With the holiday season fast approaching here are some great ideas to spice your silly season up…
1) The Huff Post did recently post an article about giving your partner sex every night. WHAT? EVERY night? Seriously? Surely that is unrealistic? But I am sure your husband/partner/girlfriend/wife/boyfriend would appreciate a special treat – maybe think about wrapping yourself up in nothing but a big red Xmas bow! (and paying a trip to www.dvice.co.nz).
2) How about having some fun and booking a glamour photography shoot! Makes a great present that can be cherished for years to come. Take a look at Miss T Pinups to see how awesome you can look (if you live in Auckland).
3) A relaxingly romantic couples massage with soothing essential oils. Mauri Ora Wellness in Titirangi sounds incredible and will even come to your home. I think I’m going to book in for me and My Darling!
4) Take a road trip to Te Aroha and visit NZ’s only hot water soda springs – book the couples clawfoot baths complete with candles, chocolates and sweet smelling aromatherapy. You will leave feeling soothed and smooth from the slightly silica water!
5) A good old-fashioned candlelit dinner for two. At Orbit 360, SkyCity, you can watch the sunset over Auckland City and enjoy every angle of the horizon while the restaurant rotates!
Let me know if you have any other romantic gift ideas to add to the list!
Lucky in Love Hen Parties are guaranteed to get you and your girls giggling with our interactive games and quizzes!
The first round is a quiz and you have three themes to choose from: Sex and the City, Twilight (Vampires & Werewolves) and Fifty Shades of Grey. In the second round you get to dream up a celebrity couple and design your own magazine spread which is then presented to the group. Last, but not least you’ll enjoy a selection of famous chick flicks. Throughout there will be prizes and a goodie bag for the bride.
I finally made it to the hairdresser for a long overdue colour – my regrowth was shocking. And it was making me look way old – in fact, it was making me look my age.
I’m feeling a bit more touchy than usual about my age because I’m due for another birthday next month. Next month which is tomorrow. I can’t bring myself to say my age aloud anymore. I never thought I would be one of those people who was embarrassed by their age. But it turns out I am. So I say “I’m Jennifer Aniston’s age”. It makes me feel better because she’s still pretty hot for a woman her age.
So, speaking of Jennifer Aniston – the magazines in the hairdresser are the latest – and she was on the cover and the headline was something about her getting married. And I thought – hmmm I’m sure I read somewhere else months ago that she had a secret wedding in Hawaii already. Then of course there are the recent baby rumours which her publicists had to formally deny and I remembered all the rumoured pregnancies she’s had over the years. If you believe the womans mags and tabloids she would have been married about ten times already and had a dozen babies!
Being an ‘older’ bride to be myself I know it comes with a bit of extra pressure (even though it will be exciting to celebrate me and My Darling sharing our lives together) so let’s hope Jen really has found true lasting love with Justin Theroux and doesn’t have to suffer any more unnecessary publicity drama.
Even though my friends tell me age doesn’t matter when it comes to being married – I still think ‘Go Jen!’ and all other brides who have found happiness and are brave enough to take the plunge a bit later in life!!!
The other exciting (if you believe in true love) / interesting (if you’re more level headed) news from the royal palace is that Prince Andrew and Fergie are officially going to remarry! That’s if you can believe the gossip mags!!
Their romance first began way back in the 80s (Fergies bouffy hair is a giveaway as well as the pouffy wedding dress). Unlike Charles and Di they actually look genuinely happy on their wedding day.
Apparently they’ve been quoted as saying they’re “the world’s happiest unmarried couple” and have been living under the same roof as her ex and her two daughters for most of the 17 years they have been separated and over the years have appeared happy posing together for family holiday paparazzi pics.
Old Fergie has had quite a scandalous/adventurous few decades – the toe sucking incident springs to mind as well as her much documented weight battle leading to a Jennie Craig spokesperson role and her venture into childrens book writing.
But for a couple who have had such a huge burden placed on them from external sources due to their royalty – not to mention the everyday personal pressure of being in a relationship – you have to think good on them for giving it another go.
As long as they are happy, let’s hope it’s second time lucky!
I think the before and after photos show they still seem as happy now as they were almost 30 years ago!!
See the purple colour?? Well, that’s not supposed to be there! And a 10year old could have sewn the beaded applique better.
Aaaarrrrghhhh.
I knew someone who bought their wedding dress online – it was a very elaborate Spanish embroidered gown which looked fantastic. So, although I was dubious about ordering direct from China – I kept this success story in mind, as well as the fact I was saving about a grand which could be better put towards booze for the reception – or the honeymoon – or a deposit towards a first home.
Realising I wasn’t going to get a perfect version dress, but something pretty close at a cost effective price, I ignored it and hoped for the best.
But I did not expect it to have purple dye, unbalanced embellishments, a hole in a pocket or too much padding in the bra making it impossible to zip up!!
A few days later and I still have not heard from the store and it would be wishful thinking if I did – they are in China and there are no consumer rights there sadly. What I will be doing though is writing a strong online review so no-one else experiences the same disappointment with this store. And publishing their name in this blog.
My advice would be, if you are choosing online, is to use a store that is recommended to you personally. You can’t trust the online reviews – it’s all hype, not truth, and certainly not ones for stores in countries where there is no such thing as ‘the customer is always right’.
It feels good doesn’t it??! Go on, feel the aaaarrrrghhh then RAAAARRRRGHHHH!!!!
Don’t ask me how I got onto this but the author, Keith Holden, must have come up on my twitter feed randomly and we had a brief chat and then I forgot to go and get his book…
until I saw it on a library stand!
Funnily enough he lives on Ibiza (nice for some) and is mates with the old Barefoot Doctor. Remember him?
Unlike the Barefoot Doctor’s teachings the Power of Raaaarrrgh is more primordial and makes the most amazing sense. He also references the Secret, the Secret, the Secret’s Dr John Demartini which I like alot.
Here’s just a snippet:
We can be so busy focusing on what happened in the past or projecting the future, we forget that neither of these realities is happening now…we forget that the future is unwritten and our potential is limitless.
If you read one self development book, this one is fun!
Me and My Darling’s romantic winter weekend away wasn’t spent entirely at the Chateau – our nights stay was just one of My Darling’s 40th birthday extravaganza treats!
In the remote wilds of Tongariro National Park, in the middle of the North Island of New Zealand, is an indulgent haven of old world hotel opulence which you should experience once in your lifetime – the Chateau.
It’s been 20 years since I was last nearby – having tramped (hiked) 3 days on the Tongariro Crossing (through the most beautifully unique scenery you can imagine), lugging a heavy backpack, camping in the most basic manner and braving pelting rain on the last day – it looked like an oasis to me and I imagined slipping into a hot bath in a sumptuous suite recovering from the physical exertion. But it wasn’t to be…
Until now.
Usually in winter the grounds leading up to the Chateau are blanketed in snow, but we’ve had such a warm winter so it wasn’t such a winter wonderland, but was still every bit majestic with the sweeping entrance leading to the grand portico and main entrance. Built in 1929, the building has been maintained true to it’s original glamour – chandeliers, velvet drapes, plush furnishings. See for yourself.
With warm welcomes from staff, roaring fires and a generous room with a bathtub to soak away those aches from a day on the slopes, it was the most enjoyable hotel stay we’ve had. The nicest touch which really set the scene for me though was the background music – 1920s and 30s tunes. The romanticism was lost on My Darling, but for a brief moment we were transported onto a set of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby.
This is the latest sequel to my two all time favourite films: Before Sunrise and Before Sunset.
Of course My Darling wasn’t going to take me to see it (it isn’t a sci fi or horror)- so I went with my gay best friend! haha We both loved it and thought it was a very true insight into long term relationships. And the more I thought about it, the more it made sense and the more I realised how beautiful my relationship with My Darling is and how much I need to value it.
You need to see it! But make sure you rent the first two movies first! Here’s the synopsis:
We meet Celine and Jesse nine years after their last rendezvous, in Before Sunset. Almost two decades have passed since their first encounter on a train bound for Vienna in Before Sunrise, and we now find them in their early forties in Greece. Before the clock strikes midnight, we will again become part of their story.
Director Richard Linklater continues his enchanting tale of a chance meeting between two strangers, bringing to it a nuanced perspective only gained by years lived. As it does in each film in the series, life carries with it new responsibilities and attitudes, forcing the two dreamers to reassess what they want next. Bolstered by an increasingly refined onscreen chemistry between lead actors Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, Before Midnight is a fitting third chapter in one of the great love stories of American independent cinema.
My Darling, being the DJ in the house, is still trying to decide what our first dance will be. He also thinks its acceptable to do an intermediate school social shuffle – you know the one where the girl puts her arms around the boys neck and the boy puts his arms around the girls waist – trying to cop a feel while he’s at it… and they just stand in one spot and awkwardly shuffle side to side?? Bringing back memories for you??!!
Well, Nathan Stephens who practiced dancing with his gorgeous bride for 8 month prior – using really uncomfortable prosthetic legs – cracked me up in the interview I watched of them – he said if he can do it – there’s no excuse for all guys out there to man up and do a proper dance! Too right!!
The big day is finally here for New Zealand and alot of same sex couples who want to make their union official.
The NZ Herald sums all the excitement that took place yesterday including this wedding where gorgeous little crooner Harrison Craig (who won the Voice Australia competition this year) serenaded them in – check out the video. I wonder if he’s available for my wedding?!
It could have been any other wedding, except for a few variations like “I now pronounce you wife and wife” and cheers of “hip-hip, gay” at the reception.
But Tash Vitali and Mel Ray made history when they tied the knot today, becoming among the first same-sex couples in New Zealand to be legally married.
Their marriage licence was picked up from the Department of Internal Affairs the minute it opened at 8.30am and was whisked up to the Auckland Unitary Church in Ponsonby by motorbike.
The congregation cheered as it was brought into the church as Reverend Dr Matt Tittle conducted the ceremony.
“I am honoured to pronounce you wife and wife,” said Dr Tittle.
“You may now each kiss your bride.”
Speaking outside, he said he was honoured to preside over the wedding.
“It’s history in the making and hopefully it will help other countries to do the same and help New Zealanders to realise that everyone has worth and dignity no matter who they love.”
Tash Vitali said she was “so excited” and proud to be among the first gay couples to marry in New Zealand.
“It feels pretty cool. It’s overwhelming. This must be what famous people feel like with all these cameras in your face.”
Labour Party MP Louisa Wall, whose bill to legalise same-sex marriage was passed into law in April, said today’s ceremony was what all her hard work had been about.
“Up until this point in time it’s all been theoretical, debating about what this might mean, and I think today we’ve seen exactly what it’s all about: celebration of family, friends, commitment and love.”
But there was still much to do to get equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community, she said.
“There’s been a philosophical analysis about this being about Western liberalism and not about universal human rights for all human beings. And I think the push back from countries like Russia really needs to be challenged globally.”
The couple rode to Auckland waterfront on a horse-drawn carriage where the reception kicked off at the Cloud on Queens Wharf, hosted by Auckland drag queen Miss Ribena.
“I’ve been on the gay scene for 22 years so for this day to come at last is just fabulous,” Miss Ribena said.
A few people arrived at the Department of Internal Affairs in downtown Auckland this morning to pick up their marriage licences.
An Australian couple who wanted to be identified only as Sarah and Emma, in their 20s, cheered and clapped as they were given their papers.
The pair, who will marry in Auckland this afternoon, said they could not speak to media until after that, as an Australian television show was covering their big day.
However, Emma said it was a wonderful acknowledgment of the gay community to be able to marry.
“It’s nice to be attached to something very special,” she said.
Another couple, from the US, were the first gay couple married in the department offices at 9am.
They declined to be interviewed, but said it was a privilege to be able to get married in another country.
“We just found this to be our best option…I never thought we would be here in New Zealand, but it’s nice.”
Sky Wedding
Thousands of feet up in the air, Auckland couple Lynley Bendall and Ally Wanikau became one of the first same sex couples in New Zealand to be legally wed this morning.
The couple exchanged pounamu necklaces instead of rings after pledging their commitment and love for one another in front of their family, friends and swathe of media on board an Air New Zealand flight from Queenstown.
Cheers, applause and whistles erupted as the celebrant, Kim Jewel Elliot, proclaimed: “You are married!”. The champagne then started flowing and stewardesses handed out canapes.
Modern Family star and marriage equality advocate Jesse Tyler Fergusson, who also recently married, was a guest at the ceremony and toasted the newlyweds at the reception in a hangar at Auckland Airport.
Ms Bendall said the whole morning had been “overwhelming” but was clearly extremely pleased to finally be able to marry her partner of 14 years.
“It’s the fact we’re finally equal,” she said.
After cutting their rainbow cake and tossing their bouquets from a ladder next to the black plane, Ms Bendall and Ms Wanikau celebrated with their loved ones. As part of Air NZ’s wedding package, the couple will have their honeymoon in Palm Springs.
The couple won the Love is in the Air competition after their three young children made a video about why their wanted their mums to be married.
Rotorua Museum plays a part
On the first day that same sex couples can legally get married in New Zealand, Rotorua Museum has been part of a history-making event, with two couples tying the knot there this morning.
The couples, Rachel Briscoe and Jess Ivess, from the Bay of Islands, and Richard Rawstorn and Richard Andrew, from Christchurch, won a competition run by The Edge radio station to win their `all-expenses paid’ wedding, which was broadcast live on both national TV and radio.
The couples were in Rotorua for over a week prior to their nuptials, planning their weddings, hosting their hen and stag dos and enjoying some of the region’s activities and attractions. The Museum was the venue for both the ceremony and the wedding breakfast.
“The couples have become quite the celebrities,” said Rotorua Museum sales and marketing manager Joanna Doherty.
“They were at the museum for a full day last week doing a commercial photo shoot and we have had significant interest from media both in New Zealand and overseas.
“The museum looked absolutely stunning. The outside was lit up in rainbow colours the night before, inside the venue were dashes of blue light on the walls, and pink on the sculptures, to match the colour themes chosen by the couples.”
The atmosphere at the museum was amazing with guests and onlookers giving a rousing cheer as the formal nuptials were completed and again when the legal documentation arrived for signing.
A TV documentary will be screening on TV2`s 20/20 programme on Thursday following both couples and capturing the excitement of the competition, the planning, and finally the ceremony.
Lucky in Love ♥ Marriage Celebrant Auckland 