Friday, December 19, 2008

Teahouse Adventures

Last sunday myself, Liv and Alex decided to go exploring. This idea took us to a quaint little place called Matakana, about an hour and a half north of Auckland and very familiar to many foodies who travel there on sunday mornings for the farmers' markets. 
Matakana is a lovely little village full of things like fresh blueberry icecream, op shops, vintage stores and boutiques, pubs, pottery and an enchanting little teahouse by the name of Brookview.


Set in a restored villa (with an interesting story behind it) amongst manicured lawns and well maintained gardens, this teahouse was tranquil and lovely in a way that is very rare in today's world of fast food and gourmet restaurants.


The three of us selected from a large and enticing range of teas available, accompanied by lovely fresh scones served with jam, cream and little paper doilies! Although we had spent the day pigging out and were too full to eat more, the ladies at the next table enjoyed a high tea that looked delicious, served on those delicate silver three-tiered trays my grandmother used to have. The decor was lovely, the staff were friendly and the whole experience was utterly delightful. 



If you ever need a break or would just like to spend a lovely day in the country, the Brookview Teahouse is a really great place to go. We loved it and if you appreciate dainty things, you will too.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Reindeer and Friends

It is officially silly season. Crazy women fighting each other off for their desired item are filling the once peaceful shops of Auckland...and I am afraid.

Nevertheless, it is still Christmas and therefore time to spread the love (just not to the scary women jostling for position in the checkout queue). So today I am introducing Reindeer and friends, who will be greeting all of my family and friends when I mail my Christmas cards, probably the day after Christmas. Oh well, the thought was there...

I just hope I don't get a Reintoaster for Christmas.

2 weeks to go...

Today is exactly 2 weeks until I fly out to Canada, which is the main reason I am starting this blog. The countdown is officially on and to start it off I am saying hello to the blogging world!

So... hello world.