Journellement

clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.

[journellement]

Castlepoint

Exploring the Wairarapa Coast, lighthouse adventures at dusk. #comejosephineinmyflyingmachine

[journellement]

Vingt Cinq

I decided that reaching a quarter century was a good cause for celebration. 

With the help of Pinterest, I created a beautiful dinner party setting in the lounge and enjoyed beef wellington, sticky date pudding and champagne with my nearest and dearest. It was a night full of love and laughter that I will never forget. Compliments to the chef for never failing to impress. 

[journellement]

Rounding out the weekend at Muriwai #blacksandeverywhere

[journellement]

Mon Anniversaire

For my birthday I was lucky enough to travel down to Napier for a long weekend. It was a place I had been hoping to spend more time exploring and this provided the perfect opportunity.

The weather was rainy and grey - but amidst the art deco festivities (it just happened to be the winter art deco weekend) we went horse riding, wine tasting, swam in the hot pools and relaxed in the most beautiful cottage I have ever stayed in. 

William Colenso was the first person to settle in Napier and he lived in this very cottage while an adjoining homestead was built for his family. It is high up on Bluff Hill with views out to Te Mata Peak and out to the Pacific Ocean. Peaceful and luxurious in the middle of a stormy winter. Thank you to Katie for making it so enjoyable.

www.colensocottage.co.nz

[journellement]

Nippon

Nothing compares to a cold glass of Sapporo. Japanese beer is right up there with my favourite beverages of all time.

I wasn't sure what to make of this - ordered the fejoa + icecream dessert but wasn't expecting it to be deep fried!

[journellement]

West Coast

We just made it to the top of the hill before the clouds rolled in. Champagne sunset looking out off the coast.

[journellement]

Attique

Mysterious objects hiding in the roof....

[journellement]

Home

I have been fortunate enough to travel around the country with work over the last few months and now have a new found enthusiasm for travelling during autumn. Sunny afternoons and crisp mornings, beautiful textures and rich warm colours. Now need to work 'living in the South Island' into the life plan.

In other exciting news, I am now a graduate and in full time employment. Once I settle into the corporate routine I will endeavour to post less sporadically and more frequently x

[journellement]

Norriture

Some notable dishes of late.

Fried Haloumi with Pine Nuts, Raisins, Chilli, Lemon, Mint - The Boat Shed

Fresh Fejoas - Mum and Dad's House

Bruschetta with Tomato, Basil and Buffalo Mozzarella - Domain Ayr

Pistachio and Cranberry Nougat - Vudu Cafe

Wonder breakfast made by my beautiful friend Justine.

Ripe Strawberry Cupcakes - Petal

[journellement]

Aerial

North to South

and everything in between.

[journellement]

Tiffin

High Tea at the Langham to celebrate graduation.

Opera cake, chocolate mud cake and brandied cherries.

[journellement]

Far North

A few snapshots of summer in the top of the North Island. 

So lucky to have paradise as my homeland.

[journellement]

grenouille

Look at this cutie I spotted in a trough basking in the Easter sun. So teeny he still has his tail!

[journellement]

ceuticals

Some of you will know that I have recently been on an organic skincare and cosmetics hunt. This began after I read the book Living Green: The New Zealand handbook for an eco-friendly, toxin-free, sustainable life. I highly recommend it, if you are prepared to make a change. Doing so in all aspects of your life is a hard task, one I am tackling in stages as I am just an all or nothing kind of girl. I get really interested in New Zealand made, organic, locally sourced, nontoxic products. Thankfully for us there are a lot of companies out there that are doing an amazing job. I have both Earthwise and the Ecostore to thank for providing well priced plant and mineral based household products.

However the skincare, haircare and cosmetics transition has been somewhat more difficult. Not only are these products more expensive than your common cleaning items, but every girl knows once you find something that works well, you usually stick with it. But what if that something happens to contain toxic chemicals? Or just as important, is damaging our ecosystems?

I have lined up several products from different brands that I am very excited to test and briefly review on my blog. First up are the current products in Karen Murrell's organic skin care range. I was fortunate enough to buy them all due to the amazing sale currently on at karenmurrell.com. The Absolute Luxury face moisturizer usually $50 is currently $7. You don't need a much better reason that that. 

I will be sure to let you know how I find the skincare after using it for awhile. As a designer I can't deny that her packaging is also fantastically sustainable, beautifully designed and the mix of grapeseed, franckincense and rose oil is truly divine.

[journellement]

Ecrire

Finally.

Long awaited reading collection. Can't wait to get lost amongst the pages.

[journellement]

Summer

across the Tasman for some real sun.

[journellement]

Getaway

Best midweek-weekend ever.

Being out on the water, catching snapper for dinner, kneeboarding off Onetangi, swimming at Oneroa, dinner with friends, sifting for treasures in Paeroa, riding a V-Rod on the open road, picking wild blackberries, banter with friends, breathing the country air, late night Harley rides. Incredible Sunsets. This is life.