I've moved

I decided a little while ago it was time to get serious about blogging so I started a new blog Mundane Ecstasy. It's more of the same with a new look and some new series' for your reading pleasure. Come check it out!

Happy Birthday Paige

This weekend I am off to spend time with my family to celebrate my niece Paige's 3rd birthday! Really looking forward to it.

I hope she has a fantastic birthday and I look forward to celebrating with her.

I do love the Zoo

On the weekend we headed to Taronga Zoo. I adore zoo's and even though I was tuckered out by all that walking it's a great way to spend an afternoon.

The view from Taronga Zoo is just incredible. Looking out over the harbour towards the bridge and opera house you can't be anything but jealous of the mountain goats.




Yes, still addicted to Instagram on my iPhone. Its a great way to still be able to use those bad photos

Paper daisies

It was my bosses last day today and I was in charge of getting the flowers. I love flowers and found amazing orange paper daisies.

I think they are my new favourite flower.

I just discovered Instagram

When I saw the image below on A Beautiful Mess I knew I had to be a part of Instagram.


I was up early this morning to go to Pilates and in the rain took a few photos on my phone. They were pretty but they could use ........... something! So I played around and here is what I made.

Invest in me

Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life.
Herbert Otto

I think the above quote is a great way to capture how I feel about life at the moment. One way I am investing in me is personal development. My first step on that journey is to undertake the Red Velvet eCourse Blog Love.

Another way I am investing in me is through registering for professional development courses and joining Weight Watchers.

If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.
Thomas Edison

Doctor Who fans excel

How brilliant is it when fans work together to create something like this. The Doctor Who Fan Orchestra's very first collaboration of Murray Gold's I am the Doctor. Richard found this as its one of our favorite pieces from the new soundtrack.

Rory, you always make me smile

This little guy makes me so, so, so happy.


Yes sometimes he tries to eat my feet or attack my legs in the hallway but there is almost nothing in this world more likely to heal a damaged heart than my cat.


His full name is Rorschach and yes, like the test he is a reflection of us. And yes, we are a bit silly and a bit wild.


Had a bit of a rough day at work, Richard was wonderful but its like Rory senses I am not ok and gives loads of really great cuddles.

Journal Day 2

The older we get, the more certain we get about who we are and what our purpose is. For me, a lot of it is still unknown, but as I make my way down my own path, I have begun to realize that there are indeed some inevitable truths that I know for sure. On your own blog, write a post that talks about "the one thing you know for sure."

The one thing I know to be 100% true is that nothing ever works out as you hope but most of the time it works out for the best, so hope for that.

A year after moving to Sydney I applied to go to university and I didn't get in (note, Australian university years are February to November). I was gutted. To be honest it was fairly arrogant of me but having just called off a wedding I had a lot invested in getting into uni. In the hopes of getting in next year I went to TAFE.

The next year I applied again and didn't get in.

The next year I applied again. While I was waiting to hear from UAC Rio Tinto Coal where I was working for decided to close the Sydney office. So only a few weeks before Christmas we were all told we were out of a job. Only a few days later I heard that I had gotten into the University of NSW Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications). Talk about good timing. Being retrenched meant I was getting a great pay out that would help pay for uni, plus because my role was considered key to the change over I didn't finish work until uni had started.

In a double bonus, I met my darling Richard at uni. Had I gone a few years earlier I might never have met him.

Journal Day prompts are written by Danielle at Sometimes Sweet

The wait is over

Just home now from the midnight screening of the very last Harry Potter film.

All I can say is that I was in awe of the film. It was a story very well told and you cant help but feel you were a part of something culturally world altering.

That said right now all I care about is sleep. More theories tomorrow.

2 sleeps til Harry Potter DH2

We just finished watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and are getting excited that on Tuesday night we will be headed into the city to see Part 2.

I have been a fan since the first book was brought into my life by my baby sister Katherine. Hard to believe the same girl will this year become someone's wife!

Bring it on ... oh and a warning to the girls in the office, I will be knackered on Wednesday. I'm just saying

Our NZ Adventure - Day 8: Sunday 29 May

Today we spent the morning cruising Lake Taupo. It was cold but so gorgeous.


The lake itself is named after a Maori tribal leader and different aspects of the lake represent the leader. I love the idea that the white caps on the waves represent the feathers on his cloak and that the one wall of white is the collar.

These carvings done around the time I was born in the 80s are a reproduction of a wood carving of Tia’s face. It was pretty rocky so I wasn't outside long but that in itself shows how amazing the carvings are.







The mountain looks like a pregnant lady on her back - you can see it if you think hard and "read" the image right to left.

As terrible as it sounds I have to say how constantly amazed I am at how little some tourists think of others, either locals or fellow travelers. On the cruise the whole time the guide was taking us through some of the local legends these two girls sat and talked. One is forgiven as she didn't have very strong English, it was a 4hr cruise so she may not have been able to understand but the American student with her was just showing off. It was obvious she had some history of the Maori culture and that is great that she took such interest but on a cruise with a tour guides not the time to share it. And if you must share please be aware that others around you are not interested. It is really important as a tourist that you consider those around you and try as best you can not to ruin other people's holidays by being the worst stereotype of your country. Ok yes, these ladies were not the first to do this, its just harder to escape them on a cruise ship.

After the cruise we headed out to see the Huka Falls, the water is ice blue and just races through the little gap that is that part of the river.

Our NZ Adventure - Day 7: Saturday 28 May

Staying in Taupo at least until Monday so today is a sleep in day. I am up because my back will only allow me to sleep for so long without hurting (I slept too long and am in pain already) so I've had a lazy shower, sultana bran and am thinking I might get dressed and wonder around the area. Ah holidays, how wonderful.

We ended up simply spending the day in a cafe drinking coffee, reading our books, playing games and enjoying being by the lake side. Just gorgeous and such a treat.

We've done a lot of talking about the future this holiday and one thing we agreed was that sitting and chilling like that is a tradition we will start with our kids. It was so nice to do and is always a good thing for people to be able to be quiet together.

Our NZ Adventure - Day 6: Friday May 27

Checked out today. We really did enjoy Napier but it was time to move on so off we headed to Taupo.

Day looked clear so I drove. This is a huge deal as I am not a confident driver at all. I really do need to get more confident when driving and the reality is once I start I am ok it's just being brave enough to get behind the wheel. At home in Sydney I am worse (I like to blame it on learning to drive in the country, not sure if that really holds water but it helps me sleep at night).

Well the good weather and the simple roads didn't last long as we went up the mountain and then back down it. The top of the mountain meant the road was crazy busy with big logging trucks but I did ok.

The only time I was speeding I admit we had the Doctor Who soundtrack Amy in the TARDIS blasting. It was fun but have to remember my genetic lead foot.


Taupo is a really pretty lake and village. We went strait to the I site (God kindly didn't make me reverse park) got s good hotel room, checked in and the. Went for a wander. Kebabs for lunch - mine was great, Richards not so much. Back to the room for a bath, out for dinner and then early to bed. Of course when I say early to bed I mean st home it's early ut here it's usually midnight.

Congratulations to Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco

What a bumper year for royal weddings 2011 continues to be. The next royal couple to marry this year His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock.

I found it fascinating that the Monaco soverign prince marries once in a civil service and again in a Catholic service.


The Catholic ceremony was held in the palace grounds. Interestingly not in the cathedral they have but in the courtyard. How stressful must that be for the couple. I mean, my brothers wedding was outside and even though it was a gorgeous day we were all a little nervous it would rain.


What an amazing dress. So simple and elegant. I am a particular fan of the neckline and how simply it added to the dress. Much like Kate Middleton brought back* the sleeves I think this will begin its own trend.



Congratulations to the happy couple. May you live happily and eventually (like Kate and Diana) may Charlene move out of the shadow of the mother-in-law she never met as the incredible partner for her royal partner.

Next up Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall who will marry at the end of the month in Scotland.

All images thanks to Hello Magazine, in my opinion the best place for the latest news on Europe's royal households.

*it can be annoying how they say that as soon as a famous person wears something its brought back. Sleeves on a royal wedding dress are the norm, although it is true that in the main brides wear strapless. Personally I have always considered having sleeves, funnily enough to stand out from all the brides (my sisters included) that haven't had sleeves.

Journal Day

One of my favourite blogs Sometimes Sweet posted this idea about journal day. She'd provide a prompt and then her readers could write a post from there and then add some/all of the post as a comment on her blog. I love the idea so thought I would join in... even if I don't always post it on her blog.

Describe a "first" (first date, first lie, the first time you experienced something, first time in a particular setting, etc). Include as many details as possible to paint a picture.

I had pretty much decided on the morning after the night we got together that I was in love with Richard. I just knew it, it was all so easy and we had a good laugh and I knew instinctually that he would do his best to always be good to me. Of course, you can't say "I love you" to a man that you have just started dating, scares them off apparently. So as the women's mag advice goes I decided to wait for him to say it first.

Three months in and still no "I love you". I am not known in my family for patience so that I hadn't cracked and said it first is quite the achievement let me tell you. One night we were at Richard's snuggled in bed and I was trying to get him to say it (don't judge). He knew what I was trying to do but he wouldn't bite. Eventually I looked up at him and said "I like you, more than just as a friend", he looked at me smiled and said "I love you Alys". I don't think I had ever been happier, my face hurt from smiling so much.

When eventually I finished smiling he explained to me that the walk we were planning for the next day down through the park he was going to walk me to a pretty spot and tell me that he loved me for the first time. Trust me to ruin something! Still its a wonderful memory of the first time we told each other we were in love.

Our NZ Adventure - Day 3: Tuesday May 24

We spent the day in the car driving to Napier. Started out miserable weather leaving Welly but cleared up.


Although a long day it was nice to be together and talk. Oh and be incredibly silly.




We swear we haven’t touched this up … does anyone else think this is the original image for the hill desktop image on Microsoft?



The Crown Hotel Napier where we are staying is gorgeous. This beautiful old building from the 1930s is glamorous inside and out.


There is something so mesmerizing about watching a fire burn.

Life is good

Our NZ Adventure - Day 2: Monday May 23

It's 8:07am and I am up. I was woken by Richard’s snoring and for the first time ever it wasn't so bad. Because you see our room has an incredible view and this morning I discovered that we can lie in bed and watch the sun rise over Wellington. Got a great deal on a room at the Amora on the ninth floor


No sign of our stuff but that is probably a good thing. Yes my friends we snuck in Maccas run. It's sad but last night after such a long day it was just what the doctor ordered.

The only real down side to our stuff missing its flight really is the missing tooth brush for you see no amount of gum is getting the onion off my breath this morning. Yuck!

Today we are wondering the streets of Wellywood* to see what the city has for us, but first to breakfast (my tummy is grumbling so must feed it). Our room has access to the executive lounge including breakfast so hope its good.

11:11am and we are back in the room after breakfast. Great food and even better coffee. Our bag has finally found us! We are both so excited to see our stuff safely here - thanks Air NZ. Quick phone charge before heading out to explore the city.

11:33pm nearly bed time. We had a lovely day wandering around the city. It's a lovely city and it's nice to just chat. We found a great little restaurant where I got soup for NZ$7 tucked around a little corner in the city.

Quiet night in. We decided yesterday that Wellington was about getting into the groove of being on holidays. Mission accomplished!

Tomorrow late check out before making our way to Napier. Good night everyone

* whilst we are here the drama around the Wellywood sign at Wellington airport was making the news everyday. I have to agree I think the sign is ridiculous, its iconic to Hollywood and you just make yourself look lame trying to copy that

Our NZ Adventure - Day 1: Sunday 22 May

Here they finally are, this is the first of the series of posts about our holiday!

Last night I was so excited about the trip we didn't get to bed until midnight. V. early start this morning (5:30 for a 9:30 flight, I really hate the 3 hour international flight rule). At that hour I can't handle the bathroom light instead I used the hall light and little Rory sat on the bathroom mat watching out for danger. Either that or he wasn’t letting me out of his sight until he knew what the plan was.

Cabbie was on time - quite the surprise. Very quick run to Kingsford Smith International airport since it was so early on a Sunday. Turned out to be a great time to fly in the end despite the early start.


Yes we duty free shopped. 3 bottles of Vodka (the max we could take into NZ) and some perfume and we were out of there.

Flying Air New Zealand we definitely recommend works deluxe. You get to use the priority check in and the priority custom clearance cue, awesome. You also get access to the lounge. As it was so early they had breakfast out, but the coffee machine was broken (WTF?).


All aboard! At the moment the way the seats work are you get three seats for two. No extra leg room but the extra space to spread your stuff is brilliant. In the picture above you can sort of see the cute sign they put on the middle seat. Definitely a great way to fly at a really good price.


How crazy is it that these photos were taken out the window of the plane. I choose ones with bits of the plane in them just so you'd believe me!


So after a great flight we were disappointed, after patiently waiting, to discover our bag didn’t leave Sydney on the same plane. The guy was lovely and gave some great advice* but it really sucks. Just have to hope it makes it to Wellington before we leave.

Mental note: next time make sure the phone charger is in the carry on luggage!

Grabbed the hire car and we were out of there. The drive into the city was hilarious. Yes we took wrong turns and ended up going around the block our hotel is on a few times but we got here (laughing the whole way) and that’s what counts.

I am exhausted. There is a 2-hour time difference between here and home so it's been a very long day indeed. Great to hang with Richard though, he really is my very best friend.

*tell your hotel you have lost your bag and ask them their policy for when the airline delivers it to the hotel. Apparently, sometimes the airline drops it off but the hotel stores it at reception rather than taking it to the room, so the bag sits there waiting for its owner who thinks it hasn't arrived.