"Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin'?"

Christmas Eve. Wow. How time flies.



Today I thought I'd share with you a 'TFF' topic that I am just crazy about. CC. No, not Canadian Club. Christmas Carols. Christmas Carols fill my soul with joy. They force me to reflect on the reason for Christmas. They force me to realize what's most important in my life - and that is love. Love for my family and friends and all those who are willing to share joy and kindness with others. It may not be the literal reason behind Christmas, but it sure is a glorious reminder. Here are my Top Five Favourite Christmas Carols. Click on the titles to have a listen.



5. Rockin' around the Christmas Tree - The only up-tempo song on my list. Reminds me of my Grandad...and Home Alone. 



4. Silent Night - This ol' faithful was a favourite to sing at School Assembly. I am particularly fond of the Boyz II Men Acapella Version.



3. The first Noel - There is something about this song that makes me feel at peace. It also makes me so thankful.



2. O Holy Night - There is something so grand about this song, but I always get a feeling of uneasiness during the part that gets really intense. I think that is my Christmas guilt. I think of families who are less fortunate and can't celebrate Christmas. I think of people who are alone.



1. Have yourself a Merry little Christmas - Oh Judy, dear Judy. How lovely is this song. It reminds me of the touching emotional scene in every Christmas movie ever made. Her voice and the song are both exceptional.





Have a safe and wonderful Christmas. God Bless.

XXX

"Food in a Minute"

Today's TFF will be the last "regular" one. I think it's best if I leave my Top-Fiving for when I have a really good list, instead of trying so hard to think of something to bring to the table.



Today's TFF is inspired by food finds that I am in love with this minute.



5. Look out for pre-made Croissant, Fruit Danish and Pain Au Chocolat, in your frozen foods section. These bake-at-home babies are going to make my Christmas morning breakfast scrumptious and easy. I couldn't find a website, but in my supermarket they hangout near the apple pies and are about $5 a pack. Awesome!



4. Monteiths Crushed Pear Cider is refreshing and sweet. This may be an issue for me (and my bank account) this summer.



3. Abe's Wholemeal Bagels. Holla! I love these. SO delicious. Even if you're not having cream cheese or some fancy filling, peanut butter, honey or jam are delicious on one of these tasty toasties.



2. Sundried Tomato flavoured Feta by Bouton D'or. This. is. amazing. I could eat this by itself, that's how good it is. I have it with herb roasted cubes of pumpkin in a salad. I recently had it with pumpkin and sliced, toasted almonds at an event, which was also amazing!

1. Thai Green Curry à la Greggs. This recipe is delicious, simple and easy. Seriously easy, and seriously delish. Some times I stir through some boiled cubed Kumara right at the end, to make it go a bit further if need be.

"I am not my hair"

I'm staying in the spirit of Breast Cancer awareness month today. To show that cancer does not discriminate, I'm counting down five celebrities who have had breast cancer. 

5. Melissa Etheridge. In October 2004, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatment. In 2005 at the Grammy's Melissa performed a tribute to Janis Joplin with Joss Stone. She appeared on stage proud, with a bald head which sparked India Arie to write the bridge in to her song "I am not my Hair". Melissa continues to be cancer free after treatment.

4. Olivia Newton-John. Oh Sandy. In 1992, the week after her father passed
away Newton-John was diagnosed. After treatment she has remained cancer
free to this day, and is still a tireless advocate for Breast Health.

3. Sheryl Crow. In 2006 Sheryl was diagnosed, and treated with both minimal surgery followed by radiation treatment.  Sheryl said in an interview on the Ellen show, that the song 'detours' is very much about her battle with cancer. Today she is cancer free and continues to raise awareness and funds for various Breast Cancer Charities.

2. Christina Applegate. In 2008 Christina was diagnosed with breast cancer in one of her Breasts. She  also was found to have a BRCA1 mutation, which led her to have a double mastectomy as treatment at just 37 years old. Today Christina is cancer free and is currently pregnant with her first child.

1. Linda McCartney. Many people remember Linda, as being the wife of one of the worlds most famous musicians. She was also a Mother, a cook book author, a vegetarian, a professional photographer and an activist. Sadly, after three years of treatment Linda lost her battle in 1998. Following her passing, her husband called upon his community of fellow musicians when holding the "Concert for Linda" to raise funds and awareness for drug treatments that were not tested on animals. Shortly after this,Paul McCartney donated two million dollars to the hospital where Linda sought treatment, which was more than double of it's annual allocation for Breast Cancer. The money was donated on the strict condition that it be used for the breast Cancer wing, and that it was to go towards treatments that were 100% not tested on animals. Linda may have lost her battle here on earth, but her legacy lives on.

Today as I stand collecting for the NZBCF I will think three things. Firstly for all the people who have lost loved ones to this terrible disease, I will think of my beautiful Nan and all that she endured. Secondly I will think of the brave women who fight for their lives every day whilst being treated, I will think of my Mum and the inner strength she found to fight. Thirdly I will think of the future. I can only hope that by the time I have children, that Breast Cancer is a disease that doesn't come with such deadly statistics. You can help make a difference. Make a donation, every dollar, every cent counts.

"Honey got some boobies like wow, oh wow"

It is officially October, making it officially Breast Cancer Awareness month.Obviously, it's a cause very close to my heart. Six women a day are diagnosed with Breast Cancer in New Zealand alone. The only country who has more than that is America. To help promote Breast Cancer awareness, I am going to change things up a bit this month. I will be doing at least one competition give away and a few other bits and boobs bobs, to get you all in the spirit.



If that and my title heading doesn't give it away, today I am counting down the Top Five ways you can make a difference to the Breast Cancer statistics in New Zealand.



5. Buy Pink! Regardless of whether you like the colour or not, buying products that support the NZBCF makes a world of difference. Every cent counts towards supplying resources, further research and to the support of the foundation, so they can raise even more funds. There are fantastic products out there in all shapes and forms, from the cheap and cheerful Bic Lady Razors all the way up to a Ralph Lauren T-shirt. If you have to buy something like razors, or deodorant, you may as well do your bit, and buy pink! Look out for great products in stores, or shop online here. 



4. Be generous. Next Friday collectors will be out on your streets and at your shopping malls. These people are volunteering their time, whether it be a beautiful sunny day or pouring with rain. Again every cent counts, if you can spare the change, please do. If you can't get out or don't see a collector, click here to find out other ways to donate or donate online.



3. Know your boobies! Being breast aware is one of the top three priorities on the NZBCF list of 'what you need to know'. Being breast aware, along with having a chat with your family doctor, are very important elements in early detection.




2. Regular Mammograms. This is priority one according to the NZBCF. Women aged 40 -49 need to have a mammogram every year and every two years from age 50 and onwards. Free mammograms are available to women aged between 45 - 69. Also if you have a history of breast cancer in your family, please talk to your family doctor about Free Diagnostic mammograms.




1. Spread the word! This is important! Of course your own breast health is more important to you, but how hard is it to ask your Aunt, Sister, Mother or Friend if they have had a mammogram or if they've been doing their monthly self breast checks?

If you have teenage daughters, explain to them the importance of being breast aware. The more awareness we raise, perhaps the closer we can get to lowering that six women a day statistic.

"You're a freak!"

Today is all about my boo. Here are the Top Five quirky things, you never knew about Brad. I, on the other hand, am well accustomed.






5. Has weird food "dislikes". I'm told that when Brad was young, he went through a phase of only eating foods that were yellow-ish in colour. Weird. As you can imagine, this narrows your food group down immensely. Brad's own Father actually recently credited me with getting Brad to eat actual food, including vegetables. The funny thing is, many of the foods I have forced Brad to try, that he previously claimed he didn't like, he now loves*. Some of these foods include:



Mushrooms*

Brie & Camembert cheese*

Pasta Dishes, other than Mac 'n' Cheese*

Onions, in moderation

Cheesecake in moderation

Hershey's Sundae Pie from BK*

Broccoli

Quiche & Frittata

Chicken Burgers*

Dishes made with Mince

Fry Bread*



I am working on sushi, red wine, dark chocolate and smoothies. 





4. He risks a sudden, violent death every morning. He wakes me up before he go-goes just to say goodbye.





3.The man is cookie monster incarnate. Even if he is not hungry, if there are biscuits in the cupboard, or cookies in the baking tins. He. Will. Eat. Them. All of them. I made a massive batch a week ago. There were about twenty five cookies. I checked the tin yesterday. It was empty.





2. Loves XBOX. Maybe more than he loves me. He loves XBOX so much so, that he has an XBOX Games component in his monthly budget. Sometimes I think he feels guilty about all the games he buys. Which he shouldn't. But when this guilt wave hits, he usually comes home with a present for me. Generally it goes like this:

B: "Hi, honey, how was your day?"

N: "Good, how was yours?"

B: "Good. I got you this."  *Removes something from a bag, or from behind back*

N: "Awww you didn't have to do that. Thank-you so much honey. I love it. What did you get me this for?"

B: "Do I need a reason?" *Shifty eyes*

N: "So...which game did you get?"

B: *Beaming* "THIS ONE!!"



1. Brad likes to remix names in to song lyrics. Mainly his own name, but sometimes mine too.

For this song, he sings "go one, go on, leave me Bradley" (awkward much?).

For this song, he sings "It's probably 'cause you think you're cooler than Brad".

Sometimes he sings this one as "Nicole-y-oley", instead of "holy moly".

Taylor Swift is another fave, with the words being changed to "you belong with Braaadley".



Just as well I Love you Brad, cause you're a bit of a freak sometimes.

"You're still in the running..."

OK so as I work Sunday's, Friday night is technically the only night that I can go out and party it up. I pretty much never do. For a few reasons. One is that it is too cold to go out and party it up. Others include that it costs money to do so, and I do not want to feel crappy on Saturday - my only day off. So what does a girl do instead? Stay home, snuggle on the couch & watch trashy T.V. New Zealand's Next Top Model is definitely a fave. It is so much better than the first season! Last week there was a double elimination and one of the girls who went home was my favourite. Eva. Oh, Eva. Today I'm counting down my top five remaining girls in the competition. Who are your favourite contestants?



5. Dakota Biddle - Do I think this girl is a good model? No I don't. Do I admire her looks? No I don't. Does she add a crazy, comedic element to the show? Yes. She. Does.

In my opinion she should have been gone a long time ago. Talk of THC in an interview and expressing desires to pull a 9mm on a fellow contestant does not a Top Model make. Unless..your Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell?

4. Nellie Jenkins - I love this girl! She has such an interesting face and to top it off is just so sweet. She is the most bubbly and positive of all of the girls. I love the energy she brings to the house. Her feminine personality really shines through in to her photographs.

3. Courtenay Scott-Hill - This girl to me is weird looking, but in an interesting way. I love the haircut she was given on make-over day. The only thing I don't like about her is how casual she can be with the judges. Often when they Sara hands her, her photo she will say something like "oh choice, that's awesome".

2. Elza Jenkins   -The other Jenkins twin. Obviously I love her look too. They're identical twins. I think thus far Elza is edging in front of Nellie, but you can never be so sure. Other than the fact that she's been known to swear like a sailor, she too is very sweet and kind. I love her willingness to create different shapes and take a few posing risks.

1. Danielle Hayes -

"In Kawerau, you have three options. 1, Get pregnant. 2, Go to jail. 3, Get out and do something with your life. I've chosen the third option." 

Good on you girl! How can you not love this diamond in the rough? She has such a unique look. She reminds me of an Amazonian Queen! I love her Bro-ish demeanor, and how she is challenging herself by doing so well in the competition. A Danielle highlight for me, is when she kicked her heels off at a corporate vent, as she felt like she was going to faint. She then went on to lecture Dakota on appropriateness. Dakota, Honey, If the girl from Kawerau, who has bare feet is telling you to tone it down, she's probably got a point.

P.S Will try and post over the weekend about nesting bargains...If I make it to Wellington & back in this weather.







All images from www.tv3.co.nz

"You make me sick"

 

I am sick. As I write this, it is Wednesday. After a visit to the Doctor I've learnt that apparently I am going to only feel worse over the next few days, so whilst I have an ounce of energy I shall schedule.

Today's TFF is quite un-inspiring. Sorry. It's the Top Five things that I am allowed to ingest. So as you bite in to your dinner tonight or your brunch tomorrow, spare a thought for me will you?

5. Pears - I am allowed three pear halves a day. I usually love pears. Now, they just mock me.

4. Lucozade - This little gem is helping me gain strength. Strength is good for boosting it to the bathroom to hurl.

3. Lemonade Popsicle - Holla! Love these. Because I am dehydrated, yet can't stomach water or much of any fluid, I am eating these like they are going out of fashion. The Doctor said these are great as my body takes the fluid through your absorbent (in my case sponge) mouth, instead of my Giardia ridden tum.

2. Sprite - Sipping flat lemonade has pretty much kept me going. For the first 3 days, this is all that I could have. Downside? I have sore teeth already. Also, I tried ginger beer for obvious reasons. Not so obviously, it didn't help.

1. Soup - Tonight I had dinner. Wattie's 'Soup for One', Tomato flavour is gold. It felt good to eat something warm. It felt good to have something in my tummy. Even if it makes an encore later, at least my body has something to give.

"Follow Through"

Today is moving day! Yay! Here are Top Five awesome events/follow-ups. More frequent posting to resume, post move-in. Promise. I have lots to show you, projects, bargains and decorating. I can't wait to share them with you.

Have a good weekend!



5. Coffee Table conundrum - I asked for your help deciding what to put in our coffee table in a previous post. Thank-you for all your wonderful (and weird) suggestions. As I write this post, our favourite suggestion is confetti. So a big thanks to whoever gave us the idea.



4. A new outlook - I alluded to my lack of vision in this post. Since writing that post I got glasses. Two pairs. See...

If you click on the photo on the right you will see in the close up the two rows of bling on the sides and front of the frame.

3. Mexican Fiesta! - A few weekends ago we attending Hayley's Mexican themed 21st Birthday Party. here are some pictures.

The awesome cake.

The Birthday Señorita & her sister a.k.a Dora of the Exploring variety.

Possibly the most creative costume of the evening. Meghan & Matt came as piñata.

Jack & Alyce learn that it is hard to kiss whilst wearing a Sombrero.

2. "Something in the water" - Way back here I talked about the new Album Flags from Brooke Fraser. Here is the first single from said album. I love it!

1. Oh Baby! - At the end of last weeks T.F.F I told you that my cousins partner had a bun in the oven and was just about ready to pop! Well pop she did. Not literally - as in like a balloon. On Sunday 29th October, at 3.50pm Thomas & Sheridan welcomed baby Bayley Izabella in to the world. She is beautiful. I am so proud of Thomas & his Lady-Love. I am so happy that I was able to share in this special time with them. Bayley is the first of the next generation in our family, I can't wait to get to know her. Congratulations Thomas & Sheridan. Welcome to the world darling girl! Photo consent pending.

"Riding in a Rollercoaster"

The last few weeks have been a rollercoaster for me, filled with the highest highs and some sucky lows. Today's 'Top Five Friday' is a Top Five Top-Up to make up for last week. Just to explain how the two weeks have been for me, today I'm counting down my Top Five Highs and Lows of the last two weeks.



Lows



5. Uni Stress - The last week before a mid-tri break are always busy, busy. This time I found it to be excessively painful. I had a workshop assessment on Sunday, followed by an Essay to be handed in Monday, a Tutorial Presentation on Tuesday, and another Essay due on Friday. I was feeling the burn. Train delays and cancellations cancelled out any scrap of time management. 



4. House Stress - We found a flat. We love the flat. We applied for the flat. We were told we could have the flat. We were told friends of the landlord were interested. We had already started buying furniture. Lots of it.



3. Fingers meet slamming door - At work last Sunday, I was date rotating the Coca-Cola drinks fridge. I held my fingers over the top of the door with one hand. Then I slammed it closed with the other hand. My fingers, for some reason, held on to the door. My team mate bandaged my hand and I left work early. Fossa?





2. Feuds - It's been a fortnight full of feuding. With family, with friends, with everyone. I'm not so sure if the first three points on this list took my politeness and tolerance levels to zero, or whether the feuds were just one of those things.




1. Wisdom teeth - As if having a bung hand isn't enough. The wisdom teeth on the right side of my mouth started to kick up a stink on Monday night. I got virtually no sleep that night. Luckily I have a fantastic Man-friend who dosed me up on painkillers, got me a bag of frozen peas and stayed home the next day to take me to the dentist. Love.

After a trip to the dentist, the pain is slowly fading. Back to the dentist next week to get one pulled out. Eeek!





Highs



5. Cousin Leah gets exciting news - On Leah's Birthday, her long-time love Jason popped the question. After hearing the exciting news, I rang her to find out the details. I didn't get much out of her as she was in a giddy mood. She was Love drunk.



4. Uni success - After all the hard work I'd been putting in, it was great to get some results back. One B+ and Two A+. Too bad I didn't make it a hat trick. Even so - I am stoked.





3. House Stress = Gone! - After all the stressing, we got the house! We are now the proud tenants of a lovely little flat. We are moving next weekend. Pictures to come soon-ish.



2. Brother-in-Law to be puts a ring on it - Brad's sister Bex, went on Holiday with her man-friend Andy, for their first year Anniversary. Whilst they were away Andy proposed. How exciting! Two family weddings to come - one on each side!




1. Family time - On Wednesday I hopped over the Rimutaka Hill to the Wairarapa with one of my Uncles. We spent the day looking through Family treasures from my Grandparents house that were put in to storage, once their house was sold. It was awesome. So many memories. In the afternoon we popped back over the hill to pick up my little cousins from school. It was great getting to see their classrooms and look at some of their work. So proud!







Congratulations to Leah & Jason and Bex & Andy!



Watch this space for the birth of my cousins baby, perhaps this week.

"I owe you one"

Sorry.

"My vision is blurred, but I know what I heard"

It's been a while since I did a Music post. Tonight's Top Five Friday is all about one New Zealand Woman. Brooke Fraser. I've been in love with her Music (and her looks - hot!) for as long as she's been commercially known. This past few days I have been cranking her first two albums, they make for great painting/blogging music. She is due to release her third Album called Flags, on October 12. I cannot wait! Pop over to her website to have a sneaky listen to the first single 'There's something in the water'.



Here are my top five Brooke Fraser songs per album, with lyrical explanations. That's right folks I'm making my own rules. It

is a double-whammy!





What to do with daylight:



5. Arithmetic

"I've forgotten the freedom that comes from the fact/That you are the sum/So you are the one/I want"




4. Without You

"I couldn't replicate your touch/Or love anyone again this much/But I wouldn't be the same/Without you"





3. Scarlet

"Middle of nowhere/Finally you can breathe/Nobody knows your name/It's easier"







2. Better



"I've tried all the things they told me to do/Tried to close up the wounds left open by you/And if I seem doubtful/distrusting I am/You said you wouldn't do it again"







1. Waste Another Day

"'Til the sun and planets disappear /I could stay in your arms all year/Even if that means infinity through/If being productive is being with you/Then baby I don't want to waste another day"









Albertine:





5. Albertine

"Rwanda/Now that I have seen/I am responsible/Faith without deeds is dead"




4. Shadowfeet

"When the world has fallen out from under me/I'll be found in you, still standing"



3. Love is Waiting

"I watch as lovers pass me by/Walking stories - who's and hows and whys/Musing lazily on love/Pondering you

I'll give it time, give it space/and be still for a spell/When it's time to walk that way/we wanna walk it well"



2. The Thief 

"It is as if/I knew you before we spoke/Do our hearts know something we don't?/Conspiring, converging/without giving us any say"



If you watch only one of these clips - let it be this one.








1. Deciphering Me

"Oh can you feel the gravity falling, calling us home?/Oh, did you see the stars colliding, shining just to show we belong?/We belong."





I can't wait to see/hear what Flags brings.

"Knowing me, knowing you"

I posted months and months back, whilst in Australia, a few things that you didn't know about me. Today I'm counting down the Top Five Things that I forgot to mention about myself.



5. 95% of the time, I have painted nails. Fingers and toes. Much like my Mascara fetish, I feel weird without it on. It is very rare to catch me without nail polish on. If you do - count yourself special.



4.  I have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS as it is sometimes known. It's not fun.



3. Sometimes when I have a bout of pain due to PCOS I have to eat Gherkins or something with heaps of Mustard. I don't know if it actually helps or if it's all in my head. All I know is eating one of these, alleviates my pain. Once I ate a whole jar of Gherkin relish on its own. As in, out of the jar - with a spoon.



2. I have a diamond shaped birthmark on the under side of my left forearm.



1. I love Photographs. I love taking them. I love looking at them. I often get asked "Do you think you're a Paparazzo or something?" To answer that question I'll just say now, well no I don't. You'll thank me later when you have lots of photographic evidence to keep memories.





Leave me a comment telling me something that I don't know about you? 

"I can't wait for the weekend to begin"

Since being back at Uni, I have a new found appreciation for the Weekend. Especially considering my Weekend consists merely of Saturday, due to working on a Sunday. Here are the Top Five things I will be doing this Weekend. What are you all doing this weekend?



5. Having Blueberry Hotcakes for Breakfast. Are you jealous? Are you?!

Image from housebeautiful.com

4. Watching Friday Night Television - ANTM & Glee - Holla! The perfect way to wind down and relax. Plus Quinn gives birth in tonight's Episode (Season Finale?) of Glee. Cue the tissues.

 Image Courtesy of Fox.com

3. Attending the Mexican themed 21st Birthday Party of Hayley Marsh. Throw a
Theme at me - and I am in. Especially when it involves donning a
costume of some sort. Also I love 21st Birthdays, and I love Hayley. Win
- Win.

 Image shamelessly stolen from Facebook.

2. Catching up with Erica & Josh for a fuss-free Fish'n'Chip Dinner. This also means I will get to see my Beautiful little cookie crumb a.k.a My God-Daughter. It's been tooooo long.

1. Spending time with my Boo. One day a week is just not enough. X

"Why is it that at a bachelor's establishment the servants invariably drink the champagne?"

I haven't been drinking Alcohol much lately, for a few reasons. Money is one. Moral Support is another. But mainly I just haven't really felt like it. I'm not a huge drinker anyway.

Here are my Top Five Non-Alcoholic Drinks.



5. Raspberry & Lemonade - A Pub Classic! I've been throwing back these ad boys since I was Seven. Erica & I still order them now. Long Live the R&L!




4. 'Traffic Light' - Another Pub Classic. Every time Brad makes us dine at Cobb & Co I order a 'Traffic Light'. I don't even care that it is on the "kid's menu". Not one bit.



3. Mac's Brewery, 'Sparkling Sour Apple' - This is' Non-Alcoholic Perfection. It tastes like Tangy Apple's. If you haven't tried it yet - go to the supermarket right now and get some.




2. Bundaberg Drinks, 'Ginger Beer', 'Lemon Lime & Bitters' & 'Peachee' - I love all of these very different flavours. They all, however, remind me of Summer. Not many people have tried the 'Peachee', let me tell you, if you're a fan of the other two you should definitely check it out.






1. Sun Country Sparkling White Grape Juice - Who doesn't love this beverage? We would have it every Christmas, or Birthday Dinner when I was young. I still love it, that hasn't changed. What has changed, is the frequency at which I consume it.





What are your favourites? Come on Ange & Mariah I know you've got some Beaut's to share!

"And I'm BACK IN THE GAME! "

I started back at Uni this week - after taking a Trimester off. These are the Top Five Highlights of my week...



5. Being so tired.

Usually it isn't a good thing to be so tired that you literally fall in to bed at the end of the day. Oh but it is. It is glorious. Sometimes I go through stages of not being able to sleep. This week I've been so tired, that I sleep so well that I hardly roll over in my sleep. This is good for my energy levels. It's not so good for my circulation. I often wake up with lead arms. It's still so worth it. 



4. Making new Friends.

I love people. I love making new Friends. I found that a very sweet girl is in two of my three classes. We noticed each other in one of the classes, and swapped details. It's great to have a study partner, sounding board and  Friend.




3.Using my Brain, again.

It's so awesome and powerful to be able to engage my noggin' in learning. It's almost like that feeling when you go to the Gym or for a run for the first time after a long break. It hurts and is hard but man does it feel good.




2. Catching up.

I was lucky enough to catch up with two lovely ladies that I hadn't seen in months and months. It was so nice to be able to pop up to the 5th floor to see Hannie, and txt Lucy out of the blue and schedule a lunch catch up. Also Erica works and studies in town, so yesterday when we both had half an hour spare we had a speed-chat. Like a speed-date. Except we already know each other and aren't looking for love. It's awesome!




1. Visiting 'Archives New Zealand'

Yesterday, as a part of my Treaty of Waitangi paper we visited the Archives. I got to see The Treaty of Waitangi with my own eyes. I found it to be quite emotional. It was both empowering and devastating, but I'm lucky I got the opportunity.







What are some highlights from your week?

"Strawberry, Blueberry, Cherry Black, You're my..."

Lately in my house hold everyone seems to have gone Yoghurt mad. If such an obsession even exists? There were literally 24 tubs of yoghurt in our fridge last week. There are only four of us.

So to follow suit here are my Top Five Favourite Yoghurt Products.

5. Blueberry Creme Fraiche Yoghurt. I can't remember who made this but they were served individually in these shallow large square shaped containers. They were light in texture, although thick at the same time. I loved these during the summer months.

4. Calci Yum: Dairy Food. These remind me of my childhood. I eat one of the Chocolate ones when I need a Choc fix but don't want to feel guilty afterwards. These puppies are 99% fat free and have the Heart Foundation Tick. In my world that means they are a-okay to eat. My only complaint is that they've gotten rid of the Caramel flavour and replaced it with a Milk Chocolate which is Naff.

3. Swiss Maid: Fruit Corners. These don't exist anymore, because if they did, they'd probably be number one. They were 60% natural yoghurt and 40% Fruit, in separate corner containers. You could rip the foil off the top and if you were swift enough fold the fruit corner over so the fruit slid on top of the plain section. The fruit topping kind of tasted like the topping on a Cheesecake. Do you remember them?

2. Fresh'n'Fruity: Autumn Duet. I Love the mix of Pears and Raspberries. It's not too sweet not too sour. Yum. Plus these were my Grandads favourite.

1. Puhoi Valley: Creamy Yoghurt's. These are super thick creamy plain yoghurt's topped with a real fruit layer of Blackcurrant & Boysenberries, Apricot & Honey or Strawberries. They are amazing.

Does your Family or Household have any weird eating patterns at the moment?

P.S Who can finish the lyric title?

"Māu anō e rapu he Oranga"

The last few weeks have seen so many changes for people that I am close to & love. It's been a rough couple of weeks for many - to say the least. Most of these people have great attitudes and zest for life. Sometimes though, Life throws you a curve ball and asks you to make a tricky decision. Making a decision that effects or alters the person you are is down right courageous. Today I'm lining up Five Foxy Ladies that I am most PROUD of this week. Well - always, but particularly this week.

5. Serenity

The last year for you has been a Roller-Coaster ride. You admit & accept your part in the chaos, for which I am extremely proud of you. It is hard to own up to your mistakes, accept help and work your way out of a mess. And you've done it with your head held high. You have made great decisions on the past six months. These decisions were not only good choices for yourself, but the best for your partner and beautiful daughter too. I'm so proud of you, for finally seeing the potential in yourself, that I've been seeing for the past Nine years.

4. Erica

Everything you do, you do for your family. Their safety, care & well-being is more important than anything else in the world to you. You are the closest Being to Super-Woman, that I've ever met. And you manage to do it all, looking smokin' hot & with a smile on your face. You manage to own a house, run a household (that's always tidy), maintain a strong loving relationship with your Man, Study, Work, always make time for your extended family, always have time for your friends all the while never ever compromising on the upbringing of your gorgeous baby girl. How do you do it Girlfriend? I know yesterday must have been hard for you. It just proves my point. You will go to the end of the earth to make sure your family is taken care of in every single way. You are amazing.  

3. Ashley

It's been a rough few weeks for you Ash, I know. In fact it hasn't been the easiest year has it?

I know at times it can be tough but you live and you learn Doll.

I'm so proud that you have learnt something that I think to be one of life's most valuable lessons: Live each day for those that you love, but never forget to live it for yourself too. The happier & healthier you are, the better equipped you are to Love those around you. Never lose what makes you - you. You're more courageous than you give yourself credit for and I am so proud of the commitment you have made to yourself this week. You Go Girl!

2. Mum

Oh Marja. It has been an interesting few weeks hasn't it? A lot has been happening. You are one of the strongest Women I know. I know you said in your blog that you feel as if the light at the end of the tunnel, was just another train coming the other way. It may feel like it some days, but it isn't another train. It's just a crack in the wall of the tunnel. The journey is longer than we had thought, but the end of the tunnel is near.

1. MK.

Out of all these ladies, this week has probably been the hardest for you. Not unlike others you've had you reflect on the choices of your past, and have courageously starting carving out a new path for your future. I couldn't be more proud of you. You have embarked on a journey that at times, you know will be tricky. That takes guts, but I'm so proud you've made that decision. Although you have to carve the path out for yourself, I will be beside you the entire walk, encouraging you and telling you how proud you make me.  

"May we never forget how very fortunate we are"

In light of recent events, it has been impossible for me to avoid Sandra Bullock. I've always enjoyed her acting diversity & her uncanny ability to make jest of her own misfortunes. This has been true, even in recent months. I cried when I listened to her Oscar acceptance speech. I cried when I re-watched the moment online, after the scandal broke. Despite her personal life, becoming a media circus, I believe her to be an incredible Woman. Here are my Top Five Sandra Bullock Movies.

5. Practical Magic.

This is the first Sandra Bullock Film I saw. I love how this Movie was cast. Stockard Channing, Nicole Kidman & Sandra Bullock. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.

4. While You Were Sleeping

I haven't seen this in many many years. I must watch this again soon. It's beautiful and says a lot for Human Nature - the good, the bad & the ugly.

3. Miss Congeniality

I was a teenager when this came out. I was genetically pre-disposed to enjoy it. I love how this Movie captures the essence of her quirky, quirky comedic abilities. "I am in a dress, I have gel in my hair, I haven't slept all night, I'm starved, AND I'm armed! Don't MESS with me!"

2. The Proposal

Who would've predicted that Ryan Reynolds & Sandra Bullock would make a fantastic On-Screen couple. I love them together. The story was fairly predictable, but there were some sweet comedic moments that I really enjoyed. Like the Dance scene with Gammy, The singing scene, and this one... 

1. The Blind Side

I LOVE this Film. Love. The story is incredible. It is acted beautifully. Naturally. This is far from your average football success story. It is a moving commentary on the capacity of the human heart & what beautiful things the human spirit is capable of.  If you have been reluctant to see this movie, please watch the trailer below, and then re-evaluate.

"We are New Zealand"

Happy Top Five Friday. I hope you've all had a better week than me.Yes - the Fossa are still on attack.

My favourite show is due to return to our screens very soon. So today I'm counting down my Top Five favourite New Zealand TV Shows.

5. Police 10-7

I love watching some of our Nations finest Police Officers take down some of our Nations biggest idiots. Also this was quite a laugh...

4. Shortland Street

I used to adore Shortland Street. Now I don't mind it - but I'm not really into it. I loved the characters of the 90's, with their harsh Kiwi Accents, blue eyeshadow & permed hair. I also love how in the 90's not as many characters died. Now, some one pops their clogs every 10 working days. And my reaction - "Oh, another?"

3. 7 Days

Most nights, I find this to be hilarious. However, as it is with most modern comedy, there's always one who crosses the line in to not funny-ville. I also find Ben Hurley & Dai Henwood to be deliciously cute.

2. Go Girls

Love it! This is an interpretation of friendship, in my age bracket, that I can relate to well. Also, it is funny & there are more cute boys. What's not to Love?

1. Outrageous Fortune

Can't wait for it to begin again (Michael Finnigan). I love how it brings an equal mix of wit, drama, bawdiness & Westie "humour". I also love how the title for every episode is extracted from Macbeth.

Your thoughts are welcome. Sound off below.

"If music be the food of love, play on." - William Shakespeare

When I go to the Gym, or drag myself out for a walk, there is no doubt, there is one thing that gets me through. Music. If I can distract myself with a good song, I can make it through almost any workout. Today I'm stacking up my Top Five Favourite Workout Songs for the week.

5. Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind.

This is an unusual choice of workout song for me. It's not exactly as upbeat as the others, but it is funky & powerful.

4. 3OH!3 - Starstruckk.

Love this song. Throw a sweet, syrupy, fast-paced pop song at me, with a Dance Track twist, and I am on board in a big way.

3. La Roux - Bullet Proof.

Electro-Pop-Perfection. "Buuuuuuulet Prooooooof". Love it.

2. David Guetta - Memories.

I love the Bass beat of this song, it makes me want to run faster, row further, cycle quicker.

1. Rikki Lee Coulter - Can't touch it.

I love everything about this song. It's a great Girl Anthem, and it has a fantastic feel. Sometimes I catch myself dancing on the treadmill, when listening to this song. Brad has started to notice too...maybe I should stop that?