The great escape

So..when was the last time you went to Waiheke Island?

“Ah nah, what’s the big deal with Waiheke” you’re probably thinking. “It’s full of hippies and new age weirdo’s; and the ferry ride is really expensive blah blah blah”. Well my friend let me tell you something. Firstly, stop talking to yourself, and secondly, consider just how much Waiheke has to offer!

For me recently winter had been a long, cruel, cold son of a you-know-what, so a spring escape was calling me, like a nagging house wife moaning at her husband to do the washing up. Cue Waiheke – somewhere where I hadn’t been for over 8 years and made for a perfect getaway.

Once on board the ferry I felt like I was running away from the madness of work, bills and familiar ground-hog-day routines. An adventure if you like, to a mini paradise within Auckland.

Because Waiheke is an island you’re pretty screwed without transport. We decided to take it as it came, so that we could enjoy a bit of booze without worrying about driving. There’s a bus you can catch from the ferry terminal (you need a bit of patience cos like ‘Fiji Time’ the bus service is laid-back and comes along pretty much whenever it feels like it). There are car hire options of course, and a not-so-bad taxi service too.

I was looking forward to wine tasting at one of the many beautiful vineyards located on Waiheke. Casita-Miro was my favourite, with its romantic French/Italian charm. Just gorgeous. Amazing views. Friendly staff. I could go on. The dinner at Mudbrick Vineyard was lovely too and after 8 years since my last visit there, I can confirm that nothing has changed and it’s still as perfect as usual.

So my suggestion Aucklanders: If you’re fed up with the weather and wanna get away without the involvement of a long drawn-out road kiwi road trip (which are indeed awesome but are often full of traffic jams and those annoying little toilet stops in the bush) –  pack your nearest and dearest and a happy attitude and take yourself over to Waiheke.

I had a ball. You won’t regret it.

Here’s to summer
Auckland Girl

Three dates, you might be out

Ah yes. The Third Date. Always a cracker.

It’s the date which either locks in the interest for further investigation/dating; or it’s the red flag which sends you hooning out of the carpark in sheer fear.

Truth be told, I’ve come to dislike The Third Date…

I get more nervous about The Third Date than I do on most first dates. My face breaks out in spots, appearing smack bang in the middle of my eyebrows creating some sort of third eye; or right near my mouth, putting my date off ever wanting to kiss me.

In most cases, dating flows like this:

The First Date – a few casual drinks, perhaps a coffee. You mutually decide if there’s any spark, and if you’d like to see the other person again.

The Second Date – Dinner. This allows you to check that the other person doesn’t speak with their mouth full, treats the waiting staff appallingly, nor make you feel ‘bad’ for ordering a dish high in carbs ‘Are you really going to eat all of that?’….

And then comes The Third Date. The Third Date determines if you can still hold a conversation. Good flowing conversation, with humour and no awkward silences.

The Third Date generally becomes the Flirt Date. It becomes the big pash date (or perhaps more depending on how far you’ve advanced, therefore determining whether you should shave your legs).

If you make it past The Third Date you’re usually onto a good thing.

But what has become known as the Third Date curse is when you never see your date again. You may think things went well on your third date. That you both had a good time and that The Fourth Date will arrive with rainbows and happy endings. But no.

Sometimes you never hear from your date again. No text message, no phone call, no email. You’re left wondering what the hell you’ve done wrong. Was it something you said? Was it what you were wearing? Has he been hit by a train or moved countries?

Simply all that it means is that he’s just not that into you. If you don’t hear from him ever again sometimes it can often be a lot easier on the soul, rather than hearing ‘Look, it’s not you it’s me/I just don’t have time for a relationship right now’……

Whatever happens in dating – curse or no curse – take note of this my sweet: Always be yourself because everybody else is already taken.

Auckland Girl

Sing like no one is listening

Last week my workmates and I decided it would be choice fun to organise a Japanese dinner and Karaoke evening. A real ‘let your hair down, toss aside the shame and do some bonding’ night.

I was looking forward to the Karaoke sing along. I’m quite a shy person, but have no shame when a bit of liquor hits my veins, and I was looking forward to busting out the 80s rock classics. Giddy up!

We headed out to Genji in Ponsonby Road, who offer a ‘semi-private room’ and set menu for large groups. What’s funny is that the room isn’t really semi-private – people parking out the back, or picking up their takeaway order walk through the room to get to the main restaurant. Fortunately we all found it quite amusing and sort of went along with the ‘sing like no one is listening’ theory.

What was even more amusing was the video action which sat on the TV screen from which we read/sang our lyrics. Instead of seeing the video clip for the matching song we were singing (or a fake music clip of some kind), we saw strange late 90s images of people on their summer holiday somewhere in Europe. Lying on beach chairs and pulling their lime green togs out of their bum – unaware that they were being filmed and shown on international Karaoke machines. Hil-ar-i-ous!

It was a pretty fun night singing along to the likes of Bon Jovi and Guns ‘n Roses. Naturally I just couldn’t help myself and sang ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ too. It would be rude not to really.

Have yourself a rad weekend
Auckland Girl

Oh my, you're so funny!

Ah yes, the age old question which can often get you wound up beyond belief…what outfit should I wear on a first date? Furthermore, it’s a blind date – and the thing with blind dates is that you never know exactly what you’re going to get.

Should I dress to impress (first impressions do count), but then again if I put the effort in and he rocks up in his tracky-daks and jandals, then I just know that I’m going to feel like a try-hard.

I remember one time I wore a ‘plunging cleavage’ number on a first date. Bad move. He spent most of the date with his eyes wandering down south and I felt kinda dirty. I wish I’d taken along one of those pashmina shawl things like my mother wears.

Another bad move on a first date is having a bit too much to drink. Naturally meeting someone for the very first time can be somewhat nerve racking, but getting so plastered that you fall over, slur your words or sway a little is not such a classy move.

So I think I’ve decided to keep it simple. Sexy yet classy – and not wear anything too tight so that I can’t breathe or be myself.

But one thing’s for sure – I’m guaranteed to wear my best smile. It is after all what will bring the most success to the date than anything else I choose to wear.

Keep it real
Auckland Girl

Hot Tamale

This weather is pretty damn fine isn’t it? It’s pretty hot and pretty muggy which sometimes in turn doesn’t actually make me feel altogether very pretty …. I’m sure I’m not the only one who suffers from heat induced swelling or sweaty blotchy makeup (yes I know, a lady doesn’t sweat – she glows).

I love a long hot summer – but hells bells, I’ve been a bit of Sweaty Betty lately let me tell you…

The air-conditioning in the office decided not to cooperate last week – which brought on that hot and bothered feeling; and then there was a power failure at my gym which meant zero air conditioning – it was like a sauna, you could literally see the heat radiating from each person.

Speaking of hot, a few friends and I popped into Dida’s Wine bar last week. I hadn’t been there before so I was looking forward to it all day. Dida’s is a lovely popular bar/tapas lounge, and it was jam-packed at 6pm when we arrived on a hot Friday night, thirsty as a wooden dog.

We decided to go somewhere different to eat after a few drinks and headed off for a curry down the road – yes call us crazy:  Indian on a balmy summer night – but we’d been wanting to test drive Shahi, and maybe it’s just a theory but they say eating hot food (or drinking hot tea), cools you down when you’re feeling like a hot tamale…whoever ‘they’ are.

Shahi was a lovely pleasant surprise. Always thought it was just a takeaway joint, but there is upstairs seating on two separate levels over looking Jervois Road. Sorta felt like we were dining in their living room or attic, which was kinda cool. Good choice – and yes I was feeling less hot and bothered afterwards.

Have a great weekend and stay cool ’till after school
Auckland Girl

3D movie

Decided to take it easy last weekend. To step away from recent late night boozing; and to enjoy a bite to eat and a session at the movies.

I love going to the movies, or ‘ to the cinema’ as my mates in the UK like to call it. I used to work for a large home video rental chain whereby movie watching literally became part of my daily routine,  so I became quite the film know-it-all-nerd. That was some years ago however and nowadays seeing a movie is a real treat.

I find it really comforting to sit in a dark room, slouch in the chair, put my feet up and get cosy with the ice cream and/or lollies. It’s the chance to switch off for 2.5 hours and escape to the scenario of the film.

We saw Avatar in 3D at the IMAX theatre (those glasses you wear are hilarious).  Not entirely convinced by the whole concept of 3D … felt a bit queasy and developed a nasty headache over 1 eye (hmmm perhaps it was the early symptoms of the head cold I have just picked up).

It seems everything is becoming 3D these days from Avatar to Alice in Wonderland, to the Michael Jackson’s Grammy Awards tribute. Apparently there is even a film producer who is creating the concept of 3D porn as well (insert joke of 3D double D’s)…

Right, I’d better get some sleep and knock this cold on its head so that I’m better in time for the weekend. Yeah!

Until next time
Auckland Girl

Up the Duff

Crikey, is it just me or is everyone of late jumping on the pregnant wagon? (excuse the pun).

It seems like every time you turn around, another friend, family member or colleague has a special announcement, and while I’m very happy for these people, I can’t help but wonder why the sudden rush to keep up with the Joneses? Did I miss the memo/text/Facebook feed?

I was talking to a friend about this the other day and she agrees. It’s like a new decade is underway and everyone is freaking out about getting old, so are in a hurry to get up the duff and procreate.

I’m actually slightly concerned for the next person who rushes up to me, beaming about their news while rubbing their stomach fondly, because it’s likely that I won’t even bat an eyelid….lol it’s crazy!

Anywho, I’ve been having a great few weeks so far this year, catching up with people and enjoying the long summer nights. Have visited Maggie’s (great all day breakfast); Bonita (rad authentic Spanish bar with good sangria and tapas) and Chapel (one of my favourite bars, you can’t keep me away).

I’m still trying to figure out my new year resolution(s). I’ve never been one to make a list and follow it through, I just sorta go with my gut and achieve the resolution if I feel like it. I’m thinking a sky dive might be in order sometime this summer, and will possibly take up yoga again so I feel good inside and out. Hell, I might even get a tattoo if I feel like it….maybe.

Hope you are enjoying your summer!
Auckland Girl

The Hens Do

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending a Hens Do. Well, actually it was specifically not a Hens Night. By this I mean the Bride to Be declared that there was to be none of this pink veil, bartender kissing, bunny ears bollocks. No Sir. It was to be a classy girls night out – in fact ‘Christmas Drinks with close friends’ if anything – which was one hundred percent fine with me.

We kicked off with a few glasses of champagne and chardonnay at the Onehunga bungalow then did the people carrier thing into Town. We had dinner at La Zeppa, a favourite hangout of ours which we are all quite smitten with.

It was a great choice; the tapas went down well as did the copious bottles of wine.  I’m the first to admit that I’m a bit of a light weight and I fell over twice in the space of 2 hours, but I wasn’t about to let that ruin me. After we fought over the bill we then decided on nearby Shanghai Lil’s for a few more drinks. I’m pretty sure I haven’t been to Shanghai Lil’s before but there was something familiar about the place. Comforting old skool hip sums it up. Maybe it reminded me of UK/Europe, who knows, but I liked it, I liked it a lot because it’s different and it’s quirky.

We then felt a dance was in order so decided to walk – yes walk – up Franklin Road to Ponsonby. It was very cool to see Franklin Road lit up for Christmas. It’s a long walk and my feet (stomping in 5 inch heels) were pleading mercy, but I still found it mesmerising (yes, I know, it was probably the wine). Had a bit of a boogie at Chapel Bar which is always fun, then headed to Whiskey Bar for a well deserved sit down and some posing for the camera. To top off the night we headed home via McDonald’s for some 3am lining of the stomach, as you do (and regretted the next morning). One of the best nights out in ages with laughter, dancing and vino. I can’t wait for the wedding!

I’ve recently returned from a road trip to New Plymouth to visit my 94 year old Nana. Good weather and lots of cuddles, which is always tops in my books.

I’ve heard a rumour that it’s Christmas tomorrow. Admittedly am feeling a little, I dunno… bah humbug? but I’m sure that a combination of the arrival of my brother from Australia, presents and the gathering of friends and family will definitely perk me up. Bring on the pav!

Merry Chrimbo everyone
Auckland Girl