts.
5. There are endless options for holiday parties and they are actually enjoyable.
6. It’s prime concert and festival season and New Zealand has an incredible festival scene. Two of the best are Laneway in January and Nostalgia in February. [Here’s a blog post I wrote on why Nostalgia’s my favourite festival ever…]
7. Summer holidays are an excuse to take extended trips to different parts of the country or Australia.
8. To be fair, the food and drink options are excellent as well:
- Pavolva is bomb and you can load it up with all the fresh fruit of your choosing.
- There are grazing tables galore. Seriously, the platter game is strong in Australasia.
- It’s an excuse to eat ice cream on the daily. The scoop below was from a small shop in New Plymouth.
- Fresh fruit on the side of the road makes for the perfect road trip snack.
Photo by Nancy Zhou

In all honesty, I haven’t felt very festive this year. There’s a lot on my plate at the moment and I’m not-so secretly waiting until after my thirtieth birthday next week to officially begin celebrating. Another reason I might not be prepared to fully embrace a Kiwi Christmas is the fact that my family’s not here. I’m very lucky that Nick’s family has always welcomed me in with open arms and Christmas with them is always fun!

Adopting a sunnier disposition towards summer Christmas isn’t that hard, really. If you’ve experienced the holidays in both hemispheres, which do you like more?
December 9, 2018
A Few Thoughts On Blogging & Consumerism

There’s no denying the excessive nature of the blogging and YouTube industry. Whether constantly trying out new products, so you can share your favourites with your followers or buying/being gifted clothing for outfit photos, there’s something a bit troublesome about it all. And don’t get me started on hauls… (do people still do those?) The promotion of fast fashion and constant consumption has got me thinking… Are we hitting a boiling point with blogging and consumerism? Can blogging and more specifically, fashion, beauty, lifestyle blogging, and sustainability go hand in hand?

While I try to encourage more sustainable choices without alienating my audience, I’m well aware that part of my job promotes a lifestyle of consumption. The main reason I’ve avoided discussing consumerism up to this point is because I didn’t know how to approach the subject without sounding hypocritical. After all, I’m occasionally sent products to try, I enjoy shopping, eating out and travelling to far-flung locations, all of which aren’t doing our planet any favours… But I’m becoming more and more interested in sustainability and educating myself. There have been some small changes I’ve made over the past five years, but I know it can’t stop there.

There are many local designers that have sustainable practices in place. Rather than placing huge ASOS hauls, many New Zealand bloggers are consciously building wardrobes of investment pieces for the long-haul. I choose to support brands that have sustainability at their core, whether reusing fabrics and materials or only putting out capsule collections. Some of my favourites include: Reformation, Kowtow, Twenty Seven Names. Buying secondhand is a good way to reduce your carbon footprint.

There are many bloggers and content creators who talk about sustainability in ways that I admire without being condescending. I don’t really follow beauty YouTubers, but was seriously impressed with Samantha Ravndahl’s video on deciding to no longer accept PR packages. She talks about the industry’s problems in a way that’s approachable and non-judgmental. Seriously, go watch it!

Of course, we’re all still learning and doing our best both as content creators and consumers. As a consumer, I try to always research brands before choosing to buy from them. Recently, there’s been lots of talk about makeup companies who test on animals (a lot more than I realised, actually!) I’ve chosen to no longer buy from these companies because there are plenty of ethical companies whose business practices sit well with me. I’m also working on only buying what I need, donating clothing I’ve outgrown and repurposing items in my closet. It’s unnecessary to buy new, so I’m also renting from Lend the Label this summer.

Nobody is perfect and you don’t need to know everything to make improvements and live with less. All I know is that we urgently need to make better choices and know it’d be irresponsible of me not to bring it up on my platform. I’d love to hear your thoughts on consumerism in this industry, too.

December 6, 2018