1 Run Done!

Today I completed the first of 3 runs I have signed up to do! It was good, hard but good. One thing that got me thru was that I am doing this for a cause not just for myself. The little boy, Chace Topperwein, fought so hard for his life, he taught so many people strength and courage. And he shone thru today and reminded me why I signed up to do this.

My goal was 1hr 2mins. I got there in 1hr 1minute! I admit a couple of moments I had to walk but I will work on that and get my time down to under an hour by the last one, 23rd November! 

Now I just need to get more donations coming in so we can give DreamChasers a decent donation! My original aim was $500, but I reckon we can get closer to $1000! What do you think? Can you help me? Share my page with your friends and family. 

Raising Funds and Awareness

Gosh, last post was from the last school holidays and now it's that time of the year again! How fast has it gone! So close to Christmas. Scary!

Anyway, I am getting thru my bucket list of funruns for the year, 3 more to go! While I was entering one run, it asked if I wanted to run for a cause chosen by them, all I have to do is set up a profile and share it around to get donations. Sure! Sounds good to me! But then I decided I would rather choose my own charity to run for, so I have chosen The Dreamchaser Foundation. Read more about their amazing and heartbreaking story here. 

Not only do I want to fundraise for the Foundation but also spread the word on Blood and Bone Marrow Donations. Every day people are relying on others for their very kind donations, it helps save so many lives. I have a friend who is fighting Leukemia for the second time, this time he is needing Bone Marrow transfer, and thankfully, he has a match, coming all the way from Germany! Yes, the other side of the world! This is because there aren't enough on the registry here in NZ!

My goal is to raise at least $500, but if I get the word out with everyones help I know we can double that! So please, help me out! Pass it on! I have a Facebook page set up here and it will link you to my online fundraising page. Thank you so much in advance!

RUN 1:

Hamilton Half Marathon - 10km

RUN 2:

Round the Bridges - 12km

RUN 3:

TriMaori - 10km

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!!!

I know it's been a while. Again! But I was searching for ideas on how to fill the school holidays with fun activities, mostly on the cheap too. I have the first week off and then lucky enough to have Mum up this end of the N.I, who is happy to rearrange her roster to take the kids the 2nd week, which also means my Huni and I will try get in a date night!

Kidspot is my usual go to for fun ideas, closely followed by Pinterest. So here is my list:

1. Westfield School Holiday Fun
    It's Hairy Maclary's 30th Birthday, the bookstore there is celebrating! There is also a talent quest, sign the    kids up to as a Mate of Monty the Monkey and they will be in to win prizes, also some arty activities will be happening!!!

2. A Movie Date @ Hoyts

    I can not wait to go see this movie!!!

3. Butterfly Creek
    So much fun to be had here, nearly all of Master K's favourite things in one place! Animals, insects, train rides, and of course coffee for Mumma!

Now for some less expensive ideas.....

4. Edible Finger Painting
    Because I know my son will just have to put it in his mouth, so I want to make something that won't do much damage to his little puku. Recipe Here

5. Baking
    I will just have to remind myself that the mess is easily cleaned up and it is an activity for the kids to have a good go at. Here's a recipe for Kids Bikkies

6. Good Old Playdough
    So much fun watching the kids playing with playdough, and Master K will finally be able to use the dough stamps he got for his birthday! Another recipe here

7. Museum
    Unless there is a special exhibition on, this is free and ideal for a rainy day too!

8. Movie Date @ Home
    Go through your movie collection and vote which movie to watch, make some popcorn, and make some hot chocolates with marshmellows, get the mattress out and the favourite blankies and enjoy!

9. Photoshoot
    I love taking photos of the kids, the kids love taking photos of themselves too! Dress up, be silly, have fun!

10. Walk
      Layer up and head outdoors, discover a new place to walk, here in Htown we have plenty of parks and walks right by the river, it's amazing to discover new places right in your own town. There is also a gorgeous arboretum heading west out of town where chooks and ducks roam freely.

Ooops, nearly forgot one last thing that does cost but you will save on, GrabOne is also a great tool for finding ways to entertain the kids. I always check on there for family adventures and I have got some vouchers to use up before the end of the month.

11. Farm Parks
    It is still quite cheap to go to but I scored a pass for 5 of us for only $15 to go to Bullwool Farm Park.

12. Scrapbook
     Don't forget to take photos of your adventures and activities, one of the last activities you could do is to scrapbook or write a diary of everything the kids did over the holidays. Either make up pages on the computer and print off or print pics at the photo shop and add them to a photo album.

I love the holidays because I get to really spend some quality time with the kids and not worry about work for a few days. Hope you and the kiddiwinx have an awesome holiday!

Happy Birthday My Son!

I can not believe it has been 2 years since this kid arrived into our lives. We have had so much fun and laughter, lots of cuddles and snuggles. He is growing up to be an amazing, kind and adventurous boy and we are looking forward to what the future brings.

Love you my son.

LUNCHBOX IDEA: Sultana Squares

Found this recipe in the Bite mag from the herald AGES ago! So since I was having a laxed day at home, making minestrone soup, cleaning and decluttering and searching for a steamed banana pudding recipe, I mite as well give this ago. Very easy and very tasty! I did cut the sugar back and it is still yummy!

185g butter
1 c sugar
3 eggs
1 t vanilla extract
2 1/4 c flour
2 1/4 t baking powder
1 1/2 c sultanas

Heat oven to 180c and line a 20x30 slice tin with non stick baking paper
Melt the butter in a large bowl in microwave.  Stir in the sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time then add vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder then add sultanas.
Pour into prepared tin and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
When cool, slice into squares and store in a jar or biscuit tin.

Farm Fun in Paeroa!

 

NZMM Day 26: Fat Freddy's Drop

Ooh! They have a new song! This is exciting! Saw Fat Freddies at the Winery Tour in March! They really know how to put on a show and get everyone up and dancing!

NZMM Day 25: Shapeshifter

These guys are LEGENDS! Soon to be travelling the country with the release of their latest album, Delta. Coming to HTown in July, I really hope we can go!!!! They are epic! Love their sounds!

NZMM Day 24: The Phoenix Foundation

NZMM Day 23: Tahuna Breaks

NZMM Day 22: Thomas Oliver Band

I could show you the official video clip but I much prefer live performances. 

I also love the sound from the Weissenborn Thomas Oliver is playing here and HERE.

It is such an amazing instrument, I first learned about it from Ben Harper, had me hypnotised!

ANYWAY..... here is Thomas Oliver Band 

NZMM Day 21: Concord Dawn

A bit of Drum and Bass for ya'll! 

NZMM Day 20: AHoriBuzz

Holey Moley! This is exciting! A video premiere! AHoriBuzz featuring Hollie Smith and Laughton Kora. I have just seen this on FB (thanks NK!) and I just had to put it up on here!

It's not yet released on youtube, so follow the link. As soon as I find it on youtube will put video up for those who can't get into link!

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10884718

NZMM Day 18: Ria Hall

Oops! Forgot Day 18!

This lady is freekin amazing! The first time I really noticed her (I think is was the WHOLE WORLD really) was at the opening of the Rugby World Cup. Yup, this is she.....

Sorry not the best quality vid but still shows her beautiful talent, at Pao Pao Pao 2010.

NZMM Day 19: Ruby Frost

Not a lot of people knew who Ruby Frost was when she was announced as a judge on NZs XFactor, I didn't know any of her music so I thought I would check her out! Not Bad!

LUNCHBOX IDEA: DG Choc Chip Cookies

What is DG? Well, DG stands for Destitute Gourmet, I'm not sure if I've blogged about her before, pretty sure I would have, SHE is Sophie Gray, founder of the DG brand that has 8 books, 7 of which I have and are signed by her! She teaches how to "eat well and spend less", in the books are tips on how to shop smart and sample shopping lists. One book shows you how to preserve, make curry pastes and seasonings, make your own mascarpone and creme fraiche! She is honestly a genius! I always rely on my DG books for inspiration.

So when Miss A asked me to buy her a Cookie Time this afternoon I said I will make a whole heap of cookies for her. So here is the best recipe that made us 100!!!

1 cup (about 250g) butter or shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 T hot water
2 t vanilla essence
3 1/4 cups flour
1 t salt
1 t baking soda
1-2 cups choc chips

Preheat the oven to 180oC
Into the processor put the butter and brown and white sugar. Process until pale and creamy, then add the eggs, hot water and vanilla.  Process until fluffy and scrape into a large bowl.
Sift together and stir in the flour, salt and baking soda. Stir in the choc chips. Drop teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

YUM!

NZMM Day 17: Lorde

Yes! She is from NZ! AND she is only 16! SIXTEEN! I couldn't believe it when I read that! Love the beat in this song and it's quite funny cos she sings of never being Royal! But I will always be Royal! LOL!

I was going to put up the video but it's really random! So just hear the song, it's pretty cool I think.

KIDSPOT REVIEW: Maggies Stirfry Creations

Kidspot.co.nz is my current go to site for dinner ideas, lunchbox ideas, activities to do with the kiddiwinx. They often have mummas review different products, so I signed up to review Maggies Stirfry, and it was pretty good! The hardest part was chopping up the vegies! I will add this to the next menu plan for when my Huni might have to cook dinner!

 My son really loved it too!

 Steps:
1. Prep your choice of vegies and dice chicken breast. Mix Infusion Paste thru chicken, sit for a few minutes.
2. Heat a little oil and cook chicken. Add vegies and cook a few more minutes.
3. I tossed through Udon noodles then the 2nd sauce pouch, then spinach leaves. Heat thru.
4. Eat!

Thanks to Kidspot for allowing me to join in the review panel!

NZMM Day 16: Maisey Rika

This amazingly talented, super humble and astonishingly beautiful wahine has a voice that gives me goosebumps. She sings about love and life in both English and Maori. She has her brother backing her on guitar. I love this song! I can't wait to hear the next album!

NZMM Day 14 & 15

OOPS! Playing catch up again!!!!

IVA LANKUM

Black Eagle

MIHIRANGI FLEMING

Actual Real Talent from NZs Got Talent!

No War

NZMM Day 13: Ladi 6

This week I will showcase some of the amazing wahine (women) artists of Aotearoa.

LUNCHBOX IDEAS: Pizza Muffins

I am trying to get back into baking for the lunchboxes. I usually go to KIDSPOT for ideas but last night flicked through my Donna Hay Kids' Magazines for ideas. Well I just have to share this with you, Pizza Muffins! I have changed the flour to Gluten Free so Dadda can take some for his lunch box too!

3 cups self-raising flour, sifted
1 t baking powder
1 1/2 c grated cheese
3 rashers bacon, chopped
2/3 c crushed pineapple, drained
2/3 c vege oil, I used Rice Bran oil
2 T tomato paste
2 eggs
1 c milk

Preheat oven to 180c.
Place the flour, baking powder, 1 cup of cheese, bacon and pineapple in a bowl and mix to combine.
Place the oil, tomato paste, egg and milk in a bowl and whisk to combine. Add to the flour and mix until just combined.
Spoon into 12 x 1/2 c capacity muffin tins and sprinkle with remaining cheese, I grinded salt and pepper on top before baking in oven for about 30 minutes or until cooked.

They came out nice and fluffy! Super yum!

Happy Mothers Day!

This morning I was woken by my beautiful son who gave me nice warm snuggles and then handed me a card he had made with Dadda last night, very cute! Then he left and came back with a 2nd card, he had made this one at playgroup during the week! My gorgeous daughter finally woke up and gave me more warm hugs then gave me another card she had made all by herself. Inside it said:

"To My Mum,

I love you because you make me breakfast

Love Anakiwa"

Here they are all lined up...

Then Mum came over and we headed off to the Jennian Homes Mothers Day FunRun/Walk

5km in 29 minutes!

Then we went back home and enjoyed the beautiful Autumn sun, pottered around the garden for a bit, cooked dinner, spent more time in the sun with Miss A while Master K was snoring and then off to work for the evening.

Hope all you Mummas out there had a great day, filled with love! xxx

NZMM Day 12: Prince Tui Teka

Now, this song is old. Very old. But it is absolutely timeless. This song I will always remember my Dad and his brothers singing to my Nana at her birthday up north and I have chosen it especially because it is Mothers Day. So here is the one and only, legendary, Prince Tui Teka singing "Mum".

*I couldn't find a decent video with good sound because it was from 1982! The year I was born!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MUM!

NZMM Day 11: Che Fu

Featuring the beautiful Teremoana Rapley! 

Gosh, this is from 1998! 

NZMM Day 10: Emma Paki

NZMM Day 8 & 9: Salmonella Dub

Purely awesome sounds. Sounds of Aotearoa. 

For some reason I can't upload any of the live vids so just gotta sit back and listen to these sounds.

NZMM Day 7: Maree Sheehan

Golly this is definitely a blast from the past! And I love it all over again! And I hear the Maree Sheehan has recently started making music again! Awesome I say!

Past to the Present

NZMM Day 6: Dam Native

This week I am going back in time! Dam Native, formed in 1992, are the pioneers of hip hop in Aotearoa (NZ), they bought international respect and props to NZ hip hop and music. Focused mainly on issues involving politics and kaupapa Maori.

The Son

Featuring Che Fu

NZMM Day 5: Aaradhna

NZMM DAY 4: Anika, Boh & Hollie

This trio banded together and toured the countrys churches. I love them individually so together is just magic! I really had hoped to have attended but couldn't afford it in the end. I did however see them in a more casual atmosphere, the Winery Tour! Amazing!

Here is a clip from the Church tour. Beware, it may give you goosebumps and/or bring you to tears!

BATHE IN THE RIVER

NZMM Day 3: Kimbra

All the way from, well, just down the road really! Htown girl Kimbra has come so far from the little girl I remember seeing in the local Christmas in the Park a few years ago. Now she is known around the world, even has a grammy or two!

WITHDRAW

From her Album: VOW

Hot huh!

NZMM Day 2: Gin Wigmore

Check this out! Our very own Gin made it on ELLEN!!!!!

BLACK SHEEP

from album Gravel and Wine

NZMM Day 1: Jayson Norris

IT'S MAY!

This month I will be definitely posting once a day. Because it's MAY! Which means NZ Music Month! So much goodness! But first here is the FMS Photo a Day challenge!

The reason why I haven't posted any pics is because I usually use my phone for the photos but for some stupid reason I'm having problems with sending them to the computer! Will work it out soon I hope!

Have a great day! I will, my babies are coming home today!

HAVE TO SHARE!

So I have an amazing friend who has just started up her own business SMART FITNESS AND NUTRITION.  She has been inspiring me to eat a whole lot better, and if I need suggestions she'll help! She is also a trained PT. Sheryn has recently reported a clients progress on a 7 day detox and it seems to be mainly raw foods. So I've been looking out for other Raw Food inspiration and came across this blog: Eat Well NZ!

The latest blog entry is a 30 days of Wellness Challenge with recipes for smoothies and juices. How convenient! Especially since this morning I was looking for something different for breakfast and had a drawer full of fresh fruit and vegies! I wish I had taken a photo of my concoction this morning, so colourful, before I blended it! lol! But imagine it, a layer of frozen raspberries, chopped pineapple, 1cm chopped fresh ginger, spinach, oats, banana protein powder and water. It was super filling and quite tasty too!

I'm now looking for tomorrows breakfast smoothie! Will make sure I share it!

APRIL PHOTO CHALLENGE

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend! This week was a sad occassion, we lost a very special lady in our lives but now she is at peace. She will be extremely missed. Over the past few days we have had a lot of family time and it has been so good to have our home full, we have laughed and cried and eaten so much food! Golly there was a lot of food! And now we all try to get back into some sort of normalcy (not sure if that is a word?!) that is once the kids have made the most of all the chocolate the Easter Bunny has left them! Gosh they were spoilt!

Miss A woke up this morning super excited! The Easter Bunny had left a bucket with some tiny eggs and a note beside her bed. She was so excited she had to wake her brother up and start hunting!

Meanwhile, I went on an Easter Hunt of my own, at the Farmers Market! I feel sluggish and blergh after an unsettled week, not eating the nutritious meals that I should be, so with a list of foods given to me by a good friend, I am going to get back on track with a 7 day detox. Check out my basket....

I also stocked up on frozen berries before the Olde Berry Farm closes for the season.

DINNER: KUMARA & SAUSAGE MEATLOAF

400 g sausage meat
400 g beef mince
1/2 onion, peeled and finely diced
1 t crushed garlic
1 egg, beaten
1 T each: dried breadcrumbs, chopped parsley
1 1/2 cups cooked mashed kumara
salt and pepper
1/4 c grated cheese

Preheat oven to 180oC and line loaf pan with baking paper.
In a large bowl, combine the sausage meat, mince, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley and half a cup of mashed kumara.  Mix to combine well and season to taste.

Pack firmly into loaf tin and smooth top. Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and top meatloaf with remaining kumara. Sprinkle with cheese and cook for a further 15 minutes. Serve with salad and tomato chutney.

* Can be made into mini loaves using smaller tins and cooking for slightly less after kumara is put on top

RECIPE FROM THE FOOD MAGAZINE

DINNER: THAI PORK MINCE ON RICE NOODLES

1 teaspoon oil
1 red onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 T each: finely chopped lemongrass, grated fresh ginger
1 long red chilli, finely chopped
400 g lean pork mince
2 t each: mild curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar
2 T lime juice
1 lebanese cucumber, deseeded and chopped
1/2 c Asian herbs, eg Thai basil or basil leaves, coriander leaves, mint
4 t sweet chilli sauce

Heat the oil in frying pan. Add the red onion, garlic, lemongrass, ginger and chilli and stirfry over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft.

Increase the heat to med-high, add the pork mince and cook for a further 3-4 minutes or until brown.

Add the curry paste, fish sauce, brown suar and lime juice and cook for a further 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the rice noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain and divide the noodles between 4 serving bowls.

Top the noodles with pork mix, cucumber and herbs.  Drizzle with sweet chilli sauce.

HEALTH FACTS
ENERGY: 200kcal/serve
FAT: 3g/serve

Recipe from THE FOODTOWN MAGAZINE

HELLO!!!!

Well, it has been a while! I haven't even managed to do the photo a day challenge! Not one single day! It has been a busy month but I am at home today with Master K who isn't feeling very well, so as I sit here eating my lunch I will be posting a few recipes I have tried out and loved!

MARCH Photo a Day Challenge

DINNER: Asian Pork Subs

These were soooooo yummy! I definitely be making these again, they were fairly cheap too, 500g of Pork Mince was $6, the baguette $1.50, and the rest of the ingredients I already had in the pantry or garden.

SERVES 4
PREP TIME - 20 minutes
COOKING - 10 minutes

500g pork mince
1/4 c coriander, finely chopped
1 spring onion, sliced
1 egg
1 T fish sauce plus 1 T extra
2 t ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/4 c sweet chilli sauce
1 long red chilli, finely chopped
long french baguette, split 3/4 through
1 small butter lettuce, leave seperated
PICKLE
2 carrots, peeled into ribbons
1 Lebanese cucumer, peeled into ribbons (I just used telegraph)
2 T white vinegar
1 T white sugar

1. In a large bowl, combine mince, coriander, onion, egg, fish sauce, ginger and garlic. Roll Tablespoons into 16 balls.
2. Heat an oiled frying pan on high. Cook meatballs for 6-8 minutes, shaking pan occasionally, until browned all over and cooked through. 
3. PICKLE. Meanwhile, combine carrots, cucumber, vinegar and sugar in a bowl. Cover and set aside. 
4. In a small bowl, mix sweet chilli, extra fish sauce and chilli together. 
5. Fill baguette evenly with lettuce, meatballs and pickle. Cut into 4 equal portions and drizzle with sauce to serve. 

Any leftover pickle can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. 

Recipe from Woman's Day.

Meal Planning

Time to get organised and back on track. Again. I'm so sure I have said this several times. Well, anyway. I did spend alot more this week at the supermarkets. But what with the Yellow shop having a meat sale, lamb legs were $7.99kg! So the freezer is full and I have done a stocktake and should not have to buy any meat for a month. Fingers crossed.

I've been pulling out old food mags for ideas and have some great new recipes to try out. If they are a big thumbs up from the family I will put them up here for all to try out. I try to get meals that are cheap and healthy, preferably wheat free but it's ok if not always.

Because our shopping day is on a Thursday this menu is starting from Friday, just makes it easier for me.

FRIDAY          Asian Pork Subs
SATURDAY      Ham & Spinach Quesadillas, homemade tortillas
SUNDAY        Roast Lamb with loads of veges
MONDAY        Portugese Chicken and Salad
TUESDAY        Spiced Chicken with Beans
WEDNESDAY     Thai Pork Mince on Rice Noodles
THURSDAY       Sushi
FRIDAY          Plymouth Pie
SATURDAY       Beef Korma
SUNDAY         Picnic @ The Winery Tour
MONDAY        Tandoori Chicken
TUESDAY        GF Corn & Courgette Fritters w/ Salad
WEDNESDAY     Slowroasted Leg of Lamb
THURSDAY       Fryup with last nights dinner
FRIDAY           Sausage and Kumara Meatloaf

FEB Photo A Day Challenge

If you have FB you can now join in there and share your photo of the day! It's so interesting to see the different ways people take photos and what of!

1. FORK

2. PATTERN

3. SOMETHING BEGINNING WITH E

5. SOMETHING YOU SMELLED

7. MY NAME

8. SOMETHING ORANGE

9. GUILTY PLEASURE

13. WALKING

14. LOVE IS
a platter of yummy heart shaped food enjoyed
by my babies outside in the sun

15. INSIDE MY FRIDGE
Wine, Apple Pie and Red Velvet Cupcakes

16. PERFECT

17. IN MY HAND
is his hand, so soft and beautiful

18. SOMETHING YOU DON'T LIKE
Having to leave my kids to go to work
I would love to keep them home and play


19. I AM....
MUMMA

20. WHERE I STOOD
Behind these 2 plotting some grand plan

21. FULL
Yummy!

22. MAKES ME SMILE

23. A WORD

24. CLOUD
 Always promises of rain cloud but they never come
We need rain!

NYs Resolutions/Goals

Do you make New Years Resolutions? I prefer to make a list of goals, last year was by 29 before 30 list, I think I got thru half of them. This year I have a list of "fun runs". Wanna see it????

10th Feb - 5km, Blueberry Fun Run time: 30.38 minutes
24th Feb - 6km Kakepuku Fun Run time: 38.18 minutes
13th April - Rotorua Xterra, 11km:  1hr 22.18 minutes
12th May - Cambridge SUB Stride or Ride, 10km This event was canned but I found another event, the Jennian Homes Mothers Day run. 5km 29 minutes!
26th May - Huntly Half, FAIL! I was sick!

17th August - Tough Guys and Gals (apparently super fun!)

31st August - Whangamata 10km  1hr 1min 28sec
6th October - Hamilton Half Marathon 1hr 1min 05sec
17th November - Round the Bridges, 12km
23rd November - TriMaori, 10km


Now they are here for all to see I HAVE to complete them!!!!!
I'm really looking forward to the Tough Guys and Gals, it's a 6 or 12 km mud run, people get dressed up and have a great time, then after is a great big party with other competitors! So far, my Huni and my parents are keen to do it! Check out the photos here

The other goals I have is to get enrolled into a Small Biz course and also to keep making more fun memories!

JANUARY Photo Challenge

Goodness me! I am getting pretty slack huh! It's half way thru January (ALREADY!!!!!) and I still haven't put up Fat Mum Slim's challenge. So here we go.....

I am trying to re-acquaint myself with my DSLR so my pics will be in different formats, depends on where I am at the time.

2. Something New

First plums for the neighbours tree

3. Heart

4. The View From Here

5. Movement

8. Something Beginning with T

Tickets to Life of Pi. Great movie!

9. Paper

Miss A writing her story of the day

11. Water

Like our own kind of hydroslide?

14. Something Yellow

17. Ready

1st apple from the tree!

19. Delicious

This Boy eating a plum from our tree

26. Together

On a hikoi together!

27. Sun

Finish work and this is what I see!