Scott and I have been looking forward to taking the girls to White Island for years. He first took me way back in 2005 and I was hooked. White Island is New Zealand's only active marine volcano and you really need to experience it at least once. It is in a constant state of activity that is closely monitored. White Island is a private scenic reserve and you can only visit through an authorized tour group. We decided that the older three girls were ready for their first White Island Tour on our ... Read More
New Zealand
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
While we were planning our trip home to New Zealand, we made a list of places we wanted to take the girls. High up on the list was a visit to Hobbiton. The set is located in Matamata, which is where Scott was born, and we frequently tell people that he's part hobbit. The last time we were in Matamata, the permanent set didn't exist and there wasn't much to draw attention to it. Now, the tourist trade from Hobbiton seems to have taken over and you can hardly escape it in town. We knew that it was ... Read More
Lamingtons
My first introduction to lamingtons was in a New Zealand tea rooms (and yes, the "s" is supposed to be there!). We had favorite tea rooms depending on where we were in the country and they really were such a fantastic lunch--tasty sandwiches, savory rolls and pies, and an always tempting case of desserts. Lamingtons always struck me as such a pretty cake and I always ended up with one on my plate. They take a bit of time to make, but they're so worth it and are the perfect treat for your own ... Read More
Kids’ Clay Koru Necklace
Our girls are very proud of their New Zealand heritage. They tell anyone and everyone that they are part Kiwi. When Alli announced her Kids Crafts from around the World series, I knew immediately that we would make something New Zealand inspired. The koru is one of New Zealand's iconic images in my mind and the girls jumped at the chance to make Kids' Clay Koru Necklaces. This post contains affiliate links. We used: Sculpey clay in Emerald Sculpey tools baking sheet jump ... Read More
Holiday Anzus Biscuits
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MemoriesInTheBaking #CollectiveBias No matter how hard we try to avoid it, the last few days leading up to Christmas always seem busy. The girls are off of school, but Scott is still working. We try to get those last holiday chores finished, the decorating done, food prep accomplished...it often feels like we just don't have our act together. The one thing that we always manage to do as a ... Read More
Celestial Inspired Vinyl Tote
**This post contains sponsored sponsored content and affiliate links. All opinions are my own.** I've been fascinated by the recent Pluto photos that we've been able to see. I've always loved space. In fact, in previous jobs, they knew that I would be late on launch days because I had to watch. I joined in with a fun group of bloggers to make projects using vinyl from Expressions Vinyl, and when I saw the glittered heat transfer vinyl options, I knew that I was going to make a Celestial ... Read More