Queenstown New Zealand

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Arrived at our next destination and super love it!  From the helicopter, we saw it 🙂  It’s nice to stay 5 days to a week here and just relax and do all the activities.  We only stayed 3 days.  In June, it is winter time and the activities change to winter activities which include skiing 🙂Queenstown New Zealand (19)I could just stand here and just stare!
Queenstown New Zealand (14) Beautiful Queenstown!Queenstown New Zealand (15) Queenstown New Zealand (16) Queenstown New Zealand (17) Queenstown New Zealand (5) Queenstown New Zealand (6)A very quaint town – with shops and restaurants
Queenstown New Zealand (10) Queenstown New Zealand (11) Small streetsQueenstown New Zealand (12) Queenstown New Zealand (13) Our driver said that this is the best bank to exchange your moneyQueenstown New Zealand (9) Queenstown New Zealand (8) There is a Fear Factory 🙂Queenstown New Zealand (7)A catholic church by the mountains

catholic church queenstown

A nice art gallery by the lakeQueenstown New Zealand (18) Plenty restaurantsQueenstown New Zealand (24) Queenstown New Zealand (27) Queenstown New Zealand (26) Queenstown New Zealand (25) Smiggle 🙂Queenstown New Zealand (28) Queenstown New Zealand (3) Queenstown New Zealand (4) Queenstown New Zealand (2) Starbucks!Queenstown New Zealand (1) And plenty of activities!!!Queenstown New Zealand (20)  Lake Wakatipu

15,000 years ago during the last ice age, a huge glacier moving from the north west carved out what is now Lake Wakatipu. The lake is relatively thin, but the mountains run straight into the lake, forming a deep canyon, 399m at its deepest point.
Lake Wakatipu is the second largest lake in the Southern Lakes District, covering 290 square km. At its widest point Lake Wakatipu is five kilometers wide, and the total length is 84km ( http://www.queenstown.nz.com) #lakewakatipu #newzealand #queenstown #queenstownnzQueenstown New Zealand (21) Queenstown New Zealand (22) Queenstown New Zealand (23)

Sasso Queenstown

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Our first meal in Queenstown was Italian which was recommended by the conciergeSasso Queenstown (6) Sasso Queenstown (8) Sasso Queenstown (9) Sasso Queenstown (10)Sasso Queenstown (11) Sasso Queenstown (12) Sasso Queenstown (7)Mushroom and Italian sausage Pizza
Sasso Queenstown (13) Steamed Littleneck clams with bacon, parsley, garlic butter and sourdough crostiniSasso Queenstown (14) Prime NZ beef tartare with Aioli anchovy, capers, shallots and crispy potatoSasso Queenstown (15) Pan seared duck breast and confit leg with cauliflower, lentils and raisins, natural au jusSasso Queenstown (16) Three cheese ravioliSasso Queenstown (1) Chargrilled Angus rib eye with slow cooked beef shin and red cabbage, crispy polenta and jusSasso Queenstown (2) Sasso Queenstown (3) Sasso Queenstown (4) Super yum Tiramisu!Sasso Queenstown (5)

Click below to go to their website

Italian Dining in Queenstown

Italian Dining in Queenstown

Rustan’s Little Wanderer Summer 2016

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Adventure is out there and it’s time to get ready for a fun-filled summer with Rustan’s. Sunny days are here to stay and Rustan’s Children’s Department has the perfect collections for the little ones this season.

Kick off the summer fun with Rustan’s Little Wanderer Fashion show which will feature the Summer Collections of Rustan’s Children’s Fashion brands. Be inspired by the latest styles from Rustanette, Rustan Jr., Kiddos, Neck and Neck, Baby Club, Little Me and Silver Jeans. Happening at 3PM on April 9 at Rustan’s Makati, April 10 at Rustan’s Alabang and April 15 at Rustan’s Cebu, exciting activities and food booths await children of all ages on these special dates.

Make sure that children travel in style. The Neck and Neck Spring Summer 2016 Urban Jungle collection offers a variety of outfits ranging from loose white tops and khaki shorts to tropical-inspired dresses and shirts to bring out each kid’s stylish little globetrotter.

Rustan's Little Wanderer Summer 2016 (1)Girls and boys will definitely find something fun to wear for out-of-town trips and outdoor activities with the family! Quirky printed casual pieces from KIDDOS and Silver Jeans make for awesome choices. Find tees in various colors of blue, orange and red and pairs of shorts or pants to match their adventure-ready ensemble.

Rustan's Little Wanderer Summer 2016 (1)Whether it is brunch with mom, garden picnic with the family or visiting famous tourist attractions, pastel hues, soft lace fabrics and floral printed dresses from Rustanette for the little princesses and dapper pieces of separates, bowties, and light colored tops from Rustan Jr. are sure to make travel snapshots picture-perfect.

Gear up your newborns and toddlers for their most stylish summer yet. Baby Club has a wide array of apparel from dainty dresses to printed pants that allow moms to easily pick an outfit that will make babies look and feel comfy cute. Also discover Little Me’s Summer Collection, which has the most adorable selections of unique pieces in light tones and colored stripes for infants.

The perfect outfits for the little ones for perfect summer getaways are all available at Rustan’s. Enjoy this season with the best fashion picks and weekly summer deals for kids from Rustan’s Children’s Department.

Rustan's Little Wanderer Summer 2016 (2)The best fashions also bring forth the best deals. From April 28 to May 8, all NBA Baby Items are available for purchase up to 30% off. Meanwhile, infant-wear from Mimijumi, Cluebebe, Petit Creations and selected Baby Club items will be available at 10% off.

Mark your calendars because it’s Toy-week at Rustan’s from May 9 to 22, 2016. Selected brands from the Toy section will be offered on special deals to customers during this special period.

Find the perfect footwear for the cutest tiny tots from the newest collections like Feiyue’s SS16 Collection, which will be at 30% off, and Jelly Nelly, offered at 50% off on May 23 to June 2. Selected bags from Beatrix NY and Built NY are at 20% on the same week. Neck and Neck is also joining in the fun! Spend a minimum of 3500 pesos single-receipt purchase from Neck and Neck’s SS16 collection from May 1 to 31 and get a free water bottle.

Celebrate summer with fun and exciting activities that will make every kid look forward to getaways with mom, dad and the entire family. Every kid is sure to bring out the little wanderer within using stylish wear, cool toys and the latest offerings this season of the sun, only at Rustan’s.

To know more about the latest collections available in the stores, you may visit Rustan’s in Makati, Shangri-la, Gateway, Alabang and Cebu. You may also visit http://www.facebook.com/rustansph for more details.

Sofitel Queenstown

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 Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa @sofitelqueenstown

Our home in Queenstown for 3 nights #sofitelqueenstownhotelandspa #queenstown #queenstownnz #newzealand #H2HNewZealand2016Sofitel Queenstown (25)Sofitel Queenstown about Sofitel Queenstown (6) Sofitel Queenstown (7)  French antique chic sits aside sophisticated design @sofitelqueenstown – black and yellow at the lobbySofitel Queenstown (13) Sofitel Queenstown (9) Sofitel Queenstown (10) Buffet Breakfast by the lobby cafe which is included with the roomSofitel Queenstown (8) Sofitel Queenstown (1) Sofitel Queenstown (19) Sofitel Queenstown (21) Sofitel Queenstown (18) Sofitel Queenstown (15) Sofitel Queenstown (14) Sofitel Queenstown (17) Sofitel Queenstown (4) Sofitel Queenstown (16) Sofitel Queenstown (5) Sofitel Queenstown (20) Sofitel Queenstown (22) Sofitel Queenstown (3) Sofitel Queenstown (23) Sofitel Queenstown (2) Sofitel Queenstown (24) The location is very central so it is perfect!Sofitel Queenstown (12) On the side is the staircase towards the gondola

Sofitel Queenstown (11)

Click below to go to their website

Located in the heart of Queenstown, Sofitel Queenstown is a unique luxury experience. Book direct for the best rates.es.

Located in the heart of Queenstown, Sofitel Queenstown is a unique luxury experience. Book direct for the best rates.es.

Karlie Kloss for Kurt Geirger

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“I loved being part of the Kurt Geiger spring/summer campaign. I’ve always been a fan of this iconic brand not only for being a perfect red carpet look, but also, now, for every day running from the gym to work and everything in between! Rebecca’s vision for this collection brilliantly works for women who do it all.”

Karlie Kloss for Kurt Geiger (2) Karlie Kloss for Kurt Geiger (3)“As a someone who is constantly in transit, finding the perfect bag that is stylish and has everything you need, is key! I love how the sporty, energetic vibe of the collection is combined with chic style. “

Karlie Kloss for Kurt Geiger (1)Kurt Geiger is exclusively available in Rustan’s Makati.      

Milford Sound

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Beautiful scenery before landing in QueenstownMilford Sound (1) Milford Sound (2) Milford Sound (3) Milford Sound (4) Milford Sound (5)  We were supposed to take the helicopter @overthetophelicopters tomorrow but due to weather constraints we had to move it to the day we arrived in Queenstown.  Milford Sound (8) Milford Sound (6) Our pilots 🙂Milford Sound (35) Milford Sound (9)Beautiful scenery from the moment we took off till we arrived backMilford Sound (10) Milford Sound (11) Milford Sound (12) Milford Sound (13) Milford Sound (14) Hi Dad and Mom!! Tito Manny and Tita Ina!! 🙂  We flew together and side by side at times 🙂Milford Sound (15) Milford Sound (16) Milford Sound (17)  Braided Streams
When glacial ice melts, the water moves away from the glacial snout in fast flowing streams and rivers. The water transports vast quantities of sediment and larger debris. If the sediment load is very large in relation to the velocity of the stream, the more coarse material may start to block the stream, choking it and forcing it to constantly change it’s course. The stream starts to diverge, splitting into numerous segments which split and join repeatedly. The small islands formed within the stream are called eyots.

Braided streams are typically shallow and wide, surrounded by poorly sorted rock debris. ( http://www.geography-site.co.uk) #braidedstreams #glacier

Milford Sound (18) Milford Sound (19) Milford Sound

In 1770 Captain James Cook sailed past MILFORD SOUND in South Island, New Zealand, mapping this northern most fiord as a bay. Fifty three years later a sealer, Jono Grono and his crew, caught in a storm, thought they were to be tossed to their peril on the rocks of this charted bay when they were blown into the undiscovered fiord. It was named Milford Haven after Grono’s birthplace in Wales.

New Zealand’s climate is dominated by two main geographical features, the
mountains and the sea. From the west the saturated weather pattern off the
Tasman Sea rises up to cross the massive Southern Alps of New Zealand and dumps all its moisture in Fiordland.

This huge rainfall gives this region its unique character – rain forest, lakes,
rivers, and waterfalls. Fiords carved by the glaciers dominate the scenery until
reaching the wild and windswept west coast.

The versatility of the helicopter is admirably suited to this diverse terrain ensuring enhanced visibility and greater safety in this incredible landscape.

Milford Sound (20)Milford Sound 2 aboutMilford Sound about Milford Sound (21)  Glaciers stay ice all throughout the year. They are disappearing slowly thru the years.Milford Sound (22) Milford Sound (23) Milford Sound (24) Milford Sound (25) Milford Sound (26) Milford Sound (27)  We landed by a glacier. Though we couldn’t go to the glacier and stand on them as suggested by the pilot since it might have some soft areas or it might just fall #glacier #newzealand #H2HNewZealand2016 #overthetophelicopters @overthetophelicoptersMilford Sound (28) Milford Sound (29) What a view!  We had this place and the surrounding area all to ourselves for around 30 minutes!  Absolutely breathtaking!Milford Sound (30)  We made sure to take home some Rocks near the glacier.  Nice souvenirs and pasalubong but the problem is its heavy! haha!! Milford Sound (31) Milford Sound (32) Milford Sound (33) Milford Sound (34) Milford Sound (7) Click below to go to the helicopter websiteMilford Sound (1)

Depot Eatery Auckland

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 Street lights at Federal Street #auckland #federalstreet #newzealand #H2HNewZealand2016 #streetlightsDepot Eatery Auckland (1)We only had two nights in Auckland and we wanted to eat here when we arrived.  It was so full and the lines were so long.  The wait list was also so long.  So the last night we made sure and we made it!
Depot Eatery Auckland (4) Depot Eatery Auckland (14) Hummus and Pita bread basketDepot Eatery Auckland (17) Depot Eatery Auckland (12)  Oysters all you can while in New Zealand
Depot Eatery Auckland (11) Depot Eatery Auckland (3) Bluff is still the winner so far Depot Eatery Auckland (2)

( from their website) ?There’s an energy and passion about Depot. Not overly precious or pretentious – just fast, fun and fresh.
The perfect place to drop in and refuel. It’s chef Al Brown’s place and reflects perfectly his attitude towards food: in season, beautifully cooked, to be enjoyed with friends. Al’s joined by Kyle Street and Andrew Mackle in the kitchen and Joe Williams and Nick Gallagher out the front.
Most of the cooking is over charcoal or hard wood so there’s a real succulence to the flavours. Order a selection of small plates and pass them round.
#depoteatery #chefalbrown #albrown #auckland #newzealand #H2HNewZealand2016 #crispypata #porkhockDepot Eatery Auckland (15) Depot Eatery Auckland (13) Smoked Brisket Tortillas YUM!!  Everything YUM!Depot Eatery Auckland (7)  Aside from Oyster all you can in New Zealand, Lamb all you can!! Fall off the bone super yum Lamb Ribs with skordalia and cumin paprika oil in the Depot @depoteatery A Must! #Depot Eatery Auckland (5) Fergus Bone MarrowDepot Eatery Auckland (6)  Crispy “Freedom Farms” pork hock with apple and horseradish salsa verde. This is the bestseller at @depoteatery To us Filipinos it’s our Crispy Pata ? There’s always a line at Depot and we missed our first night since they don’t accept reservations. It’s a good thing we got seats last night. Most dishes are for sharing so it’s fun ?. Depot Eatery Auckland (8) Skirt SteakDepot Eatery Auckland (9) Potato Skins with manchegoDepot Eatery Auckland (10) Depot Eatery Auckland (16)

Click below to go to their website

The perfect place to drop in and refuel. It’s chef Al Brown’s place and reflects perfectly his attitude towards food: in season, beautifully cooked, to be enjoyed with friends.

The perfect place to drop in and refuel. It’s chef Al Brown’s place and reflects perfectly his attitude towards food: in season, beautifully cooked, to be enjoyed with friends.

Rustan’s Home and Heart 2016

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This year, Rustan’s is dedicating three months to celebrate everything about and for the Family with Home & Heart – A Family Affair. Throughout the months of April until June, Rustan’s will be hosting various activities that the whole family can enjoy. Weekends will be filled with family-friendly workshops at Rustan’s to make every meal, every bonding moment and every family time even more memorable.

Starting off with a weekend of coffee and tea workshops. Rustan’s Alabang Town Center will host the Afternoon Delight: Coffee and Tea with Delonghi on April 16, Saturday where their resident coffee craftsman, Michael Canlas, will give a workshop on caffeinated and tea recipes. This will be followed by Breville’s, The Art of Coffee – Espresso Appreciation Afternoon with Master Latte Artist, Dave Dource on April 17, Sunday.

As a treat to lovely ladies, Rustan’s will hold a Mother’s Day Fair from April 21 to May 8 at Rustan’s Makati and April 22 to May 8 at Rustan’s Shangri-la. A special Travel Essentials for Mom’s Getaway Workshop by Bespoke and Beyond at Rustan’s Makati was held last April 21, Thursday. Learn the tips and tricks to organizing your luggage and pack perfectly for any solo or family getaway. This workshop will make sure every mom is destination-ready for any out-of-towns or trips abroad.

Home and Heart (2) Home and Heart (3) Home and Heart (4) Home and Heart (5) Home and Heart (6)Home and Heart (14) Home and Heart (7) Home and Heart (9) Home and Heart (10) Home and Heart (11) Home and Heart (12) Home and Heart (13)
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Great news! Longchamp will extend its personalized Le Pliage services from April 17 to May 7 at Rustan’s Shangri-la. Customize and design the perfect Le Pliage bag for the woman of your life. Pick out from various colors and find a size that fits every girl’s needs.

Rustan's Home & Heart 2016 (3) Rustan's Home & Heart 2016 (2)The 28th of April marks the start of enjoying special deals from the Home Department. Perfect artisanal home accent pieces from brands like Farbel, Acrila, Zoffoli, Arti & Mestieri will be offered at 20% off on selected items. Exquisite Home Luxury brands offer special gifts as well. Receive a Lladro Silk Scarf or a Christofle Silver Money Clip for a single receipt purchase of PHP 45,000 from Lladro and Christofle, respectively. A minimum single-receipt purchase of PHP 50,000 from Meissen entitles one to a luxurious Meissen candle. Spend a single-receipt purchase of PHP 85,000 from Lalique and receive a 100ml bottle of Lalique perfume.

The month of May is also filled with special workshops for every family member to take part in. On May 6, have A Very Vegan Mother’s Day with Jertie’s Kitchen and Breville. Coffee aficionados can join the Delonghi’s Match Made with Coffee Workshop on May 7, both at Rustan’s Shangri-la.

Find the perfect gift for the woman of your life this season and gift her with Home and Décor items from Lenox, Rosenthal, Royal Albert, Kate Spade, and Christofle. Visit the special vignettes curated for moms and pick up a present from the woman’s boudoir like beauty products from Murad and La Prairie, beddings from Ralph Lauren Home, and loungewear from Natori. Find something for the mom cave to satisfy every mom’s artistic and crafty personality with personalized gift cards, stationaries and more from Whisk, and engraved leather items and embroidered linens by Bespoke and Beyond. Lastly, give mom a much-needed break with some Zen-inspired items from BSAB, Millefiori, and Diptyque that will relax the mind and body.

Rustan's Home & Heart 2016 (6)Gather each member of the family and shop to your heart’s content as you catch great steals from the world’s finest brands with the Rustan’s Lifestyle Passport. Show your passport and avail of exclusive offers and special discounts from the Fashion, Children’s, Cosmetics, and Home Departments of Rustan’s until June 2, 2016.

Rustan's Home & Heart 2016 (1) Rustan's Home & Heart 2016 (4)

Just what awesome deals should one expect from the passport? Supermoms can find the perfect arm candy to complete their wardrobe with Fendi and Longchamp, as both brands offer 15% off their regular items. Stylish young women and their moms can have matching shoes from Sergio Rossi, offering 15% off the first pair and 25% off the second on all regular priced items. If looking for wardrobe additions, head down to Marina Rinaldi and avail of the 10% off promotion for one item, and 20% off for two or more.

Rustan's Home & Heart 2016 (5) Rustan's Home & Heart 2016 (7)Of course, Dads get a treat, too! Taking 20% off on regular items and an additional 10% off on sale items are Hackett, Faconnable and trendy dapper brand, Thomas Pink. The man of the house also get to choose from the racks of Adolfo Dominguez, Pedro del Hierro, Ascot Chang at 20% off on all regular items. From leather belts and wallets, to neckties to match ones’ outfits – Miguel Bellido, Buxton and Geoffrey Beene offer regular items at 15% off.

The Rustan’s Lifestyle Passport also has treats and special deals from the Young Adult and Children’s department. Enjoy an added 10% off deal from sale items of Pilgrim and Good Works accessories, Triple C, and Broken Legend accessories. Ready to wear brand Matix and timepiece labels such as Jacques Farel, Giorgio Fedon, Rod, and Flud offer 20% off on selected items.

Update the little ones’ wardrobe and get a free mug for a purchase of atleast P3,500 from Neck & Neck. Purchase any Shopkins Season 2 or 3 item and receive a Season 3 Foil Pack for free. Watch out for more exciting treats and fun activities for kids this season!

Make every family experience a momentous one with Rustan’s. Spend every second with your family and bond over lifestyle workshops and shopping sessions with Home & Heart – A family Affair only at Rustan’s.Rustans heart and Home activities

To know more about the latest collections available in the stores, you may visit Rustan’s in Makati, Shangri-la, Gateway, Alabang and Cebu. You may also visit http://www.facebook.com/rustansph for more details.

Orakei Auckland

By | Homes and Interiors, New Zealand | No Comments

We drove around Auckland and passed through Orakei.  Orakei is the most expensive real estate in Auckland because it’s on the hill with a view of the Harbour. ( Wiki) Orakei is home to some of Auckland’s most expensive real estate. Paritai Drive in Orakei is generally regarded as the most expensive street in Auckland, and most probably New Zealand. House prices on this street start at $3m and range to $12m. #orakei #auckland #newzealand #H2HNewZealand2016Orakie Auckland (15) Orakie Auckland (2)  A $39m (NZ$) home in Orakei that has a tennis court in front of the house.  Orakie Auckland (3) Orakie Auckland (4) Orakie Auckland (5) Orakie Auckland (6) Orakie Auckland (7) Orakie Auckland (8) Orakie Auckland (9) Orakie Auckland (10) Just like any place – you are paying for the view.  The view from OrakeiOrakie Auckland (12)  Auckland – The City of Sails Orakie Auckland (11) Orakie Auckland (13) Orakie Auckland (14) Orakie Auckland (16) Orakie Auckland (17) Orakie Auckland (18) Orakie Auckland (19)

Harbourside Ocean Bar and Grill Auckland

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In New Zealand, eat as much seafood as you can!!  We went to the Ferry Building to eat in Harbourside.  There was a rainbow 🙂  This place was recommended by Michael, the owner of St. Mary’s ResidenceHarbourside Auckland rainbow new zealandHarbourside Auckland (2) Harbourside Auckland (6) Harbourside Auckland (7) Harbourside Auckland (8) Harbourside Auckland (3) Harbourside Auckland (9)  Bluff Oysters at Harbourside Ocean Bar & Grill @harbourside_nz Auckland – Bluff oysters are said to be the most flavoursome in the world because they are slowly grown in the cold, clean waters of Foveaux Strait until they are large, plump and juicy. The official oyster harvesting season runs from March until June or July – depending on when the yearly quota is reached.

The salty seaside town of Bluff is home to the fleet of oyster boats and the main gateway to Stewart Island – New Zealand’s third largest island. It is the oldest European settled town in New Zealand and offers fascinating maritime history. ( http://www.newzealand.com) #bluffoysters #bluffoyster #auckland #H2HNewZealand2016 #harboursideoceanbarandgrill #oysters #newzealand

Harbourside Auckland (10) Harbourside Auckland (11) Harbourside Auckland (4) Steamed Green Lipped MusselsHarbourside Auckland (13) Chili Fried SquidHarbourside Auckland (12) Harbourside Auckland (5) White Bait omeletteHarbourside Auckland (1) Grilled Market FishHarbourside Auckland (14)

Click below to go to their website

Home | Harbourside (20160427)

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