New Zealand International Film Festival

Visit www.nziff.co.nz

Christchurch 7-23 August
Timaru 18-23 August

Family Fun: Action Karts

It was one of those weekends that flew by due to the dauntingly busy schedules that large families bring. Every child has their need and accommodating this all together creates a fast and furious time warp. And on the note of fast, we found ourselves enjoying a brief stop at Action Karts. Ages 8+ can enjoy lap after lap of high speed fun sold in 10 minute increments. Friendly service and a safe clean track deliver the perfect pit stop for fun times. 

Click here for details: http://www.actionkarts.co.nz/

KidsFest 2015: The Year of Light

Winter holidays are around the corner, so that means KidsFest has released this year's catalog with heaps of fun, and oftentimes free, activities for kids. Arts,  sports, music, drama, nature and shows are just an idea of what's in store this season. Get with the programme and start booking.

www.kidsfest.co.nz

Single Butterfly

Scenes from Our Real (Working) Life

We ventured into the rubble to capture this shot. Working with children is joy. Just look at that gorgeous face!

Doctor's Office Choice Reads

Full Moon Morning Sky

Photo Focus

Here's a look at what we've been up to in our real working life. 

Enjoy.

Get Moving, Christchurch!: The Breeze Walking Festival

We managed to pick up this coveted little guide just in time for the warm weather. The Breeze Walking Festival Guide is an annual calendar of walking quick trips, treks and a few journeys that will get you and the family up and moving now. Events run 27 September - 5 October, with a few even running until 12 October. Embrace this beautiful weather and take a hike!
Grab your handy little walking festival guide today which includes a convenient pull-out calendar of events while you're out and about or click here for more information.

Princess Kate Visits New Zealand in Style

Princess Kate is down under visiting gorgeous New Zealand for her inaugural visit. She has brought husband, baby and her amazing wardrobe along with her. Though I sometimes feel her style can be defined as Queen in Training, her custom designed Jenny Packham black dress here is a stunner and even catapults her style to another level. It is way more than an LBD. It is embellished with the distinctly New Zealand symbol of the Silver Fern. Legend has it that the plant once lived in the water and had the strength to survive on land, too. A beautiful dress and like everything she wears, it fits perfectly. The details here are stunning. Not overdone and quite symbolic of her visit down under. Good on her. 

FYI: New Zealand is still a part of the British Commonwealth with their allegiance to Crown. 

Just a thought: The Duchess wore a wedding dress that cost $400,000, has custom made pieces like this Jenny Packham, is photographed in many a designer piece but I do wonder if she ever just wants to wear jeans?

Mushrooms

Christchurch City Libraries Book Sale

Book and sale are two of my favorite words so when the Christchurch City Libraries Annual Book Sale was announced, we were overwhelmed. Events are at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre. There are books for all of us moms, dads, kids and babies. The artist, hobbyist, techie, musician and dabbler will all find book prices to shop with the best of them. With children's books priced at $1 and that is just the start of it. 

Hours are as follows:
Friday March 21       9-7 (note the later hours tonight)
Saturday March 22  9-4

Ample parking but come early  to #shopsmart and though they provide bags, bring your own! It's good for the earth and there are a lot of books. We went this morning and are now off to shop for a bookshelf...or two.

Pay with cash and EFTPOS only.
Pool and coffee bar in the same facility. Check available hours.