Yo!

Okay okay sorry for not blogging in quite some time. I definitely want to keep the habit up, and will endeavour to do so, but I have just been lacking in motivation a bit. So I shall make this post a round-up of what’s been going on in my life since the last post!

Work – Post-trip depression has died down somewhat and work has been going fairly well. However, we had a meeting with the editor of our sister newspaper a couple of weeks back in which I felt extremely targeted and got quite upset (fighting back the tears). Since then, I’ve tried to make more effort, and haven’t had any complaints so hopefully things are going better. However, when talking with one of the other girls in the office about my issues, she said she also notices the mean way the editor talks to me and constantly criticizes me. So it’s not just in my head. Unfortunately, the editor is the managers’ darling so I don’t feel as though I can talk to her about it.

Gym – I have been really good since I’ve been back, going 5-6 times a week. It’s such a great release for me (especially when issues like the aforementioned are occurring).

Friends –Haven’t seen my Hastings besties for ageeeeeees which has been lame. Spending time with my friends here is always great. It’s good for the soul.

Music – For some reason lately I can’t get enough of Black and Yellow by Wiz Khalifa. It’s not a new tune but it’s just so good and it makes me dance. I also love everything by Miguel at the moment.

Movies – Recently I’ve watched Don Jon, The Wolf of Wall Street, and V for Vendetta. Would recommend the latter two. The first one is, well, interesting. I’ll leave it at that.

TV shows – Almost up to date with White Collar and have one more episode of Sherlock to go. Both are just so great. Suits and Game of Thrones are starting up again in not too long – YUSS. Also, I watched an episode of KUWTK a couple of days ago and was LOLing so much that I’ve now completed series one and two. Guilty pleasure.

Books – Finished Catch 22 finally! It only took me about 2 months haha. Actually thought it was a pretty good read once I was done with it. For the latter half of the book I was appreciating how funny and well written it was. Then read Animal Farm – so fantastic! Am now reading The Book Thief which is Ah-mazing so far. In the interim, I also spent the paperplus voucher I was given at Christmas and bought Gone Girl (soon to be a movie and I’d heard the book is great) and I Quit Sugar by Sarah Wilson which I finished the day I got it. Cutting out sugar is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and having now read two books about sugar, it’s a main goal of mine.

Car – Argh. Discovered my car had a big oil leak which is going to cost far too much to get fixed. Going to take it for a second quote to see if it’s worth fixing. If not, new car time! Sad though, I liked this one L

Family – Haven’t seen them in quite some time and miss them all the time. Seeing my Dad and sister soon though as sister is moving to Palmy in two weekends! That will be cool. I was tasked with finding her a flat, which I did. I hope she likes it! (though I’m sure she will – it’s awesome). Can’t wait to see Dad as well. I’m taking the two of them out to my favourite Japanese restaurant when they’re down. Eeeeep!!

Garcon – Has been far too long since I’ve seen him. Texting has been good though, for the most part. Can’t wait to see him next. We have some stuff to figure out.

Time for a selfie? I think so...

Heh so attractive.

xx

Last weekend

Last weekend was one of those beautiful ones where everything was lovely and well with the world. This was very nice considering the car sadness of late.

On Friday my lovely mother picked me up from work and drove me down to Hastings. We had my favourite meal – a kebab from Café Anatolia (if you’re ever in Hastings, you must eat there) for dinner then spent the night catching up with the grandparents. On Saturday morning I went to the gym with my sister, which was good fun, then that afternoon my sister, mother and I went around Napier for a bit. The weather was divine. Later on, le sister and I shared a drink and a plate of salt and pepper calamari along the waterfront, just enjoying each others’ company and the splendid sun. That night we had a roast with the grandparents, and then watched a movie. So nice. On Sunday I went to church with the mothership, and caught up with one of my best friends whilst there. I got the bus back to Palmy that afternoon and chilled out back at the flat for the rest of the night.

Then it was fabulous waking up on Monday morning knowing I didn’t have to work! (4 day weekend here in NZ). In the morning I went to the gym then cleaned the house a bit. Spent the rest of the day with le garcon (walk, bird watching, bowling, dinner, movies). SO NICE.

Aaaaaaaan it’s Wednesday already!! Wooop!! This means only two more days and it’s the weekend again!! Love it.Hope you all had great weekends readers 

xx

One week on

So the wellness challenge....yeah....haha. So it pretty much failed miserably last week when it was supposed to start. I blame the fact that I had visitors from out of town and thus was going out for meals, having movie nights etc etc. BUT I've made a much greater effort this week. I've been very good and healthy and have been to the gym more so feeling better about my efforts! Still have areas that I need to improve on but pretty pleased with my week so far in this sense. And when you eat healthy you realise how yum healthy food is! Like I had low-fat yoghurt with muesli and sultanas for lunch yesterday and it was so delish! Don't know why I don't have that more often tbh. And apples are just so yummy. As are salads, and soup! (It's been ridiculously cold here lately).

On another note, I've been super busy with work at the paper lately, and am getting things published every week. Things I've covered lately have included: a triathlon, the 'Square Affair' retro festival, a 100th birthday celebration, the NZ and US meat export market (my Daddy would be proud), home insulation and education for teen parents. It's so varied and interesting, and I love it.

Also had my two 21st celebrations recently, one a huge house party (which was soooooo fun/crazy) and the other a lovely lunch back in Hastings with my family and a couple of friends. Got to catch up with these gorgeous ladies who I don't get to see very often:

And this was my amazing cake courtesy of le mothership:

Wish I turned 21 more often!!

xx

Oruawharo

Today I attended my Grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary luncheon. 13 members of my family met at the beautiful Oruawharo Homestead in Takapau, a place that is a bit off the beaten track but well worth a visit. It is an absolutely spectacular building, with so much character. It kind of reminds me of a Jane Austen era type home. My favourite room of them all (and there are many, many rooms) was the library which featured a wall of floor to ceiling bookcases and comfy chairs for reading. We had a lovely luncheon consisting of tea, devonshire scones, club sandwiches, ginger gems, mini savouries, strawberry tarts and fruit juice. All served on gorgeous tiered plate stands. After lunch we took some photos in the gardens and then played a bit of petanque (which I'm useless at btw). Unfortunately I didn't get very many photos. I forgot my proper camera, silly me. It was all so instragram-worthy too :(

I discovered a wooden swing suspended to a big old tree and quite enjoyed that for a while:

Visit Oruawharo if you ever get the chance.

xx

Oh hai there :)

Hey there readers, sorry for my absence!

Our flat has been between internet plans so I've been relying on phone internet for the past wee while, which is simply not viable for blogging. But I have now returned!!

Since my last blog post:

• Two of my flatmates (including the bestie) have moved out. There are currently only two inhabitants, and its weird not having the loud ones around anymore. 
• We had one last party at the flat before these two moved out. It got cray. Jac and I dressed up as cats, we were pretty darn cute.
• I've been working a fair amount, which is good because Christmas is super close! ahhh!
• I've become a fan and user of Instagram.
• I've watched heaps of Game of Thrones. It's amazing.
• Had the most lovely weekend in Hastings with the parents. Lovely food and great company = bliss.
• Caught up with a few friends, which has been nice.

Jac and I had a pamper day and did these face-mask thingys. One of mine was electric blue, as you can see. This is my take on 'blue steel', Derek Zoolander eat your heart out...!

Got given this super cute gift for being a valued customer at 278 on Cuba. It's hot chocolate in a jar! Choc drink powder, choc bits and marshmallows...just add to hot milk and voila! So cuuute :D

xx

Parental Appreciation

I'm working heaps this week, starting at 7am everyday, because the lady who usually opens up recently had her father pass away. It was really sudden, my boss was telling me that he just got out of the shower and dropped dead while he was drying himself. I reckon that would be the worst, for it to happen so sudden like that. Though of course it will be extremely difficult whatever the circumstances, at least if the person has been sick for a while you can sort of prepare yourself, and spend lots of time with them during their last days.

I honestly can't imagine how I would cope if something like that happened to my parents. I'd be utterly distraught, and I don't think I'd be able to function for ages. I'm really close and have a great relationship with my parents, so to not have that would be so so strange. Just writing this is making me tear up!

I guess the motto here is to enjoy every moment you spend with your parents (or any of your close ones for that matter!) cause you never know if it will be the last. Don't fight, don't leave on a sour note....cause imagine how much regret you'd feel if that was the last thing you ever said to them.
Love you ma&pa
xx

Our trip to Hamilton

It seems to always be the case that when things seem to be going so well, and life is great, it all comes crashing down. This is the case in my life at the moment. After living a relatively drama-free existence for the majority of my life, I don't really know how to deal with the recent dramas in my life. Thank goodness I have the most amazing best friends who are with me every step of the way. Without these girls I don't know how I'd cope. I'm trying to act normal and be myself but it's hard to keep that up when other people make it difficult. Gaaaaaaah.

Anyho...I got back from an amazing week up in Hamilton recently with my parents and my two best friends. It was great. During the week I went out for many meals, went clubbing with the girls, went for a walk around the lake, went to the Hamilton Gardens, played Squash, watched movies, made dinners, went shopping (and spent far too much $$ as a result..eek) and just had a generally lovely time catching up with my nearest and dearest. Some pics from my trips away...

Love these girlies :) Thanks for a great time 

xx

A sisterly visit

I had a lovely weekend this weekend, and I hope you did too. My sister came up for a visit on Saturday, and we spent the entire day shopping up a storm (her more than me) then went to the movies and watched The 5 year engagement which was brilliant, really funny. Jason Segal is awesome. Theeeeen today we did a spot of op-shopping, had Pita Pit for lunch (arrrrrrgh so yummy) and chilled for a bit before she had to leave again :(

I love having visitors, its so fun (hint HINT).

^^ This is the tattoo my friend and I are getting. You like?

(I was totally going to do a ponderous blog post tonight but then couldn't be bothered. sorry).

xx

Antiquing

So a few weeks back my sister and I were in Ahuriri, a cute little village not far from Napier. This area is one of my favourite places in Hawke's Bay; it's right by the beach, where all the little fishing boats are, has the best Mediterranean deli I've ever been to, has a mean chicken eatery and ice creamery, and has some other lovely wharfside restaurants (which double as nightclubs on the weekends). While I was growing up Dad used to take us to the wharf to go fishing so I have many fond memories of the area.

Anyhoooooo...there's this amazing antique shop that the sister and I always visit when we're over there, called Whale's Tale Antiques. My golly that shop is amazing, gets my imagination in a whirl every visit! It's incredibly crammed with stuff and wouldn't be good for clumsy people to visit (always so scared I'll break something!) but it's smell, all the amazing treasures it houses and just the feel of the place is magical. I love it. If you're ever in the area, make sure you check it out!!

So many treasures, and just imagine the stories behind them!!
Hope you're having a beaut day :)
xx

Officially an adult

So I turned 20 yesterday. Sheeeeesh that's old! And I got totally, unnecessarily, but awesomely spoilt. Received mail/packages from the bestie, a cousin, the twinnies, the grands && something everyday for 6 days (!!) from the mothership. Also got an amazing, super-customized-just-for-me present from the other bestie. Unfortunatly I had a 9-5 day of uni and work but when I got home, the flatties had a beautiful cake and candles waiting, and there was another package in the cupboard.
This is what I discovered upon opening the package....

12 beautiful cupcakes of various flavours.

And they taste amazing. 

Mum, you really outdid yourself, I can't wait for my 21st!!

xx

Current loves

Thing's I'm loving/appreciating at the moment...

• Increased exercise, and more variety! Jac and I have been doing pump classes which are great! We also trialled a bodystep and bodyjam class which were mega fun too, so we'll be going to them in the future too!
• Beginning everyday with a healthy breakfast :) 
• Pita Pit!! If you haven't tried it, make sure you do. ah.mayyyy.zing.
• Zooey Deschanel's show New Girl. Its so cute.
• Mum. Got a package in the mail yesterday. On the outside it said 'on the first day of birthday my mummy gave to me....' and contained the coolest aztec jandals. Havaianas, to be exact. My mother is so quirky :)
• That I have my St Pats outfit organised!! Woop!
• That St Pats is only a week away! Woop!
• Cranking up the music and havin lil rages in the car. tehehe 
• The beautiful sunny day we had here today 
• My new satchel. Love.
• Text messages from friends for no particular reason, just to say Hey :)
• Cool flatmates.

And lastly, the fact that one flatmate is a chef! And that he makes us meals like this:

Fresh fish on potato/red onion/courgette cake with french beans, salad greens, aioli and apple glaze.

* mouth waters *

What are you loving at the moment?

xx

A to Z - a bit about me :)

Saw this post on honey and fizz today and thought it was pretty cool, so decided to do eeeeeet. As most of you who read this blog know me quite well, I'll try to share things that you may not know where I can. So even you, my lovely friends, may learn something about me today ;)

A. Age: 

19 (super close to the big 20 though :O)

B. Bed size: 

Queen, yet I generally only occupy a single bed's width, apart from the odd occasion where I wake to find myself completely diagonal and thus making use of the bed in its entirety.

C. Chore that you hate: 

Ummmmmmm...I don't hate any, as I like to live in cleanliness. But probs cleaning the toilet/shower. Esp if there's stray hair anywhere...

D. Dogs: 

Don't have one currently, but had an English Setter, Poppy, for a while when I was a kid.

E. Essential start to your day: 

Listening to music. Whether on the radio or ipod. Absolutely essential.

F. Favorite color: 

Blue.

G. Gold or Silver: 

Probs silver, though rustic gold is pretty cool

H. Height: 

5'6' (I think) - normal height

I. Instruments you play: 
Basic piano. REALLY want to learn guitar one day
J. Job title: 
Student. Massey University. 3rd (and final!!) year.
K. Kids: 
Two. Bill and Ben. JOKES. none! gosh.
L. Live: 
Currently, Palmerston North. But lived in Hastings for 17 years so that's my real home. Also live in Hamilton with the parents from time to time. So I've pretty much got 3 homes.
M. Mother’s name: 
Lynn
N. Nicknames: 
Daleo, Doodle, Dewy.
O. Overnight hospital stays: 
None! (apart from being born)
P. Pet peeves: 
People crunching on their nails, leaving dirty dishes on the bench, noisy eaters, drivers who don't indicate/go 80km on a 100km road. grr.
Q. Quote from a movie: 
"They're not raisins, they're humiliated grapes"...Benny & Joon (one of my fav movies of all time). Also the banter between Jules and Vincent in Pulp Fiction is pretty epic
R. Right or left handed: 
Right
S. Siblings: 
1 sister, 22yrs.
T. Time you wake up:
It varies, generally between 7-9am
U. Underwear:
Bonds are always a favourite
V. Vegetable you hate: 
I don't really hate any but potato would be a lesser enjoyed one.
W. What makes you run late: 
Straightening hair, makeup etc. I tend to muck around a lot in the mornings doing nothing!
X. X-Rays you’ve had: 
None
Y. Yummy food that you make: 
Lasagna, Tan slice, Enchiladas, Quiche. Food is gooooooood.
Z. Zoo animal:
The elephants due to their size, the ape's coz they're funnily human-like && the big cats - lion, tigers etc coz they're so majestic.


Just a few things about me. Also, hope you had a great weekend. Mine was pretty good, got to see the sister, the bestie and the grands which was nice. Worked epic amounts which was fun but tiring. But am now getting a cold :( this is not ideal. 
xx

A few snaps..

A few snaps from my weekend in Hamilton...

Great bookshop. Dunkin Donuts. Chocolate shot. Was a pretty decent weekend, esp lovely to see the parents and the lovely Emma again.
And bestie, ilysomuchandthinkofyouallthetime :)
xx

New Beginnings

I am becoming slacker and slacker at blogging, and I do apologise. But in my defence, the only computer I can use is ridiculously slow and I am hardly ever home to post. I hope y'all had a great christmas and new year. I saw the new year in with a new friend (a person I clicked with immediately, which doesn't happen too often and thus was very cool), one of my oldest friends, two male specimens and another girl I hadn't met before. It involved lots of dancing and a veeeeeeeeeeery late bedtime of 6:15am. But it was totes worth it :) Since then, I've been working and seeing friends. Oh and my friend and I found an awesome flat for next year too which is exciting!

Seeing as it's a new year and all, I have a few resolutions I want to see through this year, which are...

• Do really well academically seeing as it's my final (and most important!) year
• Get into the habit of eating really healthily. Three meals a day, everyday. Had a mean convo with a close friend about this the other day, and there are things that can defs be improved. Here's to making this year the one where I finally kick those unhealthy habits!
• Keep up regular exercise.
• Be more social, and make more friends!
• Become more self-confident....somehow...
• Go to more gigs!
• Blog more! And maybe get to 10 followers? Tehehe

So these are pretty generic and boring, but they're the ones that I really want to improve on. And finally, I want to keep this in mind (as I tend to care about looks and be superficial way too much, bad ae..!).....................


What are your resolutions?
xx

Joyeux Noel

Merry Christmas everyone!! I hope you all have a lovely time with friends and family, and don't have to work. Thanks for reading!! Best wishes for 2012 also :)
xx

On my mind

Friends - a cycle? new ones drift in and old ones drift out? I'm beginning to believe this.
Work - pretty much living there atm, but enjoying it more lately, and one friend knows why ;) Love making new friends here too.
Excitement - Thursday night...........eeeep! and seeing twinnies again! and being invited to a wedding!
Family - can't wait to see you over xmas!!
Xmas - eek, too soon!
Exercise - wish I had time to do more!

Watched Chalet Girl last night, was pretty cute! But saw this trailer, and must must must watch it with dear emma when it comes out:

Johnny Depp = simply amazing.

xx

Oh Summer

The weekend just past was a very happy one for me, filled with people, places and things I love.
So I don't bore you, here is a condensed version of what I did: turkish, book sale, coffee, work (12-11), sleep, farmers market, Napier, walks along beach/seafront, perusing delis and other delicious shops, cafe lunch, grandma, coffee with grandma, reading, downton abbey, sleeeeeeeeep. Bliss.
It was very close to perfect. If a few other people had been included, and work wasn't on, it most definitely would have been. A few snaps from my weekend:

 

Possibly the cutest cafe I have ever seen, it's tucked away behind a big steel building so it's quite a little gem! I must visit it at some point this summer.


Nom nom. Hope you had a great weekend lovelies!
xx