Notes from New Zealand - Day 3 - Lake Tekapo to Queenstown

As the trip wears on, I am getting extremely tired as there has been a lot to do and explore but it's nothing that a nap by the fireplace hasn't been able to fix.  I didn't know I had this many muscles that could hurt.

Back to day three.  After a wonderful overnight stay at Peppers and a quick breakfast in town, we hit the road for our final destination and what would be home for the remainder of the trip.

From what we were told, it was rather unusual to get such a huge covering of fog, it was hard to see anything at all, including the Church of the Good Shepherd, which is one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand.  The church is on the shores of the lakes, which was not visible due to the thick fog.

A frozen lake and fog surrounding Peppers Resort.

About 70km from Lake Tekapo is Lake Pukaki.  This lake usually has a distinctive blue colour created by the finely ground rock of the glaciers, but of course the fog continued so we didn't get to see much.  I did manage to score two bruises on my hike down (and then back up) the rocks, but all is forgiven.

The afternoon coffee pit stop was in the stunning town of Wanaka where we fed ducks and walked the shore of the lake in the rain.

The clouds were again hiding the mountains, which were huge.

Hooray, Queenstown is close!!!

And then onto Queenstown and our beautiful house, which I cannot wait to show you.

Notes from New Zealand - Day 2 - Methven to Lake Tekapo

After a much needed night sleep and a breakfast pit stop in town, we left Methven and headed for Lake Tekapo, which was where our second night's accommodation was booked and plan.   The 160km drive is relatively easy.  You are surrounded by rolling hills, snow capped mountains and 50 shades of red leaves.   Rosehip bushes remind me of my childhood.  And then there's sheep (New Zealand has 3 million people and 60 million sheep).  Every turn is worthy of a photo that is screaming to be a postcard.

New Zealand reminds me a lot of my childhood which is the happiest time of my life.  The best memories were those of travelling through mountains with my dad to spend weeks with my grandparents, climbing steep rock faces and chasing sheep with their dog Meri never find behind keeping an eye out on me.  The fresh air and the freedom back then is exactly what I'm loving here in New Zealand and I see myself taking more of these holidays in the future.  

Lake Tekapo is an idyllic, albeit huge lake and an untouched perfect place to star gaze.  It covers 83km square.  We spent the afternoon walking the banks, breathing in the fresh air, drinking tea and thanking our lucky stars that such places exist in the world.  I am in awe of how untouched a lot of New Zealand is, there are no barriers on observatory hills - we are trusted to keep ourselves safe.  Real life seems a million miles away.

One thing I must remark on are backpacks.  This tiny backpack contains a 1.5L bottle of water, a thermos flask, a book, snacks, camera and a whole lot more and feels like a feather.  I am a total convert now.

The stillness, calm and beauty of this lake is incredible.

Up a steep, unsealed road is Mt St John, which provides spectacular 360 degree views and a cafe which serves a pretty good chocolates which hits the spot.

Lake Tekapo is also a wonderful family destination with plenty of activities for children.  And you can't go past staying at Peppers.  

Notes from New Zealand - Day 1

The night before departure I decided to do my tax return, so while stressing over my packing and cleaning the house, I was also finalising deductions.  Lunacy.  After falling asleep at an ungodly hour, the airport thing was an easy affair.  Except that the flight was around 3 hours late thanks to a closed runway (which was passed by lunch at Movida, no less-thank you brilliant international terminal).  Add to that a severe seizure by a passenger on the flight, which made me question whether this trip was a good idea.

Christchurch is in a sorry, empty and eery state, especially at 9 o'clock at night after a 12 hour ordeal.  The city centre is closed and people are leaving en masse due to the persistent earthquakes.  We wanted to start the road trip to Queenstown that night, but only made it as far as Methven before the fatigue and darkness stopped us in our track.

But waking up to this out the window the next morning certainly made up for the slow start.

Tales from my suitcase

I travel with a small, purple suitcase purchased in Target in 1997 for $39 before I went on my first trip to Sydney.  It's seen half the world and most of Australia.  I can't bear to let it go.  It's still in one piece so there's no need to replace it.  And what I love the most about that suitcase is that it cannot possibly fit more than 22 kg, so there's never any danger of being over the weight limit.

The New Zealand trip is completely glamour free, so the make up bag contains the following, as carried in a linen Aesop drawstring bag and a small make up bag.

tissues, antibactorial wipes, contact lenses, cotton balls, cotton tips, gloss, microfibre cloth, Rosebud Salve, Twizermann Tweezers, Bandaids, La Prairie SPF Day Cream, Eye of Horus Mascara, Giorgio Armani Lumious Silk Powder (just enough coverage and a bit of colour,) Bloom Cosmetics Illuminator, Natio Kabuki Brush, Mini Dove soap bar, hair ties, Sebastian Light shampoo & conditioner in Muji travel tubes, Kielh's Creme de Corps, Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy, Aesop hand balm, Trilogy Rosehip oil to soothe my windburnt skin at night, La Prairie cream cleanser, Garnier BB cream, Schick Quattro - the best razor everrrrrr, Embryollise Lait Cream - a French pharmacy delight. The skin miracle worker. 

Notemaker

 

I have always carried a notebook in my bag.  It's full of scribbles and well, notes.  It contains lists that are written and rewritten almost daily.  It has quotes.  Shopping wishlists.  Outfit ideas.  Memories.  Quotes.  Restaurants I want to eat in.  Places I want to visit.  Hotels I want to stay in.  Right now, 48 hours before departure it's full of things I need to buy and clean at home and things I need to pack and iron.  I have a strange fear of leaving anything out of place before going away, as I like coming home to serenity and prefer my relaxed holiday mood to continue for at least a few hours.  So bring on the half loads of laundry and rearranging the kitchen cupboards at 1am... I'm a looper I tell ya!   

"Happiness is a place between too little and too much" - Finnish proverb

"A large part of getting organised is learning to act from a place of self-esteem:  knowing 

what we want and taking care of ourselves...."

I've surprisingly really enjoyed this year of figuring myself out and taking time out to repair.  I spent my early 20's hurrying along, doing everything but really not getting much of the important stuff done.  I was pretty much forced to stop and reassess this year.

Although I have my moments I do feel that I am finally growing into myself and not doubting any decisions that I make.  I trust myself almost completely.  There are no voids for shopping to fill.  I am warm.  And I am nice to people.  I make things work.  If life has taught me anything, it's to hang on.  Because things have a strange way of working out in the end.  Somehow.  

This year has gone much too fast though.  When I headed out to look for a new salad bowl on my nowadays rare trip to the shops last week, I was startled to see a sea of pastel tank tops and 3/4 neon jeans that I am not ready for.  But I guess a year taken to reflect and heal may just prove to be the most life changing yet.  I really hope so.

via tumblr

Truly simple

Sometimes the best outfits are the simple, comfortable and warm ones.  I have long been a knit girl.  There's just nothing easier than cocooning myself on a toasty jumper that insulates the morning chill.  One that goes with everything and that doesn't require much thought and effort.  Except maybe a bright lip.

This weekend could not have come soon enough.  End of financial year has been as mental as usual.  My blackberry has been switched off and I am spending the weekend walking endlessly along the beach, drinking bottomless pots of tea and reading magazines.

Knit-Country Road (bargain sale buy)

Working from home...

...results in getting the triple amount of work done compared to what I achieve in the office. And I don't even have to do my hair....

On a Zara (Basic Sandal) High

I really don't need any more shoes, right?  I came back home a few weekends ago and my husband was in the garage building me a shelf (I knew there was a good reason why I married him).   It houses about 50 very well edited pairs.  But right now it's the middle of winter and I'm battling my hatred of cold mornings, rotating between just 3 pairs. Yeah, I hate winter.

I love these Zara beauties even more than I thought I would.  They're just the right height, simple enough to wear a lot and they're very, very comfortable.

I wouldn't resist a photoshoot, even if indoors with my track pants rolled up... (at least they were Stella McCartney, okay)

Zara Basic Sandals

Yarra Valley

I am (mostly) a city girl and love the metropolitan life.  But equally so I have an intense need for the countryside.  As much as I love my bucket of hair products and high heels I equally adore fresh air, muddy walks, trees and open space.  As a child I spent my summers with my grandparents in their village, chasing chickens and getting lost in the fields with our dog, Meri. 


Lucky then that within an hour drive out of Melbourne, there is plenty of open space and fresh air.

Hat-Sportsgirl Florentina, Fur Wrap-Scanlan & Theodore, Vest-MK2K, Leggings-Supre, Boots-Zomp

Eyes of Horus mascara and pencils

I have been a loyal Diorshow girl my entire adult life.  While I would occasionally get angry at myself for paying $50 for mascara and try something new, I always went back.  About 12 months ago Diorshow started to flake on my lashes, so I added a coat Maybelline The Falsies over two coats of Diorshow for the best results.  So what was a $50 mascara ended up being a $70 mascara.  Ouch.

A few months ago, I came across Eyes of Horus, an all natural Aussie owned range of products, suitable for even the most sensitive of eyes.  The products are all made in the style of old Egyptian eye make up using plant based oils and waxes.   

Let me be honest.  What Diorshow?  I have never come across an eyeliner that didn't smudge until I came across Eyes of Horus.  And although the mascara doesn't leave my lashes soft like Diorshow did, it does everything else better.  It doesn't flake.  It doesn't smudge. It won't clump.  It's bullet proof.  For a mid price range product which is also all natural I am now a loyal user and advocate.  And check out their microfiber cloth if you've not used one before.  Your skin will thank you for it.

Please note that this is an honest review.  I have not been paid in money or product for this post. 

“Are these things really better than the things I already have? Or am I just trained to be dissatisfied with what I have now?” ― Chuck Palahniuk

I have been in a complete tail spin this weekend looking at fixtures for our bathroom renovation.  I want something sleek that will maximise the tiny space (the bathroom is literally 2.3m x 1.8m).  I also want cosy.  I think I've settled on an amazing Villeroy & Boch basin and a set of really cool towel racks, but everything else is a mystery.   Why do I need to have 200 tiles to choose from?  

So of course instead of browsing for shower heads, I'm now looking at summer dresses.  At least I know what I want when it comes to dresses and summer.  Even if the city was covered in a thick haze of fog this morning and the temperature didn't reach double digits.  Logic never prevails in my parts.

Dolce Vita Valentina Dress

"Minimalism is not a lack of something. It’s simply the perfect amount of something." - Nicholas Burroughs

 

Image via tumblr http://sheworeitwell.tumblr.com

What is it about life?  It’s a ride.  A big, long, scary, unpredictable ride.  It challenges me every day.  Every hour.  I’m not any closer to figuring life out.  Just as I get cosy and think I’ve caught a break, a new test is just around the corner. 

Over the past 12 months I’ve been working on this thing, this thing I really believe in.  It’s called minimalism.  The notion that having more doesn’t mean you have more.  Or even have enough.  That having more in fact burdens us further.  Burdens the soul, burdens the financial position we’re in, burdens the hangers in our wardrobes holding up all the stuff, burdens the shelves in our homes, burdens the dividers in the tax folder and burdens our planet.  So why is it that we all have the same number of hours in our day and the same number of days in our year, yet some of us accomplish a lot more than others?

I think it’s all to do with simplifying and with planning.  Allocating time to the things we truly believe in and the things that make us happy and then fitting in the rest.  If I have pilates on a Wednesday night, hell how about I don’t commit to something else.   I’m doing my best to say no to the things that are not important to me.

I’m also decluttering my home.  I do this constantly.  Sometimes with no great success.  It’s been a LONG and really hard process.  I harbour old magazines, clothes that I don’t wear but that hold some sort of sentimental value.  Kitchen gadgets that are broken were also festering in the back of the pantry.  I made a conscious decision not to buy a big home as I wanted to live simply, so why am I holding onto all this stuff?  I’ve documented the eBay sales well on here.  I’ve also let go of a heap of magazines (with 10 more heaps to go).  I figure if I write it all down and tell the world, I will hold myself accountable?   

Next up is the make up draw.  Teaming with samples and near new products that I add to, but never seem to subtract from.  The mid year sales are creeping up on us (how is it June already?????) and the sale emails are coming in thick and fast.  Do I need anything?  Of course not.  Why not put what I would spend on a new top that I don’t really need towards a helicopter ride on my trip next month.  I’m sure I’ll remember the experiences on a holiday long after I forget a top I didn’t buy.  There are some wonderful exhibits coming to town, lots of theatre and ballets and operas I want to see.  Experiences that will enrich my mind but not fill up my home.   That’s what it all should be about.

Buy this, not that: Isabel Marant Zappy Belt

I've wanted just about everything that Isabel Marant has done, including the Zappy belt.  Then I thought about how I would wear it and a uniform of jeans, an oversized white shirt and sky high heels came to mind.  ASOS came to the rescue with something just about the same for a fraction of the price.

Isabel Marant Zappy Belt - ~AUD500

ASOS Multi Link Belt - AUD38

Asos Bauble Interlink Earrings,   Witchery Tash Woven Bag - $80,  Louboutin Pumps

Black & Gold

I can't wait for this week to be over.  It feels like everyone wants everything done yesterday and the pressure is immense.  I've found myself tucked into the corner working breathlessly-an open plan office isn't always the best idea.  Sometimes space and quiet to hear yourself think is a godsend when you feel like the world load is caving in.

Silk blouse-Scanlan&Theodore, Skirt-Cue Gold Jacquard Tween Skirt, Clutch-Witchery hard leopard print clutch, Earrings-Forever New, Ring&Bangle-Melinda Maria

Postcards from Mornington

I'm sure I'm not the only one overwhelmed and stressed with daily life.  Yet I still throw myself into a million side projects, too.  Since scaling back and virtually taking a year off from most of my myriad of commitments, it's been a real revelation having spare time to wile away.  Reading, watching shows piling up on my IQ, napping, taking long walks, doing pilates or simply doing nothing.  Everything is either an essential, or unnecessary.  I'm simplifying my life and my to do lists.  I don't have to have it all and I don't have to have it all now.

Part of not having much planned was impromptu afternoon drive to Mornington for some wine and cheese.  Just over an hour away from home and so slow paced and relaxing.  It was a freezing day, but the sun broke through and made the sunny deck an ideal place to ponder.

View from Arthur's Seat.

View from the deck and a bottle of wine at Morning Sun Winery.

Tasting plate of Main Ridge Dairy cheeses - $10.  I went home for a jar of marinated chevre and some caprinella.