tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71551914564511510632024-03-13T12:35:44.887-07:00Urban To RuralChristelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-54651640947661752772020-09-10T12:47:00.004-07:002020-09-10T13:44:22.945-07:00Nakoma Handmade - turning our obsession into a business?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSzRSS-02vhbf-FIcM7_348kH4y0Cs2NP5zfFVAzLGd4opoYL8t0MgiFVlF9ZvTyJcxKKRxCtTINIB5BBVuXmNUE7sYvHRYCO0QiJMK_hVO03y4v-lJknwsOSlscOLAtnyk7A4ff1iAk/s1065/IMG_0175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nakoma Handmade" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSzRSS-02vhbf-FIcM7_348kH4y0Cs2NP5zfFVAzLGd4opoYL8t0MgiFVlF9ZvTyJcxKKRxCtTINIB5BBVuXmNUE7sYvHRYCO0QiJMK_hVO03y4v-lJknwsOSlscOLAtnyk7A4ff1iAk/s16000/IMG_0175.jpg" title="Nakoma Handmade" /></a></div><br />Camille and I have launched our very own handmade craft business. After selling a few of my Scandinavian Santas last year (I will be making more of these very soon), I started getting requests to buy other crocheted goods, so I figured - why not?! <div><br /><p></p><p>Camille had also had a lot of requests for her woven scarves, so together we decided to create Nakoma Handmade. We have a logo and everything! Even got a custom stamp made up, thanks to <a href="http://rubberstamp.nz/" target="_blank">Wellington Rubber Stamp Co</a>. Totally recommend them by the way, ya just have to support local. Their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wellingtonrubberstamp/" target="_blank">instagram page</a> is worth checking out too, so many beautiful stamps!<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><br /></p><p>This is just going to be a little update to share some of the items we've sold, as well as what's currently available to purchase. We are happy to discuss the possibility of custom orders, so please don't hesitate to reach out either on here, via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/urbantoruralnz/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/urbantoruralnz" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or shoot us an email at makeupper@gmail.com or urbantoruralnz@gmail.com</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">SOLD ITEMS </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWECiiJkJWFdWL1i2MeyyOS-tB2z0P5rpXAcb4yY163JatUci5FnRxSpWPKV83tVF6pe2WXF7PBg1HVkMAbtyLcrwIdKvaz66xIk8RS_z3vw_gOCA885o3ee8SUMzk9qy-x2MfkZmrYpg/s950/73041482-028A-4A7A-990D-156ECB6BDE6D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Deer Amigurumi" border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWECiiJkJWFdWL1i2MeyyOS-tB2z0P5rpXAcb4yY163JatUci5FnRxSpWPKV83tVF6pe2WXF7PBg1HVkMAbtyLcrwIdKvaz66xIk8RS_z3vw_gOCA885o3ee8SUMzk9qy-x2MfkZmrYpg/s16000/73041482-028A-4A7A-990D-156ECB6BDE6D.jpg" title="Deer Amigurumi" /></a></div>I have made this adorable deer a couple of times now and every single time, I fall in love with him all over again. He's such a cutie with his little scarf!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEqJYiIQSIN6LVk20RC_xiq4vIVbQAjEUTvlAfUVWuVWfT662x0tQ8_tVs4JaLG_b8bGJSes8kmCENjiF8nfB7-TQ-1j_elxCCRmYYUfPUqbgqilzF8zS7brPOCJOebBn2vkbia-Y_BA/s1351/IMG_9927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cow Amigurumi" border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEqJYiIQSIN6LVk20RC_xiq4vIVbQAjEUTvlAfUVWuVWfT662x0tQ8_tVs4JaLG_b8bGJSes8kmCENjiF8nfB7-TQ-1j_elxCCRmYYUfPUqbgqilzF8zS7brPOCJOebBn2vkbia-Y_BA/s16000/IMG_9927.jpg" title="Cow Amigurumi" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little cow was so much fun to make, I love him!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw4juCTr7nPe88RaULW2WVbiKqUGpsYBVGWLlSeaYgvrJ5QdlXv5ElG0QePdx5y9z9fAREusYXq72T4761lUZgJKXrWq1TYPsSafOM2GPvbqtHOVTSpbAbBRxnTK5pEmt6aatM7KZyOQ/s1351/IMG_0289.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fox Amigurumi" border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw4juCTr7nPe88RaULW2WVbiKqUGpsYBVGWLlSeaYgvrJ5QdlXv5ElG0QePdx5y9z9fAREusYXq72T4761lUZgJKXrWq1TYPsSafOM2GPvbqtHOVTSpbAbBRxnTK5pEmt6aatM7KZyOQ/s16000/IMG_0289.jpg" title="Fox Amigurumi" /></a></div>I am still so obsessed with this fox. I altered the deer pattern to make him, and just love how he turned out!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O1J3F4p02-r_QmaKRID0NhqGKfkj0zReI4nNQqAjKTy-xEAE2X76_vB5Bifbxk1QxcEFx0IPVl-sPc0pY6ODlX8DwRUiUuMnFr2im49HitUwcP35ko01kgIA3sLkGDYvmlE-Rl6w-TY/s1351/IMG_0212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Guinea Pig Keyring" border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O1J3F4p02-r_QmaKRID0NhqGKfkj0zReI4nNQqAjKTy-xEAE2X76_vB5Bifbxk1QxcEFx0IPVl-sPc0pY6ODlX8DwRUiUuMnFr2im49HitUwcP35ko01kgIA3sLkGDYvmlE-Rl6w-TY/s16000/IMG_0212.jpg" title="Guinea Pig Keyring" /></a></div>I've made so many of these little guys, and they seem to be quite popular! We used to breed guinea pigs when we were kids, so these are extra special.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERknYtl7lUlJK5xe1FowBzb1ifiOwE3dTcsp0RsTf0ok5ijR42WW70OVNA-tMHxK0_Kc_k3_Pmv9CJ8lonXzUcmixnSPlifb5ownhHgN6offXz19zoZgIclh4RoFIGqj1mA9E2T2sW8M/s1351/IMG_0199.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Llama Amigurumi" border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERknYtl7lUlJK5xe1FowBzb1ifiOwE3dTcsp0RsTf0ok5ijR42WW70OVNA-tMHxK0_Kc_k3_Pmv9CJ8lonXzUcmixnSPlifb5ownhHgN6offXz19zoZgIclh4RoFIGqj1mA9E2T2sW8M/s16000/IMG_0199.jpg" title="Llama Amigurumi" /></a></div>Smaller than some of the other amigurumi, this little llama can stand on it's own and is so cuuuute. I actually want to make one for myself!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizAAQ86OueZrdmvWgyQ_-6MvNVbQ7c6gcapSv9JOJJJuqWtfKKEDoU2qxJjIQXYvy7IUTciyo48r6iS-9b5FfXGYQlwpbdMOImULsu34ovFc1BxqOySkNVZkCKrGDxTePPHjibSi2atw/s1188/IMG_0497.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bear Amigurumi" border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizAAQ86OueZrdmvWgyQ_-6MvNVbQ7c6gcapSv9JOJJJuqWtfKKEDoU2qxJjIQXYvy7IUTciyo48r6iS-9b5FfXGYQlwpbdMOImULsu34ovFc1BxqOySkNVZkCKrGDxTePPHjibSi2atw/s16000/IMG_0497.jpg" title="Bear Amigurumi" /></a></div>These little bears were a custom order for a client, which I completely designed myself from head to toe. Also did embroidered eyes for the first time! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLoP2XPtHgO2-_ceOyZlpesyKbw-JCTiN-mcSslFGOZzvDNeYWj8PATck-c5mZSUq45LxrOkutfS9jZyO39RgLjbqmpyZ4olYq8uhnEzYwPsUxxaWVDYnwQjA89sx1npqbfWd0v2rpLk/s1194/IMG_2290.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Giraffe Amigurumi" border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLoP2XPtHgO2-_ceOyZlpesyKbw-JCTiN-mcSslFGOZzvDNeYWj8PATck-c5mZSUq45LxrOkutfS9jZyO39RgLjbqmpyZ4olYq8uhnEzYwPsUxxaWVDYnwQjA89sx1npqbfWd0v2rpLk/s16000/IMG_2290.jpg" title="Giraffe Amigurumi" /></a></div>This little giraffe was sold the second I listed it on instagram. I've just made another giraffe, which is currently available.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAiaK_jjaXSNMdyKCc01_Zq4ti4v5jWxEZa6d8S3tVhSwCZXU3R8zlAEryxmHM7i2orHsTg7Rha4aw89xqVtod2KHZ_tTRvo-1ArOwR0hyOV5PVLg6rIx8FHbx7PSnIbd_906ksDOXv8/s1232/IMG_9913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lion Amigurumi" border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAiaK_jjaXSNMdyKCc01_Zq4ti4v5jWxEZa6d8S3tVhSwCZXU3R8zlAEryxmHM7i2orHsTg7Rha4aw89xqVtod2KHZ_tTRvo-1ArOwR0hyOV5PVLg6rIx8FHbx7PSnIbd_906ksDOXv8/s16000/IMG_9913.jpg" title="Lion Amigurumi" /></a></div>I originally made this as a custom order, but the client backed out at the last minute. Luckily this little guy was still snapped up! One of the trickiest amigurumi I've made so far.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWqJENuZxgckDCNXUNnKxQhwenuHZFCAMrUTA9mU1nMX9S5L773wyp8n4NO-bHiq7pBCO9TdNZJ-J6UVi5Nl403sJJMof7ytYQ8Gldu4jv5okQAy44cu3GV2g9I6pMx6Fc7b9jwAahYg/s1013/IMG_0179.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hand Woven Scarf" border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWqJENuZxgckDCNXUNnKxQhwenuHZFCAMrUTA9mU1nMX9S5L773wyp8n4NO-bHiq7pBCO9TdNZJ-J6UVi5Nl403sJJMof7ytYQ8Gldu4jv5okQAy44cu3GV2g9I6pMx6Fc7b9jwAahYg/s16000/IMG_0179.jpg" title="Hand Woven Scarf" /></a></div>Just one of the hand woven scarves Camille has made this year, modelled by our friend (and one of her first scarf customers!) Hamish. Pricing for these varies and is dependent on what type of yarn you'd prefer, so please do reach out if you're interested. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5hwsnu7n4BR1W8TDEdH-9MD7seS16w1vmpgEyGDJ0hmE63ladxReUspcufCHDHgGzwbAi27jNEauq_8gygB9qjueBezWzxuaapUO2p2P6quqC1e2c6HZiUSsZg1QVgDaBbPbBvzfRAQ/s1013/IMG_0255+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Woollen Vest" border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5hwsnu7n4BR1W8TDEdH-9MD7seS16w1vmpgEyGDJ0hmE63ladxReUspcufCHDHgGzwbAi27jNEauq_8gygB9qjueBezWzxuaapUO2p2P6quqC1e2c6HZiUSsZg1QVgDaBbPbBvzfRAQ/s16000/IMG_0255+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Woollen Vest" /></a></div>Another passion of ours is sewing, and Camille also makes these gorgeous woollen vests for kids. They are made from vintage woollen blankets, with vintage cotton fabric lining. Adorably modelled by the daughter of one of our very good friends, who custom ordered this.<h3 style="text-align: left;"><br />CURRENTLY AVAILABLE</h3><div><br /></div><div>We've been super busy sewing face masks, so our stock levels have dropped a little - but these are the items we currently have on offer. I can easily make any of the crocheted items above, and am open to discussing custom orders - just let me know what you're after!</div><div><br /></div><div>Camille will be making a few more vests, but may not be able to take any further woven scarf orders this year - however, reach out and we'll see what we can do. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymHENLmhyphenhyphen3JLORhyjVnJKYcSpKohDyJSJmAwiI0lYmmvl5gYefAZGgqC8GarP7f0Ruc9qfjE5Lsg_QPkzKa4NZdkk9e1A5N94yJay4CWuyKVCTWtntOT_-Z2Y46omOFy7pBT76vR-5x4/s1351/IMG_0206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Guinea Pig Keyring" border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymHENLmhyphenhyphen3JLORhyjVnJKYcSpKohDyJSJmAwiI0lYmmvl5gYefAZGgqC8GarP7f0Ruc9qfjE5Lsg_QPkzKa4NZdkk9e1A5N94yJay4CWuyKVCTWtntOT_-Z2Y46omOFy7pBT76vR-5x4/s16000/IMG_0206.jpg" title="Guinea Pig Keyring" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT3XTuxt-n7xLDwkNGep3m_Yl1WWEWX-nm9Aao29g-qXl18fGllXfDaRvK1J_m3yWdUi66cCgS4Vgj_snWAmPOZG7tVHznwB4vh8oItuaOP1KvsY4fm566LvUPh0xZheEvALZYkuifV4/s1351/IMG_0218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Guinea Pig Keyring" border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT3XTuxt-n7xLDwkNGep3m_Yl1WWEWX-nm9Aao29g-qXl18fGllXfDaRvK1J_m3yWdUi66cCgS4Vgj_snWAmPOZG7tVHznwB4vh8oItuaOP1KvsY4fm566LvUPh0xZheEvALZYkuifV4/s16000/IMG_0218.jpg" title="Guinea Pig Keyring" /></a></div>Guinea Pig keyrings are $15 NZD each and include postage within New Zealand. These are the 2 colour ways currently available, but happy to make more!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuUauLlKFx5iAeY1I_-wsClvic47b17QYkuJl8dx1grakFRkSUmwWWmf7xEhwO5PEBhBBQG9K4ZMlt6xJFyPTvH2VQaX-KDsHnlcpNcrqukys9BAeErhVBtO9kAzPL_MGXlddptlqLDQ/s963/IMG_9040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crocheted Coasters" border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuUauLlKFx5iAeY1I_-wsClvic47b17QYkuJl8dx1grakFRkSUmwWWmf7xEhwO5PEBhBBQG9K4ZMlt6xJFyPTvH2VQaX-KDsHnlcpNcrqukys9BAeErhVBtO9kAzPL_MGXlddptlqLDQ/s16000/IMG_9040.jpg" title="Crocheted Coasters" /></a></div>Leaf coasters! I love these so much, I've already made myself a set. $25 NZD, excluding postage. </div><div><br /></div><div>As mentioned above, there is another giraffe available. I haven't taken a photo of him yet - but he looks very similar to the one pictured above. Will update this post after I've taken a photo!</div><div><br /></div><div>So that's it really! On the personal side, we've been through a lot this year... these past 2 years really, but we are really happy to be putting time and effort into something we love. And even happier that other people are loving our handcrafted items!</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't forget to follow us over on Instagram, where we are much more active - you can find us at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/urbantoruralnz/" target="_blank">@urbantoruralnz</a> as well as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nakomahandmade/">@nakomahandmade</a>. We've been growing oyster mushrooms, and sharing daily updates on our Instagram stories which you guys seem to be loving. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you are all keeping safe and well. </div><div>Take care</div><div>oxoxo<br /><div><br /></div><div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-86736263689918933612020-02-27T17:47:00.000-08:002020-02-27T17:47:13.989-08:00I Taught Myself How To Crochet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgo_3n0-pt_TSRK2OYabuGgQrgvKQ4JhAbjO3BZzBl2QAFMolYXz_NkiPJuUJO15TYda0xucCgq3HGhDCc5-XBbVP5Up0yqixgMsRPAcj8Ryr3icVO5sO3qa-vlKZmNOTrApKo7QLF-s/s1600/i+taught+myself+how+to+crochet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgo_3n0-pt_TSRK2OYabuGgQrgvKQ4JhAbjO3BZzBl2QAFMolYXz_NkiPJuUJO15TYda0xucCgq3HGhDCc5-XBbVP5Up0yqixgMsRPAcj8Ryr3icVO5sO3qa-vlKZmNOTrApKo7QLF-s/s1600/i+taught+myself+how+to+crochet.jpg" /></a></div>
Hi guys. Does anyone even read this blog anymore? I don't know. It's been that long, I can barely remember how to do this. Excuse my awkwardness, I reckon it'll take awhile for this to feel "normal" again.<br />
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Where have we been? To be honest, stuck behind a thick wall of grief. After the death of our Grandparents, we lost all desire to do anything - let alone blog. But now that we're feeling a bit better, I figured it was time to get back to doing the things I used to enjoy. And here we are!<br />
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To try and cope, I taught myself how to crochet. A tonne of mistakes and Youtube tutorials later, and I am quite literally hooked (haha). This is basically just going to be a bunch of photos and "look what I did!" moments - so please, if you will, just humour me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZA6Lt0WhAO0gepUt9GyS3DBZx_m6rDPYTUUvFIz_Yxi-qqHNxWJoHLG6AqWZn445nvkDrpTczew-GR2BOrPcH2Z9ANYyyGKDz9H6hNjMUuNzDpvs2lLYCpElQVCBTzAunHBLgVW79r8/s1600/crochet-coasters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZA6Lt0WhAO0gepUt9GyS3DBZx_m6rDPYTUUvFIz_Yxi-qqHNxWJoHLG6AqWZn445nvkDrpTczew-GR2BOrPcH2Z9ANYyyGKDz9H6hNjMUuNzDpvs2lLYCpElQVCBTzAunHBLgVW79r8/s1600/crochet-coasters.jpg" /></a></div>
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My first successful project, a set of coasters! I can't even tell you how proud of these I was, hahaha. Now... not so much. Infact, I've never even used them.<br />
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After 4 attempts at beanie patterns, I discovered <a href="http://www.pawsandwool.com/hanmer-beanie/" target="_blank">Casey's pattern here</a> and geez was that a game changer or what. I've lost count of how many of these beanies I've made since then, but I can assure you that everyone in my life has at least one of them now. Check out her <a href="http://www.pawsandwool.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, seriously, she's pretty damn impressive.<br />
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Then came my obsession with Scandinavian Santas. I even managed to sell a few of these beauties, which I'm super proud of.<br />
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Since the Santas, I've been loving amigurumi in general. I've made reindeer, a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/nz/shop/TheresasCrochetShop" target="_blank">super cute deer</a> and a dolphin. Definitely want to try making more, since they're so much fun to do.<br />
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For Christmas I made beach cover ups for Mum and Camille. That was a nightmare as I'd purchased a pattern, and after I'd finished making it I realised it just wouldn't work. So I unpicked the whole thing and made up my own pattern. I actually LOVE how they turned out.<br />
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One of my favourite makes so far has to be this little shark keyring that I made for Camille. It's soooo adorable! And sharks are just the best. It's of course one of <a href="https://spinayarncrochet.com/shark-amigurumi-free-crochet-pattern/" target="_blank">Spin A Yarn's patterns</a>, that I highly recommend. It certainly is a bit fiddly, because it's made with 2ply yarn and a microscopic hook - but the end result makes it so worth it.<br />
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I've made a few bags and socks too, but I don't have any good photos of them. I also won't share photos of the pretty unsuccessful jumpers I've made hahaha. Or the numerous things that have been unpicked. But honestly, it's a hobby that I'm thoroughly enjoying.<br />
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Maybe this hobby can turn into a side business! Who knows. It's early days. But yeah, I taught myself how to crochet and that's all I can really recall doing last year.<br />
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<b>What have you been up to? Did you make it this far through the post?! </b><br />
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This is one (kind of) happy hooker, signing off.<br />
Christel oxo<br />
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<br />Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-28998029873900384522018-04-13T11:24:00.000-07:002020-02-25T15:03:10.268-08:00RECIPE: 5 Cup Sultana Loaf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDR-qlt__NEvTFbQsQU8bN_KGsUdDmDkfx5i8pY2TQ6_A76qPnO9-wsa18_J4GhZkR7wOlq2Qa6aWJbMvD292pBMYyDEJpxe_zyRmG1aTOx2YlbUi3_x2TEGf0ygNn8oGpyMC6UYrXhe8/s1600/5-cup-sultana-loaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDR-qlt__NEvTFbQsQU8bN_KGsUdDmDkfx5i8pY2TQ6_A76qPnO9-wsa18_J4GhZkR7wOlq2Qa6aWJbMvD292pBMYyDEJpxe_zyRmG1aTOx2YlbUi3_x2TEGf0ygNn8oGpyMC6UYrXhe8/s1600/5-cup-sultana-loaf.jpg" /></a></div>
Ok, what is up with the price of butter these days?! I legit saw butter on special the other day... for $5.00 NZD. I just can't comprehend that. It's ridiculous!<br />
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Because of this, I've started seeking out good recipes that don't call for butter. And this 5 Cup Sultana Loaf is DAMN good. So I figured you guys might like to give it a go too.<br />
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I found this recipe on the Simple Savings forum a very long time ago and rediscovered it in my "recipes to try" folder so I'm not entirely sure who the original recipe belongs to - but I would like to say a HUGE thank you. This is incredible.<br />
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5 Cup Sultana Loaf</h2>
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Ingredients:<br />
<ul><br />
<li>1 cup self raising flour</li>
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<li>1 cup coconut</li>
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<li>1 cup soft brown sugar</li>
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<li>1 cup milk</li>
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<li>1 cup sultanas</li>
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Mix all the ingredients together until just combined, pour into a lined and greased loaf tin and bake at 180℃ for 30-35 minutes or until it springs back when touched.<br />
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I make this in a gas oven (off grid, remember?!) so sometimes this takes a bit longer to cook, but pretty much as soon as it springs back when touched I pull it out of the oven.<br />
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Ricky is so obsessed with this and claims it's the best sultana cake he's ever had. Which I'm happy about, since it's so ridiculously easy to make.<br />
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Personally I'm not a huge fan of sultanas, so I'll often swap them out for a cup of chocolate chips and add a tablespoon of cocoa. Instant chocolate coconut loaf - delicious!<br />
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<strong>Do you have any good butter-free recipes that you'd like to share??</strong><br />
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Thanks for viewing!<br />
oxo<br />
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<br />Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-53719734375595148582018-03-08T00:03:00.000-08:002020-02-25T15:01:16.794-08:00Bullet Journal 101: How To Start A Bullet Journal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjw8k8AW6YI3EVGr67fSiG30EGKsj58RhR9BgiIk-L9v1buLKVjnoAfZ9GRji7vMEw7abDe00H8crsmQYmH92gWoU5jvYuEFmZ-9l-b16vRPGTd6dPA-gFJakuCxfvqTt1F5FO5vgAAs/s1600/Bullet+Journal+101+-+How+To+Start+A+Bullet+Journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjw8k8AW6YI3EVGr67fSiG30EGKsj58RhR9BgiIk-L9v1buLKVjnoAfZ9GRji7vMEw7abDe00H8crsmQYmH92gWoU5jvYuEFmZ-9l-b16vRPGTd6dPA-gFJakuCxfvqTt1F5FO5vgAAs/s1600/Bullet+Journal+101+-+How+To+Start+A+Bullet+Journal.jpg" /></a></div>
Despite having numerous planners over the years, I was yet to find one that really worked for me. Then I found out about bullet journalling and decided to give it a go. After a couple of requests on <a href="http://instagram.com/makeuppernz" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>instagram</strong></a>, I decided to share some tips on how to start a bullet journal.<br />
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<h3>
WHAT YOU NEED</h3>
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Bullet journalling doesn't need to be expensive. In fact if you've got a blank notebook laying around, you can get started now. But if you do want to invest in a quality notebook, I can't recommend the Leuchtturm1917 A5 notebooks enough. The most popular ones have dotted or grid pages, and the dotted ones in particular are my favourites. They make the whole journalling experience so simple and easy.<br />
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Of course you can use any old pen, but if you want some fun colours to play with I really like the Staedtler Triplus Fineliners. The regular black pens I use are the Papermate InkJoys, which I keep everywhere. I love them!<br />
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It's up to you to decide whether you want to invest in extras, such as washi tape, twink, highlighters and glue tape. If you're after super cute washi tapes, check out Pages to Plans. I am obsessed with the dog ones!<br />
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INDEX AND KEY/LEGEND</h3>
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If you have one of the Leuchtturm1917 notebooks, you'll find the pages are numbered and there's already an index page ready to use. If you're using another notebook, you may have to number the pages yourself - which is a must if having an index is important to you.<br />
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Indexes make it a lot easier to find certain pages in your bullet journal. I like to include all my monthly layouts in the index, as well as more specialised pages such as my 52 Week Savings Plan.<br />
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Having a key/legend is one of the most important parts of a bullet journal. This is how you'll identify tasks, events and other things in your day to day planning. There are many different keys you could use, but this is one that I've found works really well for me.<br />
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MONTHLY LAYOUT</h3>
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There are so many ways you can set out your monthly layouts. I like to spread mine over 2 pages. On the left I put the dates and days of the week, so I have a spot to mark anything important coming up (birthdays, events etc). Then I have sections for Gardening, Highlights, Goals and a To Do list.<br />
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I often change things up and add or delete sections, but this has been my monthly template all year so far. <a href="https://www.pinterest.nz/makeupper/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Pinterest</strong></a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/makeuppernz" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Instagram</strong></a> give me lots of ideas though, and I might try a different spread for May.<br />
<h3>
WEEKLY/DAILY LAYOUT</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ed_3MxoOk549UjFDEu2lmICRNSXbEF13jCTs51XLBYAZ44BBULSPydlBjkRmXtTzttIwVyVE0IiP65zzwMRhNdw3I1um7IXYxaEAyQeehj5owcCgXyuVc5zVmOPop3ly_91y2yB4ed4/s1600/bullet-journal-weekly-layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ed_3MxoOk549UjFDEu2lmICRNSXbEF13jCTs51XLBYAZ44BBULSPydlBjkRmXtTzttIwVyVE0IiP65zzwMRhNdw3I1um7IXYxaEAyQeehj5owcCgXyuVc5zVmOPop3ly_91y2yB4ed4/s1600/bullet-journal-weekly-layout.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is the layout I tend to play around with the most. At the moment I'm enjoying a weekly layout over 2 pages so I can see everything at a glance. There are so many ways you can do this, so I'm sharing the one I use currently. I am toying with the idea of having a bit more space for the weekly layout so I can track more individual things... so if that happens, I'll be sure to share more photos!<br />
<h3>
LISTS/COLLECTIONS</h3>
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One of, if not the best thing about Bullet Journals is having space for lists and collection pages. It really is like having a daily planner, diary and to do list all in one.<br />
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I have lots of these, such as a 52 Week Savings Plan, Weight Loss tracker, Self Care Ideas and brain dump pages. Because we're off the grid, I also like to keep track of our LPG and Diesel usage - so I have a page in my bullet journal dedicated to that too.<br />
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I'm so used to having a bunch of lists everywhere, as well as a daily planner - so I can't even tell you how much easier it is to have everything all in the one place. I'm definitely a bullet journal convert, and don't think I could ever go back to a regular planner.<br />
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One thing that I think puts a lot of people off bullet journalling is the pressure to make it look pretty. I personally love to decorate mine because I find it therapeutic (in the same way I enjoy colouring), but you can literally make your bullet journal as simple as you want. All that matters, is that it works for you.<br />
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<strong>I hope this post has been helpful! I honestly can't recommend bullet journalling enough, and would love to hear from people who feel the same - so leave us a comment below.</strong><br />
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Thanks for viewing!<br />
oxoChristelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-40186654491315243952018-03-01T23:53:00.000-08:002020-02-25T15:12:24.438-08:00How To Make A Budget Friendly Platter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vNnA-JeefaWZF3sbDxKoKlZ13J-VaXqIDzhFP1-0MxrzStCDjyHOMS8_UqDt3gFtaJ-vmqbmY15ZXGlDQK9AucyOD5TjzkWyapLBorPVZWJUUt1LG2ehdAQqDBAU1Zf0gNQO4XLAvf4/s1600/How+To+Make+A+Budget+Friendly+Platter+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vNnA-JeefaWZF3sbDxKoKlZ13J-VaXqIDzhFP1-0MxrzStCDjyHOMS8_UqDt3gFtaJ-vmqbmY15ZXGlDQK9AucyOD5TjzkWyapLBorPVZWJUUt1LG2ehdAQqDBAU1Zf0gNQO4XLAvf4/s1600/How+To+Make+A+Budget+Friendly+Platter+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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Is there anything more glorious than a platter or grazing table? I highly doubt it. There's nothing quite like bite size morsels of deliciousness at your disposal. However they can be crazy expensive, so we thought we'd share how to make a budget friendly platter.<br />
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If you read our last post, you'll know that we're trying hard to save money this year. But saving money doesn't mean you need to miss out on all the good things in life. Instead, you make those things work for you.<br />
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Ingredients don't often come cheap, but there are ways you can find a bargain without skimping on quality. The Pams Finest Cheese Selection is the perfect example of this. For just under $12, you get a trio of delicious cheeses: Rotoiti Blue 100g, Southern Alps Camembert 125g and Tahatai Smoked Cheddar 140g.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EhxPcvpThjVF9rd5hV0_52GZIEx1XwoGBImBSHmyveAUi5TbNfc6_0pEbkpisTT21fJFedY_Ixvco8i7ft3z21gDKiQAUCGram23lUEpXEw_g8eqJc8ogw1nwFP5UyuUKFEYSPDthM0/s1600/budget-conscious-platter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EhxPcvpThjVF9rd5hV0_52GZIEx1XwoGBImBSHmyveAUi5TbNfc6_0pEbkpisTT21fJFedY_Ixvco8i7ft3z21gDKiQAUCGram23lUEpXEw_g8eqJc8ogw1nwFP5UyuUKFEYSPDthM0/s1600/budget-conscious-platter.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm no cheese expert, but I do enjoy a lot of cheese! And there's no way you'd ever think that these were cheap. They're just as good as their more expensive counterparts, and are just one way you can cut costs on your platter.<br />
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Another way you can cut costs is by buying fruit that's in season, or on special. You really only need to buy 1 or 2 of each, and slice thinly to make the most of them. For our platter, we chose a pineapple, coconut, apple, pear and nashi pear. Because we'd saved elsewhere, splurging on some grapes was no big deal - and was actually well worth it!<br />
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Meat can also be budget friendly just by buying small amounts at the deli. That's kind of the beauty of a platter, you don't need huge amounts of individual things - especially if it's just for 2 of you. Add a french stick or tiger roll, some basic water crackers, nuts, dips and you're good to go.<br />
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Now it's all about presentation! All you need is a chopping board of some kind (Kmart and The Warehouse sell great ones) and a bit of time. In my opinion there's no right or wrong way to do this, just go to town. I really like the "crowded" look when it comes to platters or grazing tables, and I definitely tried to imitate this. It's super easy this way too, because the more cluttered the platter is, the more effective it looks I think.<br />
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<strong>When was the last time you put a platter together? </strong><br />
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Thanks for viewing!<br />
oxo<br />
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Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-34408654666426479222018-02-15T11:53:00.000-08:002020-02-25T15:26:39.941-08:00Saving Money: Garden Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my goals this year is to reduce the amount of money we spend on groceries. Sounds easy enough right? But trying to do this, whilst also tackling the issue of losing weight is proving to be more difficult than I thought.</div>
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Step 1 was sorting out a vege garden. You saw from my post last year that we got everything set up, and started. But what you didn’t see was how much of that ended up being a bit of a failure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFwQXWLDcy6yn-VICMn6flHb25qXShLeFK7mG-t2MR_h0GeLiiDcMo4e7gphdWOwuI4qNiRZAzg2RiSlYdxlwlMmPIYd29IVWOuY7mPCyfDQGlwoDnJow4RZ6vNKTqIqkecv7fvSrHrI/s1600/carrots-broadbeans-tomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFwQXWLDcy6yn-VICMn6flHb25qXShLeFK7mG-t2MR_h0GeLiiDcMo4e7gphdWOwuI4qNiRZAzg2RiSlYdxlwlMmPIYd29IVWOuY7mPCyfDQGlwoDnJow4RZ6vNKTqIqkecv7fvSrHrI/s1600/carrots-broadbeans-tomato.jpg" /></a></div>
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Our cabbages, beetroot, chinese cabbages, spring onions and broad beans boomed. But the rest didn’t really flourish as much as we’d hoped. In fact, a lot of our harvest ended up bolting to seed. It became obvious that much more research needed to be done in order to make this garden worthwhile.<br />
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After a good chat, my new garden-loving friend <strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/orlene_e/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Orlene</a></strong> suggested I check out <strong>GardenGrow</strong>. <a href="http://gardengrow.co.nz/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">GardenGrow</a> allows you to select your climate (sub-tropical for us) and then alerts you to what should be planted this month. This has taken a lot of guesswork out of the equation. All of the books I’d read previously seemed to favour a temperate climate, which the Far North definitely is not.</div>
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Fast forward to last month, and we popped in some potatoes, pumpkins and a late crop of zucchinis. I honestly couldn’t be more excited! We still have some tomatoes hanging in there (most of those split, but were still salvageable) as well as the spring onions. Our strawberries are great if you manage to beat the ants and birds to them… definitely need to sort something out there! And did I mention that we successfully grew red onions?! They're pretty tiny, but I'm so proud!<br />
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Thankfully with the orchard we don’t have to worry about avocados at all, so we have all we can possibly consume there. Our banana trees also seem to be doing exceptionally well, so I’m looking forward to picking a bunch of them very soon.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1EA6pr7wF1J3QEufpzu9sxtD5Vko3uD7FDIxj0Hdfs9qQ9bgc3amyPCDyr2_m8XkKxItK65D1jquyfhv80_UDJ4l1UmsZwX_JlRRJ6qXF5ay8SmoB-0VJq5tPhyphenhypheniPRUmphpT1ZfQn88/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1EA6pr7wF1J3QEufpzu9sxtD5Vko3uD7FDIxj0Hdfs9qQ9bgc3amyPCDyr2_m8XkKxItK65D1jquyfhv80_UDJ4l1UmsZwX_JlRRJ6qXF5ay8SmoB-0VJq5tPhyphenhypheniPRUmphpT1ZfQn88/s1600/sunset.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardening at night means I'm often treated to this view!</td></tr>
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This whole ordeal is trial and error. Yes, we’ve had a few more errors than we’d like and it’s not saving us much money yet - but we’re getting there. I think the potatoes may be a potential game changer, I can’t wait to see what the outcome there is.</div>
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As well as the garden, I’m slowly trying to adopt more methods to help us reduce our weekly grocery budget. We already shop the specials, and try to buy in season but there’s so much more that we can learn and incorporate into our life.</div>
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<strong>If you have any money saving tips, or are dabbling in a vegetable garden, we would absolutely love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below!</strong></div>
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Thanks for viewing!</div>
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oxo</div>
Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-57014444887737518972017-12-06T12:07:00.000-08:002020-02-25T15:45:51.961-08:00Countdown To Christmas: Easy Christmas Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Is there anything better than indulging in delicious food at Christmas? Sure, we eat healthy most of the time - but now and then we all need to treat ourselves. With that in mind, we've teamed up with Noel Leeming and the Braun MultiQuick 3 Stick Blender to share some deliciously easy Christmas treats.<br />
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When it comes to food, I'm a big believer in the simpler it is, the better. You won't catch me slaving over a recipe for hours, I'd much rather whip up something quickly that I know will be delicious. Bonus points if it actually looks good too!<br />
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<strong>Christmas Supershake</strong></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzjOSg-_MbcOatwO-rZ7I_8rjvTeNS2ZSrBnRwLZlnfU1wyF9qT8b1kTxDc2XYKk4LGi2UhOsGCqvd26XKjJNyetuuAgGNWiM0PxHLpBDnvLwAxeCFzYQ83GK0CqNMaBF3RwWDn76OjI/s1600/christmas-supershake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzjOSg-_MbcOatwO-rZ7I_8rjvTeNS2ZSrBnRwLZlnfU1wyF9qT8b1kTxDc2XYKk4LGi2UhOsGCqvd26XKjJNyetuuAgGNWiM0PxHLpBDnvLwAxeCFzYQ83GK0CqNMaBF3RwWDn76OjI/s1600/christmas-supershake.jpg" /></a></div>
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<li>Vanilla ice cream</li>
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<li>Milk</li>
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<li>Whipped Cream (don't forget you can whip up some cream with the whisk attachment)</li>
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<li>Crushed Candy Canes</li>
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<li>Red & Green M&Ms</li>
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<li>Any other decoration you like!</li>
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Now it totally depends on preference here, you can decide what you want your ice cream to milk ratio to be. We like thick shakes, so we added a bit more ice cream to ours. Use either the Braun stick blender or 1.25L blender jug to combine, and if you want - add a few drops of peppermint essence.<br />
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Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, m&ms, or anything else you like and enjoy! We're cutting down on single-use plastics, so we used our stainless steel straws. I actually love how they look.<br />
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<strong>Tim Tam Truffles</strong> <em>(try saying that 3 times in a row)</em></h3>
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<li>250g Cream Cheese</li>
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<li>1 packet of Tim Tams (or literally ANY other chocolate biscuits you want, oreo is another fave of ours!)</li>
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<li>Chocolate Buttons, melted</li>
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<li>Shredded Coconut</li>
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This is one of the standard recipes we've been using for years, and it's always loved by everyone who tries them. Throw your biscuits in the 1.25L chopper attachment, and blend them until they turn into a breadcrumb consistency. Add the cream cheese, and blend. Pop the mixture in the fridge for about 1 hour, then roll into balls and dip into melted chocolate or roll in coconut. Enjoy!<br />
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Tip: We find these are best straight out of the freezer during Summer. And they make such a good gift!<br />
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<strong>Chocolate Candy Cane Bark</strong></h3>
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<li>Dark Chocolate Buttons</li>
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<li>White Chocolate Buttons</li>
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<li>Red & Green M&Ms</li>
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<li>Candy Canes</li>
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Line a slice tray with baking paper. Use the 1.25L attachment with the chopping blade and crush the candy canes into tiny pieces. Melt both the dark chocolate and white chocolate buttons separately (I use the double boiler method to avoid burnt chocolate), and spread both on the tray. Don't worry about being messy with it, it actually looks better that way!<br />
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Sprinkle over the crushed candy canes and push some red & green m&ms into the mixture. Pop in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, then take it out and break into pieces. These are so yummy, and again would be awesome popped in a jar and given as a present.<br />
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<strong>What delicious treats have you got planned for Christmas??</strong><br />
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Thanks for viewing!<br />
oxo<br />
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<em>*Thank you to Noel Leeming for providing us with the Braun MutliQuick 3 Stick Blender</em></div>
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Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-24876051493727944772017-08-22T02:37:00.000-07:002020-02-25T16:43:48.322-08:00The Cows - Dawn O'Porter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I challenged myself this year to read anything and everything. You never know what you might like, right? Well, The Cows had me hooked from page one. I not only liked this book, I loved it.<br />
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Following the stories of three very different women, The Cows will take you on a journey you never thought possible.<br />
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Cam is a feminist blogger. She has no desire for children, she's seen what they've done to her sisters. Her own mother thinks she is gay, because of this. She isn't, thats for sure. Children just don't do it for Cam. She loves walking around her apartment naked, having random handsome lovers and most of all, she likes being alone.<br />
<br />
Tara is a single Mother, documentary maker and an all round good sort. She never told her one night stand, that they have a daughter. Why would she? She knows he wouldn't have wanted their baby. For 6 years, she thought she did the right thing, until other mothers from her daughters school start asking questions.<br />
<br />
Stella is a girl on the edge. She lost her Mum and twin sister to cancer. So quickly they were both gone. Living with the knowledge that Stella herself, has the same cancer gene, she has to have a baby now, before she removes both her breasts and ovaries. Stella needs her partner to see her for what she was, before the cancer gene was discovered. She needs to feel wanted, desired. She needs to get pregnant.<br />
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All three women are brought together by a violating event, which bonds them all in very special ways.<br />
<br />
If this review of The Cows doesn't get you hooked, then clearly i'm not doing my job.<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you read anything from Dawn O'Porter?</strong><br />
<br />
Camille x<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em>*Thanks to HarperCollins for this book</em></div>
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Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-54306559516609992522017-08-03T23:39:00.000-07:002020-02-25T17:01:43.399-08:00Eat Healthy On A Budget: The Vege Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzURnoT_ci2IfmWK3XyZaqCABvKByhchODnAmfjlUyZnCVXUX9Di6k_mXM2j4NVuOS_oXlNkNrT01TpsbJUjxP5q201YIDZDgwayqIITBqzevi6igWQrcAUNAAI-6FwlHwVHtxFxdOoc/s1600/Eat+Healthy+On+A+Budget+The+Vege+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzURnoT_ci2IfmWK3XyZaqCABvKByhchODnAmfjlUyZnCVXUX9Di6k_mXM2j4NVuOS_oXlNkNrT01TpsbJUjxP5q201YIDZDgwayqIITBqzevi6igWQrcAUNAAI-6FwlHwVHtxFxdOoc/s1600/Eat+Healthy+On+A+Budget+The+Vege+Garden.jpg" /></a></div>
Eating healthy is expensive. There's no denying that. But how can we make it more affordable? Since I am on a weight loss journey myself, and prefer to have a healthy diet anyway I thought it'd be fun to document ways to eat healthy on a budget.<br />
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The first thing we wanted to try was a vege garden. Camille has had several vege gardens in the past, but this is the first time I've ever had one myself. And I can't even begin to tell you how much it excites me!<br />
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There's something really incredible about eating produce you've grown yourself, but is it any cheaper? This is what I really wanted to find out.<br />
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I live on a 5 acre block in the Far North (not too far from our 65 acre orchard), but the soil here is pretty terrible. I'd guesstimate that it's about 98% sand, which isn't the most ideal conditions for a vege garden. The solution? A 6m x 6m raised garden bed.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-HXBE1wd78g2mxY_B-Wdd7k_u9XvDjUJyxCKtCp47R4qixjQPWAN0WlxhGy6djhmClW2RyFlCytTO4ErK8bmvVEWjXLsg5oFWrEqzSoTLm1n0Jl5xJ5hVj6Bhggholka3ZLM8GWFJms/s1600/top-soil-delivery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-HXBE1wd78g2mxY_B-Wdd7k_u9XvDjUJyxCKtCp47R4qixjQPWAN0WlxhGy6djhmClW2RyFlCytTO4ErK8bmvVEWjXLsg5oFWrEqzSoTLm1n0Jl5xJ5hVj6Bhggholka3ZLM8GWFJms/s1600/top-soil-delivery.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Top soil delivery. We constructed the frame around this then spread it out by hand (damn that was labour intensive)</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The outlay for this garden was definitely more expensive than I originally anticipated. All up the timber and 10m3 of top soil came to $518.00 NZD. We then bought a bunch of seedlings (and carrot seed tape) from our local garden centre, which came to $150.00 NZD.<br />
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Obviously this is a huge outlay, but this really is a massive garden. Most people wouldn't need a garden this size, and it'll probably even exceed our needs. Top soil up here is also quite expensive (we'd be able to get it basically free back in Auckland thanks to Dad's job) so that needs to be added into the equation. You also don't necessarily need to use new timber like we did. Macrocarpa railway sleepers and recycled wood are often used.<br />
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Of course, if you're allowed to dig a garden in your yard (and have suitable soil) then the outlay is hugely reduced - but that's not always the case for everyone.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-UOWc-9tVIzBat1mq5zsGYHWkpCp5iI_lPBZoCOi-n2UXeF4nRzURuKcf738SBnNvqad2Z_90KsoY3y_gBkt2bXhUjE6wppyMDdFcN6_QUjFhoQ78YGFGIQZKBD-ooYSMEWFuqcr_3c/s1600/new-seedlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-UOWc-9tVIzBat1mq5zsGYHWkpCp5iI_lPBZoCOi-n2UXeF4nRzURuKcf738SBnNvqad2Z_90KsoY3y_gBkt2bXhUjE6wppyMDdFcN6_QUjFhoQ78YGFGIQZKBD-ooYSMEWFuqcr_3c/s1600/new-seedlings.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">About a week after the seedlings were planted</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then came the most fun part, what to plant? We decided on:<br />
<ul>
<li>Broccoli</li>
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<li>Cauliflower</li>
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<li>Cabbage</li>
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<li>Lettuce</li>
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<li>Beetroot</li>
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<li>Carrots</li>
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<li>Garlic</li>
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<li>Chinese Cabbage</li>
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<li>Leeks</li>
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<li>Spring Onions</li>
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<li>Red Onions</li>
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<li>Celery</li>
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<li>Spinach</li>
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<li>Silverbeet</li>
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<li>Garlic Chives</li>
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<li>Broad Beans</li>
</ul>
It's been about 9 weeks since we planted everything, and I'm happy to say that most things seem to be thriving. The celery look to be struggling a bit, and the carrots didn't pop through at all - but for the most part, everything seems to be doing really well.<br />
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I think we'll be eating the Chinese Cabbages soon, and already we have harvested some of the spring onions. It's all so exciting, I can't even tell you.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2Vr2XgY6a4VNWNRLxR9aFuqd6SN6HWwHfR3pxj6yHjIRyljbTgdyke6l9JmwMM18-RVbejriIwNCXuSoAUFfss6hIsJ9_xHGQMY23qchJSNTM6AVM6rY8yeh9BrwYEA8TrRD1Mn2WA8/s1600/spring-onions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2Vr2XgY6a4VNWNRLxR9aFuqd6SN6HWwHfR3pxj6yHjIRyljbTgdyke6l9JmwMM18-RVbejriIwNCXuSoAUFfss6hIsJ9_xHGQMY23qchJSNTM6AVM6rY8yeh9BrwYEA8TrRD1Mn2WA8/s1600/spring-onions.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Spring Onions ready to go</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To reduce the cost, we're going to try and let some stuff go to seed, as well as growing anything new from seed instead of buying seedlings. We have about 50 million egg trays that we've kept for the sole reason of growing seedlings, so we will definitely be putting those to use soon.<br />
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Once the garden is really up and running properly, we estimate that it will save us at least $20 a week. That might not sound like much to you, but that adds up to over $1000 a year. Think about all that extra money and how it can be saved. Buying a house? It all adds up!<br />
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If you have a vege garden too - we'd love to hear all about it below.<br />
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Thanks for viewing!<br />
oxo<br />
<br />
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Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-81777108676108277602017-06-14T02:07:00.000-07:002020-02-25T17:22:49.996-08:00Arrowood - Mick Finlay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCK5-S2ncM4rQ4qEMtNQnMmF7SEkHUe8oZb8GqxajCl3RadvQAZdAi-ABQTkGgQhLYTp8D9vafB5WCxE_2aAF26FGrzsKRJ5kV_Lnt5uKdxcM6WJKIf6k4Gnu2Q5Shaf9m6iFisTA-ZU/s1600/arrowood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCK5-S2ncM4rQ4qEMtNQnMmF7SEkHUe8oZb8GqxajCl3RadvQAZdAi-ABQTkGgQhLYTp8D9vafB5WCxE_2aAF26FGrzsKRJ5kV_Lnt5uKdxcM6WJKIf6k4Gnu2Q5Shaf9m6iFisTA-ZU/s1600/arrowood.jpg" /></a></div>
Move over Sherlock Holmes - Mr William Arrowood and his partner, Mr Norman Barnett are here to solve the crimes you can't! Arrowood had me hooked from page one! So much happens in this fantastic novel by Mick Finlay.<br />
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William Arrowood is sick of hearing about Sherlock Holmes. Who do the media and the people of London think this Sherlock is? He's no great detective. He reads crime scenes and 'solves' the case based on clues he finds, hidden at the scene. Sherlock doesn't read people, no. He reads scenes. William reads people. He knows when someone is lying, when someone is hiding something. William solves his crimes through the people close to the victim - they're the ones who usually hold the killers name, hidden in their eyes.<br />
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Cases were slow coming to William and Norman, until Miss Cousture, comes to them, asking to find her missing brother. When she explains who her brother Terry, was working for, William is hesitant to help. Terry was working for the very man who told Arrowood and Barnett he would have them killed, if he ever saw them again.<br />
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Should they take on this case? Should they risk their lives to find this missing man?<br />
<br />
Arrowood was one heck of a ride! I had thought I'd figured out what had happened to Terry. Boy, I wasn't even close!<br />
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<a href="https://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/arrowood-paperback/26488382?r=1928291" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Available at all good book stores now! RRP$35.99</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Have you read any books by Mick Finlay?</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em>*Thanks to HarperCollins for this book</em></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em>*This review contains an affiliate link</em></div>
Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-789452852807307102017-06-05T09:00:00.000-07:002020-02-25T17:20:42.007-08:003 Books you HAVE to read this Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWAQZWFBTwgCsdf_F0NU2JAWgaNfzDCNHPhZiFT9qh0qTeHspmco8X7JiMAOmDISZikqxeRwF1OsgpLwkRdc3MlJ_3Lf-JDNiCo90M_t2jJFIppsD59n4fEwPx4Qw8Ls5x8FnFwN9bHM/s1600/3+Books+you+have+to+read+this+Winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWAQZWFBTwgCsdf_F0NU2JAWgaNfzDCNHPhZiFT9qh0qTeHspmco8X7JiMAOmDISZikqxeRwF1OsgpLwkRdc3MlJ_3Lf-JDNiCo90M_t2jJFIppsD59n4fEwPx4Qw8Ls5x8FnFwN9bHM/s1600/3+Books+you+have+to+read+this+Winter.jpg" /></a></div>
Winter has always been my favourite time to read. Who doesn't love those rainy, stormy days where you get all snug and read the day away, guilt free? I LOVE it.<br />
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After some book suggestions? Here are 3 books you have to read this Winter.<br />
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<h3>
<a href="https://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/size-zero-paperback/25755664?r=1928291" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Size Zero - Victoire Dauxerre</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw4g8g2lGYwYenFNTaEF1ArQm0i3BPo5EqfgqCNNIoO18Ite9OeeEu9km8QpewvI3vwb1vhkkSWvUu4u9CoeC5JDPK8sUWmJX_9jbt7DQsL8m2npIs74mJlNL6nawHFW6eZS8tG4WDgE/s1600/size-zero-victoire-dauxerre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw4g8g2lGYwYenFNTaEF1ArQm0i3BPo5EqfgqCNNIoO18Ite9OeeEu9km8QpewvI3vwb1vhkkSWvUu4u9CoeC5JDPK8sUWmJX_9jbt7DQsL8m2npIs74mJlNL6nawHFW6eZS8tG4WDgE/s1600/size-zero-victoire-dauxerre.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
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I never quite realised how hard the fashion world, heck, the whole world is for us women. There is such a huge pressure on us to fit in and have that perfect body. The body all men apparently desire. Size Zero follows one models short stint in the catwalk scene. In a few short months, Victoire, finds herself anorexic and suicidal. At 5' 10" and 47kgs, there is hardly anything left of her. After a suicide attempt, she finally breaks free of the toxic world she found herself in and works towards getting healthy again. A very powerful read, Size Zero will have you in tears.<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/come-sundown-paperback/25227425?r=1928291" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Come Sundown - Nora Roberts</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQMGrCZ6YKJfpGqC8cPzaOv_y2x1v46ZD5QLVlYxRejl_hlP-UeLfnr5k8exaFt3d2SGOXrQYphITItw-EJvIZpfw1BKNV69mwQimOJP8ulavg6Fdx5NL05qlNajEvP1NFQhBko1iYS0/s1600/nora-roberts-come-sundown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQMGrCZ6YKJfpGqC8cPzaOv_y2x1v46ZD5QLVlYxRejl_hlP-UeLfnr5k8exaFt3d2SGOXrQYphITItw-EJvIZpfw1BKNV69mwQimOJP8ulavg6Fdx5NL05qlNajEvP1NFQhBko1iYS0/s1600/nora-roberts-come-sundown.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
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Oh yes, hands up if you love Nora Roberts! Once again, she writes a book that I HAVE to read in one day.<br />
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Alice Mary Bodine was just trying to get home. She left to get away from the perfect life her older sister Maureen is living. Marriage was not for Alice. She wanted to be free, be an actress on the big screen. She never saw it coming, when she hopped into his truck. Never saw the fist that knocked her out and changed her life forever.<br />
<br />
Bo grew up with a ghost in her family. The Aunt she never knew, who one day disappeared and the family never heard from again. Her Mother and Grandmother always felt Alice was still alive. Bo's Great Grandmother never forgave Alice, for what she did to her daughter and granddaughter. When a young woman gets murdered on the ranch, Bo and her family are in for a hard and shocking time. Will this murder lead to what happened to Alice?<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/finding-gobi-paperback/26419440?r=1928291" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Finding Gobi - Dion Leonard</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhS1o6i2K2SPWCELnXLFGa4n6y8tgdzk1x5XsFRgcWRSuXOSAZfnqLXRpTpYe-juZ0hDfn4iFbTbG7CwOtY2k9XPsFjZidnHXQR9_2C3SgQ_HAicIwHE1T6dgDzwxABhhRqsOQvc-_ks/s1600/dion-leonard-finding-gobi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhS1o6i2K2SPWCELnXLFGa4n6y8tgdzk1x5XsFRgcWRSuXOSAZfnqLXRpTpYe-juZ0hDfn4iFbTbG7CwOtY2k9XPsFjZidnHXQR9_2C3SgQ_HAicIwHE1T6dgDzwxABhhRqsOQvc-_ks/s1600/dion-leonard-finding-gobi.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
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One tiny dog changed Dion's life forever.<br />
<br />
Ultra marathon runner, Dion Leonard, set out on a gruelling 155 mile race across the Gobi Desert with one focus in mind: to win. Little did he know that along the way he would have a small fur ball with a big heart, choose him as her owner. This tiny scruff of a mutt kept up with Dion, running all day along side him, through some of the roughest terrain this world has to offer. Along the way, Dion fell in love with this doggie he named Gobi. The further they ran together, the more apparent it became to Dion that Gobi was coming home with him. Coming home to Scotland, one way or the other.<br />
<br />
Getting Gobi out of China wasn't going to be easy, nor cheap. After starting a crowd-funding page, all was looking good, until Gobi went missing.<br />
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<strong>Those are what I think are the 3 books you have to read this winter. What is on your must-read list?</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em>*Thanks to Harpercollins for providing me with these books<br />*post contains affiliate links</em></div>
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Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-34930361098294709182017-05-31T02:58:00.000-07:002020-02-25T17:26:17.443-08:00Vicious Circle - C. J. Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8w-LBsw4XR1QjfP_Cq5NXy7NEVLXt5BdeNe6pvQOBmxUHr1Bjjst_h3lZ2puhyphenhyphenJOZTnvLhk68yqfaGLEpn2k6En3tw3a2jcp0G9p_9y6LMQlIZ6uI07eapRGSiMJZnGxjFOwCFGJECcY/s1600/vicious-circle-c-j-box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8w-LBsw4XR1QjfP_Cq5NXy7NEVLXt5BdeNe6pvQOBmxUHr1Bjjst_h3lZ2puhyphenhyphenJOZTnvLhk68yqfaGLEpn2k6En3tw3a2jcp0G9p_9y6LMQlIZ6uI07eapRGSiMJZnGxjFOwCFGJECcY/s1600/vicious-circle-c-j-box.jpg" /></a></div>
Vicious Circle is the 17th book in C. J. Box's Joe Picket novels. Even though its part of a series, Vicious Circle is easily read as a stand alone book!<br />
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Game Warden Joe Picket, just witnessed the murder of hunter, Dave Farkus. He can't believe what he's watching through an iPad screen. While flying in a plane at night, using heat seeking equipment, Joe watches a flurry of white flashes, all aimed at a human. Did Joe and the search team lead these killers right to Dave? Are they responsible for the killers finding their target?<br />
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Dallas Cates. Famous Rodeo Cowboy, loved by some, hated by most. Everyone knows Dallas Cates and his white-trash family. Joe Picket is the reason his brother Bull, was killed, and the reason Dallas was sent to prison. It doesn't matter to Dallas, that his brother killed his father, and is the reason his mother was crippled. It doesn't matter that his second brother killed himself. All that matters to Dallas is getting even. Heck, he started two years ago by beating up Joe's daughter, April. He is ready to start a war, and he's ready to make Joe and his family suffer.<br />
<br />
How many more deaths of innocent people is it going to take, until this war with Dallas Cates ends? Joe can't stand by and let his family get hurt again. Joe will do anything to stop this war, and as it turns out, so will Dallas.<br />
<br />
I LOVED Vicious Circle. It's such a wonderful thriller and every page had my heart rate up! I couldn't wait to find out how it all ended!<br />
<br />
Available at all good book stores now! RRP$34.99<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you read any books from C. J. Box?</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em>*Thanks to Harper Collins for providing me with this book</em></div>
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Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-60855544275249926512017-05-14T01:15:00.000-07:002020-02-25T17:28:27.215-08:00The Scent Of You - Maggie Alderson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRYvLi2kgnclqQcqiMGSgIWxKjnmvaaeLNIyW1tcl0kHGlDvPWVylZ5jGwSqvAyjh4r-aS0_kAkJBuGRkIu-Yn_RWUrlCJafNn4SjE7OyatULPUiqxStjdyu1ROvNgyJMqkCu9_AEKf4/s1600/the-scent-of-you-maggie-alderson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRYvLi2kgnclqQcqiMGSgIWxKjnmvaaeLNIyW1tcl0kHGlDvPWVylZ5jGwSqvAyjh4r-aS0_kAkJBuGRkIu-Yn_RWUrlCJafNn4SjE7OyatULPUiqxStjdyu1ROvNgyJMqkCu9_AEKf4/s1600/the-scent-of-you-maggie-alderson.jpg" /></a></div>
With winter well on its way to us Kiwis, I find more excuses to curl up with a blanket and book. The Scent Of You is a great reason to grab that blanket, make that cuppa and snuggle in for a long and enjoyable read!<br />
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'Hippolyta' or Polly to most, is a yoga teacher and a perfume blogger who's husband's sudden absence from their home and marriage, has left her in a spin. With the only goodbye being an email stating 'Don't contact me at work. I'm going away for 6 months on a research trip. I have emailed the kids myself', Polly doesn't know where it all went wrong. She thought their marriage had been a happy one, with their children Clemmie and Lucas and their hell-hound dog named Digger. Everything seemed fine, until he left.<br />
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Trying to continue on with her life without David, proves to be harder than she thought. Almost at breaking point, Polly finds friends in places she never thought she would. Shirlee and Maxine, from her yoga classes. Guy, an exotic and handsome perfume creator and shop owner. Bill, a lovely retiree who lives in the same retirement village as her mother, Daphne, and Bill's stepson, Edward 'Chum'.<br />
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Polly and Chum went to university together, and after reconnecting with him 20 years later, Polly's life gets a little bit easier. With her new friends, the support of her children and her dog, Polly slowly adjusts to her life without David. Although, spending all this extra time with Chum is starting to make her wonder if her marriage with David is worth fighting for.<br />
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What a fantastic big read! Although I found The Scent Of You slow to start, once the story picked up, I was thoroughly enthralled.<br />
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<strong>What is your favourite scent? Have you read any books by Maggie Alderson?</strong><br />
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<em>*Thanks to Harper Collins for providing me with this book</em></div>
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Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-85820839727369313442017-05-01T04:26:00.000-07:002020-02-25T19:12:33.818-08:00Michael Hill Haul & Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCm-tYSUmckCpSR_AGoXw72f6hVuuqPbGzfnkuidL9yVYblmKUCeMCQQQHzGZgEqp3WYDS-pH1Ut6LHWIilgXn7DAqNw-X1YEWS7TDacaoSE5u3vwAJ81Bah2c3GSENMmJRnwBX_pWli0/s1600/Michael+Hill+Haul+%2526+Review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCm-tYSUmckCpSR_AGoXw72f6hVuuqPbGzfnkuidL9yVYblmKUCeMCQQQHzGZgEqp3WYDS-pH1Ut6LHWIilgXn7DAqNw-X1YEWS7TDacaoSE5u3vwAJ81Bah2c3GSENMmJRnwBX_pWli0/s1600/Michael+Hill+Haul+%2526+Review.jpg" /></a></div>
It feels like <a href="http://www.michaelhill.co.nz/sale/diamonds?fdid=article" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Michael Hill</strong></a> is a household name here in New Zealand, and is one of the first places you'd check out if you're looking for a special gift. We were lucky enough to collaborate with them on this post, to share and review our jewellery haul. If you're a fan of delicate jewellery, you're going to love this.<br />
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I remember a time where we'd have at least 5 bracelets stacked on each arm, and a ring on almost every finger. These days, we're all about that minimal look. That's where the gorgeous Sterling Silver Stacker Rings come into it. There are so many beautiful options in store and on their website, we were definitely spoilt for choice!<br />
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The Sterling Silver Ridged Stacker Ring* (<em>RRP: $49.00 NZD</em>) is exclusive to Emma & Roe By Michael Hill - and is a must-have if you're looking at stacker rings in general. The diagonal ridges add a bit of interest, and it is really well made. Worn on it's own it looks really delicate and pretty, but as the name suggests, it's great stacked too.<br />
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Another beauty from Emma & Roe, the Sterling Silver Stacker Ring* (<em>RRP: $59.00 NZD</em>) with gorgeous scalloped-edge detailing is fantastic. We purposely ordered this in a smaller size, to give us more wearable options. It looks great stacked, can be worn alone - and can even be worn as a knuckle ring!<br />
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As well as the plain options we chose, Emma & Roe by Michael Hill offer a huge range of stacker rings in both sterling silver and gold. There's also a large range of precious stones. Speaking of which, have you checked out the <a href="http://www.michaelhill.co.nz/jewellery/rings/diamond?fdid=article" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Diamond rings at Michael Hill</a>? There are so many to choose from, including some stacker rings that I seriously need.<br />
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Originally we were just going to stick to rings, but then we saw the Hamsa Hand Bracelet in Sterling Silver* (<em>RRP: $65.00 NZD</em>). Well known to encourage wisdom and success, the Hamsa hand is also often used as a protective charm. It's on a thin, delicate chain which makes it look incredibly dainty. I honestly think this is one of the prettiest pieces we own. And it compliments the rings so nicely.<br />
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For the price, I don't think you can beat the quality of the jewellery at Michael Hill. We've definitely got our eyes on more of the stacker rings, and lusting over the <a href="http://www.michaelhill.co.nz/collections/natural-coloured-diamonds?fdid=article" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Michael Hill Yellow Diamond Collection</a>. I need some of those earrings in my life!<br />
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While we were taking test shots, we found a little skink! So decided to include this photo of our new tiny little friend.<br />
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<strong>Have you bought anything from Michael Hill recently?</strong><br />
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Thanks for viewing!<br />
oxo<br />
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<em>*Thanks to Michael Hill for sponsoring this post</em></div>
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Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-27165043190228538272017-04-21T08:25:00.000-07:002020-02-25T19:15:08.213-08:00The Little Breton Bistro - Nina George<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let me ask you, my lovely reader, one simple question. Do you know who you are? I thought I knew myself, until The Little Breton Bistro changed what I thought I knew. This isn't the first time Nina George has done this to me. The Little Paris Book Shop also made me rethink everything I knew.<br />
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One painting on a tile. Thats all it took for Marianne to change her life. One simple painting of a small coastline in Kerdruc, France, was all it took to stop her suicidal thoughts. Death is final, living is scary and unknown, yet living was what she had to do, to save her life. Escaping Lothar and their loveless marriage, Marianne starts her solo adventure to Kerdruc. With almost no money to her name, and suicidal thoughts following her, she has to get to Kerdruc. It looks like a lovely place to end her life.<br />
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Upon arrival in Kerdruc, Marianne somehow lands herself a job in a kitchen. Learning quickly the Breton language, she becomes involved in this lovely little seaside town and slowly the thoughts of death start to leave her mind. She's barely surviving emotionally when she meets the very man who painted the tile that brought her all this way. Surely she couldn't feel this way for Yann, could she? She's still married to Lothar and she knows he will not stop looking for her until he finds her. She is his property, in his mind.<br />
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What an emotional whirlwind The Little Breton Bistro is! Filled with so much pain, love and wasted years, I just couldn't put it down!<br />
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Available at all good book stores. RRP:$39.99<br />
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<strong>Have you read any of Nina George's books? If so, which was your favourite?</strong><br />
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<em>*Thanks to Hachette for providing me with this book</em></div>
Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-47828658336901398162017-04-18T01:00:00.000-07:002020-02-25T19:17:44.942-08:00Natural Deodorants That Actually Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAhPTEradOIzohikCZHQ5xWgla3T1zqYR0lGFZyQ_Lw1RGejcQa9UgzbyWiQfdv3BHzl2slaz-QFCGrnoqjBgR0XEw8aQOobAANq97pQjgHy62pd1_pshyphenhyphenMduQDrjfYOQSkGt_BkwJCw/s1600/natural+deodorants+that+actually+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAhPTEradOIzohikCZHQ5xWgla3T1zqYR0lGFZyQ_Lw1RGejcQa9UgzbyWiQfdv3BHzl2slaz-QFCGrnoqjBgR0XEw8aQOobAANq97pQjgHy62pd1_pshyphenhyphenMduQDrjfYOQSkGt_BkwJCw/s1600/natural+deodorants+that+actually+work.jpg" /></a></div>
For the longest time, we've wanted to make the change to a natural deodorant, but finding natural deodorants that actually work has always been a mission in itself. When one of our friends, Meagan (<strong><a href="http://www.makeupbymeags.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Makeup By Meags</a></strong>) made the switch to using only natural products, I went to her for advice. But to be honest, I didn't have much hope in finding one that was going to work for me.<br />
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Why go natural? Traditional deodorants have a bad rep. The theory that aluminium in deodorants is linked to breast cancer, is the one that's made me make the change. I'm not about to go totally chemical-free (unless Colourpop start going all natural hahaha), but I've decided to try and introduce more natural alternatives into my beauty regime.<br />
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Black Chicken Axilla Deodorant Paste - RRP: $23.00 NZD</h2>
When I first asked Meagan about natural deodorants, the <a href="http://www.vanillabloom.co.nz/bath-body/deodorant/black-chicken-axilla-deodorant-paste.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Black Chicken Axilla Deodorant Paste</a> is the one she recommended. Handmade in Australia, it is designed to neutralise odours quickly and last all day. After just one use, I was pretty damn impressed. In the past I've found natural deodorants to last a couple hours at best, but this really does last all day. It passed the gym test with flying colours, and even held up in 28 degree days. Not only does it stop odour completely, but it doesn't leave you feeling sticky or sweaty either. Love!<br />
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To use, you take a pea-sized amount and massage it into the armpit. Once applied it is completely invisible, and doesn't seem to stain clothing at all. The thing Camille and I both noticed after a couple days was how soft the skin felt after using it. The Black Chicken Axilla Deodorant Paste was actually moisturising the skin.<br />
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I couldn't believe how much I was loving it, but then I developed a sensitivity sodium bicarbonate - one of the main ingredients. My armpits started to turn red, and although they weren't itchy, they looked really irritated. Disappointed, I contacted Meagan again (who actually had a similar reaction) and also contacted the lovely team at Vanilla Bloom to see if they had any suggestions for me.<br />
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Don't be scared off though, both Camille and my boyfriend haven't had any reaction at all to Black Chicken and continue to use and love it. I've come to realise that I can use it on the odd day, but any longer than that and I get irritated again. So on days I know I'm going to be exceptionally sweaty, it's still one I reach for.<br />
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Schmidt's Natural Deodorant For Sensitive Skin - Geranium - RRP: $26.75 NZD</h2>
Both Meagan and the team at Vanilla Bloom suggested I try the <a href="http://www.vanillabloom.co.nz/bath-body/deodorant/schmidts-natural-deodorant-sensitive-skin-geranium.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Schmidt's Natural Deodorant Sensitive Skin range</a>, and raved about the Geranium scent in particular. Unlike the Black Chicken one, this isn't a paste but comes in a stick. It is completely natural and formulated without sodium bicarbonate. It's ideal for those of us who develop a sensitivity to other natural deodorants on the market, but still want something that actually works.<br />
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After my experience with Black Chicken, I was worried that this wouldn't work as well for the odour, but it really does. The geranium scent is one I think would appeal to quite a lot of people, and while I personally find it quite strong - there is no denying how effective it is. If I apply this in the morning, it lasts all day - and just like the Black Chicken one, it's actually moisturising my armpit area. I don't think my armpits have felt this smooth ever before!<br />
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We've had some really hot days up here, with temperatures still between 25-28 degrees, and the Schmidt's Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin hasn't let me down once. I never have to worry about odour, or feel the need to reapply. And there is no sticky or sweaty feeling while using this. I love it!<br />
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When I started looking for natural deodorants that actually work, I didn't expect to find 2 that not only work incredibly well - but are actually better than their chemical-filled counterparts. Regular deodorants didn't last on me, and I would have to reapply them 2 or 3 times throughout the day. Sure, regular deodorants smell good, and it might take you a few days to adjust to the scent of the natural ones, but trust me when I say it's worth it. Camille and I have both declared that we are never looking back, and will continue to choose natural deodorants over regular ones every time.<br />
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You can find both of these <a href="http://www.vanillabloom.co.nz/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">online at Vanilla Bloom</a>. If you spend over $59, then shipping is free - and trust me, once you see all the goodies on their site, that won't be hard to do.<br />
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<strong>Have you tried any natural deodorants before? Have you found natural deodorants that actually work?</strong><br />
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Thanks for viewing!<br />
oxoChristelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-40295009576485523682017-04-07T10:07:00.000-07:002020-02-25T19:19:52.243-08:00A Letter From Italy - Pamela Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Historical romances will always be my favourite novels. How can I not love a bit of history and romance? A Letter From Italy had me in tears one minute and experiencing the warm fuzzies the next!<br />
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1917 - Italy. Rebecca Quinn has been left behind while her husband, Jack, chases a story. The war is in full swing and Rebecca isn't your usual Aussie gal. Rebecca is a journalist. With her husband Jack by her side, Rebecca feels like she can achieve anything. Her stories are being sent back to England and Australia, to be published in the news papers. She can't think of a better place to be. But when her husband Jack, leaves on a smugglers ship to chase a story, Rebecca soon finds out that trying to be a journalist isn't so easy without her husband.<br />
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Alessandro Panucci or Al Baker? Sandro can't decide who he is. Born to Italian parents who moved to America, Sandro can't seem to find his place. All he knows for sure, is that he wants to be a photographer on the front lines of the war. Upon teaming up with a strong, independent journalist, Rebecca, Sandro finally gets his credentials as a real war-time photographer. He is finally making something of himself and he owes it all to Becca.<br />
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As time drags on with no news from Jack, Rebecca starts to feel things she shouldn't for Sandro. Did Becca really love Jack, or did she merely fall into affection with him? As she wars with her feelings, Sandro does the same thing. He can't fall in love with a married woman, can he?<br />
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The only problem I had with A Letter From Italy was that it simply ended too soon! Another fantastic historical romance with a fair bit of feminism mixed in, I loved every moment of this book. Available at all good book stores RRP$34.99<br />
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<strong>Have you read any of Pamela Hart's novels?</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em>*Thanks to Hachette for providing me with this book</em></div>
Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-33561543199976026702017-03-22T11:09:00.000-07:002020-02-25T19:27:48.039-08:00A Piece Of The World - Christina Baker Kline<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDp59D9WLqrFMZWAWyxNXTXEcNURaQtTeu6HKgQva-Z_cRXNSHmqt8lIQopSbf5BxmEiSEHZNO9gW_dccBEaq0DGBF_awcLskuaVeHVLPw1mbCaXhyphenhyphen3rURJcjoa5ZtM7JGGf7gw6l7Ck/s1600/a-piece-of-the-world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDp59D9WLqrFMZWAWyxNXTXEcNURaQtTeu6HKgQva-Z_cRXNSHmqt8lIQopSbf5BxmEiSEHZNO9gW_dccBEaq0DGBF_awcLskuaVeHVLPw1mbCaXhyphenhyphen3rURJcjoa5ZtM7JGGf7gw6l7Ck/s1600/a-piece-of-the-world.jpg" /></a></div>
A Piece Of The World had me hooked from page one. I connected with the main woman in the story on such a deep level. I just couldn't put it down.<br />
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She was 3 years old, when the fever took over her body and changed her life forever.<br />
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Christina Olson's limbs are deformed. They've been this way since she got sick when she was younger. But Christina won't let her odd gait and her stiff hands stop her from living her life. Well, thats what she tells herself anyway. But in truth, every day walking gets harder, she falls more often. Her hands get stiffer and trying to mend her clothes gets more difficult. As long as Christina sticks to her schooling and daily chores, she will be ok.<br />
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Time passes, her health gets worse. Doctors don't know what to do, and Christina refuses to see them. She's in the prime of her life now, yet Christina is losing hope. A young man named Walter, who she has been seeing every summer for almost 4 years, hasn't asked her to marry him. In fact, he's never even uttered the word 'love'. Her brother, Al, tries to make Christina see that Walter doesn't deserve her, but she refuses to believe it... Until the letters stop coming and soon so does Walter.<br />
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Her life is dull. Every day spent with Al, on the family farm. Every day the same routine, only slower and more painful for her. No longer able to walk, Christina spends every day in her chair, sliding around the kitchen, where she also sleeps. Every day is the same, until Andy, a young painter, shows up and starts painting images of the house, Al and Christina. Finally she and Al have something to look forward to each day, when Andy arrives. Bringing with him a new energy and the smell of egg paints. There is finally life in the house again, and life within Christina again.<br />
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A fantastic tale of strength and determination, A Piece Of The World is a must read! You should definitely add it to your reading list.<br />
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Available at all good book stores, RRP:$34.99<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em>*Thanks to HarperCollins for providing me with this book</em></div>
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Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-83778558508374395602017-03-02T08:35:00.000-08:002020-02-25T19:28:10.586-08:00Summer Reads: Right Behind You - Lisa Gardner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4Q2v_VOs9QpUdEHp_R-uXUmGg6GjxidbbiQ_rLVCwg6CSt-LNSlFy-8GngjtOsnADBu4XGhcANkp8P2y32zXjmcWRrqQ1yrDmnwnWi5BFWr9mdfY5G7lxOu9LonfHtIICTBBTVyHKuU/s1600/right-behind-you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4Q2v_VOs9QpUdEHp_R-uXUmGg6GjxidbbiQ_rLVCwg6CSt-LNSlFy-8GngjtOsnADBu4XGhcANkp8P2y32zXjmcWRrqQ1yrDmnwnWi5BFWr9mdfY5G7lxOu9LonfHtIICTBBTVyHKuU/s1600/right-behind-you.jpg" /></a></div>
Sometimes summer reading calls for a great crime thriller. Right Behind You ticks off every box on the list!<br />
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<em>Remember Mum. </em>Sharlah Nash has a great home now. Her new foster parents are going through the process of adopting her, even bought her her own dog, an ex police dog named Luka. This is the first time 13 year old Sharlah has had any type of normal family. She tries not to think back to her real family. The mother and father her older brother killed to save them both. It's been eight years since she last saw her brother, Telly, and every day, she blames herself for what happened. The same thought passing through her mind - Remember Mum.<br />
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Hero or Zero? Who am I going to be? Bad or good? Telly Nash asks himself this question over and over again. Hero or zero? Hero or Zero? Hero or Zero? Hero. On the run after his foster parents murders, Telly goes bush. His foster Dad, Frank, taught him everything he needs to know to survive in the wild. Frank also taught Telly how to shoot. Telly uses this knowledge to hunt down his last victim. Driven by threats on his baby sister, Sharlah's life, Telly will do whatever he can to save her. Remember Mum, he tells himself. He has killed to save Sharlah before and he will do it again.<br />
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Im not gonna lie guys, I LOVE crime thrillers. I swear I had it all figured out right until the last two chapters. Then my mind was blown and I left Right Behind You feeling completely surprised. My heart was racing and I had visible goose bumps. Don't believe me? My partner can vouch for me. I made a point of showing him.<br />
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Available at all good book stores; RRP$29.99<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you read any books from Lisa Gardner?</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em>*Thanks to Hachette for providing me with Right Behind You</em></div>
<br />
Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-79973873561035036032017-02-09T04:06:00.000-08:002020-02-25T19:28:49.902-08:00Summer Reads: Carve The Mark - Veronica Roth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FPMwxLvRn9eVEQJrlPDiY7EZGFXUIMDFigH0E1r8Y6xfCZbX_Q4kgc1yz-WULhq21vLLHm8IlrhuMwVpLix8OsbQQNzxWxUYgcdGysZ60f9biFuTmSZwgaSgwjJhw4_wbCYTX5z5TY8/s1600/carve-the-mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FPMwxLvRn9eVEQJrlPDiY7EZGFXUIMDFigH0E1r8Y6xfCZbX_Q4kgc1yz-WULhq21vLLHm8IlrhuMwVpLix8OsbQQNzxWxUYgcdGysZ60f9biFuTmSZwgaSgwjJhw4_wbCYTX5z5TY8/s1600/carve-the-mark.jpg" /></a></div>
Do you know how much I love summer? Reading in the sun on a lazy day has to be one of the best moments in life. In today's Summer Reads, we have Carve The Mark by Veronica Roth.<br />
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For every kill Akos makes, he carves a kill mark in his forearm. However these are not his people's traditions, for Akos is no where near his own home. Taken from his home, Thuvhe, when he was 14, Akos has learned to fight in order to survive his peoples worst enemies; the Shotets. Akos and his brother were taken for their current gifts and their fates. Being able to see the future, his brother becomes a great weapon to his enemies. Akos current gift however, becomes his own curse, when he develops feelings for the girl it helps.<br />
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Cyra can't stand it much longer. Not only does her current gift cause her extreme pain, it has also become her brothers tool to use and intimidate with. Anyone Cyra touches, experiences the worst pain in their lives. When Crya pushes her current gift into people, they die. Cyra killed her own mother with her gift, and she'll never let go of her guilt. Her brother uses this against her, knowing that she will forever serve him as his personal killer, or face exile from her home lands.<br />
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When Cyra is introduced to Akos, she is weary of this stranger. He comes from her enemies land, she has been taught to hate people from Thuvhe. But when Akos touches her, his own gift interrupts her gift, and for the first time since Cyra was a little girl, she feels no pain. Spending more and more time together to help ease her pain, Akos and Cyra fall in love. Cyra will do anything to save Akos from her brother. Even if it means her own death.<br />
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Having loved the Divergent series, I knew Carve The Mark would be fantastic. If you love Sci-Fi, then Carve The Mark is for you! I loved every moment of this book and just couldn't put it down (read it all in one day... Oops).<br />
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RRP:$26.99 Available at all good book stores.<br />
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<strong>Have you read any books from Veronica Roth? Do you have a favourite Sci-Fi series?</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em>*Thanks to Harper Collins for providing us with this book</em></div>
Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-87226520594769364102017-02-01T05:02:00.000-08:002020-02-25T19:29:43.347-08:00Summer Reads : Who's Afraid Too? - Maria Lewis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWMM3JUrodyObczE8DvJg6WGO__zbAWUY4cBjK4Y25nAchfr_vsjELAeOQAd3uVqXR0LxCfct5IMRo4O4Udec-GTNVjM6AVBMlI_5DGBnDi3GzEYoQzJDNCvmcBBB-K8_0dYAfV1NF_Y/s1600/whos-afraid-too.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWMM3JUrodyObczE8DvJg6WGO__zbAWUY4cBjK4Y25nAchfr_vsjELAeOQAd3uVqXR0LxCfct5IMRo4O4Udec-GTNVjM6AVBMlI_5DGBnDi3GzEYoQzJDNCvmcBBB-K8_0dYAfV1NF_Y/s1600/whos-afraid-too.jpg" /></a></div>
Some of you may remember my review on <a href="http://www.makeupper.co.nz/2016/02/whos-afraid-maria-lewis.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Who's Afraid? (If not heres the link)</a>. Who's Afraid Too? Is the second book in the series. I LOVED the first book, so you can only imagine my excitement when Who's Afraid Too? came in the mail. Maria Lewis, you've done it again!<br />
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She was on the run. Well, not on the run per se, more or less in hiding from Lorcan and everything that happened. Mari and Kane were dead because of her, and she killed her own half brother. Becoming a wolf has been the worst thing to ever happen to Tommi and now to top it all off, she was bloody in love with Lorcan. What kind of sick and twisted world had she landed in?<br />
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Upon arriving in Germany, Tommi meets up with the Rouges (a 'pack' of werewolves who don't want to be part of a pack... funny that), and things start to get a little easier. She improves her skills as a werewolf and as a fighter, thanks to the guiding paws of the Rouges. Everything becomes easier to accept, apart from the fact that her best friend Joss's cancer, is killing him. That's one thing she refuses to accept.<br />
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When newborn babies start disappearing in the night, Tommi senses something is wrong in the super natural world. She can feel Lorcan's tension, and hear his pain when his nightmares wake her at night. Tommi thought she was getting a handle on things, until she learns of super werewolves, who eat the flesh of newborn babies and worship a god named Crom Cruach.<br />
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Faced with the most dangerous fight in her life, can Tommi stop more newborns being taken? Can she defeat the super werewolves? But most importantly, can she save Joss?<br />
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I LOVE MARIA LEWIS AND I LOVE WHO'S AFRAID TOO! Ever get that longing feeling when you finish a book? That feeling where you can't stop thinking about the story and how you wish there was more, days after you finished it? I got that feeling when I finished Who's Afraid Too?<br />
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RRP$29.99 Available at all good book stores!<br />
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<strong>Has a book ever left you longing for more?</strong><br />
<br />
Camille x<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<em>*Thanks to Hachette for providing me with this novel</em></div>
<br />
Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-54091827680934577702017-01-18T06:51:00.000-08:002020-02-25T10:36:16.109-08:00Summer Reads: The Pretty Delicious Cafe & Lyrebird<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6069" src="http://www.makeupper.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Summer-Reads-The-Pretty-Delicious-Cafe-Lyrebird.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="1102" />Happy New Year to all my book lovers out there! Over summer I am going to be highlighting some fantastic books I think everyone should add to their must read list.<a name='more'></a><br/><h3>The Pretty Delicious Cafe - Danielle Hawkins (RRP:$34.99 )</h3><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8545" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/the-pretty-delicious-cafe.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="640" /><br/><br/>I'm sure I've said this a few times now... BUT KIWI AUTHORS RULE!<br/><br/>Set in the Northland town of Ratai, Lia and her friend Anna run a cafe with the focus on real, homemade goodness. With the busy season upon them and Lia's twin brother, Robin, about to marry Anna, Lia finds herself in a funk. Connected to Robin by that cliche 'Twin Sense', Lia has no idea that a late night visitor will change her life forever.<br/><br/>Lia knew not to keep reading this cereal killer novel, yet here she is, 11pm at night and still reading it. Upon hearing footsteps outside her house, Lia screams bloody murder. After an embarrassing reaction to a handsome man in need, Lia is even more embarrassed when her twin brother Rob shows up with a shotgun in hand.<br/><br/>Jed's new in town. After getting a flat tyre late at night outside a cafe, he is relieved to spot a light still on at the back of the cafe. Trying his luck, he walks up the drive, only to scare the living day lights out of the woman there. He has no idea how much worse the night can get, until Rob shows up with a gun in hand.<br/><br/>Brought together by their wild first meeting, Lia and Jed can't seem to stay away from each other. Will Jed have a chance with Lia when she finds out about his messy past?<br/><br/>The Pretty Delicious Cafe is a fantastic summer read. I once again found myself smiling and remembering the many towns mentioned that I've visited. Whangamomona being one that holds great memories for me. Nothing brings me closer to a book than sharing an experience or town with the story.<br/><h3>Lyrebird - Cecelia Ahern (RRP:$34.99 )</h3><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8544" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/lyrebird.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="640" /><br/><br/>Lyrebird's are from Southern Australia and the male Lyrebird's have an amazing ability to mimic noises in their environment, all in the hopes of attracting a mate. Don't believe me? Click the link to watch! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjE0Kdfos4Y">Lyrebird</a><br/><br/>Laura lives alone in a cottage on a Irish farm, hidden away from the world. Her amazing ability to mimic noises isn't what has kept her hidden. Her late mother and grandmothers secrets are what keeps her here. At age 16, Laura meets her father and for the last 10 years, he has been her only visitor and her only friend. Laura's life of seclusion has suited her, until she meets a film crew who are documenting her father and his twin brothers life.<br/><br/>Upon discovering Laura's ability to mimic any sound she hears, the film crew want to make her famous. They enter Laura in an Irish talent show that quickly takes over Laura's life, and changes it rapidly.<br/><br/>Solomon knows he shouldn't be thinking of Laura the way he does. He has an amazing girlfriend already, even if his family doesn't agree. Yet he can't help it, Laura is the most amazing person he has ever met. She uses her sounds to show her feelings and when Solomon hears Laura mimic his laugh, he knows she feels the same as he does.<br/><br/>I loved Lyrebird. I couldn't put it down. The way Cecelia describes the scenes makes you feel as if you're almost a part of it all. I could almost hear the noises of her forest home and imagine myself enjoying a life like that.<br/><br/>I hope you all enjoyed the first post in my Summer Reads series!<br/><br/><strong>What books have you read this summer (Or winter if you're a northern reader!)?</strong><br/><br/>Camille x<br/><p style="text-align: right;"><em>*Thanks to Harper Collins for providing us with these fantastic reads</em></p>Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-65281170833945405082016-12-05T09:41:00.000-08:002020-02-25T10:36:12.655-08:00How To Decorate A Christmas Tree On A BudgetI feel like Christmas quite often sneaks up on us, and can often be far more expensive than we planned it to be. So today, with the help of The Warehouse, we thought we'd share our tips on how to decorate a Christmas tree on a budget.<a name='more'></a><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6971" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/christmas-tree-on-a-budget.jpg" alt="How To Decorate A Christmas Tree On A Budget" width="735" height="1102" />The first stop is obviously purchasing the tree itself. We are huge fans of real Christmas trees, but considering they're a one time use thing - it can be cheaper to buy an artificial tree that you can reuse year after year. Artificial trees have come a long way since I was a kid and they actually look pretty decent these days. There's a huge range at The Warehouse, and the one we settled on was the <a href="http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/wonderland-vienna-tree-black-180cm-694-tips-%28e%29/R2103030.html#gclid=CjwKEAiAmo_CBRC9qbGQssjqi28SJABYTgZx6JG_ZCQXQGAPOD3ROw53JohXGPK48AjQ8ZuOMtXjYxoC-uTw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CPLl7Pnt29ACFQ-DvAodjCsGZw&start=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wonderland Vienna Tree in Black</strong></a> (<em>RRP: $80.00 NZD</em>). It's 180cm tall, and has 694 tips making it look quite nice and bushy.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6984" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/the-warehouse-christmas-haul.jpg" alt="How To Decorate A Christmas Tree On A Budget" width="735" height="1002" /><br/><br/>Next it's time to decide on a colour theme. We decided to go for gold, white and black - and lucky for us, there were a lot of decorations to choose from. Here's what we settled on:<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6974" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/decorations-the-warehouse.jpg" alt="How To Decorate A Christmas Tree On A Budget" width="640" height="427" /><br/><ul><br/> <li><a href="http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/wonderland-bauble-hollow-glitter-white-6cm-6-pack/R2095218.html#sz=134&start=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wonderland Bauble Hollow Glitter White 6cm 6 Pack</a> -<em> RRP: $8.00 NZD</em></li><br/> <li><a href="http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/tinsel-town-star-tree-topper-assorted/R2100403.html#sz=134&start=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tinsel Town Star Tree Topper</a> - <em>RRP: $2.00 NZD</em></li><br/> <li><a href="http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/tinsel-town-baubles-6cm-10-pack-assorted/R1862646.html#sz=24&start=25" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tinsel Town Baubles 6cm 10 Assorted</a> - <em>RRP: $2.50 NZD </em></li><br/> <li><a href="http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/wonderland-tree-decoration-glitter-reindeer-head-15cm/R1982575.html#sz=134&start=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wonderland Tree Decoration Glitter Reindeer Head</a> -<em> RRP: $3.00 NZD</em></li><br/></ul><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6973" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/decorations-haul.jpg" alt="How To Decorate A Christmas Tree On A Budget" width="640" height="427" /><br/><ul><br/> <li>Wonderland 3 Pack of Baubles - Black and Gold - <em>RRP: $7.00 NZD</em></li><br/> <li>Wonderland White & Gold Starts 6 Pack - <em>RRP: $8.00 NZD</em></li><br/> <li>Wonderland Glitter White Stars 6 Pack - <em>RRP: $4.00 NZD</em></li><br/> <li>Wonderland Gold Reindeer 2 Pack - <em>RRP: $2.00 NZD</em></li><br/> <li>Miscellaneous Tree Decorations - <em>RRP: $3.00 NZD each</em></li><br/></ul><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6972" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/decorate-a-christmas-tree-on-a-budget.jpg" alt="How To Decorate A Christmas Tree On A Budget" width="735" height="1102" /><br/><br/>Lights were another important choice, and after a lot of thought we decided to go for warm white LED lights. The ones we settled on were all from the Wonderland range. The main set we picked up to cover most of the tree were the <a href="http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/wonderland-plug-in-led-twister-light-280-piece/R2090316.html#start=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wonderland Plug In LED Twister Light 280 Piece</a> (<em>RRP: $45.00 NZD</em>). They're so cool! They have several different light modes, so you can make them flicker, fade out etc. Then for something a bit different, we grabbed a pack of the Wonderland Pinecone lights (<em>RRP: $12.00 NZD</em>). Having 2 sets of lights makes everything a bit more interesting!<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6986" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/wonderland-light-up-reindeer.jpg" alt="How To Decorate A Christmas Tree On A Budget" width="640" height="640" /><br/><br/>We didn't stop there. To go alongside our tree, we grabbed the very cool <a href="http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/wonderland-plug-in-led-standing-reindeer-with-40-leds-63cm/R2090315.html#sz=24&start=25" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wonderland Plug In LED Standing Reindeer</a> (RRP: $60.00 NZD). It's quite expensive, but at the time they had 30% off the Wonderland range of lights so we were able to fit it within our budget. So glad we did, as it really does add more dimension to our little Christmas area.<br/><br/>As well as using shop bought decorations, we decided to add our own touch with some simple DIYs.<br/><h3>DIY Fill Your Own Baubles</h3><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6979" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DIY-FILL-YOUR-OWN-BAUBLES.jpg" alt="DIY Fill Your Own Baubles" width="640" height="320" /><br/><br/>You'll need:<br/><ul><br/> <li><a href="http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/wonderland-bauble-clear-fill-your-own-8cm-4-pack/R2094219.html#sz=134&start=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wonderland Baubles - Clear Fill Your Own 4 pack </a> - <em>RRP: $5.00 NZD</em></li><br/> <li>Twine</li><br/> <li>Miscellaneous items to put inside your baubles (glitter, feathers, tinsel etc)</li><br/></ul><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6975" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DIY-baubles.jpg" alt="DIY Fill Your Own Baubles" width="640" height="320" /><br/><br/>We're all about the easy DIYs here - especially when sticking to a budget, so we kept this one nice and simple. We filled one with about a metre long length of tinsel ribbon; one with black and white feathers; one with white glitter and white glitter pom poms and the last one with tiny little seashells. Once on the tree, they really look pretty awesome!<br/><h3>DIY Seashell Decorations</h3><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6981" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DIY-seashell-decorations.jpg" alt="DIY Seashell Decorations" width="640" height="640" /><br/><br/>You'll need:<br/><ul><br/> <li>Gold paint, or spray paint</li><br/> <li>Seashells</li><br/> <li>Twine</li><br/></ul><br/>This is nothing new, and is something we've actually done quite a few times over the years - painting seashells gold! Probably one of the easiest DIYs you could do, but also one of the best as they always turn out great. We used a hot glue gun to attach our twine to hang on the tree. BOOM.<br/><h3>DIY Christmas Tree Ornaments</h3><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6977" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DIY-christmas-tree-ornaments.jpg" alt="DIY Christmas Tree Ornaments" width="640" height="426" /><br/><br/>You'll need:<br/><ul><br/> <li><a href="http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/little-hands-styrofoam-small-cones-5.5cm-x-10cm-6-pack/R1734851.html#q=cone&start=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Hands Styrofoam Small Cones 5.5cm x 10cm 6 Pack</a> - <em>RRP: $3.00 NZD</em></li><br/> <li>Twine</li><br/> <li>Tinsel ribbon</li><br/> <li>Hot glue gun</li><br/></ul><br/>There are endless options here; you could cover these styrofoam cones in sequins, glitter or even paint them. We decided to wrap twine and tinsel ribbon around them. If you prefer, you can attach more twine so you can hang them from the tree.<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6980" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DIY-gift-tags.jpg" alt="DIY GIft Tags" width="640" height="427" /><br/><br/>Another thing we've done is write "Merry Christmas" in different languages on the <a href="http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/wonderland-gift-tag-chalkboard-with-pen-4-pack/R2094197.html#q=gift+tags&start=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wonderland Gift Tags </a>(<em>RRP: $4.00 NZD</em>) and hang them on the tree as decorations. Couldn't get any easier than that!<br/><br/>When it came to decorating a Christmas tree on a budget, we set our limit at $200.00 NZD - which I'm happy to say we stuck to, thanks to the great specials that were on when we went shopping. That is my number 1 tip for decorating a Christmas tree on a budget - keep an eye out for specials! The closer we get to Christmas, the better the sales seem to be (for the decorations at least!)<br/><br/><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6983" src="http://urbantorural.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/rapt-owl-decoration.jpg" alt="Rapt owl Decoration" width="640" height="426" /><br/><br/>Side note: We also like to purchase 1 "luxury" decoration each year. This year it was this gorgeous little owl from Rapt in Newmarket. Isn't it just adorable?!<br/><br/><strong>Are you putting up a Christmas tree this year? If you want, show us a photo in the comments below! We'd love to see it!</strong><br/><br/>Thanks for viewing!<br/>oxo<br/><p style="text-align: right;"><em>*Thanks to The Warehouse for making this post possible</em></p><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-85622781872693609762016-12-03T01:30:00.000-08:002020-02-25T10:36:11.051-08:00The Cloud Leopard's Daughter - Deborah ChallinorThe Cloud Leopard's Daughter is another book in Challinor's best selling series, The Smugglers Wife. Once again, KIWI WRITERS RULE!<br/><br/>Ambers best friend, Bao has been kidnapped. Bao's father is dying of bowel cancer and his last wish is to see her again before he passes. He writes a letter to his most trusted friend, Rian, Amber's Dad, and asks for help. When news reaches the Katipo II of Bao's kidnapping, there is no hesitation to sail to Hong Kong to save her. Along the way they find out why Bao was kidnapped. Her Uncle Kai has made a deal with a very wealthy man in Hong Kong: Marry Bao off and Kai will receive the Tong. He will become his families most important person, not Bao.<a name='more'></a><br/><br/>Many challenges face the crew of the Katipo on their rescue mission, but no one saw the biggest challenge of them all. A bitter jealousy has become apparent after Isreal discovers he's lost all chances of Amber loving him. Loving him more than she loves Tahi. Between the chaos of rescuing Bao, Amber is kidnapped. Tahi has visions in his sleep and can't make sense of them until its almost too late.<br/><br/>Does Bao get to see her Dad before he dies? Does Amber get rescued? What happens between Isreal and Tahi? I was left in suspence until the very end. There's nothing I love more than a novel that leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat until the end!<br/><br/>The Cloud Leopard's Daughter is available at all good book stores. RRP$34.99.<br/><br/><strong>If you could sail anywhere, where would it be? Have you read any of Deborah Challinor's novels?</strong><br/><br/>Camille x<br/><p style="text-align: right;"><em>*Book provided by Harper Collins</em></p><br/> <br/><br/> Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7155191456451151063.post-46448162209990998872016-11-22T02:08:00.000-08:002020-02-25T10:36:10.578-08:00The Atomic Weight of Love - Elizabeth J. ChurchThis doesn't happen to me often, The Atomic Weight of Love has replaced my favourite book of all time. I fell in love with every character in this book. Elizabeth J. Church has written the most beautiful novel I have ever had the pleasure to read.<br/><br/>Meridian Wallace is at the University of Chicago, studying Ornithology. Crows are her bird of choice - their intelligence enthrals her. As does her physics professor, Alden Whetstone. Sure, he's over 20 years her senior, but as she spends more time with Alden, she falls in love with his mind and his soul. When Alden confesses his love to her, she couldn't be happier - until Alden is given the opportunity of a life time, to work on a top secret project to stop World War 2 for good.<a name='more'></a><br/><br/>Alden moves to Los Alamos, New Mexico and asks Meridian to follow him on the promise of marriage and a one year trial period. She accepts and moves across the country to be with her love. Taking her study of Crows with her, she thought she would return in a year to get her PhD. Sometimes life doesn't work out how we planned.<br/><br/>25 years later, Meridian is bitter. Alden lived the life he wanted. With Meri's help, Alden achieved his goals but at what cost to Meri? She didn't live her life. She didn't achieve her goals. Life was dull until a young geologist named Clay showed up. Clay made Meri see the world and enjoy it again. He brightened up her life until something happens in her life that turns everything upside down.<br/><br/>The Atomic Weight Of Love RRP$34.99 is a wonderful read. I couldn't put it down!<br/><br/>Do you have a favourite bird?<br/><br/>Camille x<br/><p style="text-align: right;"><em>*Book provided by Harper Collins </em></p><br/> Christelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673896326223895087noreply@blogger.com0