New Zealand

A crash course in food photography – and a girls’ weekend in Wellington

It’s been some time since I’ve had a weekend away with a girlfriend. I was happily reminded recently just what a great time is to be had.

A few months ago I came across a short weekend course offered at Le Cordon Bleu on Food Photography. Immediately I was interested – until I read the equipment required.

Enter my friend Svea. As an enthusiastic amateur photographer I was certain she’d be able to assist. Sure enough, she had all the equipment on the list, was more than happy to loan me what I needed and even decided she’d like to come along.

And so a girls’ weekend in Wellington was organised. By the end of the day we had a place on the course, flights booked, and rooms at a fabulous hotel. What more could you ask for?

Continue reading →

The wonder of walking at first light

As a child I didn’t live close to the ocean, although growing up in New Zealand I was never far from it. It’s easy to take things for granted about your own country, but I’m happy to say that the ocean and its proximity is not something I’ve ever taken for granted. I know how lucky I am.

After all, there are many people in the world who have never even seen the ocean. That’s a hard one for me to comprehend.

Continue reading →

Magnificent Matakana – and how to make a delicious Cashew Nut Chicken Curry

When I was living in the UK much was made of the ‘mini-break’. Somehow the idea of getting away, for however short a time and however short a distance from home, conjures great excitement.

Continue reading →

New Zealand’s stunning Coromandel Coast – and how to make a delicious Spanish Omelette

Following on from my blog last week extoling the virtues of the Marlborough region I thought this week I would move north and give you a glimpse of what New Zealand’s North Island has to offer.

Continue reading →

The spectacular Marlborough region of New Zealand – and a fabulous recipe for Peperonata Couscous!

When my husband and I moved to New Zealand from the UK we looked forward to the time when family and friends would head Down Under to visit. It took some years before my husband’s sister and brother-in-law were able to come out. That made it all the more exciting – and challenging for us! We thought long and hard about where we would take them and which parts of the country they would most enjoy.

Continue reading →

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.