Monthly Archives: September 2010

Discovery Date: Shopping Therapy at East Geelong

Posted on by Mika
2

After having breakfast part 2, courtesy of my friend’s hubby…

Shelly and I ventured out past all the blocked roads for the UCI Road World Championships (Union Cycliste Internationale) to get to East Geelong. There was a shop that she wanted to take me to, and I wasn’t disappointed.

The shop is called “Goose” and it is a treasure trove of all things gorgeous! If you are ever out this way and are a lover of beautiful things, you have to pop in and have a look!

Stationery

One-of-a-kind Books

Kitchenware

Clothing

Children’s items

Jewellery

and much much more!

Then we went across the road to “Grandma’s Bottom Drawer” which is a nice wee gift shop. Shelly and I bought a couple of gorgeous books for gifts.

Last stop was a couple of doors down to “Create on Garden” which is a scrapbook supply store with other lovely stuff. I bought an awesome craft turntable with removable mini-buckets.

Here are some of my favourite goodies:

Fred M-Cups – Matryoshka measuring cups! CUUUTE!

KidsKitchen Craft Turntable by SteadySticks

I fell in love with this bowl (I will figure out how I will transport it all the way to New Zealand later!)

Gidday from Australia!

Posted on by Mika
2

Good morning everyone!

I am in Geelong, which is an hour out of Melbourne. It kind of reminds me of Wellington, because it is close to the beautiful seaside.

I had a fab flight on Emirates (will totally fly with them again!)

They had a camera attached to the front of the plane, so we had an AMAZING view while the plane took off into the sunset and rising up above the clouds….**heavenly!**

We had our own little TV and remotes. (I think I squealed a little in delight at this!) I managed to fit in “Knight and Day” and part of “Letter to Juliet”. Really enjoyed both movies.

The other thing I loved was when the cabin lights dimmed, they had little lights all over the ceiling to make it look like a starry night.

When we arrived in Melbourne, I was able to try out the new “Smart Card” (I think that’s what it is called) passport thingy. You have to have a newer passport, and you just insert it in one of the kiosks and answer a few simple questions. So I was able to jump the customs queue (which was HUUUUUGGE) and do the face recognition thing, where you stand and let it take a photo and scan your face to check if it is the same as your passport. Pretty awesome huh!

Met a lovely older gentleman at the waiting lounge, who taught me all about AFL and got me up to date and which team to go for (they had the finals last week and drew). This is all so I can talk “Aussie rules” to my friend’s 7 year old son. He also REALLY helped me out when my luggage was stacked above others and I couldn’t get it off the conveyor belt…*bless*

This morning I woke up to my friend’s wee girl saying “Daddy, please up..” “Please up, Daddy” from her cot…soooo cute! The mother in me, sneaked over to her cot and played peek-a-boo with her and got her up.

I love staying at my friend’s house….it’s so relaxing. I’m off to go give the kids some toys I bought them and think about getting out my PJs. Mmmmmm, I think my friend’s hubby made pancakes…yum!

See you!

M*I*A

Posted on by Mika
4

Hey all,

I have been missing in action since our internet was down for a week at our place!

The kids and I flew up to Auckland on Sunday to visit with family during our school holidays. Hubby is holding down the fort at home for 2 weeks, then meeting us for the last weekend.

Guess where I am off to today? Melbourne (happy dance)! As much as I am happy, I am at the part of the trip where I start to feel really sad about leaving the kids. I am going to try and hold it together when I say bye to the kids, but boy, I feel emotionally just typing about it! Hold it together!!  *breeeeatthe*

*OK*

I am off to spend some time with the kids before I leave, but thought I would drop you all a line incase you all thought I vanished!

Ka kite! (bye!)

Photography Challenge: Time

Posted on by Mika
4

Wow! I just won this week’s challenge for my photography class.

Here is what we had to do:

This weeks challenge is “TIME” Our most precious commodity, show us your representation of time…. try to demonstrate its finite nature.

This is was my entry. I chose it because I liked how it showed the past and the present together in one shot.

Last week’s challenge was “SHADOWS”.

These were my entries:

Next week’s challenge is “MOTION”. Can’t wait!

Prayer and unity through trials

Posted on by Mika
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It warms my heart when I hear my kids pray about the people in Christchurch during our family prayers. We have no idea what life must be like for those who have no home and no longer have the comfort of their personal belongings around them. We continue to be grateful that no one was fatally hurt.

To get an idea of what the people of Christchurch have been through (not only the big earthquake, but constant aftershocks!) check out this site:

http://www.christchurchquakemap.co.nz – Time-lapse visualisation of the earthquake and aftershocks in Christchurch and Canterbury

My heart has also been heavy for a fellow blogger who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Amy is a mother to 3 children, and blogs at New Nostalgia.

She has bravely shared her journey with us:

http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/2010/09/cancer-diagnosis.html

http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/2010/09/finding-cancer.html

So, when we feel like we don’t know what to do, when we do not know how we can be of any use to those people we have never met, we pray.

We pray that they may feel strengthened and comforted during the difficult road ahead of them. We pray that an ounce of our love and concern will reach them in their darkest moments. Then we hug our loved ones a little bit tighter, be mindful of opportunities to serve and make any personal changes that need to be made (like getting the family emergency kit and plan in order, and adding monthly breast checks to the routine).

Through trials, I have seen people, even strangers… come together to support those in need. It’s a beautiful thing.

5 Great Finds: GrabOne $5 Donations, Skirt with built in shorts, Magnetic Weekly Board, Fabric Rosette Clips and Bordem Busters for Toddlers to pass the time

Posted on by Mika
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EASY $5 DONATION TO CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE

Ever since we found out about the earthquake in Christchurch on Saturday morning, the residents of Christchurch have been in our thoughts and prayers.

GrabOne, who usually specialises in daily deals has set up an easy way for us to donate $5 to the Christchurch City Mission. As I write this post, they have raised nearly $30,000!

http://www.grabone.co.nz/christchurch

TUTORIAL FOR SKIRT WITH BUILT IN SHORTS

Just today, my 3 year old asked for her “mermaid t-shirt”. The same mermaid t-shirt that I had hidden because it was starting to get too small for her. It is funny how some children form attachments to certain clothing items. With her mermaid t-shirt, she loves to wear her skirt with shorts. Unfortunately, she is quickly growing out of too. So, I was really excited to see this tutorial at The Long Thread, so I can make her another one!

http://thelongthread.com/?p=6417

MAGNETIC WEEKLY BOARD

This weekly board is perfect if you have a little person in your household who loves to know what is coming up next! Even adults find it quite reassuring to see at a glance what is coming up next. Cheri from I AM Momma – Hear Me Roar! has posted a tutorial on how to make our very own magnetic weekly board, and included her cute drawings to download as well!

http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/09/whats-up-weekly-board.html

FABRIC ROSETTE CLIPS

Little Birdie Secrets has a great tutorial on how to make these really adorable rosette clips! I hope my attempt will look as good as theirs!

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-to-make-fabric-rosette-clip.html

BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR TODDLERS TO PASS THE TIME

Does this sound familiar? Desperately searching through your bag to find something to occupy your toddler, because there is nothing else for him to play with and the doctor is running late! Perna from The Mom Writes guest posts on Zen Family Habits about “10 Toddler Activities to Make Waiting Time Fun, Worry-Free and Interesting”

I’m liking the idea of having a packet of cherrios (or any other treat with a hole) and some string/ribbon, so they can string the cherrios…it’s an activity and a snack!

http://www.zenfamilyhabits.net/2010/09/10-toddler-activities-to-make-waiting-time-fun-worry-free-and-interesting/

Fun Kids Activity: Music Conductor

Posted on by Mika
10

Our children have so many things dictated to them on a daily basis. “Brush your teeth”, “Put a jersey on”, “No, you can’t”, “Yes, tomorrow” (with please and thank you of course hehehe)

That is why I think it is fantastic when an opportunity comes up where the children get to call the shots.

This morning, my daughter saw my ukulele and wanted me to play the “ew-guitar”. Since, I was looking for any excuse to procrastinate from doing the housework, I happily obliged.

After singing some songs, my 3 year old started singing a song I didn’t know how to play. I quickly googled it, and found this great instructional video on how to do some cool strumming to “Are you sleeping?” or “Frère Jacques” or “Porowhita” (A great song about the shapes in Maori. Sung to the tune of “Frère Jacques”. Porowhita x2. Tapawhā x2. Tapatoru x2. Manawa x2. Meaning: Circle x2. Rectangle x2, Triangle x2, Heart x2)

So, as we were singing the “Porowhita” song and “Are you sleeping”, my daughter decided she wanted to control the volume of the singing:

HAND UP: LOUD

HAND DOWN: QUIET

Pretty simple…but OH how she loved it! (Let’s just say, I was able to get some good practice with my strumming)

Other ideas:

Make your own instruments, and play them loudly and quietly: Tissue guitar, Rice filled maracas, Pot/Bowl drums, Cardboard tube trumpets etc etc.

Try it with no instruments and just sing loud and sing quietly.

Change the tempo to the music. FAST: WAVE HAND AROUND FURIOUSLY and SLOW: NICE GENTLE MOVEMENTS

Enjoy!

Want to start playing the Ukulele?

EQUIPMENT:

Some ukuleles are not expensive. I would highly recommend getting it from a music store. You could easily pick one up for around $30-$50NZ.

LESSONS:

I went to a 2 hour Playcentre Ukulele workshop a while a go. We were taught 3 chords (C, G7 and F) and were given a list of songs using those chords. It was so much fun!

I wouldn’t be able to join the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra…but I can play a few children’s tunes which is great!

If you do a search online, and on YouTube you should be able to find some good tutorials.

Here is a link to some easy songs to try once you master a few chords:

http://guitar.suite101.com/article.cfm/kids_learn_5_ukulele_songs_in_the_key_of_c

HELPFUL ACCESSORY:

If you don’t think you could tune a ukulele by ear, I would really recommend buying a clip-on Tuner for your Ukulele. Cheaper ukuleles often “slip” and go out of tune, so it is handy to have this electronic clip-on tuner so you can check it whenever you get your ukulele out to play.

You just attach to the end of your ukulele, strum one string, and adjust the pegs. Then the tuner will light up when it is in tune. SIMPLE!

Ukuleles are said to be the new “recorder”, and have been introduced to schools as part of their music curriculum. You can understand why, the kids have so much fun with it!

Come play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up

We Play

In the Kitchen: Mika’s Chocolate Chip Pikelets

Posted on by Mika
6

Chocolate Chip Pikelets are quick and easy. They are perfect for an after school snack, shared afternoon/morning tea, or a little baking for the lunchbox. Sometimes I make a batch when we are going on a short outing, so I know we have something simple and filling to eat when we get hungry.

This is a recipe that I have tweaked over the years, but today I finally wrote down the measurements!


1 cup White Flour

1 cup Wholemeal Flour

4 teaspoons Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon Salt

2 Eggs (I quite often use Orgran No Egg: Natural Egg Replacement, and it works fine.. .just bare in mind that the batter doesn’t really bubble when you fry it)

1/2 cup White Sugar (although my next try I want to experiement with brown sugar)

1 1/2 cups Milk

1/4 cup Chocolate Chips

  • Put dry ingredients in a bowl and stir
  • In a separate cup or small bowl, mix together the egg and sugar
  • Add egg and sugar mixture to the dry ingredients, along with the milk
  • Stir mixture together until it is just combined (do not beat until smooth)
  • Spoon mixture into a frying pan which has been heated to a medium temperature. (The size of the pikelets is up to you!)
  • When the pikelets start to bubble (unless you are using the egg replacement), turn them over when golden. Fry the other side until golden.

(Here’s a little secret from me to you…..if you use oil/butter you will get the type of pikelets you see in my picture. BUTTT if you have a non-stick pan which you can get away with not using any kind of oil, then you will get a smooth pikelet (kind of like hotcakes)

Source: Google Images

Psssst! September events in Wellington to put in your diary!

Posted on by Mika
2

Yay! September is upon us. For New Zealanders it means…spring, sunshine and school holidays!

Free Dance Classes

Why not give a dance class a go.

No experience required, partners not needed – wear flat shoes.

Date: Wednesday, 1 September

Time: 6.30pm – Rock and Roll

7.00pm – West Coast Swing

7.30pm – Ballroom

8.00pm – Lindy Hop

Cost: Free

Location: Feet with Heat, 4dance Studio, Level 2, 12 Kent Terrace, Mt Victoria

Register: Bookings are essential. Email class@feetwithheat.co.nz to register.

Meditation for Mums

Heal Your Life Practitioner, Camilla Watson will be sharing tips on Stress Management and Stilling the Mind for busy mums.

This event is put on by Mums in the City

Date: Thursday, 2 September

Time: 7.00pm-9.00pm

Cost: $3

Location: Trust Room, Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmore Avenue, Johnsonville

Register: Join Mums In The City on facebook and check out their events and RSVP.

Mobile Massage Service

Terumi Isogai from Healing Energy is a Certified Relaxation and Therapeutic Masseuse, and a Reiki Practitioner, and will be based in the Centre to offer neck and shoulder massages.

Date: Monday, 6 September

Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm

Cost: Donation (her 10 minute neck and shoulder massages usually cost $10)

Location: Newlands Community Centre, 9 Batchelor Street, Newlands

Register: No need to book, just drop by the centre.

Sign Language Taster Classes

Deaf Aotearoa will be running Sign Language Taster classes for anyone interested.

Date: Wednesday, 8 September for 6 weeks

Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm

Cost: Free

Location: Newlands Community Centre, 9 Batchelor Street, Newlands

Register: Contact Donna Wilson at donna.wilson@wcc.govt.nz

Free Zumba Class (Recently added Wed, 8 Sept)

Date: Satuday, 11 September

Time: 1.15pm

Cost: Free

Location: Studio 2, Webb St Studios, 22 Webb St, Wellington

Register: Email carolyn.p@xtra.co.nz or thop@xtra.co.nz for more information.

“Spring into Tawa” Market Day

Loads of stalls and fun to be had at the annual “Spring into Tawa” Market Day.

Date: Saturday, 11 September

Time: 9am – 12.30pm Wet or Fine

Location: Tawa Plaza and the Main Road shops

The Great Karori Plunket Sale

Come along for fantastic bargains on pre-loved babies’ and children’s clothing.

This event is put on by Karori Plunket

Date: Saturday, 11 September

Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm

Cost: Gold coin entry

Location: St John’s Hall, Corner Campbell St and Karori Rd, Karori

Colour with Style

· Learn the secrets that stylish women just seem to know.

· Learn how to create a versatile mix and match wardrobe to suit your lifestyle.

· Learn how to best dress for your body shape and receive your very own personal style guide card for you to take in your handbag when you go shopping.

This event is put on by Yummy Mummy Club

Date: Monday, 13 September

Time: 7.30pm-9.00pm

Cost: $25

Location: Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmore Avenue, Johnsonville

Register: Join Yummy Mummy Club, Wgtn NZ on facebook and check out their events and RSVP.

Botanic Garden Spring Festival

Don’t miss out on viewing the beautiful tulips at the Botanic Gardens during the Spring Festival.

Other fun things to do: Glow worm tours. Workshops on growing your own vegetables and Ikebana. Concerts.

Date: From Saturday, 18 September – Sunday, 3 October

The full programme will be now available.

Mobile Massage Service

Terumi Isogai from Healing Energy is a Certified Relaxation and Therapeutic Masseuse, and a Reiki Practitioner, and will be based in the Centre to offer neck and shoulder massages.

Date: Monday, 20 September

Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm

Cost: Donation (her 10 minute neck and shoulder massages usually cost $10)

Location: Newlands Community Centre, 9 Batchelor Street, Newlands

Register: No need to book, just drop by the centre.

Organic Vege Gardening for Mums

Quick and easy organic vege gardening tips and hints for Mums, and also how to introduce the kids to the wonderful world of growing your own veges.

This event is put on by Yummy Mummy Club

Date: Tuesday, 21 September

Time: 7.30pm-8.30pm

Cost: Gold coin donation

Location: Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmore Avenue, Johnsonville

Register: Join Yummy Mummy Club, Wgtn NZ on facebook and check out their events and RSVP.

Two Evenings with Sophie Gray – Destitute Gourmet

Get tips on how to provide delicious and nutricious meals for the family without breaking the bank.

This event is put on by Waterloo/NaeNae Plunket

Date: Tuesday, 21 September

Time: 7.00pm-10.00pm

Cost: $60 for two tickets

Location: Naenae Bowling Club, Witako Street, Lower Hutt

Register: Purchase tickets through trademe.

This event is put on by Redwood School

Date: Tuesday, 22 September

Time: 7.00pm

Cost: $35

Location: Redwood School, Redwood Avenue, Tawa

Register: Purchase tickets through Yummy Mummy Club or Redwood School Ph: 232 7704

Baby on Board Descpicable Me 2D Screening (Recently added 16 Sept)

Date: Tuesday, 22 September

Time: 10am

Cost: Adult tickets $9.50. Entry for children under 5 is FREE (max of 2 free per paying adult)

Location: Level 2 Westfield, Queensgate, 45 Knights Rd, Lower Hutt

Best parking for cinemas is Level 2. 4 Hours free parking.

Website Info: http://www.eventcinemas.co.nz/clubs–discounts/baby-on-board.aspx

You can purchase tickets online at the discounted price.

Know of a fun event? We would love to hear about it!

I try to be as accurate as I can, but if you spot a mistake, please let me know :)