On My Mind

Photo from NZHerald website

A city 5 hours up the road from mine suffered a major earthquake on Tuesday at 12:51pm local time. The building shook where I work and immediately mine and my workmates thoughts turned to Christchurch. This picture was one of the first we saw on the Internet not long after the earthquake and the afternoon was spent watching news bulletins on the net and trying to continue working.

While my family members, friends and friends of friends are ok, many other people weren't so lucky and there is a lot of people all around the country waiting for their family members to be found in the rubble.

Please take a moment to give the ones you love a big hug, and think of those waiting for their loved ones to be found. If you want to help, here are some places you could drop by.

The Salvation Army: Freephone 0800530000; online at www.salvationarmy.org.nz; or by post:

The Salvation Army, PO Box 27001, Marion Square, Wellington, 6141. Mark correspondence: "Canterbury Earthquake Appeal".

Any ANZ Bank: Account number 01-1839-0188939-00.

Any National Bank: Account number 06-0869-0548507-00.

Any BNZ Bank: Account number: 02-0500-0982004-000

Any ASB: Account number 12-3205-0146808-00

A little bit of a downer of a post, but mainly make sure the ones you love know it :)

Peanut Butter Truffles

I made a discovery the other day. I often like to cruise the Internaltional Section at my local supermarket. I've been known to spend upwards of 30 minutes in the 1 aisle, closely inspecting the various products from different countries and mentally adding them to my "dream" shopping list. Infused oils, delicate biscuits and cakes from far-away places, Asian sauces, lollies and chocolates...the list goes on!

I came across some Reece's Pieces the other day. I had heard of them before, but hadn't tasted them - what could be better then the combination of chocolate and peanut butter?? After some issues at the counter - barcodes that won't scan, a common occurrence with items from the International Section, I was off to the car with my treat. Well, I have to say, after 1 I couldn't stop and after a few minutes the tiny 50g bag was devoured. After staring forlornly at the empty bag, I thought there had to be a cheaper way to enjoy this!! (These cost me around NZ$3!)

After some rummaging on the interent I came across the perfect, simple recipe here. I halved the recipe as it said it made about 50, slightly excessive I thought. I also used Cadbury Old Dark chocolate, my favourite kind and so much nicer then melted chocolate chips!! Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts and voila! A beautiful, tasty little treat for a fraction of the price of the real thing.

I'm telling you, the second I get to New York (eventually!!) I''ll be grabbing myself a huge bag of Reece's Pieces to stuff in my suitcase...maybe 2, I can't see one lasting all the way back to New Zealand...

Becomes The Rose

All photos taken by me on a Nikon D3000

I dashed down to the Botanical Gardens which happen to be a 5 minute walk away from my house the other weekend. I wanted to take some photos of roses to gain some inspiration for my flowers to go on my wedding cake I am making for the up-coming competition.

With an overload of pink and yellow roses, I was most inspired by the purple section, as well as some soft pinks and creamy whites. I was quite pleased with the photos I got! And how awesome is the glass house at the gardens?? It had scaffolding around it for ages and I had been waiting for them to remove it so I could get a photo.

These gardens are the oldest in New Zealand, being established in 1863. Some of my favourite memories include feeding the ducks old bread there with my family when I was little!

Be My Valentine...

Pink heart-shaped scones with red plum jam (Hint: Add the colour to the liquid to ensure even spread through mix) the bf's favourite treat, Cheesy love hearts and cuddles with my puppy. Not a bad Valentines!

Check out my button over there ---> I'm very proud of it, I would love for you to add it to your page!

Hope you all have a great day for Valentines Day.

Pop on over to...

My other blog Sequin Corner Cakes received the Stylish Blogger Award - so pop on over there and check out my post, your blog might be featured! There might also be some new blogs on there that could be right up your alley. Go on, take a peek....

PS: Yes, that's me in a sumo suit. It was AWESOME.

Black Maxi Skirt

Sheer Grey Tank - Kmart, Black maxi Skirt - Salvation Army Mosgiel,
Black Tights - Kmart, Girl Guides Belt - Salvation Army Mosgiel, Black Suede Boots - Dotti,
Ball Ring - Lovisa

I found this little number in the op shop the other day. $6?!! I'll take it. I have been looking at all of the maxi skirts on the chain stores, but couldn't bring myself to spend $50 on a cotton one...this one has a little elastic waist, is the right length I think and the material has a nice texture to it.

I paired it with a sheer grey tank and my girl guides belt seen here, plus boots and tights. I was actually pretty chilly taking these pictures, it was only 16 degrees with a brisk wind so i was shivering my butt off!!

I'm pretty short (5 ft 4") and I hear maxi skirts are for tall people...does it look ok on me? I love them they are so comfortable and look way better then trackpants!

Flowers for Me - Gumpaste of Course!

I made my first floral spray this weekend and here is how it turned out. I used the flowers I had made last year at class - my lavender roses, cream open roses, rose leaves and jasmine flowers and buds. I'm so happy with how it turned out!! Pop over to Sequin Corner Cakes to check out some more photos. There is also a link to the Sequin Corner Cakes facebook page - stop by, check out some cakes and 'Like' me!

Denim and Sequins

Sequin top - Trademe, Denim skirt - Recycle Boutique, Girl Guides Belt - Shop on Taieri,
Ballet flats - Number 1 Shoe Warehouse

A beautiful day finally!! I was still a little sceptical as to what the day would turn out like, so I played it safe with a denim skirt. I found this one at a second hand store - brand new with the tags still on! It is a nice stretchy denim so it's really comfortable. I got this sequin top at the end of last year - the neck line at the front is high and straight so I decided to wear it backwards as it has a neat little silver zip down the back.

I didn't have time to take any photos today as I started back at my cake decorating classes tonight! we were shown how to put together a bouquet of flowers, I can't wait to have a go!