New Zealand Trip 2019!

Kia Ora everyone! Wow what an absolutely incredible week I had in New Zealand attending the Annual Onstage event for Stampin’Up!

To say I was excited was an understatement! This would be my very first overseas trip and I couldn’t think of a prettier and more welcoming place to go!

As I was guest speaking in NZ we left 2 days earlier so my little heart wouldn’t misbehave too much…. sadly it doesn’t like travelling but I do!

I cant tell you how excited I was to get on board and start our journey! Here I am at the Departure lounge with my ever so sexy compression stockings on! Sadly they are a must with a heart condition and anyone else with circulatory issues….. I was glad I wasn’t the only one rocking them!

Check out those SEXY compression stockings haha

The obligatory I’m getting on a plane shot!! I cant wait to scrapbook this experience!

As my hubby was unable to get away from work I had to have a support team! My lovely baby sister and her hubby already had a tripped planned for NZ but they brought it forward so I would have a family member over there in case things went pair shaped!

My other support person was my gorgeous friend of 18 years and fabulous downline Katie who came to celebrate Onstage with me! What an amazing friend, right?

My gorgeous friend, travel partner and downline!
Can you tell Im excited! haha

We arrived late afternoon to our hotel to this spectacular sight! The SkyTower is an incredible piece of architecture that absolutely blew my mind!

After a restful nights sleep we decided to do a little exploring…or the way my photos tell the story we dined all day oops!

Upon wakening we ended up in a very cool water front restaurant called Amano! The ceilings were adorned with the most spectacular dried floral bouquets. I loved that they had kept the history of the building with some modern twists!

I wish buildings could share their stories! I love how the owners kept a beautiful balance of new versus old.

Could our breakfast date be any cuter! This is my darling niece Estelle who everyone knows I am her favourite Aunty!

After a beautiful leisurely walk along the deck, Katie & I enjoyed the most delicious ice cream! Mine had lashings of caramel, the old fashioned kind like my grandma used to make!

We then went off to the Sky Tower Convention Room for my rehearsal! The Ceo Sara & mum Shelli owner of Stampin’Up! were sitting in the front row waiting for me to begin…..talk about being nervous! For those who have never met these two incredible women they are the most caring, considerate and welcoming women on the planet!

It was so exciting to get a sneak peak of what was to come!

After the dress rehearsal Katie and I met up with our other gorgeous friend and demo Monica for a spot of lunch at the beautiful Ferry Building! What an incredible view with food to match!

So after a well deserved rest we went out to dinner at one of the most beautiful restaurants in NZ called The Grove! Anyone that knows me well knows that other than loving craft I have a fine appreciate for cooking beautiful food and eating it. The Grove menu is a selection of Degustations.

For those who love a good food menu keep reading otherwise skip to the pictures!

Our starter consisted of fresh Oysters with raspberry pearls and golden fried cheese balls coated in black caviar powder. Sadly I forgot to take a picture of it! Our bread rolls were accompanied by grapefruit and cinnamon butter. This was followed by New Zealand tuna Carpaccio with apricot and miso ice cream, tempura capers, kiwi fruit 3 ways and mini onion rings.

Our next course could only be described as a delight to all the senses. A earthy centre piece was brought out with dry ice inside, a mushroom jus was poured over for an aromatic element. The meals itself was a mushroom shaped muffin with the consistency of a melt in your mouth soufflé with mushrooms 5 ways! It was then followed by Wagu eye fillet sitting on a bed of shredded beef with beef jus, deep fried stuffed brussel sprouts and accompanied by a hazelnut purée.

We then had a palette cleanser of Lemon ices encrusted with powdered tangerine. This was followed by a popcorn parfait consisting of caramelised popcorn ice cream with fejoa jam and topped with a vodka and fejoa sorbet. Last but certainly not least we finished off with a miso fudge!

Amazing!!