iPhone Snaps & Bits : Visiting Home

Exactly three weeks ago, I did an unplanned trip back to the Philippines. I have not been home for almost 6ish years and for sure, everything has changed. If it wasn't for a sudden loss, I probably won't be back any time sooner. Since it was only a short trip, I throughly planned my days, set up meetings with friends & relatives I wanted to catch up with. I have to admit, I'm a paranoid anxious flyer. Little turbulence gives me massive anxiety. Thank goodness for the best pilots of PAL for getting me safely both ways. 

What's In My Travel Makeup Bag?

Two weeks ago, I did an unplanned trip back to Philippines for funeral. It was a good as I haven't been home for the longest time, bad because of the reason why I decided to finally go back to visit. I find packing makeup products challenging! As much as I wanted to bring all my favorite ones on board, I have to also think of products that has double purpose since it was only a ten day trip.

iPhone Snaps & Bits: Gold Coast and Theme Parks 2015

Second part of my recent summer getaway to Brisbane. If you follow me on Instgram (@meetmariee), you probably already saw some of these photos. Towards the end of our trip, we travelled to Gold Coast and stayed for a couple of days to see my mum. On the day we arrived, the beach is closed because of the upcoming cyclone, so we just hang around the shopping area. Golly gosh shopping centers close at 10pm everyday!! We had a great time despite the heavy rain (apparently Cyclone Marcia hit Northern Queensland quite badly). If you are in Gold Coast, theme parks are the best place to visit! Sadly, we did not get to enjoy the rides as much as half of the theme parks are closed due to excessive rain. I had a great time  and would totally go back, and this time when its fully sunny!

iPhone Snaps & Bits: Summer in Brisbane 2015

I'm very grateful and lucky that me and my boyfriend get to go for holiday this summer. It's nice to have a breather from stressful environment. We flew to Brisbane pretty much every year to visit family and friends. This year is the longest we stayed and I love every bit of it! That gives us more time to see everyone and catch up. February is the best time to go to Brisbane as it is not too hot or overly sunny. It can get a little humid though but I guess thats better than having both worlds. 

One Day Trip To See Lavenders

As part of our quick break away from the city, we went to visit Lavender Creek Farm. It is located at Te Horo, Kapiti. I first found out about this place when one of my work mate posted a photo on Facebook! I was interested to see what place looks like and if there's things you can do. 

iPhone Snaps & Bits: Kapiti Coast, Beach, Lavenders

I was pretty stoked that this year is one of the best summers we have for a very long time. One week of consecutive sunshine and intensely hot weather. Last weekend, we travelled up to Kapiti Coast to visit family and spent 3days in the area.

iPhone Snaps & Bits : Auckland, Concert, Cafe

Two weeks ago me and couple of friends flew up to Auckland to see two concerts and also to getaway from windy Wellington. We only stayed for three days but it felt like two weeks! I think because we were in the city, there's too much going on, and on top of that I was overwhelmed by how much people there are walking in the streets! Definitely not used to a chaotic city since Wellington is very compact and less busier.

A Family's FIRST Part 2

       Second part of our South Island trip. We drove down to Ashburton, Timaru, and back to Christchurch. The park that we stopped by was magnificent. It feels like we are in the movies with golden leaves falling from big trees.

                  This day was very windy but despite all that, I like taking photos of my brother and the scenery itself. I would love to visit this place again one day.

x carmela

A Family's FIRST

            This marks the first ever holiday we had as a FAMILY. Its been years since we had this getaway. Its quite awkward and overwhelming since me and my brother don't really talk to mum  that much. I know we have a weird relationship but somehow we get along quite well. I heard a lot of amazing stories about Christchurch well before the earthquake struck. Others say its like a little city from Europe brought to New Zealand. Cant wait to see it for myself! When we got there, little earthquake welcomed us. It wasn't big but its scary because of the thought that something big might come any minute. But thankfully it only happened once. On our first day, we didn't really do much except going over to our family friend's house for dinner. Second day, we went for a 2hour drive to the little French Village called Akaroa. The way is so windy which made me a little bit sick but when we got there it was breath taking! Feels like your in France, but we didn't get to roam around since my mum wanted to go whale watching. In less than 10minutes we have to board the boat so I didn't get to rest. Boat ride made me feel so sick that I wasn't able to enjoy the site seeing. Thanks to Jack for taking photos though.

Christchurch International Airport

Does this look like an elephant or what?

Only place where Palm trees grow.

baby dolphins swimming around

Our entertainment on the way back.

x carmela