Christchurch

Hey Ya'll!

A fewish weeks ago we were all invited to Christchuch for a few days. I was super pumped to see some more of the south island before my trip to Queenstown (I leave Monday!!!!!!!!). We all were warmly greeted at the airport and if I had not been sleep deprived I would have thought to pull out my camera to capture that. Thankfully they caffeinated us and I got my wits about me and started snapping away :)

The family we were staying with took us on a "rubble tour" of Christchurch.  In 2011 they had a devastating earthquake that left the area in ruins.  Since then they have rallied together to start the massive rebuild. Many improvements have been made, but you can still see the impact the earthquake had on Christchurch.

Shipping containers are used as stores, this one is a coffee shop

It was quite the site to see in person.  More pictures to come next week, if I have internet. So exited to be heading off to Queenstown though! Have a great weekend ya'll!

Art Deco

Hey Ya'll!

Finally I get to the Art Deco blog post!! Super excited to share pictures from this! So just a little background on why this magical event happens every year.  Back in 1931 there was a massive earthquake that destroyed Napier.  Although it also added some land to the shore line, which is a bonus.  Anywho after the massive amounts of damage to many of the buildings, they rebuilt the city in the art deco style.  So to celebrate this once a year everyone gets all dolled up in art deco fashion and walks around Napier soaking it all in.  There are bands playing, old cars to see, and train rides to take.  It's pretty grand.  I highly recommend ya'll to check it out if you ever get over to this side of the world :)

First up is my outfit.  As soon as I found out about Art Deco weekend I was kicking myself for not finding out before because I had things at home I could have used.  However it was nice to have a shopping trip. Grateful I was able to get a picture of my outfit :)

Shirt - Opp Shop $5

Skirt - Recycled $12

Shoes - Lucky Brand Via Belks

Hat - Made by me ~ $30

Jewelry - pearls via Oil City antique warehouse and remade by Maertens 

Watch- Seiko via Khols ~$70

When scouring Napier for Art Deco clothes the biggest thing for me was that I could rewear them.  Mission accomplished.  The skirt is actually a maxi skirt (I wore it like a strapless dress under the shirt) so I can easily re-wear that as well as the shirt.  The shirt was also part of a set so I got a bonus maxi skirt.  Now onto the rest of the pictures :)

Awesome family I have been able to spend time with

And when you're friends with a photographer you tend to be used as models ;)

They actually have DWTS for NZ and this is one of the ladies from it :) 

Navy Band playing :)

All in all it was a grand weekend of events:) Looks pretty fun huh?

High Tea

Hey Ya'll

So I maybe in NZ, but they are part of the common wealth of England.  Therefore they do have afternoon tea.  My friend took me to Napier in order to get me sorted out with a costume for art deco weekend. Naturally after a long day of shopping we needed a tea/caffeine pick me up so we popped into Port O Call :)

I know a few kiddos back home who would want this :)

All the choices of goodies to eat

It was such a lovely shop and the food was outstanding. The tarts above may have been the best I've had :)

Te Mata Peak Round 2

Hey Ya'll

I never get tired of this view, there is just so much to take in at the top of Te Mata Peak.  Especially with my fascination with the New Zealand sky :)

Shirt - Rend Collective from their concert ~$20

Skirt - Marshall's ~ $20

Scarf - Crown & Ivy via Belks

I completely splurged on the tshirt, but it's well worth it.  I really love it and the band.  They are a breath of fresh air for contemporary Christian music plus they're Irish so that makes them even better :)

Onto the breathtaking Te Mata Peak.....

So thankful I was able to get up here on a blue sky day, it's just so stunningly beautiful.  I just love it! How about ya'll?