2011 February » Two Little Dicky Birds.html

Hello and welcome!

Two Little Dicky Birds is a collection of things that I love, be it interior design, decor, food, travel, art or craft.

In April 2006, my husband and I purchased our first home and spent four years redecorating. It was such a rewarding process, and fuelled a love of interiors, which is now driven by an obsession with decor blogs!

During April 2009, we moved on from our beloved miner's cottage, to a new family home, where we have been chipping away at renovating and redecorating, all the while raising our two little dicky birds, Noah (3) and Sam (9 months).

My two beautiful boys have ignited a long-forgotten love of photography, which you'll find me dabbling in on a daily basis.

I hope you stay and have a look around. You'll find a selection of just some of the things that inspire me, and hopefully something that inspires you too!

Abby xx

Monthly Archives: February 2011

Feb 28 2011

Earthquake Appeal

The events that have unfolded in Christchurch this week have been astounding. Looking at footage and talking to friends and family in the city has been eye-opening, but it’s difficult to fully appreciate the magnitude of this. My heart goes out to everyone in New Zealand – almost everyone I know has been touched in some way by this earthquake, some in ways I cannot begin to comprehend. Like many people, I am so far away, wishing I could be there to help, somehow providing financial help doesn’t feel like it’s enough – when really it’s one of the best gifts we can give.

I know many of you will have donated to the Red Cross appeal. There is also a wonderful auction being held today and tomorrow at Kids Fashion Review on facebook, with all funds raised going to the children of Christchurch. There are some gorgeous items up for auction. I think I spotted one of Jeanette’s cute Bus Scroll prints. Go and check it out, and dig deep if you can.

To the people of Christchurch: Kia Kaha. Our hearts are with you.

Posted in Shopping Tags: appeal, auction, children, christchurch, earthquake, kids

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Feb 19 2011

The Tongariro Crossing

Our absolute “must-do” for our NZ holiday was the Tongariro Crossing. This was to be my third attempt, as weather intervened on both the other occasions. It can get pretty ugly up there when the weather turns, but it can just as soon clear, and luckily for us it did. On a fine day it really is a sight to behold. I absolutely, one hundred percent, recommend this walk. It is amazing.

Dad drove us up to the Mangatepopo carpark, very, very early. I was so excited, I didn’t care. It’s so much better waking up to go do this, than waking up to a toddler and baby competing to see who can squeal the loudest. We hit the track with the sun rising; this was our first glimpse of Mt Ruapehu.

Mt Ngauruhoe, some crazy people were climbing it. Madness. It’s actually a cone within Mt Tongariro, rather than a separate volcano. Some token geology trivia ;p

This is one of the views from the summit.

One of the highlights for most people are the stunning Emerald Lakes. They’re a real treat and a very popular lunch stop.

The cloud sets in mid-afternoon.

Looking back and Red Crater from below the Emerald Lakes. You can see the steam rising from some of the fumaroles.

Stunning. I loved every minute of it. The walk to the summit is well worth the extra time, the view from the top is incredible and you don’t really get to see that from any other part of the track. It was not a difficult walk, though it is steep in parts, and there is a stretch (if you look closely at the last photo you can see the track coming down to the right of red crater) where you basically skid down on scree. The summit walk is not at all difficult and probably only added another hour and a half at most.

I wish I’d taken more photos, but looking at them now, they really do not do it justice. It really is a sight to behold.

Posted in Photography Tags: New Zealand, photography, Travel

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Feb 03 2011

Motuoapa

When I was a kid, Motuoapa was a sleepy little village, 10 or 15 minutes drive north of Turangi. New subdivisions are pushing Motuoapa back up the hill, and with new homes popping up left, right and centre, it’s quite the place to be. With lake view sections selling for just over $100K, it’s no wonder. The great thing about Motuoapa is that the waterfront is sheltered from said development and remains, for the most part, home to the good old kiwi bach. And a few boats. It’s a great spot. And just between you and me, if you were looking for a nice little investment, where prices are not out of reach for the average Joe, Motuoapa is definitely worth a look.