prairie girl musings

Blog

Dunedin City Guide

Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Ōtepoti Dunedin has a rich heritage and is known for its interesting inhabitants. My first time properly exploring Dunedin was during iD Fashion Week in 2016, not long after I moved to Christchurch. The experience left a lasting impression, and Dunedin has been one of my favourite New Zealand cities ever since. It’s filled with creative, friendly souls who go out of their way to have a chat and share stories about their community.

With domestic travel back on the cards, Nancy suggested taking a trip to Dunedin. Nancy is an incredibly talented photographer and I knew we had to document our experience in a way that would be helpful for Kiwis travelling their backyard. Thankfully, we had the help of the team at Dunedin NZ to put together an action-packed itinerary and we discovered our fair share of incredible establishments.

If you’re someone who enjoys wandering around cities, stumbling into art galleries and lingering in cafés, you will absolutely love Dunedin. Its compact size makes it walkable and manageable whether you have a day or a week to explore. Here’s what we did during our three days in Dunners:

STAY
We based ourselves at The Terminus Apartments, just off Vogel Street in the Warehouse Precinct. Our two-bedroom apartment reminded us of a New York loft with its exposed brick walls and high ceilings. We spent every evening taking in the stunning sunsets over the city. The spacious unit had a stylish lounge, a full-service kitchen, even a workspace, and honestly, we didn’t want to leave.

SIGHTSEEING
Stargazing with Horizon Tours was an otherworldly experience and a highlight of our time in Dunedin. The Otago peninsula coastline yields breathtaking views of the night sky and we were lucky to have the clearest night for our tour of the southern skies.

After being greeted by our charming guides, Kylie and Lyndon, they each pointed out celestial points of significance (most of which can be viewed with the naked eye!) Kylie sang a waiata and shared stories about Māori myths of creation, of how Te Ao Marama – the world of light emerged. Hearing the stories of Māori ancestral heritage added to the magic of the tour; it truly is a point of difference. The four-hour excursion includes a light supper, a hot beverage, (I loved my detoxifying Kawakawa tea) plenty of blankets and the comfiest chairs (with headrests!) for optimal stargazing.

As a coastal city, Dunedin has beaches scattered along its coastline and around the Otago Harbour. If you’re visiting during the summer months, the beaches are a must. It was sunny, but quite chilly during our stay, but we stopped by St. Kilda on our way to Larnach Castle.

After our visit to the seaside, we carried on to Larnach Castle where we were greeted by owner and CEO, Norcombe Barker. Having grown up in the castle, Norcombe shared its fascinating history as well as his experience renovating the castle with his parents. When they purchased it in 1967, it was in a state of near ruin and the ballroom was being used to pen sheep!

After wandering around the enormous, 25-room castle and the gardens, we were treated to high tea beside the fire in the historic ballroom (and former sheep pen). The space often plays host to various events and celebrations — from weddings to galas and the annual winter ball. We didn’t ask Norcombe about any specific ghost sightings, but he did tell us about one particular incident in 1994 when Castle of Lies, a play on the Larnach family, premiered in the grand ballroom.

We also stopped by one of city’s most prominent landmarks, The Dunedin Railway Station. Dating back to 1906, this magnificent building is often referred to as the Gingerbread House. Not only does the railway station play host to iD Fashion Week (the longest and most incredible runway in the world!) it’s also home to the Otago Farmers Market every Saturday.

EAT & DRINK

Precinct Food
If you’re looking for a twist on the usual breakfast fare, be sure to stop into Precinct Food on Vogel Street. Owner and director, Liz Christensen retrained as a chef eight years ago and cleverly uses food to tell stories. After buying a catering company, she used the space for creative events and it reluctantly became a café soon after. You’ll find a few classic favourites on the menu, like eggs benny and the big breakfast, but there are plenty of dishes that push the boundaries including their carrot and tofu dumplings.

Good Good
According to my friend, Jared, Good Good has the best burgers in New Zealand. I trust Jared with burger recommendations and he’s never failed me. As soon as we stopped in for lunch, I knew we were in for a treat. The space is a converted garage with pink neon signs and casual seating. Even though the kitchen is small (it’s housed in a small caravan onsite), the burgers that emerge are incredible. We shared the buttermilk fried chicken burger (Nancy’s favourite) and the beef burger (my favourite) with parmesan tater tots. As many of my readers will know, I’m a bit of a burger fiend, and these did not disappoint.

Side On
In search of freshly baked goods, we headed straight to Side On on Moray Place on our last morning in Dunedin. After taking one look through their window, we knew we needed to sit down for breakfast, too. Their breakfast offering is small, I think most dishes feature freshly baked bread in some form with various toppings. Nevertheless, it was satisfying and I left with a cardamon bun and a few slices to snack on later.

The Swan
Tucked away on Bath Street, The Swan officially opened in January this year and quickly became a local favourite. You’ll immediately notice the gorgeous shopfront adorned with a swan, which happened to be retrieved from a pond in Balclutha. Open from 8am until 4pm during the week (Monday to Thursday), The Swan stays open late on Friday and Saturday nights and there’s live music on Saturdays. The food here is noteworthy with chef Mikhail making everything in-house from scratch. We ordered the impressive platter, which consisted of salmon, (they smoke it themselves) a whole loaf of freshly baked ciabatta, beetroot, pesto, pickled onions (again they do all their own pickling) and three types of cheese from local suppliers. Paired with a pinot noir from Central Otago, it was a memorable way to spend our afternoon.

Heritage Coffee
Vogel Street is home to so many excellent cafés, bakeshops, and eateries, but we were immediately drawn into Heritage Coffee with its moody interior. It proved to be the perfect spot for a coffee in between meetings. Heritage serves coffee made with beans by small batch local roaster, Common Ground and classic breakfast staples like avocado toast and eggs benny. If you’re after a place to meet a friend or client, it’s a solid option in the Warehouse Precinct.

Catalyst Kitchen
A new spot near the Octagon, we had coffee at Catalyst Kitchen on our first full day in Dunedin. From what I’ve heard, the food offering is equally delicious with plenty of healthy lunchtime options.

There were a few spots we didn’t have the chance to make it to this time around, but I also recommend Allpress Roastery, which is worth a visit for its beautiful building alone. Grab a coffee or some beans on your way to the university or the Otago Museum. No7 Balmac is another favourite of mine for either brunch or dinner, located up Maori Hill.

Ocho Chocolate Factory
A trip to Dunedin isn’t complete without stopping by Ocho, Otago’s own craft chocolate shop and tasting room. I initially discovered Ocho at the Otago Farmers Market (held on Saturdays at the Railway Station — highly recommend!) In addition to factory tours, they offer chocolate tastings where you can learn about what’s involved in making chocolate. During the 25 minute tastings, you’ll see the team roast, grind, temper and wrap chocolate by hand and then taste the difference between cacao from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Fiji.

Bay Rd
Next door to Ocho, you’ll find Bay Rd, which is home to Dunedin’s best peanut butter. The Hastie Brothers batch roast the peanuts before chucking them straight in the grinder, the result is some of the freshest peanut butter imaginable. Their café is temporarily closed, but stop by for a fresh jar and a chat. I’m team crunchy, but I’ve heard their smooth PB is equally delicious.

And just like that, our trip to Dunedin was done and dusted. Nancy and I had the best time together and realised that despite regularly visiting this city, there was even more to discover. While international travel might not be an option for awhile, we’re spoiled for choice right here in New Zealand. Whether you travel to Dunedin frequently or you haven’t been in years, head down for a weekend and you might be surprised to find a world class city here at home.

Photography by Nancy Zhou

*This trip was a press trip with Dunedin NZ

June 14, 2020
Ideas For a Cosy Post-Lockdown Adventure

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been dreaming of the day I could get together with a few friends for a post-lockdown adventure. I’ve even made lists of all the activities I was looking forward to once New Zealand moved to Alert Level Two…

Deciding where to go for our first proper outing in seven weeks was no small task. I’m always saying that I want to do more hiking (a word I use rather loosely, to be honest) instead of heading out to the nearest cafe, restaurant or friend’s house whenever I’m in the mood to socialise.

There are so many gorgeous walking trails scattered throughout the Canterbury region. We considered all of our favourites from Bowenvale Valley to Godley Head and even future afield to North Canterbury or Washpen Falls. I wanted to do a scenic yet relatively easy walk, so carrying a picnic basket wouldn’t pose too much of a challenge. If you know me, you know I love packing all the snacks.

With the weather getting cooler, we wore our favourite knits and coats and ventured out to Mount Vernon for a weekend picnic. I packed a few bottles of Zeffer’s Apple Crumble Infused Cider, a baguette, some local meats and cheeses, olives, pickles and cookies to keep us fuelled and hydrated after our walk.

We found the perfect clearing, just above the main track to set up camp with a blanket. Everyone who passed by commented on our lovely set-up and a few even asked if they could join in. With the sun shining, we could’ve easily sat there for hours, looking out over the city.

Cider was my go-to drink when I first moved to New Zealand in 2009 and the industry has come a long way since then. Drinking it now, eleven years later, makes me nostalgic for my university days. Not all ciders are created equally and Zeffer’s Apple Crumble Cider tastes just like dessert! It is a must-try during the cooler months or whenever you’re craving a treat. I had it a few times during lockdown whenever I couldn’t decide between having a drink or dessert after dinner.

It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon, a perfectly casual catch up with friends. After seven weeks, we had a lot to talk about. Is there anything better than a bit of activity followed by some delicious food and drink?

This post is sponsored by Zeffer, but all opinions are my own.

May 18, 2020
My Goals For the Next Few Months

It feels a bit unusual to be setting goals in a time that’s still so uncertain. With our move completely thwarted, Nick and I feel like we’ve hit pause. We had so many exciting plans for the (Northern Hemisphere) summer, which is now a blank page and I have a serious case of writer’s block.

This lockdown period has been a complete rollercoaster for many of us. Personally, I’ve felt stuck both literally and metaphorically as we moved through the Alert Levels here in New Zealand. As an introvert and someone who works from home, I didn’t imagine it would be as difficult as it’s been. In the past few weeks, I’ve joked that I’ve moved into the ‘acceptance phase’ and have been taking steps to reset and figure out my short term goals. I know I find it helpful reading the ways others are moving forward, so here’s what I have in the works:

01. Streamline my wardrobe
I had a head start on this task, having listed and sold over half of my possessions on TradeMe in anticipation of our move (our house is looking especially bare at the moment!) Rather than shipping everything overseas, most of our furniture, household items and summer clothes, the ones that wouldn’t get as much wear in Canada, have now found new homes. My current wardrobe consists of a few high quality basics and special occasion pieces.

02. Embrace a slower pace
One of the reasons I wanted to work for myself was to establish better work/life balance and prioritise my mental and physical health. I count myself lucky to be able to work on projects I’m passionate about, but in the past, I’ve been known to say yes to work that paid the bills but didn’t fill my cup. Not having the security of a regular income, it’s easy to get carried away and never really ‘switch off’ even in the evenings and weekends. If this lockdown period has taught me anything, it’s how important down time really is, whether it’s binge watching Normal People or baking muffins in the middle of the day.

03. More staycations and day trips
I love a staycation and I’m hoping to continue exploring my favourite regions (North Canterbury and Akaroa) while we’re still based in Christchurch. Hanmer Springs Hot Pools plans to reopen at the end of May, so that could be a nice little getaway. We’ve stayed at a few hotels and Airbnbs in Christchurch from Crowne Plaza to the Britten Stables and will definitely book a night somewhere fun again soon!

04. More domestic travel
Name a place in New Zealand and Nick and I have probably been there. Nick’s parents made sure he’d visited every inch of his country and that’s something he’s shared with me. We’ve been lucky to spend countless weekends road tripping around both the North and South Island whether for work or purely out of interest. I know it sounds silly, but BC (before Covid) I felt like I had exhausted my time in New Zealand. I know we’ll make our way back to Canada eventually, but I plan on revisiting a few of my favourite New Zealand destinations and supporting businesses in the meantime.

05. Practice French
I definitely didn’t learn a new language during lockdown, but I have been trying to refresh my French. I grew up speaking French; all my core subjects at school were in French until grade 10, but I’m ashamed to admit my conversational skills leave much to be desired. If we end up on the East Coast of Canada, fluency in French will be useful in securing employment and it’s always handy to speak a second language.

—

So that’s the next few months in a nutshell! I don’t know what will happen in terms of our moving plans, but I know it’s important to look after each other. I hope you’re all feeling okay, too. Sending love to anyone who needs it.

May 14, 2020
Celebrating Our First Wedding Anniversary

Before COVID-19 took over our lives, Nick and I celebrated our first year of marriage. Looking back at the photos, I’m reminded of a simpler time in our lives. It was right before our (now cancelled) flights to Canada and the start of what would’ve been a new chapter. I wanted to do something memorable rather than exchanging gifts; this day will be forever etched in my memory as one of my favourites.

I’ve known Sophie since she moved to Christchurch from Nelson a couple years ago. I absolutely adore her work (and her personality) and we’ve done a few blog and fashion photoshoots in the past. I wanted to do a couple shoot with her before our move back to Canada and our anniversary was the perfect excuse.

We packed a bottle of champagne (a special wedding gift that we’d waited a year to open) and headed to Godley Head just in time for sunset with Sophie there to capture it all. It was a warm night and we spent the whole time laughing; she’s the best third wheel around! We’re so happy with the photos, which perfectly reflected our relaxed evening sipping champagne while the sun set over the sea. With adventures few and far between these days, we cherish these snaps even more and I thought I’d share my favourites with you.

Nick also surprised me with dinner at our favourite restaurant, Twenty Seven Steps. It was extra special as it was our last meal out before everything closed for lockdown in New Zealand.

How do you celebrate anniversaries? Are you more of a gift or experience kinda person?

They say you spend your whole life rewriting the first poem you ever loved. Together, we’re working on our novel and every chapter is more beautiful than the last. ⁣⁣

The story of us has spanned our twenties, but it’s not a chronicle that we’ll look back on. There are still so many chapters yet to be written and (now more than ever) we’re dedicating ourselves to filling the pages with love, laughter and adventure.

April 21, 2020
My Homemade Artichoke Pizza Recipe

Pizza is the ultimate comfort food and such a crowd pleaser. I’ve probably eaten it at least once a week since the beginning of isolation. My mom made artichoke pizza all the time when we were younger and it’s one of my favourite recipes to this day! We picked up a massive jar of artichokes from Vetro in Napier awhile ago and we’re still making our way through it.

I love shopping locally wherever possible and was pleased to hear that Christchurch bakery, Good Honest is offering next-day delivery. I ordered their pizza dough (plus a few other items) on Tuesday and everything arrived on my doorstep by Wednesday; super convenient and completely contact-less. All their products are made with natural ingredients and are of the highest quality. I’m not the best chef, so before I started making the pizzas, I googled the best way to handle the dough. The finished result was a bit thicker than I’d normally make, but delicious nonetheless. If anyone has any tips on stretching pizza dough, do let me know.

I’ve played around with this recipe a lot (that’s the best thing about pizza, right?) There’s no wrong way of doing it, personally I’m a ‘less is more’ person when it comes to pizza. I encourage you to add in your own ingredients to mix things up.

Ingredients
1kg Good Honest pizza dough (makes three medium-sized pizzas)
6 tbsp. tomato sauce (we used this pizza sauce from Mediterranean Food Co.)
200g artichoke hearts, drained and diced
300g roasted red pepper, sliced
8 thin slices of prosciutto
50g fresh mozzarella (we picked ours up from Mediterranean Food Co.)
60g goat cheese

Method
1. Set dough to the side for 30 minutes to an hour. Good Honest pizza dough arrives already risen, so you can roll out dough and get started right away.

2. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the pizza base. Top with artichokes and roasted peppers

3. Cover with prosciutto, mozzarella and crumbly goat cheese before placing on pizza stone or baking tray

4. Cook at 250°C until golden, 15-20 minutes depending on oven.

It’s as simple as that, and the finished result is honestly some of the best pizza I’ve ever tried. You can add in any additional veggies that are kicking around in your fridge (sun-dried tomatoes are a treat) and basil if you have it in your garden. Oh, and definitely serve with a bottle of Prosecco or red wine, whatever you have on hand.

A silver lining of this time in isolation has been experimenting, trying new things, and supporting local businesses. I don’t think I’ve ever made this many homemade meals in a row. I’d love to hear what you’ve been cooking up over the past few weeks. Leave me a comment below or tag me in your creations on Instagram. If you’re looking for pizza dough delivered straight to your door, check out Good Honest.

This post is sponsored by Good Honest Products, but all opinions are my own.

April 17, 2020
My Quarantine Routine

Truthfully, I don’t know how best to proceed with this blog. All I know is how vital it is to my sanity during a time when I’ve lost the majority of my work. Writing and creating in whatever way I can has always been so important for my mental health. I’m actually finding that confinement and restriction can do wonders for creativity, in general. Let’s just say, I’m clinging to some semblance of normality by maintaining my regular routine.

I’ve heard many bloggers and content creators mention how they don’t want to encourage consumerism during these challenging times and I’d like to echo that sentiment. I know many of us have lost our jobs with many companies folding at a moment’s notice. Who knows what the future holds when things change so dramatically each day? While I don’t want to gloss over this fact, I personally find it refreshing to lean into my interests during difficult times (as superficial and unnecessary as they may seem…) Last weekend, I watched the entire season of Next In Fashion and honestly nothing’s made me happier.

In sharing my quarantine routine, I urge you to look to what you already have at home, products that you haven’t touched, ingredients you don’t normally use, and books you’ve yet to read rather than feeling like you need purchase something new. Well, we can’t really buy anything non-essential in New Zealand at this stage anyway… Believe me, I tried to order sweatpants because I left mine in Canada.

Like everyone else, I’ve been listening to my fair share of podcasts and regularly watching YouTube videos. I absolutely love hearing about the daily routines of different individuals. So, without further ado, this is my daily quarantine routine.

Please note: I’m not in full quarantine, but rather self-isolation/lockdown as is the case for all non-essential workers in New Zealand.

7:00am Wake up, drink some water and read for 25 minutes (I’ve just finished reading The New Animals by Pip Adam and am on a bit of New Zealand literature binge…)

7:30am Get dressed for my run. On alternate days, I do an at-home workout instead (usually HIIT but sometimes pilates).

8:15am Yoga or stretching followed by coffee, morning skincare and a shower (I’ve just started using Monday Haircare since running out of my regular shampoo and conditioner and being influenced by everyone on Instagram). For skincare, I still have my Synergie cleanser, exfoliant and daytime moisturiser, but might soon run out. For serum, I’ve been using the Lancôme Advanced Génifique, which was a PR gift two days prior to lockdown.

8:30-10:30am Writing time. I had previously been reserving my mornings for emails, scheduling in social media posts, writing articles and strategy calls with clients, but a lot of that is no longer part of my workload. Don’t worry, I’m finding things to do (like writing this blog post!)

10:30-11:00am I’ve been eating breakfast quite late during lockdown, I usually make a green smoothie consisting of the following ingredients: two handfuls of spinach, one banana, Everything Butter by Fix & Fogg (it’s a game-changer), frozen blueberries and celery if I’m feeling it. Otherwise, I’ll fry up an egg, spinach and have that with avocado and kimchi on toast.

11:00am-1:30pm More writing, whether it’s a blog post or a client report. Again, I’m assuming I’ll be spending a lot more time writing lists and short stories, reading the news, watching vlogs, and maybe even starting a gratitude journal (probably not though…)

1:30-2:30pm I might have a snack or if I’m still full from my late breakfast, I’ll go for a walk around the block instead (granted I worked out at home that morning. Gotta ration those outdoor excursions, am I right?)

3:00pm The afternoon slump hits and I usually curl up in bed for some more reading or even a nap. If I’m feeling adventurous, I might paint my nails or do a face mask.

4:00pm I might start thinking about dinner, walking back and forth from my desk to the fridge several times…

4:30pm If I decided to wear makeup that day (highly unlikely) I’ll remove it now. If I’m wearing jeans or a dress (also unlikely) I’ll change into sweats or pyjamas.

4:45pm After looking longingly at my phone, I’ll probably start to rustle up some ingredients for dinner. If it’s not my turn to cook (it’s usually not, I’m not the best cook) I’ll watch a YouTube video and drink some water. I’ve been drinking SO MUCH WATER these days. Anyone else?

5:00pm It’s the end of the work day, hurray! Dinner is fully underway and our bubble is getting excited for our evening television viewing.

6:30pm Dinner time! We’ve been loving roast veggies, Taco Tuesdays and slow cooked anything. I’m hoping to make Kraft Dinner for some nostalgic purposes this weekend. It’s super processed though, so I wouldn’t suggest having it unless you’re desperate.

7:15pm After enjoying dinner and asking each other about our days, it’s time for a drink. I’ve been trying to hold off drinking on week nights, but sometimes I crack and open a bottle of rosé. I’m trying not to be too hard on myself. This week we’ve been watching Castle Rock on Lightbox (it’s also on Hulu), it’s scary and makes me feel better about my situation.

9:30pm Evening skincare routine time: double cleanse, (Synergie, again!) hydrating toner, (Dermaviduals) serum (I have a few drops left of my Synergie Acceler-A night time serum and it’s heavenly!) and sometimes even a mask (I was sent a few hydrating Syrène masks to try, loving them) followed by my evening moisturiser (Drunk Elephant). If I’m not too exhausted from my busy day, I’ll do some bedtime reading before lights out.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed seeing what I’ve been up to this past week. Leave your quarantine routine in the comments below or tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #quarantineroutine. Love you lots and take care!

Lead image by Nancy Zhou.

April 2, 2020
What To Wear, Cook, Watch, Read & Listen To While At Home

Like many of you, I’ve been feeling anxious and slightly panicked over the past days due to our least favourite c-word. Earlier today, our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern announced that New Zealand will go into lockdown within 48 hours. To me, this offers a such sense of relief as I know it’ll help flatten the curve and reduce case numbers in our small country. It’s so important that we not only follow the government’s instructions, but look after ourselves while in self-isolation. I’ve been self-isolating for over a week already, only leaving the house to pick up essential groceries, so feel like I’m starting to get a handle on it.

As you might already know, Nick and I were preparing (both physically and mentally) to move overseas in a few short weeks. We’ll be staying put in New Zealand for the foreseeable future as travelling (both domestically and internationally) needs Most of our furniture has been sold, but fortunately some kind friends have lent us their chairs to use in the meantime.

It’s easy to focus on the negatives right now, but I’ve decided to dedicate my online space to spreading positivity; reminding you to take care of yourself mentally and physically; and hopefully providing a bit of a distraction from the headlines. During these unprecedented times, we’re invited to slow down and spend time on what matters. If you need some inspiration to become more of a homebody, here’s what I’ll be doing this month:

Wear: Ah, loungewear. Rather than go the whole nine yards and get fully dressed for a day spent working from home, I prefer to take a minimalist approach. Sometimes I’ll change into my workout gear right in the morning, do a lunchtime workout and then shower and put on more everyday clothes for the afternoon/evening. Changing once or twice throughout the day helps elevate my mood.

I’ve been known to wear my Bassike rugby pants (pictured below) on days when I might need to leave the house (which is quickly becoming a distant memory) as well as linen trousers like these from Hej Hej. I’ve been on the lookout for a matching beige tracksuit similar to this one Hailey Bieber wears so well.

Photo by Shayden Whipps

Cook: I’ve never been much of a chef or baker, but I’m determined to try out a few recipes over the next few weeks. These are the recipes I’ve been bookmarking as of late:

Banana bread
Cauliflower fried rice
Roasted courgette and chickpea salad
Savoury spinach pancakes
Dressed beetroot salad

I’ve started making smoothies every morning as well and my favourite is a green smoothie with spinach, banana, frozen açai, oat milk and peanut butter. I’ve also placed an order for some Grizzly sourdough, hot cross buns and sea salt bagels because this girl needs her comfort carbs.

Watch: I’m a big fan of thrillers and the occasional horror film (Midsommar was my jam) but during these anxiety-inducing times, I’ve been allowing myself to binge shows like Queer Eye, Schitt’s Creek and even rewatching Mad Men. If you haven’t seen Fleabag, it’s the best TV I’ve watched in years! Modern Love (it’s on Amazon) is also incredible, the first two episodes are a must watch.

Crash Landing On You is a Korean series I’ve been getting into as well and I’m keen to start watching To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. Have you seen either of these?

Listen: Pre-coronavirus, I was already on a bit of a podcast binge, but in the past two days I’ve discovered even more that are worthy of a listen.

After Work Drinks with Grace O’Neill and Isabelle Truman is my go-to. If you’re struggling with the adjustment of self-isolation, give their recent episode, ‘A Self Isolation Survival Guide’ a listen.

Don’t Keep Your Day Job with Cathy Heller is an inspiring podcast that I’ve recently started listening to. It’s very aspirational at times, but quite reassuring at the moment.

Hurry Slow with Jocelyn K. Glei is a podcast about pacing yourself, hosted by Jocelyn K. Glei. Hurry Slowly is a podcast about how you can be more productive, creative, and resilient through the simple act of slowing down.

Read: I’m ashamed to admit I’ve only finished one book since January. I was such a bookworm growing up, preferring books to other people’s company most of the time (lol), so I’m hoping to get back into reading over the next four weeks. Here’s what I’ve read and loved:

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport is brilliant. It’s all about deciding which forms of technology are absolutely essential to you (and your work) and then eliminating the rest.

The Testament by Margaret Atwood is the perfect follow-up to The Handmaid’s Tale and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s the first book I couldn’t put down in ages!

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman is a lovely escape to gorgeous Italian in the summertime (minus the Covid-19 pandemic, of course). I’m just starting this book, but it’s so beautifully written and descriptive. Highly recommend (and watch the film, too!)

I’d love to know what you’re wearing, watching, listening to and reading — any book recommendations out there? Sending you all lots of love during this uncertain time.

March 23, 2020
What We’ve Learnt In Our First Year of Marriage
There’s no doubt about it, fewer millennial couples are getting married. Do we even need marriage these days or is it an outdated institution and merely an opportunity to put ourselves and our relationships on display? Throughout my twenties, I definitely didn’t expect I’d ever get married. I was in a stable, committed relationship and honestly didn’t see the need for it. Sure, I got butterflies in my stomach every time I imagined picking out my wedding dress and welled up as I watched friends walk down the aisle, but did that mean marriage was right for me?

As it turns out, my perspective has completely shifted since marrying Nick a year ago. I was absolutely certain nothing at all would change. We’d exchange rings, have a big party with our nearest and dearest, and then we’d go back to regular scheduled programming, right? In reality, things have changed, even if it’s on a subconscious level. I do feel differently about our partnership since getting married and like I’ve learnt a thing or two…

Here’s what I’ve learnt since tying the knot:
1. Marriage is a big freaking deal— there’s nothing quite like saving up, planning and carefully writing your vows before reciting them in front of everyone you know to make things feel official. While I always imagined our wedding to be one big party, the ceremony, the vows and the significance of it all is what truly matters.
2. Security — It may sound silly, but I feel so much more secure and confident in our relationship since getting married. Hearing Nick’s beautiful and thoughtful vows really cemented his love for me. Sure, he demonstrates his commitment to me every day, but I feel comfortable knowing that we were both ready to take the leap toward married life together.
3. It’s less stressful than planning a wedding — Planning a wedding, especially when you’re as detail-oriented as I am, can become all consuming. Being married is actually pretty low key most of the time and I love that we’re able to just sit back and enjoy it. That said, continuing to have fun together, surprising and prioritising one another is pretty important.
4. We need to keep working on ourselves (separately and together) — Sure, we’re a unit and a pretty solid team, but it’s important we continue to have our own lives, hobbies and friendships. I could never expect one person to be my everything. Getting married doesn’t excuse you from continuing to work on yourself and to work through your issues.
5. We want to make things work — Whenever we do have an argument, we tend to resolve it quickly and communicate more effectively than before we were married. I honestly don’t know why this is, but maybe knowing that we’re married and in this together makes us want to work through any problems that arise and be gentler with each other.
6. You share each other’s joys and burdens — When one of you goes through something difficult, whether it’s losing a job or the death of a family member, the other person shares your pain and carries part of the burden. When things feel super heavy, it’s incredibly beneficial to have someone to lean on. And when you’re on top of the word, it feels amazing to have someone’s excitement levels match your own.
7. Gratitude is everything — Nick does so many little things for me and looks out for me in subtle ways and I always try to reciprocate and be grateful. Obviously it depends on your dynamic as a couple (I know couples who are sarcastic 99% of the time..) but remembering to be kind with each other goes a long way.
8. Other people’s support is everything — Not everyone will understand your marriage, but knowing they’ve got your back is crucial especially as you navigate the highs and lows. Personally, I’ve been through a lot of changes since moving to New Zealand. While Nick might not be precisely the person some of my family and friends envisioned me marrying, they’ve been 100% supportive of our relationship and eventual marriage. They even flew all the way from Canada to celebrate with us. It’s comforting knowing your loved ones are with you every step of the way.
9. It’s not just about becoming Mr. and Mrs. — Truthfully, we could’ve achieved everything above without ‘putting a ring on it’ and long-term relationships are just as official and important as marriages. Some cultures believe in and prioritise marriage more than others. Some people change their names, others don’t. Slapping a label on something won’t magically fix it or somehow make it more valid.
—

While things remain mostly the same on the surface level, I now do believe that marriage changes a relationship and its dynamic. I’d be curious to hear your thoughts whether you’re single, in a long term relationship or married!

Photos by the incredible, Sophie Isabella
March 16, 2020
A Case For The Underdog City

In just over month, we’ll be boarding our flight back to Canada after 4.5 years in Christchurch. So now is as good a time as any to reflect on our time here in the Garden City and make my case for the underdog, ill-represented city. A large portion of my audience is based overseas, so if you’re thinking of moving to (or even visiting) New Zealand, here’s why I think you should consider Christchurch:

There’s something to be said about big cities with international reputations. You know the places: Paris, New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Vancouver, Auckland… the list goes on. They are popular places to live and visit for a reason and are all #blessed in one way or another. It’s easy to see why they receive a lot of attention and don’t get me wrong, I LOVE these cities with all my heart. When Nick and I were planning on moving back to New Zealand, our obvious choice was Auckland. It’s where we met, where we both studied and had plenty of friends, and it’s the business hub of New Zealand with its fair share of opportunity. Instead we chose Christchurch to many people’s dismay.

At that time, Christchurch was still recovering from the earthquakes (and still is) and I remember preparing myself for the worst. To my surprise, I fell in love with the city and grew with it as new businesses popped up around me. Despite being a small-ish city, Christchurch is one of the most dynamic places in the world. I visit Auckland and Wellington semi-regularly and have been to Queenstown more times than I can count. In my opinion, Christchurch, at this moment, is a more interesting place to be. We have some of the most innovative cafés and restaurants in the country and our North Canterbury wineries like Black Estate, Greystone and The Bone Line make New Zealand’s best wine. I’ve written a lot about Christchurch’s merits on an urban scale (have you seen our bike lanes?!) but it’s most appealing for the quality of life you can have here. Buying a house isn’t merely a pipe dream, work-life balance is a reality for most (and definitely way better than anywhere else I’ve lived…) and there are beautiful beaches and hiking trails on our doorstep. It’s really a goldilocks city in that sense. There are issues, of course, which I (and many others) have discussed at length, but won’t get into today.

I was actually inspired to write this blog post after a conversation I had recently. The guy said he would never visit Detroit or Pittsburgh, which I found fascinating. These two rust-belt American cities have negative reputations due to a myriad of reasons including faltering economies. They’re not high on anyone’s travel bucket list, but will end up surprising those who do visit. They’re two of my favourite underdog cities where artists and creatives from New York and Los Angeles flock when they can no longer afford to spend more than half their income on rent.

Christchurch is the definition of an underdog city. It’s been put to the test countless times yet those who visit are continually impressed by the warmth and generosity of its residents. Spend some time talking to any of the young creatives who inhabit this city, and their energy will inspire you. I’ve lived four of the best years of my life here, gaining a sense of community within its central city streets, attending world class festivals, ballets and operas, and perhaps most importantly, connecting with beautiful, likeminded people at every turn.

So, the next time you write off an underdog city, I urge you to give it a second chance.

March 5, 2020
8 Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas For 2020

Recently, I’ve had a few requests for a round-up of wedding guest outfit ideas (such a mouthful…) The past few years have been consumed by weddings for Nick and I. We’re now at that age where everyone we know is getting married and have attended upwards of 5-6 weddings per year. Not that I’m complaining, ya girl loves weddings and celebrations of all kinds. If you’re looking for versatile outfits that can transition to different seasons and suit various venues, read on. Disclaimer: The following options are all dresses I’d wear myself and I understand they are quite feminine and not to every women’s taste or style.

Repeating outfits is absolutely acceptable, necessary even, in my books given our current climate crisis and crazy levels of consumerism. That said, if you’re looking for a one-off piece for a special occasion, (maybe you’re a bridesmaid or the occasion calls for black tie…) I’d highly recommend renting an outfit. I work with Designer Wardrobe here in New Zealand and I love picking out dresses that are a bit more exciting than my usual (often boring) every day uniform. You should see my watch list, it’s three pages long. If hiring isn’t an option or you’d prefer to invest in a beautifully-made, high quality, and versatile piece, these are a few of my favourite looks:

1. AJE Overture Blouson Midi Dress

Cool, calm and collected, this shade of blue is relaxed enough for a beachside wedding, but can be dressed up to suit any occasion. It’s made of linen and silk, which means it’s both breathable and understated. The price point is high, but I think it’s one of those dresses you’d reach for in many different situations (especially if you live in Australasia).

2. Shona Joy Desi Plunged Ruffle Mini Dress

It’s true, mini dresses are back on the scene for 2020 and I’m in love with this minty number by Shona Joy. It’s got the wow factor while remaining perfectly pastel for more formal occasions. I think it’d fit a restaurant wedding as much as a winery wedding.

3. Shona Joy La Lune Flutter Midi Dress

If you’re a more casual bride, this dress would be perfect. It could also work as a bridesmaid dress, if you’re into the white/neutral trend for your maids. It also comes in champagne, sage and blush – all gorgeous. Either way, I’m all for a silk midi dress.

4. Aritzia Rosalyn Dress

Winter weddings are sometimes a thing, so having one or two long sleeve dresses is an absolute must. I’m also in love with Aritzia’s wrap dresses for summer. They’re perfect for more casual settings.

5. Bec & Bridge Fleurette Off-Shoulder Dress

100% cotton, this dress is my pick for more casual beach or barn summer weddings. If you’re in a place like New Zealand or Australia, you’re probably looking for something a bit more low-key and I think this dress is a wonderful option.

6. ASOS Several options

If you’re a curvier gal, I highly recommend checking out the gorgeous curve range at ASOS. They’ve got heaps of beautiful options including this nude number. I’m also in love with this Vero Moda sage dress and this smock dress in periwinkle blue.

7. The Iconic Delilah Dress

This dress is trans-seasonal, flattering and makes a statement. Wrap dresses work well on so many different shapes and sizes and this versatile dress is one you could dress up and down. Pair it with boots and a trench coat for weekend errands and lunch.

8. Reformation Winslow Dress and Farrow Dress

As I mentioned above, Reformation is my go-to for tops and dresses. They offer up heaps of information regarding their carbon footprint, where fabric is sourced from and garments are made. I think this level of transparency needs to become the norm among fashion retailers and I seriously applaud their efforts. I’m not so secretly eyeing up the dress on the right for my sister’s wedding…

Whatever you wear, it’s ultimately about feeling comfortable and confident. Remember, casual dresses can be styled to look more formal. Dressing for the venue is also a key factor to consider. I like to do a bit of research before each wedding I attend; looking at the venue and thinking about the couple’s own style to make sure my outfit is appropriate.

I didn’t wear either of these dresses to weddings, but both are fun, girly options depending on the venue and the couple in question.

February 12, 2020