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A Few Thoughts On Bread & Circus So Far

Buckle up, this is a looooong post.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I’ve been somewhat preoccupied over the past few weeks, working alongside the team at Brown Bread to manage the socials for Bread & Circus – World Buskers Festival here in Christchurch. It’s both an immensely rewarding and chaotic role for a dynamic festival that underwent a facelift last year. Full of world-class talent from circus and burlesque to comedy, physical theatre, music and so much more, it is my favourite time of the year in Christchurch. I wrote about my experience as a spectator last year, so I’d suggest reading that first if you’re interested in knowing why the festival means so much to me and to our city.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the 2020 shows (so far); the good, the bad and the nasty:

Blanc de Blanc
The headlining act this year is Blanc de Blanc, a cabaret, comedy act centred on the theme of CHAMPAGNE. Get ready for a large dose of nudity, this show isn’t for the faint hearted or those who are easily offended. The French-born host, Romeo transports us to a night out at the Moulin Rouge in Paris (speaking of which, has anyone seen Féerie or French cabaret before?) By attending this show, you are signing up for a rowdy, unpredictable evening where anything goes. Okay, so it’s not quite as seedy as a sex show in Amsterdam, but you get the idea. Oh, and the contortion is next-level!

Flo & Joan
Where to even begin? Flo & Joan were, without a doubt, my favourite act of the festival so far. These two sisters share an unmistakable bond, whether it’s bickering on stage or sharing embarrassing information about one another, it’s hilariously relatable. My favourite song was, “I drank too much,” which musically chronicles a woman’s wild night out. Allegedly, when they performed it in Canada, nobody laughed because they were all deeply concerned for this woman’s wellbeing. Kiwis didn’t have the same reaction… Sadly, their time in Christchurch has now come to an end. However, on the off chance that you might manage to see them elsewhere, I wanted to express my IMMENSE love for these two.

Frickin Dangerous Bro
Hilarious yet incredibly poignant, this comedy trio is made up of three of New Zealand’s best stand-up comedians, Jamaine Ross, James Roque and Pax Assadi. Their style can be very loose at times, which means it’s hard to tell what’s being improvised and what is scripted – a testament to their talent. Their material ranges from delinquent school boys discusses the merits of Shakespeare to addressing race, gender and their own backgrounds in a pointed and thoughtful way.

Sven Ratzke: Where Are We Now
I had the privilege of seeing Sven perform twice last week, both at his show, Where Are We Now and at Feast of Fools where he danced on the tables while the audience sat awestruck. I also met up with him for a brief interview, and was thoroughly spellbound. I’d suggest reading this Cityscape review for a better picture of this magical show and celebration of David Bowie.

Mavericks
Never the same show twice, (we saw two shows and they were completely different) Mavericks is a variety show and quite literally a mixed bag of WTF. The performances incorporate traditional busking elements, harking back to the good ole days. Street performers, Mario Queen of the Circus and Satya Bella are both part of the show alongside Miss Behave (from last year’s Miss Behave Gameshow) and festival favourites, Daredevil Chicken (known for their infamous banana routine). It’s on until 9th February, so go check it out.

The Nasty Show
With the warning, “probs don’t bring your mum,” we really didn’t know what we were in for at The Nasty Show. Upon entering, we were told to leave if we were easily offended (lol) before different festival acts were let loose and given a long rein to say or do whatever was on their mind. Basically, nothing’s out of bounds and what ensued was equal parts hilarious and disturbing. Props to our host, Emile Mathieu who led us through this wild ride.

Laser Kiwi
Described as surreal sketch circus, Laser Kiwi is an unusual mash up of Kiwi humour and impressive circus acts (we were in awe of the aerial routine). Everyone’s given a piece of paper outlining all of the skits and the trio often ask audience members to remind them what number we’re on. It’s oddly reminiscent of a school assembly. The jokes were all very Kiwi (they reference the flag referendum) but they’ve performed across the UK and Canada, so there’s obviously international appeal as well.

Buskers:
Last year I didn’t spend much time taking in the free (well, hatted) street performances, so I’ve made a point of checking out every single busker this year. These have been my favourites so far…

Rogan Josh
With the unique ability to not fall off precariously tall things, Rogan Josh manages to somehow defy gravity. And he does it all while smiling and connecting with his audience. I’ve seen this act a number of times and I still can’t get enough.

Photos by Charlie Rose Creative

Mario Queen of the Circus
Mario’s been coming to Christchurch since 2003 and his professionalism and expertise truly shines. He’s a class act and it shows. If you love Freddy Mercury and Queen, you’re going to LOVE Mario. He juggles, rides a unicycle (often with an audience member on his shoulders…) and smiles and sings through it all.

Sublimit: Sushi Show
All the way from Japan, I was absolutely mesmerised by this talented acrobatic duo, Guts and Yoko. Guts is a professional acrobatic artist and Yoko is a skilled gymnast, together they make up a dream team.

$hantalle & Jerry
These two are awkwardly hilarious, decidedly bogan and they have some mean tricks up their sleeves. Jerry also appeared in The Nasty Show and his French Canadian humour had me in stitches.

Jon Hicks – Man of Artistry
We saw Jon Hicks create an absolute masterpiece of Elvis and he did it all upside down. This is artistry at its finest and most dynamic.

Feast of Fools
I thought I’d save the best for last. Feast of Fools is the best event Christchurch has ever seen. A brilliantly-executed creative concept by the team at Catering Dept. and Bread & Circus, Feast of Fools makes Christchurch feel like a metropolitan city. After attending the inaugural event, it’s all I could talk about for the rest of the year.

I didn’t think this year could possibly top last year, but it did. We were given instructions to dress up in our finest attire (channelling year 12 formal or prom and incorporating the festival colour, pink) and directions to our meeting point on Oxford Terrace at the entrance to Victoria Square. Here we were greeted with gold drinks and live music and that was only the beginning…

It ended up being the most epic birthday party extravaganza one could ever imagine… I LOVE birthdays and was all about it. Party hats, piñatas and R18 party favours (mini bottles of Fireball and condoms scattered all over the tables) and we were served the most delightfully delicious three-course meal with drinks flowing all night long. The performances were some of my favourites from the festival (Daredevil Chicken turned it up a notch, Sven Ratzke danced on the tables as promised and our host, Émile Mathieu high-kicked, rode his unicycle and did the splits all night long. I hijacked the Bread & Circus Instagram to do a stories takeover. You can find them here.

Who doesn’t love a good high kick? Émile Mathieu was a phenomenal host.

The piñata, party games and favours were a nice touch.

Pretty sure I’m staring at Sven in awe here…

Photos by Charlie Rose Creative

Well, that wraps up what I’ve experienced so far. Here are my recommendations (based on intense research, reading and googling) on what to see for the final two weeks:

What Do I Need To See?

Palaver Grand with Shay Horay: With a star-studded cast of performers, plus one of my favourite bands, Lawrence Arabia, this is all I want to do for Valentine’s Day this year.

OTT Show: This was one of my favourite shows last year. I fell head over heels for Le Gateau Chocolat (a Nigerian drag queen with the voice of an angel). Nick and I are heading up to the bach for Waitangi Weekend, so we’ll miss the OTT show this year. Seriously, go if you can!

Pax Assadi – Raised by Refugees: You only have two . more chances to see Pax Assadi, comedian (he’s part of Frickin Dangerous Bro) and masterful storyteller. If like comedy that’s also deep and thought-provoking, Pax is your guy.

Buskers Brewery Tour: Okay, so this has already sold-out, but it’s worth mentioning in case you miraculously manage to score a ticket. Starting and finishing at The Spiegeltent, guests will travel by double decker bus to the region’s favourite breweries for tasting paddles, delicious lunch, and quality busking entertainment. Shay Horay is the host and official party starter.

Photo by Malia Rose Photographer

Thanks for reading, I hope you make the most of this fabulous time in our lovely city!

This post isn’t sponsored and opinions are entirely my own.

February 4, 2020
We’re Moving!

It’s official, we’re moving. After four and a half years, the time has come for Nick and I to say goodbye to Christchurch.

While we’re both delighted about the move, it wasn’t an easy decision to make. Life in Christchurch has been incredible. We’ve made amazing, lifelong friends, grown immensely in our careers, and achieved a few personal milestones along the way. We bought a house! We got married! And we managed to fit in some travel and higher education. New Zealand has been good to us and we know it’ll always be here. It’s Nick’s home and my adopted home. It’s a place that feels familiar and easy, but we’ve realised that we need to move on to keep growing and challenging ourselves.

We initially moved to Christchurch because we felt stuck professionally and set some lofty career goals for ourselves. I’m ridiculously proud of Nick and everything he has accomplished for the city, procuring electric scooters, developing accessible transport and resilience strategies that continue to draw people to the city centre. This city still has a long way to go, but we both feel grateful for the opportunities we’ve had during its revitalisation thus far. Reflecting on what I wrote prior to our move even makes me slightly emotional (or maybe it’s just the weight of moving across the world for the fourth time):

“Nick’s new job will allow him to influence Christchurch’s rebirth through public transport and accessibility. Having the foresight to envision a lively, vibrant community, Christchurch is projected to be a cycling city where people gather in the town centre.”

I am super close to my family and living on a different continent than them has always been challenging. I started feeling the pull of home as soon as I turned thirty and Nick’s been very supportive of that.

So, when are we leaving?

We’re leaving this April. I know, so soon…

What about work?

We’re both going to be freelancing to start. A lot of my work is done remotely and I have a few projects that will take me through to May or June. Nick has been asked to continue contracting as well, so we’ll continue contracting and our consulting work until we settle somewhere more permanently.

Where are we moving?

We haven’t settled on a specific destination yet. My family’s in Saskatchewan, so living in the prairies would mean being that much closer to home. We LOVED living in Toronto during our early twenties. It’s such a vibrant, dynamic city and the financial centre of Canada. It’s where most people in my industry like to base themselves. There’s a certain level of hustle that keeps you on your toes and makes life exciting. Plus, Nick has lots of friends who work in Transport and Urban Planning, so it’s an obvious choice. Vancouver is also appealing for the lifestyle it offers. Living near the sea is something we truly cherish and it’s a direct flight to New Zealand. Vancouver’s a lot more laidback than Toronto, so the transition from life in Christchurch would definitely be more seamless in that sense! Not to mention, the weather’s more mild and winter is more bearable.

If you have any suggestions on where we should base ourselves, we’d love to hear them! And as always, thanks for your support!

Photo by Ana Galloway

January 29, 2020
Looking Back On 2019 & An Announcement

2019 was an interesting year both personally and professionally. In many ways, it felt like an entire lifetime. I married my best friend, spent quality time with my family, travelled the world, and shared a lot of it with you all. Professionally, I finally feel as though I found my sweet spot — a nice mix between client work and personal projects. I dipped my toes in video, wrote for a handful of publications, and as a result, this blog has taken a bit of a backseat. Over the years, it’s grown into a space where I can share personal stories, milestones and struggles that hopefully hold some universal truths and thought-provoking questions for you.

Surrounded by our friends and family, Nick and I got married on our ten year anniversary. It was better and worse than I could’ve ever imagined. The day after the terrorist attacks, we were all in shock, heartbroken and yet incredibly grateful to be with our loved ones. Leading up to our wedding, I had become consumed with all the menial, superficial details of our day. I became obsessed with celebrating this milestone, one that felt like the most important day in the world. My entire perspective has changed after the 15th and it felt like a wake up call.

I haven’t said or written much about the Christchurch terrorist attacks that killed 51 precious souls in their place of worship mostly because I haven’t found the words. Perhaps it’s not my place, but it’s something I think about every day and am still trying to process. The response from our city, our prime minister and the world was comforting; Jacinda Ardern managed to change gun laws within six days and her empathy has truly come to define her as a great leader. The donations, messages and aroha flooded in from everyone and everywhere… Yet there are still echoes of xenophobia and racism in New Zealand. Stereotyping, generalisations, ‘harmless’ comments and jokes, people flat out refusing to pronounce Māori words and names correctly. I remember when Taika Waititi’s video with the Human Rights Commission first came out and how it brilliantly illustrated the subtle ways prejudice thrives in this country. I hope in five or twenty years from now, we haven’t forgotten about our nation’s darkest day and we’re all still doing the necessary work to build inclusive communities, voting in favour of governments that welcome immigrants and refugees, actively learning about other cultures, races and religions, and remembering the country’s history and educating ourselves on the Treaty of Waitangi.

The rest of the year was a bit of a blur, taking on new projects with local, national and international businesses. I worked with Christchurch hospitality clients and filmed a travel documentary with American Airlines (out in March!) I travelled to Dubai, Europe and the UK with Nick before heading home to Canada for family time. It was Nick’s first time in Europe and he fell in love with Amsterdam, where he spent 2.5 weeks studying urban economics and cycling everywhere. We even found our Smash Palace equivalent and plenty of amazing eateries and cafés. It felt like somewhere we could live long term. We also went to Paris (Paris is never a bad idea!) and London where we stayed with Nick’s uncle, Andrew, the ultimate tour guide and cultural buff.

That said, the amount I’ve been travelling has been weighing on me, especially given the climate crisis and the fires in Australia. I’ve always loved to explore and experience different places and cultures, but these signs are impossible to ignore and I know I need to cut back. I’ve been taking steps in all other areas of my life, limiting the amount of meat I eat, cycling rather than driving, and buying way less (also accepting very few PR packages). So, in 2020, I’m making some big decisions about travel for the next wee while. I’ll be sharing more about that in the coming months…

I got a bit personal with you all this year, sharing my fertility struggles and the outpouring of love offered me hope in what felt like a hopeless situation. I can’t thank you enough for your messages, comments and general support. I’m usually quite private when it comes to my personal struggles, but this had been on my mind for years. I even started having dreams (more like nightmares) and it was impacting my sleep. I had written six or seven drafts by the time I finally mustered up the courage to share. Needless to say, I was blown away by the response I received and was reminded of how important it is to be vulnerable with one another.

And for my announcement…

I’m proud as punch to announce that I’ll be launching my very own consultation sessions in 2020. These one-on-one sessions are in response to questions I am frequently asked directly on Instagram or in person, on subjects ranging from how to get started in marketing to approaching editors and getting your writing published. While I do my best to answer every question I receive, sometimes they require a bit more thought and attention. I am now at a place professionally where I feel equipped to offer advice on the publishing and marketing landscape and will soon be opening up a form on my website (go check it out if you’re wondering what I’m talking about…) These consultation sessions will be open internationally via Skype and FaceTime as well.

All in all, 2019 has been a year of growth with some of the highest highs and lowest lows. As I get older, I’m not as focused on ticking off the big milestones, I want to make memories with my loved ones and become a better person, someone with integrity and continue to speak up for what matters. Wherever you are currently, whether you had the best year of your life or you’ve just managed to get by, 2020 is a clean slate. The year is yours, so plan something amazing! Here’s to making it a good one!

I’d love to hear more about what you’re up to in 2020, leave me a comment below. x

Photo by Hannah Bird Photography

January 5, 2020
A Birthday Fiesta

I wasn’t planning on celebrating my 31st birthday. Last year’s party was a massive event (rosé all day was in fact the tagline…) but as a Sagittarius and someone who loves celebrations of all sorts, I couldn’t resist planning a small gathering. I was also getting my haircut that morning, so figured I might as well leave the house! I borrowed a dress from my friends at Designer Wardrobe, asked my friend Kasia to do my makeup, and before I knew it, plans were underway.

Due to the spontaneity of it all, it ended up being one of the best nights I’ve had in awhile. We started out with a few tapas and sangria at Salut Salut at The Welder (if you haven’t been, you must!) Drinks were flowing and it ended up being such a beautiful evening. I was spoiled with a gorgeous cake by Jamie at The Cake Eating Company that looked like a work of art. By the way, since it’s the holiday season and cake is pretty much mandatory at all events, I’ve got a discount code for all you Christchurch locals: happybirthday10. Enjoy!

After tapas, we ventured to Welles Street (which was packed with Christmas work functions) before making our way to trusty Smash where we danced the night away. I’ve never been to Smash Palace that late (or early) before and it goes off! I love how eclectic the crowd is and you can’t beat it on a warm night. Plus, you all know how much I love a dance party. Everyone was having a boogie while the owner manned the DJ booth. Good times all around.

Thank you to Hannah Bird Photography for the lovely snaps!

December 16, 2019
On Motherhood

I never imagined I’d share this story with you. It’s one I’ve been trying to write for years and I’m still not sure I’ve found the right words. I’m not sharing this for pity or sympathy, nor am I looking for attention or advice. I’m finally hitting publish because I’ve come to realise how common and relatable this experience is for women the world over. If my words can help even one person feel less ashamed, it’ll be worth it.

When I was sixteen, my period failed to arrive and my mother booked me in for a specialist appointment. I hate to admit it now, but I was secretly proud of my flat chest and lack of hips. It meant that I didn’t need to wear a bra under my bodysuit and my figure was starting to resemble that of the ballerinas I admired. I practiced harder and longer and wore my boyish shape like a badge of honour, thinking that maybe I was one step closer to pursuing dance as a viable career.

As it turns out, things weren’t okay and I left the doctor’s office with an entirely new perspective and a pile of pills.

I’ve had 15 years to come to terms with my infertility and in some ways, I feel lucky. Many women my age struggle to get pregnant or go through miscarriages and I imagine it feels like your world is caving in. Hearing that your body is not doing what it is ‘supposed’ to do is confronting at any age, but it’s even harder when you’ve spent your whole life picturing yourself as a mother.

Still, when someone asks Nick and I when we’re going to start having kids, I always catch myself inhaling sharply and trying to come up with something clever to say. It’s a question I’ve always found to be deeply inappropriate and hurtful, but for some reason, many people still think it’s okay to ask. Should I smile and shrug it off? Should I answer honestly and worry I’ve made the other person uncomfortable or worse, feel sorry for us? Not only is it completely unacceptable to ask women about baby plans, it’s equally frustrating when people’s minds immediately jump to that conclusion whenever a woman says she has exciting news.

That’s not to say we’ll never have kids. Modern medicine is incredible and there are a myriad of ways to conceive, but many of these methods are emotionally, physically and financially draining. We’ve had years to consider all the options and to decide whether parenthood is the right path for us. I don’t think even we know yet.

Being faced with infertility at a young age, I’ve explored other sides of myself and imagined what life could look like both with and without children. I’ve talked to new mothers who felt like it was the best thing that’s ever happened to them. Conversely, I’ve met women who have felt distant and detached from their babies. I know couples who have adopted and others who have lived incredibly full lives without children. I’ve tried to develop an objective outlook on something that to some feels like a guarantee.

As women, we’re systemically taught to feel ashamed of our bodies, the same bodies that do so much for us. There’s also a lot of judgment surrounding sharing your story, we’re instructed that we should keep these things private. But if we ever want to escape the highlight reel that is engagements, new homes, weddings and babies (…and ticking all of society’s carefully laid out boxes) it’s probably time we opened up. By keeping this to myself (which I’ve done for many years) I’m only contributing to the stigmatism and belief that it SHOULD be kept a secret and hidden.

One story has the power to connect us; to make us feel less alone. Some of the women I love following online (like Eat Sleep Wear) have shared their own experiences with infertility and given me the confidence to share my own.

If you or someone you love is dealing with infertility, I wish I could reach out and give you a big hug. I know it’s one of the most difficult things to go through, but it’s important to remember you’re not alone. If you ever want to talk, I’m here.

November 25, 2019
Long Weekends In Marlborough

Labour Day marked the first long weekend we’ve had since June! Needless to say, it was the perfect excuse to get out of town and explore a new region.

We’ve been to Nelson and Picton a handful of times (I’ve even caught the ferry a couple times…) but had never properly explored Blenheim and Marlborough. With December and January assignments looming, I decided it was finally time to explore the culinary offerings of this well-loved region.

Nick is usually pretty keen to tag along on any work trips I have in the pipeline and this was no exception. We left Saturday morning, stopped briefly in Kaikoura to refuel and then carried on our way. The drive from Christchurch is only four hours, so it’s ideal for a long weekend away.

Upon arrival, we checked into the quaint Boutique Bunker, which is just off the main drag. We found Blenheim to be unusually quiet the entire time we were visiting, but it was still helpful to be based centrally so we could wander to the pub to watch the game. We had a quick meander through town and then set off for dinner at the highly lauded, Arbour.

I won’t give too much away, but the seasonal tasting menu is well worth it’s price tag (especially if you opt for the wine pairings). Our seat overlooked the vineyard and the beautifully manicured garden and guests venture outside in between courses (wine glass in tow). Everything was beautifully presented and I like how the service was friendly and relaxed. Sometimes you’ll visit a fancy restaurant and it oozes pretension, not Arbour. Pro tip: go early and you’ll save $20 on their set menu during Foodie Hour.

The next day, we were picked up bright and early to begin our self-guided cycling tour with Explore Marlborough. The wind was aggressive, but we managed to make it to a total of six wineries and one brewery. Here’s a quick summary of where we went and what I’d recommend should you be visiting Marlborough:

Te Whare Ra: Our first stop of the day was at Te Whare Ra, a small vineyard and winery located in the Marlborough sub-region of Renwick. One of the oldest vineyards in Marlborough, TWR is certified organic and their wines were my favourite of the day. I’m looking forward to sipping on their Toru and Riesling all summer long.

Forrest Wines: Next we cycled to Forrest Wines where we ordered a tasting tray and took it outside to relax in the sun. Forrest has the best atmosphere of all the wineries we visited. Along with being able to do a tasting outside (on their bean bags, no less), they also have some epic cheese platters.

Bladen Wines: Our tour guides at Explore Marlborough also advised us to check out Bladen’s cellar door. Here we were greeted by friendly owner, Dave and his lovely dog. Both Nick and I were big fans of their rosé and will be ordering a few bottles ASAP.

No. 1 Family Estate: If you like bubbles as much as I do, I highly recommend checking out No. 1 Family Estate. It’s an invigorating stop after a day full of wine tastings.

Hans Herzog: This organic certified winery came highly recommended by a few locals and wine connoisseurs, so we knew we’d be in for a treat. Hans also has one of the larger selection of red wines in a region known for white wine, worth noting for anyone who loves red wine (myself included!)

Cloudy Bay: You can’t visit Marlborough without visiting its most famous winery, Cloudy Bay. The stylish establishment is definitely a bit busier than the other wineries, but it’s well worth a visit. Service here is less attentive, but it’s still a worthwhile visit if only for the lovely grounds and gardens.

MOA Brewery: We finished off our day with a stop at MOA, which was such a treat after a full day of wine. The casual atmosphere and food truck were absolutely delightful and I’m a big fan of their rhubarb and apple cider.

—

We spent our last day in Marlborough at Allan Scott, a family-owned and operated winery. Sara Scott gave us an extensive tour of the property, the vineyards and even the space where Cecilia Brut (my personal favourite) is made. They are one of two wineries with the equipment to create sparkling wine (also known of Méthode Marlborough). After our tour, we did a wine tasting with Josh Scott and then settled in for a long lunch and chatted with Victoria Scott. The food was phenomenal and the atmosphere is attentive, friendly and relaxing. We had such a nice time that we ended up spending the whole day here. If you’re on a tighter timeframe, I’d highly recommend stopping here for lunch in their outdoor restaurant (otherwise, grab a seat in the beautiful garden!) Oh and whatever you do, definitely get the affogato for dessert.

It was incredible chatting to Allan Scott’s three Scott children and seeing their passion for the family business. Coming from a multi-generational family business in Canada, it’s quite rare and truly special to witness.

After our long, indulgent weekend, we rolled ourselves home and slowly made our way back to reality. Have you ever been to Marlborough? Which wineries and restaurants did you like best?

October 30, 2019
Our Romantic Night Away with Akaroa Glamping

When Akaroa Glamping invited Nick and I on a weekend getaway, we couldn’t pack our bags fast enough.

Banks Peninsula is one of our favourite places to explore and Akaroa holds many special memories. We always talk about how wonderful it would be to own a little cottage on the main drag, especially since it’s just over an hour’s drive from Christchurch.

Located just outside the township, Akaroa Glamping is found in Takamatua Bay. The drive itself is an adventure, with twists, turns, inclines and even a little stream to cross. It truly feels remote and ‘off the beaten track’ which is ideal for anyone who needs an escape. I’m not big on camping, but glamping is a completely different ballgame. We were spoiled with privacy, room to stretch out, and one of the comfiest beds I’ve ever slept in.

Akaroa Glamping is a unique experience with two sites that overlook the harbour. Our spacious tent had ample room for lounging (there are even two chairs inside in case the weather isn’t on your side) and its own front deck with a table and chairs to take in the views. There’s a bathroom and shower around back and a fully-equipped kitchen (complete with extraordinary views).

We arrived just before sunset and decided to prepare a little platter to enjoy with our go-to wine of choice, Black Estate rosé. Afterwards, we went out for a late dinner at newly opened Mandala (highly recommend) for Pacific Indian fare, followed by the All Blacks game at the pub. The next morning, we stopped by Rona’s next digs for coffee and a quick bite before heading back to Lyttelton (Nick had a sailing regatta). We didn’t have enough time to do one of the many walks in the area, but their website has plenty of information if you’re in need of inspiration.

If you’re looking for somewhere to unwind this summer, I highly recommend a stay at Akaroa Glamping. Ever so slightly removed from the activity of Akaroa, it’s a beautiful spot to immerse yourself in nature and recharge the batteries.

Photography by Malia Rose

October 22, 2019
Sip, sip, hooray!

Well, hello friends! It’s been awhile since we last caught up, so pull up a chair.

Life has picked up a bit since my last post, I’ve been taking on some new consulting and digital marketing projects (more on that later…) Plus, there’s been HEAPS of new openings to write about in Christchurch. Riverside Market is officially up and running and The Welder isn’t far behind… With summer on our doorstep, it’s an exciting time to be in the city.

Another local event I’m looking forward to is Taste North Canterbury next Thursday. If you’ve been following along for awhile, you’ll know how much I love Waipara. North Canterbury wines are my absolute favourite and I even hosted an event with Greystone a few months ago.

While I’ve never been to Taste North Canterbury, last year looked like a ball. This year’s event is taking place at Christchurch Town Hall in the Limes Room, so you know it’s going to be gorgeous. There will be more than twenty local wineries in attendance, so you can sample everything and figure which ones are your favourites. I’m also looking forward to the food from artisan producers and tunes by North Canterbury DJs.

Tickets are almost sold out, which is wild because it’s still a week away. If you’re based in Christchurch and thinking about coming along, I’d get on that here. Your ticket price includes unlimited wine tastings (yay!) and bottomless snacks, which is such a rarity at these types of events!

In anticipation, Nancy and I ventured to NWY (Not Without You) a wine bar that serves all the best local wine and food (they even have perogies!) It’s a lovely spot to catch up over wine (we had Black Estate’s pinot noir) and the most beautiful platters. You get to choose your own cheeses, but they’re on hand to make suggestions. It’s always a treat to see businesses supporting local and serving up wineries from just up the road.

What’s your favourite drop? Are you a lover of Black Estate pinot noir as well?

Photos by Nancy Zhou

October 16, 2019
On Supporting The Arts

Supporting the arts is important in any community. In a city that’s rebuilding and finding its feet again, it’s essential.

Christchurch lost so many buildings in the earthquakes and having Isaac Theatre Royal as our home for the performing arts is truly a treasure. Every time I set foot inside this beautifully restored building, I think about how fortunate we are to have access to such a stunning venue. It’s been four years (nearly five since it reopened in November 2014) and I still get chills every time I sit down to take in a performance.

In Toronto, we lived on a shoestring budget. Both fresh out of university (with design and arts degrees, no less) we knew going to the theatre was a luxury we probably couldn’t afford. Thankfully, the National Ballet of Canada had an under 29 deal where you could get $30 tickets to every performance. How rad is that? We ended up frequenting the ballet and soon became regular patrons of the arts. It helped that Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts was only a couple blocks from our one-bedroom apartment.

As a writer, I am occasionally sent tickets to the theatre, and count myself incredibly lucky. Even if this wasn’t the case, Nick and I would do everything possible to go on a regular basis.

How often do we lament the fact that there’s nothing worth doing in our hometowns, but fail to see all the opportunities right in front of us? I know I’m guilty of complaining about how boring Christchurch is, which simply isn’t true.

It’s great to see local attempts to make arts and culture accessible to everyone. Events like Bread & Circus and the Christchurch Arts Festival are an excellent way to take in world-class theatre, live performance art and busking on the streets. And all are free or only a fraction of the cost of a theatre ticket.

When we’re struggling to find meaning in our daily lives, escaping for a few hours can be therapeutic and nourishing unlike anything else. Attending the ballet or a broadway show helps express our values while celebrating diversity and true prosperity. The arts foster creativity and they bring us together regardless of our ethnicity, religion or age. When the world seems cruel or unfair, laughing through a musical can help mend our broken hearts.

Photos by Nancy Zhou
Ganni dress borrowed from Designer Wardrobe

September 24, 2019
PGM’s Guide To Paris

Ah, Paris. Where do I even begin?

I wasn’t even considering Paris for our studymoon when Nick suggested a trip to the City of Light. But as soon as the words left his mouth, I was eagerly researching hotels and booking our train tickets from Amsterdam. Paris has a way of doing that to people. It draws you in and makes you never want to leave.

The last time I was in Paris was in 2014 with my friend, Annie. We ate croissants and baguettes for breakfast every day and hit up all the iconic tourist spots: Versailles, Pompidou, Ladurée, you name it.

Nick hates queueing and although it was his first time in Europe, he wasn’t interested in main touristy spots (don’t worry, we still saw the Eiffel Tower and Sacré Cœur…) so we got a real sense of Paris. From having our morning cortados at tiny cafés to cycling along the Seine in electric Jump bikes and weaving through little laneways in Le Marais, we fell hard for Paris and I finally feel equipped to write a proper city guide with local recommendations, so let’s dive in.

Where to stay:

If I had to choose one hotel ‘chain’ for the rest of my life, it’d be The Hoxton. The only way I can think to describe The Hoxton Paris is understated and chic. Located in the 2nd arrondisement, surrounded by shops and restaurants, this 18th-century rowhouse is centrally located (right beside the Bonne Nouvelle metro station) and a handful of shops and cafés.

Where to shop:

L’Apartement Sézane: if you go anywhere in Paris, make sure you stop by Sézane (conveniently next-door to The Hoxton). It’s my favourite place to shop and people watch in Paris.

Merci: a general store of sorts, Merci is equal parts café, bookstore, interior shop and clothing store. Look for the red Mini in the alleyway and you’ve found the spot. I could easily spend hours combing through the shelves.

Shakespeare & Company: A bookstore like no other, Shakespeare & Company was home to the Lost Generation in the 1920s and the Beatnik generation in the 1950s. If you’re a literature lover, it needs to be on your bucket list. Pro tip: it’s swarming with tourists during the day, so opt to go for an evening event or reading if you can.

Favourite coffee shops:

Boot Café: a hole-in-the-wall, six-seater café in Le Marais, which was once a shoe shops and retains trappings of its former life. The faded Cordonnerie sign is an Instagrammer’s fave.

Dreamin’ Man: Known for their epic pastries, this is a local favourite and for good reason. Seats are super limited, but well worth the wait.

Café Kitsuné: If you’re hanging out in the former palace that’s now a public park (Paris is really cool like that) be sure to stop by Café Kitsuné for an iced latte and fox cookie.

Fragments: All day breakfast and good coffee at at leisurely pace, Fragments is worth writing home about.

Season: We regrettably didn’t make it to Season, but their matcha pancakes have been taunting me ever since.

Peonies: Truthfully, we didn’t like the coffee here (it was super weak) but the pink interior, baked goods and flowers are worth the visit alone.

Favourite restaurants:

Buvette: Open from morning until late, Buvette came highly recommended by quite a few friends and bloggers. The little neighbourhood joint is a South Pigalle favourite (located in the 9th arrondisement, but also very close to our hotel). It’s also a lovely spot for a quick snack in between sightseeing or shopping.

Pink Mamma: There’s a lot of hype surrounding Pink Mamma and as I mentioned, Nick isn’t about queueing up (especially for tourist traps), but I convinced him it’d be worth it and we both LOVED the meal we had here. We ordered way too much, but ended up devouring it all. It’s without a doubt, the best Italian food I’ve had outside Italy.

Holy Belly: Great coffee and a seasonal menu made with only the freshest ingredients, Holy Belly is popular and for good reason. If you’re craving a hearty breakfast, this should be your go-to.

Wild & the Moon: After a few too many croissants and pastries, it was time for some healthy eats at this gorgeous eatery.

We also had a delicious dinner at Rivié, the in-house restaurant at The Hoxton. It was pretty pricey for what it was though.

Lunch at Buvette

Dinner at Rivié at The Hoxton

What to do:

Well, there’s all the typical Paris spots: The Louvre, Sacré Cœur, wine and cheese beside the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, etc. I’m going to forgo delving into the typical recommendations in favour of a few spots that are still popular a bit less crowded (especially if you’re visiting during high season).

Musée D’Orsay is my favourite museum in Paris. It is home to a vast collection of Impressionist art and every room is worth exploring. You’ll find pieces by all the masters including Degas (my personal fave), Cézanne, Manet, Renoir, and Monet. It’s located on the Left Bank, housed in a Beaux Arts railway station.

Centre Pompidou: If you like modern art, you’ll want to add Pompidou to your Paris itinerary. The architecture was quite radical when it opened in 1977, all industrial pipes and glass, but it’s considered one of the best in the contemporary art world.

Palais-Royal: Also close to The Hoxton, this complex and former palace is the perfect place to while away a few hours with a coffee and a book. If you only have an afternoon in Paris, Palais-Royal is really Paris in a nutshell with shops, cafés, art, history, architecture, and spectacular gardens, all across the street from the Louvre.

Musée Rodin: Auguste Rodin’s former home opened as a public museum in 1919. See his drawings and sculptures up close inside then wander through the gardens to find his more famous works including “The Thinker.”

Shakespeare & Company

The Hoxton Lobby

The Hoxton is home to a few gorgeous common areas. Grab a coffee in the morning or sit outside in the sun with an afternoon cocktail.

If you’re a blogger looking for the best places to shoot in Paris, I suggest checking out Icing & Glitter’s guide to the most Instagrammable places in Paris here.

Of course, you’ll want to wander past L’Arc de Triomphe for that all-important photo op, enjoy a hot chocolate at Angelina and people watch while enjoying an Aperol Spritz at Le Barbouille in Le Marais.

Where are your favourite spots in Paris? Let me know in the comments below.

September 8, 2019