New Zealand: Christchurch, Rotorua, Milford Sound, Queenstown

New Zealand's Ferns

 A couple years ago, I had the fortunate opportunity to visit New Zealand on a month long Pacific Tour!

When I heard about the earthquake in Christchurch, I immediately thought of the Kiwis (inhabitants of New Zealand and it is also the name of the bird that lives there).

I can't imagine their current struggles with the loss of life, injuries, and property destruction.  Please send your healing thoughts to these kind people.  Also consider New Zealand a place to visit in the future!

I always wanted to write about places I have visited.  I thought this blog would enable me to live out my inspiration.  Taking a look at photo albums, I  pulled out pictures that I took of New Zealand's north & south islands.

Check out the map below.

Let start with the north island, our tour group checked out the city of Rotorua.  This is where many hot springs exist.  You can even buy medicinal mud for your face and body here.   The Maori Indians are the indigenous people of New Zealand.  Near Rotorua I took this picture or their temple.

Maori Indian Temple

Rotorua, NZ Hot Spring

Now onto South Island, that is where you find Christchurch.  You can see elements of the UK here from Queen Victoria's statue to the lush gardens and waterways.  Please send your positive thoughts to those who are in Christchurch dealing with the earthquake's destruction.

Christchurch, NZ
Statue of Queen Victoria

New Zealand

Christchurch

Located further south on South Island, New Zealand you find Mount Cook.  I got a chance to see it not covered in clouds.  This is the view from the Hermitage Resort in Mount Cook National Park.

Mt. Cook, NZ  view from helicopter!

View of Mount Cook, NZ from the Hermitage Resort

Now I would like to mention how much I enjoyed Milford Sound and Queensland.  Please remember to  visit both.  Milford Sound is so lush and green.  I took a ferry ride and saw many beautiful animals, including seals and parson's birds. 

Waterfall at Milford Sound, NZ

Parson's Bird, New Zealand

Lastly, I wanted to show you the place located near where bungee jumping first started, Queenstown.  Check out the picture of the town near the water.  

Queenstown

I hope you have the opportunity to visit a place that was so kind to me.  May God continue to bless the people of New Zealand.

New Jersey, Flemington: The Gem Vault

With the upcoming British Royal Wedding, a great deal of media attention has been focused on Kate Middleton’s famous sapphire engagement ring, once owned by   Diana, Princess of Wales.   Apparently in 1981, when Diana was choosing her own ring, she immediately noticed the size of the sapphire that was encircled with 14 diamonds.  Diana just knew this ring was for her!

My Aunt introduced me to a place that showcases gems that a royal would envy having any day.   The Gem Vault is located at 23 Turntable Junction in Flemington, New Jersey. The jewelry designers, including Jason Baskin, handcraft so many unique and one of a kind pieces.

I wanted to highlight a ring that was given to me as a gift.  Pictured below is a fancier version of what I have.  I particularly like the fact that the ring is flatten on one side.  This helps keep the stone from spinning towards the palm of your hand. Here is a picture of a natural unheated Ceylon Sapphire in 14k brushed white gold with 18k yellow gold tube-set diamonds in profile. 

I was also impressed with this Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline and diamonds set in 14k white gold. 

Gorgeous Indicolite Tourmaline ring set in 14k white gold with pave set diamonds!









Jason Baskin has even designed a ring that looks like a potato chip and believe it or not it is really comfortable to wear!

Want to feel like a Prince, Princess, King or Queen, check out the amazing array of gems  for yourself!  The courteous staff at the Gem Vault are super down to earth!  They are open to design a unique, handcrafted work of art that is totally wearable!

The Gem Vault

23 Turntable Junction                  

Flemington, New Jersey 08822

908-788-1770

http://www.thegemvault.com/

Cookie, Cookie, Cookie

Julie's Journeys is a blog is about Food, Fashion and of course Fun!

Well today, I would like to share with you my favorite chocolate chip cookie secret!  I know many of us have busy schedules but like to snack on delicious food that tastes homemade.

I have made these cookies for friends, neighbors, and have given them to audiences I wanted to impress.  Everybody who has tasted these delicious, sweet, delectable desserts can not believe that they are not made from scratch.

Do you want to know the secret?  It's really easy! I use the Betty Crocker (300 chocolate chips) cookie bag mix!  Can you believe this recipe only requires one egg and a stick of butter?  My Mom always told me that butter makes everything taste better.  Also, in order for your cookies to taste crispy or chewy, please use a aluminum cookie sheet that has air in between the top and bottom layers of the sheet.

So instead of buying a bag of ready made cookies, it takes less than 20 minutes to WOW them with your super chocolate chip treats. Tell them it is your secret recipe and these cookies were made with love.  Betty and I won't tell!

Like the Design, Look to Aldo

In regards to fashion, everyone wants the look for less.   I came across some of the neatest purse designs at my local mall.  I have always liked Aldo’s shoes but their purses were super attractive.

I was particularly drawn to the Cyphert.  The look is so classic and in design and it also comes in a small and large size version.  This purse’s look, similar to Hermes, will only throw you back approximately $45.

With minimalism being a trend for 2011, I found the clutches were so sleek and perfect.  These purses come in a host of colors and materials that were either shiny, glittery or featured natural prints.

Check out the Husel and Sandrock clutches!

It is amazing what you can find in your own backyard in regards to syle and grace.  Go see for yourself!

Purses with Panache

Those who posses a dashing confidence of style will be looking for handbags that can be passed down from generation to generation.  Those bags that are considered to be a classic should be constructed of the highest quality materials.  Leather is buttery and shouldn’t change color or crack.  Linings are made of natural materials like lambskin or suede.  Metal feet are recommended for bags that you carry everyday.

You can’t go wrong with these collectables: Gucci’s small-scaled, bamboo-handled Bamboo purse (1947), the Birken (1984), the Kelly (1956) by Hermes, the Louis Vuitton’s cylindrical, logo-embossed Speedy (1930) and Chanel’s classic quilted 2.55 (1955). 

By the time the 70s come along, feminism and looser dress codes encouraged women to carry purses that contained more than a lipstick.  Newcomers on the scene are Bottega Veneta’s slouchy woven napa Veneta and Nancy Gonzalez’s crocodile Leaf tote.

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars for a purse in order to be a fashion icon like Grace Kelly,  Jane Birken, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. To look fabulous carry a purse that has a combination of craftsmanship, correct scale, cultural cachet and great design.

NY Fashion Week: Feb 10-17 Fall 2011

The Mercedes Benz Fashion show held at Lincoln Park showcased several fashion trends to inspire the fall.   Look for designers to be inspired by the 1970s disco era to drive the popularity of wide-legged slacks, cropped jackets, tunics, and knit capes. 

Lace blouses, dresses, skirts and pants will also be very prominent in the 2011 Fall Fashion line up.  Clothing will have a transparent look and will be adorned with lace appliqués.

Look for minimalistic lines to continue from spring to fall lines.  Clothes will be revealing a woman’s personality rather than covering it up.

According to fashion writers, new collections to watch for are Olivier Theyskens will present Theyskens’ Theory.  Devi Kroell will launch Dax Gabler, which is a new line of mid price clothes, shoes, and handbags.  And iconic favorite, Diane von Furstenberg will be presenting her home collection –table linens, bedding, and decorative accessories at Bloomingdale’s. 

Honeysuckle: Color for 2011

According to Pantone’s Fashion Color Report, Turquoise is out and Honeysuckle (#18-2120) is in for 2011.  Look for this color to be found in clothing, house wares, and interior accent walls.  During these tough economic times, we all need a sign for hope.  This reddish pink color precisely does that and more!

Level: A Small Plates Lounge in Annapolis

Earlier this month, my fun friend Sharon and I had a chance to check out a restaurant in Annapolis called Level: A Small Plates Lounge located on 69 West Street, Annapolis.  Since it was crowded that Saturday, and we did not have reservations, we decided to sit at the bar and have a couple of small plates.  We dined on the eggplant coated in feta, olive oil, lemon juice and sea salt in addition to sampling the flavorful Cuban pork rolls.  Both were super delicious.  Equally good was the Pomegranate Caipirinha.  The handcrafted beverage was prepared with fresh ingredients and topped with a foam lime zest.  I definitely intend to return to try more of the menu's offerings!