tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104705912319520572024-03-14T04:11:14.969+13:00Jenny a'things... a little bit of everythingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-41271017799463212132018-11-09T18:00:00.000+13:002018-11-09T18:00:10.734+13:00TGIFFri-yay!<br />
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<b>The high of my week</b>: I passed by one of the ride share electric scooters and on a whim I decided to rent it. Haha it was fun, exhilarating and scary at the same time.<br />
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<br /><b>The low of my week</b>: I've not been sleeping too well this week, which led me to dozing on the sofa and missing my figure skating class - oops!<br /><br /><b>The book I am reading</b>: Murder in an English Village<br /><br /><b>The best workout of the week</b>: Ballet for sure - it's hard enough trying to maintain proper posture when standing still but this week we were galloping across the floor!<br /><br /><b>The best money I spent</b>: Signing up for Ballet course 2 :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Image from <a href="https://nzballet.co.nz/adult-ballet/">NZBallet</a></td></tr>
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<b>My plans for the weekend</b>: I'll need to do a catch-up lesson over the weekend to make up for the figure skating lesson I missed. Other than that, no real plans yippee!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-30794233016912781232018-11-08T17:30:00.000+13:002018-11-08T17:30:02.181+13:00Buying a New Car - it's electric!Kane has been researching electric vehicles for a very long time now. As a result, I have become quite familiar with various video bloggers (and their cats, - Hi Jensen!) who have been building their own EVs or testing out ones already coming to market.<br />
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I was very interested when Kane told me about the Hyundai Kona with its impressive 400km+ range. I got to test drive one at an EV expo and I was sold. At the weekend we went to visit the show room and we put in our order. I couldn't be more excited!<br />
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In some countries, like Norway, the waiting list is 2 years! I was assured it wouldn't be that long, but it could be anywhere between 6 weeks and 6 months. The dealer gave us a loan of the car overnight, so between 4.30pm on Saturday and 10am on Sunday we got feel like EV owners and get a taste for what's to come.<br />
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We headed for the motorway to test out just what this thing can do. I put some pressure on the pedal and was immediately pressed back into my seat as it took off. Holy cow it's powerful! <br />
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I tested the 3 different drive modes - drive, sport and eco. Drive was just the normal mode. Eco makes the car feel heavier, changes the dash display to give more stats on how much energy you are saving and maximizes the regenerative braking. I think that I will use this for city and suburban driving. Sport mode made the car feel much lighter and reponsive, the slightest touch and the car was ready to go, turn or whatever was asked of it and I was a bit scared of it's power. I can't imagine ever really needing to use this mode as the normal drive mode was is responsive enough for me. Jetting away from the traffic lights was plenty fast in normal drive mode!<br />
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I also tested out the 3 levels of regenerative braking and using the stearing wheel paddles to increase the regenerative braking to bring the car to a stop. I try to be a safe and economical driver when slowing down in traffic or coming to a stop and using the paddles fit with my way of driving and I can put energy back into the battery braking in this way.<br />
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There were heaps of other modern features that my 8 year old car doesn't have so I'm excited to have Apple Car Play and automatic lights and rain sensing windscreen wipers!<br />
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The only downside is that I have to wait but I'm super hopeful that I'll have it before my sister and her husband comes to visit so that there will be enough space to pick them AND their luggage up from the airport!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-1024148300130873702018-11-07T17:00:00.000+13:002018-11-07T17:00:03.326+13:00Lessons from Squat ChallengeBack in September, after I had returned from holiday, I felt the need to do something that would encourage me to be more active. Everything seemed like such a massive effort until I stopped with the All-or-Nothing thinking that I'm so prone to doing and came up with my own little squat challenge. The next day I got out of bed and did one squat. Just the one. <br />
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I can't express how silly I felt doing just one squat. It needed to be bigger, more perfect somehow? Or maybe a nice round number like 10 or 500. There are lots of people out there that do heaps of squats every day. I gently reminded myself that my purpose was to start small, get rid of the perfectionism and the go big or go home attitude that's stopping me from doing anything.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Image from <a href="https://www.runtastic.com/blog/en/squat-4-common-squat-mistakes-avoid/">Runtastic: How to Squat</a></td></tr>
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The next day I did 2, then 3, and so on. I didn't miss a single day and increased by one every day. The first couple of weeks went by no problems and I focused on quality. By the third week I was finding that I was starting to breath heavier towards the end of the set. Sometimes I found myself pausing before completing the set but the next day or so I was going longer without needing to pause.<br />
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I had started this challenge without an end point and was starting to get bored. I added in more things like sit-ups and press-ups to shake it up a bit but I wasn't feeling it. <br />
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After 6 weeks I decided to call it a day. I felt good about what I had achieved and I was being more active in my everyday life again. At the time, I wasn't seeing or feeling any benefits from the squats but then I noticed that I felt stronger when doing crossovers in figure skating.<br />
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Now I'm thinking about other things that I can start small with and build up over a 6 week period. I might even do this same squat challenge again but add in a weight. Or do single leg lunges (haha no).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-58598466897598374002018-11-06T09:54:00.003+13:002018-11-06T09:54:37.608+13:00My Favourite Apps<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Nokia 1610 from Wikipedia</td></tr>
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I remember getting my first mobile phone in 1997 and it was a giant Nokia brick-of-a-thing. Calls were expensive so it was a strictly an "emergencies only" phone.<br />
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Times may have changed but using my phone for calls is still the least used function! Here are my top 5 apps.<br />
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1. Google Maps<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Google Maps Icon</td></tr>
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I would be lost without this app - quite literally probably haha! Not only do I use it in the car for navigation, I use it to find out how far away things are, to plan running or walking routes, to find out how long it will take to get from A to B and compare against walking, cycling and public transport, and to see where the nearest shop/park/scenic path is in the area I'm in. The street view is really useful for checking what a house or building looks like so that I'll recognise it when I get there and also to look around for parking or somewhere to chain up a bike.<br />
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Recently when I was out walking in an area I hadn't been in before I needed to find the nearest public toilet. Then, because I'd had to deviate from my intended route, I needed to find a way to get back by a certain time.<br />
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Only earlier this year when I was in China where Google is blocked, did I realise how much I rely on this app! (thank goodness for VPNs)<br />
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2. Spotify<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Spotify Icon</td></tr>
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I love Spotify and I usually have one of the genre playlists streaming when I'm in my home office but more often I'm listening on the move - either via headphones getting some exercise, or blasting out my car speakers on my way to ballet.<br />
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3. Headspace<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Headspace Icon</td></tr>
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I confess I don't use Headspace as much as I should. I got into a groove of meditating every day but a change of schedule lost me the time I had carved out and instead of adapting I just stopped. However, I've recently realised that it is better that I do a short session than no session at all and I easily have time for that.<br />
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I love the look and feel of the app. The animations that explain things are cute and fun and really help. There are groups of meditations on particular subjects, they call them Packs, and they range from 10 to 30 days. There are also individual subjects as well as the daily ones, and you can pick how long you want to meditate for - from 3 -20 minutes.<br />
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After I finished all the Basics packs I moved on to the Everyday Headspace, which is the daily sessions (not a pack) I've also done some of the individual sessions like the Fear of Flying one and the Walking in Nature.<br />
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4. Camera<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Camera Icon</td></tr>
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The last digital camera I bought was in 2005. I'm actually fairly terrible at remembering to take photos when I'm with other people and thats why my photos are of cats, nature and food. One of the things I love most about blogging is that it reminds me to take more photos, I really appreciate being able to look back over them and I love the fact that I always have a digital camera available to me on my phone.<br />
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A worthy mention is Framatic Pro because I use this to organise my pictures into a frame for putting on my blog.<br />
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5. Nike Run Club and Training<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uLISvQgbIrU/W-CtlgF92UI/AAAAAAAACNs/heyuRFl-AXU1sd27LnEserxWe3PSQX-7gCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2B6-11-18%252C%2B9%2B51%2B28%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="331" height="111" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uLISvQgbIrU/W-CtlgF92UI/AAAAAAAACNs/heyuRFl-AXU1sd27LnEserxWe3PSQX-7gCLcBGAs/s200/Photo%2B6-11-18%252C%2B9%2B51%2B28%2BAM.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//NTC and NRC Icons</td></tr>
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Ok, I'm cheating by grouping these two apps together!<br />
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Back in the day I had the Nike+ shoe sensor and iPod app and it was awesome to be able to track my runs and I'd post them to my blog and facebook. I've stuck with Nike ever since and its my preferred running app. When they released NTC I was quick to get on board since it's like having a personal trainer in your pocket. They've revamped the app since then, it's not just geared towards women and all the workouts are available rather than some only being available as rewards. I particularly like the yoga workouts. They integrate with each other if you choose to do one of their training plans although I've never properly used this feature.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-64598444914084676562018-11-04T22:04:00.000+13:002018-11-06T09:55:09.271+13:00Home Office Space - Before and After<br />
I am so lucky to have a home office space in my house. For a while we were putting up with the 70's decor but then I decided to claim to the space and Kane and I got stuck in to decorating and I realised I never did share the before and after pictures.<br />
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When I was stripping the wall paper off the walls I had a really bad cold. I had to rest often because my body hurt but using the wall paper steamer did great things for my stuffed up sinuses!<br />
<br />
I had to rope in Kane's help for doing some of the high painting and once it was all finished then we put up the new roman blind and light fixtures. I had great fun spray painting the filing cabinet, but I think I might have spent more on spray paint than I did buying the second-hand cabinet in the first place!<br />
<br />
I got a nice new monitor for my birthday and had great fun picking out the rest of the functional and not-so-functional decor.<br />
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<h3>
After:</h3>
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I like making myself a nice hot drink, lighting my scented candle, streaming a chill spotify playlist and cosying into my space to get stuff done!
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-12818533087095931992018-11-03T12:00:00.000+13:002018-11-04T20:10:42.570+13:00October: Meals, Miles, Books and LooksIt's been a while since I did one of these and I'm afraid the content is a little lean, but I do like looking back on these to get meal ideas and knowing that I'll be posting about these things helps motivate me.<br />
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<h3>
Meals</h3>
1. I looked back on previous spring meals and I realised its been a while since I made the traditional new potatoes tossed in butter and oats with asparagus and fish in a dill sauce - perfect welcome to spring!<br />
<br />
2. Not one of my meals, but I saw these fun Hallowe'en capsicums at the supermarket haha!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Spring Meals</td></tr>
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<br />
3. Omelette with mushrooms and spinach<br />
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4. Another spring classic, pan seared scallops with grapefruit and avocado salad <br />
<h3>
Miles: 39.56 km (walking)</h3>
<br />
I've been making an effort this month to gently get more active and I've been trying to get in a walk most lunchtimes. I'm actually surprised at my monthly distance because it never seems to be much at the time but it sure does add up. This month I'm going to attempt a couple of runs :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Photos from my lunchtime walks</td></tr>
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<br />
<h3>
Books:</h3>
I finished 4 books this month and I've got 5 books to go to make my
Goodreads reading challenge. My favourite book was Beartown by Fredrik
Backman. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Images from Goodreads</td></tr>
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<br />
1. Beartown by Fredrik Backman 2. Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente 3. The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson 4. Lagom by Linnea Dunne<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Images from Goodreads</td></tr>
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<h3>
Looks:</h3>
I've got one look to share this month. I was quite pleased with myself because I had actually made a bit of an effort and wore jewellery and heels! And the sun was shining so I got to break out the short sleeves. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="716" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NU6gK5ZiZ3U/W9oTzzmIGkI/AAAAAAAACKE/jQFZiidgzkUorfVrSLCwmt_3vXY7srDdgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2B1-11-18%252C%2B9%2B38%2B48%2BAM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="161" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Necklace and Heels!</td></tr>
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<h3>
</h3>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-39037447148975563932018-11-02T17:00:00.000+13:002018-11-02T17:00:03.222+13:00TGIFWhat? it's only day 2 of NaBloPoMo and I'm already dialling it in? Nah, I'm pacing myself and welcoming back the TGIF posts :)<br />
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<b>The high of my week</b>: Decorating for Hallowe'en while dancing around to Monster Mash haha!<br />
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<b>The low of my week</b>: Tuesday's existential crisis - I'm fairly sure I'm having a mid-life crisis but the good news is that I read it only lasts 3 -5 years :/<br />
<br />
<b>The book I am reading</b>: Murder in an English Village by Jessica Ellicott<br />
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<b>The best workout of the week</b>: Ballet - who knew standing still was such hard work?!<br />
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<b>The best money I spent</b>: Subway - buy one get one free AND they donate one.<br />
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<b>My plans for the weekend</b>: There's a fireworks display on Saturday night and the Scandinavian Christmas Market on Sunday that I plan to go to.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-53633537832554726072018-11-01T18:00:00.000+13:002018-11-02T08:42:05.144+13:00NaBloPoMo Kick-Off!I was reading over on <a href="http://www.theinbetweenismine.com/" target="_blank">Theinbetweenismine </a>blog that November is NaBloPoMo and that's where we write a blog post every day for the whole 30 days of days November.<br />
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Here is San's post from last year giving some details > <a href="http://www.theinbetweenismine.com/2017/11/01/1-hello-november-its-nablopomo/">NaBloPoMo on theinbetweenismine</a><br />
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It was started in 2006 and heaps of bloggers have participated but it seems to have died down a bit over the last couple of years and I think it may have been abandoned completely this year. I'm a bit ahead because of my time zone so I will update if I find something official in the meantime here is the unofficial guide from previous years > <a href="http://nablopomoguideunofficial.blogspot.com/">Unofficial Guide</a><br />
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Right now my intension is to post something every day and I can't guarantee it'll be quality but my purpose is to break through my block and get my blogging habit back. After 30 consecutive days, twice a week will seem easy - right?<br />
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Here we go!<br />
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EDIT: I'm linking up with San over at <a href="http://www.theinbetweenismine.com/" target="_blank">Theinbetweenismine</a> and checking out the others on the link up.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-52593628978572182062018-10-30T12:48:00.003+13:002018-10-30T12:48:48.922+13:00Happy Hallowe'en!I watched the first 4 episodes of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina the Teenage Witch at the weekend and so far I find it quite interesting and not what I was expecting. Kane and I keep trying to place what year it might be set in but the furniture, clothes, tech, music and pop culture references are so mixed up!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_kBBxREGjAE/W9eabJPJSNI/AAAAAAAACJA/bZMjo2PzeVYIcACKrL-ly_2FoBY3BBrSQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sabrina_Vertical-Main_RGB-d3131ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="620" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_kBBxREGjAE/W9eabJPJSNI/AAAAAAAACJA/bZMjo2PzeVYIcACKrL-ly_2FoBY3BBrSQCLcBGAs/s320/Sabrina_Vertical-Main_RGB-d3131ab.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// from Google Search</td></tr>
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The weather turned to custard over the weekend as well and our beautiful warm spring days were replaced with gloomy dark and rain filled ones - no garden was mowed this weekend!<br />
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It really added to the atmosphere of the TV show though, and I felt very inspired to decorate for Hallowe'en. I pulled the box of decorations from the garage and set to work putting fake cobwebs, spiders and ravens out the front of the house and then decorating the front door area with more cobwebs, spiders, ravens, a skull, besom and streamers. I got the bluetooth speaker and tested out the spooky Hallowe'en sound effects and set my <a href="https://www2.meethue.com/en-nz" target="_blank">Hue</a> hall lights to flash and change colours.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Webs and Spiders</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Webs, Cloaks and Brooms</td></tr>
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We don't always get Trick-or-Treaters around where I live, but we have had a few in previous years so I like to get some chocolatey treats in just in case (and then I get to eat them if not many kids show up!) I think now I've decorated we might get more kids so less lollies for me :( <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-56046704294306428802018-10-23T13:44:00.000+13:002018-10-23T13:44:10.529+13:00Currently in ... OctoberIts almost Hallowe'en! Time to stock up on lollies and check out the spooky Netflix offerings. I'm thinking The Burbs :) Most of my thinking has shot ahead to Christmas though and I'm enjoying the possibilities.<br />
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Reading: I just finished reading a book called Lagom and I'm about to start on a different book called Lagom. I've also got two murder mysteries sitting on the table waiting to be opened.<br />
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Watching: The Good Place and Greys Anatomy are back! I'm also re-watching Psych, I miss those guys.<br />
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Feeling: I'm a bit up-and-down right now and trying to work through all my feelings.<br />
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Thinking: <a href="http://blog.groat.net.nz/2014/12/the-festive-season.html" target="_blank">Christmas 2014 was epic</a>. It was so good that it broke Christmas for me for years because I couldn't come close to recreating it's magic. I'm now ready to try. It won't reach 2014 levels, but I'm seeing it as a practice year for 2019.<br />
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Anticipating: Christmas markets!<br />
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Listening to: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/genre/focus-page" target="_blank">Spotify playlists</a>. I love to put on one of the Focus playlists and get cracking.<br />
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Planning: I'm planning on buying sparklers when they are for sale next month. Fireworks and sparklers are only on sale for about 3-5 days at the beginning of November, once a year.<br />
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Working: Working on my Holiday Council Q4 goals. I'm a total HoCo convert now.<br />
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Wanting: I priced up some new outdoor furniture, rug and bbq. I want those things and the $2500 to buy them!<br />
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Needing: I really need to get out of the house and have some fun! Maybe mini-golf?<br />
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Grateful: Super grateful to Kane for painting the room that is our home gym.<br />
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Wishing: I'm hoping its going to be a good summer.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-6140253599828119832018-10-19T16:31:00.000+13:002018-10-19T16:31:07.533+13:00How I Meal Plan and Grocery ShopToday, as I was jotting down my meal plan and shopping list for the week, <a href="http://lisasyarns.blogspot.com/2018/10/feeding-family-part-2.html" target="_blank">Lisa </a>and <a href="http://girlwiththeredhair.com/2018/10/coffee-date-6/" target="_blank">Ambers </a>recent blog posts regarding meal planning popped into my head and I thought I'd share my own process.<br /><br />
<h3>
The Meal Plan</h3>
I usually meal plan weekly on a Friday or on Saturday morning. A quick check in the pantry and freezer and then I try to plan some meals around what I find.<br /><br />I also check in the calendar to see if we have any events that may affect our choices like, lunch dates, movie nights, sports clubs, etc. This week we have:<br /><br />
<ul>
<li>A holiday weekend that will allow me more time to try out a new recipe, or cook something that usually takes more time.</li>
<li>Kane's indoor football that he'll want something quick and lighter</li>
<li>Figure skating lesson that will need to be ready quickly</li>
<li>My ballet that will require something quick and light</li>
<li>Ice hockey games to catch up at the weekend that would be enhanced with beer and finger food</li>
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<br />I start with breakfasts. During the week we usually eat cereal for breakfast and then on the weekend I like to make an egg dish, waffles or pancakes.<br />
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<br />Lunches follow the same process. We eat the same thing during the week and it's usually some sort of sandwich. Kane goes for a lunchtime walk every work day and likes his lunch to be portable. For weekend lunches I like to plan something different but we don't bind ourselves to the plan, so that if we find ourselves on a road trip or are presented with something tasty looking at the farmers market we can be flexible. 2-3 pieces of fruit are always included.<br /><br />For dinners there are usually things like skating practise that needs to be planned around. Kane and I also share the cooking and we have different strengths and cooking preferences so that gets taken into account too. <br />
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<br /><br />Generally there will be something during the week will inspire an idea or I'll get reminded of something I haven't made in a while and that will get added to the meal plan. Sometimes it's a recipe that I will follow, sometimes its a picture and I will make something that I think its like it, and sometimes its a flavour or texture that I'm craving and so I'll create something to satisfy that. Meal plans can come together quickly, but sometimes they can take a while especially if I get side tracked looking at yummy recipes on Pinterest!<br />
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<br />Instead of assigning meals to certain days, I usually just list 7 meals and then we can decide on the day what we feel like eating from the list.<br />
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<h3>
The Shopping List</h3>
Grocery shopping usually takes place on Saturday morning, although I am
thinking about trialling out going after work on Friday and it usually
takes about 30 minutes.<br /><br />Once I have a meal plan, I then go down the list of meals and note down what I need that I don't already have.<br />
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<br />Next I'll write down any pantry items that needs topping up - things like tea, coffee, flour, herbs and spices, tinned tomatoes, soy milk, oil, sugar etc. I check on the cat food supply and then the non-food items like toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner, shower gel, toilet paper, washing powder, fabric softener, household cleaners etc.<br /><br />
<h3>
At The Supermarket</h3>
We go grocery shopping together and pick all the things on the list. I
used to be better at arranging my list in order of how stuff is laid out
in the supermarket but I found I don't save any time by rearranging
it. I used to also have my meal plan on the back in case I got stuck
with why I needed a particular item or how many to pick but I don't do
this any more either.<br /><br />Sometimes we will see special offers for
things that we would normally buy (but might not be on the list) and if
it's a good deal then we will stock up, but I'm less likely to do this
if its for perishable things.<br />
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<br /><br />A few treats usually find their way into the shopping trolley too.<br /><br />
<h3>
Special Shops</h3>
A couple of times a year we will go to specialist food shops, like the Chinese vegetarian supermarket, and stock up on packaged and frozen fake meat products. When we do these types of shop we just pick up things that we like the look of and we don't worry about how we will use the items until we do the weekly meal planning.<br />
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<h3>
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And this is how I meal plan and grocery shop! <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-8543086548147778022018-10-16T13:57:00.002+13:002018-10-16T13:57:28.186+13:00A New Ballet Class (and How I'm Better at Starts than Follow Through)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love beginnings, from opening a fresh jar of coffee to starting a new knitting project. There is something very special about beginnings. They are full of potential.<br />
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Spring is really starting to ramp up and with labour weekend coming up its the traditional time of year to get out in the garden and get things started.<br />
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Last week I signed up for a new ballet initiation course at the <a href="https://nzballet.co.nz/" target="_blank">Auckland Academy of Adult Ballet</a> (AAAB). I did a few beginners ballet classes on my lunch break back in 2014 (<a href="https://blog.groat.net.nz/2014/04/ballet-class.html" target="_blank">blogged here</a>) at a different dance studio but the experience at this new studio is very different and I prefer it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5pUrLaAx4M/W8UxSvc4PHI/AAAAAAAACGQ/U_9tg9D8jUkmybSPCtFNG7TC1LWuPhWKQCLcBGAs/s1600/Initiation-Course-Facebook-Post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5pUrLaAx4M/W8UxSvc4PHI/AAAAAAAACGQ/U_9tg9D8jUkmybSPCtFNG7TC1LWuPhWKQCLcBGAs/s400/Initiation-Course-Facebook-Post.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//From AAAB website</td></tr>
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Before the first class we were sent an email with guidelines for what to wear (1. comfortable workout clothes like leggings and a t-shirt 2. socks or ballet slippers) and we were advised to wear hair in a bun. This is to allow the teacher to keep check on our posture and positioning and help correct errors.<br />
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On the night we were met at the entrance by our teacher and as the others arrived we got to meet our fellow class participants. The only thing we had in common was that we were all female as there was a variety of heights, shapes & sizes, ages, ethnicities, abilities, etc. <br />
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We got given an induction pack that included a headband and a car sticker - nice touches I thought - and the head/owner introduced herself and talked over the contents of the pack including how to access all the instructional videos at home! I've since used these videos and it great for at home practise and remembering arm positions and what tendu means!<br />
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The first class was very basic, but I very quickly remembered from 2014 just how deceptively difficult it is. Only in ballet can standing up straight be such a workout and then moving the arms overhead be such a core workout!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wq4UrwA0Nhk/W8UyIds9maI/AAAAAAAACGY/qzFaC-bYtywOAGgXjavzjqD-5Lz74ml3QCLcBGAs/s1600/aaab_insta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="939" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wq4UrwA0Nhk/W8UyIds9maI/AAAAAAAACGY/qzFaC-bYtywOAGgXjavzjqD-5Lz74ml3QCLcBGAs/s400/aaab_insta.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//From <a href="https://www.instagram.com/auckadultballet" target="_blank">AAAB Instagram </a>(not my class)</td></tr>
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And we were given homework! We have 2 different exercises that we have to do every day and I get the feeling that this will grow in time.<br />
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I left feeling great and slightly taller :D<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//A terrible picture of me</td></tr>
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It was the next day that I had found my 5 year plan that I had written in 2014 and I was so saddened to see that I had not made any progress on any of my health and fitness goals - although, I did make lots of progress but then I stopped and now I'm right back where I started. The worst part of ballet class was seeing myself in the wall length mirror and I was actually surprised at how large I am - my internal vision of myself just doesn't match up with what I see.<br />
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My goals are still valid and achievable, but while I'm really good at starting, I'm less good about seeing it through. I've looked through this blog at all the things I've started and I am embarrassed that I am no further forward. I even considered starting a new blog because there's only so many couch-to-5k blog posts that could be seen as acceptable on one blog, but that would just further enforce the pattern.<br />
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So its time to start again - start everything again - and this time the focus is on sticking with it and seeing it through so that maybe next year, when my 5 year plan is up I will actually have achieved, or at least be pretty close to achieving, my goals.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-40488727254633765832018-10-08T15:06:00.002+13:002018-10-08T15:07:11.554+13:00Virtual Coffee DateI'm a big fan of the virtual coffee dates that <a href="http://girlwiththeredhair.com/2013/02/virtual-coffee-date/" target="_blank">Amber </a>does over on her blog. So here goes my version.<br />
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<b>If we were having coffee today </b>I'd tell you that my cat, Lazuli, died last week and Kane and I were both devastated - still are. It's surprising how much space a little cat took up in our lives and we both deeply feel the loss.<br />
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<b>If we were having coffee today</b> I'd then quickly change the subject so I don't start crying again, and tell you that I went to a new knitting group that just started at the library. I bought some beautiful new yarn when I was on holiday in Scotland and I'm looking to knit a cute cowl.<br />
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<b>If we were having coffee today</b> I'd tell you that I had a great holiday in Scotland and Norway and that the highlights were attending my nephews wedding, going to an ice hockey game, visiting all the Oslo museums and going on an evening fjord crab buffet cruise.<br />
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<b>If we were having coffee today</b> I'd tell you that I'm currently reading Beartown and the story revolves around a junior ice hockey team. I'm also following the NHL that just started its season last week.<br />
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<b>If we were having coffee today</b> I'd confess that I had not been very good with exercise and that I was going to have to pull out of the half marathon because I'm not even 5k ready. I definitely over estimated my abilities and I need to get into a consistent running habit for at least 1 year before I can think of entering a race again. I have been doing daily squats for the past 3 weeks though - I started with 1 and now I'm at 22, tomorrow will be 23 etc.<br />
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<b>If we were having coffee today</b> I'd tell you that I really want a new car. I'm used to tiny, manual cars but I took a Hyundai Kona EV for a test drive and I loved it. I'm now trying to work out how much I can sell my organs for in order to be able to afford one!<br />
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<b>If we were having coffee today</b> I'd tell you how much I am loving this spring weather. I love all the cosy things I get to do (and eat! and drink!) in winter, but it gets to feel too gloomy after a time. I try to get out and go for a walk most lunchtimes and the temperature is just so perfect right now.<br />
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<b>If we were having coffee today what would you tell me?</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-16953284562166480452018-09-24T15:37:00.002+12:002018-09-24T15:37:25.977+12:00This Blog Turned 10!This blog turned 10 on the 31st August, the day before my own birthday. I was in Scotland at the time, visiting family, taking a little side trip to Oslo, Norway and the main event was my nephews wedding.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Photos from our trip to Oslo, Norway</td></tr>
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While it was this blogs birthday I was visiting Dunfermline Abbey, ogling Andrew Carnegie's birthplace and enjoying the many squirrels and crows in Pittencrief Park. (Fun Fact: there are no crows or squirrels in New Zealand.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Photos from our day in Dunfermline</td></tr>
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On my birthday, by coincidence, a family reunion had been organised. It was fun, nostalgic and emotional in equal parts and I'm grateful that I was able to attend.<br />
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The following week was the wedding of my nephew Billy which is what prompted the visit and again a good time was had enjoying the company of family, friends and new friends.<br />
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While some blogging years have been quite lean and others have been more prolific, I'm glad to have this little space on the internet :)<br />
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Happy birthday blog!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-22670023286430368042018-05-21T10:16:00.000+12:002018-05-21T10:16:03.551+12:00Why No Blog Post?This is why:<br />
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It is well known that you can not disturb a cat when he looks this comfy and cosy! As soon as I get my workspace back writing will recommence. <br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-40203221346510500612018-05-15T08:00:00.000+12:002018-05-17T13:10:36.235+12:00Currently In ... MayI thought I would just sneak this in here while I'm preparing the next installment of China Adventures!<br />
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Reading: I'm still reading Beowulf, I took an enforced break from it while someone else had the copy requested and checked out. It's such a chore though, but I'm determined to get through it! I'm also reading Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin but I'm feeling the need for some light, fluffy, fiction - any recommendations?<br />
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Watching: Just finished Jessica Jones season 2 then I caught the first 2 episodes of Cobra Kai and I'm on the second season of The Expanse.<br />
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Feeling: Brain Drain!<br />
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Thinking: I'm doing really well with my focus on weight loss, running and health in general.<br />
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Anticipating: My choirs concert at the end of the month. It'll be bitter sweet though because the choir leader is moving away so it will be the last time singing with these wonderful people.<br />
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Listening to: Headspace and meditating about 4 times a week.<br />
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Planning: All the running plans, schedules and workouts in preparation for the half marathon at the end of October.<br />
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Working: I'm stripping wall paper in the little room that will be our gym area.<br />
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Wanting: A large bock of time where I can do nothing but read easy fiction and play video games.<br />
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Needing: A running backpack. I used to have a camelbak, but I seem to have lost it :( I've been researching running backpacks but I'm stuck on trying to make the right choice. Any recommendations?<br />
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Grateful: So grateful for my beautiful life. Just the other day, after Kane and I had arrived home for the day and as I was turning the key to my house, I was swallowed up by the beautiful feeling of luck and gratitude for all that I have.<br />
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Wishing: I was back on holiday in China!<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-31091418822097492972018-05-13T21:19:00.001+12:002018-05-13T21:19:28.855+12:00China Anniversary Trip: Day 1We flew from Auckland, NZ to Sydney, Australia and then had a long wait at the airport for our flight to Beijing, China but we kept ourselves entertained. I didn't quite realise how long the flight to China would be, anything less than the 30 hour journeys to visit family in Scotland seems short! I also didn't realise just how big Australia is, it took hours to fly over it.<br />
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We arrived at Beijing airport quite late at night and the trains stop running about 11pm but we had planned to get a taxi anyway. Happily the signs were in English as well as Chinese so we followed the directions to get the official taxi ranks. We had the name of the hotel written down in Chinese so we could show the driver and we were able to just relax and enjoy our midnight ride into Beijing CBD.<br />
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Our hotel was amazing and modernly fancy with big LCD screens in lobby. This was definitely a very special vacation.<br />
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The next day, feeling refreshed and ready to start our adventure, we decided to take a walk around and get to know our surroundings a bit better.<br />
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Our hotel is part of the World Trade Centre, with a fancy shopping mall underneath and lots of nice restaurants and eateries. And right outside is the CCTV building.<br />
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We came across a figure skating competition happening in the ice rink that was in the mall. The kids were so cute and Kane and I were reminded of our own ice skating lessons.<br />
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People (family members, I presume) would through teddy bears and other stuffed toys onto the ice as the skater took their bows.<br />
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We found a grocery store and picked up some breakfast and light meal supplies then after dropping them off in our room we went to the Temple of the Sun Park.<br />
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The road along to the Temple of the Sun houses lots and lots of embassies and Kane and I had fun identifying all the flags.<br />
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Turns out you're not supposed to take pictures.<br />
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Being here made me so happy; listening to the sounds of music and watching people having fun.<br />
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I found out that this bird is a type of magpie and I just loved its colours.</div>
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The park was full of different activities, from these ladies dancing, to people singing to playing mahjong, cards, chess, table tennis to using the exercise equipment and climbing wall. </div>
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After wandering around fully soaking up the sights and sounds we headed back to our hotel and the pub to have a nice beer and get ready for our first tour the following day.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-74509204164078190182018-05-08T13:27:00.001+12:002018-05-08T13:27:55.640+12:0020th Wedding Anniversary<br />
It was our 20th wedding anniversary on the 4th of April and we wanted to mark the occasion in a special way. I looked up what the traditional gift for this anniversary is and it turns out it is china. I'm pretty happy with my crockery, however it's been a long time dream of mine to visit the Great Wall of China and for the whole time I've known Kane he has always had a love of Chinese historical culture, martial arts and of course food! It was the perfect gift to give ourselves!<br />
<br />
We were there for 11 days, and we had the best holiday. I still can't believe how great it was and I'm grateful to have those wonderful memories.<br />
<br />
Be prepared for an onslaught of photos in the next post!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-4766223433601198672018-03-01T10:36:00.001+13:002018-03-01T10:36:09.908+13:00February: Meals, Miles, Books and Looks<h3>
Meals: </h3>
I had some really nice meals this month and I wish I had taken a photo of Kane's most excellent vegetarian fish spaghetti and his new creation vege chow mein. Oh well I suppose he'll just to make them again so I can photograph :D <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//February Meals//</td></tr>
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1. Waffles: I love making making waffles in the waffle iron I got for Christmas!</div>
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2. Greek Salad: We've had lots of hot and humid days where salad has been the order of the day.</div>
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3. Minestrone Soup: This is a great dinner for getting more fluids in.</div>
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4. Grilled Veg Ciabatta and Salad: One of my favourite meals this summer. </div>
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Kane and I set up a processing line and made a very large batch of vegetarian ham and mustard sandwiches to freeze and have for lunches. This has saved us so much time!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Vegetarian Ham and Mustard Sandwiches Batch for Freezer//</td></tr>
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I thought I'd jump on the coconut band wagon haha!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Coconut Rum//</td></tr>
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<h3>
<span data-dobid="hdw">Miles: 7.9km</span></h3>
<span data-dobid="hdw">Running has been a bit pathetic for me this month and I only totalled 7.9km. I really must try harder in March!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Sunset//</td></tr>
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<h3>
<span data-dobid="hdw">Books:</span></h3>
I finished 2 books this month. The first was Horrstor by Grady Hendrix. This was my first horror novel and it was actually quite fun and not as scary as I was expecting. I'm probably not going to be converted to a fan but I but wouldn't be against reading something like this again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1420" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-DRM-mNINw/WpZoda0fLGI/AAAAAAAAB-4/NQ4u9IhbzNEt04lZbegaxnKzS6aBi8eZQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/9614572B-806B-4DC1-8AD0-F8C229D18A05.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Feb Reads//</td></tr>
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A Killer Crop by Sheila Connolly is part of a series that I'm reading and it was nice to check back in with characters. It is set during the late summer early autumn and has really put me in the mood for the changing of the leaves and low sunny evenings. This book was only available from the library in large print so I felt like a very old lady reading it haha.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Azzy and the large print//</td></tr>
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<h3>
Looks:</h3>
I bought a new Lapis Lazuli necklace from Etsy because it matched the logo on my business card. I'm an IT contractor and I named my business Lazuli IT after my cat Lazuli. Lazuli is Azzys uncle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Lapis Lazuli Necklace//</td></tr>
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I finished the bandana cowl I was working on and it's turned out great. I'm just not sure that it will ever be cold enough in Auckland for me to wear it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Who wore it best//</td></tr>
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And I bought the Gilmore Girls on DVD so I'm all set for a rewatching over Autumn and Winter :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Gilmore Girls DVDs//</td></tr>
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<b>Happy March! What was the best meals and books for you in February?</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-8207324754285011872018-02-23T12:55:00.001+13:002018-02-23T12:56:08.280+13:00TGIF!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Yay, it's Friday! And it's sunny so I'm going to the beach this evening - life is good :)<br />
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<b>The high of my week was</b> having a fun time back at Choir and then catching the end of the Leafs v Red Wings game. <br />
<br />
<b>The low of my week was </b>having a really low day where I was feeling totally overwhelmed. I had to take medication and it totally spaced me out - but I did get a fantastic night sleep!<br />
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<b>A book I'm reading is </b>The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom. Several bloggers I follow have given this book good reviews. I've finished the first chapter and I'm hooked.<br />
<b></b><br />
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<b>For my workouts, I completed </b>nothing. It's probably no coincidence that my low mood came along after not working out for a few days. Its time to revamp my routines.<br />
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<br />
<b>The best money I spent was </b>on Sushi. Kane and I had a very pleasant lunch date.<br />
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<b>My plans this weekend include </b>going to the farmers market (which I haven't been to in ages), going to the cinema to see Black Panther, and doing some work around the house and garden.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-63785763969927153992018-02-16T14:31:00.000+13:002018-02-16T14:31:06.646+13:00Currently In ... February<b>Reading</b>: I'm reading 2 books at the moment. Beowulf is slow going as I'm reading it in short busts at lunch times. The language requires a lot of concentration, but it's something I've been wanting to read for a while. A Killer Crop by Sheila Connolly is a cosy mystery in a series that I enjoy. The light fiction is a perfect read after some translated Old English epic poetry! I'm particularly enjoying this one as it is set during apple harvest season and I love reading about the autumnal colours.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// Azzy Cat on my book //</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>Watching</b>: Like the rest of the world, I'm watching the Olympics. I'm also catching up on Elementary. I previously watched up to season 3 and have binge watched half of season 4 so far. I'm clearly in the mood for cosy mysteries! I recently bought the complete series of Gilmore Girls second hand, so that will be due a rewatch sometime soon.<br />
<br />
<b>Feeling</b>: Definitely feeling the benefits of regular stretching. I've added in clams, calf raises and squats to my Stretch and Strength Mondays and so far I'm running pain free - yippee!<br />
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<b>Thinking</b>: Maybe I should have a go at writing a cosy mystery?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WSSC5UzHck/WoY0MD-bGgI/AAAAAAAAB8g/7rkwkPyPyOcZ428PGszQDlwRV7-LEvqvwCLcBGAs/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WSSC5UzHck/WoY0MD-bGgI/AAAAAAAAB8g/7rkwkPyPyOcZ428PGszQDlwRV7-LEvqvwCLcBGAs/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//Murder, She Wrote //</td></tr>
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<b>Anticipating</b>: I'm so excited for our anniversary holiday to China. We picked up our visas earlier this week *squee*<br />
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<b>Listening to</b>: In the car, it's learn Mandarin in 40 minutes - Its a lie, it's taking way longer than 40 minutes. At home, I've been listening to a lot of Moby on Spotify recently.<br />
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<b>Planning</b>: I'm now planning my next knitting project. I've finished with the bandana cowl and I'm ready to start something new, I just don't know what yet - time to visit Ravelry and indulge in photos of gorgeous creations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="1420" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lca9cb9ZxJA/WoYx06u5KEI/AAAAAAAAB8E/RNz5MARFVl8V9SvmI5ZW8tEdV-3ouMFcgCLcBGAs/s320/1EE0E267-BA9B-4D07-86B2-F0A9B9F54426.jpeg" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// Knitting //</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>Working</b>: I am Decluttering all the things! I have got rid of so much stuff it's unreal. We used to live in such a small place that we had to be ruthless and discerning about what we keep, but since moving to a house it has become a magnet for clutter.<br />
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<b>Wanting</b>: I'd like to do something fun outside of the house this weekend but I don't know what yet.<br />
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<b>Needing</b>: I need to reboot my morning and night-time routines. I've gotten a bit lazy of late and I think I need to institute a tech free hour right after I wake and before I go to sleep.<br />
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<b>Grateful</b>: So grateful for my beautiful life. Just the other day, after Kane and I had arrived home for the day and as I was turning the key to my house, I was swallowed up by the beautiful feeling of luck and gratitude for all that I have.<br />
<br />
<b>Wishing</b>: Really wishing my cats would stop bringing bugs into the house. They don't kill the bugs, they just bring them in to play with them and then Kane and I have to keep the cats out of the way while escorting the bug back outside. Cicadas and Mantid are current favourites.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// Mantis //</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-69775818988989217032018-02-13T09:51:00.003+13:002018-02-13T09:51:57.548+13:00Pancake Day and Valentines Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pancake Day </h3>
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Today
is pancake day and I had a tasty cherry pancake for breakfast this
morning that I had put in the freezer from the weekend. Not quite the
same heated in the microwaved rather than fresh off the skillet, but
much faster and better that toast :) </div>
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I make my vegan <span style="font-family: inherit;">pancakes </span>from <a href="http://www.parsleysoup.co.uk/getrecipe.php?section=bread&recipe=scotch_pancakes" target="_blank">this </a>recipe by <a href="http://www.parsleysoup.co.uk/getrecipe.php?section=bread&recipe=scotch_pancakes" target="_blank">Parsley Soup</a> but here is my Cherry Pancake version:</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="682" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imTk9p430QY/WoH9Mv0RPFI/AAAAAAAAB7c/EcyGsgUMygQmTbMOWG7dxcRxwLrEomO7QCLcBGAs/s320/2B1CF277-44F2-48C0-A74F-D88A806EDED5.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="153" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// Pancakes //</td></tr>
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<h4>
Ingredients</h4>
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225g Self Raising Flour</div>
pinch of salt<br />
25g caster sugar<br />
350ml soya milk<br />
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1/2 cup of jar or tinned cherries (I used left over filling from pies I was making)</div>
<h4>
Method</h4>
<ol>
<li>Put all dry ingredients in a food processor and pulse to mix.</li>
<li>Pour in milk with motor running until smooth.</li>
<li>Add cherries and pulse to combine, but not make too smooth</li>
<li>Transfer batter into a jug</li>
<li>Pour in small batches into a hot skillet</li>
<li>Wait until bubbles appear all over the surface of the pancakes, then flip them over and cook on the other side until browned. </li>
</ol>
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You can pop your oven on warm and then transfer the cooked pancakes into the oven while you continue making more.</div>
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This can make anywhere between 8 and 16 pancakes depending on how big you like them :)</div>
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Valentines Day </h3>
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This is a super easy fun Valentines Day drink. I actually found this idea years ago as a Christmas celebration drink. The basic idea is that you freeze fruit juice and then add to champagne or fizzy wine.</div>
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I found these lovely heart shaped molds in IKEA and they are useful for ice cubes, melted chocolate etc.</div>
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Find a new fruit juice you like, dark coloured ones are more dramatic when they melt. I went for pomegranate </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg7Po3jqIbE/WoEIkTz0ITI/AAAAAAAAB7I/l4YoRa85u7gqM9Yv2Lst1gRRIZTsFxdVACLcBGAs/s1600/5462295B-5CD4-41DB-97B1-EE3DC1557529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="1420" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg7Po3jqIbE/WoEIkTz0ITI/AAAAAAAAB7I/l4YoRa85u7gqM9Yv2Lst1gRRIZTsFxdVACLcBGAs/s320/5462295B-5CD4-41DB-97B1-EE3DC1557529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// Valentines Drinks //</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And now for my Valentines cookie fail!<br />
<br />
With the leftover pasty from the cherry pies I made I cut them into hearts and added jam. Well I should have made little wells in the pastry or something to contain the jam better because it spread in the heat of the oven and just went every where. My hearts look more hallowe'en gruesome that valentines romantic!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7KeWeOMii8/WoEIkbQZAHI/AAAAAAAAB7E/SfwlCuswajgRpo08O4JZ_DeQ4vVdHNHCACLcBGAs/s1600/24F5FCE5-E6B8-4579-B039-55BC9FE580A1.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7KeWeOMii8/WoEIkbQZAHI/AAAAAAAAB7E/SfwlCuswajgRpo08O4JZ_DeQ4vVdHNHCACLcBGAs/s320/24F5FCE5-E6B8-4579-B039-55BC9FE580A1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// Massacre // </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Happy Pancake Day & Valentines Day!</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-20684552898316597192018-02-08T15:16:00.001+13:002018-02-08T15:16:33.819+13:00Hygge KnittingI found a nice pattern to use my <a href="http://www.northronaldsayyarn.co.uk/" target="_blank">North Ronaldsay yarn </a>on that I bought when I last visited Orkney in 2016. It's called the <a href="https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/10/11/sweet-stitching-with-erin-bandana-cowl/" target="_blank">Bandana Cowl</a> and its my first go with short rows. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CUDEW_wiM00/WnusF9SquCI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/Qf5rhjUD8uUmRLT236xwQo3rLGfxdc91QCLcBGAs/s1600/bandana-cowl-4251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CUDEW_wiM00/WnusF9SquCI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/Qf5rhjUD8uUmRLT236xwQo3rLGfxdc91QCLcBGAs/s320/bandana-cowl-4251.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">\\ From <a href="https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/10/11/sweet-stitching-with-erin-bandana-cowl/" target="_blank">Purl Soho </a>Website \\</td></tr>
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<br />
The first two attempts failed because I didn't use stitch markers but on my third attempt I've made it passed the short rows and I'm heading for the decreases.<br />
<br />
I find knitting quite therapeutic, almost meditative, and any excuse to cuddle with my cat on the sofa feeling cosy is fine with me! The other cat prefers to go watch Kane play computer games =^-^=<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRettNzGdjQ/Wnub_8e7j5I/AAAAAAAAB6I/FmPSIR0a6gMZmegEvpfUlC6wcmJs8OjOgCLcBGAs/s1600/0F668A94-8E84-4519-AA77-F95CC2E1B3CF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="1420" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRettNzGdjQ/Wnub_8e7j5I/AAAAAAAAB6I/FmPSIR0a6gMZmegEvpfUlC6wcmJs8OjOgCLcBGAs/s200/0F668A94-8E84-4519-AA77-F95CC2E1B3CF.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// Me and Azzy cat //</td></tr>
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<br />
I really ought to knit more often but I need to knit with a purpose, so I'm recommitting to knitting some baby hats for the local hospital and also knitting some hats and scarves for the local city mission.<br />
<br />
Maybe now I can knit short rows I should give some hygge woolen socks a go?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5kHUO4lrSw/WnuwKk2YGAI/AAAAAAAAB6k/btkqquBATaAAPgbLNITIJhNLATT_44B5gCLcBGAs/s1600/be8bac71391bc15626021f4007bc27a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5kHUO4lrSw/WnuwKk2YGAI/AAAAAAAAB6k/btkqquBATaAAPgbLNITIJhNLATT_44B5gCLcBGAs/s320/be8bac71391bc15626021f4007bc27a6.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">\\ From <a href="https://stbartsau.wordpress.com/category/hygge/" target="_blank">Website </a>\\ </td></tr>
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<b>What's your favourite wooly item?</b><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-74599444579727568882018-02-04T09:31:00.000+13:002018-02-04T09:31:12.414+13:00Hello February!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8geURa1xIYs/WmgzlmZrt5I/AAAAAAAAB2U/dyH0VEWipNchrI9Rp2GpZ65fFhAfKPTRACLcBGAs/s1600/Hello_February.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8geURa1xIYs/WmgzlmZrt5I/AAAAAAAAB2U/dyH0VEWipNchrI9Rp2GpZ65fFhAfKPTRACLcBGAs/s640/Hello_February.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
January was an amazing month and 2018 has got off to a great start! In April, Kane and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary (20 years!!!) and the traditional gift is china, so we booked ourselves a trip to China! I'm so excited! And flights to Scotland have also been booked for my nephew's wedding in September. I'm so excited about this too! Of course these good things all come with a price tag, so February will be about enjoying the summer season without spending any more money! #hermit #NoSpendFeb<br />
<h3>
2018 Goals</h3>
<br />
<h4>
1) A Comfortable and Beautiful Home</h4>
<b>Last Month: </b><br />
I decluttered the bedroom, living room and kitchen. So many clothes, bags, kitchen containers and other items got donated. We sold the old kitchen table and chairs, so finally that is out of the house, and we have a few other items to list and sell.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lgTkmInYG8A/WnFp_sf9PgI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/JjgMqKQ5tgEl7yIyjtLCWuC7pOs3LyWJgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lgTkmInYG8A/WnFp_sf9PgI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/JjgMqKQ5tgEl7yIyjtLCWuC7pOs3LyWJgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3724.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// Sold! //</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>This Month:</b><br />
I want to declutter the laundry and main bathroom and get two superfluous lounge chairs listed and sold.<br />
<br />
<h4>
2) Respect and Honour My Body</h4>
<b>Last Month:</b><br />
I lost 4kgs through counting calories. I went flexible vegan, where I only buy vegan food, but I'm using up what I still have in the cupboards that might have eggs/honey/dairy in it. Kane is staying vegetarian so he's mostly taking care of the non-vegan food ;)<b> </b>I also subscribed to Headspace and I'm trying to meditate for 10 minutes a day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSL7OA-YXt0/WnYbRx8VEHI/AAAAAAAAB58/SPac7L_--oUOkUOA3AGYcs6kUSpjrjagACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSL7OA-YXt0/WnYbRx8VEHI/AAAAAAAAB58/SPac7L_--oUOkUOA3AGYcs6kUSpjrjagACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_3886.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// Vegan Waffles mmmm //</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b></b>
<b>This Month:</b><br />
I'm working on stretching and strengthening my legs and glutes so that I stop get injured running! I was thinking about getting a massage, however instead of spending money I will foam roll and then have a relaxing epsom salt bath with a mud masque ... and a glass of wine *bliss*<br />
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<h3>
Celebrate the Season</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="1420" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXk6Fn3iNYU/WnT4cp_yMsI/AAAAAAAAB5w/Mpw6LAtIoCwpWKbID1QFW-3To12TJVgpgCLcBGAs/s200/8124644E-5921-4B56-B4F3-C35879424321.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// Fresh corn //</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>I love it when corn on the cob becomes super cheap and its so fresh! </li>
<li>It's good to get outdoors and go for a walk up a hill or take a picnic. </li>
<li>Our barbecue hasn't had much attention lately, but with a public holiday coming up we'll get more work done in the garden and then hopefully dine al fresco in the evening.</li>
<li>I'm planning a special cocktail for Valentines Day</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl7GsKFTYnk/WnFrxLZzZlI/AAAAAAAAB5c/jLLHALex2o01QTJ9JBxMDfvCKBORioUDQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl7GsKFTYnk/WnFrxLZzZlI/AAAAAAAAB5c/jLLHALex2o01QTJ9JBxMDfvCKBORioUDQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// February walk up One Tree Hill //</td></tr>
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Happy February!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1710470591231952057.post-24582300747599361652018-01-31T19:53:00.000+13:002018-02-02T14:29:22.417+13:00January: Meals, Miles, Books and Looks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="1420" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXp3w568PCQ/Wmg0fORaGSI/AAAAAAAAB2c/hp3iF2k6pmcal83WV-c3pESuEsQiXYDQACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3836.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// January Meals //</td></tr>
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Meals:</h3>
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I made some super simple but healthy summer meals over January. It always seems that little bit easier to eat well when so many tasty vegetables are in season!</div>
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1. Tomato and Courgette bake: It's basically layers of sliced tomato and courgette covered with breadcrumbs and a sprinkling of cheese and popped in the oven.</div>
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2. Bruschetta: Any tasty bread toasted (I've been really into <a href="http://goodmanfielder.com/portfolio/freyas/" target="_blank">Freyas low carb 5 seed loaf</a>) topped with a mix of diced tomato, garlic, basil and olive oil.</div>
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3. Vegetable Fajita with Guacamole: Capsicum, onion, portobello mushroom, courgette and carrot all <span data-dobid="hdw">sautéd with a fajita or taco spice mix. The guacamole is avocado, onion, tomato and garlic mashed with a little lemon juice. Served with heated tortilla.</span><br />
<span data-dobid="hdw"><br /></span>
<span data-dobid="hdw">4. Chickpea Curry with Rice: After soaking the chickpeas overnight, I put them in the pressure cooker with a tin of tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic and garam masala power for 20 minutes. I stirred in some baby spinach just before serving.</span><br />
<span data-dobid="hdw"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span data-dobid="hdw">Miles: 6.92km</span></h3>
<span data-dobid="hdw">I failed at my only goal not to get injured :( I had just finished warming up and was taking my first few strides on the treadmill when my calf muscle gave out on me. So I have been using the rowing machine at the gym and dutifully stretching my legs and glutes and slowly building up some strength in my glutes and calves. I've now managed two little jogs on the treadmill and it felt so good to be running and pain free! So my plan is to keep going with the stretch, strength and cross training with some easy running over February.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lTDPlMU4Fks/WnFmi552r_I/AAAAAAAAB5E/dey9kPn7D9cGMvx2vHeL-8JmXXxU3E6wQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lTDPlMU4Fks/WnFmi552r_I/AAAAAAAAB5E/dey9kPn7D9cGMvx2vHeL-8JmXXxU3E6wQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3782.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// Trying to make friends with the "erg" //</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span data-dobid="hdw"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span data-dobid="hdw">Books:</span></h3>
<span data-dobid="hdw">Reading got off to a good start this year and I read 3 books this month. Ok, one was a short poem and another a book of poems but thy still count towards my annual reading goal!</span><br />
<span data-dobid="hdw"><br /></span>
<span data-dobid="hdw">1. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency - Douglas Adams. I love Douglas Adams' style of writing, it's fun! The book is fun and quirky and just what I hoped for.</span><br />
<span data-dobid="hdw"><br /></span>
<span data-dobid="hdw">2. Kubla Khan - Samuel Taylor Coleridge. This poem and its author was mentioned in the Dirk Gently book so I wanted to read it to get more insight.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5YlbpsacT8/Wmg6RAACEWI/AAAAAAAAB2w/3EGPxNFe6vggqvhgNnBsAbtzffdaeYSCACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1420" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5YlbpsacT8/Wmg6RAACEWI/AAAAAAAAB2w/3EGPxNFe6vggqvhgNnBsAbtzffdaeYSCACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3840.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span data-dobid="hdw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="719" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2iYyqhWyI4/Wmg6Q7i1jhI/AAAAAAAAB2s/FXwIKkeKtHQ2HY8VpfmPATiw4p--BTkcgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_3840%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="200" /></span></div>
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3. The Transient - Josephine M Woods. This was suggested to me and I thought I'd give it a read. Some parts felt too religious for me, but overall I liked the imagery of the nature around that part of England.<br />
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<h3>
Looks:</h3>
I bought a new necklace that is a round lapis lazuli. Lazuli IT is the name of my contracting business (named after my cat, who came with his name) and this necklace matched my logo perfectly!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lP70PR0WiZk/WnFkl1_Np5I/AAAAAAAAB44/8XdKR1Jtfbgy3W4TAxTbIZKtrrjRUxuawCLcBGAs/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lP70PR0WiZk/WnFkl1_Np5I/AAAAAAAAB44/8XdKR1Jtfbgy3W4TAxTbIZKtrrjRUxuawCLcBGAs/s200/necklace.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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In other slices of life, we are stripping off all the wall paper in preparation for decorating.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jVgJxm9ghE/WnFjl5K6XLI/AAAAAAAAB4k/jFC2N3VpxJ49d1gzmmxpVtBZotqJHsQKgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jVgJxm9ghE/WnFjl5K6XLI/AAAAAAAAB4k/jFC2N3VpxJ49d1gzmmxpVtBZotqJHsQKgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3763.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm making a big effort in decluttering ALL THE THINGS! I am a bit of a hoarder of jars and I reduced two packed full shelves down to this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7NPqvzgnmY/WnFjp-g6wPI/AAAAAAAAB4o/aEptpd4XzAg_UXt4QIm28apTxoqQqcbOQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7NPqvzgnmY/WnFjp-g6wPI/AAAAAAAAB4o/aEptpd4XzAg_UXt4QIm28apTxoqQqcbOQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3787.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// I can't go cold turkey //</td></tr>
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My new power tool, these <a href="http://www.blackanddecker.com/products/lawn-and-garden/trees-and-shrubs/woodcutting/alligator-lopper/lp1000" target="_blank">alligator loppers</a>, are just awesome and make cutting small trees and branches so easy. The garden is finally getting a much needed tidy up!<br />
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If you've got any good tips or exercises for strengthening glutes and legs to stop me getting injured while running then I'd love to hear them in the comments!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1