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