The engagement continued.

d
Feeling quite blessed to be able to capture two of my best friends, on such a special occasion. It is so enjoyable photographing friends - nobody minds that you're walking around with a camera in tow, or in my case, a camera and a baby. Everybody is relaxed, smiling, drunk and/or happy. Nobody seems to have any inhibitions in front of the camera, like we might have, years ago. I love sitting in my study editing the shots, because I can't help but feel when I look at some of them, that Max will ask one day: who's that? And I can tell him about how our stories intertwine. We are so lucky to have the friends that we do, we're all so different but still manage to look at the world in a similar way. My friends are fun, self-deprecating, humble, creative, smart (so very smart), and kind. And you don't get a much better person than Olly, someone above was on top form when he was made, or as vivacious and generous as Beas. I couldn't be happier that they'll always be part of my life.

An engagement preview.

Yesterday played host to a engagement party in a garden in Grey Lynn. It was such a fun day with friends, and Beas (always such a host) made some delicious food (some of which was transported all the way up from Wellington with Nicole on the plane!). Some of the deliciousness included salmon with dill and cream cheese; bruschetta with pea, mint and feta; brownies; caramelised onions with goat's cheese and thyme; and copious amounts of bread from Il Forno (at least I think that is where it was from?). The weather was perfect - Auckland is really on form at the moment, and I am told it went until the early hours (life is quite different now that I have young Max). Here are a few shots, will publish some more soon I hope. Hope you find your phone Beas.

To Beas and Olly!

x

Date night - with the girls.

Tonight I'm off on a date with the girls. Nothing better than a yummy dinner with a bottle of wine or two - and banter of course. Plus pretty excited to have Zach babysit Maxime! Here's a shot I was commissioned to take by Tony at Clooney, to celebrate their new menu, late last year. And while we are not quite heading to Clooney, it should be pretty fun all the same.

In other news, I'm busy cooking up some delicious caramelised onions with goat's cheese and thyme for Beas' engagement party tomorrow. I'm also taking all the photos of the lovely couple, so stay tuned for some beautiful engagement-day pics.

And, tomorrow is also Zach's 28th birthday! Planning a delicious breakfast at home of fresh coffee, poached eggs with grilled tomato and prosciutto with delicious sour dough bread. I can't wait for him to open his presents from Maxime and me.

I've also recently finished 'Open', Andre Agassi's autobiography. It is amazing, if you haven't read it you must get a copy. I'm not even a major sports person and I couldn't put it down.

Also, if you are film nut like me, you should head along and check out this incredible interview with some of today's most celebrated directors (Quentin Tarantino - Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Reservoir Dogs; Gus Van Sant - Good Will Hunting, Milk; David O Russell - Silver Linings Playbook, The Fighter; Tom Hooper - The King's Speech, Les Mis, and Ben Affleck - who is literally in awe of all of his idols) and hear them all in an open conversation with The Hollywood Reporter. It literally is one of the best things I have watched all year - and I am incredibly fussy.

A family affair.

I'm quite encouraged by some really nice feedback I've received about the blog, which has given me the energy to do another post.

Last week the whole family (including our two dogs) took a leisurely stroll up Mt Wellington. I know, I know, you're wondering why would we choose Mt Wellington over Mt Eden or Remuera's Mt Hobson? Until you've walked these hills extensively, you're likely to ask this question time and time again. The truth is, there is an apocalyptic feel to Mt Wellington which is breathtaking. The grass is burnt yellow, it's devoid of people (perhaps because people do think of it as an undesirable location) and you can literally drive up into the heart of the crater. The surrounding hills are steep and rugged, and it is the perfect vantage point for an industrial view of the city. The dogs love it there, and I love the fact you scarcely come across anybody on a full walk of the volcano. I hope it remains undesirable for a long time so that I can take Maxime for solo adventures here for years to come.

PS. Before you ask, yes, that is my Shih Tzu keeping up with the big boy (our blue heeler) giving hell to the tennis ball. She's awesome.

A New Year.

Happy 2013. I am so sorry, I can see that people have been checking if I have updated the blog, but alas I have been busy! We had such a lovely Christmas dinner with family - big turkey, lots of stuffing, plenty of champagne and wine - and of course, presents. We even implemented a new tradition, a lavish Christmas day breakfast at our new home. Maxime was very excited to receive his very own Jolly Jumper (which by the way is still rocking the same packaging from the year it launched!) and his very own Meccano toy airplane that Zach had to assemble. I was spoiled too, Jo Malone, new books, CDs, a new DVD series (The Sopranos - meant to see it years ago), outdoor furniture and more...lucky girl.

We've been enjoying gin and tonics, campari on ice and rosés in the sun. Maxime has enjoyed his first swim at the beach and at our family pool, who knew he would be such a water baby.

Today we've celebrated three years of marriage. I've got to say, I am so lucky to be married to such a fun, hilarious, awesome-taste-in-films-and-music, kind of guy. He also happens to be an incredible father - I am totally and utterly blessed.

On Saturday we drove out to Piha, stopped off at The Refreshment Room and took Maxy down to the beach. This coming Saturday we are trying to decide where to celebrate three years...Meredith's or Clooney? I'm swaying towards the latter, it's always more fun.

On another note, one of my bestest friends in the entire world got engaged to another ridiculously good friend. There is nothing better than celebrating with friends who you know are made for one another. Here's to you Beas - you'll look smokin' hot on your wedding day.

Christmas shopping.

Christmas shopping was a success! Mainly due to being able to find quite a few presents at Country Road, which meant I was able to get through a fair bit of my list within a few hours. Maxime even did pretty well considering the crowds, and only let out the odd protest before settling into a deep slumber. My one gripe at Christmas time is bad wrapping, so I always take it upon myself each year to wrap my own gifts. This year I took inspiration from my friend Lizi, who used leaves on her presents, but kept it festive by adding some red stripey paper too. Hope you like them - I'm already thinking of how I will wrap them next year!

PS. How amazing is this weather! My new home is a sauna, I don't think I have ever had the issue of too much light before - not really a bad problem to have. My power bill last month was only $50! I seem to be living in some sort of dream house that manages to evade normal power consumption.

The summer soiree.

Here are a few of the beautiful shots from the weekend summer soiree hosted by J&P. We can't wait to meet their baby in June. Don't you think Jessie looks absolutely radiant? She is positively glowing - if only all pregnant women looked this good! She is one of the lucky ones. We are so happy for both of them.

A baby celebration.

I've had such a lovely weekend. First and foremost, my beautiful friend Lauren came to stay to meet Maxime - they got on like a house on fire (even if he wasn't quite on his best behaviour) and enjoyed lots of wine and tapas.

And, I was very fortunate to be asked to capture one of the most beautiful couples I know, baby announcement. Here's a very small teaser (without people) because I need to check with the couple before I post any of the photos. Jessie has such an eye for detail, the home looked stunning - champagne, macarons, lanterns throughout the garden, and my favourite detail of all? Announcing their pending arrival in custom made fortune cookies. You should have seen the reactions! And, I was very impressed that the sushi in this shot was made by her very talented husband. It was such an honour to be able to capture such a special moment.

The gang.

These little boys were all born within six days of each other. They are now all almost four months old (Maxime is 16 weeks tomorrow). It's really incredible watching them begin to interact with one another. R smiles all of the time at L and Maxime, and Maxime quite likes R's arm for chewing on. We are really lucky as mums to be able to share all of their milestones because they are so close in age. I think they will become quite close wee friends.

M also bought me these beautiful flowers as a move-in present - aren't they gorgeous?

In other news, Maxime mastered his first roll yesterday!

Old friends.

My husband and L met when they were ten or so when L came to New Zealand after his family transferred from the U.K. My husband was on the front of the school's prospectus, and L remembers looking at him and thinking, 'there is no way I am going to a school with kids like that'. But they bonded over their insane sense of humour, and almost 20 years later, their lives seemed to have reached all of the same milestones, at the same time.

When my husband rang L up to tell him he was going to propose to me, L announced first that he had proposed to E; their wedding, was almost exactly one month before ours in snowy Dorset. And, when my husband, two years later rang L to tell him we were having a baby, L jumped in first to announce that he and E were expecting. Funnily enough, it seems that without even talking about it, they do everything at the same time even though they are worlds apart.

We were very happy on Sunday to catch up with Tony & Denise, L's parents for a lovely French breakfast. There's something very special about introducing Maxime to people that mean so much to us. We just can't wait to meet Freddie.

Playing.

Maxime is getting rather good with his hands and feet! He loves playing with his little gym, and he has this immense sense of satisfaction each time he manages to grab a ring. We are about to head out to see my mum for lunch, as you can imagine, she is completely smitten with her grandson.

Moving house.

First things first, the white floors are now beautiful. They re-did them and used a different product, and they have come out exactly as I had hoped, very white (with a greyish undertone) and glossy. They have totally changed the front of the house, it now feels airy and light, and more in keeping with the lofty living room out the back. I whipped around and took a few shots, as you can see, our bedroom gets lovely morning light. Maxime's little nursery is filled to the brim with books, art (including the Mo Money B.I.G poster - had to buy it for him given his nickname is Mo - will take a photo of it for the blog soon, it's in a lovely big white frame), and all of his toys. It is so nice to finally have a room for him (in our last flat he really was confined to a makeshift nursery /  our ex study), so to have a room that is totally dedicated to him is really nice.

Things I've learned about moving home:

1. It's best not to do it with a three-month-old.
2. Definitely get the floors sorted before you move in, or you will never do it.
3. Live in the home for a bit before you decide to make any major changes (I was going to paint the living room completely white, but now that I see how bright it is, I've changed my mind).
4. Invest in professional cleaning for wherever you have moved from (the last thing you want to deal with is your last home's mess).

Things I love about my home:

1. How warm and sunny it is.
2. That our neighbours on every side of the house are warm and friendly and SUPER nice.
3. That we have room in our kitchen for a table that looks out over the backyard.
4. Cooking on gas (how I managed with a two-burner electric stove top for the last six years I will never know).

Once I've completely unpacked I'll take some more photos. But I thought these quick ones would suffice for now. PS, as you can see, my new home still smells like my old one! Still LOVING Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir, I have the whole collection now, I literally get inundated with mail from Jo Malone, perhaps I've inadvertently become one of their top customers. Oops.