On a busy office day, the temptation to remove yet another decision between meetings and grab a boring sandwich and a packet of crisps makes total sense. But, there’s an unfettered joy to be had when you have full access to your own kitchen – these 15 lunch ideas for working from home are some of my favourites. Did you know that according to research one third of Britons eat the same lunch daily, and… View Post
Have you ever seen those quirky, slightly jerky videos where items dance around the screen? They’re probably stop motions – a simple animation consisting of photos stitched cleverly together. I’ve been playing with a few of them recently, and as per popular request, put together this post detailing exactly how to make a stop motion video. I’ve been a little obsessed with them since I discovered Wallace and Gromit – and was delighted to discover… View Post
We certainly hadn’t planned on spending this much time at home, and it’s been interesting trying to find a bit of an entertainment groove. I thought I’d share 9 things I’ve been doing during lockdown (between the days that we’ve really struggled with this comfortable but stifling state). It’s a combination of proactive and relaxing activities – and we’re cutting ourselves a lot of slack – but it’s nice to have a combination of modern… View Post
Piping hot, fluffy scones with mouth watering nuggets of dates, topped with butter melting into their hot surface. If you keep reading, consider yourself warned that this date scones recipe is addictive – made with simple store cupboard ingredients, they are ridiculously easy and scrumptious. Sorry, where was I? Oh yeah. Date Scones. These, savoury muffins and pikelets (aka “scotch pancakes” for my Brits) are cornerstones of my Kiwi childhood. Memories of the kitchen full… View Post
Let me level with you – this feels a little weird to gather a list of 70 travel blog post ideas with everything going on in the world with Coronavirus. But, based on surveys, the stats of my blog and activity on Pinterest, many people are enjoying reading travel inspiration, whilst they are sheltering in their homes. It can help to dream. If you’re a travel blogger who needs a little inspiration, someone who loves… View Post
During these unusual times that we’re in, taking inspiration from the world around us and from past adventures is a great way to spice up meal times – both figuratively and literally. Because of this, we decided on ‘travelling by plate’ as this month’s travel linkup purely because it was a delicious walk down memory lane. So I’ve decided to travel via my own kitchen. In this hop of 7 continents I fancied sharing some… View Post
If we were having coffee, with the peculiar situation that the world is in right now, we would be sitting in our own homes, probably having a catch up over video. Coronavirus (Covid-19) has been officially internationally declared a pandemic, we’re all sheltering in our homes to help reduce the infection rate and New Zealand’s Prime Minister offically declared the Easter Bunny a key worker. Sadly families around the world have been affected by this… View Post
I’m often asked for examples of classic New Zealand food, and to be honest, I struggle to answer as it’s such a multicultural country. Except for Hangi, Bacon & Egg Pie and maybe Pavlova (let’s not open that Australasian kettle of arguments), ANZAC Biscuits are perhaps one of the most iconic Kiwi/Australian recipes. They’re excellent for curing homesickness. Oh, and if you’re looking for a no egg, low flour cookie recipe, you’ve come to the… View Post
When I spotted this Q&A on Audrey Louise’s blog, something compelled me to take her lead [inspired by Kezzie originally] and throw my answers in as well about when it’s all over. If I’m being completely honest, I haven’t thought very much about the future. I’ve always been a very firm proponent of living in the moment (except when it comes to travel plans, it’s always nice to have the next adventure in the making) and… View Post
I was dozing on the couch, soaking in the sunshine pouring through the windows, and hazily an idea surfaced. I remembered that even though we’re staying safe (and keeping those we love safer) by not going out, there are definitely ways to travel whilst at home. Travel is a welcome distraction from worry, something that brings joy – and if you’ve got children, a good way to explore the world and teach them about other… View Post
I have a bad habit. A rather terrible habit that drives Mr Kiwi pretty crazy – I’m one of the biggest bookworms I know – and believe me, I know a few. So I thought I’d pop together this ‘books to read’ list A to Z edition, because who doesn’t love a list! Disclosure: post contains affiliate links – but is no extra cost to you. You’re thinking, “that’s not such a bad habit it’s not illegal,… View Post
For years Mr Kiwi and I have had a tradition that if we aren’t out for brunch, we’ll make something delicious at home. So when we were sitting down and writing our grocery shopping list this week, we threw around a few ideas and whittled our favourites down to these 9 ideas for brunch at home. It makes the weekend that little bit more special (something important in quarantine times) – and perfect whilst we… View Post
You know how you have Travel Dreams (those ones complete with capital letters) that you keep tucked away in your heart of hearts? Well, although we’re currently on lockdown in the UK and unable to take a trip at the moment, there’s nothing to stop us from planning and dreaming about getting out on the open road when the time is right. Disclosure: This post was commissioned by Bailey of Bristol who have been manufacturing… View Post
There been so much going on in the world recently, and if we were having a coffee right now, it would probably be a Delgado (Tiktok) coffee sitting on our back garden patio. At acceptable socially distant length apart or via video call obviously. This month for the travel link up we wanted to share some positivity – so I thought I’d share 9 things making me happy recently.
Whilst we have more downtime than we usually get, I thought I’d get up-to-date with a few of my Blog chores, improving SEO and traffic. You know the ones I mean, those nagging bits and piece that you keep meaning to do, but don’t quite get around to (Hello Twitter and Instagram procrastination) but not now! I thought it might help to share a few of the things that I like to try and do… View Post
I don’t know about you, but this seems like the perfect time to curl up with a few stories of magic, mysticism and lands beyond our wildest dreams. These 9 fantasy books perfect for a little escapism might just be what you need – I know I’ve pulled them out again for a second (or third) read. Disclosure: post contains affiliate links – but is no extra cost to you. I loved these 9 fantasy… View Post
This Saffron Circle Restaurant Review could almost be summarized in two words: Vada Pao. If you know, you know. I’ve used a few more than two words for this Swiss Cottage restaurant, but all they’re totally worth it. Disclosure: We were invited guests of Saffron Circle, but I’m definitely planning on going back. In fact, I’ve been back for Vada Pao since I did the lunch review and I’m planning to take Mr Kiwi and his… View Post
For nearly 3 long years as a freelancer, I’ve been under the steady paw of home management, overseen by a small [but very business-oriented] Tabby cat. In light of current events, I thought I’d put together this grandly titled ‘Ultimate Guide to Working From Home’ as I’ve been getting a lot of questions about tips for working from home. Get your laptop out, your preferred method of calendar setting, make sure you have a decent… View Post
Sometimes as a Londoner you get to experience really special moments that you actually can’t imagine would happen and dining under the incredible sweeping staircase of the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel was one of those. Disclosure: we were guests of the hotel, but all thoughts are my own. The beautiful St. Pancras station is one of my favourite places in London – those majestic gothic arches captured my heart many years ago, and the interiors… View Post
If we were having coffee, I’d very much hope it was on my hotel balcony, overlooking the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The sun would be shining, there would be a local band playing over the other side of the river and the only plans we’d have would be to do another Pinxtos crawl later today. That’s a bit specific, sorry… What else happened this month?