tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77905907712694626792024-03-05T18:56:48.152+13:00Squanderer no more:- Upcycled collectables and curiositiesSuburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-87489157013114230622013-07-30T10:15:00.003+12:002013-07-30T10:15:54.393+12:00A Longing to Return (Awhitu)Hey - have been pottering along in my own quiet way for months and feeling very remiss for not posting and maintaining my blog - I have missed you terribly.<br />
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Life with 3 young kids and my efforts on <a href="http://www.thecraftdept.co.nz/" target="_blank">The Craft Dept.</a> front over the first half of the year spread me too thinly I'm afraid. But I haven't stopped playing around and here are a few of the things I have finished so far....many more (particularly cushions and some of my first jewellery experiments) to come. <br />
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Feels good being back.<br />
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(thank you my beautiful Ella for modelling for Mum - you are very patient and wonderfully creative in your own young way, and hooray and thanks to my Mum & Dad for letting us run amock amongst the vines at their special slice of heaven - <a href="http://www.awhituwines.co.nz/" target="_blank">Awhitu Wines</a> on the Awhitu Peninsula (NZ).<br />
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Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-77453398831072564542013-01-11T14:13:00.000+13:002013-01-11T14:13:23.408+13:00My own Happiness Project in the makingI am long overdue on posting here and have begun but left unfinished several posts filled with pre-Xmas and pre-New Years good intentions.<br />
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So like everyone I was hit by the busy-ness of the season but despite my best efforts I just got well and truly swamped. I have enjoyed a fairly tech-void break in the dusty dry heat of Australia. In particular I have enjoyed giving myself some time to just think about ideas for what I want to achieve in the year ahead and map out a bit of a plan for the coming months. <br />
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But its feeling like its now time to start committing this all to paper now and get started on the DOING.<br />
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My other piece of good fortune over the Christmas break was stumbling across a great book - "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. It was part of my scatter gun random downloads onto my kindle pre-departure for the Xmas Oz holiday and it has been a revelation.<br />
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Gretchen wanted to see if it was possible to alter or improve your overall state of happiness by making small calculated changes to various parts of your life. Retrain yourself into thinking and therefore feeling happier I guess. It is really well written in that it is a simple concise easy read month by month breakdown of her own Happiness Project.<br />
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The last year of my life has seen me considering this same question. This isn't a study in depression or even about how not to feel 'unhappy'. Its about whether you can improve your current state by making some specific changes and improvements to how you conduct your life. My aim is to achieve a great sense of contentment by knowing that I am realising the most from my life and am on track to designing the best and most fulfilling future for myself that I can.<br />
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So Gretchen's "The Happiness Poject" has been amazing in that it has given me a framework to work within and some clear goals to tackle on a month by month basis.<br />
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I'm only up to April in her book but am keen to start my own "Happiness Project" from January onwards.....I look forward to posting about this and I hope that Gretchen's ideas also provide you with some food for thought too. <br />
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I encourage you to check out her own blog <a href="http://www.happiness-project.com/">www.happiness-project.com</a> , subscribe and sign up to her twitter or facebook feed. <br />
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She comes over well read, intelligent and ordered. No crystals, reiki or lentils mentioned as yet. Just seems like a simple, smart analysis with a clear plan which appears to be easy to implement yourself. <br />
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Happy new year to you all! <br />
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xRebeccaSuburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-34927045729129349972012-11-11T21:24:00.001+13:002012-11-11T21:24:58.977+13:00Festive rumblingsThe urge to post has been burning a big itchy hole in my brain but it'll have to be a quicky because its been a huge day - Thomas the Tank Engine Day @ Glenbrook to be specific.<br />
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Basically I've been dreaming of a range of 'bespoke woollie baubles' to grace stylish trees throughout the world. Its become a bit of an obsession. Problem is my experiments to date have been pretty useless so far and I'm finding it a bit annoying when available time is so short and Christmas charging on into my life in all ways.<br />
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So I am going to throw a bit of pressure into my creative experimentations to see if it won't help cough up some inspired outcomes. <br />
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I hereby declare the 2012 Smith Family Christmas Tree will be a wholey handmade affair. <br />
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It'll be a real tree from the Mangere Bridge chop your own outfit but there'll be no more $2 shop tinsel or bargain bin trinkets from the warehouse. I undertake to ensure that ALL decorations on our tree will be made by the hand of someone we know and love. Probably mostly by me with a considerable portion by the kids but it'll be a fun challenge and will ensure a festive build up like no other! <br />
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I'll post progress reports and pictures as gems evolve and will throw in some 'how to's' incase anyone cares to have a stab too. <br />
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Here's to decking my own halls and jingling my own bespoke bells. Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-85655648585270226562012-10-23T13:57:00.002+13:002012-10-23T13:57:37.174+13:00Upcycling aspirationsThinking about some kind of rating system to show how "upcycled" something really is. Perhaps based on the # of elements in end product that originally started out as something else.<br />
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I like the idea and the creative challenge of reinventing every ingredient rather than embellishing a few key items, but have to keep in mind the high risk of churning out piles of crap disguised as recycled crap.<br />
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As long as the artistic outcome rules above its 'eco' value then i'd hope to avoid too many ugly projects.<br />
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With my current time constraints in play I want to stay focused on my blankets for the immediate future but have some ideas burning around my brain that look a lot like jewellery. <br />
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Anyone know of any body doing some cool upcycled design out there? anything at all??<br />
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A couple of my favourites so far are........<br />
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<a href="http://www.supercyclers.com/">www.supercyclers.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://martinadlington.webs.com/">http://martinadlington.webs.com/</a><br />
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love that its design of the highest criteria with a clever backstory. <br />
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Certainly lots to think about between woollie pacifica stitches and family stuff.Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-73942911038955258472012-10-20T09:02:00.005+13:002012-10-20T09:02:51.211+13:00Some Honest Active DoingMade a promise to myself to write regularly - an exercise in discipline and to increase my mental fitness in this skill....of course I am struggling to find the time or find any sense in my daily routine which would allow me the space and any leftover brain fuel to be able sit down and do this properly so I've come up with this exercise instead.....<br />
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Am going to have a draft blog post on the go where I can quickly dump words, sayings, and ideas which come over me...probably add in some links and to do lists there too....just a dumping ground for words so I can keep up with my goal of writing a little bit regularly.<br />
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When I hit....200 words? I'll post it publicly - i'll add the time frame it occured within and that'll be it. <br />
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My hypothesis is that a theme will exist or emerge naturally, and it will be an antidote to my procrastinating habits.....<strong><u>an honest first active step which is even more important than having the idea in the first place</u></strong><br />
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(I have been such a fan of ideas but haven't gotten much off the ground....so its nice to have finally worked this out!).....<br />
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Here goes.....(see you soon)<br />
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Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-20081818370260298782012-09-30T01:37:00.001+12:002012-09-30T08:04:37.072+13:00Our state of Maximum HappinessI've spent the last week wondering how I was going to write about all that has been happening of late. But with it all coming to a head at about 6.30on Friday evening, I have officially given up trying to inject some sort of deeper selfless meaning to it all.<br />
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I could not care in the absolute slightest if I come over as the most hideous nasty skite in all the land. <br />
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In the history of my perfect little family we have just had one of the best weeks on record. <br />
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I'll let the pictures do the talking......<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day at School</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella & George celebrate their 5th and 1st Birthday</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First draft concept pics for house reno</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new baby - 4 metre tinny aka "Smiffy II"</td></tr>
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The past week brought us 2 massive milestone birthdays for our oldest and newest, a first day at school, the arrival of a perfectly fabulous little boat into our family unit and the first draft of some insanely beautiful designs which will renovate our cozy little house which we love so much into an uber glam but utterly functional, cool and family orientated home we can continue to thrive in. <br />
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Its been a week where i have decided that there is an absolute limit to feeling happy and excited. You <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPbEjGXUHxVeLspWWax54Rbgzc5G2au1aBAEmZ108_lq5gZxfY4kkUBN-CW7Xomq4y6iZDVnBb6eVHiv8Ws0PeHN8aq2RJcnMAH7opbxOxRxxaQ8PC0T5cACJ6ryfKlqWYG1eGEu4KaI/s1600/first+day+at+school.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPbEjGXUHxVeLspWWax54Rbgzc5G2au1aBAEmZ108_lq5gZxfY4kkUBN-CW7Xomq4y6iZDVnBb6eVHiv8Ws0PeHN8aq2RJcnMAH7opbxOxRxxaQ8PC0T5cACJ6ryfKlqWYG1eGEu4KaI/s200/first+day+at+school.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 493px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 230px;" width="82" /></a>can't just keep feeling happier and prouder as each and every new achievement occurs, your brain and body has to have a maximum happy state or you risk combusting or something. So we have all been happily glowing at our maximum level this week, topped up to the brim with good news, achievement and reward for hard work!</div>
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But there is a new challenge on the horizon....how to find the extra $250 a week the bank will probably need from us to pay off these renovations and keep us in engine juice for plenty of ocean bound adventures. May have to live off fish and our vege garden for 10+years, but any (work from home preferred) 'job' suggestions would be gratefully recieved too! <br />
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Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-74809362253341816362012-09-17T03:43:00.001+12:002012-09-17T07:42:30.932+12:00Don't panic it's not contagiousI spent yesterday morning in a bit of a quiet fluster. <br />
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I spent a good 20min in the bathroom doing some serious contortions in effort to check the right side of my body for further signs of small red blistery dots (yes yes Shingles!). Have been feeling a bit tired and under the weather of late and when I woke to find my right knee all aflame....(see pic below).....I admit I did a little freak out. <br />
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2 coffees later however and I am now forced to rank this episode above the sewing a blanket to my trackies incident of June 19th in my gallery of crafter embarassments. <br />
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Reason: To avoid unwanted stitch-clothing incidents which have been threatening on my current applique heavy project, I have tended to roll up my trakcies or pyjama's or whatever my chosen crafting outfit might be and applique away using my knee to stablise the work. I came to this method as I was confident that I am unlikely to applique the snakes and ladders on ella's birthday blanket to my own skin. <br />
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So after joining the dots (ahoy a pun?!) I realised that the dots were infact the self inflicted wounds of a serious crafter. Yes I have been spearing myself repeatedly for the last 3 nights. <br />
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The most obvious question facing me is why didn't I notice this 'spearing' and therefore avoid worrying myself about how I would cope with a contagious and very painful disease while sharing the joys of my youngest's 1st birthday my oldest's 5th birthday and her first day at school all happening over the coming week or so (you get a sense of my rising panic?).....<br />
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I can't tell you the relief I'm now feeling, knowing it is all quite harmless and simply the result of a pleasantly plump knee, and a couple more glasses of wine than is wise. <br />
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I won't resort to wearing crafter's chaps or a teflon apron etc but I will wear my wounds with pride as a badge honouring my growing skill and prolific output. <br />
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<strong><em>It's also with great pride that I announce that as of Saturday I officially entered the world of 'professional' textile artist recieving payment for my first sale of 3 blankets (including 2 commissions). Thankfully all I feel now is smug and not the slightest bit itchy so it seems there really is no better time for me to "Hang out my Shingle" in earnest!</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>.....(hahahaha - gold star homonym humour anyone?)</em></strong> </div>
Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-32329935460584673292012-09-12T14:01:00.002+12:002012-09-12T14:01:34.185+12:00Article of interest..."Why Women Still Can't Have It All" - from The Atlantic MagazineThis is a big read but I utterly recommend you try to make some time to read it. Particularly if you are a woman juggling family and professional aspirations or contemplating when and how to embark on this stage in life.<br />
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I don't necessarily agree with all that is said in this article. She seems very focused on equating success with a high ranking position in your chosen field or industry and here I am in the midst of trying to understand what a 'good life' truly means, and questioning whether things such as salary and power really has anything to do with it after all. But she comes from a generation who probably felt the fullest freshest benefits of the feminist movement in terms of opportunities and changing attitudes in the workplace so it is also interesting to read about the new perspective she is now adopting based on her own experiences as a mother and as a high ranking public servant and academic.<br />
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It is my opinion that one of the biggest issues with woman achieving professional equality with men whilst also being able to choose to provide for their offspring as the major caregiver etc is the idea that equality in the workplace means equal to the traditional male provider stereotype. I still waste significant hours of my 'mothering time' struggling against this ingrained idea that to stop 'working' to be the primary carer of my children was a step down or back in my broader life plan. I also resent the thinking that chosing my 'children' over my 'career' was a priviledge and that while this decision might slow my professional rise, a bit of extra committment and some 'overtime' will help me make up for this career break when I do decide to return to the workforce. <br />
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But surely if we valued the role of parenting more, then stopping work in a corporate sense to take on the nuts and bolts of bringing up your offspring would not be described as a sacrifice or a break. I also specifically say 'parenting' not mothering because the role of primary caregiver for young children is still seen as a mother's duty but why can't the Dad be the stay at home partner. Equal rights and opportunities for all, in all aspects of our lives. <br />
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So I think this boils down to valuing the role of being a hands on involved parent. This doesn't mean home schooled children with home made bread and organic vegetable soup for lunch, it just means prioritising the tasks associated with the job of parenting alongside those for which we would normally 'pay' for. <br />
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What say you? How do you juggle the work/life balance idea? Why is work and life so often seen as two opposite states? and why does life so often lose out to work? Would love some comments (all anonymous if you choose) - think this is a super interesting challenge for all of us boys and girls....(and cheers Kirsty for posting for this link to her facebook page in the first instance too!)<br />
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Hope you enjoy the read - look forward to hearing your thoughts too xx Rebecca<br />
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<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why-women-still-cant-have-it-all/309020/6/" target="_blank">http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why-women-still-cant-have-it-all/309020/6/</a>Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-79042929700477101432012-09-04T12:31:00.001+12:002012-09-04T12:31:28.347+12:00Mental and virtual tidy up underway....Performed a bit of admin on my blog this morning - still needs some formatting but have set up gallery pages to feature my completed woolie wonders and those still in progress. Also included a link to my online shop incase anyone wants to adopt one. <br />
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<a href="http://www.squanderernomore.co.nz/">www.squanderernomore.co.nz</a><br />
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Need to put some thought into how best to set my online self up.....blog, facebook, website, seller accounts on craft/design e-tail sites.....its a bit much for my scale of operation!<br />
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There are so many brilliant creatives out there doing amazing things but also really nailing the whole presentation/ brand/ imagery package. <br />
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So my glaringly obvious challenge is to really try to streamline my efforts, work out what I want it all to look like and establish some consistancy. I guess the best way to do this is to really try to lock down what it is i am trying to do or is it who I am? (but then that questions seems just a little more complicated!). <br />
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Have had a stab at re-writing my "about me" blurb....slightly happier with it but still requires some brain power to get perfect. Love some feedback but so appreciate all the views/ reads or whatever it is you do when you come visit my blog!<br />
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<br />Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-32543533435464467772012-09-02T14:40:00.001+12:002012-09-02T14:40:12.545+12:00Luck & Love for our main man. Happy father's day, we are having a pretty good one so far. Breakfast, brief skim of the papers and then off to Extreme Edge for some indoor rock climbing, roast chicken for dinner.<br />
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Not a huge budget alloted for Father's Day presents in our house. We have tended to focus on something to do together instead and in this instance we are all off at the end of the month to feed Matt's deep love of boats at the 2012 boat show followed by Yum Cha or such. <br />
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Kids did a stirling job on the homemade card front, even Marshall managed a coloured in "certificate" c/- his new Kindy.<br />
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Being the cheap ass I am I couldn't stomach the thought of spending $7 on a card from the supermarket but found the following framed picture at our local Indian Grocer which I thought was a much better buy at less than half the price!<br />
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Turns out the lady on the left is the Goddess Lakshmi which means Good Luck to Hindus, and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. The handsome elephant-deity riding a mouse on the right is the very popular Ganesha - aka the Lord of Success, the destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. <br />
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So I reckon we've just about covered most bases - $3 for all that and none of the indignity of having to line up at the mall for a $16 Father's Day lotto special. Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-22613588993271040592012-08-29T14:18:00.000+12:002012-08-29T14:20:56.835+12:00Thunderstorms and RainbowsI read Ella her first ever Margaret Mahy story last night. It was a short story called Thunderstorms and Rainbows. After she accepted the fact there weren't going to be pictures to accompany the words we both settled into it and really loved it. <br />
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I am ashamed to say that while I know Margaret Mahy would have been a staple part of my childhood reading I don't have massively vivid memories of any particular Margaret Mahy story. But I did so enjoy this story and it has given me a bit of an inkling of what reading with the kids is going to evolve into as they get older.<br />
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......in all honesty I am completing this post a week on from starting it. Not because of boredom but more to do with time and needing to really think through what it is I wanted to say and what it was I actually got from this little short story. <br />
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I have been thinking about it on and off every day ever since reading it a week ago. To summarise (badly)....its about this little town called Trickle which happens to be the most watery rain drenched town in the world. Its a dying town because visitors were getting turned off by the rain.<br />
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They tried to make up for the rain by doing all sorts of cool other things, like their town fountain shot fireworks instead of water etc etc....but things got a shake up after a bit of a fuss around the arrest of a visitor for commenting on the rain (they had a law against anyone mentioning the rain to try to stem the bad press getting out). Turns out this particular visitor actually came because of the rain because he loved thunderstorms and rainbows, which the town had in abundance but took for granted. He helped them design a marketing campaign to attract tourists to the town based on these unique inherent qualities magical rainy qualities. So this new campaign focused on the positives of their rainy state and didn't try to hide it away or distract with firework sprouting fountains.<br />
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So I have been spending the week thinking about what the deeper message behind this story was and I have decided on a couple of ideas. <br />
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<li>Stop trying to be what you think others want you to be. </li>
<li>Focus on finding and then enjoying those things which come naturally to you, with practise you will even start to see specialness in those traits you might have taken for granted or weren't that proud of (rain = rainbows!). </li>
<li>Once you've hunted down those traits/ talents/ quirks/ passions which come naturally to you, practise them out loud and show them off regardless of whether you feel you are good by others standards. By striving to be the best and brightest truest version of yourself, you are giving people the chance to appreciate and admire you for the best reasons. </li>
<li>Happy ever after endings come to those who find happiness in themselves first and foremost (i.e. not in how others view them).</li>
<li>Its all a matter of attitude, even those things you take for granted or were worried others didn't think were cool come over all cool if you do it out loud with enthusiasm and conviction. </li>
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I'll probably go around in circles over all this a few more times but I am happy to do that. I just really enjoyed the way this story has gotten me thinking. Highly recommend it and highly recommend hunting down your own rainbow and thunderstorm talents and then hooking up with your own society of rainbow lovers - just like the town of Trickle did.Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-91119550096911631202012-08-13T17:10:00.000+12:002012-08-13T17:10:42.491+12:00WOOLLIE PACIFICA launched and onsale now.....check out my newbie website!!!!<div>
YEEHAAA...THIS IS IT.....its taken me all day to load up website but on a roll and now I'm unstoppable.....facebook page loaded, linked and awaiting your 'like'......sign up to my new website and standby for more posts of new items and some very exciting new 'inventions' and more weird squander bustings ideas - you won't believe how far I can stretch this wool blanket gig. Check it all out and let me know what you think. xx <a href="http://www.squanderernomore.co.nz/">www.squanderernomore.co.nz</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.422097787835858.97745.370827522962885&type=3" target="_blank">Squanderer No More - Woollie Pacifica (Facebook)</a></div>
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Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-72100484921687456402012-07-28T16:31:00.001+12:002012-07-28T16:31:53.044+12:00I'm back....39 days later39 days ago and I was on the eve of departing for a brilliant week long holiday in Fiji with my inlaws to celebrate the mother in laws (surprise) birthday. It was a great much needed break and the kind of luxury we haven't been able to justify since having kids etc. It was fun and busy and enjoyed by all. Not a cent or second squandered whilst there and just so lovely to be able to spend fun times with relatives who normally live in fairly distant flung parts of the world for most of the rest of the year.<br />
<br />I'd packed the computer cause I had grand plans of fancy exotic 'surprise look where I am' skitey blog posts from the tropics, including updates on brilliant value laden finds to help you survive Denerau Island with your style and self respect intact despite the assault from those resort priced temptations.<br />
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Needless to say I have learnt some great lessons in those 39 days since.....<br />
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The fiji tan has long since faded and my only vague recollection of anything genius on the tip front is 3 hours of babysitting from the lovely Sieni cost as much as 1 poolside cocktail so thats a pretty chilling lesson in value. Good thing the duty free gin is still going strong with Sieni long gone that is. <br />
I also discovered.....<br />
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1/ I didn't have any desire what so ever to log on to facebook, email, blog etc during the holiday, so computer remained untouched in the bag it traveled in. <br />
2/ I must waste an inordinate amount of time logging on to the above when i am at home cause I have been technologically naked ever since getting back and it is weird what I have managed to achieve in that time. <br />
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Basically it all fell apart on the flight home. <br />
what: dribble entered some tiny spot along edge of laptop, which then fried the motherboard, keyboard, and almost all other magical useful bits known to exist inside a computer.<br />
why: perhaps cause I was too cheap to buy laptop with a protective bag, so tend to carry cheapy laptop in another random bag which in this instance happened to also be the kids nappy/ bottle bag. Not so genius.<br />
when: somewhere over the pacific on return flight from Fiji to NZ. Nothing to do with swimming pool splash, cocktail spilage or anything so enjoyable.<br />
how: reckon we wedged a 'finished' bottle into the bag in desparate hurry to get squirming squawking offspring off plane asap, and residue dribble made its way onto laptop. I warn you residue dribble can be catastrophic - massive burnt out internal damage resulted and the awkward $ bill to repair - not enough to make you buy another fresh newbie computer but enough to be utterly gut wrenching. <br />
who: not naming names but it totally wasn't me (I think?)<br />
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So thats why I've been missing this past month plus<br />
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At least I am well and truly on target with my little homewares, home industry venture. Expect the big reveal next week.....once my card arrives and the website is loaded for action. <br />
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Hope you've all hung in there on the Squanderer band wagon. I have missed my blog immensely.<br />
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xSuburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-9461539834221774812012-06-19T21:02:00.002+12:002012-06-19T21:02:44.067+12:00a couple of confessionsIt has been 3 days since my last post and I have two confessions to make both of which are pretty stupid. <br />
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#1 confession being the 5kg beast of beef didn't stay out of the freezer more than an hour after my last post early Saturday morning. Matt (the husband) being the (slightly) more rested of us at the time woke up and rightly informed me that taking on a 5kg lump of frozen meat while attempting to lose our homemade curry virginity, and entertain 3 sick kids was just not going to be a goer. So until such time as everyone stops puking and coughing and starts sleeping a bit more like normal people in their own beds for more than 2 hours, the lump stays frozen.<br />
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So we have a fridge bursting full of medicines at the moment and on the window above the sink is a jar of syringes for adminstering them to our reluctant patients. It's just that time of year and for me it's the time which seems to conjest all of the most stressful elements of being a stay at home mum. Its that feeling that time is standing still basically. When you have sick kids you are caught in the cycle of trying to get medicine and food into them, keep it in there and then make sure they sleep as much as possible. So with 3 at various stages of sickness I find myself running around in pretty small circles. <br />
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I find it a real challenge to keep my own morale up when it feels like I am swimming through porridge just to get to the end of the day. The trick I guess is to strip back your daily priorities to only the most basic, focus on the fact that this is a temporary state and each day brings you closer to the end and then (somehow) be ready to make the most of the times when the kids feel OK enough to not be miserable and bad tempered. <br />
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The kids didn't make it out of their pjyamas today but tonight we are all feeling like we've turned a corner. All three were miraculously asleep by 7 and all dosed as per DRs instructions without any of the usual tantrums and tears. Matt and I were settling into a bit of telly and a glass of Awhitu Syrah and I was charging away with my current blanket project. Which brings me to my next idiotic confession - I am finding this blanket upcycling gig just awesome, its such a brilliant way to chill out, and my mental state loves that I now have this easy way to gain a sense of achievement and feel productive with minimal pressure. I have been working really hard to improve the quality of my sewing and the overall finishing details, and its all starting to look pretty darn flash. I'm feeling particularly inspired because I had the pleasure of a quick wander through the incredible Crafternoon Tea Markets here in Kingsland Auckland (<a href="http://www.crafternoon-tea.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">www.crafternoon-tea.blogspot.co.nz</a> ) on Saturday and I am so fired up to get myself a stall there for a test run come August. <br />
<br />So I'm stitching away for a good 20min, charging along the row, making awesome progress and getting a real rhythm going. As I finish the row and move to hold it up to admire the evenness of my work I discover I have SEWN THE f%^king BLANKET TO MY TRACKSUIT PANTS!!!!Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-81958913630946086862012-06-16T06:26:00.001+12:002012-06-16T06:26:06.788+12:00Time to tackle the 5kg Beast of BeefTrying to turn a very early 5am start into something positive so have decided to embrace a culinary challenge for the coming weekend. We have been putting off doing this but as we are likely to have a fairly quiet two days with sick kidlets there'll be more than enough time to spend in the vacinty of the stove.<br />
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The 5kg beast of beef is now out of the freezer defrosting (this could take a week in all reality) - but the end result is going to be tones of delicious casseroles, curry and other slow cooked fare. I am on the hunt for good hearty recipes anyone might care to offer, specifically keen on dishes that freeze well so my time and grocery budget will benefit over the coming weeks. <br />
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First stop for ideas will be Stephanie Alexander's 'The Cooks Companion' which has been a brilliant bible like resource book for my kitchen efforts ever since recieving it as a gift for our wedding (thank you Kate & Emily). Have another interesting book which I don't recall buying but may have been picked up at one of those discount tables they set up in the middle of shopping malls. The Oz Women's Weekly Complete Book of Modern Asian appears to have some cracker looking pictures of curries in it and not being big curry cookers this will be the real challenge for Matt and I.<br />
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So here goes....will keep you posted with progress and a picture of the 5kg Beast of Beef and a breakdown of just how far we can make it stretch!<br />
<br />Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-30757253385720189622012-06-15T12:24:00.000+12:002012-06-15T12:24:09.947+12:00"you look like you've been hit by a Truck"....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When you're stranded at home with two sick kids and a baby who'se bottom is so red with nappy rash it looks like its been wiped with sandpaper then you have to find humour wherever you can.....<br />
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The beauty of these hottie thingos is being all wool they stay warm way longer than normal, almost all night, dare I say it......and its so much nicer to cuddle wool rather than rubber.<br />
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Looking forward to seeing out the day with a tasty glass of wine, which will be a vast improvement from my first coffee of the day experience which was accompanied by a vomit down the back of my dressing gown. <br />
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Have a great healthy weekend - stay warm.Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-17963776459662560152012-06-14T13:38:00.001+12:002012-06-14T13:38:24.620+12:00Product development is going great guns and promo plan underway tooI am underway working on a selection of hottie covers and blankets are going great guns. However my latest concern is more of the promotional kind in that I suspect I will be the kind of Mum who subscribes to the Sally Ridge School of Promotion - ie. using your offspring to further your own aspirations in slightly inapproriate ways.<br />
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I couldn't resist this pic of my lovely Ella who test drove one of my Marmalady blankets and her brand new hottie cover I whipped up over breakfast yesterday. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1Cmf8A6uOt23J36Odnmv0PBtUzOSs6r7FmUOVHkI4SmAuLkPh7qTpTKqSFWH70vag6PVPZkAyT7RxYqaB902s30slmrZgB0rW2m-cXflruqUTbXzyz7vKDfXEwShwBJ0HhA4TWzxSLk/s1600/DSCF2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1Cmf8A6uOt23J36Odnmv0PBtUzOSs6r7FmUOVHkI4SmAuLkPh7qTpTKqSFWH70vag6PVPZkAyT7RxYqaB902s30slmrZgB0rW2m-cXflruqUTbXzyz7vKDfXEwShwBJ0HhA4TWzxSLk/s1600/DSCF2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1Cmf8A6uOt23J36Odnmv0PBtUzOSs6r7FmUOVHkI4SmAuLkPh7qTpTKqSFWH70vag6PVPZkAyT7RxYqaB902s30slmrZgB0rW2m-cXflruqUTbXzyz7vKDfXEwShwBJ0HhA4TWzxSLk/s320/DSCF2750.JPG" width="320" /></a>She was feeling worse than crap and was asleep by 5. There had been lots of coughing (a little vomit), a temperature and shivers galore earlier in the afternoon - but as soon as she was snuggled up with her hottie and blanket she settled instantly! I put it all down to the lightweight comfort of 100% NZ wool - and the exceptional and quirky stitching efforts of moi.<br />
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I can't say I won't turn to my kids for a bit of extra glam factor when I start photographing the official product range, I just hope they don't overshadow the incredibly stylee blankets etc! </div>
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(and incase you are interested/ concerned I do have 2 of these beautiful marmalady orange blankets, we'll hold onto this one in the interest of not sharing Ella's germs around too but the other is in development!) Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-76470468592193199542012-06-12T07:33:00.001+12:002012-06-12T07:33:28.261+12:00We Have No Limits<a href="http://vimeo.com/40974456" target="_blank">LiveUnbound - We Have No Limits</a><br />
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I really hope this link works - the footage will take your breath away. <br />
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I have a pretty normal day scheduled today but I think I am going to put a little more thought into what I do and how I do it after watching this.<br />
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Love the quote "Action expresses Priorities" c/- Gandhi <br />
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I don't have to jump off mountains to feel like I am taking on the world, I just need to show a bit of purpose in my day to day actions and the choices I make. <br />
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No more squandering our precious time.Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-38757348740655502662012-06-11T13:11:00.003+12:002012-06-11T13:11:58.973+12:00Introducing Fanta Pants, FeijoAloha, Marmalady and Coconut Ice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyR_XtjLQhG3FcEKJwB9pmjA-Z3DxhY5iZM4JLvpDAZkWC9fBmRH7vBwLlV2xxuOtPRDVRlXscHSykN3yLtP0I1MM-_lghjF-6JcVoiTF25srxs9K7onS4-OJkmvsXJv_5XvmSC24340/s1600/DSCF2740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyR_XtjLQhG3FcEKJwB9pmjA-Z3DxhY5iZM4JLvpDAZkWC9fBmRH7vBwLlV2xxuOtPRDVRlXscHSykN3yLtP0I1MM-_lghjF-6JcVoiTF25srxs9K7onS4-OJkmvsXJv_5XvmSC24340/s200/DSCF2740.JPG" width="160" /></a>A big black kleensack turned up on my doorstep this morning courtesy of my lovely Fastway courier man. It was filled with some long awaited trademe purchases, the most fabulous old school wool blankets. They are more colourful and fabulous in person and I can't wait to get onto transforming them into even more fantastically useful and beautiful things too. My new sewing machine is primed ready for action, the patterns have been drawn up and cut out ready to go, it's all on. </div>
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My first completed blanket "sunshine sound system - sure to rock" (as per Friday 8th June's post) went down a treat with my birthday brother and I may have even scored my first pre-order from one of the birthday guests!! </div>
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So standby for new website/ shop (FOC courtesy of Westpac and MYOB!!) and logo designed by the lovely Helen of Erupt Design <a href="http://www.eruptprints.co.nz/" target="_blank">(and Erupt Prints too)</a>.</div>
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Also - if you have any of those old school wool blankets hanging around the back of a cupboard and would like to yours transformed or simply just want to sell them to me outright then I would love to hear from you. </div>
<br />Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-79368563549141870392012-06-08T11:28:00.000+12:002012-06-08T11:28:03.136+12:00Could this Professor of Garbology be the mentor I've been searching for?Amazing stuff, interesting guy, awesome ideas<br />
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<a href="http://www.martinadlington.webs.com/">http://www.martinadlington.webs.com/</a><br />
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love this quote...<br />
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"As the natural resources of our world are depleted, they become replaced by an environment of manufactured objects, and in turn these industrial artefacts become the raw materials from which we must produce more.<br />
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In many ways recycling - or the process of borrowing, quoting, and recontextualizing objects, images and ideas - is the best metaphor for the way in which meaning is constructed and understood in our contemporary world.</div>
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<br />The role of the recycled artist (the bricoleur) is to refashion new visions of our world from its leavings, transforming not only objects but meanings, and introducing new ways of experiencing and imagining our world and ourselves".<br />-<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>from “The Recycling Strategies of Self-Taught Artists” by J Cubbs & EW Metcalf<br />in “Recycled Re-Seen - Folk Art from the Global Scrap Heap” by Charlene Cerny </i></span> </div>Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-64343916638222274452012-06-08T07:00:00.003+12:002012-06-08T07:00:39.955+12:00Why buy new when you can resurrect and recreate the old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGDR8Q4L-iXHwt6BxNkDYa5InbQMnkOC1r-DvUyqzUK349LdbjNrjFpumfEd6vwG1pC34hcqx-z8zWEKiyVOfBv1r1XDkOlBjl0sFy_bg8A3Pj4utms0lb2pqnn2m0vkyy3_PvGjXMNE/s1600/DSCF2679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGDR8Q4L-iXHwt6BxNkDYa5InbQMnkOC1r-DvUyqzUK349LdbjNrjFpumfEd6vwG1pC34hcqx-z8zWEKiyVOfBv1r1XDkOlBjl0sFy_bg8A3Pj4utms0lb2pqnn2m0vkyy3_PvGjXMNE/s200/DSCF2679.JPG" width="200" /></a>Have been fiddling around with old retro blankets swiped from the back of the cupboard at the family bach. They've been around throughout my childhood. I have vivid memories of being wrapped up in them to protect me from the cold sand and to soak up the warmth of bomb fires on the beach. They aren't soft and fluffy, they are hardcore hardwearing gorgeous wool woven into checks of beautiful colours of many shades. </div>
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So I'm having a go at resurrecting these old blankets in the hope that by putting a little bit of effort into restoring them they'll end up living outside that old cupboard in celebrated full view as treasured objects that are both functional and beautiful. </div>
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Now I'm a website away from entering the world of the upcycling crafter. Within the next month I hope to have a fancy little online store of my own devoted to "curios, collectables and upcycled heirlooms"....This is just my first completed project which will go to my big brother of Sunshine Soundsystem fame for his birthday this weekend.....a cot blanket in pastels and applique is almost complete, several other large blankets are on the go and a few cushions are thrown in at different stages too. Hottie covers and baby slippers are on the wishlist....but to reveal any more would be bad for business! </div>
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p.s. I couldn't resist the hibiscus motif, its the Onehunga Princess in me.....a visual warming aid to make you think of balmy tropical beach holidays when cold winter nights get a bit much! Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-29356091395294893002012-06-07T08:39:00.001+12:002012-06-07T08:39:11.934+12:00A squanderer's lesson in entrapmentIts called the "designer warehouse Sale" or specifically the Trelise Cooper Warehouse Sale. This is where we go to feast on 'designer' treasures heavily discounted and labeled in such enticing tempting ways that you simply can't not buy it, it would be such a missed opportunity......<br />
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Helped by the fact that I have absolutely no money having paid off a big wintery power bill, and Brett the hairdresser to hide my grays and make me blond again, I won't be going to this sale this time. The clothes are lovelier than you'd expect, and there is great care in how they've been made and the unique fabrics chosen.....blah blah blah.....but read between the lines people - if they're bundled into this sale reduced from $400 to $100 then it's because no one wanted them in the first place! <br />
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Oh fine, there are bargains to be had if you're happy with queues, elbowing your way alongside fellow 'tense' shoppers, and have the time to rifle through racks upon racks of stuff. Yes it'll be restocked daily and it will run from today through until Sunday (9am starts) @ 8 Lion Plac (off Mountain Rd....plenty of parking they say....). <br />
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But it is not a safe place for a squanderer! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV2VUde6VAPi3iL4qCM6YRn55JfTixD3HwzhfW3KYxN-4lfvIWpwHpWtKuhoOJxukd6WDd2kqWoZYUt5iC4ijJKQafB5fd8HMfjOYd5dwKNoE5_41oFwjC7lN-eNGlXJxKFqWxDc9vvE/s1600/DSCF1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV2VUde6VAPi3iL4qCM6YRn55JfTixD3HwzhfW3KYxN-4lfvIWpwHpWtKuhoOJxukd6WDd2kqWoZYUt5iC4ijJKQafB5fd8HMfjOYd5dwKNoE5_41oFwjC7lN-eNGlXJxKFqWxDc9vvE/s1600/DSCF1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV2VUde6VAPi3iL4qCM6YRn55JfTixD3HwzhfW3KYxN-4lfvIWpwHpWtKuhoOJxukd6WDd2kqWoZYUt5iC4ijJKQafB5fd8HMfjOYd5dwKNoE5_41oFwjC7lN-eNGlXJxKFqWxDc9vvE/s200/DSCF1660.JPG" width="200" /></a>Thanks to Trademe I have just managed to sell off the last item of clothing I purchased at a Trelise Cooper Warehouse Sale. This skirt << sat in my wardrobe untouched for 2 years with tags still attached. I managed to sell it a month ago for $65 - a loss of $20 from the original purchase price. <br />
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So if you simply can't handle missing out on these designer "Bargains" then Squanderer No More says just sit back and wait for the Trademe listings to hit....there'll be hundreds and most of them will be labelled "BNWT" (brand new with tags). A much more enjoyable way to bargain shop in the comfort and privacy of your own home. </div>
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<br />Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-12567453044650862332012-06-05T11:20:00.001+12:002012-06-05T11:21:29.150+12:00tight arse tuesday award: June 5th 2012Inaugural tight arse tuesday award goes to "The Cook Cafe" at Fieldays - who are offering breakfast + a beer for just $12 instead of $24. <br />
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I like a chunky 50% discount and the hugely classy nature of this offer made them stand out winners of the award this week. <br />
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<a href="http://www.grabone.co.nz/auckland/the-cook-cafe-1?utm_source=GrabOne+Auckland&utm_campaign=ET_23310_nz-main_auckland_20120605&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">Breakfast + Beer deal @ fielddays The Cook Cafe (c/- Grab one)</a><br />
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Don't you just wish you could get down there to join all the agricultural types for a beer with your porridge.Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-75539434342209604962012-06-01T14:20:00.002+12:002012-06-01T14:24:30.049+12:001 Month old = a little wiser and a lot more content31 days blogging down....and so far I am totally thrilled with how much I have enjoyed doing it. I have loved the challenge of having to think about bigger things outside of my current main focus of babies, nappies and housework. <br />
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I am re-learning the benefits of being proactive and busy and taking risks and putting myself forward for things. Committing to this blog has made me think about the idea of living well and what it means to be a family and how to enjoy this time with our little ones. I have realised that my squandering isn't just about spending money on silly materialistic whims but is also about squandering precious time on what ifs, if onlys, and why me pity parties.<br />
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I recently came across some photos of myself taken when I was about 18 or so. Its been almost 20 years since the pictures were taken and probably almost the same amount of time has passed since I last looked at the pictures and I was totally gob smacked at how much skinnier and generally fabulous I lookedy compared with what my memories of then are. I make no apologies for saying that I looked fab - I know I'm no super model but I have such vivid memories of feeling so insecure and self conscious about my appearance that I know it held me back from doing things and meeting people at that time in my life. I have matured somewhat since then but I do still wonder if the impression I have of myself quite matches the reality even yet. So on top of becoming a more sophisticated spender I am going to expand my squanderer no more ethos to include my time, my attitude and my opinion of myself too.<br />
<br />Looking forward to the long Queens Birthday weekend. I have some fun creative projects to complete with a view to hopefully turning them into a little pocket money spinner. They match my squanderer no more stand perfectly so I am looking forward to revealing a little more after the weekend. Have a great weekend filled with strategic indulgences just as you deserve.<br />
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<br />Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7790590771269462679.post-11163276964683898522012-05-30T08:23:00.003+12:002012-05-30T08:23:47.788+12:00Kelly says "Eat, drink, laugh and nap your way to more...self controll"Had a request from a squanderer that some info on boosting self control to help resist the urge to squander was in order here. I have done a bit of sifting around and found the following.<br />
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I was attracted to this excerpt because it referred to 'strategic indulgence' which sounds just brilliant. Everything else I found seemed to focus on submitting yourself to a barrage of temptations in the hope you will somehow develop massive self control muscles. Having cold showers when you'd really like a warm one, drinking your coffee without sugar when you'd really prefer it with, all seemed a bit stupid. There was also a disturbing study conducted which tortured kids with marshmallows which I might just post another day. <br />
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Anyway - hope the following is of interest! <br />
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Its taken from this lady - I think Kelly sounds lovely and someone I'd like to be friends with!<br />
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<a href="http://kellymcgonigal.com/" target="_blank">Kelly McGonigal</a> is a psychologist at Stanford University. Her latest book, which is full of strategies for behavior change, is <a class="ext" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1583334386/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=kellmcgospers-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=1583334386" target="_blank">The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It</a><span class="ext"></span>.<br />
Follow Kelly on <a class="pt-basics-link" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/social-networking" title="Psychology Today looks at Social Networking">Twitter</a>: <a class="ext" href="http://twitter.com/kellymcgonigal" target="_blank" title="http://twitter.com/kellymcgonigal">http://twitter.com/kellymcgonigal</a><span class="ext"></span><br />
Like Kelly on Facebook: <a class="ext" href="http://www.facebook.com/kellymcgonigalauthor" target="_blank" title="http://www.facebook.com/kellymcgonigalauthor">http://www.facebook.com/kellymcgonigalauthor</a><span class="ext"></span><br />
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<br style="clear: both;" />Five Temptations That Actually Boost Your Willpower</h2>
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Eat, drink, laugh, and nap your way to more energy, focus, and self-control. </h3>
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<span class="submitted">Published on April 12, 2012 by <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/experts/kelly-mcgonigal-phd" title="View Bio">Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D.</a> in <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-science-willpower">The Science of Willpower</a></span></div>
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<a class="pt-basics-link" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/pornography" title="Psychology Today looks at Pornography"> </a><br />
If you’ve suspected that you run out of <a class="pt-basics-link" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/self-control" title="Psychology Today looks at Self-Control">willpower</a> as the day wears on, you’re right.<br />
Scientists have discovered that willpower is a kind of energy that gets spent over the course of your day. Like a muscle that gets tired from exercise, our self-control strength gets sapped by the many decisions, distractions, and stresses we face.<br />
But science also shows that it’s easier than you might think to restore your spent willpower. Anything that reduces <a class="pt-basics-link" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/stress" title="Psychology Today looks at Stress">stress</a>, boosts your mood, or recharges your energy can also give you back your self-control strength.<br />
Below are five strategies to restore your willpower. Sure, they may look like temptations and distractions—but think of them as strategic indulgences. Treat yourself to the healthiest versions of these willpower boosts whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, and you can be the best version of yourself—calm, focused, motivated, making smart decisions—all day long.</div>
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1. Reality Television.<br />
Research shows that willpower can be contagious. You can “catch” extra self-control just by seeing someone else pursue a goal. Many reality shows feature people working hard to overcome obstacles—whether it’s losing weight, facing their fears, or even just organizing their clutter. A little entertainment inspiration can help you find your own strength. (Caveat: You can also catch temptation. So if you want to keep self-control high, steer clear of the shows that feature spectacular lapses of judgment and self-control.)<br />
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2. A Snack.<br />
One reason willpower runs out is because it’s energy-expensive. The <a class="pt-basics-link" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/neuroscience" title="Psychology Today looks at Neuroscience">brain</a> uses more energy for self-control than for just about anything else. So if you’re running low on physical energy, you’ll be low in willpower energy. Studies show that when your blood sugar drops, your brain is less able to focus and control your impulses. But a small snack that increases blood sugar helps the brain snap back into self-control mode. Most of the studies on refueling willpower used sweets like candy and soda. However, a snack that provides more lasting energy (with some protein or high-quality carbs) will sustain your willpower boost longer and not induce any post-snack regret.<br />
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3. The Cute YouTube Video.<br />
Oh, yes, it’s easy to fall down the hole of cute YouTube kitties and baby hedgehogs. But if you can satisfy yourself with a few minutes of cuteness, an adorable video can be just the willpower boost you need. Research show that watching a humorous video restores depleted willpower and helps people get back on track with difficult tasks. If puppies aren’t your thing, find a few stand-up clips or whatever makes you <a class="pt-basics-link" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/laughter" title="Psychology Today looks at Laughter">laugh</a>.<br />
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4. An Afternoon Nap.<br />
Willpower is often highest in the morning because the brain is refreshed by <a class="pt-basics-link" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/sleep" title="Psychology Today looks at Sleep">sleep</a>. Sleep recharges your brain so you wake up ready to face the challenges of the day. When you’re sleep deprived, your brain has an especially hard time ignoring distractions and controlling impulses. Sneaking a mid-day “power nap” into your schedule can reverse the usual willpower drain from morning to night. Researchshows that a nap can reduce stress, improve mood, and restore focus—even if you haven’t had a perfect eight hours the night before.<br />
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5. A Single Espresso.<br />
Caffeine gets a bad rap, blamed for energy crashes and overcaffeinated jitters. But in its simplest form—straight up coffee or tea—and reasonable doses (depending on your own caffeine tolerance), caffeine can actually reduce stress. In fact, studies show that small doses of caffeine balance the autonomic nervous system, making you both alert and calmer at the same time. It also helps the brain and body use energy more efficiently. The result: you are better able to handle temptations and tackle challenges. We get into trouble when we add heaps of sugar, whipped cream, and other extras, or aim for a massive caffeine high that will leave us with a hangover. Skip the high-calorie coffee concoctions and refuel your willpower with a small dose of caffeine.</div>
</div>Suburban Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15545155320601469799noreply@blogger.com1