What we've been up to during the holidays

Hello again!

Well the Smiths have kept it pretty low key over these past few weeks where most of NZ is still on summer holidays.

We had some birthday BBQs, some beach time and some fun events. Will has been working since the 6th of January, but it's been fairly light compared to previous times. It's been nice to have him home for dinner most nights.

I'll give you a picture play by play of some of our fun times.

Burlesque Dance Class for Jess' Hen's night

The blushing bachelorette!

I had a great time at the hen's night. We did some dancing, ate some good southern cooking and I got to know some fun, new people!

Birthday dinner for our friend Kevin, meatloaf and scalloped potatoes!

My very first cake from scratch---it was AMAZING!

This was my first time ever making a traditional meatloaf and a cake and frosting from complete scratch. Both turned out really well. It was so fun and easy, I'll never use a box again! Not to brag, but it also tasted so much better than anything I've had before.

Setting up for the clothing swap

All the gals shopping at the clothing swap

The clothing swap was a great success. We all cleaned out our closet, and came home with some fun new pieces! Afterwards we had 7 bags of clothes that no one claimed to donate, which was also great!

I also learned how to make the famous Kiwi dessert of Pavlova with my friend Rachel. She is a great baker and need to learn more recipes from her!

So, that's been the month of January for us. People really don't do much in Jan, it's still kind of "the holidays" so we've been really relaxed and just enjoying the sunshine and friends!

xxTally