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

Shapeshifter

I’ve been meaning to tell you about my brilliant night out when I saw Shapeshifter live at The Powerstation. Shapeshifter are my current favourite band, I never tire of their music, so seeing them live on stage was enough to cause as much excitement as a 4 year old seeing The Wiggles Live in Concert…..yep, I could’a peed my pants.

Speaking of kids, the concert was – as the kids say these days – MEAN! And I’m talking awesome, cool, wicked – phat even. The Powerstation has recently been refurbished and as we stood upstairs centre stage it almost felt as if they were Shifting Shapes directly to us. I danced like a prime fool but loved every minute of it.

We then headed into town for a few drinks and further dancing.

Namely Chapel and Whiskey Bar on Ponsonby Road, a favourite haunt for girls nights out.

My beautiful friend was busy chatting up a fella so I chose to dance with his mate mostly because I felt sorry for him as he was getting down with his bad self all on his own. Just platonic like, you understand – I’m a nice girl I am

A great night followed by the mantatory 3am crap-but-brilliant-tasting-cos-bit pissed-burger-and chips from the open all night chippy. Solid gold

Hope all’s good in your hood
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

The Silly Season

Holy Haka, it’s busy at this time of year aye?

Christmas parties, seasonal catch-up drinks, hangovers, wedding invites, bbqs, summer festivals …crumbs it’s choice.

I’ve had the pleasure of some great dinners out and about Auckland recently including De Fontein, Goode Brothers, Fig & Olive and Mutiara. It’s nice to press pause, relax and spend some quality time with close friends and special people during this silly season and the busy lead up to Christmas.

We had our work Christmas Party last week. The theme was 80s Irish Beach Rave. Yes, I know. But I love a good costume party and fully got into the swing of things with my 1980s bling. It’s always amusing seeing people from work in clothes other than what you’re used to seeing 9 to 5 (which sounds a bit dodgy, but I don’t intend it to be).

I saw Pearl Jam a couple of weeks ago. Talk about impressive. Sell out crowd, massive long set, and not one but three encores. Rock N Roll. The tribute to Chris Knox was pretty awesome too.

I can’t actually believe this but I accidentally broke not one but two mirrors last week within the space of two days. Talk about paranoid. I now wonder if I will spend the next 7-14 years avoiding bad luck like that movie ‘Final Destination’. I’m trying to remain positive.

Have a great week and remember to wear your best smile
Auckland Girl

Girls night out

Blimey Charlie, Saturday’s Girls Night Out has well and truly thrown me. I feel as though I’ve been pulled through shrubbery backwards and left by the side of the road weeping quietly into my gumboots. I need to harden up.

But boy it sure was fun (I actually had trouble looking myself  in the eye the following day). We started off with a few vinos and homemade gluten free pizza at the Mt Eden flat then headed into Ponsonby Road. It was a busy night and we popped into (with what seemed like half of Auckland) Ponsonby Social Club, The Longroom and Whiskey bar for a few more vinos and a couple of gins. After getting a bit fed up with queues and shouting at each other for hours, we decided to call in on a bar we hadn’t been to before and tried Lolabar on for size.

Disco balls, pole dancing, neon lighting, and retro white seating welcomed us brightly at the door, as well as 70s video clips belting out from large plasma screens above the bar. Kinda cool in an old skool way, and despite being much more sedate than the busier bars we’d previously visited, we weren’t really feeling it (something to do with the overdose of disco tunes perhaps?)  Never mind though, the cocktails were pretty damn good and we busted some mean pole dancing moves. Good times.

The highlight of the evening? A very drunk TVNZ personality who hassled me for ‘taking my time’ in the loo and bashed on the door like a mad woman because she was busting. Hilarious.

Laters
Auckland Girl

The Laughing Buddha

Hurray it’s Wednesday which means it’s hump day, and not long to go until the weekend!

A few nights ago my buddy and I went to Sawadee Thai in Ponsonby Road. I was hankering for a good Thai and Sawadee is a bit of a Thai institution. It’s been around for years, and in my opinion still continues to dish up the best Thai in Auckland.

Although we waited for a while to be served, I knew that this was very unusual behaviour for Sawadee who’s service is normally spot on. In saying that, the restaurant was very popular – full of large groups celebrating birthday’s or lining their stomachs before a night on the town.

Once we ordered, the hot steaming food literally arrived within minutes of saying “And can we order rice with that too” (which can be a bit of a worry when cooked so fast). But my hankering was well and truly satisfied as the food was delicious and I was left with a grin on my face like a laughing Buddha.

Speaking of laughter, tonight a bunch of us are heading into town to check out the ‘Big Wednesday night’ at the Comedy Club on Queen Street. I’m looking forward to a bit of rib-tickling fun!

See you ’round like a rissole

Auckland Girl

The red shoes

By hokey Auckland, I’m looking forward to the weekend!

Despite the fact that it’s only Wednesday, it’s been a long week (and the weather has been nothing but boring rain) so I’m looking forward to fun times with good company.

Heading to Ponsonby Road for a few drinks and a bite to eat tomorrow, and I’ll be donning the red shoes on Saturday for a solid Girls Night Out. Destination yet known at this stage but we’ll probably kick off at the Mt Eden flat and aim for the direction of town. Whoot!

Until next time, here’s to sunnier weather eh – and may I just add here’s to remembering on Armistice Day.

Auckland Girl