'Bargain'

Yesterday I was strolling round town, on a quest to find bits and bobs for 'Project: Customize Frock'.



I was rummaging in a specials bin, at Equip and came across exactly what I had spent weeks looking for, a luggage tag, for upcoming family holiday/virgin passing of port. Those who know me well, know that I have a very strict criteria of being unique, cute & cheap as chips.

Cute! And...it was 75% off.



Just as I thought I had fulfilled my shopping obligations i spotted this, at the bottom of the bin..

...A matching passport cover!



That's a bargain baby!

'Please forgive me'

So a few months ago now, I suggested that a friend try a recipe.

She tried it. For some reason the result was = Epic Fail.



I feel so bad about this. So I am here to redeem myself.

I am sharing a recipe that I have made many, many times, result = Awesome.



It is a recipe from Annabel Langbein's 'Cooking to impress, without stress'.



I love how it takes 5 minutes to prepare it. I also love how it is a large cake, so it is perfect for taking as a dessert to a dinner party.



**CAUTION** This cake is equally delicious, as it is bad for you. Especially the ganache icing. But man is it gooooood.



One-Step Chocolate Cake



Ingredients:

2 cups Sugar

2 large Eggs

1 cup unsweetened yoghurt

3/4 cup cocoa powder

200g softened butter

2 tsp baking soda

3 cups of self-raising flour

1 cup boiling hot black coffee (I usually put the instant coffee granuals in the cup then add a bit of cold water, before the boiling, so i avoid that burnt coffee flavour)



Method:

Heat oven to 160 degrees celcius. Line (i never line it, i just use a spring form pan, and grease well) a 30cm round cake tin. 



Place all the ingredients, in the order that they appear, in the food processor, blitz until combined (If you don't have a food processor use a large mixing bowl and eletric beater)



Bake for one hour, or until testing skewer comes out clean. Cool in tin. Place in a sealed container if freezing, or ice and serve straight away.



Ganache Topping:

1 cup cream

250g chocolate



I've used Cadbury Dairy Milk, Whittakers Creamy block and Dark block - all very good but the dark is the best. Why? Because the creaminess of Milk Chocolate gets lost amongst the flavour of the cream.



Ganache Method:

Break up chocolate, and add it, with the cream to a saucepan. Melt over low heat for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until chocolate is melted and mixture is creamy. Either drizzle over cake, using a spoon (not the best) or leave Ganache to cool and thicken, before spreading over cake (best option).

I love this as a dessert cake, and have not yet had any complaints. If you are making this for an occassion, you're going to want to give it a few hours cooling time, before icing. It is a light fluffy, moist cake, but the ganache really dresses it up. As it can be quite rich, I usually serve it with strawberries or raspberries.



Hope you all enjoy this recipe, and once you have, i'll ask again. Mariah, am I Forgiven?

'Lady in Red'

Coming up in November, the Warehouse Stationery annual Conference will be held in Wellington. It is the first time, that I have been eligible to attend, since 2006. It goes without saying that I am looking foward to it.



The theme this year is 'Dress to Impress'. What to wear? I flicked through a few fashion magazines, and trawled the internet for inspiration.



I found this...

A beautiful Cynthia Rowley dress. Love it. It is simple in shape, with a touch of trend on the neck-line, not too short & not too low cut. Only problem is, Cynthia Rowley = expensive & unattainable.

So I decided that I would probably have to settle on making something. I headed to the Simplicity site to search for patterns.



I clicked on the 'dresses' category, and look what I found...

TA-DAA! Yeah baby - jackpot!

I'm quite excited by this find.

I plan to make it in red & wear it with minimal jewellery, and black stacked heels.

*Please note I have not posted a link to this song becasue - I do not like it :)

'I've got a crush on you'

So, I have a celebrity crush. I'm sure we all have them.

My celebrity crush, however, is on the verge of obsession.



Meet my crush, Mr. John Clayton Mayer.....

Isn't he lovely? I can't quite put my finger on why I am so fascinated with him, but his music is definatley a huge part of it. He has such a beautiful way with words, his lyrics are gorgeous.



So here are my top five Mayer lyrics:



Daughters

"On behalf of every man, looking out for every girl, you are the guide and the weight of her world. So fathers, be good to your daughters, Daughters will love like you do..."



Slow dancing in a burning room

"It's not a silly little moment, It's not the storm before the calm. This is the deep and dying breath of, This love that we've been working on."



Say

"Have no fear for giving in, Have no fear for giving over, You'd better know that in the end, Its better to say too much, Then never say what you need to say again"



Body is a wonderland

"I'll never let your head hit the bed, Without my hand behind it"





Gravity

"Oh I'll never know what makes this man

With all the love that his heart can stand

Dream of ways to throw it all away"

'Now the world will pardon my mush'






Who is your celebrity crush?

'Do you believe in magic?'

I've changed my blogger heading, in accordance with this post. Here is why i changed it...



A few days ago, i was serving a customer at work. She was a mother in her thirties, with a daughter around seven years old. As i packed their goods into a plastic bag, i chit-chatted away, to the daughter about what she was going to do with all the craft materials (this was totally for professional purposes, i don't have a fascination with crafts).



As I scanend the different coloured bottles of glitter paint, I asked the girl which was her favourite.



"The silver one, cause it's most sparkly, like diamooonds!" she told me.



"Well diamonds are a girls best friend aren't they? Well silver is one of my favourites too" I explained.



"But my absolute favourite is the red one. Do you know why?

"Why?" the girl asked, with her eyes widening with curiosity by the second.



"Because it reminds me of Dorothy's shoes!" I told her excitedly.



"Who is Dorothy?" she asked, looking backwards and fourth between her mother and I, searching for an answer.



"You know, from the Wizard of Oz!" I exclaimed.



"Ummm no" the girl now looking at me as if I were the biggest weirdo ever.



Now I was looking, backwards and fourth between the girl and her mother, desperatley searching for an explanation as to why this little girl had been deprived of one of the most delicious, magical tales of all time.

"Oh my, you havn't seen it. We must get it out sometime" her Mother said, assuring my worried soul.



"Oh, she does have a brain then" i told myself.





That night, I was still reeling from the intensity of the situation. I thought about Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. Gorgeous. I googled. I found what I was looking for.

As I inspected their shape and form, I realised that by my standards, today, they weren't as fantastic as my memory would have you believe. But I still think that they are beautiful



"What made them so magical?" I asked myself.



Maybe because they are so sparkly.

Maybe because they are made of Ruby

Or maybe because they are magical?





Whatever the magic behind, those gorgeous shoes, it's fairly obvious that I'd believe anything for those shoes.

Do you believe?

'Vision of Love'

As i was trawling the entertainment  "news"  site's i came across this lil gem of a pic...

   





This picture, was taken a few days a go at the Toronto Film festival.

Curly hair, LBD, natural looking makeup...it's strangely familiar.

Where have I seen this look before?

-Ah! That's right in 1990. Mariah Carey's, debut, self-titled album.

Celebrities may only wear one item of clothing once, but clearly they are not above wearing one look twice.

'This years Love'

On January 14th 2003, three days, before my fifteenth birthday, I started working at Warehouse Stationery Coastlands. I was young of spirit and of mind, and in my six years with the company, and the store, I have come along way.



I have been for a while, working one day a week at the Wellington store, and one day a week at the Coastlands store. Sadly, today was my last day at Coastlands.



Although, I know I will still remain good friends with many of the people there, it still makes me sad to not be able to call Coastlands "my store".



Here are a few things that i will miss about it:



I will miss knowing customers names, faces and standing within the community. I will miss them knowing my name and face too. The connection you build with someone, over six years is quite special, even the couriers i will miss (Especially Eric 'sex-injury' OnDemand).



I will miss being frequently consulted by budding artists, after being directed by a co-worker to me.

"Are you Nicole, the artist girl?" has quite a ring to it.



My team is what I will miss the most. I will miss, Outragoues Fortune de-briefs on Wednesday's, & "Have you ever?" or "would you rather?" survey's. I will miss the completely raw, honest answers that come from "have you ever" survey's, even if they do sometimes shock me.

Comfort food lunches, and LiftPlus pick me ups are undeniably, characteristically Coastlands.

I love how at Coastlands store, I feel like I am a part of a Family unit. We love each other one minute, can't wait to see the back of one another the next. But in the end, when it matters the most, we are always there for each other - and we all know it.



I've seen the best of times (store of the year) and the worst of times (Costylands) of that store, and although I am not far away, and that (by some people) I will be missed, it's hard to walk away.



This got me thinking about all that has happened, whilst I have worked there. I have seen one uniform change, eight Manager's, four Area Manager's, the death of Mr Pencil, two re-structure's and six ghastly back-to-school shirts (and one year it was a hat).

The company has changed, and grown in many ways, and the store has been witness to many laughs and many tears. All these years the store has helped us to and watched as we have entered adulthood, marriage & parenthood, bought first homes & first cars. It has remained a constant as we have experienced first loves, heartaches, great victories and sadly great losses. Even for those who have left, this has marked new and exciting adventures of life.



Just as we have seen both sides of the coin, with our store, Coastlands-31 has seen the best and the worst of us all too.



This store has watched me grow from a girl in to a woman, and at times it has pushed me in the right direction. I have too changed so much.



It is comforting to reflect on my first day, the feelings of anxiety and dissappointments from being in the way more than a help to anyone, are a warm reminder of how far i have come & that there are more challenge's yet to come.



I will cherish theses memories, and for the rest of my days, I will carry a piece of Coastlands with me.

In exchange, I'd like to think that I've left a lasting impression and a piece of myself there.



Wellington, I hope you can heal my wounds; this year's love, better last.

Coasties Team members at My 21st

Mellow yellow, BTS 2009

Brad & I, Napier Conference 2006 - Store of the Year.

'Someday'

A few months ago, i watched a film, titled "Then she found me", which illustrates adoption, IVF and family in general. It is a beautiful, touching story, based on a novel (which i probably should read).

I wont spoil the plot too much, in case you want to watch it. In the film , Helen Hunt plays a character called April, who had been adopted in to a Jewish family, when she was an infant. April also has a brother, who was biologically conceived by their parents.

April, is 39, and is longing for a baby, and after her experience she refuses to adopt, claiming that "it's not the same" as having a child biologically. After the death of her adoptive mother, Aprils' birth mother makes contact, and together they teach each other the true meaning of family.

The most beautiful scenes for me, were both the the prayer scene and the closing scene which can be watched on YouTube. Unfortunately the prayer scene has to be watched in two parts. (If you do want to watch this film at a later time, do not watch the youtube clips)

Click here to watch the prayer scene (1/2). It starts at 7.00 minutes, but if you watch it from the start of the clip, it will give you a better understanding.

Click here to watch the end of the prayer scene and continue watching that clip, for the closing scene.

This film, changed me.

It changed the way that i think about adoption.

Fertility, IVF, Surrogacy and Adoption are all topics that i have thought a lot about. I do not claim to be an expert on any of these processes, and i certainly do not have any first hand experience to share with you all.

What i can share with you, if you did not already know, i have had some issues involving my baby making equipment.

That is not to say that when the time is right that i can not conceive naturally, or carry a baby myself. However since this all came to light, i have thought long and hard about my options, and done a little research.

What annoys me the most, is people telling me that i shouldn't even allow myself for a second to believe that i cannot have my own babies.

I do believe in the power of positive thinking. I do believe in the power of prayer. But i also know that life is no fairy tale and sometimes life does not play out the way we want it to.

The most common remarks i am told on this issue are:

"You don't know for sure until you try"

"People, who get told they cant have babies, a lot of the time end up naturally conceiving"

"Cross that bridge when you come to it"

And i understand that these people are trying to soothe my worries, but to all those comments i say, i know, but not all, and no. I cannot help but think about the possibilities. It's just not who i am.

For me, knowing the facts, and the options available to me, is a coping mechanism. A small group of close friends and family, who really understand how i operate emotionally, will understand this.

It's my way of knowing that someday, i will have children.

I know that i cannot possibly imagine how difficult that journey may be, but i know that i will make it. Not a day goes by that i do not feel for parents, who are bravely walking that journey.


The few things that this film, really highlighted for me is that faith and hope, will get you through, even when it feels like you've lost all sense of both. Secondly, so will your existing family. But above all, i took something from this film that i will hold in my heart forever.

Someday, i will have children, and whether they are born of my body, or of my heart - they will be mine.

'Hips don't lie'

...Or do they?

Last Saturday night, Katrina had arranged for us to have dinner at Istanbul (the restaurant, not the city) to farewell our dearest 'Sweety Tess'. Despite knowing what the end of the night would bring, we were all having a great time, with great food, wine and of course great company.

We had an early booking, and had made our way through the set menu by 8.30pm. I had been to this restaurant many time, prior to this party, and knew that there would be a belly dancer, performing at roughly 9pm.

We stayed at our pagoda table (a very low table, on an elevated platform, seated by large cushions) and had some apple tea and Turkish delight whilst we waited.


After what felt like an eternity of waiting, the belly dancer appeared, in all her glory to a wave of whistling, cheering and clapping.




I questioned our 20 strong group, "Does anyone else think she looks like Katrina?"

Double takes, shocked faces and shift eyes ensued.

Everyone at my table got very excited by this striking resemblance, especially Katrina's boyfriend, Mark.


Through all the noise of the music, aforementioned cheering and "she looks so much like Katrina" comments this is what i heard.


"It is Katrina!"


"Is it reeeally?" i asked.


I did a frantic double-take and scanned the room for Katrina.


She wasn't there, and Mark seemed to be enjoying this way more than anyone else.


The next five minutes was what can only be described as a frantic search for the truth.


In a state of shock and panic, we continued scanning the dimly lit restaurant for Katrina, to no avail. We discussed how Katrina had been absent from the table for at least ten minutes before the performance started.

Had she left to change in to her costume? Was this an extra leaving present for Tess?

"What is going on?" we asked ourselves. We needed answers from Mark, but he was too caught up in the moment to talk.




And then she appeared, through the beaded curtain. Katrina. Not the belly dancer.





A little disappointed we explained our funny frenzy to Katrina.


Oh well it was fun to believe it for a few minutes, even if it wasn't the truth...eh Mark?





What do you guys think? Separated at birth, or too many drinks vs. low lighting?


Bon Voyage Tessy, when, or if i can ever find the words, i will blog about your departure. Until then "I love you" is all that i have.

'Aint No Mountain High Enough '

Marvin Gaye was in most sense's a wise man. But when he sang the lyrics "Ain't no mountain high, Ain't no valley low" he was, how should i put this.... ........*errrrrr* WRONG.

 Have you ever wondered if the top you were wearing was too low cut in the bust? Here's a good rule of thumb...

(Jess, honey i think you are gorgeous but you might want to write this one down. After confirming my suspicions on google image search, I doubt you will remember this later)

 ...If at least one of your two nipples is showing, in any which way or form, It is prooooobably just a little too low. Just a little though.

Seriously. Turn away now, if you are in no need of an example.

***CAUTION: EVIDENCE OF A BAD STYLIST TO FOLLOW***

v

v

v

v

Oh dear. Yes I hear you Papa Joe Simpson and you are correct in saying that "she's got double-D's". But when you say "you can't cover those suckers up!", I just feel the need to remind you that you are her farja and also *errrrrrrr* WRONG! (2.26)

'Baby Love'

On Monday I thought I would ring one of my ladies from the fab-four - the pregnant one. She by this stage was a few days overdue, and I wanted to see how she was feeling.

I rang her house, and her sister answered.

"Hi Paula, is Erica there please?"

Trying to be subtle, she said

"Ahhhhhh, nah she's um not home yet"

Realising that it may well be D-day, i said,
"Ohh, i see, well can you get her to call me when she gets home then?

She tried really hard this time.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....yeeeeep"

That night I slept really lightly, and every time I woke, I ceremoniously checked my phone for news. Nothing.

9am, on the train - still nothing.

11am - leaving 'Roman Society' tutorial - still nothing.

I thought maybe Paula was just really tired, or trying to throw me off ,when I spoke to her last night.

Off to KK cybercomms, to complete (not to mention start over) a critical comparative analysis of 'A Midsummer's night dream' and 'King Richard III'.

I told myself to just check my facebook and emails before I get started, to avoid temptation to stop work mid-way.

Luckily I did.

**GASP** "Oh my gosh!" I shrilled.

Then the tears came flowing. Through my blurry tear soaked eyelashes I saw something strange.

Forty strangers staring at me, the way that I imagine circus goers would stare at fire breathing midgets.

*Note to self: You JUST said that out loud. Very Loud

One brave girl whispered to me "Are you alright?"

"Yes! My friend just had a baby!"

Congratulations Erica and Josh. And welcome to the fifth lady of (our own, very unique version) L.W.L. Cannot wait to meet you Baby Girl. We love you.

'Daughter's'

I had a below average day today. I came straight home, jumped on the computer and gave in to one of my most guiltiest pleasures. I know what many of you are thinking, but No, it (surprisingly) wasn't shoe porn (or any other Porn for that matter). It was celebrity "news". As i filtered through the site, i came across a gallery of 'Celebrity DILF's' . Of course i looked. The last photo showed one half of one of my favourite, and one of the most sexiest, celebrity couples. Brad entered the room, and i said to him "Oooh i love Seal. I love how he has raised Leni from a newborn as his own daughter" Brad looking at the photo, followed with "Is she not biologically his?" "Loook at their picture babe" "Ughhh. **Mumble-mumble**Obviously **mumble**not." Brad left the room, shaking his head at the embarrassment he had caused himself. I laughed. And then i laughed some more.