I confess I drink way more tea than what is good for the colour of my teeth!

My day begins with a cup of tea, followed shortly by another cup of tea.  Next is breakfast, and a cup of tea.  Tea for morning tea and so my day continues . . . 

Each year I pay a visit to Diana of Sparklewhite Teeth New Plymouth.  I get to relax in her red chair, put on the rose coloured glasses, browse a magazine, nap and voila!

I have a brighter smile.

Never have I been very happy with the appearance of my teeth, but I can smile with more confidence now knowing that that first thing that people notice about me wont be the tea stains on my teeth!

Yes this is an advertisement for Sparklewhite Teeth New Plymouth, yes this is my sister and I am a happy customer.

For those of you who haven’t met Diana yet, be assured she is pleasant, professional and jolly good company too!



For more information about Sparklewhite Teeth NZ click the following link
http://www.sparklewhite.co.nz/index.html

Or telephone Diana directly with any questions you may have on 06 753 3333

Anyone who knows me knows that I love FOOD.  I truly believe it is one of life's great pleasures!

Towards the end of 2014 I found myself surrounded by the most delicious local fresh produce as I undertook to photograph a huge array of products for the SAGE Farmers Market who are in the process of developing an online purchasing option to go hand in hand with their Tuesday market day.  

I was part of the test group of shoppers for their trial period and I have to say I was surprised at how much I liked shopping that way.  Ordering online and paying in advance then collecting on the market day and not having to worry about having cash on hand, also knowing that what ever time I rocked up to the stalls, that what I had ordered would be ready for me to take home.  Easy peasy!

For more details of how it works check out   http://www.sagefarmersmarket.org.au

I also had the opportunity to visit a number of the producers at their properties and to see first hand behind the scenes of the production of their food. 

Passionate people, lovingly tended gardens, well cared for animals and just plain old fashion wholesomeness were some of the things I noted.  Not to mention the picturesque countryside which is a fabulous feature of the South Coast of NSW.

While I think that all the food available at the SAGE Tuesday Market is wonderful, I confess to having a few personal favourites.  

Thankfully I have well and truly got over my childhood dislike for anything to do with seafood (stemming from not having access to good, fresh fish) and now I find the local oysters delicious.  While photographing the different products I had the opportunity to taste samples, as you do, (yes a definite perk of the job) and the salted olives are now my new favourite snack, plus I find it difficult to take a trip to the Tuesday market and not buy a french pastry from Isabelle.  Vive la France!

While the SAGE Farmers Market at Moruya may be miles from you, in a different state or even different country - I encourage you if you haven't already to find out about and check out your own local Farmers Market.  The food is definitely fresher (often picked that day), lasts longer, plus it is also fun to chat with the farmers themselves and find out just a little bit more as to where your food comes from. 

Go do it!

I'm now getting back to the business of shooting portraits - but I never mind the odd detour, especially one that involves Food Glorious Food!

As it was the week before Christmas and I was away from my usual studio space, we loaded up the car with outfits and hit the road in search of locations and lovely light.
We went from A to B to C to D and had a lot of fun and laughs along the way.
Part way through the shoot, after noticing her excellent posture and carriage, I discover this English Rose is actually no Shrinking Violet and at her tender age, is a veteran of the stage as an accomplished dancer and performer.