Denim and Plaid

Hey Ya'll!

Well I am 99.9% sure that this is the last of my back log of outfits from the previous fall/winter.... I think :) 

Just for the record this was a pretty awesome day! After these pictures were taken we all piled in the van and headed off to see the Christmas lights at Flat Iron Farm. They do have have more than just lights.  Since it is a farm they also have animals to pet, horses to ride, a really cool display of antique toys and obviously the lights.  It's free admission, you have to pay for the pony rides and pictures with Santa though. The whole atmosphere is very cool. It is a really great family outing!

Anywho onto the outfit! I wanted to dress in lots of layers because I knew we would be outside for a fair bit.  Being outside was pretty much guaranteed since there was an animal petting area and the horses :) 

Green Hat - Antique Emporium ~$15

Leather Jacket - Sophia Max via Belks ~$30

Gold Cardigan - New York and Company via Goodwill ~$5

Plaid Top - Express, borrowed from Mom 

Denim Skirt - Thrifted

Leggings - Lauren Conrad via Kholes ~$10

Brown Boots - Steve Madden via Nordstrom ~$100

Belt - Royden via The Clothes Box ~$5

Garnet Ring - gift from Grandma

Diamond Infinity Ring  - The Grapevine Antiques and Collectables  ~ $75 (I actually won a gift certificate :))

Midi Ring - Not sure possibly Oil City Antique Mall...

Have any of ya'll ever been to the light, what's your favourite part? If not you should go this Christmas season! Have a happy weekend!

"What Great Adventure Ever Plays Out Just the Way You've Planned It"

Hey Ya'll!

This is a pretty special blog post for me to write.  Six months ago I started this incredible unexpected  journey to New Zealand.  It still feels so surreal that I have been living in New Zealand for that long; I cannot quite believe it!  Today I wanted to take the time to share how this whole amazing adventure unfolded, what I have done and what I cannot wait to do. As well as share some of my favourite photographs so far :)

It all started back when I first found out my friends parents were going to New Zealand for three months to fill the pulpit at a church. When I heard the news, me being me, I jokingly asked, "can I go too?" That simple joking question has changed my life. I was told it couldn't hurt to ask and soon began the process of inquiring if it was even possible for me to accompany them. When all was said and done and I found out I was able to go I was thrilled! The kids in my life were not so thrilled, but I think they kinda came around to me being gone for a three month adventure.  I never even imagined I would get to travel to New Zealand and explore it for three days let alone three months! It was always one of those countries that would be really great to see, but probably not feasible for the foreseeable future.  So I was incredibly excited to have the opportunity to go. God's timing is perfect :) And so began the process of preparing for a grand adventure: there was thrift shopping to do, gadgets to buy, mapping out of places to see in NZ, and spending heaps of time with people before I left.

 

The journey was long, but after a full 24 hours of travel I stepped foot on NZ ground and took in the warm morning summer sun.  Once I was able to feel human again I could not wait to get out and see this beautiful country. I started out in Hastings exploring the local areas, and being able to borrow a bike really helped me see even more of Hawke's Bay.  During this time I began shoring up what exactly I was going to see and when. I was able to go to Christchurch, Queenstown, Kaikura, Milford Sounds, Wellington, and many other little stops along the way.  I loved every bit of the adventure. As time passed in those initial three months, God was opening my eyes to staying a bit longer. So I began contemplating extending my stay something completely against my Type A planner personality.  In the end I  took a giant leap of faith, I  cancelled my airline tickets home, and providentially started my job the very day I was supposed to leave to go back to the States.

I know for my loved ones back home there was some sadness about me staying since that was most definitely not part of the (my) plan. While making the decision to stay was not an easy one to make, I have not for one second I regretted staying. I will admit to moments of sadness and homesickness. Due in part to feeling like I left so many loose ends back home: like not packing up my things for the upcoming move (thanks Mom and Dad for doing that :)), to not feeling like I had a proper goodbye.  Since I was only supposed to be gone for three months the goodbyes where a more like a  "hey have fun! We will see you soon three months, it will fly by!" So when a family emergency brought me home, I made sure to say my goodbyes to everyone because I knew it would be a long time before I would see them again.  And this time I had to make the hugs and cuddles last so they had to be plentiful, long and sweet.

During my time here so far I have been blessed to see more of New Zealand than some Kiwi's see in there lifetime here.  I have soaked in the summer sun, swam in the Pacific Ocean, been in awe of the majestic mountains, enjoyed views from scenic peaks, drank NZ wine, put a few K's on my converse, felt the warm sun on a beautiful autumn day, gotten lost in the blue waters of rivers, walked where Stryder walked, and been surprised by how nature blossoms even in the dead of winter.  I have been stretched, I have stood on my own two feet, I have stood firm in my beliefs and convictions,  I have adopted some Kiwi speak, ate amazing food, and made some really great friends.

Now begins the second part of the journey here. It begins with me having a car, opening up so many places for me to explore. And yes I am planning my adventures. The first one is learning to drive a manual :) Really though I am enjoying this unexpected journey to this country.  Words cannot describe how grateful I am to be here.  God knew that I needed this journey.  I needed to get out and stand on my faith, to trust in Him, to worry less, to slow down, to stand firm, and to love people more. I don't know how long I will be here, I am hoping for longer.  But while I would love that I want to go where God is going to take me.

There is so much more to see of this beautiful country. It is a grand adventure here on the other side of the world and I would not have it any other way.  #NotAllWhoWanderAreLost #LiveWholeHearted

Cromwell

Hey Ya'll!

Happy Monday! I hope ya'lls weekend was great! My was pretty educational, since I started my driving lessons in my "new" car :D I love driving in NZ and manuals are fun! Although it takes heaps of multitasking I am slowing getting it. I find it surprising that guys are able to drive a manual since it requires so much multitasking.  Yeah I just had to make that dig :)

Anywho I wanted to share Cromwell with ya'll.  It's a pretty cute small town.  There are two parts to Cromwell.  One being the newer part where there are op shops, a museum and touristy things.  Then there is the old historic part with a really cool cafe and fancy shops.  Both are equally charming. You have to travel a bit of a distance to get to both parts, but it's worth the trip.  Plus it's not THAT far :)

One of the few man made lakes in NZ

I took especially for my NC friends :)

I hope ya'll enjoyed this quaint little town :) Tomorrow I have a special blog post to share with ya'll so keep a look out for it :)

Maroon Maxi

Hey Ya'll!

I hope your week has been well! Mine has been pretty full on! I have busy spending time with friends and I really enjoyed that.  It has meant a few late nights, but I will catch up on sleep this weekend :)  The highlight of the week by far was when *drum roll please..........* I bought a car!! I still cannot believe that happened! For the past few weeks I have been looking for one, but nothing has worked out.  Then when my friends found this one for sale I was super excited about it.  Needless to say I bought it! Now when I look out on to the driveway and see it I'm like "who's car is that? Oh yeah it's mine!" Pretty surreal to have a car in NZ, not to mention living here!  I'm sooooo stoked!!! I have yet to decide where my first adventure will be, any thoughts? Before any adventure begins I have to learn to drive it, it being a manual and all.  That shouldn't be too hard and then I will hit the open, narrow, windy road :) I also should name the car, but first I need to bond with it a bit more :)

Anywho todays fashion post comes from last fall. On this particular Sunday a group of us all matched by accident (except E and I that aaas planned) and were the maroon section of church.  I love it when things like that happen :)

Leather Bomber Jacket - Wilson's Leather via Goodwill ~$20

Fur Stole - Thrift Store ~$20

Maroon Maxi Dress - Talbots (don't remember)

Cowboy Boots - Justice via Back by Popular Demand

Belt - taken off a dress

Navy Infinity Scarf - made by me ~$2.50

Cardigan - .......

I am biased but my favourite part of these outfits are the navy infinity scarfs simply because I made them and E looks so cute in hers :) Well my weekend has officially begun so I better sort myself out and do something fun :) 

Kawarau River

Hey Ya'll

The drive to Cromwell is just breathtaking.  I'm pretty easily distracted by the landscape here in New Zealand.  Anyone who has been in a car with my can testify to that. In my defence New Zealand has the most scenic landscape so you don't want to miss any of it :) Which can be quite hazardous when you're a photographer and all you want to do is stop and take a picture or pictures.  New Zealand roads don't always lend themselves to allow you to safely pull over where you want.  I seem to always want a picture in the 100k zones where there is no side of the road to pull over too. Thankfully for me there is a great little pull off on the road to Cromwell. You can safely park and take in a bit more the the Kawarau River. 

So yeah needless to say I was really grateful for the pull over stop :) Anywho the the South Island landscape takes the cake for most beautiful scenery and for increasing my ADD. Which I am sure by now ya'll can understand :)

Mustard and Navy Always a Good Choice

Hey Ya'll!!

Another #FashionFriday post for ya :) I have been loving going through my old photos and seeing what I find.  They bring back some great memories! 

Well this week I have been pretty productive going through and editing a back log of personal photos, I'm pretty proud of myself :) While editing I have a great new song to jam out to thanks to Rend Collective.  They released their new single "You Will Never Run", if you have not had a listen yet you should! I'm kinda biased since they are one of my favourite bands, so them releasing their single pretty much made my week :)

Well onto the outfit :)

Cardigan - via Macy's ~$20.00

Shirt - Eddie Bauer via Goodwill ~$5.00

Skirt - Talbots gift

Shoes - Lucky Brand ~$15.00

Fur - Great Grandma's

Necklace - Oil City Antique Warehouse ~$5.00

One of my favourite parts of this outfit is the fur, I really love wearing my antique furs.  I almost brought some of them back to NZ, but I was afraid they wouldn't clear customs.  Definitely was not prepared to take that risk! They would have been perfect for Art Deco though!! Anywho I also really love the mustard and navy combo, I do that quite a bit.  It just feels so classy to me :) Well I hope ya'll had a great week! I'm off to adventure :)

Bungy at the Kawarau River

Hey Ya'll

Hope everyone had a great weekend! The sun has finally decided to show its face so that was pretty great! It's been pretty dismal here the past week, but this week is off to a great start of warmer weather and sunshine.  I am hoping that keeps up :)

As for today's post I wanted to share pictures from the Kawarau River.  This was on the drive to Cromwell and it's an easy stop off to take in some awesome views.  This is also where the AJ Hackett Bungy jump is.  Sadly I did not bunny jump, but I've decided that I will go back and I will jump.  Since I have at minimum six months left here I think it's doable :)

Anywho as soon as you pull up you see this amazing view of the bridge against the backdrop of the mountains and that is one of the first shots I wanted to capture.  So I may or may not have ventured past a "do not cross this point" sign, but I plea the fifth so you will never know ;) I did get an incredible shot of the sun coming just over the mountain so however I got that shot it was well worth it! The river itself is also something to behold.  I really cannot get enough of the spectacular blue rivers here.  Especially one that you can bunny jump into! Pretty neat!! I spent a bit of time just taking it all in and also did a quick wander through the gift shop, which was wayyyyyyyyyyyy over priced.  So needless to say I didn't get anything. Then it was back on the road to Cromwell :)

The drive to Cromwell is just breathtaking! You get to see the magnificent mountains, wineries and the Kawarau River which weaves its way along side the road.  Yeah I was a big fan of the drive! I'm grateful I did not have to drive and could get lost in the landscape :)

Enjoy the pictures :)

Had to get an out the window shot of the winery

Pretty spectacular views if I do say so.  Next week I will be sharing one of my favourite stops along this river.  So have any of ya'll every bunny jumped?