An Introduction

Heeeeey, I’m Justine. Mum of one beautiful boy, Aiden (13) and married to lovely Canadian Bill (as he has become known on instagram). We live in rural New Zealand in Taranaki. I love my life and am very proud of what we have built together over 22yrs of marriage.
I love adventure - hiking & traveling make me feel whole, many of our adventures will be shared here. I’m also really passionate about women’s health and fitness, after being on a huge journey of my own over the past few years. Here’s a bit of back story…

Just over 5 years ago, I decided to change my life. Like so many of us, I was stuck in a rut. I was overweight, unmotivated and felt like a spectator in my life. It’s not a nice feeling, by the way. I was SO BUSY in my life (superwoman complex anyone?) that I totally and utterly stopped looking after myself, it really is as simple as that. It might sound cliché, but girl, I let myself go. Hashtag, relatable.

I was not kind to myself, ate badly and beat myself up about most of my decisions on a daily basis. And then, a rockbottom moment followed by a breakthrough. I managed to change my perspective and my relationship with food and self and lost 32 kgs / 66lbs in 10 months. I got a taste of the life I wanted, but over the next 2 yrs following some family trauma and covid, the weight all came back on, and then some. My health was deteriorating, but the lessons learned in the art of Self Love & Body Acceptance stuck with me.

Then and now, still on my health journey

In 2022, knowing that I needed to do something about my health & mobility, I underwent Gastric Bypass Surgery to help me get control of my health for good and it’s been the best thing I have ever done for myself. It’s changed my life and given me the opportunity I needed to really repair the damage done over the years, and to get fit and healthy. I am no longer spectating and am really proud of the life I life with my family, taking part in anything and everything, not wanting to sit on the sidelines any more.

In 2023 I created my very first podcast, The Balance Project Podcast which has just completed it’s second season. I talk to incredible women & mean about their body image journeys and how they have evolved over time. It’s been incredible. Check out the podcast tab to listen.

So, welcome. This blog is about me out there living my best life and sharing my favourite travel, hiking & foodie finds with you! I love fashion as well, and have been very lucky to model for some incredible New Zealand & Australian brands. If you’re interested in my fashion reels and stories, please follow me on instagram!

Please join my community on facebook and instagram to keep up with what I’m up to!