Ugh. whatever.

I'm not really feeling it this week - pretty uninspired actually. Work's gotten kinda busy, so maybe that's it? (and I've noticed more than a couple of other bloggers saying the same thing - something in the air perhaps?). Off to London tomorrow for Fun With Mel, which I'm VERY excited about, so I'll be back on Monday, hopefully full of exciting things to report and some more fun wedding inspiration!

Oh, except for corporate speak Friday, which may still make an appearance.

cool image found here

And what's up with the text size. I'm trying to change it but blogspot isn't listening.

Lazy post - some things I like

So today I was having a look on Something Old, Something New, and found a couple of ideas that I really like (I also really like Something Old, Something New, by the way; Mackenzie's range of invites are really lovely. I'm quite a fan and a frequent lurker on her blog).

1) These ring pillows, also found here:


2) and, slightly more excitingly as they're just the thing I've been looking for; These stunning, glorious necklaces (and earrings etc etc etc):

Here's the direct link. Seriously, WANTING one of these. My dress is actually pretty busy though, so a pair of earrings may be more suitable. In any case, I'm loving how classic, yet unusual, these necklaces are. There's just something about them. I have a bit of a thing for pearls, and these are something special I think.

yep, I'm lazy. I shall try to write a deeper post tomorrow.

Ah my pretty

Look at our new toy!!

It's to replace our previous much loved camera that was stolen while we were in Italy a few weeks back (a mixture of a moment of carelessness on our part mirrored by a moment of evil on the part of an opportunistic delinquent). Every cloud has a silver lining and all - this time we really knew what we wanted in a camera - the only thing that bothered us about our old one was that it was really big (like digital slr sized, without the fun of actually being a digital slr) and a bit of a pain to truck around sometimes, so we've downsized with this one. She's still pretty chunky, but it would appear that we don't like our technology to be too small, and neither of us warmed to the teeny credit card-style digitals on show. Also, she's a little retro (especially the cool leica lens) which I like.

Hopefully the insurance cheque comes through soon...

Corporate Speak Friday

Buzz-tastic word of the week: Cascade (kas-keyd)

"anything that resembles a waterfall, esp. in seeming to flow or fall in abundance"



Apparently we no longer "pass information on" or "let people know" - oh no, loyal readers - we cascade.

In a sentence: "please cascade this {information} to managers and staff if appropriate"

I dare everybody to use Cascade in this sense (with a straight face) in the next week!

Also...

We have a wedding to go to in May, and, having left all my nice dresses and skirts in NZ, I don't have anything to wear! (and I mean that genuinely, not in the whingey "I have nothing to wear" way when i actually have plenty of options that I just don't want to wear. The only dress I own is solid black, and I don't really feel ok with wearing all black to an afternoon wedding).

I would love to buy something from Etsy (or get something made via Etsy Alchemy). Something a bit different. Something unusual and pretty that I'll get a lot of wear out of. Something that won't break the bank (that's the hard part). It seems that everything in the shops right now has an odd 80's feel to it that I'm not loving. Or really shiny and formal, and I don't want anyone thinking that I think I'm a bridesmaid.

Any suggestions (either UK or internet-shopping based)? Right now I love this, but it's a bit out of the price range (that should give you an indication of how small my pitiful budget really is).

It's a good look

Today I was sitting at my desk minding my own business, chewing the end of a pen as always, when I got a horrible taste in my mouth. I put my finger to my lips and it came away covered in thick black ink. I ran to the bathroom and yes, my mouth was full of black ink. And the surrounding area. And my hands.

Five minutes later I had to conduct a screening test for prospective employees. I got a few strange looks.

Maybe I should try to break my pen-chewing habit?

(by the way, I love Rorschach Ink Blot Tests. I know they aren't considered to be particularly scientifically sound these days, but I think they're old school and cool).

Photos, Paul Henry, and a concerning tv show

You simply MUST go and check out the latest installment of Sexy Red Frame's wedding photos. I've been following her posts of wedding shots, and loving them (so unposed, so natural), but this last lot takes the cake (the biscuit? something about that line doesn't look right). I'm going to direct (ha! I'm the BOSS) our wedding photographer to the blog to check out Ian's work, cause if we could emulate anything, I'd want it to be these. I should probably see what Dave thinks too ;)

Yesterday, a guy got in the lift with me and he looked exactly like Paul Henry, NZs "favourite" radio and tv broadcaster. I actually really love Paul Henry, he's a bit of a shit but he cracks me up. He ran for a relatively safe seat in government and was beaten by Georgina Beyer, the worlds first elected transsexual MP.

Dave and my new favourite program is "Boys & Girls Alone" (it's a social experiment, not reality tv, dontcha know). I miss half of it because of dancing (which is going very well, except that last night we had to do a dramatic slide across the floor and I bruised my poor knee), but Dave catches me up. It's really interesting - for those who don't know, 15 boys and 15 girls are living separately in two farm cottage places in the middle of nowhere - with no parents. It's amazing (and at times both sad and heartwarming) to see how they build their own wee societies; the people that get shunned (sad), and the ones who rise to the challenge (heartwarming). It seems to me that the youngest kids, at 8 years old, just get on with things, whereas the older ones, at 10/11 years, get more caught up in power plays and dramatics. There is one girl in particular who is 11 going on 25 - waaaaayy too much drama, and bollocks for my liking (not that I was any different, I'm sure). What did slightly concern me though, was last night the two groups met for the first time at a party. The girls were so confident, which I think is just awesome, but the boys were almost cowering. They didn't seem to know what to say or do and seemed genuinely frightened by the girls. The girls ended up being really mean to them and chasing them away from the house. One of the boys ended up with a cut hand from where a girl hit him with a broom. I saw one girl kick another boy. None of the boys retaliated. Which I guess is good, but I thought it sad that whereas the girls were all so strong and sure, the boys were at a loss for what to do, and didn't defend themselves when they were actually getting really picked on. The parents (watching on cctv) thought it was all pretty damn funny - but I wonder what they would have been saying if it had been the other way round?

Like spooning?

The term "spooning" originated in Wales, where historically young men would carve a spoon for the girl that they wished to court. Her acceptance of the spoon confirmed her interest, and I guess after that they'd start going on dates and whatnot. Dave and I ended up catching a train to Wales for Valentines Day, spending a lovely day in the sleepy fishing village of Conwy (the castle rocked - check it out if you're ever over that way). When we were having dinner on Saturday night, Dave gave me a spoon he'd bought that day! (awwwww). He's since decided that next year he's going to try to whittle me one, and will continue to have a go at it each year until he carves one that's "good enough". how nice!

The spoon pictured here isn't mine, it's just one off the interweb somewhere. Mine one has a heart at the top and then a keyhole/cross thing below. It's very pretty.

What a nice tradition!

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!! I know I'm a day early, but a) it is Valentines Day at home, and b) I don't think I'll be around to post tomorrow. Not sure what we'll be up to - hopefully hopping a train to Colwyn Bay in Wales for the day for a mosey around. We don't traditionally go all out for Valentines, but it'll be nice to just spend the day together near the sea. And maybe have a meal out, if we can find a restaurant with room.

It's funny being at work this time of year and hearing everyone's thoughts on Valentines; people are pretty polarised actually! I' usually on the "it's commercialised and stoopid, people should say they love each other every day" side of the fence, but sitting here on Valentines Eve I'm feeling on board. Love is nice, after all.

Annnnnnddd HAPPY ENGAGED-IVERSARY!!!! to Mel and Kane for tomorrow!!! this time next year you'll be smug marrieds!!! I hope you guys have a lovely day.

Beautiful image found here. More gorgeous paintings found at their Etsy shop here

bye bye my dear friend : a book review of sorts

Coca-Cola has been a very good friend of mine for a very long time. Whenever I want it, it's there - refreshing and fizzy and delicious. I've never experienced a moral crisis when drinking Coke simply because a) I never bothered to question the corporation or read anything concerning them; and b) their advertising is so damn good they had me convinced that they wander the earth doing benevolent good works - sponsoring schools, playing with villagers etc etc. And the Olympics, of course.

But lately I've been reading "Belching Out the Devil: Global Adventures with Coca-Cola" by Mark Thomas, and I have to say it's got me thinking.
It's kind of an expose with funny anecdotal asides - but the message does hit home: Coke stomps around doing what it wants, and doesn't really pause to care for the people or environment it is effecting. Ruining and depleting water supplies for some of the worlds poorest people in El Salvador and India, and preventing its employees from joining trade unions in Turkey and Columbia. To name but a few examples really. I am trying not to buy Mark's tale hook, line and sinker - he obviously thinks he's a bit of a funny bastard and the book is full of witty observations and snarky rhetorical questions (it is pretty funny in places though). I get the impression that although the book is well researched and properly referenced, Mr Thomas has both an agenda and a particular hatred for the Coca-Cola Company - and the story seems a touch one-sided. What little rebuttal there was from Coca-Cola is treated with derision and a smirk. But all that aside, it's clear that Coke either couldn't be arsed proving him wrong, or simply couldn't. And in any case the evidence is overwhelming: Coca-Cola has some business practices that are, to put it mildly, down right nasty.
So I've decided no more Coke products for me. I think the big question is how long will this last? will my moral fortitude outlast my thirst? will the Coke advertising machine wear me down in the end? If I'm making a stand on this, am I obliged to boycott products from Nestle and Pepsico (among others) too?
hmmm.

M.I.A

Sorry, I'm turning into one of those sporadic bloggers... not that I was ever particularly regular, but you know, once a week ain't great.
Work is fantastic, but after having not had a full time job for 5 months, is taking it's toll and all I want to do at night when I get home is curl up in front of the telly! It's a bit rubbish, but I'm sure I'll get used to it again.
I don't want to talk about work (details, I mean) on this blog too much; there are too many stories floating around of people getting in trouble for the wrong person reading their blog. Not that I have anything negative to say, even if I was to change my policy. Well, except for that gmail isn't available any time f the day at work. I reckon Dave's work has it right - sites like that (and facebook) are only available before 8.30am and after 5.30pm. Seems reasonable to me. While our computer is broken and we are relying on our {generous} flatmate, it'd be good to at least ping off a couple of emails before work.
anyway... it's a great role and I'm enjoying it a lot. Being so close to the city centre is awesome too. Although I do miss working at the radio station. There was something a bit cool about that, and I have to say that finance is just not that... sparkly? The people are just as nice as my old team though, so that's the main thing to me.
On the wedding front, Mum went in and booked the church for us a couple of days ago. Apparently they were really surprised, as our dates not till 2010 - they said they didn't even have a diary for that year! it surprised me because our venue proprietor just said a few weeks ago that we're lucky we booked last year; apparently they are completely booked for late 2010 weekends. Our photographer said the same last time I spoke to her, and I was just contacting a florist the other day who said that we don't need to pay a deposit now, but she will book us in because she's getting pretty full up too. So if most vendors are getting booked up for 2010, but the church doesn't even have a diary yet, what does that mean? are people presuming that the church will just be available, or is a massive shift away from church weddings happening, in favour of wineries and gardens and whatnot? I don't feel particularly strongly one way or the other, but it seems a bit sad to me if that is the case.
Any thoughts?

The spending hiatus

You might have seen that Joslyn's lovely blog has sparked a movement of blogging non-spenders, all committed to living a thrifty life. Commitment periods range from a few weeks, to a few months, to a year. Last I checked there were 49 members in the support group. I have to say I'm pretty impressed. This is where you expect me to say that I'm joining, huh? yeah... not so much. Not only did I just spend a bundle of pounds on the requisite flash-work-clothes (on a side note, am I ever glad I did! those girls at work look very flash. I think I may have been sent home if I'd neglected to apply mascara this morning), but as a rule I don't spend buy a lot of stuff anyway. I'm not pretending it's because of ethical or societal reasons, or because I'm just so deep and don't need material possessions maaaaan; it's just cause I'm a bit of a miser, and the shopping justification ritual (Katie knows what I mean) is exhausting. Dave will probably read this and laugh, as I do spend more money than him. Then again, so did Mother Theresa.

SO anyway, this post is in support of those recessionistas committed to the spending hiatus. As always, I won't be spending much on pretty things, so I'm with you in spirit. Or maybe, as my own personal challenge, I should HAVE to spend money on frivolous items each week? how bout that Dave?

What I would buy though, if I were so inclined, is some FUN Benefit makeup. How's the quality? I don't even care! I'm all about the packaging. What do you guys think? is this stuff worth the money? should I let go of maybelline et al and venture into the world of cosmetics that the big girls wear?Seriously, sometimes I feel that I am a 25 year old with the clothing and makeup standards of an uncool 15 year old. I can dress up if need be and I LOVE doing it, but spend more than $40 on a nice top? not likely. Splurge on a pair of boots that go with only one outfit? never. It's a tad boring (it's my Dad's "do you really need that" in my head is what it is).

In other news (that was becoming a little ranty, sorry) work was great!! everyone on the team is really nice and just the right amount of crazy. It's going to be busy, but a lot of fun too.

Off to conquer the world!!

I'm all suited up and ready to go to my new job. It's just an induction day today, so fingers crossed I'm not chucked in at the deep end. I'm a bit nervous, but mostly excited - wish me luck!!

(yes, this is a rubbish short post. I'll write a proper one later on).

I don't want to take Omega 3 supplements. I want to eat this.

No, Paper Ballerinas isn't sponsored by Regal Salmon (though if they were to offer I wouldn't say no. I would happily feature a Regal Smoked Salmon recipe every week, and accept multiple free packets of salmon). Mum and I made this while I was at home and I couldn't get enough of it. We didn't have leeks at the time so substituted with baby spinach. mmmmmmmmmmm.......

Regal Wood Roasted Salmon and Leek Risotto

Ingredients (Serves: 4)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 small leeks or 300 g baby leeks, washed and finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 1/2 cups arborio rice
3/4 cup dry white wine
3 to 4 cups fish or vegetable stock, heated
200g Regal Wood Roasted Salmon, roughly chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 teaspoons lemon zest

Method
1. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy - based saucepan. Cook the leeks and garlic over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for a further minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring until it has all been absorbed. Add the stock to the rice half a cup at a time, until the stock is slowly absorbed after each addition. Stir continuously.
2. When the rice is tender and creamy, stir in the salmon. Season with salt and pepper, add the sour cream and stir gently. Cover the pan and leave for one minute.
3. Garnish with lemon zest and serve immediately.

A good way to waste 15 minutes & an anecdote from Saturday night

Found this morning on In This Instance (one of my favourite must-read blogs - check out her wedding recaps in the "about me" section = stunning), is this fun tool that figures out your decor style. Here is the direct link.

Apparently:

The above words sound a little arsey, but when I went over the summary of things I liked at the end, it surprisingly came together in my ideal style (I have a tendency to contradict myself in quizzes - remember those ones in Dolly and Girlfriend?? or those "which Friend/Sex and the City person are you" questionnaires? Always kinda annoyed me).

I caught the tram home late on Saturday night after an evening with a friend. As we passed through a station a large group of girls got on; all identically dressed to the nines with their beehive hairdos, little dresses (do they not know how cold it is outside?), and not a day over seventeen. It transpired that they were heading to Baa Bar for the evening, and pre-drinks had obviously set them up for a good night (except for the girl crying down the other end of the carriage. There's always one). As we neared the city their {identical} cellphones came out of {identical} clutches as the girls scrambled to gather those eager beavers already in town. Suddenly the carriage was filled with the sound of at least 5 identically dressed teens crying "baa bar, baa bar, baa bar". Indeed. *

* to those who know me best - yup, I know I'm being mean and hypocritical, having spent many a night in my black Glassons trousers and a sparkly top dancing around a cluster of handbags in town, looking pretty much exactly the same as all my friends. And yes, I loved every minute of it (except for when I was crying. Which didn't happen that much, but still). Just thought the above was funny is all.