Miss Becky Boo

Review 4 - Olay Total Effects 7

2012-02-11T15:20:00.001-11:00

Hmmm I love Oil of Olay so I thought this would be a cinch.

Here are the 7 advantages:

1. Line Minimization: Reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles

2. Nourishing Moisturization: For a radiant, healthy glow

3. Tone Enhancement: Balances color & reduces appearance of age spots

4. Gentle Exfoliation: Smoothes and evens skin texture

5. Pore Refinement: Minimizes the appearance of pores

6. Free Radical Defense: Helps prevent damage to skin’s surface

7. Subtle Lifting: Hydrates for firmer skin appearance

Personally I prefer Oil of Olay to this but only because I find this formula thick. You can tell it has SPF in it. I don't think I'd buy this because I don't like the thickness on my face. If your out in the sun alot it would make sense to use this.

B-B

Birthday Party and Dairy Free Baking!

2012-02-11T11:23:00.002-11:00

This weekend we celebrated my WAY WAY cute nieces birthday! She turned one!

Miss One was born 4 weeks early and has different dietary needs so we had to come up with a dairy free cake option for her.

It was good fun for me to go searching and tweaking recipes.

This is what I came up with

Strawberry Cake (Dairy free cake)

2 Cups Sugar

1 packet Strawberry Jelly

1 Cup Veg Oil (I use canola)

4 Eggs

2 1/2 Cups Flour

21/2 tsp Baking Powder

1 Cup Coconut Milk

1tsp Vanilla

1 Tin of Strawberries

Drain can of strawberries and push through a sieve to pulp it up and add back in to pulp some of the juice. Stand aside. Separate egg whites in to a medium bowl and yolks in to another bowl.

In the yolk bowl slowly whisk in sugar to blend. Add in packet of jelly, blend in the oil and vanilla and coconut milk.

In a big bowl triple sift flour and baking powder to airate it.

In the egg white bowl beat until stiff and peaky.

Add wet ingredients in to the flour, fold together. Finally fold in a quarter of the egg white mix slowly and then quarted mix there after.

Pour in to 2 medium lined and greased tins and bake for 40mins at 180degrees.

Chocolate Cake (Dairy free)

11/4 Cup of Flour

1 Cup of Sugar

1 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Salt

1/3 Cup Cocoa Powder

1/2 Cup of Strong Coffee

1/2 Coconut Milk

1 Egg

1 tsp Vanilla

Chuck all ingredients in to a bowl and whisk! Easy as! Makes one medium cake. Bake at 180degrees for 35mins.

Royal Frosting (Dairy Free)

1 Cup Icing Sugar

1/4 tsp cream of Tartar

1 Egg White

1/3 Boiling Water

Food Colouring

Flavouring

Mix all ingredients together except boiling water. Then add boiling water and and beat till soft and peaky! For around 6-10mins. Its so fluffy and marshmellowee...

It was a wonderful day with whanau! Love my little Miss One she is so awesome!

B-B

New Year New Direction

2012-01-20T12:23:00.001-11:00

My gorgeous boy at Christmas Carols

This is the photo we used in our Christmas E-Card

Strategically placed chin so you don't see its double and making sure "I" look good in the picture. Hehehe...

Its been awhile since I've done a 'proper' post. I guess the holidays can get quite draining and groundhog day-ish! Asher thankfully has had his mate stay over the night and their playing which is welcome relief for me! As you mumma's with no breaks will understand.

Anyways this year I'm taking a new direction and I start my studies towards becoming an Early Childhood Education (ECE) teacher. I didn't think I'd be doing this! Just ask my friend Mama Moo.

Its a direction that I think God is cool with me taking as all things have fallen in to place for me and its been great. I said to Him I'm not sure about this LORD and if you want this for me its got to work out and it has. I only just got my Diploma of Counselling early last year after 5 years of hard work. But this comes with a different direction and combination of my talents and gifts.

I guess I'm always going to want to work with people. I tend to get on with all age groups and its a quality I appreciated in myself. Kids are an amazing breed and more now then ever at their age they need fun and loving people in there lives.

So this is a new year and a new focus! (And I intend on meeting the man of my realistic dreams!). Asher started at a new school September last year and my prayer for him is great friendships with those who can encourage and love him and he can do the same for them. Having a full year with the same peers will be good. Been a parent is hard work and you never a day goes by where you're not thinking about their well-being. I think all you parents so an amazing job!

Anyways God is GOOD and life continues to be an interesting journey. I want to re-ignite my passions and fevour for life and the LORD because its been a flat time of late so here's to changes!

Happy New Year y'all. I look forward to reading about what you guys get up too this year.

B-B

Review Number Toru (3)

2012-01-18T18:24:00.000-11:00

Hmmm juice, a nice refreshment option for this time of the year. I had to review the new flavours from Just Juice called "Just Juice Orchard" range that have come out.

What I didn't realize is that they were 3 different flavours because of the packaging... I mustn't have been looking close enough but those litre packs are quite similar!

I tried the Sun Kissed Orange with a friend of mine and we both weren't too keen on the taste. A bit tart but it did taste like fresh juice but not an overload of pulp. I wouldn't intentionally buy it.

My sister and her family tried the Strawberry and Kiwifruit and really like the taste so that went down well!

They said the Farm Style Apple tasted more like orange juice with apple. Rather then trying to sell it as an apple juice perhaps give it equal footing with orange.

Anyway I like the Just Juice Range but these aren't for me.

B-B

Review Number 2 - Pantene Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner

2011-12-29T22:58:00.001-11:00

What is new Pantene Aqua Light?

The new Pantene Aqua Light range contains revolutionary ingredients developed to nourish the hair without weighing it down. This sophisticated composition achieves the perfect balance between conditioning and lightness, resulting in a clean but nourished feeling.

How does it work?

Unlike other shampoos and conditioners, the Aqua Light formula contains highly water soluble beads that clean hair gently and rinse away fast – 9 times faster than any other Light formula. The result is lightweight, beautifully nourished hair that looks lifted, has amazing movement and keeps your style in place.

Why is it more advanced than other treatments?

Conventional conditioners mostly feature tightly packed inner structures that appear creamy and dense and eventually drag hair down. Aqua Light’s loose, fluid composition delivers just the right amount of nourishment before rinsing away and leaving you with gorgeous, swissshable hair.

Here's the link for that:

http://www.pantene.com.au/html/en-NZ/aqualight/index.html?gclid=CILdxYTDqa0CFSFNpgodTEx-kw

Hmmm well I enjoy receiving product to review but I guess not everything can get a great review.

I usually really like using Pantene so I was disappointed that this shampoo didn't work for me.

My hair type probably doesn't suit the Light Formula. I have curly hair and don't use and product. I'm not sure how that related to this product not working well for me but I don't think I'll be using it again. In saying that I do like using other Pantene products. Thanks for reading.

B-B

Be Natural Cereal Review!

2011-12-23T11:25:00.000-11:00

I'm always keen to do a review so when Kiwi Mummy Blogs offered me the chance to do some I took it!

My first review was to taste some cereals from Be Natural.

They sent me three boxes of Cereal and 2 boxes of trail bars (and these were just a bonus too!).

Oh my goodness these are YUMMO!

Here's Master 9 enjoying a bar!

The flavour of the bars were Berry and Nut & Fruit. These would be a great alternative to normal sweet cereal bars you get at the shop. These were delicious and the berry one had good berry chunks in it.

I first tried the Pink Lady Apple and Flame Raisin! This was delicious! The real fruit pieces and whole grain flakes were nice, lite and tasty.

This second box I tasted was Cashew, Almonds, Hazelnut & Coconut. Soooo moreish! To be able to see the nuts and coconut etc. This would be a great alternative to heavy muesli. I would eat this all the time.

The 3rd box 5 Whole Grain flakes was nice too but I had no yoghurt or banana's to put on it which would have made it a whole lot yummier. Much tastier alternative to cornflakes too I reckon.

So overall I really enjoyed the tasty treats from Be Natural. You make a lovely range of delicious goodness!

B-B

Christmas Time!

2011-11-30T14:06:00.001-11:00

Just a space filling blog today. Alas 'tis the Christmas Season! 1st of December and its on baby! Here's some piccy's of our Christmas Spirit so far.

Got this idea from Pinterest. Did these for Master 9's class-mates.

"Oh Christmas tree oh Christmas tree... (how artificial are your branches.... hehehe)"

Day One on the Nativity Calendar, the STAR appears!

B-B

Christmas Craftiness

2011-11-20T16:57:00.001-11:00

I love Christmas! I've been trying to make presents this year. I made this for my lovely friend MamaMoo because she has two little cuties!

I enjoyed making this!

Pinterest my crafty Allie!

2011-11-04T18:32:00.001-11:00

I know I know its been ages... I've been crafting... well staring at the computer screen on Pinterest and getting idea's for Christmas presents and stuff to sell in my facebook page etc....

So for the sake of having a post here are some of my crafts!

This pin inspired these. I love the magnet pegs.

These were inspired by this pin on Pinterest. I LOVE BUTTONS!!!!!

I'll post my Christmas pressies I've made later. I decided to make my nieces and nephews their presents this year instead of buying them. The only one's I'm having trouble making for are my 15 and 18 year old nephews.... any idea's?

B-B

'HI' I'm here!

2011-10-02T09:14:00.001-11:00

Earlier this year while I was in the throws of exercising all this time (implying that it isn't the case right now..) I was walking up my local mountain track. I came across this on the pathway up:

It intrigued me so I took a photo of it with my phone.

Often my time walking around that mountain is filled with thoughts and prayers and ponderings.

I know some people might think its just a person being silly writing a funny little HI but I'd like to think we all have a HI waiting to be acknowledged.

We all have in our hearts this God shaped hole that longs to be filled. We think perhaps that right person, a new pair of jeans, money, travel etc can fill that gap in our hearts. I remember hearing about this God shaped hole in your heart back when I was a teenager and feeling the ache it made in me. Deep loneliness and need for validation from people, parents and peers yet my God shaped hole couldn't be filled by these.

When I gave my heart to the LORD in all sincerity and truth that gaping hole in my heart disappeared that day when I surrendered myself to God. I can't explain how that physical/spiritual ache left my heart but it did and it has never come back. My heart feels complete and whole. I know God see's me and loves me. That is a testimony that no one can take from me when there is a challenge on the existence of God and my relationship with Him.

So back to the HI on the path, I see you HI. You made me smile and thoughtful. God see's you and loves you. You can't hide from Him because He know's who you are and cares for you, you are important to the world and created to make a difference to your sphere of influence. xx

B-B

Croquembouche....

2011-09-24T10:18:00.003-11:00

A friend of mine asked me a couple of months ago to make her a Croquemboche for her 30th birthday and I was like 'yep' haven't done that before... So the months passed by and the time came to do it.... eeecck....

What an interesting experience that was. So anyway here are some photo's I took documenting my experiences.

Lots of eggs....

Making the choux pastry.

Piping the puff balls from the finished choux mix.

Mountains of puff balls.... over 200 phew!

Making the yummy custard!!!

Egg yolks, sugar and cornflour for the custard base.

Making the toffee drizzle! Super hot and scary!

The final Mexican themed Croquembouche.

What these photo's didn't show was my failed attempt using a cone and the mildly screaming disaster I was when I saw my many ball collapsing into a pile as I took the cone out.... aaahhh!

Thank you LORD for kiwi ingenuity and taping 3 formula tins together cover with baking paper holding up this lovely creation. I was happy with the result.

My friend was happy with the result!

B-B

Op Shop Find

2011-09-12T23:33:00.000-11:00

Another bargain at the Op Shop I got for $1. I'm needing this one for some current projects I'm doing. I love a good bargain!

Happy Crafting!

B-B

50cent Thrill!

2011-09-11T22:38:00.001-11:00

Master 9 and I have been looking on the net at this kinda thing lately. I told him I'd go to the op shop today and grabs some old records. So this our 50 cent record made in to a bowl....

Cheap thrills!

B-B

2011-09-06T14:43:00.003-11:00

I've been crafting. I've really enjoyed to do these for my friends

Mrs Everything By Twos and Mrs Art By Anya

My 2 lovely besties are in Oz so when I heard Mumma of Art by Anya was going over I wanted to send a little gift to my girls. Love you guys and miss you both.

This mum, dad, big bro, twin girls and little man.

This is mum and dad, big bro, middle bro and little baby bro.

Pinterest is such a great source of inspiration for me! I love it.

B-B

What shall I do with these bargains???

2011-08-24T19:29:00.000-11:00

Surplus Direct is great for a bargain. I got these beauty's for $2 each because they have no lids!

Any idea's?

B-B

Op Shop Bargain!

2011-08-24T19:25:00.000-11:00

I got this cool lamp from the Op Shop last week for $10. This awesome lamp looks fab at night. Deciding whether to do something crafty to it. What do you think?

B-B

Pyjama School Drop Off!

2011-08-15T10:07:00.000-11:00

It was too cold to change out of my jammies this morning dropping Master 9 off at school..... brrrrrrr.....

Mrs Scrapheap and I have matching jammies... I like the colours!

Eeecck ice on the windscreen!

Off to Spotlight today wIth some other bloggy babes!

B-B

Monkey Business with the Bloggy Babes

2011-08-11T20:29:00.000-11:00

Mrs Jacksta hosted our latest get together to make Sock Monkeys under the tutorage of Mrs Kiwi at Heart. I love Sock Monkeys so it was nice to see how they are made in person. Easy as it turns out! But before we could do that we just had to eat and have a chat!

We had a great time! I didn't get to finish the one I started but I did finish another one today and he is called

Sir Percival Jones

B-B

The Blues...

2011-08-04T11:53:00.000-11:00

Got a case of the blues today. More a case of feeling stink for mucking up at my new job. No one likes to make mistakes and feel like they have let people down. This has been my friend this morning...

Sometimes you just get in to a funk and the need to wallow a little ensues... Afterall there are other people out there who have deeper concerns going on. Been depressed is a part of life and I don't begrudge anyone the indulgence.

Paisley Jade's blog this morning was a good reminder that there is always something to be thankful for so yes I am thankful for chocolate! Hehe.

All I can say is that despite making mistakes in my new job and feeling a bit poo's I still know that God is for me and not against me, His plans for me are for good - not for evil, He's works all things for good, no weapons formed against me shall prosper, He will never leave me nor forsake me, He has forgiven me, He sees my tears and fears and cover's me with His mighty hand. Thank God I have Him otherwise I would have rolled up into a ball sitting in the corner collecting dust years ago! He is my hope and my heart for better.

B-B

Crafting it up!

2011-07-25T19:10:00.002-11:00

Its been awhile. I've been making stuff and stuff. Babies (and those that are still baking) have given me crafty inspiration. And I must say my crochet hook(s) have been at work. I have actually made something for myself which is nice for a change.

This is my new blanky made with thick wool and a number 10 crochet hook.

I made a blanky for my cute niece Miss C

This is Miss C, she's wearing a headband I made her by the way.... just saying...

The headband matches her new blanky

This is for my other bestie's baby coming in September. He's an accountant so I thought this would be appropriate for his little man. I got the idea from here.

This is my ugly blanket I'm making from my excess wool and the scrap I have in my container

My last little gem is recycled crayons I'm making for my niece. Master 9 doesn't use the crayons much anymore and I had some myself so I decided to use the idea I got from here that I originally saw on Pinterest. Well back to making my ugly blanket.

B-B

Bloggy Babes at the Basin

2011-07-05T08:48:00.000-11:00

So when one of your besties Art by Anya is back home for a visit what do you do? Well Paisley Jade organises a get together and this is what happens....

Another lovely gathering with the Bloggy Babes!

B-B

The Night Markets

2011-06-29T10:48:00.000-11:00

Mrs Kiwi at Heart and I had a stall at the Night Markets last week. It was good for a laugh and a few sales for me. Our town holds this market on the last Friday of every month. Its a good time but like anything it needs participation from locals to make it pump! So if your local come along and support locally made goods and people on-selling their treasures! Here's the facebook page link to the Old Library page.

B-B

Blogger Desert...

2011-06-08T23:34:00.000-11:00

Ever feel like your face down in a tumbleweed with no bloggy motivation....

Don't get me wrong, I have things I want to say but am only just popping in to say hello....

... in amongst the tumbleweed blowing by...

I've been crafting/crocheting up a storm with Mrs Kiwi at Heart for our up and coming stall:

So yeah its the thought that counts.....

B-B

Photo's of stuff around my home town...

2011-05-22T23:25:00.000-11:00

Didn't have anything to blog so I thought some photo's might be nice.

B-B

Op Shop Bargain!!!!

2011-05-18T17:47:00.000-11:00

I fell in love today.... I was doing my usual Op Shop Thursday thing and then I glimpsed these....

I have a cake tin fetish! Look how big this lovely cake tin is (hense the Chapstick showing you how humongous this gorgeous tin is!). I'm looking forward to finding some Nut Loaf recipes for my new nut loaf tin. Soooo loving these. Op Shops Rock!

B-B

Retro Party Cool

2011-05-16T14:58:00.001-11:00

Master 9's birthday party was on Saturday and he chose the theme Video Games... Straight away I put my thinking cap in and I loved the theme! 80's retro here we come with a modern video game twist.

Pacman Streamers

Pin the Controller on the Playstation and Pacman Pinata

Mario Mushrooms

Mario Life Stars

Mario Mushrooms

Goku (Dragon Ball Z) Cake

Goodie Tin's instead of Goodie Bags, decided to upcycle my old formula tin's (that I had been hoarding since Master 9 was a baby...). I made the tin's with a slot in the top so the boys could use them as money tin's too.

B-B

How to Make a Pacman Piñata.

2011-05-16T12:42:00.002-11:00

I originally was looking for a good quality helium balloon (which I have used previously for other pinata's) but after a discussion with the shop lady she suggested a ball. I wasn't sure to begin with thinking a ball might me too thick but this one is a cheap $3 ball from one of those variety shops. You'll also need some vaseline, strips of old paper, prepared wallpaper glue and a bowl or stand to put the ball/balloon in.

Give the ball a coating of vaseline as this helps the ball (or balloon) come away easily when the paper mache' has dried properly. I had no vaseline this time so I just used a coating of coconut oil.

Coat the paper scraps each side with the glue and start placing them overlapping over the whole surface. Let this layer fulling dry.

Then a second layer, let this dry.

A pinata needs to be hung up so I attach a ribbon right round (plus extra obviously so you can tie it around a pole for hanging) and secure it with tape then paper mache over it with a white layer.

Then so a second layer using different white toned paper so you know the difference between layers. Let thsi dry.

Staple around opening to secure the ribbon, then paper mache over the staples.

Mark out where you want the mouth to be. Pop the with the craft knife carefully.

Carefully cut out the mouth piece.

I taped 2 pieces of card together for a hinge effect and place in to Pacman's mouth and traced the round outline and cut to fit. I stuck black paper (A4 folded in half and pasted over the hinged card) over it.

Place the 'mouth' in the gap and cut the over hang pieces so they can be glued down.

Paper mache over with white pieces and leave to dry.

Paint the white yellow.

Nearly finished. Glue some funky eyes on.

Walaa! There he is!

B-B

Hot Water Bottle Cover

2011-05-07T23:06:00.002-11:00

Its Winter so I crocheted myself a hot water bottle cover.

Wheat Free and Dairy Free Date Slice

2011-05-07T23:04:00.005-11:00

Spurred on by a bloggy friend who can't have gluten or dairy so I put my thinking cap on.

1 cup of stewed apples (drained)
1 cup of chopped dates
1/4 cup of oil
2 cups of oats
1 cup of coconuts
1 TB honey
1 TB peanut butter
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Poppy Seeds (optional)

Mix well together in a bowl then turn out into a sprayed tin. Flatten out and bake for 30 mins in a pre-heated oven at 180*

I iced this with icing made from icing sugar, lemon juice and a splash of hot water. Drizzle this over the slice hot or cold.

NB: When I made this it was too moist so that's why I have increased the oats and drained the stewed apples. It may need slightly longer baking. Let me know how you go!

B-B

Our Wonderful National Anthem

2011-05-01T11:34:00.001-11:00

I love our National Anthem:

God of nations! at Thy feet

In the bonds of love we meet,

Hear our voices, we entreat,

God defend our Free Land.

Guard Pacific's triple star,

From the shafts of strife and war,

Make her praises heard afar,

God defend New Zealand

Men of ev'ry creed and race

Gather here before Thy face,

Asking Thee to bless this place,

God defend our Free Land.

From dissension, envy, hate,

And corruption guard our State,

Make our country good and great,

God defend New Zealand.

Peace, not war, shall be our boast,

But, should foes assail our coast,

Make us then a mighty host,

God defend our Free Land.

Lord of battles in thy might,

Put our enemies to flight,

Let our cause be just and right,

God defend New Zealand.

Let our love for Thee increase,

May Thy blessings never cease,

Give us plenty, give us peace,

God defend our Free Land.

From dishonour and from shame

Guard our country's spotless name

Crown her with immortal fame,

God defend New Zealand.

May our mountains ever be

Freedom's ramparts on the sea,

Make us faithful unto Thee,

God defend our Free Land.

Guide her in the nations' van,

Preaching love and truth to man,

Working out Thy Glorious plan,

God defend New Zealand.

Maori Words

E Ihoa Atua,

O nga Iwi Matoura,

Ata whaka rongona;

Me aroha noa.

Kia hua ko te pai;

Kia tau to atawhai;

Manaakitia mai

Aotearoa

Ona mano tangata

Kiri whero, kiri ma,

Iwi Maori Pakeha

Repeke katoa,

Nei ka tono ko nga he

Mau e whakaahu ke,

Kia ora marire

Aotearoa

Waiho tona takiwa

Ko te ao marama;

Kia whiti tona ra

Taiawhio noa.

Ko te hae me te ngangau

Meinga kia kore kau;

Waiho i te rongo mau

Aotearoa

Tona pai me toitu;

Tika rawa, pono pu;

Tona noho, tana tu;

Iwi no Ihoa.

Kaua mona whakama;

Kia hau te ingoa;

Kia tu hei tauira;

Aotearoa

Soup Weather!

2011-04-30T19:26:00.001-11:00

Here's how I make Bacon Hock and Vege Soup. Gee's I hear you say am I that bored that I took pictures of the process just to show you? Why yes, yes I did!

Butter in the pan with a dash of oil

Onion ready to cube

Garlic Granules (cheaper then the fresh ones)

Add some salt...

...and pepper

Grate the carrot in and I've had some frozen celery lingering in the freezer that I used

I love Pams! Good cheap soup mix

Pour in to the mix with some water added

Add in you bacon hock

Cube up your potatoes and add to the pot

Dice up some vege

I like using chicken stock...

...and beef stock coz' that's how I roll...

Add more water and let it simmer away for a while

Mmm soupy goodness

The skin will start to come away after awhile, then you know its time to take the bone out

Cut the meat off and in to pieces.. chuck back into the pot

Strip that baby bare!

Stir altogether

This process takes a couple of hours

Serve with some bread the next day...

It always tastes nicer the next day.

Hope that was helpful! Yummo!

B-B

The Royal Wedding...

2011-04-29T00:19:00.000-11:00

Here's how I celebrated...

Pinky out drinking my tea! Loving the coverage on tv. Its amazing really.

B-B

Royal Wedding... I love a good wedding.

2011-04-28T00:04:00.003-11:00

I'm actually looking forward to seeing Will and Kate get married. I've been a closet royalist for many many years. I was 5 when Di and Charles got married and I loved her. I remember where I was the day I heard the news about her death, it was surreal. I remember when Wills was born and the footage of him with our kiwi icon the buzzy bee.

So yes I'll be watching! This is history in the making here people! I doubt New Zealand will remain in the Commonwealth forever so I'll make the most of this Royal Wedding!

I may even make Devonshire Tea for the occasion and drink my tea from a China Tea Cup with my pinky sticking out.

Oh to be a fly on the Westminster Abbey wall!

B-B

Beer Bread...

2011-04-25T19:44:00.004-11:00

I brought a 6 pack of Mac's Gold yonks ago and I've had a bottle floating around in the fridge since Christmas... I was browsing through some blogs today and I found a recipe for Beer Bread on this blog, bakeat350. That's where you'll find the simple recipe. Here's my photo's

Yum Mac's Gold

Self Raising Flour, Sugar and Beer mixed together. Simple as that. (Just add what ever flavours you want)

Poppy Seeds added for crunch

Good ole'pukeko holder.

Yummo!

Nice with butter smothered all over it.

B-B

Come up Parihaka with me...

2011-04-24T17:34:00.001-11:00

So I was bored and took my camera for a walk..

Then the battery ran out.

B-B

Hot Cross Bun's.... the next batch

2011-04-24T15:01:00.001-11:00

Here's the process...

Flour mixed in with the bubbled yeast, sugar and milk.

The recipe.

Creaming the butter and sugar.

Egg, spices and cocoa mixed in.

All combined

It doubles in size from this.

Made in to buns (plus the tiny wee one on the end there...)

Piped on crosses.

Leftover cross mix in the plastic bag.

Milk, sugar and water glaze heated and combined together.

Finished product. YUMMO!

B-B

Crafting in Public

2011-04-23T15:32:00.001-11:00

In the vein of my friend Paisley Jade's Nerds Crafting in Public this is my attempt today. Master 8 was bored and wanted to go to the pools which usually means I am BORED whilst he enjoys himself with his friend splashing around. So I brought a good book with me.

Which is a really good read! Recommend it.

And my crocheting. I finished it while I was there! Awesome. This one is for my sister.

I wanted proof for Paisley Jade. What fun there is to be had out there when waiting for your kiddies!

B-B

Winter Warmers

2011-04-22T09:43:00.001-11:00

Every year about this time I contemplate bringing out the crochet hook to make hats. I txt my friend to see what her favourite colour was and as soon as she told me I was off to Spotlight. Here's the beginning of the process...

I found the nice fluffy wool thats been around for a few years now. I never thought I would use it but it was perfect for the hat I wanted to make. I paired it with a normal 8ply red wool. So here it the end result!

*Spoiler Alert Warning* for my friend if you read this blog. This is what your hat looks like!! Hehe

Cute aye!

B-B

Thrifty Cooking and Baking

2011-04-16T22:43:00.003-11:00

I was talking to my sisters the other day about saving all the dregs etc for our cooking and baking. I wondered what it would have been like in the war days having to ration food and go without certain foods. My sister said we still have plenty. Even in this economy I don't think I am personally struggling like our forefathers would have. But anyway we still have to be wise and thrifty to save a few cents here and there. Like perhaps not throwing out the rest of that onion you were cutting up.
Well anyway this weekend I've ended up using some frozen goodies I had stashed away that I couldn't bare to chuck out.
I had made chocolate chip cookies last week and that required condensed milk. The only thing is the recipe didn't require the whole tin so I put the rest in a little container in the fridge. It sat there for a while then this week I made Master 8 some Russian fudge with some but still had some left. I couldn't throw it out. So I chucked the rest in the freezer. On Friday I baked my niece a cake for her birthday. Instead of using milk like the recipe required I had some Hansells home made yoghurt that definitely need to be used or thrown away, so that was the substitute. It turned out so good!

I wanted to make a dessert as well but I was to budget to use my milk so I scooped out some frozen condensed milk and diluted it with hot water to use as my milk for this recipe, Self Saucing Lemon Pudding. Alas I doubled the mixture and read it wrong and the pudding ended up been lemon dough with lots of lemon sauce. The funny thing was my nieces and nephew still eat the thing! I still had condensed milk leftover...

So I used the rest of it made in to milk for my Hot Cross buns I posted about yesterday.

Then my next cooking thing using stuff I had chucked in the freezer was cream I hadn't quite used up from AGES ago. I made lasagne for dinner and again I didn't want to use my precious milk. I defrosted the cream and thinned it out with hot water and used it for my lasagne's bechamel sauce. The sauce turned out lovely and I used less cheese (continuing on my being budget theme). To fatten out my mince I normally added boiled red lentils left in their boiled water but this time I chucked in some couscous to stretch it all a bit further.

So I'm feeling good about my thriftiness! I've started to replace butter with oil in my baking in some instances too and this has worked. Perhaps not for all though, its trial and error. Oil is a lot cheaper the butter!

So thank you cream, condensed milk, yoghurt, oil (and you couscous) for helping me save some money.

B-B

Easter is nearly here.

2011-04-15T16:57:00.001-11:00

Easter is a special time of the year for my son and I and a lot of my friends. To us its about Jesus the Son of God dying on the cross and then His Resurrection. He took our sin's to the cross so that we are no longer bound by them and can live in freedom and liberty. If you ever want to know more just drop me a line.

I love baking, its no secret! So Easter is when a favourite of mine appears... HOT CROSS BUNS!

My beautiful baking goddess friend from I Want... posted a recipe on her facebook page that I just had to try! Here are the results!

Here is her official website. http://www.iwantcupcakes.co.nz/

B-B

I love this website for easy recipes!

2011-04-14T15:31:00.000-11:00

http://www.blokeswhobake.co.nz/gidday/

The guy who runs this site used to be on the Morning Show, I'm not sure he still is.

If you need no fuss recipes try this site out.

B-B

Bloggy Birthday Bash!

2011-04-11T18:01:00.001-11:00

Blog Roll Call

Mony check
Neetz check
Trace check
Jacksta check
Leonie check
Liz check
Renette check
Arna-Lise check
Jenny check
oop's and me...

What a lovely day down at the water front with bloggy mums celebrating birthdays and hanging out. It was great! I got to snap away on my new camera. I love it! Nice snackies too!

Renette crafting in public! That one's for you Paisley Jade!

Clothes Swaps and Graduation

2011-04-09T23:24:00.000-11:00

My new friend Betty May was at this clothes swap hosted by Renette and it was a fun time to

get some pre-loved clothes! It was great.

I wore my new top/dress thingy today for my graduation celebration with my family.

So thank you Betty May!

I had a lovely night with my whanau celebrating my achievement in getting my Diploma in Counselling. What a journey! We missed our mummy's presence but she was there in spirit. My family bought me a Ponamu (Green Stone) to commemorate the occasion. I got to pick it and have been waiting for a ponamu for a long time. As the maori tradition goes you don't buy one for yourself you must be given one. So I am very please to receive it. Its precious and I love it.

Thank you lovely family and friends for supporting me over the past 5 years. Arohanui xoxo

Observations and Ponderings

2011-03-31T12:32:00.003-11:00

In the mornings I usually do my exercise after I drop Master 8 off at school. Walking is my normal form of physical fitness. I'm blessed to live by a fabulous mountain. This is the view from the top.

Anywho while I'm walking through the bush up and down the trek its a great time to think and ponder, pray and petition, laugh and wonder. I love the tree's and being in the bush and breathing in the clean air and absorb it into my soul. It's my soul food and my spirit has definitely lifted since we moved to our new house. On a particular trek I end up on the other side of the mountain and end up walking along some streets. I find it interesting walking past people houses and the busy-ness of the main road. So different from being up the mountain. And I guess another weird observation I have made is walking past people's rubbish and recycling bins. I'm observant (nosey) by nature. I glance in on my way past and I see abit about this person's lifestyle. Something that made me think was the amount of alcohol thats been consumed by some people. Recycling bins full of beer bottles usually. Not all people just some. It made me sad. My relationship with alcohol has had its ups and downs but its all down to personal choice really isn't it? So why does seeing these beer bottles etc make me sad? I suppose its the thought that if you have to consume so much does that mean that person is missing something in their life? Do they have kids? Are they by themselves? Could they be buying food instead of so much drink? Is it my business anyway? Mixture of all of that I suppose.

As a family we were on the receiving end of alcohol abuse so I know first hand how it effects you, that's a part of my concern. Mum never had enough money because she wasn't the bread winner, dad was, but he would drink. Yet some how that wonderful woman kept us all fed and clothed and loved.

I have a better understanding around alcohol now then I did back then. Its not the drink that makes a drunk, its the drunk who consumes too much drink. Its like that old saying, 'Guns don't kill people, people kill people'. I still think that people have to be responsible for their choices and how those effect other people. Lets face it its not just alcohol that people over consume, its food, its work, its internet use, its drugs etc etc. These all have a flip side that effect our community.

The other weekend I went to a mate's dad's exhibition on Human Rights at the Old Library Gallery (Te Gallery). There was some thought provoking photographs on display. Go have a look if you have time.

Some thoughts I left with after viewing the photo's were, 'If we want to have rights then we also have to accept that we have responsibilities too'. We can't just expect to get things without giving too. We live in relationship with each other on varying degree's.
Another thought I left with was people have the right to freedom yet some of our community live bound in prison in different kind such as poverty and abuse.
So what does that all have to do with walking through the bush and observing someone's recycling? Well I'm not sure really but we don't live an isolated life. God made us for relationship with each other. Do I have a heart for my community? What does God want me to do with my new thoughts? Am I Light and Salt to those around me? Man I hope so! Its a journey to more self-awareness and doing those things that God wants me to do. Hmm things to think about....

B-B

Beautiful Baby!

2011-03-24T23:46:00.001-11:00

I have a new niece, she is just delicious. My brothers 1st daughter (as if having 4 sister's wasn't enough for the poor guy!). 6 weeks old (4 weeks prem). She is so cute. I can see my brother when I look at her and also my mum. Gene's?! They are amazing! She has my brothers feet and beautiful blue eyes and I'll claim the dark hair since my brother and his partner had fair hair. Yes I will claim the hair!
I think the miracle of a little person growing inside you is amazing! God is awesome! In our female body we have the capacity to make a whole new organ called the placenta to house, nourish and grow a little human being. That is mind blowing! And when the time is right this little person comes through a very small space between our legs through moving bones, their skull especially made pliable for this purpose. WOAH! Doesn't that just blow your mind!
Master 8 knows I have a theory around how long he has existed and every now and then he asks me "So how old am I really?". And I answer him, "Well when I was born I was born with all my eggs and you came from one of those eggs so your 34 like me". He finds my logic interesting! That blows my mind that as a female baby growing in MY MOTHERS womb I have all my eggs there ready to be fertilised even before I came out in to the world and had even considered being attracted to the opposite sex!
How can I be a mistake? How can I have evolved from an ape? How could this world have appeared through a big bang? How could we all have appeared eventually in time emerging from a sludge pool shaped like a fish or blob? Why do we insist on coming from nothing special and think we have no purpose and that purposelessness has evolved over millions of ongoing years?
What's wrong with having the belief that a loving Creator purposefully made me and wants me to be apart of this world in a way that bring love and light to the world. I'll tell you that the latter sounds more appealing.
When I look at my lovely new niece and how precious she is and the love my brother and partner have for her I love that its brought out a whole new side in him! That loving Father who wants nothing but the best for His little girl. He'll protect her to the ends of the earth, and if you treat her wrong you better watch out! That's like my big Heavenly Father to me. Thank you LORD for your Fathers Heart towards your children! Unconditional, undeserved but unstoppable!

B-B

My new niece's little feet.

Relay for Life - Bowling Tourny!

2011-03-17T18:53:00.000-11:00

I am Bowlerina Girl!

Who killed the Bowlerina's???

I had so much fun being a Bowlerina with my new friends C an J. We played a fundraising game of Lawn Bowls for the Cancer Society raising money for Relay for Life. That's on this weekend by the way! (Good cause!). You got to laugh at yourself sometimes and enjoy the journey! We didn't win but we had fun!

Lessons in Life

2011-03-16T21:14:00.000-11:00

Well what have I learnt today?? Hmmm actually had some time to myself which seemed like ages from the last time that happened. I went and had coffee with Jesus today at one of my favourite cafe's Mokaba. Love the coffee there! I was thinking and pondering my future again and having a journal chat with God about it. In my mind I'm at another chapter in my life... I liken it to been a canvas in transition from sketch to masterpiece. My depth and tone is painted layer over layer with character and experience. Yet at this time I feel like my canvas is blank again yet my depth is still there waiting for my colours to be added to my life. My colours of life are my foundation. As I'm sure a lot of people have thought this too I've often thought of God as a Master Painter who has this overall vision for our lives and he see's this wonderful masterpiece in His mind and to Him we are wonderful, yet we do not see the finished product/painting. When an artist creates any piece there is a sense of pride, ownership and joy that comes with its completion and when given to a gift for someone the artist takes great pleasure in making another happy.
We are all artists of some sort, I'm not sure I'd call myself an artist but I would call myself a creator. Creating brings me joy. When you combine this with the role as a parent and how protective you are with your children and fiercely love them it enables us to glimpse the heart of God towards us his perhaps sometimes scallywag children yet loved none the less.
Gods Grace is sufficient for me, there's is nothing that can separate me from His love, the plans he has for me have been ordained and written in the pages of God's book for me. My name is tattooed on the palm of His Hand, my steps are ordered by my LORD and I have been adopted in to His family, my Big Daddy loves me so!

B-B

From Blob to Bridesmaid

2011-03-12T21:54:00.000-11:00

Since my bestie Miss C and Mr N started going out she had told me I would be a bridesmaid. Hmmm a good opportunity to commit to losing weight. So as they courted for longer and longer I continued to wait for my turning point to come... They had a combined birthday gathering in May 2010.... Was this going to be it? Save me from myself, give me a reason to shed the pounds... Alas no the engagement didn't happen then...

At Charlotte and Nathan's Birthday May 2010

I didn't realise how big I looked until I look back at this photo. But not long after this Mr N finally popped the question to Miss C! Yay my quest had begun and I was determined not to be a fat bridesmaid and embarrass my beautiful friend on her special day. She honestly didn't care and never made me feel like I had to lose any weight, it was all my own insecurities believe me! But finally the penny had dropped and I was on my way.

I know this road I've walked this path a couple of times before. This time I had put on the most weight ever! Scary stuff. Lord I didn't mean to get to that place, it snuck up on me with all those yummy foods I ate. It was totally my own doing. No excuses!

Anywho I've been on a roll since then. BUT this time I wanted a permanent change in the brain to make this a lifestyle rather then a goal to aim for and then move on from. When you read the scripture about renewing the mind it applies to all areas of thought. Food enjoyment and indulging begins in the brain as all things usually do.

As a counsellor my new train of thought has been towards holistic care. We have the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual to tend too. My lack was often in the physical. I've had to change my habits, my thoughts and actions towards a healthier lifestyle yet not losing my passion for sweets and treats altogether. BALANCE people!

This time on my journey to weight loss it has been pretty cool actually. I've enjoyed including exercise in to my life this time and have embraced it with more gusto! I'm enjoying walking, kick boxing and the odd jog (and I mean ODD JOG, as in I look odd doing it!).

My soul gets fed when I'm walking through the bush, its God's creation at its loveliest. I get to pray out there when I'm walking too! I feel like I've had a great overhaul! God is so good.

Positive Negatives Photo Late 2010

So anywho the journey continues and I have taken my time losing the weight. I've done it slow-ish. Its been good. My confidence has grown again and I'm feeling great.

Miss C and me at her Tea Party Nov 2010

So exercise is working for my, getting toned in places that I quite like. Still want abs though but the preggy pouch won't leave... (love you Master 9 for your lasting impression you've made on my body).

Bit of skinny dipping at Miss C's Hen's Night Feb 2011

So the Wedding was this weekend and I've finally made it through my 3rd time as a bridesmaid. Photo's of that will come later.

Paul, Megan and I doing the Beach2Basin March 2011

(I look like I'm in pain.... I wasn't)

Did my final weight for the journey I have been on. Drum Roll...... 22.4kg's! Yay! So I thank Miss C now Mrs C for giving the push I needed to get my weight sorted again! Please LORD keep me in the right frame of mind and personal stance to keep myself healthy and balanced!

My buddy Tim (fellow bridal party person!) and I at the Wedding just gone March 12th 2010

So here I am at the end of this chapter but embarking on another. I love the new me (who was always there but needed a hand up AGAIN!). Thanks for popping by!

B-B

Beach2Basin

2011-03-05T21:15:00.001-11:00

Pretty stoked with myself for doing the Beach2Basin. My first time doing the 9k walk and I didn't even break a sweat. I think next year I'll attempt the 5k run. My buddy Simone ran the 5k and did it in good time. I've enjoyed getting fit this time round! (Having done the whole weight loss thing a couple times before). I would like to one day think I can do a marathon or half marathon. Which of course I can if I put my mind to it. I think I will share my weight loss journey with y'all one day. Its been a really rewarding experience for me. I was still full of energy after the walk. My mate and I went out for brekky afterwards and then I ended up going for a walk up Parihaka AND I did my best time going up. Talk about too much energy, wish it was like that all the time. Maybe I'll see YOU at next years Beach2Basin!

B-B

Becky Bob the Builder has finished.

2011-03-02T21:09:00.002-11:00

Well my time being a lacky for my builder friend has finished. 3 weeks have sped by so quick. A recap on what I've learnt are:
- Sanding/Prepping
- Painting
- Varnishing
- Window Cleaning
- Gap Filling
I know it doesn't sound like much but for me its been a good lesson on how to prepare and paint a room. Perhaps God is preparing me for my own house DIY! I'm keen! But boy its been hard work. I've used muscles I didn't even know I had. Its good to learn a new skill but like I said in a previous post I'm not made to be a painter! I now find myself looking a the paint job in my own place and thinking 'oh my they didn't do a good job...'.
So what life lesson can I take from this? Well definitely that we have to all be sanded down, cleaned off and prepared for life's personal construction, deconstruction and reconstruction. Thank God He's my builder/decorator and not the pleb that I was doing the job. (That's why I'm not God folks!). His ways are good. Although I haven't always enjoyed the prep time that God has got me through I do enjoy the final product or the work that is always in progress and process in me. There's a life lesson to be learnt in any thing really. Remember to builder your house on the rock!

B-B

We the Body.

2011-02-22T22:28:00.000-11:00

I guess it will be one of those times where you remember where you were when you heard the news. I was painting window sills when I heard the news about the Christchurch earthquake. (I remember where I was when Princess Di was killed in a car accident too!). I thought to myself oh not again those poor people. Then this time people were hurt and dead. Its so gutting. What also pulled my heart strings too was hearing that the kiddies at school all huddle together and it made me think of my own Master 8 been caught in a disaster! Imagine all those parents worried, kids fretting and family and friends distressed!
New Zealand hurts all over when one of our own is hurt. Its times like this we see what its like to function as a body. Our hearts break together when lives are lost.
While I've been painting today I'm had lifefm on and most of the discussion has been around what can we do to help. Prayer has been a big part of that and also donating money to places such as Salvation Army etc. Its been encouraging to hear how much we all want to help.
I guess in my mind this is the Body of Christ in action. Not just Christian's helping but everybody functioning together for the greater good of our nation. Its Christlike to function in a healthy relational way which is serving the needs of others, putting others before ourselves. So perhaps even if we don't acknowledge God in our actions or we don't know him yet are loving others I'm sure he honours that action and attitude. This is a prime example of mankind doing love on a practical level.
Anywho just some food for thought.

B-B

Painting... window sills...

2011-02-20T21:59:00.000-11:00

I've been doing some painting, sanding and gap filling for a builder friend. I decided I couldn't be painter professionally. It takes technique and skill. I was joking around saying my business card could say 'Abstract Painter'. I don't think anyone wanting their house painted would want someone who couldn't paint properly. Sometimes its good for us to try new things, learning a new skill or trying to do something not normally in our day to day routine. So in as much as I'm not a professional painter I have appreciated learning a new skill (if I've learnt it at all...). I like the challenge and then I can put a new tool in to my tool kit of experiences.

Try something new this year! Pick up a new skill, it'll be fun (or not!) but at least you can't say you didn't try.

B-B

Gosh time for an update!

2011-02-19T21:53:00.001-11:00

Was just browsing through my blogs, obviously apart from the last couple it has been a long time since I did a decent blog (sounds like constipation doesn't it!?). Well lets see what the updates have been:

- Master 8 and I have moved to an awesome part of town and I love it!

- Exercise has become an important part of my life and I have lost 20kg's! I'm inlove with our local mountain that I regularly walk up!
   * I've started jogging
   * I've started Kick Boxing
   * I'm walking regularly

- My brother and his partner have had baby girl so I'm an aunty again, yay!

- I am now a qualified Counsellor and will receive my Diploma at graduation in April.
   * I want to move in to holistic care and mentoring!

- Am trying to be more community focused and meet new people. I'm making new friends.

- I want to try new things! So far I can name a couple of new things I've done of late (but can't share them on here...). Hehe

- I'm going to be a Bridesmaid hence the weight-loss!

So overall I feel in a good place! God is good and I'm feeling healed, happy and whole!

Hopefully the next update won't be ages away!

Miss B-B

Things you see out and about...

2011-02-19T21:39:00.000-11:00

I like this.

This has been painted over now but I still really like it...

Something I saw today...

2011-02-19T21:29:00.000-11:00

Master 8 and I were driving home today from being in town this morning. We drove past this parked van. On the back of the van it had "Justify your Existence". It had me wondering. What a strange statement. I thought about how would that apply in regards to being a Follower of Jesus? Do I need to justify my existence to God?

We didn't go to church this morning so I decided to read a Psalm to Master 8 this morning (as some kind of penance). I read Psalm 139. How fitting to read such a lovely Psalm. Here it is for you to read:

¹ You have searched me, LORD,
   and you know me.
² You know when I sit and when I rise;
   you perceive my thoughts from afar.
³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
   you are familiar with all my ways.
⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
   you, LORD, know it completely.
⁵ You hem me in behind and before,
   and you lay your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
   too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
   Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
   if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
   if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
   your right hand will hold me fast.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
   and the light become night around me,”
¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
   the night will shine like the day,
   for darkness is as light to you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
   when I was made in the secret place,
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be.
¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts,^[a] God!
   How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
   they would outnumber the grains of sand—
   when I awake, I am still with you.

¹⁹ If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
   Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
   your adversaries misuse your name.
²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
   and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
   I count them my enemies.
²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
   test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
   and lead me in the way everlasting.

So do I need to justify my existence??? I know it was just a slogan on a van but do I feel the need to justify 'being'?

I'm so glad that I have been made in God's image and have in me the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. My life has meaning and value because of the LORD whom I serve and the God who created me. If you ever feel you need to justify being on this planet remember that even before you came into this world you were seen by divine eyes and knit together in your mothers womb, your days are already written in God's book. You are loved, you are adored, you are needed. God created you for relationship with others, not to be an island in isolation. Let your little patch of real estate shine!

Its my party and I'll cry if I want too...

2009-08-29T15:35:00.003-11:00

I actually didn't cry but hey... This years birthday was actually fun. Last year I think perhaps I did cry and it was a non-event. I love birthdays! But as I get older I don't like the aging part so much. Friends, Family, Fun, Festivities and best of all PRESENTS! I love it. I normally try and do something every year. A group of us went to Waipu Pizza Barn and it was a fun night. I got me a cowboy hat, wore my boots and a check shirt, yeehaw!

You only need a few good friends to make a great night. So thanks friends. I missed you Banban and Lisee-lou. I'm looking forward to when your here.

Perhaps birthdays are Gods reminder that each year is precious and unique. It will never be exactly like the last one gone. LORD I hope so and pray so. I'm forever hopeful about the future and what God is going to bring.

As I get older my perspectives change and deepen, and I like that! True wisdom comes from God and thats my prayer, for wisdom, discerment, insight and knowledge.

My favourite thing I got for my birthday was from my friend Char, stationery! I LOOOVVVVEEE Stationery. Well actually is was a memo block with a pen. Thats the way to my heart!

Babies babies everywhere....

2009-07-16T15:05:00.005-11:00

Last week was a week for new babies! Miss Harriet gave birth to a beautiful wee man (2-3weeks early). He is such a wee poppet, can't wait for my next cuddle.

My sister had her second child Nina last week too. So I am an Aunty for the 8th time. She was 7.11 pounds born 11.17am. Love it how the time and weight have the same numbers. I got to cut the cord for Nina. What a privilege! I was their for both babies births and my sister was at the birth of Asher too. Its awesome!

Thoughts

2009-06-15T23:52:00.003-11:00

Its been a wee while since I wrote something so I thought I better check in. I should be in bed but as usual I'm squeezing every bit of ME time I can before the day starts over again in the morning.

Master 7 is in bed and I'm multi-browsing on the internet. Flicking between trademe, facebook, emails etc.

I have been at my friends daycare centre today helping her out. Children are such an interesting group of people. I remember when Master 7 was their age, time goes by so fast. When people tell you that when your bubs is little you really don't believe them but its true. I don't know where the last 7 years have gone.

I will be divorced 7 years this september, I can't believe that either!

7 such a biblical number! 7 Lord, what is 7 bringing me this year. So yes my boy turned 7 and I'll be divorced 7 years.

So much has happened within the last 10 years:

- Flatting with 2 different groups of girlies. (Loved it!)

- Missions Trip to China smuggling Christian Literature across the border and it was my first overseas trip.

- Went on Weight Watcher for the 1st time and lost 20kgs

- Met my husband to-be

- Got in engaged

- Got married

- Got pregnant

- Seperated and divorced

- Lost weight again

- Lived by myself (with my son) for the first time in my life whilst parenting solo

- Mum passed away from cancer

- Studied towards becoming a counsellor

- Put on weight

- Finished my studies

- Still in the throes of finishing my practical hours

- 3 trips to Oz during that time

Man times flies...

But you know what, God has been faithful and constant all that time and I couldn't journey in this life without him. My heart has been healed and held all through those times. Would I want things different, sure some things perhaps. But life is was it is and you make the most of it knowing that God turns all things for good. Would my heart be soft towards the hurting if it hadn't experienced so much hurt itself? Would I understand the pain, the need for support or comfort, the non-judgemental - unconditional love you need in times of trauma? I don't think so. So my God is good. So whatever it is that I have been through its all for the glory of God.

The Art of Blogging

2009-05-22T19:53:00.002-11:00

Hmmm I haven't quite got the knack of blogging. My friends Mrs A and Mrs L want me to blog more but I am blog blocked.

Master Ash and I have just got back from Oz and I have had an enjoyable time with my besties. Nothing beats fab friends who you can just be yourself with. They are avid bloggers. Hense the need to blog...

My friends that I stayed with made me feel right at home just like it should with good friends. I thank God for my circle of besties. Life would be dull without them. More like sisters really, considering I already have 3 sisters its nice to add more to the mix.

Speaking of sisters, when I got home from Oz they had done over my house and cleaned it top to bottom, shuffled the furniture and even chucked some out! They did an amazing job. The thought of cleaning my house was such a daunting concept. I am sooooo appreciative right now and remembering my blessings of the people God has put in to my life. xx

Baby Blanket for Miss Harriet

2009-04-17T17:08:00.004-11:00

Here's is my newest creation, a baby blanket for Harriet. Shes due in July but I wanted to get it done.

My Men!

2009-04-17T16:58:00.000-11:00

My two main men. My son Asher and his
Poppa Joyce. Do you like the contrasting colours?
Hehe...

School Holidays

2009-04-17T16:39:00.002-11:00

Well its school holidays again and Asher and I are floating around the place. The one thing that makes holidays bearable is my family. Its good to have my sisters and their children around. A shared responsiblity! Yay for whanau.

Asher is 7 next month and we are planning a trip to see my beautiful friends and their kiddies in Australia. We are so looking forward to it. So after the school holiday we get to have another holiday! Its great.

There are defintely benefits to being a solo mum (and there was a time I probably wouldn't of said that). We get to go off on little adventures and its great. Asher and I are like a little team. If we want to go out and get an ice cream we can just jump in the car and go, if we want to go for a random drive we can! Its just us and it helps to look on the bright side sometimes (as I do tend to look the other side sometimes.

One more week oof holidays.....

A Baby Blanket for my Sisters New Baby

2009-03-03T20:49:00.000-11:00

My sister is having her second baby (who happens to be a girl!) so I thought I'd make her a blanket. My other sister usually makes the babies a blanket but I askedd if I could try this time. We have 5 boys and now we are going to have 4 girls, the numbers are slowly evening up. I would like to contribute a little to the mix but that will have to wait.

Asher's first day back at school.

2009-02-03T07:43:00.000-11:00

Well its been a good holiday but it is time to go back to school for my son. As much as we love each other its nice to get the old routine and space back from the intensity of been together all the time.

We have had a good time relaxing. We went to the movies and saw 'Bolt', 'Madagascar 2' and 'Bedtime Stories'. Heather and I went and saw 'The Yes Man'. So to me thats pretty good going. Asher and I love the movies.

We went up north for Christmas with my whanau and camped on dads front lawn in a little rustic valley. No power, no flush toilet - but its awesome...

Yet alass back to work and school, which is actually fab. I have been avoiding the reality that I actually have alot of work to do this year and a bit of saving to do for our trip to Oz. My counselling hours are the main thing that has been taxing my thoughts. I have to do so many and my clients are very few at the mo. But God willing they are picking up.

Ash doesn't want to got to school today and I don't blame him... all these days of sleep-in' and no time table and then wham back to school. He has a new teacher and a new class. His old friends are in different classes so to me its like he's starting all over again, I pray for him to make some really good mates and feel safe and secure, valued and looked after. Its a heart-tug being a mum!

B.

FACEBOOK

2009-01-30T13:58:00.000-11:00

You know I spend alot of time on facebook. I like facebook. I think I like it so much because I'm a social person who really likes to have contact with people. I like to look at peoples photo's and see what their up too and generally be nosey. Friends are very important to me. All of my best friends are scattered all over the place. All my best friends are on facebook so I love being able to be just a click away from them. Anywho just a thought!

Hello Peeps

2009-01-24T22:18:00.000-11:00

Hmm thought I'd start a blog since my friends have one. For some reason we find is easy to bear our soul on the internet yet find it hard to do it face to face with people. I guess I'm the type of person who doesn't normally have that issue, I could talk to a tree if I thought it would give me some sympathy.

I talk to God everyday in my head about life and issues, thoughts and muddling that are on my mind. Words have never been an issues for me.

Anyway I'll be blogging again!

B.