We also have a fireworks display in November as part of Guy Fawkes Day which is fantastic! The only problem is that it starts at 9pm at night. So you have to weigh up keeping your really young ones up until that time, and letting your school kids have a late night when there is school the next day.

Last year was the first year we took the kids to the Petone fireshow which starts at 7.30pm. We parked with our peoplemover’s boot facing the display. We put the seats down flat, and the younger kids sat inside and ate fish and chips while they watched the fireworks. (Those who attend the fireworks display in Wellington, usually have to park a mile away, and walk…walk and walk some more before getting a good view of the displays)

So if you haven’t been to the Petone Fireshow before, I highly recommend it!

Here are some other fun things that are happening in August:

Petone Winter Carnival

Obviously I am excited about the Pelorus Trust FireShow at 7.30pm, but there are other things happening during the day like Carnival Games and Rides, Fire Sculptures, Free Petting Zoo, Food Fair and much, much more! Check out their website for more info!

Date: Saturday, 14 August

Time: 2pm-8pmish (after the fireworks display)

Cost: Charges apply for some rides, food etc

Location: Petone Foreshore

Johnsonville Family Gala

This was SUCH a great event last year! The petting zoo, balloon making, bouncy castle, gingerbread decorating, petting zoo, ceramic painting, 2nd hand toys and book stall are under cover, so this event can go on rain (wind) or shine! The prices for the activities are incredibly reasonable, which is why many people liked about this event. There will be lots of yummy goodies on sale as well!

This event is put on by our Playcentre and the funds raised will go towards our renovations project.

Date: Saturday, 21 August

Time: 10am-1pm

Cost: Gold coin entry. Charges apply for the various activities

Location: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 3 Frankmore Avenue, Johnsonville

Sort your Clutter Workshop

Galit Maxwell from “Sort Your Clutter” will take you through a workshop to:

• learn more about clutter and the effects it has on your life
• get great tips to help you de-clutter your home plus easy storage solutions
• talk about each room of the house, it’s purpose and how to achieve it by using simple feng shui & organising tips
• learn how to achieve more effective time & schedule management for your family.

This event is put on by Yummy Mummy Club

Date: Tuesday, 24 August

Time: 7.30pm-9pm

Cost: $15

Location: Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmore Avenue, Johnsonville

Second hand Clothing Sale

We love second hand clothing sales for children, so it just makes sense that we should have one for women as well!

Do you want to pick up some new outfits at a bargin? Have you got outfits at home than are gathering dust?

If you want to book a table, it is a $10 donation per table to cover venue hire. Book a whole table or share with friends. The seller keeps all proceeds.

This event is put on by Mums in the City

Date: Saturday, 28 August

Time: 9.30am-11.30am

Cost: Gold coin entry

Location: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 3 Frankmore Avenue, Johnsonville

$5 Winter Wednesdays at the Zoo

Hopefully there will be some great winter days coming up so we can take advantage of the $5 Winter Wednesdays at the Wellington Zoo!

Date: Wednesdays in August

Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm (last entry 4.15pm)

Cost: $5 per person, Under 3′s Free (Adults are usually $20 per person)

Location: 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington

Last week I heard a couple of 9-11 year old boys talking about TV. Then I heard “Which do you think is better Two and a Half Men or The Big Bang Theory?”, the other boy enthusiastically gave his answer, but I was still taken-a-back by the first question to hear the answer.

I’m not too familiar with these show, but I thought that Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory are aimed at a much older audience. Perhaps those who are familiar with these shows could fill me in.

Maybe I am just a TV prude!

Does anyone actually look this good when they wake up??

Busy Busy Busy…today is going to be a busy day!

I have been in bed sick for the last couple of days, and I wasn’t much use leading up to my bed-ridden state. Needless to say, I will be spending a lot of time doing dishes and catching up on laundry today.

I’m not complaining though, I’m just happy to wake up and have energy today! It has been really difficult to feel so drained, unmotivated and unwell.

I am grateful for my hubby for taking care of the kids, and for my mum and my friend for making such delicious hearty meals for us.

I am also grateful for good friends. There’s nothing better than having a good ol’ girly chat with your gal pals to put a smile on your face…and I was lucky yesterday, and I got to catch up with two of them!

This week is a busy one too. I am tutoring a Playcentre course tomorrow, then we are running the Relief Society “Food Show” at our church on Thursday (want to come?) I’m demonstrating my cinnamon bun recipe and others will be demonstrating how to make bread rolls, taco bowls and how to make your chicken streeetch…plus my favourite part…taste testing!!

So, hip hip horray for a new day! I will take cleaning, laundry, running errands and looking after kids over how I was feeling in the weekend any day!

I am loving this post by Simone from Greatfun4kids. She reminds us that it is important to step out from behind the camera and be in the photo with our children. She has been able to put into words, what I have been feeling lately. I really need more photos with the kids.Getting a smaller camera that the kids can operate, has been my first step. The next step is, as Simone says “Get over myself”.

We have to remember that our children love us, just the way we are (no make up, holey jeans and uncontrollable hair), that is how they see us every day.

http://greatfun4kids.blogspot.com/2010/07/getting-over-myself.html

JOIN IN ON THE SHOOT ALONG

Giver’s Log is a great blog anyway, but now they have teamed up with Carrie Butler and have started a Shoot Along. They are trying to get us to be more purposeful in our photography. They will be including great tips, like last weeks post on “Telling the Story”.

http://giverslog.com/?p=9040

FUNKY NEWSPAPER BAGS

I love these cute bags that Jessica from How About Orange made. Check out her easy to follow tutorial.

http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-make-gift-bags-from-newspaper.html

DOWNLOADABLE THANK YOU LABELS

Who wouldn’t want to receive a thank you gift with these labels on it?! You can give these away too, because the girls over at eighteen25 have made some downloadable labels for us to use. Score!

http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/07/party-bags.html

MAKE YOUR OWN PICK UP STICKS

You no longer need to go out and buy the plastic version of this game! You just need a bit of paint, your household skewers and you’re good to go!

I am so glad that whipup.net featured this tutorial, because not only am I loving this idea, but I am loving Holly’s blog Chez Beeper Bebe.

http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/07/make-this-stripey-sticks.html

Source: Google Images

I can’t even remember when the last time I had a nice long bath was! Is that sad?

While I was de-cluttering a few weeks ago, I came across some bath bombs and a whole bunch of candles…yay!

I’m counting down until the younger kids are in bed so I can put them to use.

I’m hoping I will get a bit of peace and quiet with no interruptions. Kids knocking on the door and asking what I’m doing or begging me to open the door would be a bit of a mood killer hehehehe (can you tell I speak from experience!)

I must admit, the thought of turning back the clocks so the kids could go to sleep earlier did pass my mind!

Not too long to go now…

I think the anticipation of some pampering time, is half the fun isn’t it?!

Last week we were blessed with the most amazing winter weather in Wellington. We spent our TV/Computer free week of the school holidays going out every day and loving it! Our days were spent at parks, library visits, creativity centres, craft workshops, train trips and we even had a night walk and did some star-gazing.

The rest of the time we read books that we got out at the library, and drew…drew…and drew some more (restocking our art supply was one of the best investments of the week!)

My hubby thought he woke up to the twilight zone to find our 5 year old boy sitting at the table drawing (he usually just draws when his sisters draw) and our 9 year old daughter in the lounge reading a book (she is usually the one drawing).

Also, the other thing that I noticed, was that the children just got on with playing with each other. Sometimes all together, sometimes they would break off in twos. Lots of complex imaginative play that would just go on and on. It was fantastic! It would have never happened if their faces were glued to the computer screen or TV.

My 9 year old told me that she loved the week, and prefered it over watching TV or playing on the computer.

I also noticed that the kids and I settled and went to sleep a lot better too!?!

As the kids adjusted to having no computer and TV during the day, I had to adjust to it in the evening, when I usually hop on.

I must admit the first night I was bored! I soon found things to occupy my time though. Sometimes it was working on my to-do list, like mending clothes (finally!!) and reading new books. Most nights I would end up just hanging out with my hubby, which was looovely. We went out on a date on Friday, and when we came home my mum said the kids were really good. My Hubby attributed it to the TV/Computer Free week.

I think the thing I missed the most was the convenience of paying for bills online…I had to post cheques and use the phone! (old skool!)

I can tell you that I didn’t miss the fights over who’s turn it was on the computer/TV, or the kids getting grumpy when the TV got turned off, or the late nights after letting the computer suck too much of my time.

I like the freedom of being computer free in the evenings and during the day…so I am having to re-think how I am going to fit it into my routine. hmmmmm??

That is where we are at the moment…figuring out how to transition back into using them again, and how much to use.

It was a great exercise to become free of those things that we thought were quite established in our lives.

We got to see that, actually, we can manage quite well without them, thank you very much!

Follow on from the post: “Going Off-Line for a Week…You’re What?!?!”

A GREAT LIST OF FREE PRINTS

Jenn from Delicious Ambiguity has provided a fantastic list of free prints that we can download and print off.

Check out this gorgeous print by Angela Vandenbogaard. This and other prints are available from Feed Your Soul: The Free Art Project.

http://www.mydeliciousambiguity.com/2010/07/free-art-for-kids-you-can-frame.html

MONSTER BUBBLES!

I can’t wait to try the monster bubbles like Valerie from Frugal Family Fun! My kids would love this! She got the idea from Childhood Magic, where they also have link to a good bubble mixture.

http://www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com/2010/07/sunday-snapshot-you-must-try-this.html

COLOURFUL CROCHETING

I’m not sure if is the sun streaming in to the room, the beautiful flowers, the gorgeous colours of the wool, or the pretty crochet patterns…but I am loving the crochet table-cloth that Elizabeth Cat has made [via whipup.net].

http://byelizabethcat.blogspot.com/2010/07/little-table-cloth-with-pattern.html

MUST SEE “HOW TO SERIES”

Marta has got a neat series going on called “The How-to Series: Celebrating the stuff we know”. She has a whole bunch of guest posts covering topics such as How to Multi-task to a post about converting an old TV stand into an adorable play kitchen. [Via Giver's Log]

http://www.martawrites.com/search/label/how-to%20series

CUTE BOXY POUCH

Suzanne from A New Creation is documenting all the things she is making. From Crafts to Yummy Recipes. She recently made this box pouch that turned out really well! She got the pattern from Indie House.

http://anewcreationblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/blog-post.html

GRAB A BUTTON IF YOU WERE FEATURED!

I am so excited to be included in Se7en+1′s blogaversary’s celebrity week. She is a wonderful lady, who does amazing things with her kids.

She asked me to list se7en things about anything! So I decided to write about “Se7en things I would tell myself when I started Motherhood“. Here is a sneak peek:

1. Beware of your expectations of yourself. There is no such thing as a super mama! As rewarding as motherhood is, there are difficult times. We need to ride through them and not be so hard on ourselves when everything isn’t “perfect”. Also, it is ok to receive help
2. Never compare yourself to other mothers. The problem with comparing is that we often compare our weaknesses to other’s strengths! How fair is that?!?! Instead of spending our energy thinking about what we aren’t good at, why not spend it focusing on finding out what our unique attributes are.

Read the rest over at Se7en’s blog

Sarah’s enjoyment of her children and Wellington just beam through her writing. Their family of 4, now have 5 members in it. Like other mother’s in her position she is discovering a different kind of rhythm now that she is a mother to a baby, pre-schooler and a school aged child. It is such a privilege to share this journey with her through her writing. Here she is introducing her gorgeous girls:

Charlotte,

Age 7:

Sarah – Mummy, blogger, cook, cleaner, entertainer, mediator, general dogs body Wrapped up warm on last day of term down at Lyall Bay.

Thanks for inviting me to do a guest post Meeks Happy Holidays everyone, from Chez Lee x
When the rhythm changes it can sometimes take a while to adjust. In term time we march to the beat of a drum. In the holidays we get to hold the drum sticks and beat out a rhythm of our own. It takes us a day or two to find our groove, to let go of our individual routines and pull together as a merry band. When we find our beat the fun really begins; we rediscover our creativity and revel in free time to discover and play.

We bake and take time to eat together. No hurried breakfasts and boxed up lunches.

We paint and create, with inspiration aplenty on the Internet. This week we’re inspired by a link on the ‘Crafty Crow‘ to make our own tissue paper window collage. We’re also planning to make wool pom pom balls (a first for my girls).

Painting is a favourite and we have upcoming Birthday cards to make (and Charlotte is working on her Birthday thank you cards).

We remember toys that gather dust in term time. Whilst the rain and wind beat down we open the toy chest and play our favourite board games; snakes & ladders, junior scrabble, charades, monopoly, memory…

We build Lego towns, string beads together, make up a batch of play dough. We dance and sing, jump around, crawl under sheets and feel the pulse of physical freedom. We hammer out some notes on the piano and learn some chords on the guitar.

We delve into activity books, read and play games on the Internet.

And of course we have the practical jobs of housework too – but even these can be fun when we all pull together. Help is often forthcoming when a squirty bottle of warm, bubbly water is involved My girls are good at helping with dusting, cleaning the kitchen surfaces, the floors and the sinks. They volunteer to do the windows – when the rain stops and the sun shines (usually getting drenched in the process!).

The housework is usually rewarded with a trip out and a hot chocolate, ice cream or smoothie By the second week of the holiday we are really getting in the groove and realize, with sadness, that we have only one more week together – and it isn’t enough.

When the weather is fine we hang out at the beach, visit the gardens and play on the waterfront. So many playgrounds and spaces to run. Places to walk and explore.

When the wind and rain won’t let up we brave the crowds for a couple of hours at Te Papa, The New Dowse, City Art Gallery and Museum of City and Sea. We swim at the pool (so many to choose from in Wellington), we take our wheels for a spin at the rec centre, we cosy up for stories in the library.

And at the end of the day, when the curtains are drawn early to keep us warm in the mid-winter gloom, we pop on a movie, light candles, switch on some fairy lights for a little cheer and cuddle up with cushions and blankets aplenty.

Ah, having written this post I am now feeling so positive about the holidays and have just enjoyed a trip down memory lane looking at the past year’s school holiday blog posts on Chez Lee. I don’t want them to end! Here’s to beating our own drum and dancing a merry tune!

Se7en is a home schooling mother of se7en + 1 children. She has lovely view of life, that really shines through with her writing and family photographs. Check out her blogaversary’s celebrity week…you’ll probably see a few of your favourite bloggers featured! www.se7en.org.za

Writing this post made me realize that we have holiday traditions and as we are headed for our winter break in a couple of weeks I can feel little folks around here gearing up for their typical school vacation. I like to shake things up a bit in the holidays and give my kids a bunch of new things to do, without spending a penny, all I do is rearrange stuff a little bit. Also, I have to keep in mind that at the end of a school term my kids are usually quite tired and before I fall into the trap of preplanning every moment or filling their holidays with a million and one activities I need to remember that they need lots of “down time.” We usually have a meeting and we make a holiday list with one idea from everyone that they really want to do. It can can be as simple as making time for a walk on the beach every evening, rain or shine, that gives everyone the holiday feeling. I am a firm believer in letting them have a whole heap of free time to figure out things for themselves and fulfill whatever dreams they have been creating and cooking up in their heads during school time…

1. Craftiness: All their craft goodies that are neatly boxed up for school on the dresser, well in the holidays I just plonk everything into cups on a tray and leave them to it. For school their art is a lot of pencil and drawing in sketchbooks and watercolors, so during the holidays I make sure there are heaps of color and sticking and markers available. All the materials are always available but a different presentation makes it seems like a whole lot of new fun.



2. Book Nooks: Every holidays we set up a different and dedicated reading spot. Sometimes we theme the books and I will make it just for Dr. Suess books, or Richard Scarry… or pick a topic: beach stories or space stories… A pile of blankets and cushions and you are good to go.



3. Gaming: Somehow we never have time for games and yet my kids love them. During our planning meeting I let everyone choose a game and then we play one game a day during the holidays. I usually give the little guys easy puzzles to do while I play games with the older kids.



4. Baking: With a family of ten our days are a lot about “the food.” We always have a cooking day in the holidays and everyone gets to try a new recipe they have discovered. This is really special one on one time and we keep their particular recipe secret until “the unveiling.” We have ended up trying things we would never normally try – Thai soup, hot hot curry and elaborate baking that I would never have dreamt of trying on my own!!!



5. Outings: Inevitably I have errands to do during the holidays that I just can’t get to during school time and always add a fun and spontaneous run in the great outdoors onto our errands. Nothing huge – I am not up to overnight or even all day hikes into the wilderness. But I can totally drive to a nearby hiking spot and let everyone loose to run for an hour. An easy snack in my bag can stretch it to two hours and by then we are usually all ready to get home.



6. Scientific Discoveries: During the term time we do scientific projects but it is never enough!!! They always want more. During the holidays I take out their scientific gear, like the microscope and leave it on the kitchen counter so that they can explore to their hearts content. At the moment we are growing a window sill garden, mould and all, with a view to some microscope fun during our upcoming holidays.



7. Forts: My kids are all about forts and during the holidays they will make them indoors or outdoors, the weather is no issue!!! Just a place to eat lunch and read books and talk about life!!! They just love forts and I keep a ready supply of blankets and cushions at the front door just for them.

Happy Holidays with love from

Yes, it’s true. By the time you read this, we will be into Day 2 of our “No TV, No Computer Week”. I will leave it up to your imagination as to how we are coping!

This isn’t the first time that we have had a no TV week, but it will be the first time that we will ALL (me included!!!) be going computer free as well!

I love unplugging from technology because it is a really good opportunity to have a technology detox and get out of bad habits that we have all slipped into (ie relying on technology to solve boredom)

So what is our plan of attack?

• Our goal is to not watch any TV or go on the computer.
• Have a sit down with the kids a week before it starts to get them on board.
• Plan a King/Queen each day during the week. On this day, the child will decide what activities we will do, and what we will eat. (I helped choose the activities and food for my 3 year old). Since it is the holidays, the list of free school holiday events really helped the children see what was out there.
• Stock up on craft supplies and pantry supplies (ready for baking and messy play..ooo yeah!)
• Have a treat day. Something to look forward to and to help keep their spirits up. I will be taking the kids to watch Toy Story 3 at the end of the week. (Yes, I get to make up the rules that include watching a movie hehehe)
• Put my email on “vacation mode” to encourage people to phone me or text me to get in touch.
• Get PLENTY of sleep so I have the stamina and patience (and the will power to stay off-line!)

You have a couple of guest posts to look forward to this week. I asked some special ladies to share some of their thoughts on how they spend their school holidays with their children. I hope you enjoy their posts as much as I did…..I felt inspired after reading them!

Good reads

Read how I ended up cutting down on TV when we had a Spend Free Week

Update Post

Lessons in Motherhood: A week without TV and Computer

GREAT TIPS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY

This article by Digital Photography School is jam-packed with great advice for your budding photographer, or even adults who want to learn a bit more about photography! I’m excited to try some of their ideas!

http://digital-photography-school.com/13-lessons-to-teach-your-child-about-digital-photography

Source: Digital Photography School

$2 ALL DAY TRAIN TICKETS (for Wellingtonians)

You can spend $2 and travel on the Hutt Valley line, Paraparaumu line and Johnsonville line between 9am and 3pm on Tuesday 13 July, Wednesday 14 July, Thursday 15 July! Thanks Tranz Metro! (and thank you Nancy for letting me know!)

http://www.tranzmetro.co.nz/Detail.aspx?ID=5b75b561-505d-4796-bbbe-67c41d2a2d50

EASY TO FOLLOW PICNIK TUTORIAL

Jill from Homemade from Jill walks us through the free Picnik programme to make these lovely printables. Picnik can be used for photo storage and manipulation as well. This looks like fun!

http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-make-printables-without-photos.html

FUNNY VIDEO ABOUT THE TWILIGHT CRAZE

I came across this video on Shanna’s blog Just SO and just cracked up at the words in the song!

A LIST OF BOOKS LOVED BY CHILDREN

Alicia from A Magical Childhood has taken the time to collate a list of books recommended by children! I can see that this wonderful list is going to keep us busy at the library for a long time to come! Thanks Alicia!

http://magicalchildhood.wordpress.com/2010/07/09/childrens-favorite-novels-and-the-winner-is/

GRAB A BUTTON IF YOU WERE FEATURED!

Mums in the City put on a Hip Hop Class through Pump Dance Studios.

I rocked on up by myself, not knowing anyone…and I was pleasantly surprised at how many brave, adventurous souls decided to try something completely out of their comfort zone as well!

We all learnt a really fun dance routine to Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies”.

Everyone did soooo well, and we managed to pick up the steps and had a blast!

There were some awards given out at the end of the night.

We felt pretty special when a couple of us won the “baddest” dancers prize! Yay! (That’s us in the top right photo with our yummy chocolate prize)

Mums in the City included time at the end for some chit chat and supper. I was able to meet some great people and enjoyed this delicious spread:

Tried something new: Check!

Met new people: Check!

Had a great time out: Check!

Thanks Mums in the City and Pump Dance Studios for putting on a fabulous event!

Upcoming Mums in the City events (for more information go to their website or facebook page)

A Pamper Evening at Sarak Hair & Beauty Salon on Thursday, 19 July 2010 at 7pm. Free consultation, goody bags and nibbles.

Secondhand Clothing Sale on Saturday, 28 August at Johnsonville Community Hall. Sell your unwanted, nearly-new clothes, shoes and accessories. Shop for bargains. $10 if you want a table.

Adult Classes at Pump Dance Studios (for more information go to their website)

Thursdays at 7-8pm at Pump Dance Studios, Level One, 302 Taranaki Street, Wellington

I hate loosing my mojo. I just don’t feel like myself. So frustrating when it happens during the school holidays. Isn’t that when you need it the most?!

Everything seems to take more effort….to get out of bed, to do the dishes at night and to think of fun things to do with the kids.

I’ve had enough of my mojo-less holidays…so I’m going to be doing something about getting it back. Wish me luck!!

Here are 10 tips to help you get your mojo back:

1. Commit to getting plenty of sleep, and waking up early so you can ease into the day

2. Scrub your skin when you are in the shower/bath

3. Drink plenty of water and eat nice healthy food (avoid fatty foods and foods high in sugar)

4. Exercise, the endorphins will help you feel better

5. Get out of the house for some fresh air and sun

6. Do something fun and silly with the kids

7. Start a project that excites you

8. Listen to some really upbeat loud music

9. Write down things you are grateful for and things that made you smile today

10. Talk to someone, to give you some perspective

Good reads

Good mood: 10 ways to get yourself back into one

The Golden Seven: Missing

Chez Lee: Needing Sleep

5 Secrets To Having Happy Kids (Number 5 says: “you gotta be happy first before you can expect your children to be happy”)

If your mojo goes missing for more than two weeks then you may want to look into whether something else is going on.

Filed under: Lessons in Motherhood Tagged: Happiness, Internal Dialogue, Motherhood ]]> http://jugglingmotherhood.com/2010/07/07/lessons-in-motherhood-10-tips-to-get-your-mojo-back/feed/ 4 Juggling Motherhood lost mojo http://jugglingmotherhood.com/2010/07/06/shhh-im-sharing-the-award-winning-cheese-roll-recipe/ http://jugglingmotherhood.com/2010/07/06/shhh-im-sharing-the-award-winning-cheese-roll-recipe/#comments Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:37:35 +0000 Meeks http://jugglingmotherhood.com/?p=3519 ]]>

Source: www.scifest.org.nz

The search is finally over for the “The Ultimate Southern Cheese Roll”. Cheese Rolls are a staple in the South Island, just like Paninis are to Wellington cafes! hehehe

The competition was part of the New Zealand International Science Festival. The winning cheese roll was analysed by the University of Otago’s Food Science Team alongside a panel of culinary experts. How very official!!

The winner, Joy Jones said that she had been making her winning cheese roll recipe for over 8 years and that it was a family recipe passed down by her mother. She was able to beat off 80 other entries.

I remember a friend from Playcentre making some cheese rolls for the kids, and they LOVED them! She told me that the best part about the cheese rolls is after you roll them you can pop the tray straight into the freezer. Then, once frozen you pop them into a zip lock bag so you always have an easy snack that can go straight into the oven, and is ready at a moment’s notice.

Joy Jones’ Winning Cheese Roll Recipe

500 grams grated cheese – (Mainland Mild Blend or Mild Cheddar)

1 tin Nestle carnation evaporated milk (375ml)

1 pkt Maggi onion soup mix (32g packet or 1.13oz)

1 finely chopped onion

1 teaspoon mustard powder

¼ cup cream

Heat in microwave for 6 mins – stirring in between time, cool – spread lengthways onto long cut white bread from Marlow’s Bakery, South Dunedin. Roll into cheese rolls (3 folds).

(They didn’t include the cooking instructions….you can either put a bit of butter on the cheese rolls just before you pop them in the oven….or you can spread butter on the outside of the bread before you put the mixture in and roll it. Then you either bake it or grill it (you’ll have to turn it if you grill it) until golden and crispy.)

Recipe source: scoop.co.nz

A Good Read:

Otago Daily Times: Quest to find the ultimate cheese roll (with video on how to assemble a cheese roll)

They have taken an idea and with A LOT of hard work, they have transformed a dream into reality. (Totally inspiring!)

Each group is special because they saw a need in their community and decided to fill it. By doing this they have helped many mothers become better informed, and helped them to connect with other mothers as well.

What makes them even more amazing is that most of them are stay at home mothers to young children!

MAMA-LICIOUS

These passionate ladies saw the need for additional information and support for pregnant woman who wanted to know more about breastfeeding.

My friend Cara (on the very right) and her colleagues have developed breastfeeding courses for pregnant woman to ensure that mother and baby have the best possible breastfeeding experience. (Partners are encouraged to come along for support as well!)

KIWI MUMMY BLOGS

When I first started blogging, I had no idea that there were so many Kiwi Mummy Bloggers out there!

Sarah also found it hard to find the kiwi blogs amongst the international blogs. So she developed “Kiwi Mummy Blogs” which provides a comprehensive list of kiwi mummy blogs and teasers to their current posts. She always seems to have a good giveaway going on too!

KAPITI KIDS CONNECT

When you have a look around Kapiti Kids Connect you will soon appreciate how much time and effort that Maryanne puts in to keeping the Kapiti Coast families informed of all the wonderful facilities, events, and businesses available in their area. I’m sure your efforts are appreciated!

MUMS IN THE CITY

We are lucky enough in Wellington that a group of wonderful women have seen that there may be mothers who want to get out of the house, try something new, and meet new people.

Zoe and her crew put together fun events like the upcoming Hip Hop class and a Pamper Evening at a Salon.

YUMMY MUMMY CLUB

If you thought we were lucky with one group…guess what, I found another group which put on wonderful events so mothers can have some ME time!

Although Lisa calls this her hobby, with her committee’s help, I think they do a pretty good job at coming up with interesting and varied topics ranging from workshops on Money and Prosperity to Glamour Photo Shoots!

Free Fun at the Wellington City & Sea

Draw a picture or write a poem about something in the Museum. A selection will be published with prizes to be won.

Date: Now until 1 August

Time: 10am-5pm

Cost: Free entry and materials provided

Location: Queens Wharf, 3 Jervois Quay, Wellington

Free fun at Westfield Queensgate

Eight butterflies have been hidden around the Centre, can you find them all?

Pick up an entry form from Customer Services, write in the names of all the butterflies you spot hidden around the Centre and you could win a prize pack from McDonald’s and Event Cinemas!

Date: Monday, 5 July to Sunday, 18 July

Time: Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm, Thu-Fri: 9am-9pm, Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: 10am-5.30pm

Location: Westfield Queensgate, Lower Hutt

Free fun at Te Papa

Hey kids! Collect a trail sheet and follow the clues throughout Te Papa to find out interesting facts about tapa, the amazing cloth that is made from the beaten bark of a tree. Everyone who takes part will go in the draw to win a prize!

Date: Now to Sunday, 12 September

Time: 10am – 6pm and 10am – 9pm on Thursdays

Cost: Free

Location: Entry forms available from outside Te Papa Kids’ Store, Level 2 or Planet Pasifika, Level 4, Te Papa

Ice Age Close Encounter Show at North City Plaza, Porirua

Get ready for an Ice Age encounter with the wacky loveable goofball Sid and the nutty as ever Scrat as the Ice Age 3 Close Encounter Show. Help Scrat find his precious acorn in a fun packed musical adventure with singing, dancing and audience interaction.

Date: Monday, 5 July to Friday, 9 July

Time: 11am and 1.30pm daily

Cost: Free

Location: Centre Court, Ground floor, North City Plaza, Porirua

School Library Programme at Libraries around Wellington

Escape the wet, wild, winter weather and come into a library near you for exciting stories and some activities to warm you up!

Date: Tuesday, 6 July to Friday, 16 July

Time: Variety of time

Cost: Free

Location: Variety of locations

BJ Bear Show at Johnsonville Shopping Centre

A fun interactive show with great prizes to be won! 2 Shows Daily

Date: Monday, 5 July to Thursday, 8 July

Time: 11am and 1pm daily

Cost: Free

Location: Near the Food court, Johnsonville Shopping Centre, Carpark entrance on Broderick Rd & Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville

Te Huka ā Tai Discovery Hour – Tī rākau (Māori stick games) at Te Papa

Date: Monday, 5 July

Time: 11am – 12pm

Cost: Free

Location: Te Huka ā Tai, Level 4, Te Papa, Wellington

Kids DIY Clinic at Bunnings Warehouse, Porirua

Workshops are free for children over the age of 5 and must be accompanied by an adult.

Date: School Holiday DIY Clinics: Tuesday, 6 & 13 July and Thursday, 8 & 15 July

Weekend DIY Clinics: Saturday, 10 & 17  and Sunday 11 & 18 July

Time: Weekdays: 11am; Weekends: 10am

Cost: Free

Location: Bunnings Warehouse, 9 Heriot Drive, Porirua

Monopoly Celebrates 75 years at Te Papa

Have a go playing on the giant board and view historical Monopoly memorabilia. Great Monopoly prizes and Warehouse vouchers will be up for grabs, so do pass go!

Date: Wednesday, 7 July

Time: 10am – 11.30am

Cost: Free

Location: Wellington Foyer, Level 2, Te Papa, Wellington

bro’Town at Te Papa – Inspiration Station Discovery Hour at Te Papa

Meet the stars of bro’Town, Oscar Kightley and Ant Sang and bring your favourite charater to life using the bro’Town Laughter Lines interactive (the cartoon drawing station).

Date: Friday, 9 July

Time: 11am – 12pm

Cost: Free

Location: Inspiration Station, Level 4, Te Papa, Wellington

Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Johnsonville Shopping Centre

A fun interactive show at Johnsonville Shopping Centre.

Date: Friday, 9 July

Time: 11.30am

Cost: Free

Location: Near the Food court, Johnsonville Shopping Centre, Carpark entrance on Broderick Rd & Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville

Rubik’s New Zealand Speed-Cubing Championships 2010 at Te Papa

The 3.3 world record holder, 14 year old Australia Felix Zemdegs, will be there. In addition to the regular 3×3, 4×4, and 5×5 speed-solve events, there’ll be a one-handed solve, and even a blindfolded solve, which relies on astounding memory skills.

Date: Saturday, 10 July

Time: 10am-4pm

Cost: Free for spectators, Participant registration fee applies

Location: Wellington Foyer, Level 2, Te Papa, Wellington

Atiu Mapu at Te Papa

Enjoy this young Cook Island dance and culture group from Porirua.

Date: Saturday, 10 July

Time: 1pm – 2pm

Cost: Free

Location: The Marae, Level 4, Te Papa, Wellington

Creativity Centre at Westfield Queensgate, Lower Hutt

Come and play at the free Creativity Centre. Kids aged 4-10 can join us for a whole hour of crafts, dress ups, story time and heaps of other exciting activities. There is no booking required, rather a “first in first served”.  The Creativity
Centre can take 15 children at one time.

Date: Saturday, 10 July to Wednesday 14 July

Time: 10am – 2pm

Cost: Free

Location: Ground floor, Queensgate, Lower Hutt

Zappo & Zappolina at Johnsonville Shopping Mall

Zappo and Zappolina will be down at the shopping mall painting faces as well as balloon making! FUN! (This time they won’t be doing a show, but will be doing one in Sept)

Date: Monday, 12 July to Friday 16 July

Time: 10am – 2pm

Cost: Free

Location: Near the Food court, Johnsonville Shopping Centre, Carpark entrance on Broderick Rd & Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville

NatureSpace Tuatara Tales Discovery Hour at Te Papa

Tuatara Tales – Why are female tuatara cooler than males?  Here is your chance to meet one of Victoria University’s resident reptiles and tuatara experts and get all your tuatara questions answered.

Date: Monday, 12 July

Time: 11am – 12pm

Cost: Free

Location: NatureSpace Discovery Centre, Level 2, Te Papa, Wellington

Te Huka ā Tai Whānau Day at Te Papa

Learn about the daring adventures of Māui, our very own superhero. Be scared by the story of Hatupatu and his escape from the talons of the bird-woman, Kurangaituku. Be enthralled by tales about the magical patupaiarehe (fairy people) who live in the shadows and mist – but be careful, if you follow their laughter, you might get lost!

Date: Wednesday, 14 July

Time: 11am – 4pm

Cost: Free except for the 11am – 12pm $2 craft activity: patupaiarehe finger puppet

Location:Te Huka ā Tai, Level 4, Te Papa, Wellington

Ronald McDonald Show at Westfield Queensgate, Lower Hutt

Everyone’s favourite yellow, white and red clown is coming to Westfield. Come along and see Ronald McDonald’s® exciting NEW show – it’s sure to be fun for the whole family. He’ll have a little bit of magic and a few other tricks up his striped sleeves.

Date: Thursday, 15 and Friday 16 July

Time: 11am and 1pm

Cost: Free

Location: Ground floor, Queensgate, Lower Hutt

PlaNet Pasifika Discovery Hour – Tatau: Traditional Samoan Tattooing at Te Papa

Date: Friday, 16 July

Time: 11am – 12pm

Cost: Free

Location: PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4, Te Papa, Wellington

Pacifica Experience with the Pacifica Mamas at Te Papa

The Pacifica Mamas serve up a taste of Pacific cultures. Come to a workshop and have a go at drum and dance, weaving, and lei-making – what a great way to get the flavour of Pacific life!

Three workshops run simultaneously for 45 minutes, and there are four of these session times during the day. The three simultaneous sessions are, Weaving, Lei making, and Drum and dance.

Date: Saturday, 17 July 2010

Time: Workshops will be run at:

12 noon–12.45pm
1pm–1.45pm
2.15pm–3pm
3.15pm–4pm

Cost: Free

Location: The Marae, Level 4, Te Papa, Wellington

For more school holiday fun for up the coast, check out Kapiti Kids Connect!

Source: Arizona's Website

I can honestly say that I can’t remember the last time I had a weekday lunch with adults…childless! Has it honestly been 9 years?!?!

My hubby, dad and I were all willing beneficiaries of a meal voucher my mum received in a accommodation/meal package she bought.

We went to Arizona Bar & Grill, Wellington and I ordered the delicious Black Jack Steak Sandwich. “Sliced marinated beef sautéed with onion, paprika and mushrooms. Served in a sage bread stick and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese with french fries and creamy guacamole.” (Yes it did taste as good as it sounds, totally recommend it!)

We squeezed our huge plates and two entrée plates around the small tables and proceeded to gleefully gobble everything down until we were full.

Source: Aol Travel

I’ve noticed that when I dine with children (especially at buffets) I don’t eat until I’m full any more. I eat, I tend to the kids, I eat, I tend, I eat, I tend, the kids get restless, then it’s time to leave. It’s actually a good way to keep the extra pounds off

After lunch we had a little bit more time up our sleeves, so hubby and I went jean shopping. Jean shopping on a weekday! Once again….a first in a long time! But alas, I am a woman who needs a lot more time to try on every pair in the shop before I walk away the “perfect jeans”…so we will hold off until I venture out into the “adult world” sometime in the future!

I found this voucher on Vouchermate which is valid from 24-May-2010 to 13-Aug-2010. Enjoy!

http://www.vouchermate.co.nz/vouchers/7912

The kids took our new family camera for a test drive. It was nice and light for the kids to use, and they loved walking around the museum documenting their trip by taking photos!

My 5, 7 and 9 year old really enjoyed this, my 3 year old wasn’t too interested – she was too busy exploring! I noticed my 9 year old was particularly excited about being able to take her own photos. (So I made a mental note, that this would be a perfect way to keep her engaged if we ever do something that is gauged towards younger children.)

The children can do many things with their photos!

They can:

• email them to grandma and grandad
• make a slide show of the photos to view on family night
• enter the photo on to KidsClick
• make their own photo collages using Picasa
• talk about why they took their photo
• write about their photos
• make their own blog and showcase the photos
• print out smaller pictures to stick into their journals
• let their mother use them for a blog post hehehe

Lots of car parks to choose from! Bonus!

A cool photo of the ceiling in the foyer of the Museum

A map of constellations in the museum. The kids love skidding on their knees over it for some reason?? (Te Papa is a kid friendly museum...hehehe)

I still have memories of the fish display from the old museum from when I was a kid

The kids and I checking out the exhibits (Yay! I'm in the photo for a change!)

My son looked up at the ceiling and asked what this was....I said it was the skeleton of a whale...then he asked where the heart was..

(my photo)...then he exclaimed "I know where it is!" and ran to the nearby Discovery Centre, and hopped into the life size model of a whale's heart!

Check out http://squid.tepapa.govt.nz/ to find out more information about our "Colossal Squid"

More interesting sights my kids found

(my photos) We all had a blast!

Can you believe that we were at the museum for 2 hours, and they were spent mainly at the Science Discovery Centre and up by the Stowaways Container!

Reality Check: As soon as we got home it was off to the Parent Teacher interviews. So we had a quick snack before we left, and then a very late dinner. If only we could make time expand!

Good Reads:

Digital Photography School: 13 Lessons to teach your child about digital photography (this is a great article, even adults who are interested in photography would find it useful!)[via Okanagan4kids]

BetterPhoto.com: BetterPhoto for Young Adults (A range of articles to help your child develop their photography skills) [via Okanagan4kids]

Come play at Childhood101 We play link up

YUMMY ZUCCHINI SPICE CUPCAKE RECIPE

I can imagine patting myself on the back for eating a “healthy” zucchini cupcake (as I lick all the delicious cream cheese frosting off the top *mmmm*) Thanks Bridget from Bake at 350 for sharing this recipe (and your son who baked it and rated it a 9.5/10!)

http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2010/06/kiddo-in-kitchen-zucchini-spice.html

FANTASTIC SETTEE MAKEOVER

Kate from Centsational Girl shares how she was able to transform her settee from this:

To this, by sewing together a slipcover:

She shows us how she was able to pull it off, even though she doesn’t consider herself an expert sewer (you couldn’t tell!) I’m inspired!

http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/06/slipcovered-settee/

CUTE HEADBANDS YOU CAN MAKE YOURSELF

Jill has made these great headbands in preparation for her hospital stay once her baby comes. They turned out great! On her blog Homemade by Jill she shares the link to the tutorial for these headbands. Thanks for the link Jill!

http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2010/06/hospital-headbands-aka-how-to-avoid.html

USING MUSIC TO LIFT THE MOOD

I love how Becca from Blue Cricket Design retells a real life mummy moment where she was having a tough day, and how she was able to turn it around because she decided to “DANCE or go INSANE” (I agree with Becca. Turning on the music and dancing with the kids has been a life saver and an instant attitude adjuster – for the kids and their mummy!)

http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/06/sunday-flashback-coping.html

FORMAL APOLOGY FORM

Are you having trouble apologising? Or maybe you would like to force receive an apology. Whatever the case, Bureau of Communication has come to the rescue and put together this form which you can fill out online and email to the designated recipient. Fun!

http://www.bureauofcommunication.com/compose/apology

GRAB A BUTTON IF YOU WERE FEATURED!