Off to the races - Day 12

It was the big day of the Melbourne Cup, so friends decided to hold a cup day party in honor of the big occasion.  A great reason to have a BBQ picnic in the middle of the week!

Emma prepared a Kiwi delicacy - White bait patties as an entree followed by lamp chops and sausages.

This is a true Kiwi first for me so I thought I should share the experience.

 

The White Bait patties consist of little white baits (fish) cooked like an omelet seasoned with salt and pepper.  They were delish, but couldn't help but take pity on the little fish that was looking back at me while I was eating.  We all had a bit of a laugh over it.

 

L to R - Emma, Kayla, myself and Sally

Shirt: Undercurrent

Scarf: Marshalls

Cardi: Staple from Depeche Mode

Capris: GH Bass

Heels: Banana Republic

Since I was in my 30-for-30 I pulled the girls in with me for a shot.  They were very good sports! We were not dressed to the nines as they do here in NZ for the races, but we had fun anyway. 

PS - Thomas' horse won the cup!

Time out for some hiking!

One of the very best things about living in New Zealand is that EVERYTHING is so close.  We live 1/2 hour from mountains, 15 min from the ocean and it is the capitol of all outdoor activities.  

One Saturday morning we woke up and my dear husband announced we were going hiking today and we were leaving in 20 min.  Something you should know about me is that I like to be spontaneous, but I need a bit of notice - like more than 20 min, also I do not function very well without my coffee in the morning.  Needless to say I was in a state of shock for the first 5 min, then pouting as we girls do sometimes, and finally compromise as long as we stopped for a long black(aka the closest think to black brewed coffee in NZ) on the way.  So off we went to Mt. Somers in our hiking clothes, coffee in hand, happy couple, all was good in the world.

 At the beginning of the bus stop overhang route

 Still waking up and eternally walking uphill.  Thomas' legs are way longer, so he goes on ahead. 

Thomas' trademark pose.  Walking across a tussock plateau pointing at the Southern Alps.

 Mom- we found a heart rock!

 

Swinging bridge, almost to the Woolshed creek hut half way through.  

 We made it! 

On the way back out.  Amazing hike on a beautiful NZ summer day.  Although I was hesitant at first, I am so glad we did this.  It took us about 5 hours in total and we loved every minute!

In the words of a very famous friend http://jalexanderphotography.blogspot.com/: Get Outside!

Day 11: In love with my tiered skirt.

Day 11 -  This is my J.Crew tiered skirt and it has become my new favorite thing out of my 30 day clothing combination.  My 2nd new favorite thing is finding all kids of new fashion blogs through this challenge - like wearing it on my sleeve and lizziepunch just to name a few. 

 My darling little sister Carolyn gave me the skirt and the shoes.  She kindly reminded me today that she has supplied over half of my 30-for-30 wardrobe (thanks dear).  She is happy to pass on styling tips - trying to get her to do a guest post as well to share her fashion with the world. I wish I could share her with everyone, but I can't she's mine.

Skirt: J.Crew - gift

Shirt: American collection from JcPenney

Belt: Marshalls

Shoes: Michael Kors - gift

Earrings: Thrifted

Belting the shirt makes me feel better about having the shirt tucked into the skirt.  Sometimes I don't love where it hits my stomach and the belt helps to hide that.  I am working on my 6 pack, but it's taking longer than I thought ;)

Happy Friday from New Zealand!  Summer is here and we are loving it.

Day 10

Really starting to love my 30 day challenge.  It's forcing me to be creative with the clothing I have instead of always running out to buy the latest and greatest.  A friend of mine said it's a way of teaching yourself self discipline.  Since that isn't one of my strong suits I say bring it on, I'm ready!

Cardi: JCrew

Shirt: Merona for Target

Skirt: Kenzie

Shoes: Gift from my sister :)

Sorry the pics are a bit blurry, we have been a bit rushed moving out of one house and into another.  Add to that daily picture taking and life gets a bit hectic.  Thanks for taking me for who I am and what life's throwing at me for the moment.  I am really enjoying this skirt.  It never used to be my favorite piece in the wardrobe, but I am realizing it's more versatile than I first thought.

Kudos to my fantastic photographer whose passion is not fashion, but he is still helping anyways!

Looking fine # 9

Cardi: Staple from Depeche Mode

Shirt: Charisma boutique in Indianapolis, IN

Skirt: J.Crew gift from my sis

Belt: Marshalls

Shoes: Michael Kors

It was a beautiful day for a spring skirt.  I have really loved this skirt belted and am excited about the combinations I have been able to make with this challenge.  Thanks Kendi!  If anyone else wants to try it out check out www.kendieveryday.blogspot.com  to sign up for the 30 for 30 challenge!  I would love to see what everyone else can do with their wardrobe :)

the most important thing...

Hi guys it's Ali... Jenna and I were chatting about blogging and she said I could do a guest post! I've never blogged before so I was very nervous. It took me all night to think about what I should post. It came to me that I should just talk about the thing that is most important to me...my family and specifically for this post, my sisters!

Since we have been far apart for so long, we have little things we like to do to keep us together at heart. Of course we talk on the phone and email and skype and text and send pictures but we also have special things that remind us of each other. I tried taking a picture of the necklace I am wearing today with my blackberry so bear with the blurriness. All of the charms have a meaning and they all relate back to my sisters. One is from Carolyn's first mission trip to Mexico, one is to commemorate me getting married, one was the original charm that we all have that started the sister necklace and another marks the weekend that Jenna came to visit me in Indy. I could keep going but I'm sure that you understand. A bonus is that this necklace is part of my 30:30 ...16 more days to go!

Thanks Jennie for letting me post today!

"The best thing about having a sister was that I always had a friend." - Cali Rae Turner

Eight Eight a little bit late!

Shirt: Wish from Depeche Mode

Skirt: gift from my sister

Shoes: Nine West

We got a bit carried away with these photos.  Didn't realize most were out of focus till the very end, but I think you can still get the feel for the outfit.  I love the shirt because it has such a luxurious feel with the subtle detail of the puffy sleeves.  The skirt also carries a bit of a surprise with an exposed zip at the back (hard to see in the picture).  

Just another Monday in New Zealand.

Day 7

Wanaka weekend came to a close with a BBQ at the Lamborn house, so I decided that Hannah - owner of the Depeche Mode would have to model outfit #7 with me.  Seemed fitting as she is quite stylish herself and has been helping to hold me accountable for my 30 days.

 Hannah-

Featuring clothing from Depeche Mode, Ashburton

Me - 

Shirt: Forever 21

Jeans: Rugby

Belt: J. Crew

 The boys watching their latest hunting expedition in the mountains :)

Ross = Thomas' hunting buddy

Hannah = my shopping buddy

All in all a very good match!

Side Note: Somehow in the midst of my 30 days of fashion we decided to move house, throw a Halloween party and have a garage sale all in the same weekend.  While it seemed like a good idea at the time... I have to be honest... I strayed from the path of fashion and broke the 30-for-30 rules for my Halloween costume! (pictures will soon follow)

Time out-

Sorry for not posting the last few days.  Thomas and I just finished shifting house this weekend.   With the help of our sweet Ashvegas friends Sally, Mark and the Robinson family we were able to get everything sold, cleaned and shifted in two days!  Thanks to all who helped :)

More posts to come, just be patient.  It took me 20 min this morning to find out where one pair of shoes for my 30-for-30 collection were, but I stayed true to the challenge!