Busy bee

When I was going to kindy they had a day where everyone came and pitched in to help do things around the kindgergarten. Kiwi's call this as a "working bee". We had t-shirts with "I'm a busy bee at kindergarten" on it. Well, I've been a busy bee at home! So this is going to be a bullet point post.

Birthday boy turned 4 today so we had the party on Saturday. The train cake turned out well. He was totally spoiled. He asked us at tea time "Is my party day finished?" to which we said yes it was. "Can I have it again?" Aaah no. Not until next year. Maybe.

Finished a number of layouts:

Finished sewing up a romper I made originally for DS but decided it was too girly and didn't make it up. Now that I have a girl you know. Just so you're convinced, here is a picture of her in another smocked romper I made, and a beautiful purple hat my friend S knitted. She is the queen of drool right now as you see.







Also finished the PIF gifts which have to wait until next month to be sent, after which I shall post some pictures!

PIF recipients

Heh heh - my post with the PIF in it didn't ge that many comments so eliminating those who opted out and my PIFer Janine I only had 3 people left anyway!

So.

Amy and Kristen - send me your addresses and you will get some happy mail. Ilka - I have your address so I shall send a little love your way too! :-)

I hereby give permission to my PIF recipients to refrain from passing on the meme if they don't want to. Especially Ilka because she has already been so generous these past few weeks.

And I'd like to give a big public thank you to Janine and Ilka for their lovely envelopes of goodies that came yesterday and today! I'm excited about their contents... and I really, really want to get scrapping! Just got to get this week of party preparations out of the way and you won't see me for .. uh .. not dust but probably glue and bits of scrap paper! LOL!

Peace

I read this blog called No Impact Man - it's a guy and his family who is trying to live in New York City with as little environmental impact as possible. It certainly makes my efforts to reduce my ecological footprint look puny.

However, I noticed this post today and it resonated with me. Particularly this statement.

When I have less internal conflict, I cause less external conflict. When I cause less external conflict, there is less conflict in the world.

You can read his post but basically he comments about an incident at home that could have easily happened in my house and his reaction was one that I recognised.

I need to work on this.

m m m marshmallows

Some of you may recall the interview with my DS where he mentions marshmallows as a favourite.

We were getting some things for his birthday and he happened to notice an enormous bag of marshmallows on the shelf.

DS: I think we need some marshmallows.
Me: Oh.. why?
DS: Because Daddy ate them all.
Me: Is that so! Oh well. I guess we can get some more.

Then on the weekend he sidles up to me and says:
Have we got 4,5 , 6, 8, 11, 14, 17 marshmallows?
Me: Probably.
DS: Daddy hasn't eaten them eh?

I think he's feeling a bit protective.

This and That

As it turns out, Daddies are better kite flyers than Mummies around here. It helps when you have the kite 'bones' inserted the right way round apparently.

Unfortunately the weekend degenerated from here. Both kids have had colds since the 23rd August. Now, snotty noses are bad enough ... but both of them also got diarrhoea which is not something you want to deal with in the middle of the night with a nearly 3 1/2 year old who readily pukes at the smell of his own ... er .. business at the best of times.

DD had it for a short time, but DS still has it 5 days later. So, we're off to the Dr. Not sure what he can do but it makes me feel better. I am soooo sick of it. And the colds are still here too.

On a happier note, I did manage to weed and rotary hoe my garden and now I'm happily plotting out what I'm going to plant.

We have 4 family birthdays this month but I've got it mostly sorted. Just got to finish off a mini album for SIL and post it off. DS is getting a train theme party and as of this morning I am the proud owner of a Wilton train cake pan courtesy of Millys. So that should make my life a bit easier. No chain saw cakes this year. Not sure what I'll do with it after this birthday but I know a number of other little boys who's mothers may like to borrow it. Maybe DH would like a train cake too.

Now - I've been PIFfed by Janine. So here's the deal possums. I will send a gift (something handmade or something bought) to 3 random people who leave a comment on my blog. The only thing you have to do in return is “pay it forward” by making the same promise on your blog or some other form. So, if you like this idea and a bit of ‘happy mail’, please leave a comment on my blog!

Aside: Garsh - I hope there are still people around who haven't been piffed... if you want to opt out of it, let me know :)

It's a windy day today

So we go to the reserve to fly the kite.

Except it turns out that Mummy is not much good at kite flying.

No matter what she does, it never gets higher than a few metres.

So we come home again.

With promises that Daddy - who might be a better kite flyer - will take Small Boy out later.

Red Bag

Red Bag

Finished the other bag that Mel knitted and felted for me. I kinda like this one even better than the last one though both designs are my own. My sister is a it of a magpie (or magenpie a la Gerald Durrell stories in our house), so I did a bit of beading.

Both the designs on this bag and the other one are my own, so if you want to use them too I'm cool with that but would like an acknowledgement in your acknowledgements. :-)

One day when I have so much more time (like when I retire, ha ha) I think I'd like to do some stumpwork on bags like these.

i want

this cool reading-in-a-bookshelf-space....

Recently read and enjoyed and recommend the following:

The Birth House by Ami Mckay

Recently read and kind of enjoyed but couldn't quite connect with:

History of love by Nicole Krauss

Zoo, zoo, zoo, how about you, you you?

It was a lovely - dare I say it - spring day and 3 scrapping bloggers ventured out with kids in tow to the zoo. It was neat to finally meet Sharon, and also Andrea along with their delightful children. (Shhhh.... one of which was a superhero!)

We almost saw the new baby giraffe Ntombi, but she turned out to be too shy for the younger members to wait for, so we pressed on.

DS tried to see if anyone was home here, but no luck.

Kashin was out and about, posing beautifully.

The flamingos however... well, they were embarrassed by the attention I think. See - they're pink, and hiding from the lens. ;-)

Eh? Another photo Dad?

I think she's over it don't you?


P.s. The Earth Gems were in my local produce store (Kumeu Produce) ... not the organic shop, so you may be able to find them locally.

Oldies and Newbies

Got out my crockpot the other day to do some corned beef. My crockpot is not one of these nice new ones with a removable pot. It's an heirloom one that belonged to my grandma! I actually don't know how old it is - she doesn't remember it so I can't check with her. Judging by the colour scheme I suspect it was a 70's purchase. But it goes just fine - an indictment on the appliances these days that are made to last for 10 (max) years. Yes. I'm talking about you Mr F&P Dishdrawer. I hope you are ashamed.

I found these at my produce shop the other day - they are called Earth Gems. At first I thought they would taste like yams, but no! They taste like potatoes, but in a crunchy sort of way. :-) Nice to add to my repertoire of veges.

Hot Chilli Chocolate fans might enjoy this. I discovered it at Naturally Organic when I did an order the other day. It's gooooood. Not for your average hot choc drinker because it's a bit different, but if you like something with a bit of spice, then this could be your new love. I notice that Phoenix have some other options in this range too, including a Hot Toddy. Sounds good.

Got Milk?

Small boy thought his sister needed some milk to help her get over some hiccups. Sister wasn't quite so sure...

4 recipes

Tara has tagged me with a 4 recipes tag.

The rules:

1. Let others know who tagged you.
2. Players start with 4 recipes they especially like.
3. Those who are tagged should post these rules and their 4 recipes.
4. Players should tag 4 other people and notify them they have been tagged.

So with no further ado I share with you!

1. Rich Dark Chocolate Puddings With Runny Centres
Serves 4

120g dark chocolate (the best you can afford)

125g unsalted butter

75g plain flour, sifted

175g caster sugar

4 eggs

Melt chocolate and butter in the top of a double saucepan or in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in remaining ingredients.

Pour mixture into 4 x greased 200ml moulds (e.g. ramekins or if you can be careful getting them out, Texas Muffin tins). Recipe can be made up to this point and kept a couple of days in the refrigerator.

Bake at 180ºC for about 12-14 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 2 minutes before inverting onto serving plates.

The puddings should split and the centres run out; otherwise, just slice down the sides to release. Dust the puddings with sifted icing sugar and serve with mascarpone, whipped cream or clotted cream.

2. Sesame Chicken

From The New Zealand Crockpot Cookbook / Bishop, Joan. (1992). Christchurch: Whitcoulls

1 lemon

1 x 2kg chicken

1 T soy sauce

1 T vinegar

1 T brown sugar

2 T tomato paste

¼ tsp ground ginger

3 T sesame seeds

Cut the lemon into quarters and place inside the chicken. Place chicken in the crockpot.

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste and ground ginger and mix until smooth.

Brush the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Cover with lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3 ½-4 hours.

3. Sally's Vegetarian "Sausage" Rolls with Penny's modifications

4 thick slices bread, made into crumbs
1 packet walnuts (70g), chopped (or hazelnuts)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 chopped onion
1 grated carrot
1/2 grated capsicum
3/4 cup grated cheese
3 eggs
herbs (e.g parsley, thyme, sage) preferably fresh
salt and pepper
puff or flakey pastry sheets

Mix all together, form into a long sausages and wrap the sheet of pastry around them. Cut into "bite" sized rolls. Brush with milk or egg if desired. Bake 180 degrees C until brown.
The filling is also good as fake meat balls with a yummy tomato sauce and spaghetti.

4. Corn Chowder *

3 oz butter
2 large onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
4 cups stock (vegetable or chicken)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup canned creamed-style corn
2 cups fresh corn kernels (frozen is fine)
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
salt and pepper
3 Tablespoons cream (optional)
2 Tablespoons fresh chives to garnish

Heat butter in large heavy based pan. Add onions and cook over medium heat for 5 mins or until golden. Add garlic and cumin seeds, cook 1 min stirring constantly. Add stock and bring to boil. Add potatoes and simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes. Add creamed corn, corn kernels and parsley. Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes. Stir through cheese, salt and pepper, and cream. Heat gently so the cheese melts. Serve sprinkle with chives. Serves 8. * This is a vegetarian soup, but I like to throw in some bacon bones or a bacon hock into the stock as I feel it gives it more flavour depth.

I'm not really a "tagger" as such but if you feel moved to share... feel free to use me as an excuse ;-)

Houston - we have forward movement

DD started crawling forward this week - she's been going backwards for a few weeks but she has finally worked out forward gear.

I've realised how quickly I forget what little babies do... i.e. put everything in their mouths. So far I've rescued play dough, newspaper, bits of Mobilo, and a piece of chipboard from her predations. Having DS spreading his toys from one end of the house to the other is not helping and he cannot seem to be tidy no matter what I do. So I have to be vigilante.

Time Waster

Oh boy - I just wasted an hour making a Simpson version of our family! LOL! You can do one too at the Simpsonize site.

Thanks Amy! :)

Bag No. 1

Ages ago I got Mel to make me some of her special bags so I could give them to my sister and SIL for their birthdays next month. I've finally got around to decorating them. Well the first one anyway!

Ice cream

DS likes to "sell" me ice cream when I'm making tea in the evening. The conversation goes like:
DS: Which ice cream do you want?
Me: ummm... chocolate
DS: Here you are!
Me: mmm..yum yum.mmm..mm [eat ice cream]
DS: Which ice cream do you want?
Me: oh.. er.. hokey pokey
DS: Here you are!
Me: mmm..yum yum.mmm..mm [eat ice cream]

And so on.

These are the cards I made for Lara's challenge from the cyber crop at SBO on Saturday. I had fun but man - those girls can sure scrap 'n' chat fast! I didn't have time to do any other challenges but it was fun all the same.

I managed to muck up the wedding one by spelling congratulations wrong so had to quickly re do it to get in by the deadline.

Oh and see - I used my Cuttlebug. Or Cutterbug as my dad insists on calling it.

I hope someone I know gets married so I can use the card!

7 years (I mean 8) of wedded bliss

8* years ago, DH and I vowed to love, cherish and honour each other before our God, family and friends.

Happy memories! Dh proposed to me on the top of One Tree Hill on Waitangi day 1999. I knew he was going to ask me because he'd told me he would ask some time and that I should have an answer ready. I just didn't know exactly when it would happen. I made him wait a few seconds just to be perverse but he knew what my answer would be anyway! LOL!

I was up at 6am getting ready for the big day. Wasn't nervous at all, just happy and hoping it would all go well.

DH on the other hand was not okay. Waiting to "go down the aisle" I asked the venue manager how he was... "He's a nervous wreck"! While we said our vows he was blinking back tears, and luckily his groomsman had a hanky because he'd forgotten one! It's a memory I cherish because DH isn't very good an expressing emotions in words. I didn't cry during the ceremony but I did during my Dad's speech. *sob*

7 years isn't that long really but it feels like it's always been this way... in a good way. So much has happened and we've weathered a few storms that have happened between us and around us.

I can't say I "renew" my vows each anniversary because I made that commitment once and intend to stick to my word. But it's good to reflect.

And if we can find a baby sitter we'll go out to tea tomorrow since DH had to go to Wellington today for work and has to stay the night.

And I'm such a dork because I'm timing this post to be published at the time of our ceremony!
*Edited to get the correct number of years!!! It's 8 Doh!

Amy's new store

Blogging friend Amy has just opened a new Cafepress store with some cute baby stuff. The store is called Cute as a Bug. I particularly like the "instructions" t-shirt! :-) But there are others there that are cool too. Pop by and have a look.

Wallabies and trout

DH wanted to go and photograph some steam because the theme for his photography club this month is steam. So we spent a night in Rotorua. (AKA Roto in our household). I waved in your direction Karen! :)

Small Boy was intrigued by the thermal activity. "We saw the boiling mud! It was boiling!", he told my parents who joined us. He inspected each pool and hole at Kuirau Park and took a deep sniff each time to "smell the steam".

We visited Paradise Valley Springs on Saturday while DH and my Dad went to Orakei-Korako. The wallaby and the trout were the only creatures he would touch or feed. I suggested we catch a trout for our lunch, but he rightly pointed out, "But Mummy, we need a fish stick!".

Indeed.

Honey I cloned the son...

A bit of photoshop fun...

A tripod, wide angle lens, 3 photos, and 3 layers in photoshop. Erase the bits to reveal the 3 ratbags!

Aaaack! Imagine having 3 of them! Scary thought.

Nourish

My entry for the NZ Dare competition.

Journaling reads:
Each morning before your sleep you like to drink a little milk. I enjoy this particular time as I relax and enjoy an island of calm in our busy day.

I was going to write a poem about it and I think I still will, but I need some time to muse about the words first.

Letter sounds

Small boy is working on his letters at kindy so we have conversations about it.

DS: What's K for?
Me: ummm... K is for king and for Kelly [his swimming teacher]
DS: What's for garage?
Me: G. G is for garage.
Me: T is for....
DS: Tim! *giggles*
Me: What's Mummy's name?
DS: Penny!
Me: P is for Penny. What's Daddy's name?
DS: Sweetie!
Me: *cracks up*

Botheration!

Rats! DH has managed to lose all my special brushes in his upgrading of Photoshop. I shall have to go looking for them again.

Got any special ones you recommend? Leave a linky in the comments and I'll collate them and make a section on my side bar for them so I don't lose track of where they are.

Here are some that I like:
Misprinted Type
Spyglass
Deviant Art
Scrapjazz post about brushes

BTW - for some reason I'm having difficulty leaving comments on Wordpress blogs. It might just be my laptop/Firefox... so I am reading and trying to share the love but it's a bit sporadic!!

Photoshoot Disaster

Tried to do a bit of a photo session yesterday with the kiddos but it was mostly a waste of time. Small Boy was so busy being "helpful" taking pictures with his "camera" that it was annoying, and Small Girl would not smile. Most of the shots aren't sharp because the target or my hands were moving.

However, Small Girl is now 6 months so I thought I'd better record it. She is sitting up well and is working on her top 2 teeth. Won't be long and she'll be crawling judging by her tummy time behaviour these days.

I must get out to some better venue than my lounge and my dodgy black back drop....

A tisket a tagit

I've been tagged by Ruth! :-) These tag thingies remind me of the stuff we used to do at school with our friends.

My roommate and I once: ate a "midnight feast" which consisted on pickled onions, chips and licorice bullet lollies. eeeuw!

Never in my life have I: been to a tropical island.

High school was : a mixture of great times and some big time cringe factor moments! LOL!

When I’m nervous : bite nails, jiggle my legs, pee a lot

My hair : is getting darker as I get older. I used to be much blonder.

When I was 5 : I was living in England and went to Primrose Hill Primary School. I had a friend called Anunga who was from Africa - we used to feel each other's hair. Mine was long and blonde, his was tight black curls.

When I turn my head left : I see the laundry on the clothes horse and a pile of scrapbooks.

I should be : doing housework or scrapbooking or sewing

By this time next year : I'll be another year older.

My favorite aunt is : is not really my aunt but a close family friend.

I have a hard time understanding : some maths concepts

You know I like you if : I tease you

My ideal breakfast is : Hmmm.... that depends. Yoghurt and muesli is good. Can't go past Toast and Vegemite either. Porridge is good especially with naughty cream and brown sugar. But I wouldn't say no to bacon, egg and pancakes either.

If you visit my home town : you won't find it hard to get a decent coffee

If you spend the night at my house: Small boy might get into bed with you

My Favorite blonde is : my family

My favorite brunette is : my family

The animal I would like to see flying besides birds : pigs? Nah... imagine the mess on your windscreen.

I shouldn’t have been : spending money

Last night I: Went to bed round about 10ish and Small Girl woke me at 1am for a feed.

A better name for me would be : Hey! Small Boy called me a Good Mummy today.

I’ve been told I look like : Brooke Shields - it's the wide mouth ;-)

If I could have any car, it would:be so much better than the one I drive now!!!!

Mystery Revealed

The mysterious parcel has been opened! It revealed this! I am thrilled!

I've been throughly spoiled this birthday. Not only did I get my highly-desired-above-all-others cake mixer in Empire Red, but I also was given this by my folks....
Yep... that's a Cuttlebug (+ 2 dies and 2 embossing plates). I was totally surprised about this one. I hadn't asked for it because it seemed a bit OTT to ask for. It was on the wishlist for 20 years down the track. So it was a beautiful surprise.

And... my friend gave me a voucher for Shop'n'Crop; someone else gave me chocolate (mmmm).

I am the most spoiled birthday person. Hope I don't sound too mercenary- I'm just really stoked about it all! . DH made me a card using PSE and one of his photos. The words he put in the card made me cry --> in a good way. ;-)

I've made my birthday cake with the mixer and now I am going to order some goodies so I can play with my Cuttlebug. Small Boy has been also delighted with my gifts and has been haranguing me to use this so he can "help" me.

Turning 34 has been pretty exciting! :-)

What inspires me?

Mel has a meme going - write down 6 random things that you love. Not people, but places, buildings, art works, inspiring places etc.

1. Children's clothes - I think since I've got kids and make layouts for them, I tend to see inspiration in the designs and colours. Related to this point - fabric stores.
2. Interior decorating stores - particularly the fusion stuff that we're seeing these days. It appeals to me.
3. Fruit, veges, plants, flowers, the beach etc - I like looking at what nature puts together and how.
4. Old houses like Highwic, Alberton and Katherine Mansfield's Birthplace. I like to touch the walls and think of the life people lived there. How people played in the gardens, made love in the bedrooms, conceived their children and maybe even died there. How the kitchens once buzzed with activity. Cooks laying out their ingredients for making jam from the fruit they got from the garden.
5. Universities. I feel most comfortable in academia and get a "buzz" from learning. Related to this point - museums, libraries and their collections. I'm the one who can spend ages looking at beetles pinned on to polystyrene! I love the smell of the stacks in the library. I could spend a happy morning pulling out files at a herbarium to look at their contents.
6. The written word - novels, poetry, my Bible, even blogs have a place inspiring me.

First date

Today is the anniversary of our (DH & mine) first date. As DD kicked beside me and DS bounced around on our bed this morning I commented that I hadn't foreseen this when I agreed to go out for dinner with him! :-)

His phone call was rather unexpected. I had been working for a while, and had various projects on the go. My last relationship had fizzled (a happy escape) some years before. While I hadn't given up hope of love 'n' marriage, I also had decided to make the most of single life. My sister and I were saving up to go on an OE together. One evening the phone rang and my youngest sister came into my room with a puzzled look on her face, "It's for you" she said, obviously wondering why some guy was calling me. A very nervous DH said,
"Hello, how's it going?"
Me: "ummm... fine" [*thinks* Who is this?]
DH: "It's Rodney here."
Me: "Oh! Hi!" [*thinks* Why are you calling me?]
DH: "I was wondering if you'd like to go out for dinner some time?"
Me: "Well..er..sure! When were you thinking of?" [*thinks* I'll give anyone at least one try]
DH: "Ummm... I hadn't decided that yet." [*thinks* Sh**! She said yes!!]
Me: "Okay - well when you've decided let me know" [*thinks* Poor guy!]
DH: "Okay - I call you"
Me: "Okay. . umm"
DH: "See you"
Me: "Bye"

I hung up the phone and turned around to see both my sisters waiting to know what it was about. No privacy in our house! LOL! The day came. My sisters were all agog of course. "Please will you let us pluck your eye brows?" they said.
He took me out to Valentines - not the most romantic venue but we were both kind of nervous so at least there was nothing unexpected about the menu.

So were there stars in our eyes and fireworks in the air? No. I can't say that there was a magical pixie pointing at him saying "He's the one!" What we did have was animated conversation and by the end of the evening we had discovered quite a bit in common. We both felt "comfortable" with each other and decided we'd date again.

Eventually, there was an another entry in my diary.
And my sister went on an OE by herself. ;-)

Saucy!

Something about this time of year makes me want to eat puddings. Specifically, carb-fat-rich puddings. Most of the time I resist this but last night I did not. I had some left over pumpkin and felt like pumpkin pie but was too lazy to faff about with getting cream and making pastry so I modified this recipe.

Banana Caramel Self-saucing Pudding

110g butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
3 very ripe bananas
1 tspn vanilla essence
1 tspn baking powder
1 1/4 cup flour
1 tspn baking soda
2 cups boiling water

Soften butter. Beat in brown sugar and egg. Mash bananas with vanilla essence and stir through butter mixture. Sift over the flour and baking powder and baking soda and combine well. Spread pudding into 28 cm x 19 cm ovenproof dish. Sprinkle over topping. Carefully pour boiling water over the back of a spoon onto topping mixture. Bake at 180 degrees C for 35 mins approx.

Topping
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons custard powder
50g butter

Combine brown sugar, custard powder. Chop up butter roughly and add to the custard powder and brown sugar.

My Pumpkin "Pie" Version

Replace bananas with approx. 1 cup mashed pumpkin.
Add 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon each all spice and ground nutmeg, pinch of ground cloves
with the flour. Continue recipe as above.

It was delicious. I'd probably add more pumpkin next time for more pumpkin flavour. It's probably ... actually it is best served with cream but I had it (virtuously) with milk.

World Breast Feeding Week

Thanks to Amy's blog I discovered it's World Breastfeeding Week in August.

Here's a quote about it:

What is World Breastfeeding Week?

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is August 1st – 7th and celebrates the signing of the Innocenti Declaration** on the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding. It is celebrated in 120 countries on various dates.

* According to WABA, "Initiation of breastfeeding within the 1st hour of birth is the first and most vital step towards reducing infant and under-five mortality, by reducing the overwhelmingly high neonatal mortality rate."

** The Innocenti Declaration was produced and adopted in 1990 by participants at the WHO/UNICEF meeting on “Breastfeeding in the 1990s: A Global Initiative.” The document lists the benefits of breastfeeding, plus global and governmental goals.

I've been fortunate that both my kids have been able to benefit from good ole human milk. For me it is as much about convenience as the Good Things that are in breast milk. Learning to breast feed was difficult at the beginning and it took me about 6 weeks before I felt confident with it when DS was born. Luckily for me DD has been really easy to feed, and apart from a couple of blocked ducts I've had no trouble this time.

I know that breastfeeding isn't always possible and I don't think that formula is Evil Food from the Dark Side. But if someone asked my advice about the choice I would strongly advocate breast feeding.

Amy has a photo contest going to celebrate WBW if you'd like to enter.

Where is the strangest place you've breast fed? I think for me it would be at the lookout at Waiere Falls down near Te Aroha. We'd just walked to the lookout so DH could take some photos and DS decided he was hungry.

Meme

Five Reasons the Best Writers Come from West Auckland
1. Who can argue with the black singlet and black jeans fashion... surely inspirational.
2. Our mayor can moon with the best of the them.
3. The beaches can kill you.
4. It has the only joint library between a local body and an educational institution in NZ.
5. There is always the wine...

Need a book to read? Try some of Rosina Lippi or her other writing name Sara Donati.
This meme comes from here.

Tied to the Tracks by Rosina Lippi. July 3, 2007. ISBN: 0425215326

"[This] is a hilarious, smart, sexy novel with a heart of gold." -- Susan Wiggs

"[Lippi] turns her buoyant creative talents to the romantic comedy genre with an effervescent tale of a trio of offbeat Yankee filmmakers plunked down deep in the heart of Dixie." -- Booklist

Read an excerpt. (Adobe Reader required)| Watch the book trailer

You can find Tied to the Tracks at Amazon , Barnes & Nobel, Borders, Powells, or at your local independent bookseller.

This meme has been entered in the Tied to the Tracks contest, originating on Rosina Lippi's Storytelling2 weblog. If you'd like to enter the BUCKS & BOOKS meme contest, get the rules here.

Supermarket 2.0

Okay - I know this is probably going to appeal more to the librarians out there but this cracked me up... especially the last bit about the egg...

glumbert.com - Supermarket 2.0

Layout for Sketch Competition

There is a competition at SBO to win a copy of Nic Howard's book by creating a layout based on a sketch of hers. For once I had suitable photos to fit the sketch!

Comfort

comfort

Made with April's kit from SBO.

loser

I am now 1 kg under my pre-pregnancy weight! YAY! Last time I got this far I managed to get pregnant again mostly by surprise rather than intention.

Now I need to lose about 7 kgs to get into my BMI range (my goal).

Pity about the saggy baby tummy still but I'm pretty happy about the progress. I think breastfeeding is helping me this time (it didn't last time).

Note to self: Do not get preggers.

NZ Dare 23

Here is my entry for the NZ Dare 23.

Introducing....


The Lesser Footed Satin-Eared Sniffler (Zaitunauris micropedia)

Note: Not to be confused with the Greater Footed Satin-Eared Sniffler Taringa megapedia which is an entirely different genus.

Characteristics

1. A terrestrial species inhabiting wooded areas abundant with rotting vegetation (.e.g. The Tulgy Wood).
2. Possesses a velvety exoskeleton with 4 unsegmented appendages.
3. A tubular proboscis is used to seek small insects and grubs under logs and leaves.
4. A discus shaped body and sensitive spotted cilia on it's back enable it to find suitable crevices to hide from predators.
5. Will do tricks for chocolate.

DS kept saying, "What's that? What you making?" while this critter was created. Took most of the day too... I hope he's a lucky critter!

Attitude

Ali E had this on her blog recently. I needed the reminder.

A quote by Charles Swindoll:

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.

It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.

We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes.

My italics...

Some things I have difficulty dealing with are entirely because I need an attitude adjustment. As someone said, opportunities are often disguised as inconveniences and so if I have the right attitude I can take advantage of them in a positive way. It doesn't have to be in a looking-on-the-bright-side-Pollyanna type of way (because some things are just not happy situations). But as a maturing adult I can change my attitude towards some situations to improve how I cope.

It's done

I posted off my resignation letter this morning. Shed a few tears about it. It's a bit of a step into the dark for me but I hope it will work out for the best. DH and I have discussed it ad nauseum and we think it is the best option for now.

There were so many different factors to consider and this seemed the simplest option. MPOW has been very flexible in the past but their situation and management has changed and I don't think they have the ability to do it this time. To be honest, I don't want to go back into the position I was in anyway. Then there is the child care issue and the logistics of two.

Anyone want to hire a librarian to work from home? Have a broad subject knowledge including natural sciences, health and alternate health science, and engineering. Highly web literate. Could do cataloguing at a pinch....

*sigh*

She's going to hate me...

... when she grows up. I made myself a red winter skirt after hunting the shops for something I liked and not finding it. Giving up in disgust I went to Spotlight and found some nice wool cashmere poly-something-or-other mix. It was expensive but fortunately I didn't need too much just for a skirt. I got enough to make a little dress for DD as well.

"Mother and Daughter matching clothes! That's so 70's!" I can hear the cries of a teenage daughter already. I am making the most of the chance I have now to dress her how I like.

I got some felt and wool to do the decorations so now I feel more confident about decorating Mel's bags I'm giving to my sister and SIL for their birthdays in September.

kindy boy

kindy boy

A layout using SBO's April kit and loosely following Donna's sketch.

interview

interview

You may recall the interview I did with DS. I finally finished a layout of it.

Some curious goods

I occasionally read Popgadget blog for fun. Check out these ones and tell me which one you'll be requesting for Christmas.
Animal bike seat covers





Then there are the Glass fishbowl bookends. Or the Panda chair. Or the fridge recorded message thingo.

Mysterious Box

Present

DH came home the other day and instead of coming directly into the kitchen to the fridge (like normal) he went down to the garage. I wondered what he was doing but thought he might have some work tools to unload. Instead he comes and sheepishly says, "There is a parcel in the spare room. Don't open it. I tried to find a safe place in the garage for it but couldn't, so it's up here. It's your birthday present."

Knock me over with a feather! My birthday isn't until July so he has been super efficient! I had been teasing him about remembering it and obviously he has taken it to heart.

The brown paper is too opaque and I can't see what's inside it. RATS!

(I have my suspicions though. Do you think a red Kitchen Aid cake mixer is about the right size? I hope so.)

Apparently he has informed all our families what it is because it has been known for me to get duplicate presents. Which is why I have 2 wheel barrows.

20+ Questions

DS constantly asks questions right now. Some of them are tricky.

What do Pukekos say? Waaark! Pip!
Why do pukekos have beaks? Because they need them to eat.
What's that truck carrying? What's that truck got? (Have to make up answers for this one sometimes).
What do pukekos eat? seeds, grass, weed and stuff
Is your roof open? Huh?
What's Nan doing? ummm... I have no idea. Having a cup of tea.
Why is Daddy at work? To earn money so we can eat food and live in a house.
What's on that man's face? Shhhhhhhhhhhhh... whiskers

And the million dollar question at present is "Where is Toby?" He's been put somewhere and I have no idea where he is. Luckily it isn't Trevor who is missing else there really would be serious wailing happening.

Stocktake

Had a look through my spice cupboard the other day in order to see what needed topping up. I impressed myself with the range I've got!
Check out this list:
Star anise (whole)
Baharat (home made)
ground chillies
ground cardamom
dried marjarom
curry powder
dill seeds
dried sage
sambar powder (home made)
juniper berries
asafoetida
gr. black pepper
white pepper (whole)
fenugreek seeds
mixed spice
brown mustard seeds
belacan
black peppercorns (whole)
caraway seeds
dry mango powder
poppy seeds
chinese 5 spice
tamarind
lemon pepper
cinnamon quills
kalonji seeds (nigella seeds)
smoked paprika (hot & sweet)
ground turmeric
celery seeds
gr. coriander
gr. cayenne
anardana powder
gr. nutmeg
whole nutmeg
gr. cumin
gr. cinnamon
paprika
cumin seeds
prickly ash/Sichuan pepper
dried oregano
dried tarragon
dried galangal
gr. ginger
saffron
dried chillies (birds eye)
cloves (whole)
mace
vanilla pods
all spice
coriander seeds
panch phoran
sesame seeds
fennel seeds
cardamon (whole)
ras el hanout (home made)
rose water
garlic powder
brown cardamon pods

no wonder I'm running out of space in the cupboard! And yes, I have used all on that list. Some more than others naturally. I find spices and their history fascinating.

BTW: Thank you for your comments the other day when I was feeling a bit stink. I do appreciate it! Much better now. The trouble with the mini-pill is I get PMS every other week complete with chocolate cravings... gonna do something about that!

Book Sale for Charity

Random House (the publisher) is going to have a book sale in Auckland on
Sunday 20th May
9am-2pm
12-14 Poland Rd, Glenfield

A large selection of books priced from $1 - fiction, non-fiction, children's, gardening, self-help, art books and many more.

Proceeds to Literacy Aotearoa.

Swap Pins

I'm hoping to get to SENZ07 next week (probably on Friday). Can't do any classes because of DD but I still like to go along.

So I've made some swap pins on the off chance there is somebody who will want to swap with me! Apparently the recommended amount is 50 but there is no way I could imagine needing so many so I've made 10. I figure I'm not a famous scrapper or blogger so there won't be that many people who'll recognise me or want mine. Just being realistic.

If you're going to SENZ and see me there please do say hello (and you can have one). I'm not an extrovert person despite how I appear on this blog; I'm actually pretty shy but if I recognise you I will make an effort to say hello.

I'm having a mediocre day today. Feeling like I don't excel in anything. An average scrapper, a good-enough mum/wife, average crafter. I probably was a good reference librarian but only an okay web librarian. Just one of those days I suppose. Need a hug from hubby or something.

He's baaaaaaaaaaack

Well he's been back a week actually. Dh that is. From the States.
He took the grand sum total of TWO photos. Can you believe it!? This man does photography as a hobby. Okay, okay he was training and all but mate... go all that way and take 2 photos after buying a 2 gig memory card for my little digi-cam.

This is one of them. The rental car he drove. Whoopdedoo. The other one is of him beside it.

When we were talking about the trip he said casually.. "Oh, and I saw the Google and Yahoo headquarters and stuff." Well - I would have been interested in photos of that!

Men.