{ spring flea - tomorrow! }

Apologies for not giving you the heads up sooner (I've been struck by this awful flu and it's really knocked me around!) - but for those of you who are in Brisbane you must head down to Black & Spiro tomorrow for the Spring Flea!

It's going to be a fabulous day brimming with lots of original and crafted pieces, fresh and potted flowers and even freshly baked cakes... basically, everything you could want for a day out on the first of Spring! I'm also joining in and will have some smaller, fun type artworks for sale too. They're a bit different to the norm so I'm looking forward to getting them out! Here's a little peek....

It's starts at 9am tomorrow till 3pm at Black & Spiro - 768 Brunswick St, New Farm. Hopefully I'm on the mend and in a fit stake to be there so hope to see you tomorrow!

Pip xx

{ new zealand: part two }

So here is part two of my recent New Zealand trip. I left on Part One here as we arrived in the Havelock North/ Hawkes Bay region, in a landscape that was beautiful in its contrasts. To one side was the river and also Craggy Range (which is just that - very craggy and majestic), and of course the amazing winery. We did lunch here on one of our days and the food indeed lived up to expectations - I think the 'best-meal'of-the-trip' phrase was used a few times here. A wonderful place.

Then behind us, the country rolled away into these beautiful hills of pasture with sheep and dairy cows and produce at every turn. I love how industrious an honest this place felt. This was the property across the road... what an amazing drive! We desperately wanted to venture down it as no doubt there was an amazing home nestled in there but couldn't quite rustle up the courage. Inviting though isn't it?!

The little coastal town of Napier was not too far away and we were lucky to have the most glorious day there. Napier is known as the Art Deco 'capital' of New Zealand as the city was virtually re-built in 1931 to the designs of the time, following a devastating earthquake that shattered the city. There were some great buildings but better than that were these amazing public gardens running along the beach at the head of the township.

The final leg of our journey was a couple of nights in Auckland; and I must say this was the perfect bookend to the trip. I'm starting to sounds like a broken record now but again, I really loved this place. We had a great day out at Mudbrick on Waiheke Island, wandered the laneways and then art gallery here was also very impressive. We had all but run out of time and almost didn't go, but ended up ducking in an hour before close on our last day and I was very glad we did. You must also eat at the O'Connell St Bistro if you are in town... it's a bit of an institution and was where we had our last supper, thanks god we did as we were in need of some sort of solace for that last-night-of-holiday pain that was setting in! 

Well thanks again for reading, and I hope you've enjoyed the second instalment! I would love to hear about your New Zealand experiences and of course any tips on what I need to do over there next time...... because there will definitely be a next time! Thanks for reading, hope to see you soon.

Pip xx

{ new zealand: part one }

Hello! I know it's been a long while since my last post but I'm now back & raring to go after returning from the most wonderful few weeks away in the crisp, cold and beautiful New Zealand. I've literally over a thousand photos - so this is very much just a snapshot - but thought I would share a few of this beautiful place and time. There are many stories to go with it all but as they say, a picture tells a thousand words so I will let these do the talking. 

My favourite way to discover a new place is with an early morning run... we started off in Queenstown so imagine how great it was to wake to days like this. So much beauty and inspiration.

We day-tripped to quaint little towns, snowcapped mountains and beautiful wineries. There's just no better way to re-enegise and rejuvenate than with fresh air, beautiful surrounds and great coffee, food and wine. In my opinion, New Zealand takes the cake on all of this.

After a few days easing into holiday mode, we then headed up to Taupo on the north island for five absolutely magical days at the most amazing lodge nestled on Huka Falls. 

Words cannot describe this place. The natural beauty was just awe-inspiring; 

the lodge itself was immaculately appointed, the gardens perfectly manicured, 

the food world-class, and the staff and service were all just perfection. 

It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life so far and I dare say for a long time to come.

Perfect in every way.

From there, we headed south to Martinborough to make our way back up again via the beautiful wine and agricultural country. The gardens, flowers and lush landscape were a horticulturalist's dream!

Then finally we arrived at another magical place to mark the halfway point of this wonderful trip
at the amazing River Lodge, nestled on the Tuki Tuki River in Hawkes Bay.

Well I hope you've enjoyed these snaps so far - there's heaps more to come! So pop back soon as I can't wait to show you the rest.

Until then! Pip xx 

PS. All photos taken by me on my iPhone. They're pretty great these days.