Monday, March 30, 2009

camp

So last week I was getting all crafty on it as we had brownie camp on the weekend. The theme was pirates and we had lots of great activities planned around this. I wanted to share some of the things we did.
Firstly I want to say I have forgotten how much girls actually love pink. I one cabin there was a whole line on sweet pink gumboots lined up at the doorway. Also I have never eaten so many marshmallows, (marshmallow surprise for dessert, marshmallows on fruit kebabs, marshmallows at camp fire) and may I point out also pink.When we first arrived the girls had to get into their sixes by finding their personal key that was hanging in the tree. Each key was colour coded and therefore split the group into six groups. These are the groups the bunked with and did activities with. I had forgotten what it was like to be on camp and have passwords to enter cabins, roll calls to ensure everyone was present, be able to stay up all night (without any aid from substances) and giggle and chat about rubbish, some may argue that some things never change.
The girls made pirate flags for their six. I forgot what it was like to be a child; where the most important thing is to write your name and big and as bold as you can, dot your ‘i’s with love hearts and then of course write underneath who you love. How did I forget that! So many of the girls have ‘boyfriends’ and it’s so scary to hear them already fighting over them for their affection. I hate to say it girls but this is one thing that will not change!
I also had forgotten how carefree you are as a child. I mean don’t get me wrong I’m a pretty care free kinda-girl (some may say too carefree but I beg to differ) but as I sat and watched one little girl pick up a pen and draw a pirate monkey straight from her imagination, no worrying about if she was going to make a mistake, it made me realise how much of my playfulness I keep inside me on a day to day level. I vowel to spend more time drawing and crafting... and I really need to scrape book more!
Crafts! We made treasure chests, parrots (sorry I didn’t get any photos of these but they looked amazing!) and of course treasure to go in them. I really liked this purple and gold sword that Maree from Island Bay did, it looks very royal like. I can imagine a princess owning a sword like this! The glitter key necklaces I put together also worked out really well, some girls found it easier than others of course but they loved them.

On the last day we did an activity called Guides Own. It’s basically a little service to pay respect to the founders of guiding and to be thankful for what we have. While this is the most boring part of brownies when you are a child, it’s one of those things you look back on and are grateful that the leaders made you do it. I think it is a good wholesome task that puts you in good stead for the years ahead, reminding you to take time out and smile at yourself, as the world and everything in it is much bigger than you.
Anyway after the ceremony the leaders stood in the middle of the ring holding balloons with streams attached. The girls came into the middle and took the balloons back, reforming their outer ring. The idea being that the leaders are like the Captain of the ship. They lead everyone through the adventure and keep the team together, we are all connected through the captain and therefore are all connected together as a unit. I’m not sure the girls really got the point but they did have fun running around with the streamers and balloons, and the wind really helped!


One afternoon the girls made sail boats and we sailed them down the stream. The water was freezing so I watched from the bridge. But I loved it as the area was so Neverland like; bridges, fallen trees used to cross the stream, floating ships and streams of sunshine, the girls looked like the little lost boys (except they were girls) and Tinkabells wondering through the forest. They were so sweet and their ships were so creative! I’m actually thinking of bouncing some ideas off them when it comes to brainstorming projects for the office.

Other out comes from camp for me were:
a) It will be a while before I have children and I’m not sure I want as many as I thought. But I guess I was never considering having 50 either. But children have no sense of personal space, are extremely time consuming, have no common sense and have extremely short attention spans. Good bye Sunday brunches, goodbye privacy, basically goodbye life as I know it. Then again I guess it’s different when they are your own and it’s a gradual process... hum.
b) How fun and care free it is to be a child. I really want to embrace and reclaim some of my childhood moments and thoughts. Though it is important to remember to move forward rather than being pulled back by the past I think it is important to retain some of your playfulness that so many of us loose without realising.
c) Life is one big adventure! We never really grow up, things actually aren’t as complicated as we think and really they are exactly the same as they were in the playground. We just like to think they are more complicated and scary because they make us feel more important. I of course don’t do drama so of course this doesn’t apply to me  But, just though I should point it out for all you others out there. Smile and enjoy it xxx

Thanks for camp both leaders and girls. I had a great time and am excited for the year ahead and our next adventure.

tuesday crunch


Today was a hard one as there were so many sweet photos on page 254 today. But I had to make a decision and I cho cho choose this one. I think I was drawn to it because of my weekend at brownie camp. It reminds me of the fun we had running through the bush, playing in the stream and running around the field with streamers and balloons. I will put some picures up soon.
Oh how fun it is to be a child, your biggest concern being what color balloon you get, or what shoes to wear. I guess some things never change ;-)


SOURCE: weheartit

a dream land

I’m very jealous that spring has broken on the other side of the world and they have left winter behind. Look at these beautiful photos from The Cherry Blossom Girl, it’s like a dream land.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

upswept hair


I love summer as a) it's warm and b) my hair is low maintance and loves the sea salt. Upswept hair and sunbathing, oh how i will miss you.
SOURCE: {aglamourouslittlesideproject}

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

a weekend of adventure


This weekend I’m going on Brownie camp with the girls. Our theme is pirates and I’m ever so excited as this is another chance to dress up and be childish. Not being much of an adventure/camping kind of girl my activity is crafts and so I’m making pirate jewllery. I was so stoked to get keys from the Brooklyn Lock smith for free. During the weekend I did a few keys to see which would work best and it looks like the fine glitter from the Warehouse was the way to go. After this I got a little carried away and started making team symbols for the groups; bones, pirate ships, palm trees, anchors, chest locks and swords. I hope the girls have as much fun as I did...

We are also doing lots of other fun pirate like things; making treasure chests (bellow), having camp fires, treasure hunts and making sail-boat, as well as abseiling, kayaking and flying foxing which will be very in the spirit. Throughout the weekend there will also be gold nuggets to find. At the end of camp the girls can exchange these for chocolate coins, oooh the fun!
It will be an extremely fun weekend, though the weather isn’t looking it’s best and with no cell phone reception, and therefore no internet access with being at the back of Wainuomata I am a little worried. However I’m sure there will be plenty of things to keep myself busy.

this has made my day



I would be completly annoyed if this happened to me, but really if you can't laugh at yourself what's the point.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

i am the other woman...


While I feel bad about this I am rather excited as well. Today it was revealed that Slice Blog has a new crush and it is me! What a special little lady I am. I must admit I do feel bad for Daydream Lily but as they mention in this post they still have a place for her in their heart.

Slice Blog was started to promote and encourage diversity in the arts and culture in Canada. They feature a range of posts including lists of 80’s and 90’s tv shows, appreciating the magnificence of nature, celebrating St Paddy’s day as well as sharing their procrastination techniques such as looking into the “Great Unsolved Mysteries in Candia History.”

I think i find a connection with Slice because they are Canadian. I have always had a soft spo tfor the Canadian culture and Slice are by far no exception.

Eat your heart out people.

playful


A lovely little post from the cherry blossom girl.
But as summer enters her world it leaves mine :-(

Monday, March 23, 2009

just so dam honest


Last night was one of my co-girl guide leader’s last night as she is off organising the final touches to her weeding before she gets married in a few weeks.

I got the girls to all write a card that we gave to her last night. When I went to add my bit I couldn’t help but laugh at a few of the star words of encouragement and advice the girls gave for Rainbow Owl’s big day.

“I hope you eat lots of cake”
and
“Have a great Wedding Rainbow Owl; I hope ya don’t get dumped!”.

Hahaha, I love these kids, they are great and just so dam honest. I’m very much looking forward to going on camp with them this weekend! I can’t wait to hear some of these classic calls
, though being out of cell phone coverage with only girls to talk to might be a struggle.

Rainbow Owl we will all miss you at our meets over the next month. Good luck for your special day we will be thinking of you and Mr Rainbow. xxx


SOURCE: weheart it

Monday, March 16, 2009

pg 254


Quickly my picture from pg 254 for this week.
Basically, because I’m in this romantic type of mood.

a pocket of my heart









So on Sunday I spent a good ¾ of the day in front of the television recovering from homegrown. (Which I would just like to say was great as I never seem to have time to just sit and watch rubbish anymore). It seems that it was a bit of 17th century theme going on with docos, films and even reality television series all featuring this time period. Marie Antoinette was featured amongst these. While I found the story slow moving and long (largely due to the lack of sleep) I was taken aback by the beautiful costumes, set designs and props. How exquisite, the French really do know how to live in style. And of course this is how it should be, they were royalty. While many may have found the lavish decoration over the top I was in love.

Layers upon layers of gathered materials and French lace, patterned and textured floraled papers lined the walls with freezers of creams and golds, marble slabs decked the hallways, big hairstyles with curls, feathers and freshly picked flowers and pastries, meats and pyramids of champagne featured at every occasion.

If I could open my heart there is a section in it that would aesthetically* look like scenes from this movie. I just want to climb into the television screen and roll around the set absorbing everything I touch into my heart and soul. Oh how I wish I could get my hands on a time machine and go back to this period. Well only if I was rich and the future Queen of France that is! I’m not so found on being a peasant during this period. Ha!

* Actually it reminds me of these that I made this Christmas.

so maybe daydreaming does pay off


Last week my mind was a magnet. When I started thinking about things they started to pop up all over the place. It was rather scary but exciting at the same time! I mentioned in this post that I should start day dreaming of dreamy men... and who would have thought that this weekend I was surrounded by them! Oh the options! Of course there was always the pick of the bunch. Aaahhh I will continue to day dream away, maybe summer will come back! I am such a believer of surrounding one’s self with positive thoughts and positive things will surround you for sure.

Happy day dreams my lovelies. x


SOURCE: weheartit

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

see what i mean


When I think about one thing it surrounds me. The attack of the Macaroons! Maybe I need to venture out more and expand my social virtual groups... But it does make me think that I should start day dreaming more often! Starting with dreamy men who can pick me up and carry me away into the sunset, ahhh, a girl can dream

IMAGE SOURCE: the tea drinking English rose.

i'm too excited!


This weekend is homegrown!!! Yay, I’m so excited about this weekend. I have family and friends (new and old) coming from around the country to this event and it’s looking like Friday will be just as big as Saturday!

Yesterday my friend Lizzie described her excitement as “fizzing”. With this little picture to help express her excitement, I must say that today I must agree.

Homegrown only started last year but took over from x-air. Last year we owned it staying in the electronic tent most of the day. But this year there are so many things to see and I can see a bit of stage hoping going on.

Must sees are: Kora, State of Mind, Tiki, Dick Johnson, Tim Phin and of course ending up with good old shapeshifter, bringing the crew together despite where we have all wondered off to during the day. Check out the timetable so make sure you print it off and circle your musts. See you there.

I secretly hope everyone feels like cranking hard afterwards with the after party at shed 6 and samies line up on the cards. This is going to be my last big weekend for a while so I will defiantly making the most!


You can also find all these guys on last fm. So put on the headphones and crank away for the next few days, it will definatly put you in high spirits!

simply elegant

I must have weddings on the mind this morning. But I couldn’t resist these cakes. The top decorations, hand crafted with glass beads and Swarovski crystals. Simply elegant and ever so sweet.

SOURCE: {this is glamorous}

attention to detail



This is a side of India I don't really think about. So beautiful and decroative. A friend of mine said thatshe would love to have an Indian Wedding, i never really saw the attraction, but i can see how it would be rather sweet.

SOURCE: design* sponge

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

a girly flick



A must see girly flick for a hung over, winter, sunday afternoon with the flat mates.

SOURCE: decor8

hats in all shapes and sizes

Last weekend I spent time in the Hawkes Bay visiting a friend. I just love things that are old things from the past decades and Napier is well known for the art deco period. So we couldn’t resit popping into a few antique shops and having a squiz around. The jewellery, gloves and bits and pieces, so much to take in! However this time it was the hats that took my fancy! Here are a few of our favourites (to come, as they are up on my friend’s camera in the bay).

It reminded me of all the hat pins my Nana gave us earlier in the year. My Nana use to be make all her own dresses, hats, shoes and handbags so I have been completely inspired to her to teach me some of the tricks of the trade so I can make my own hats! Watch this space!

I was disappointed to find out that the week before they had a whole week celebrating it. The main occasion being the long lunch. How fun it would have been to dress up to the nines and dine at the250 meter long dining table by the sea side.

It’s funny how you seem to attract a particular thing all at once. Today I see Hannah + London has a post “i hat it when”. Ha, great minds...





Monday, March 9, 2009

pg 254


This is my chosen image from page 254. I have noticed that macaroons have been popping up all over the place at the moment. However I have gone to track down my Macaroon image collection and it seems to have disappeared... I feel that these delectable treats have lead people into temptation and the batch has slowly disappeared...
Yesterday I was at my family home so couldn’t resist doing some baking. 2 Sultana cakes ( my brother’s favourite), a chocolate cake and 2 batches of tan square; my favourite. I can’t wait to get home and get into some yummy baking. However I do have a 3 course dinner with my flat mates tonight so it will only be a sneaky piece or two... Happy Tuesday people.


SOURCE: weheatit

Thursday, March 5, 2009

so beautiful

"Lucky" Official Video With Colbie Caillat


My dear friend Shroom came across this video the other day. It she is (may I quote) "soo in love with this song at the moment, it's beautiful". Happy friendday my lovely friends. You are the things that keep on giving to my wonderful life.
xxx

newtown festival


Newtown Festival: Fair Day (4:45 min.) from Justine Flanagan on Vimeo.

Newtown festival is in this Sunday! I won’t be here as I’m heading up to Hawkes Bay to see mu dear friend juic. If you do pop along look out for my girl guides as they have just started their annual appeal; selling biscuits. Good luck girls.