tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65307147312961046432024-03-13T16:41:40.898+13:00belle and roseLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07269723902046829598noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-15910353045892403552012-06-09T19:51:00.000+12:002012-06-09T19:51:00.664+12:00The Pastry Monthly!<div style="text-align: justify;">
By now, I'm sure my regular readers would have figured that I have a sweet tooth. Some may have even noticed my particular weakness for pastries. I have them once or twice a week, usually as a treat during the weekends. </div>
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I have them so regularly that I've decided to have monthly posts on my pastry indulgence - a post dedicated to all the yummy pastries I have throughout the month. Just 'cause I feel like it ;).</div>
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Soooo:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87M-CFn2BlM/T8xgw-J0soI/AAAAAAAAABE/-6Lrm_jKCDU/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87M-CFn2BlM/T8xgw-J0soI/AAAAAAAAABE/-6Lrm_jKCDU/s640/002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Chocolate Pistachio from Simply Paris which is based at Dixon Street, with stalls set up at the Harbourside Market, Chaffers Docks Market on Sundays and the Farmers' Market up at Thorndon on Saturday mornings<br /><br />My review: Yummy! Chocolatey with a hint of pistachio - more pistachio would be nicer :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9hf2ATxePM/T8xhGTepbxI/AAAAAAAAABU/hi9ibwshTVA/s1600/001-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9hf2ATxePM/T8xhGTepbxI/AAAAAAAAABU/hi9ibwshTVA/s640/001-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Some sort of custard pastry (the name escapes my mind at the moment!) from Brezelmania based on Jackson Street, Petone and a stall set up at Chaffer Docks Market<br /><br />My review: Slightly disappointing - the pastry was not as soft as I would have liked it be :(<br />I've tried Brezelmania's berry pastry before, and that was pretty good. Maybe I just picked out the wrong one that day? Regardless of this rather disappointing experience, I'll definitely be trying Brezelmania's other danishes the next time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kC6FTlGet1Y/T8xiuQufCcI/AAAAAAAAABs/BXXm6_Zro5U/s1600/030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kC6FTlGet1Y/T8xiuQufCcI/AAAAAAAAABs/BXXm6_Zro5U/s640/030.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Pain au chocolat with custard and meringue from Moore Wilson's delivered from Bordeaux Bakery. <br />Bordeaux bakeries are at Thorndon Quay, Featherson St (Lambton Quay) and The Terrace (Lambton Quay).<br /><br />My review: I know I can never go wrong with Bordeaux Bakery - everything there is top notch, including this beautiful pain au chocolat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtw7i8dab-Y/T8xhahkBRQI/AAAAAAAAABc/Q2LHhFxh6Y4/s1600/002-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtw7i8dab-Y/T8xhahkBRQI/AAAAAAAAABc/Q2LHhFxh6Y4/s640/002-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Almond croissant with custard and meringue - a variation of the pain au chocolat above, and also baked at Bordeaux Bakery.<br /><br />When my sister visited me at Wellington a month ago, she bought this while I was at work. I was taken aback by the price of one croissant ($5.50), but once I tried it, I could not tear myself away!<br />My review: Money worth spent on Bordeaux's indulgent pastries and danishes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9kpxDysPyM/T8xhjkEHTyI/AAAAAAAAABk/kLOFULlNrZQ/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9kpxDysPyM/T8xhjkEHTyI/AAAAAAAAABk/kLOFULlNrZQ/s640/005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Delicious!</td></tr>
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<br />Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07269723902046829598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-68894077258390856692012-06-05T20:38:00.000+12:002012-06-05T20:38:00.656+12:00Pancakes!I have a great weakness for pancakes (and anything sweet for that matter).<br />
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Eating out can be pricey, and a plate of pancakes can cost about $13 - $18. Adding bacon to the pancakes sometimes costs and additional $4.00! This always leaves me grimacing a little. So I thought of actually making some of myself, and started browsing for some good recipes.</div>
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I'm not a great cook, but these yummy recipes sure are tempting!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://karinemoniqui.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Crepes_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://karinemoniqui.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Crepes_1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://karinemoniqui.com/2011/09/12/des-pancakes-en-francais-et-en-anglais/">Almond milk pancakes, topped with blackberries compote</a></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8qWIwpiMBQ/TzQh7cIQFjI/AAAAAAAABdE/mMlkENB5LPo/s1600/CP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8qWIwpiMBQ/TzQh7cIQFjI/AAAAAAAABdE/mMlkENB5LPo/s640/CP.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegalleygourmet.net/2012/02/chocolate-pancakes.html">Chocolate pancakes</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6853921353_8a1f6c2641_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6853921353_8a1f6c2641_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pastryaffair.com/blog/2012/2/12/cappuccino-pancakes-with-mocha-syrup.html">Cappuccino pancakes with mocha syrup</a><br />
This is one which I would really love to try (but will my lack of ability in baking / cooking disappoint me?)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/7282912666_2fc8021d43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/7282912666_2fc8021d43.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.girlversusdough.com/2012/05/28/meatless-monday-brown-sugar-walnut-pancakes/">Brown sugar walnut pancakes</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9KkQkVdcfg/T7KEmB5XDrI/AAAAAAAAB4M/GizrDh6eqxU/s400/banana+bread+pancakes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9KkQkVdcfg/T7KEmB5XDrI/AAAAAAAAB4M/GizrDh6eqxU/s640/banana+bread+pancakes3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cookingclassy.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/banana-bread-pancakes-with-cinnamon.html?utm_source=bp_recent&utm-medium=gadget&utm_campaign=bp_recent">Banana bread pancakes with walnuts</a></td></tr>
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Do you love pancakes too? :)</div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07269723902046829598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-74851458375031461652012-05-30T16:34:00.000+12:002012-05-30T20:04:52.070+12:00Whoopie<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6045623989_323bec0389_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6045623989_323bec0389_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.acupofmai.com/2011/08/peanut-butter-whoopie-pies.html" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I remember my mum buying a book from Book Depository about a year ago. I can't remember the name of the book, but it was a recipe book on how to bake different types of Whoopie Pies. I had to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whoopie_pie" target="_blank">Wiki</a> "Whoopie Pies" as I had no idea what they were. Till this day, I haven't had the opportunity to try one yet, but I assume that they are similar in texture and taste to cakes.</span></div>
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They come in all kinds of flavours, and they all look heavenly to me. Can you tell that I have a super sweet tooth?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/peppermint-whoopie-pies-2-550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/peppermint-whoopie-pies-2-550.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/12/15/peppermint-whoopie-pies/" target="_blank">Peppermint Whoopie Pie</a></td></tr>
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If you would like to try bake some, click on the any of the caption to the images on this post. The links will take you to different blogs and websites that have generously provided great recipes for all to try!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5432052421_ef605262be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5432052421_ef605262be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.co.nz/2011/02/red-velvet-whoopie-pies.html" target="_blank">Red Velvet Whoopie Pies</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.brittanypowell.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/4.30.12whoopie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.brittanypowell.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/4.30.12whoopie2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.brittanypowell.com/food-i-make/matcha-chocolate-whoopie-pies/" target="_blank">Matcha Chocolate Whoopie Pies</a></td></tr>
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If you can't bake or are too lazy to bake (I fall into both categories) and live within the Auckland area (unfortunately, I'm not within this group), you can consider visiting or ordering online from <a href="http://www.whoopie.co.nz/" target="_blank">Whoopie</a>. I haven't tried their whoopie pies before, and if you ever do, please share a review!</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-56623252125295889512012-05-28T21:25:00.000+12:002012-05-28T21:25:00.945+12:00Orla KielySo my sister actually went out to Uniqlo to get for me an Orla Kiely top!<br />
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It wasn't the one I wanted (I think she made a mistake), but it's still an awesome top! And it was half priced, so it was only NZD 15!<br />
Yay!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zTfSaW5XxLo/T8NCLr0yE4I/AAAAAAAAAAM/QghfMUcAtr8/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zTfSaW5XxLo/T8NCLr0yE4I/AAAAAAAAAAM/QghfMUcAtr8/s640/photo+(6).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top from Uniqlo!</td></tr>
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After the excitement of seeing the top that is awaiting for me at Kuala Lumpur, I decided to find more Orla Kiely items I'm coveting for.<br />
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These are some of my favourites:
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<a href="http://www.orlakiely.com/assets/www.orlakiely.com/store/big/12SW-GWF954-Navy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.orlakiely.com/assets/www.orlakiely.com/store/big/12SW-GWF954-Navy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.orlakiely.com/uk.cfm/accessories/scarves/12SW-GWF954/19063/Navy/">Giant Wallflower Scarf</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.orlakiely.com/assets/www.orlakiely.com/store/big/00XP-MST029-MULTI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.orlakiely.com/assets/www.orlakiely.com/store/big/00XP-MST029-MULTI.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.orlakiely.com/uk.cfm/bags/for%20apple/00XP-MST029/16052/Multi/">Apple Multi Stem Shoulder Bag</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.orlakiely.com/assets/www.orlakiely.com/store/big/00XH-STP001-Olive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.orlakiely.com/assets/www.orlakiely.com/store/big/00XH-STP001-Olive.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.orlakiely.com/uk.cfm/house/garden/00XH-STP001/19676/Olive/">Striped Petal Flask</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.orlakiely.com/assets/www.orlakiely.com/store/big/00XP-RAD001-BLUE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.orlakiely.com/assets/www.orlakiely.com/store/big/00XP-RAD001-BLUE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.orlakiely.com/uk.cfm/house/living/00XP-RAD001/16714/Blue/">Evoke Mio Radio</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.orlakiely.com/assets/www.orlakiely.com/store/big/12SW-CRE756-Pebble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.orlakiely.com/assets/www.orlakiely.com/store/big/12SW-CRE756-Pebble.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.orlakiely.com/uk.cfm/clothing/dresses/12SW-CRE756/18639/Pebble/">Dancing Girl Sundress</a></td></tr>
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I really (REALLY) love the sundress. But it's unfortunately quite pricey :(.Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07269723902046829598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-6362792149420296732012-05-25T16:31:00.000+12:002012-05-25T16:31:00.313+12:00Iko IkoI love <a href="http://www.ikoiko.co.nz/" target="_blank">Iko Iko</a>, a really cute store selling really cute things.<br />
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I always pass by the store when I return from work, and I try to stop by as frequent as possible without the salesperson recognising me ;).<br />
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Some things I'm coveting from the store:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/9552/products/HEAXCPINK_grande.jpeg?111528" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/9552/products/HEAXCPINK_grande.jpeg?111528" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ikoiko.co.nz/collections/homewares/products/siliconeheartbakingmould" target="_blank">Silicone Heart Baking Mould</a>, NZD 24.90</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/9552/products/9420034551681_grande.jpg?111528" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ikoiko.co.nz/products/cittaniwamug" target="_blank">Citta Niwa Mug</a>, NZD 16.90</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/9552/products/Letter_pressed_cookie_stamps2_grande.jpg?111528" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/9552/products/Letter_pressed_cookie_stamps2_grande.jpg?111528" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ikoiko.co.nz/collections/homewares/products/letterpressedcookiecutterset" target="_blank">Fred's Letter Pressed Cookie Cutter</a> Set, NZD 34.90<br />
- Write a message on your baked cookies!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/9552/products/FWLWTTT_grande.jpg?111528" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="622" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/9552/products/FWLWTTT_grande.jpg?111528" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ikoiko.co.nz/collections/homewares/products/florawaycottlovewellingtonteatowel" target="_blank">Flora Waycott 'I Love Wellington' Tea Towel</a>, NZD 24.90<br />
- Since I'm now a Wellingtonian, I should have a tea towel that goes with my new life!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/9552/products/5027455378527_2_grande.jpg?111528" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0058/9552/products/5027455378527_2_grande.jpg?111528" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ikoiko.co.nz/collections/homewares/products/letshaveaparty-bunting" target="_blank">Let's Have a Party Bunting</a>, NZD 32.90<br />
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<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Iko Iko stores are located on K Road at Auckland and Cuba Street in Wellington. They also operate an online store on their website.</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-11841089582399574682012-05-20T16:14:00.000+12:002012-05-20T16:14:00.893+12:00Uniqlo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was over at Hello Sandwiches' blog, reading about <a href="http://hellosandwich.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/mt-x-uniqlo.html" target="_blank">Ebony's MT tees</a> that she bought from Uniqlo. I love MT tapes and Uniqlo, so the combination of both of them made me swoon a little.</div>
<br />
I charged over to Uniqlo Malaysia's website, although I knew that:<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Uniqlo Malaysia may not necessarily stock up on the same tees</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. There may be a lag between what is available for sale at Japan, and what is available for sale at Malaysia</div>
3. Uniqlo's clothes can get a little pricey for little ole' me :(<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately, there were no MT clothes available, but there were Laura Ashley and Orla Kiely ones on sale!</div>
<br />
Some of my favourites are:<br />
<br />
Laura Ashley's line at Uniqlo (all of which can be viewed <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/my/product/women/ut/lauraashley" target="_blank">here</a>):<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/global_images/uk/goods/071792/item/30_071792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.uniqlo.com/global_images/uk/goods/071792/item/30_071792.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/global_images/uk/goods/071771/item/30_071771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.uniqlo.com/global_images/uk/goods/071771/item/30_071771.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/global_images/uk/goods/071791/item/01_071791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.uniqlo.com/global_images/uk/goods/071791/item/01_071791.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Orla Kiely's line at Uniqlo (all of which can be viewed <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/my/product/women/ut/orlakiely" target="_blank">here</a>):<br />
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<a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/global_images/uk/goods/071492/item/01_071492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.uniqlo.com/global_images/uk/goods/071492/item/01_071492.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/global_images/uk/goods/071499/item/57_071499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.uniqlo.com/global_images/uk/goods/071499/item/57_071499.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really love this one, and I'm thinking of getting my sister to pop by the store to get me one soon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/global_images/uk/goods/071243/item/31_071243_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.uniqlo.com/global_images/uk/goods/071243/item/31_071243_large.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So if you are a fan of Laura Ashley or Orla Kiely, and currently live in a city where there is a Uniqlo, you should really get there fast before they all run out! And if there are MT tees as well, it is even more urgent that you do so quickly!</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-89759622162748538312012-05-18T15:56:00.000+12:002012-05-18T15:56:00.173+12:00Birthday packages<div style="text-align: justify;">
A dear friend's birthday is coming up and her boyfriend has set up a birthday fund to buy a Samsung Galaxy phone for her. I think it is an excellent idea especially since she is still rocking a Nokia brick phone. It is also difficult to buy the "perfect" gift when my own piggy bank is depleting. It is best to pool money to buy what the birthday girl really wants. </div>
<br />
So I chipped in, but decided that I still wanted to send a little surprise of my own.
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2TKV8-Ld3w/T63aSDak9YI/AAAAAAAACSc/c2LiMPwey1o/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2TKV8-Ld3w/T63aSDak9YI/AAAAAAAACSc/c2LiMPwey1o/s640/001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The surprise is made up of a birthday card, a Typo pink journal, a sticky memo pad, two adhesive tapes and a bookmark which I have stitched up.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQfXoYisc3U/T63azMwMlVI/AAAAAAAACSk/4S0tSPKN6tU/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQfXoYisc3U/T63azMwMlVI/AAAAAAAACSk/4S0tSPKN6tU/s640/002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxL0PdgGN2Q/T63bJpS-2SI/AAAAAAAACSs/-g-Fcegws4k/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxL0PdgGN2Q/T63bJpS-2SI/AAAAAAAACSs/-g-Fcegws4k/s640/003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love sending little surprise packages to friends!<br />
<br />
Do you do that too?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-10010634316889957632012-05-17T23:05:00.000+12:002012-05-17T23:05:16.462+12:00Crafty Wellington<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hey bloggy friends :). If you are a Wellingtonian and like all things crafty, you may find the following upcoming events happening in Wellington worth visiting:</div>
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1. <a href="http://fabricabrac.co.nz/" target="_blank">Fabric-a-brac</a> happening on the 19th, which is this Saturday<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VA18BWjLRjc/T7TLHptD0JI/AAAAAAAACS4/ypP5cBGmjEU/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VA18BWjLRjc/T7TLHptD0JI/AAAAAAAACS4/ypP5cBGmjEU/s1600/Untitled.jpg" /></a></div>
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2. As usual, the <a href="http://www.wellingtonnz.com/event/wellington_underground_market#TB_window" target="_blank">Wellington Underground Market</a> at Frank Kitts Park will be held on Saturday.<br />
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<span id="goog_1728433743"></span><span id="goog_1728433744"></span><br />
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3.<a href="http://www.handmade2012.co.nz/" target="_blank"> Handmade 2012</a> will be held from the 2nd - 3rd June<br />
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<a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296412_170252516385250_104612982949204_343729_1074724_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296412_170252516385250_104612982949204_343729_1074724_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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4. <a href="http://www.popupdesignshop.co.nz/" target="_blank">Pop Up Design Shop</a> which is currently set up at 105 Customhouse Quay till the 10th of June. The store stocks up with work of emerging designers and artists. Sounds like a pretty cool store which I must visit soon!</div>
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I'll probably be spending the whole of the coming Saturday, visiting Fabric-a-brac and exploring Newtown generally. It would be my third trip out of the city since I've arrived in Wellington, and I'm looking forward for a taste of suburban life again! Hopefully there are nice stores to visits and a cosy cafe to have a good brunch. We'll have to see!</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-19111371175926496532012-05-15T17:24:00.000+12:002012-05-15T17:24:00.328+12:00A graduation gift<div style="text-align: justify;">
I received a couple of gifts from friends and family during graduation. Mum bought a beautiful bouquet of gerberas and friends gave me more flowers and a stuffed monkey in a regalia.
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h2QTfGhV0Tk/T6iqFGdo4NI/AAAAAAAACR4/ogs-Cjd4DLA/s1600/249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h2QTfGhV0Tk/T6iqFGdo4NI/AAAAAAAACR4/ogs-Cjd4DLA/s640/249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A friend of mine also gave me a not-so-traditional graduation gift:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4oZVzIRHG0/T6iq1BDCU6I/AAAAAAAACSA/LvAb4YJAf3I/s1600/001-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4oZVzIRHG0/T6iq1BDCU6I/AAAAAAAACSA/LvAb4YJAf3I/s640/001-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is a "Wellbeing" journal from <a href="http://www.kikki-k.com/" target="_blank">Kikki K</a>. It is an amazing book that allows you to plan and organise your life in a manner that enhances the body and mind. It is so inspiring and motivational.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPhyL0q6Z7k/T6irQkYRfeI/AAAAAAAACSI/Vkk8SbQ63zI/s1600/002-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPhyL0q6Z7k/T6irQkYRfeI/AAAAAAAACSI/Vkk8SbQ63zI/s640/002-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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More details on the journal can be found <a href="http://www.kikki-k.com/shop/product/wellbeing-journal/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKLenzrGaXY/T6irsPTs-QI/AAAAAAAACSQ/tP5xxDAqiLM/s1600/004-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKLenzrGaXY/T6irsPTs-QI/AAAAAAAACSQ/tP5xxDAqiLM/s640/004-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I just love inspirational gifts, and this one tops the list.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are also more journals from the same line including the <a href="http://www.kikki-k.com/shop/product/101-dreams-book/" target="_blank">101 Dreams Book</a> and <a href="http://www.kikki-k.com/shop/product/gratitude-book/" target="_blank">Gratitude Book</a>. In my opinion, these are quite expensive, so if you are planning to gift it to someone else, it would be worth to take a moment to think if the recipient will appreciate a book like this.</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-60140142333296481322012-05-13T22:20:00.000+12:002012-05-13T22:20:00.819+12:00Cafe L'AffareMy sister visited me in Wellington, and we went on an eating spree. She loves cafe food, so we decided to try out Cafe L'Affare on an early Monday morning.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IL0LwWuUPTQ/T6ec_6Y1wzI/AAAAAAAACRE/py2-SFNmKLA/s1600/095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IL0LwWuUPTQ/T6ec_6Y1wzI/AAAAAAAACRE/py2-SFNmKLA/s640/095.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs Benedict with my usual mug of mocha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf4G6DnL8aA/T6edEoYVAdI/AAAAAAAACRM/aKOKSgL9-0s/s1600/097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf4G6DnL8aA/T6edEoYVAdI/AAAAAAAACRM/aKOKSgL9-0s/s640/097.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancakes with bacon and maple syrup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ydUaHr-DLc/T6edLEUf3MI/AAAAAAAACRU/351D1Vse-iI/s1600/099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ydUaHr-DLc/T6edLEUf3MI/AAAAAAAACRU/351D1Vse-iI/s640/099.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy pancakes again - so good, two photos had to be taken!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cafe L'Affare is a very beautiful cafe. My sister, who works as an interior designer, went a little too wild with my camera in the cafe, taking snapshots of the lights, the counter, the tables etc etc. These are some of the photos she took:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1gJfby_OcQs/T6edTLcdcCI/AAAAAAAACRc/sEEEqKDvAbA/s1600/109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1gJfby_OcQs/T6edTLcdcCI/AAAAAAAACRc/sEEEqKDvAbA/s640/109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Cafe L'affare</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D4EtjyfeV9s/T6edbb0oG8I/AAAAAAAACRk/ibV2hk1wo4o/s1600/114-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D4EtjyfeV9s/T6edbb0oG8I/AAAAAAAACRk/ibV2hk1wo4o/s640/114-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Cafe L'Affare - coffee beans are sold here too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5byjz2I5jg/T6ediswTxGI/AAAAAAAACRs/ZPIwl9v3pFs/s1600/116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5byjz2I5jg/T6ediswTxGI/AAAAAAAACRs/ZPIwl9v3pFs/s640/116.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Cafe L'Affare</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The food was absolutely delicious, and I would love to go back to Cafe L'Affare again soon!<br />
<br />
<i>Restaurant information:</i><br />
Address: 27 College Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011<br />
Opening hours: Mon - Fri (7am - 4.30pm); Sat & Sun (8am - 4pm)<br />
Price: Spendy, usual cafe prices<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-56534515737101670082012-05-10T21:56:00.000+12:002012-05-10T21:56:00.129+12:00Musashi Japanese restaurant<div style="text-align: justify;">
My family and I love Japanese food. I particularly love bentos, where I can sample a little of each yummy portion! There are excellent and reasonably priced Japanese food in Auckland, and when my sister visited us from Kuala Lumpur, we just had to take her to our favourite Japanese restaurant.
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jMwHjTXbobk/T6eX8mzpUOI/AAAAAAAACQY/yzweRkNvhrA/s1600/461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jMwHjTXbobk/T6eX8mzpUOI/AAAAAAAACQY/yzweRkNvhrA/s640/461.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8cM52sUM-8/T6eYAv8GEOI/AAAAAAAACQg/HifUFJpsxlo/s1600/463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8cM52sUM-8/T6eYAv8GEOI/AAAAAAAACQg/HifUFJpsxlo/s640/463.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DikgjwPeKXI/T6eYD7Hv8LI/AAAAAAAACQo/grs73YG2qrU/s1600/464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DikgjwPeKXI/T6eYD7Hv8LI/AAAAAAAACQo/grs73YG2qrU/s640/464.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwMotFfZWC0/T6eYIWGNqiI/AAAAAAAACQw/cyAMQFWUZKw/s1600/470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwMotFfZWC0/T6eYIWGNqiI/AAAAAAAACQw/cyAMQFWUZKw/s640/470.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvHhX28GuLQ/T6eYNUrwFQI/AAAAAAAACQ4/UZcqNbdbAVo/s1600/475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvHhX28GuLQ/T6eYNUrwFQI/AAAAAAAACQ4/UZcqNbdbAVo/s640/475.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you can see from the photos above, each set meal comes with appetisers, salad, miso soup, sushi, a main dish and dessert. Depending on the main dish ordered, you get to cook it yourself!<br />
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As usual, our meal was really delicious and satisfying. I wouldn't hesitate recommending this restaurant to anyone visiting Auckland!<br />
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<i>Restaurant information</i>:<br />
Address: 212 Kitchener Road, Milford, Northshore City<br />
Days opened: Tues - Sun<br />
Price: $15 for a set lunch; more spendy for dinner<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-10930394833784254582012-05-07T10:39:00.001+12:002012-05-07T10:39:31.398+12:00I've graduated!Yay!<br />
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Last Wednesday, I finally received the certificates for my double degree. I'm finally a Commerce and Law graduate! </div>
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It was a really exhausting day, but I had fun celebrating it with my family and friends. We took lots of photos at Albert Park, around the university campus and my family and I also had studio photos taken.
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Here's a photo of me, jumping with joy ;):</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eChE_Gimf9E/T6b8Fvdv7AI/AAAAAAAACQM/9I3lQ51u2sI/s1600/262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eChE_Gimf9E/T6b8Fvdv7AI/AAAAAAAACQM/9I3lQ51u2sI/s640/262.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-30784472703128041292012-04-21T21:00:00.000+12:002012-04-21T21:22:34.454+12:00PicMonkeyHave you heard of <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">PicMonkey</a>? It's a photo editing website and it is the successor of Picnik.<br />
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Here's an article on PicMonkey that you can read: <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/picmonkey-spiritual-successor-picnik/" target="_blank">Article </a></div>
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I really like the features available on PicMonkey. I think it is easier to use than Picnik and there is no need to register to use the features. All you need to do is to upload the photo, edit it and then save it back to your local drive. Your photos are never publicly available and you retain the copyright to your image. All in all, I feel pretty safe using this website. </div>
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I've done a couple experiments on PicMonkey and here are the results:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqR_jG6QM78/T4lUX8j893I/AAAAAAAACPk/S_D5ktQO24g/s1600/018dusk+crossprocess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqR_jG6QM78/T4lUX8j893I/AAAAAAAACPk/S_D5ktQO24g/s640/018dusk+crossprocess.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My adorable niece in "Cross Process"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--txJEjFpqqQ/T4lWR890y2I/AAAAAAAACP0/D_l2mbsA2jU/s1600/023polaroid+urbane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--txJEjFpqqQ/T4lWR890y2I/AAAAAAAACP0/D_l2mbsA2jU/s640/023polaroid+urbane.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastry in "Polaroid"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ0o0xS46CU/T4lWasQRcVI/AAAAAAAACP8/xXqa3-c2iQo/s1600/052tranquil+dusk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ0o0xS46CU/T4lWasQRcVI/AAAAAAAACP8/xXqa3-c2iQo/s640/052tranquil+dusk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Bank Arcade (Wellington city) in 'Tranquil'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dnmCzcdL5-o/T4lVWvmVenI/AAAAAAAACPs/Wk6Kgjr-ruo/s1600/095lomo+filmstock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dnmCzcdL5-o/T4lVWvmVenI/AAAAAAAACPs/Wk6Kgjr-ruo/s640/095lomo+filmstock.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa in "Lomo"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r8e0WjFS7Ug/T4lOZC02nRI/AAAAAAAACO8/rPqDwwi4aGE/s1600/DSC_0116+urbane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r8e0WjFS7Ug/T4lOZC02nRI/AAAAAAAACO8/rPqDwwi4aGE/s640/DSC_0116+urbane.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matryoshka dolls in "Urbane"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--MbIo5xgAcU/T4lT8P8H9RI/AAAAAAAACPc/lYyhLaZVcRQ/s1600/071urbane+tranquil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--MbIo5xgAcU/T4lT8P8H9RI/AAAAAAAACPc/lYyhLaZVcRQ/s640/071urbane+tranquil.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese cake in "Urbane"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xG0pcuPsGbA/T4vxfRW9A-I/AAAAAAAACQE/jEWjO6pyx-E/s1600/031intrepid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xG0pcuPsGbA/T4vxfRW9A-I/AAAAAAAACQE/jEWjO6pyx-E/s640/031intrepid.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cream in "intrepid"</td></tr>
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I really love the results. It's one of the ways I can take advantage of the special effects for photos without needing to buy a smartphone and downloading Instagram. After all, I only have a Sony Ericsson brick phone!</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-63013535604879362432012-04-14T21:11:00.000+12:002012-04-14T21:11:17.825+12:00Origami crane bouquetDo you love origami? Check out <a href="http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?langId=-1&storeId=12052&catalogId=25005&page=flsApp#/fls/item/224" target="_blank">Fossil's how-to origami crane bouquet</a>!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?langId=-1&storeId=12052&catalogId=25005&page=flsApp#/fls/item/224" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzV4bo1hLcg/T4k9k7_I1PI/AAAAAAAACNs/LVQrdZi2rmA/s640/pane_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?langId=-1&storeId=12052&catalogId=25005&page=flsApp#/fls/item/224" target="_blank">Crane bouquet</a></td></tr>
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It's so pretty :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-48750909370476788912012-03-07T20:14:00.000+13:002012-03-07T20:14:00.113+13:00Moore Pastries!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
You may have figured out by now that I have a weakness for sweet things and anything baked. Wellington is like bakery central. There are specialised bakeries such as Simply Paris (as mentioned in the previous post) and there are supermarkets with bakery departments that dish out fresh baked goods everyday. Some are good and some are not. I'm learning which are the best!</div>
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When I get tired from work, I like to cheer myself up by buying something for dessert :D. Bad, I know :(.</div>
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But they taste so goooood.</div>
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Here are some eye candy:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GltgbyK18t0/T1MQ2IB_zNI/AAAAAAAACNE/I2aqaaku5MU/s1600/001-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GltgbyK18t0/T1MQ2IB_zNI/AAAAAAAACNE/I2aqaaku5MU/s640/001-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple cinnamon doughnut with cream from <a href="http://www.newworld.co.nz/lower-north-island/wellington/willis-street-metro/" target="_blank">New World Metro</a>.<br />
This was quite disappointing as it was a little chewy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDqJzwQ4R2Q/T1MQ-UaxWvI/AAAAAAAACNM/Euc-El0oavs/s1600/016-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDqJzwQ4R2Q/T1MQ-UaxWvI/AAAAAAAACNM/Euc-El0oavs/s640/016-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate danish from a Cuba St bakery.<br />
It was pretty good, even after I left it a little too long in the oven. Whoops.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Os_IapajjTU/T1MRHzMVTBI/AAAAAAAACNU/ZKDt-6skkns/s1600/020-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Os_IapajjTU/T1MRHzMVTBI/AAAAAAAACNU/ZKDt-6skkns/s640/020-2.jpg" width="542" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacon and cheese ciabatta from <a href="http://www.newworld.co.nz/lower-north-island/wellington/willis-street-metro/" target="_blank">New World Metro</a>.<br />
I wanted to take the chance to try the savouries even though the doughnut was not that great. The ciabatta was definitely better than the doughnut, but I will probably not get it again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DObQioTrBw/T1MRP96lVvI/AAAAAAAACNc/cFDnX4JPat8/s1600/023-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DObQioTrBw/T1MRP96lVvI/AAAAAAAACNc/cFDnX4JPat8/s640/023-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed Berrry Danish from <a href="http://moorewilson.co.nz/" target="_blank">Moore Wilson's</a>. <br />
This was reallllyyyy good. I've always been a little apprehensive of ordering desserts with berries as they can be quite sour. But this was great as there was also custard which was just the right level of sweetness. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAyelBeYozI/T1MRf8uDrTI/AAAAAAAACNk/z5ZEUDT3dTQ/s1600/018-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAyelBeYozI/T1MRf8uDrTI/AAAAAAAACNk/z5ZEUDT3dTQ/s640/018-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So yummy that another photo is justified ;)</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-85837286552388467422012-03-04T17:30:00.000+13:002012-03-04T17:30:00.107+13:00To market, to market<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the disadvantages of living in the city is that groceries are expensive. But the great thing about Wellington is that there are great markets right in the city. Last Sunday, I visited a market at Waitangi Park where there were many vendors selling cheap groceries. Everything looked really fresh, and I am looking forward to visiting it every weekend to stock up on veggies and fruits.<br />
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Another smaller market at Chaffers Dock Building was filled with vendors selling gourmet and specialty food. One vendor attracted my attention - <a href="http://www.simplyparis.co.nz/content/5/" target="_blank">Simply Paris</a>! I have a great weakness for pastries and anything that is baked, so their wonderful array of ciabatta, french loaves, danishes left me drooling. </div>
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So my lunch for that day was almond pain au chocolat, toast & avocado and juice:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVoFEmF3ZLQ/T0nEvi6jCNI/AAAAAAAACMs/BZjSH-Grsb4/s1600/006+(2)-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVoFEmF3ZLQ/T0nEvi6jCNI/AAAAAAAACMs/BZjSH-Grsb4/s640/006+(2)-2.jpg" width="618" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wRCJsgndGhQ/T0nGg0NbjlI/AAAAAAAACM8/DVIuKNtPZZQ/s1600/007+(2)-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wRCJsgndGhQ/T0nGg0NbjlI/AAAAAAAACM8/DVIuKNtPZZQ/s640/007+(2)-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almond pain au chocolat, NZD 4.50</td></tr>
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The lady behind the table was also very nice. She gave me one of the bigger pastries as well ;).<br />
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</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0Wellington, New Zealand-41.2864603 174.776236-41.4773693 174.46037900000002 -41.095551300000004 175.092093tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-59803993248364702092012-02-29T18:22:00.000+13:002012-02-29T18:22:00.657+13:00Small spaces<div style="text-align: justify;">
I live in a studio apartment in Wellington. </div>
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Here is a picture of it:<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">
</a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cZxnDZ5nPE/T0m-6mQ4s2I/AAAAAAAACMk/ZUw7Zviyyh4/s1600/054-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cZxnDZ5nPE/T0m-6mQ4s2I/AAAAAAAACMk/ZUw7Zviyyh4/s640/054-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is all brand new and clean, and there is an added bonus of big windows that allow the morning sunlight to stream in. I am not fussed with the size (which is really small), and I know that small spaces can look great too. However, it is really important to make sure that the place does not look cluttered and messy. I brought quite a lot of things here, and I have been making the effort to downsize. This includes selling off some of my craft materials, fabric and books :(. It is also taking a lot of effort to refrain from buying more clothes!</div>
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Here are some examples of small and cute houses on Pinterest:</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002668349863/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="371" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/34410384622375239_4HX7PE2t_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6530714731296104643" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">Uploaded by user</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Tiny and rugged :).
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002668349864/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/17803360996428998_cvo9ydbX_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.bellamumma.com/2011/02/home-inspiration_02.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bellamumma.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Cute loft
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002668349860/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="471" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/1196337370525544_glirJuvI_c.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://36ohk6dgmcd1n.yom.mail.yahoo.net/om/api/1.0/openmail.app.invoke/36ohk6dgmcd1n/4/1.0.35/us/en-US/view.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">36ohk6dgmcd1n.yom.mail.yahoo.net</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Love the wooden partition<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002667901166/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/42925002667901166_QuwVejTS_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.tumblr.com/dashboard" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on Pinterrest</div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-39202623112981954012012-02-26T17:51:00.000+13:002012-02-26T17:53:44.300+13:00Wellington: Parliament<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Hey everyone :). </blockquote>
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I'm currently blogging from Wellington, the capital of New Zealand! I moved down here a week ago for work, and I began a new phase of life last Monday. My colleagues have been really friendly, and I am settling in well.</blockquote>
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I really love the city here. Wellington is very different from Auckland Central. The latter is smaller and is mainly focussed on Queen Street and Britomart Place. Meanwhile, Wellington Central is a combination of Auckland Central, Newmarket, Ponsonby, Parnell and much more! I am planning to do something different every weekend, and today, I visited the Parliament buildings complex.</blockquote>
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The Parliament buildings are on an amazing lush green complex and I spent more than one hour photographing the buildings and exploring the greens. </div>
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The Beehive</b>: The Beehive is also known as the Executive Wing, where the Prime Minister office is and where the Cabinet meets. It was built in 1969, and in my opinion, is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. There is even a swimming pool for the ministers to use!</blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6caLhBt4EBc/T0muhTFVCSI/AAAAAAAACMY/sXkBNsvcH3o/s1600/045-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6caLhBt4EBc/T0muhTFVCSI/AAAAAAAACMY/sXkBNsvcH3o/s640/045-2.jpg" width="445" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beehive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8k7wqxgH58/T0muhGHcd1I/AAAAAAAACMM/Qe_lkLXwn4o/s1600/024-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="437" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8k7wqxgH58/T0muhGHcd1I/AAAAAAAACMM/Qe_lkLXwn4o/s640/024-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beehive</td></tr>
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<b>Parliament House</b>: The Parliament House is where the Debating Chamber, Speaker's Office and committee rooms are. I love how solid it looks.</blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlRfl_dg1LM/T0muggc62MI/AAAAAAAACMA/mAZVlIgP_20/s1600/027-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlRfl_dg1LM/T0muggc62MI/AAAAAAAACMA/mAZVlIgP_20/s640/027-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parliament House</td></tr>
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<b>Parliamentary Library</b>: The Parliamentary Library is my favourite. The building was designed by Thomas Turnbull in 1883. It is still used as a working library for Parliamentary members and staff. There are flowers grown right in front of the building, and the building has lovely windows, ironwork and domes. </blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QK-sxIfF7lM/T0mugAwZ9qI/AAAAAAAACL0/cRjWun6hUwE/s1600/030-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QK-sxIfF7lM/T0mugAwZ9qI/AAAAAAAACL0/cRjWun6hUwE/s640/030-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parliamentary Library (right next to the Parliament House)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZQlSLPFARg/T0mufrEqbJI/AAAAAAAACLo/5vF2w7MkgRk/s1600/034-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZQlSLPFARg/T0mufrEqbJI/AAAAAAAACLo/5vF2w7MkgRk/s640/034-2.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roses and camellia growing in front of the Parliamentary Library</td></tr>
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And my fun fact of the day: New Zealand was the first country in the world to allow women to vote in the Parliamentary elections in 1893. Those whom contributed to this milestone development are commemorated in the complex by the planting of white camellias which symbolises support for women's suffrage. </blockquote>
I can't wait to share more pictures of Wellington as I explore more of the city!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-74745220561144594632012-01-26T20:11:00.000+13:002012-01-26T20:11:24.495+13:00Valentine's Day IdeasThings to bake, buy and make :)<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002668187760/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/189573465534104695_5MAWn8Mq_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.livinglocurto.com/2011/04/mini-food-ideas-recipes/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">livinglocurto.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002668156855/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/42925002668156855_GOdTOKnv_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://glorioustreats.blogspot.com/2012/01/sweet-heart-cupcakes.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">glorioustreats.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002667932082/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="810" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/42925002667932082_CI7bhq97_c.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.raspberricupcakes.com/2011/10/balsamic-strawberry-butter-cake.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RaspberriCupcakes+%28raspberri+cupcakes%29" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">raspberricupcakes.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002668156856/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/42925002668156856_kZdpXxNY_c.jpg" width="533" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.shopbando.com/ban.do-heart-shoe-clips/prod/349?rc=14" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">shopbando.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.karaspartyideas.com/search/label/valentines%20party?updated-max=2011-01-26T11:09:00-07:00&max-results=20" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">karaspartyideas.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/leannekhill/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Leanne</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.bhg.com/holidays/valentines-day/decorating/hand-crafted-valentines-day-decor/?page=6" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bhg.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/slittlethrills/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Sweet</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-17065778613578638452012-01-24T21:57:00.000+13:002012-01-24T21:57:04.652+13:00Gong Xi Fa Cai<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Chinese New Year!<br />
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The photo is not really Chinese New Year-ey, but it will have to do. It was taken somewhere in Shanghai in 2009, on a family vacation :). </div>
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This year is the Year of the Dragon, which is my Chinese zodiac. If you are curious and would like to know what is your own zodiac sign, check out <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_zodiac" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>. It is similar to the Western zodiac, but instead of determining the zodiacs by the month, the Chinese look at the years instead. Being a dragon baby is very sought after in the Chinese culture. It is believed that babies born in the year of the dragon are smarter, stronger and have the best luck. Looks like we can expect a baby boom in Chinese communities this year!</div>
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This year, I am celebrating the occasion alone. My family is still back at Kuala Lumpur, whilst I am in Auckland, finishing up my last paper for the summer. I spent the eve and new year's day with friends instead, which is <i>almost </i>as good as celebrating with family!</div>
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Hope you are having a lovely day and a great celebration :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-5053646980760020382012-01-16T23:45:00.000+13:002012-01-17T00:05:24.045+13:00Pip StudioMy Pinterest home page was filled with some lovely things lately, in particular, things from Pip Studio. When I first saw it on Pinterest, I went crazy and started Googling images and products from Pip Studio.<br />
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Here are some pictures to share:</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002668143212/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/54465476713243690_NPw0lNPf_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://hearthandmadeuk.blogspot.com/2012/01/collections-to-adore-pip-studio.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hearthandmadeuk+%28Heart+Handmade%29" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">hearthandmadeuk.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002668143215/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/42925002668143215_n5shuBkb_c.jpg" width="366" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.thelabelfinder.com/labelsearch/pip-studio/index.php/label/view/1743648" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">thelabelfinder.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002668143214/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/18999629647701134_oqvdxvwE_c.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://cocorosetextiles.blogspot.com/2011/09/piphow-i-love-thee.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">cocorosetextiles.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002668143213/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/18999629647701133_8HJ2Cl7y_c.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://cocorosetextiles.blogspot.com/2011/09/piphow-i-love-thee.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">cocorosetextiles.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></blockquote>
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I am particularly interested with the porcelains (I have a particular weakness for ceramics and china). In my crazy Pip Studio frenzy, I found two New Zealand websites stocked up with porcelains. If you are local like I am, you might want to check out <a href="http://www.maisyandgrace.co.nz/webapps/category/93344/254130/57128" target="_blank">Maisy and Grace</a> or<a href="http://www.lennoxdesignstudio.co.nz/category/tabletop?page=4" target="_blank"> Lennox Design Studio</a>.</blockquote>
I love this bowl...<br />
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<a href="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/45135847/51003014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/45135847/51003014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
... this plate....<br />
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<a href="http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/44811771/NELS.PIPPLATE.PINK.SML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/44811771/NELS.PIPPLATE.PINK.SML.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
... and this cake stand...<br />
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<a href="http://www.maisyandgrace.co.nz/uploads/93344/images/254130/PiPcakestandpink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.maisyandgrace.co.nz/uploads/93344/images/254130/PiPcakestandpink.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Unfortunately, these are a little pricey for me :(. They are so pretty though!</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-90290183078000722372012-01-14T11:13:00.000+13:002012-01-14T11:13:24.918+13:00Crochet<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I will learn to crochet beautiful blankets... one day :).
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<span style="text-align: left;">Source: </span><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/16283086" style="color: #76838b; text-align: left;">weheartit.com</a><span style="text-align: left;"> via </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a><span style="text-align: left;"> on </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002667874562/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="903" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/42925002667874562_wyrHxacP_c.jpg" width="553" /></a><br />
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Source: <a href="http://debeecampos.blogspot.com/2010/11/extraordinary-love.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">debeecampos.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/42925002668118886/" style="line-height: 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"></a>Source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodwoolstool/4294526559/" style="color: #76838b;">flickr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></blockquote>
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Source: <a href="http://notyouraveragecrochet.wordpress.com/page/3/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">notyouraveragecrochet.wordpress.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-33689374959553737072012-01-09T18:15:00.005+13:002012-01-09T20:03:28.246+13:00Happy New Year!Gosh, it has been so long since I have dropped by! Hope everyone is well :).<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I spent part of my summer holiday at Kuala Lumpur. I spent most of my time sleeping, eating and looking after a little cute one year old baby. It was good to relax and do nothing! I arrived back in Auckland last week, and I am currently completing my last paper in summer school before heading out to work in February. In mid-February, I will (unofficially) be a graduate with degrees in Law and Commerce! After 5 years of studies, I am more than ready to start working!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">My official graduation will be held somewhere in April / May, and I am really hoping I will receive this as a graduation gift!</span></div>
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Isn't it the cutest owl ever? I don't know where to get it, but fingers crossed, someone may actually buy that for me! ;)<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">As you may know, I am a soft toy addict. My sisters know this and hence, bought this as a Christmas gift for me:</span><br />
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It joins <a href="http://belleandrose.blogspot.com/2011/02/tiramisu-and-busby.html">Busby, Tiramisu</a>, <a href="http://belleandrose.blogspot.com/2010/07/slice-of-pi.html">Pi</a>, <a href="http://belleandrose.blogspot.com/search?q=hello+kitty">Mochi</a>, <a href="http://belleandrose.blogspot.com/2009/09/chocolates-and-amigurumis.html">Chocolates</a> and a whole lot of others.<br />
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I love all my soft toys, but as I'm moving out to another city in Feb for my new job, I've finally began listing some of them on Trade Me. I thought it would be nice to post some photos of the soft toys I'm farewelling to. The following are their Trade Me mugshots.<br />
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Bunny</div>
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Panda</div>
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That's all for now. I need to destash some of my fabric and kawaii items so that I can have a lighter and smoother move to my new apartment in February!</div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-10832034741446499602011-09-06T22:26:00.004+12:002011-09-11T21:51:51.044+12:00The Guide to Getting a Bunkbed<div style="text-align: justify;">I share a bunk bed with my little sister. At the beginning, it was quite challenging to live with her in the same room, and share the same shaky bunk bed. Overtime, however, we somehow got used to it.<blockquote></blockquote>Despite that, I would love to trade in my bunk bed with a normal bed. My sister is a tosser, and she tends to shake the whole bed with her when she moves around. The bed also tends to shake uncontrollably when she climbs up and down the ladder. It is simply the reality of having bunk beds, I suppose. Ours is a steel, stable one. I assume you will need built-in bunk beds if you want the tremors to lessen significantly.<blockquote></blockquote>For the past two years, I've learned how my bunk bed life could be improved. But due to the costs and hassle, we will never trade in the bunk bed for something else unless we get a bigger place. However, I'm dying to share my bunk bed lessons with you. So here are some of them:</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">1. If possible, always place the bunk bed by windows. One of my favourite things to do is to read in bed. But because the lighting is so poor at the bottom bunk, I can no longer read or sew in my bed :(.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px; "><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/156798362/" target="_blank"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/156798362_tvHMer6F_c.jpg" border="0" width="500 height =" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://leah-theinsidestory.blogspot.com/">leah-theinsidestory.blogspot.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/petersonville/" target="_blank">Sheila</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">2. If the room lacks BIG windows, consider installing a lamp at the bottom bunk instead. It would also be great if the top bunk has one too because lighting conditions near the ceiling is not that great either. With this, it is possible to read at night :).</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px; "><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/133641573/" target="_blank"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/133641573_G1v6lXZ9_c.jpg" border="0" width="400 height =" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://www.janecoslick.com/amazinggraceGALL13.html">janecoslick.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/tmknight/" target="_blank">Teresa</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Well, why not have both a window and a light installed? :D</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px; "><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/3255835/" target="_blank"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/3255835_0vApizVm_c.jpg" border="0" width="400 height =" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://www.beachinspireddesigns.blogspot.com/">beachinspireddesigns.blogspot.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/marshamifsud/" target="_blank">Marsha</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Personalise the bunks! Sadly, we live in a rented apartment, so there is no sticking or hammering allowed! But if you have the opportunity to hang a couple of frames, built some shelves for books or soft toys (my soft toys are taking over my bed). Go wild!</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px; "><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/25158029/" target="_blank"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/25158029_0PJCv7lB_c.jpg" border="0" width="400 height =" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://www.gusandlula.com/2011/05/bunk-rooms.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gusandlula+%28gus+and+lula%29">gusandlula.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/saidfraz/" target="_blank">Saidfraz</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">5. The lack of privacy in the room can be quite an issue sometimes (or most of the time, in my case). Curtains for the bunks can work - this gives some privacy if you would like a good cry after reading a good book, or just to write in that private journal of yours.</div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px; "><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/15755288/" target="_blank"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/15755288_DclFMuwS_c.jpg" border="0" width="553 height =" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2010/06/bring-home-beach.html">houseofturquoise.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/hipmomma/" target="_blank">Melody</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">6. There is ample of storage space under the bunk bed. If you are doing built-ins, do something like the picture above. Or just stash your things in boxes if you are lazy like me :D.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">7. And the best bunk bed: One which is a reading nook as the bottom bunk and a sleeping bunk at the top <3. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px; "><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/168881081/" target="_blank"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/168881081_o3906qCu_c.jpg" border="0" width="300 height =" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://beaconhillstudios.us/architects-studio-property.html">beaconhillstudios.us</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p></div><br /></div><br /><br />And that's my guide to getting a bunkbed :).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530714731296104643.post-16492920229077125492011-09-01T22:06:00.002+12:002011-09-12T22:32:30.149+12:00Mid-Autumn Festival<div style="text-align: justify;">Today is the Chinese mid-autumn festival. To be honest, my family and I have not celebrated this festival since we left Kuala Lumpur. Mooncakes and lanterns sold in Auckland tend to be really expensive and overrated.</div><blockquote></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">I do miss the days where my cousins, sisters and I would light lanterns on the streets and decorate the garden with colourful candles.</div><blockquote></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">And of course, the yummy mooncakes to feast on :).</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hkdigit/5012254640/" title="Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival (20100920-182720) by hkdigit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5012254640_e364b5c096_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival (20100920-182720)" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbugdoll/2856488947/" title="Happy Mid Autumn Festival! by **Shutterbug Gal**, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2856488947_e821520ce2_z.jpg?zz=1" width="640" height="425" alt="Happy Mid Autumn Festival!" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px; "><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/153421291/" target="_blank"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/153421291_1hvoBHxQ_c.jpg" border="0" width="458 height =" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bossacafez/2843896503/">flickr.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px; "><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/74460180/" target="_blank"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/74460180_HoA6y2dp_c.jpg" border="0" width="375 height =" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bossacafez/1357953826/sizes/m/in/photostream/">flickr.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/sulync/" target="_blank">Su Lyn</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0