Giveaway!

To see July off with a bang, I've decided to have a giveaway on my blog!

Up for grabs is this lovely button brooch with Czech glass flowers, silver accents and a glass leaf - just the thing to brighten up your winter wardrobe (if you're in the Southern Hemisphere right now!) or to match your summer wardrobe (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere!).

All you have to do to be in in with a chance of winning it is leave a comment on my blog (don't forget to make sure there's a way for me to contact you if you DO win!). I'll do the draw this time next week (6 August - NZ Time - that's 5 August if you live in the USA/UK/Europe!) via random number generator, and will post it off to you as soon as I get your address.

So, spread the word, and good luck everyone!

~A

** PLEASE REMEMBER TO LEAVE ME A WAY TO CONTACT YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE A COMMENT!! ALOT OF THE COMMENTS BELOW EITHER HAVE NO EMAIL ADDRESS OR THE PROFILE IS NOT ACTIVATED SO I CAN'T REPLY OR CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN :( **

My Favourite Ring

You know what? One of my favourite jewellery peices EVER is this ring:

Willie bought it for me in a jewellers shop on the Royal Mile, just down from Edinburgh Castle (or just up the road from Holyrood House - depends which way you look at it), a few weeks before we left Scotland to come home to New Zealand.

To be fair, I chose it myself (never leaving anything to chance!). It's made from Scottish gold and was designed by Orkney designer Ola Gorie. It's called the "Eilean Donan ring" - the text is in Gaelic and reads: My Love Is Upon You.

You may or may not know that Eilean Donan Castle was the castle used in the "Highlander" movie, as home of Clan McLeod (which is actually Dunvegan Castle and is on the Isle of Skye - nowhere near Eilean Donan Castle...the magic of Hollywood!).

Despite having many, many (...many!) rings, this is one I wear alot. I just love the sentiment :)

~A

Karnivool are coming to town!

Auckland-town that is :)

Yep, my cousin Steve's band, Karnivool, are in Auckland for one night only (September 19th). For venue details and ticket sales, just CLICK HERE.

(Steve's the one in the white t-shirt).

I'm so excited, it's kinda ridiculous :) Can't wait!

I've been giving their latest album "Sound Awake" some major play-time via my iPod recently, and it just keeps getting better.

Now, if only I could get Our Lady Peace and Pearl Jam to organise a gig here too (together would be even better!), I'd be as happy as a pig in the proverbial.

But, back to Karnivool. According to Eventfinder:

"Perth Quintet Karnivool dares to occupy a genre no other Australian band risks: progressive hard rock. Unlike prog rock masters Pink Floyd or King Crimson, their variety encompasses the atmosphere of Tool, emotional weight of the Butterfly Effect and a glint of Queenryche grandiosity.

Karnivool have just been certified gold for sales in Australia of their latest album "Sound Awake" released June 5 2009. After sold out shows in Australia and supported by the dramatic theatrics of Battle Circus and the full on rock of These Four Walls, this will be one monster of a night not to miss!"

“Sound Awake is the bands finest work to date, an ambitious exploration of sound that borders on sheer genius” - Faster Louder – May 2009

Maybe I'll see you there!

~A

Solution to Crafter's Block

Y'know, sometimes no matter how much you feel you SHOULD be creative, it just won't come. I spent all weekend going from one project to another, but nothing (and I mean nothing) would gel. It nearly had me tearing my hair out in frustration. But...that's the way things go sometimes. The family ducked for cover as the four letter words started flying...

So, in the face of such adversity, what's a crafty girl to do?

The best thing is to just WALK AWAY and leave it for another day (not one of my specialties, I have to admit - I'm the "push and push until you get it" type). Maybe it was the weather (it was pretty crappy all weekend), but I did actually manage to walk away (and was glad I did - the "not gelling" thing was truly messing with my head). I ended up listening to alot of music and doing a little creative writing instead (which was really fun - it's been ages since I've done anything like that).

I also managed to squeeze in some housework. Oh joy.

Anyway, here's a sample of what was on my iPod all weekend...I know. What can I say: I have kinda eclectic taste in music :)















So...here endeth the lesson :)

~A

Precious Handmade Treasures

I popped home during the day today to grab some stuff for my Mum (one of the great things about working 5 minutes away from home!) and got the loveliest of suprises!

Apparently, my birthday wasn't yet over...this beautiful collage was in my mailbox, along with a lovely card from Karley! I was so touched - as I think I've said before here, handmade gifts are so special to me, they really do touch my heart. And this amazing collage that Karley has made for me is no exception...


Isn't it gorgeous? It is loaded with symbolism which I will keep just between myself and Karley for now (although I'm sure some of it you can work out for yourselves!). It truly is a treasure and so inspirational - I have it situated in pride of place in my studio, for all to see :)


THANK YOU Karley - you really are a special person and I'm so grateful to have you as a friend. YOU ROCK!

I also found a new home for Verna's handmade shell heart - it just adds that "certain something" to my "heart wall", dontcha think? Gorgeous!

I just wish my "heart wall" was bit bigger...I'm running out of space - aargh! Disaster! LOL

Thank you to everyone who passed on their birthday wishes (in whichever way!) - I'm so grateful :)

~A

Birthday's ROCK!

Happy birthday to me :)

Yes, today I celebrated my birthday. And boy, did I celebrate! Was woken up by Willie and the kids and PRESSIES IN BED (I love that!) and handmade cards from the kids (awwww - so love handmade cards - and this year the kids went OTT and made me SEVEN OF THEM!! LOL).

Dropped the kids off at Mum's (whose turn it was to babysit today - school holidays) and got my pressies from Mum and Dad too - so spoilt!

Then into work, where I had lovely pressies waiting for me (thanks Verna, and Nanna and Grandad!).

Then I had a lovely family lunch at work, which was great :) Then it was home to Noeline's homecooked meal which the whole family got to enjoy, not just me! Menu consisted of pea and pesto soup, roasted beef with "Noeline's special mashed potato" and various other gorgeous foods that I can't even begin to name (only because I don't know what she made!) but we loved it - ALL of it! Even the gorgeous Bailey's-laced chocolate/jam/cream roll - mmmmmmmm!

So, I'm feeling abit like a poisoned pup just now :)

Possum and merino gloves, shell heart, Quilting book, my favourite perfume (Tocade), a red watch, a Marilyn Monroe watch, a vase, a handbag and a gorgeous handmade card :)

This gorgeous shell heart was handmade for me by Verna, with shells she collected herself. I love it! Handmade gifts are so precious to me.

Audrey Hepburn 4 piece teaset, red glass plate and the HUGEST birthday card I've received for awhile (from my Mum and Dad - resplendent with cupcakes - they know me so well!!).

The gorgeous handmade card from Noeline :) She has included all the things I love: fashion (pink and green - my colours!!), Audrey Hepburn, and Paris (on the back!). Fantastic quotes she has written inside include: "There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girls complexion" and "Let me tell you something Mister - if I had her money, I'd be richer than she is". And my personal favourite - a quote from my favourite movie, "Breakfast at Tiffanys": "Personally, I think it's abit tacky to wear diamonds before I'm 40". Oh, she knows me sooooo well!

A close-up of one of the cup and saucer sets featuring Audrey Hepburn (from my Mum and Dad). Again: they know me so well!

The table Mum set for my birthday dinner...she told Georgia (who was "Head Assistant" that they had to "make it pretty, cos Mummy loves pretty things"). Awww.... :)

Mum and Dad's dog, Merty, watches on while they "do" the table...

The kids and I, pre-dinner.

Mum, Cammie and I (photo by Georgia), pre-dinner...

Noeline's "icing on the cake" - I have no idea what it was called, but all you need to know is that it was laced with copious amounts of Baileys, chocolate, cream and jam. And it was DELISH!! Thanks Noeline - you're the best!

Ah...I do love birthdays :) Bring on next year!

~A

Rhys Darby = Funny Guy

This ad is my FAVOURITE on TV at the moment (thank God someone finally uploaded it onto YouTube!!). Rhys Darby just cracks me up - every time!



~A

Showcase: Collage Artist - Karley Johns

Recently, I was lucky enough to chat with Wellington collage artist Karley Johns. What a lovely person she is - and also, what amazing talent! She has a wicked sense of humour too - which I think shows in some of her work.

Here are some examples:

Karley is currently working towards an exhibition, hopefully at the end of this year - I'll keep you posted!

In the meantime, if you like what you see, email Karley for further details :)

I support Kiwi artists and encourage you to "buy New Zealand made!" when it comes to artwork. Help support our thriving handmade community!!

~A

Too cute!

Mum got a belated birthday present yesterday - a set of gorgeous, handmade Russian "Matryoshka" dolls. Aren't they gorgeous?

Just look at the detail - even on the tiniest doll!

Too cute not to share :)

~A

Reclusive Millionaire? Disgraced Financier?

Or maybe:

Shy Celebrity? Witness Protection Programme? What about Entrepreneur?

Well, have I got the property for you! It's not often I pimp out my day job on my blog, but man, we have an awesome property for sale at the moment that's just soooo worth pimping on here!

This property is unbelievably only 88kms (that's under an hour's drive, people) from Opotiki and - wow! It's Pacific Coast Macadamia's right now, but look at the potential of this property - and the views - the VIEWS! Paradise!

It's 2.5639 hectares of paradise, people! At the gorgeous Whanarua Bay. And at a cool NZ$1.6m, a real steal (seriously - the potential of this property is HUGE!). Just sayin'.

So, if you know someone who may be interested, just contact Opotiki Realty and we'll sort you out :)

~A

SALE!!

I have a sale on my website but once a year - the week before my birthday :)

So, until midnight (NZ time) on 15 July 2009, there is a massive 20% off all necklaces and bracelets on the website.

Happy birthday to me - and you too :D

~A

Bead Swap pics are in!

About 6 weeks ago (give or take, I forget now) I participated in another Beadhive Diva's bead swap (our 9th, would you believe!). This one was themed "raindrops".

Once again, we had to send off a specific number and colour of beads (clear or crystal, 6 beads total, including one focal bead) to our bead swap buddy. Then we were to make whatever we wanted with the beads we received from our buddy, and this time we were allowed to add whatever we wanted in order to complete the design (the rules differ for each swap).

Well, being the purist that I am, I made myself stick to the original bead swap rules (because I think they challenge me the most) and (except for about 4 filler beads in the chain) I didn't add a single bead to my swap piece :) I'm really proud of this, because it makes you think outside the square and it's great for problem-solving! Good training.

Anyway, the beads that I received from my buddy weren't exactly "clear/crystal" but they were gorgeous all the same, I'm sure you'll agree. And there were alot more than 6!
And this is the beautiful necklace I made with them:

And here's a close-up on the centrepiece:



I'm going to put it on the website with next week's batch, so look out for it then :)

I'm organising the next one - and I have a doozy planned...join us if you dare! Email me before 14th July to be in on it :)

~A

Recipe and News

Tomorrow night, we shall be feasting on Lamb Shanks. One of our favourites in this house! My Mum used to make them when we were kids, and now I make them for our kids. I'll share the highly complex recipe with you (if you promise not to tell - shhhhhhhhh....).

Ingredients:

4 lamb shanks (or knuckles, as they're sometimes called)
1 pkt of powdered Onion Soup mix (we use the Maggi one, but Pams is just as good)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp Paprika

Method:

1. Put the lamb shanks into a crock pot/slow cooker.
2. Mix the brown sugar, Paprika and soup mix together and sprinkle over the top.
3. Switch the crock pot/slow cooker onto "Low" for 8-9 hours.

That's it!

We serve with fresh veges and mashed potatoes, but you can serve them with whatever you like. You don't have to add any water or liquid of any sort as the lamb will cook in it's own juices - and believe me on this, it is YUM! The meat literally FALLS off the bone - nothing beats it :) I prepare it before I head off to work in the morning (it takes but a minute, after all) and then, when I walk in the door after work, it's all done! I just need to cook the spuds and throw on some veges - hey presto, instant yummy!

Remember - keep it to yourselves...

As to what else I've been up to, well I've been waiting for the webhost to fix my site as I couldn't add any new pics (hence, no new items) until today, so have been updating the website tonight.

And watching the first episode of "Fringe" here on TV in NZ. Really enjoyed it - very "X Files", I have to say, which is not altogether a bad thing. Looking forward to seeing how it progresses. The only thing that puts me off is that TVNZ, in their infinite wisdom, managed to stretch a (probably) one hour show into 1hr 45mins with seemingly ENDLESS ad breaks...I kid you not, we had an ad break at 10pm and another at 10.05pm! And so it went on...bloody annoying and totally unneccesary. Stuff like that peeves me off no end.

We also had some great news at the end of last week - Karnivool's second CD "Sound Awake" (that I talked about here) went GOLD! Yahoo! Well done guys! Very exciting!

Willie and I have just finished watching series 2 of classic kiwi drama/comedy "Outrageous Fortune". Absolutely brilliant! We're now awaiting delivery of the series 3 DVD's...very impatiently.

And in honour of Outrageous Fortune, here's the theme song - the classic "Gutter Black" by iconic kiwi band Hello Sailor:

Enjoy! And - if you decide to give the lamb shanks recipe a bash, let me know what you think of it!

~A