prairie girl musings

Category: Christchurch

Opening Night at BFW16

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Ballantynes Fashion Week‘s opening show. Held in the Contemporary Lounge, the evening began with bubbles, canapés and live music. For those of you who don’t know, Ballantynes is Christchurch’s oldest and most iconic department store. The company remains a mainstay in New Zealand’s fashion scene due to its wide range of local and international designers and focus on service. The staff are passionate about the selection of carefully curated pieces sold in store and provide an exceptional experience for every customer. Having worked in retail whilst living in Toronto, I always appreciate the impeccable level of service at Ballantynes. Needless to say, I’m lucky to have New Zealand’s best department store on my doorstep.

It was hard not to get excited about spring during BFW’s opening show, which featured SS 16/17 collections from various New Zealand designers and a few international names as well. The elegant show kicked off with a handsome man serenading the crowd to Michael Bublé, so we knew we were in for a memorable evening. With prints and stark whites taking centre stage, many of the outfits will transition well from daytime to night. Alongside the vibrant prints, we saw plenty of monochromatic looks. Needless to say, I know what I’ll be wearing this summer in Christchurch.

Thanks for a lovely evening, Ballantynes!

October 2, 2016
The Most Tranquil Day Spa in Christchurch

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a frazzled individual. Even as a child, I’d work myself up to the point of illness after taking on too much. It’s only recently that I’ve learnt how to effectively manage my stress by taking time out every day to breathe, meditate, exercise and relax. Every now and then I’ll even treat myself to a facial or massage.

After moving to Christchurch and establishing a running route along Ernle Clark Reserve, I happened upon Lotus at Siam Thai Day Spa. Also known as Swan Lake, the estate overlooks a lake, which is home to two swans, Samuel and Samantha. After gazing longingly at the picturesque homestead as I ran past, I vowed to one day book an appointment.

If you’re looking for a unique experience in stunning surroundings, look no further than Swan Lake. Offering an array of services ranging from deep tissue and hot stone massages to wraps and facials of every variety, the spa is elegantly decorated to induce deep relaxation. My upper back had been bothering me for a few weeks, particularly after spending too much time hunched over my computer, so I was eager for my 90-minute Swedish massage.

Admiring Swan Lake’s gorgeous interior, I sipped tea and selected my massage oil. I opted for lavender and camomile as both known for their calming qualities. Throughout my massage, the masseuse adjusted the pressure accordingly, checking in with me to make sure I was comfortable and relaxed.

For those looking to reignite the romance, Swan Lake specialises in couples massages and pamper packages. Service is a priority and our experience is perfect from start to finish. I left Swan Lake feeling recharged, rejuvenated and calm. Needless to say, I’ll be returning for another treatment in the imminent future.

Book your next treatment at Christchurch’s best spa. The gracious team will take care of you and ensure you leave feeling better than when you arrived.

September 25, 2016
A Day at the Market

Lyttelton is a port side town at the north-western end of Banks Peninsula. Only 15 minutes (by car) from Christchurch, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip. Every Saturday, the historic town plays host to a farmers market attracting various local vendors, musicians and entertainers. Offering resplendent views of the Lyttelton Harbour, London Street is also dotted with quaint storefronts and gorgeous cafés.

After settling in for a warm beverage at Lyttelton Coffee Co., my friend Lieselot and I leisurely strolled through the market and nearby shops, sampling breads, cheeses, and olives. The non-profit market is run entirely by hardworking volunteers and the market focuses on community and local trading.

Photos are by Lieselot. Liese is a talented blogger, photographer and filmmaker. If you haven’t discovered her blog, The World is a Circus, make sure you take a look!

July 24, 2016
Christchurch Staycation Guide

stay·ca·tion

/stāˈkāSHn/
noun informal
a holiday spent in one’s home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.

The process of discovering the city in which you reside can take months, even years. I’ve now lived in Christchurch for seven months. I am beginning to feel as though I have a sense of the city and how it’s laid out. There’s much to love about the transitional city as well as several local spots to explore. If you’re a local in need of a refresh, why not stay right here in the garden city?

Stay/

For me, no staycation is complete without a night away in new surroundings. Hotel Montreal offers contemporary luxury suites that overlook Hagley Park. Only a five-minute walk from the bustling Victoria Street precinct, I was initially drawn to this hotel because of its name. How could I resist a little piece of Canada in Christchurch? The elegant suites are impressive in size and fully equipped with kitchenettes, lounges and an excellent compendium of reading material. I was completely content thumbing through Living In Style, Paris while feeling as though I too had escaped to the city of lights. The cushion collection, all soft blues and yellows, is commendable as well. Pour yourself a drink and watch the world go by on your astro turf balcony or head downstairs for a cocktail followed by a game of croquet. The last time I played croquet was on my grandparents’ yard as a teenager and it’s still as much fun as I remember.

Nick and I were treated to a delectable breakfast at the elegant and understated, Polo Bar. Here, you’ll be forgiven if you mistake the waitstaff for Ralph Lauren employees in their preppy attire. Attentive and immaculately dressed with silk HM monogrammed neck scarves, I felt as though I stepped into a polo club. As Argentina’s national sport, the restaurant boasts an extensive menu of hot and cold tapas and breakfast staples like apple, cinnamon pancakes and smoked salmon hash.

Arts & Culture/

After reluctantly tearing yourself away from Hotel Montreal, make a point of visiting the Christchurch Art Gallery. Recently reopened after five years of renovations (including base isolators), Christchurch’s public (free!) art gallery is an architectural masterpiece of flowing glass. I’ve been known to snap photos of and rave about Martin Creed’s ‘Everything’s going to be all right’ light work and Michael Parekowhai’s giant bull on the piano inside. The rest of the gallery is constantly evolving with both local and international installations.

Take note of the gallery’s newest addition. Ronnie van Hout’s self-portrait can be spotted from miles away.

Next door is the Centre of Contemporary Art. The much-smaller modernist-style building which began as the Canterbury Society of Arts Gallery in the 1880s. The two-storey building plays host to seasonal collections from local, national and international contemporary artists! After visiting CoCA, stop by the gorgeous Great Hall at the Arts Centre.

Before catching a show at Isaac Theatre Royal, be sure to have a boogie on the Dance-O-Mat. One of the Gap Filler’s best known projects, this is a dance floor you won’t soon forget. Simply pop a $2 coin into the old Laundromat washing machine, plug in your iPod or MP3 player and dance along to your favourite tune. The Dance-O-Mat is symbolic of Christchurch’s ever-changing CBD and considered a must-visit by locals and tourists.

Relax/

One of the best ways to unwind is to treat yourself to a facial at Total Body Concept on Salisbury Street. Known for their specialised skin care, the day spa offers treatments to reverse ageing, prevent further damage and maintain a young, healthy, glowing complexion. Having struggled with changing climates, the team at TBC has helped rejuvenate and repair my skin.

Shop/

Christchurch is full of farmers markets, Lyttelton, Riccarton, Opawa. I usually visit Riccarton Farmers Market on Saturdays where I love picking up an açai bowl for breakfast, some fresh bread, a bit of produce, and occasionally sweets from J’aime les macarons. Riccarton Bush is a lively yet serene place to spend a morning, with live music by the river. You’ll undoubtedly bump into someone you know.

The Re:START mall will soon be replaced by a more permanent shopping precinct, so be sure to visit in the meantime. Here you’ll find New Zealand designers at local boutiques, Infinite Definite and Head Over Heels. Christchurch’s oldest department store, Ballantynes, offers an elevated shopping experience. After shopping, pop by the Bus Interchange to appreciate the architecture; a small win for transportation in Christchurch. Afterwards, peruse the extensive collection of films at Alice Cinemathèque or catch an afternoon flick at the arthouse cinema.

Food & Drink/

In need of a snack? I can’t go past Gentle Giant for their waffles and matcha lattes and Hello Sunday for their unique and ever-changing menu. If you’re after something a little stronger, visit speakeasy-style, O.G.B. Bar at Heritage Hotel and feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Order a cocktail and settle in for some live music in the intimate surroundings.

Rather than escaping the city, why not spend the weekend exploring Christchurch? With a bit of preparation, you’ll find it to be the perfect playground for adventure.

July 4, 2016
On surviving winter in June

As a child, I loved winter. I would frolic in the snow, completely unaware that frostbite was an imminent possibility in the -30 degree freeze. I also anticipated my birthday and Christmas, the build up so big I didn’t care that I couldn’t feel my face whenever I stepped outside.

That said, living in Christchurch and experiencing winter in June has been a bit of a rude awakening. While my family and friends are sending me snapchats of music festivals, pool parties, ice cream cones, and cottage road trips, I have been shivering in perpetual darkness. Okay, I wrote that for dramatic effect, it’s actually really sunny in Christchurch. And in the spirit of being positive and making the most of the season, I’ve compiled a list of ways to combat the winter blues.

What’s better than red wine? Mulled red wine seasoned with cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, etc. Sweet and aromatic, I’m considering swapping my coffee habit with a mulled wine habit over the next few months. I appreciate that the bars in Christchurch (Smash Palace) serve this regularly throughout the colder months and others host festivals like the recent one at Dux Central.

I used to ski quite regularly in Canada, but I’ve never had access to a season pass or a mountain right on my doorstep before. Living so close to the Southern Alps, I’ll be venturing to Mount Hutt as frequently as possible. See you on the slopes?

Photo via Natalie’s Facebook.

Thank goodness for slow cookers! Chop up some veggies and meat, throw it in the slow cooker, add some seasoning, and return home to warm supper already prepared.

As far as I’m aware, electric blankets aren’t really a thing in Canada. They are, however, hugely popular (and a necessity) in Christchurch. On our weekly trip to Briscoes we picked up my first electric blanket and I couldn’t be more excited to snuggle into bed tonight.

Hot yoga is much more satisfying in the winter. Spending 90 minutes in a 40-degree room during the summer months feels torturous, but in winter, it feels like a luxury. Actually, working out in general feels great in the winter.

I’ll take any excuse to bundle up and wear as many layers as possible. Winter fashion means peacoats, scarves and boots. I’m especially fond of winter whites and pastels this year.

There’s something so wonderful about settling in for a movie by the fire or venturing out to the cinema to see a new film during the colder months.

Now tell me, what do you enjoy about winter?

June 5, 2016
The Importance of Showing Up

One thing I’ve noticed about Christchurch, that never ceases to amaze me, is that everyone turns up.

It could be symptomatic of losing a slew of businesses and community events following the earthquakes, but nevertheless, it’s impressive!

In Toronto, I had friends from different areas of my life and everyone was always busy. When planning an event, one would anticipate that many of the people who had RSVP’d wouldn’t actually show up. We all cancelled with grace (via text message) with perfectly reasonable excuses.

Being constantly attached to our devices, it’s all too easy to cancel or postpone plans at the very last minute. In fact, it’s usually expected that one of two parties will bail. My friends and I would confirm plans a few hours beforehand in a subtle, offhanded way: “I’m just hopping on the TTC now, see you in thirty,” ensuring the other party was also on their way.

In Christchurch, if you say you’ll go, you go.

The city’s collective commitment to showing up astounds me. And this commitment extends to cultural events like the Chinese Lantern Festival, Holi and Japan Day where it seems like the whole city is in attendance.

So, on a somewhat unrelated note, here are a few photos from Holi and Japan Day last weekend!

March 12, 2016
Christchurch Creatives: Radler Tours

One of the things I harp on about constantly is cycling. I’ve never particularly enjoyed cycling as a sport or a rigorous form of exercise. For me, it’s a practical way to get around. In cities like Toronto and Stockholm, residents cycle almost year-round. Even a little bit of snow on the ground isn’t much of a deterrent. When my sister spent a semester in Umeå, she immediately purchased a second-hand bike and along with the other students, regularly fell into snowbanks on her way to class. When it snows in Christchurch, it melts almost immediately, so winter cycling is all the more appealing.

Even so, when Nick pitched his idea for a bicycle and beer tour, I was initially skeptical. While cycling in Christchurch is relatively accessible, it’s by no means the preferred way of getting around. But with designated cycleways a top priority for the city, more and more people are taking to cycling. It’s also a great way to enjoy a night out. Cycling after a few beers is 100% legal and a lot safer than driving.

And so, it’s with much excitement, that we announce the launch of Radler Tours. Radler is the German word for cyclist, and like the Bavarians before us, our tour will encompass, in equal measure, bicycles and beer. Our aim is to cater to both locals and tourists, as a fun way to see and experience Christchurch. Oh, and we’re excited to be regularly visiting some of our favourite Christchurch bars and restaurants:

Radler Tours was founded with the aim to provide a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to experience Christchurch’s best hospitality. Following the devastating earthquakes in 2011, Christchurch lost over 130 unique bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes. Many have re-opened in and around the CBD, but are no longer closely clustered together. Consequently, there is no focal point for the city’s entertainment and hospitality scene. Both tourists and residents are unaware that new and vibrant establishments have emerged on the fringes of the CBD, all within a leisurely biking distance of one another.

At the moment, we’ve been testing out the tours with our friends and planning an inaugural tour with a few Christchurch locals. We’ll keep you posted as to the launch of Radler Tours, but for the meantime, please visit our website for updates!

Follow @radlertours on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!

February 28, 2016
Christchurch Creatives: SPECTRUM

While graffiti and street art have a bad reputation, they also have the power to transform cities and neighbourhoods, expose social woes, start important discussions, and bring art to the masses. The likes of Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Shepard Fairey have challenged our idea of what constitutes street art. Why should art be reserved for galleries and why can’t it exist in our daily lives as we’re walking to work?

Christchurch is filled with bewildering street art. Within the city, there’s a dichotomy between graffiti vandalism, which the city aims to remove, and commissioned street art, which has been an integral artistic element of the rebuild. In fact, the city has commissioned many pieces to either beautify the rubble.

A few Saturdays ago, Nick and I were out on our usual post-market bicycle trip when we remembered that the street art festival, SPECTRUM was on at the YCMA until April. We were both seriously impressed with the exhibition and extensive information about graffiti in New Zealand. I know a little bit about street art in North America and the UK, so it was cool to see how New Zealand

The coolest thing about the festival is that you don’t even have to visit the gallery on Hereford Street (but you should!) because all the artists have been working across the city streets transforming blank walls into works of art.

Over the past two years, 25 huge murals have been produced as a part of Oi YOU! shows.

February 2, 2016
Christchurch Creatives: Green Roots Organics

The city I experienced as a tourist in 2009/2010 is vastly different from the Christchurch that exists today. The old Christchurch was beautiful and Victorian, and a wee bit stuffy. The city today is more intriguing because it’s anyone and everyone’s city. While many urban centres are oversaturated, Christchurch is still in need of fresh ideas and residents are taking notice. New businesses are constantly sprouting up and creative ideas are being implemented. As a new resident, the sense of opportunity is unmistakable.

In an effort to highlight local entrepreneurs, events, worthy causes, art installations, etc., I’m kicking off a series called Christchurch Creatives.

As we near the end of January, many of us are in the process of implementing healthy habits. Green Roots Organics is a local gem that has helped me with my resolutions. The company is helmed by Kate, who makes and distributes cold press juices, superfood smoothies and açai bowls. I’ve yet to find another place in town that uses this Brazilian superfood berry. Available at the Christchurch Farmers Market every Saturday, açai bowls are a wonderful (not to mention, delicious) way to ingest some much-needed nutrients. I went through a bit of a phase in Toronto where I made açai bowls for breakfast almost every day and couldn’t believe that Christchurch hadn’t caught onto the fad.

Needless to say, Green Roots fills the void and I’ll be back every Saturday for my fix.

Be sure to check out Green Roots Organics at the Christchurch Farmers Market or grab one of their cold pressed juices at The Collective.

January 23, 2016