All posts by Gem Camille : BLACKBIRD

Tonic Room

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For those that know me also know that I am a sucker for a little natural pampering, but those who know me even better will tell you that it is not often that I actually make time to do so. After 10 days in Auckland, on the end of back to back meetings, pick ups, shoots, amazing food, drink and friends I was not only ready for some down time but rather desperate for it to. Walking into Tonic room was an overwhelmingly welcome respite.

On opening the doors I was greeted with a sense of calm and the most delicious peppermint tea, after a catch up with the delightful owner Kat ( namely about how atrocious Auckland weather was that week for our hair, you know, the important things ) I was swept upstairs to the quietest corner that houses of their Holistic Facials. Soft light, sweet smells and the comfiest bed, they could do no wrong.

Tonic Rooms Holistic approach is, in my humble opinion  the way  it should be, not simply lathering you in smelly lotions and potions, but considering skin sensitivity, supplements, relaxation and more. At the end of my 60 minutes of repose ( most of which was spent trying to not fall asleep ) I felt pretty darn radiant and relaxed! Next trip to Auckland, I know exactly where I am headed. In the words of  Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle ,Treat Yo Self .

Until next time

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Natural Dyeing workshop for Kinfolk Gathering Tauranga

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 A long lunch between the walls of ficus and beside wood fires, the outrageously pretty Ataahua was the perfect spot for the ‘Under the Surface’ Kinfolk Gathering. The talented Shaye from On My Hand is most definitely the hostess with the mostess. She has styling and executing  down to the last detail. Root vegetable centrepiece,  plantable menus and amazing raw honey from fellow Kinfolk host ( & equally talented babe ) Unna of The Forest Cantina. I teamed up with my go to gals The Fabric Store and hand dyed furoshiki as well as gifting instructions and linen for their very own project.

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Photo no.3 by Blackbird, All others by Bubblerock

Delicious meals by Nadine from Devour Catering, Made even more beautiful by food stylist Aimee from Hope & Organic and hitting that sweet spot with Danielle from Spongedrop. And all captured by dynamic duo Bubblerock. By golly it was good.

If you would like to see more images than mostly my BRF mug head over to HERE to Fancy! Design blog.

Until next time

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NATIONAL PARK part II

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The beauty of this place is so overwhelming, so grand, and so vast. From the almost inhabitable land, to the lush bush to the towering mountains. I want to go back.

There truly is nothing like being in the depths of this great country to get perspective.

And, yes, that second photo of me at the edge of the waterfall is when I got a little vertigo.

Until next time

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National Park

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If you ever get the chance to visit Tongariro National Park. Go. Do it. You will in no way regret it.

Last weekend the husband and I had the pleasure of a long weekend in the crisp air. Celebrating six years of marriage, six years of  the good, the great, and the heartbreaking. No tv, no work, just  us, the fresh air, the mountains, incredible vistas in a dinky wee cabin with a fire place and of course a scruffy wee Frankie. Utter perfection.

Along with the above ( Plus copious amounts of cheese, crackers and wine ) there was a fair bit of picture taking, Here is the first of two installments.

Enjoy

Until next time

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