The stories of ordinary people following their dreams and passions and making them happen to change their lives and those of others.
Mr and Mrs Eck lived in Kingston, on land stretching down the southside of Kent Street. Now it is a subdivision. When it’s covered in houses will anyone remember that this was once a farm?
My family will remember. And, I’ll always regret not taking photos of Mr and Mrs Eck. Because now I’ve only got memories of an extraordinary couple.
Continue reading “Kingston Memories: Mr and Mrs Ek”
Last year Jane Sutherland wowed us in Athol with a fashion show at the Hide. It had everything you’d expect: sleek hair, sexy make-up. Lights, music, models — go-getting locals rocked the gorgeous clothes on stage. What a night!
Jane’s known for her signature style. That’s top-quality fabric and timeless design married with hand-made metal jewellery. More than anything I craved the white coat. Wish I didn’t spend half my life hunched over a laptop and the other half with kids or on the farm.
I know zilch about fashion. So my questions tumbled out when I met Jane at her Kingston studio. After 20+ years in the fashion biz, there was a lot to talk about.
Continue reading “Jane Sutherland: Fabulous Fashion In Kingston”
Eight girls, a huddle of shivering adults, puppies… goats… horses and the cutest little pig in the world. What a great mix in Laura Douglas’ inaugural “Southern Girl Finishing School” workshop in Kingston.
Kelly and Steve Taylor are the duo behind ROAR Coffee Roasters and Temple Tattoo. They’re committed Southlanders now, but how on earth did a couple from Matakana find their “forever home” in Lumsden?
Imagine the conversation:
“Happy 30th birthday, darling. I’ve got such a surprise for you.”
Such a surprise! What possibilities spring to mind?
Holiday in Hawaii? A Spa retreat? Sparkling diamonds? Or maybe a cosy meal in your favourite restaurant.
Steve Taylor’s idea of a birthday surprise turned out to be a huge empty Masonic Lodge building in the small, Northern Southland town of Lumsden.
Kelly’s reaction?
“Oh, God!”
At that point, she never dreamed that one day she would actually end up living in that big old beautiful building and loving every moment of life in Lumsden.
Continue reading “Temple Tattoo and ROAR Coffee: Lodging In Lumsden”
The south has long been home to a vibrant café culture. But it wasn’t until Kelly Taylor opened ROAR Coffee Roasters that we finally had our own Southland brew.
Today, cafés up and down the province can serve the freshest-possible delicious coffee. And it’s all thanks to ROAR’S unique blend of beans and service.
I caught up with Kelly and Steve to discover more about Lumsden’s latest local brand.
Continue reading “ROAR: Coffee Roasters in Southland”
I have to confess I’m not a fan of pickled onions, but I do love a good sauce and Robbies has “sauces to die for.”
I first met Josie and Gus Robinson of ‘Robbies Pickles and Preserves’ at last summer’s Athol Valley Market.
“It tastes just like Nana used to make” is praise they hear time and again, and with good reason.
Robbies pickles and sauces ARE just like Nana made. In fact, many of them are made from the very same recipes and home-grown ingredients that Josie’s own Nana created in her kitchen so long ago.
