baby shower cupcakes

I am just heading off to a baby shower for a good work friend of mine, Mariana. Mariana and her partner Dan are expecting a wee baby girl in about three weeks. I'm very excited. I baked these cupcakes for the baby shower. Aren't they cute. The photo doesn't really do them justice - the two types of pink are much cuter in real life.

I've planned a few games for the baby shower including pictionary/scupltionary where the items are baby related. (E.g nappy). So that should be entertaining. I made the playdough a nice bright pink colour.

I also bought Mariana a wee book (kinda like a visitors books) where friends and family can record their comments/suggestions/advice. I've noticed on several occasions, first time mums friends getting overwhelmed with all the 'helpful' advice given by their friends and family. I think that new mums need to be treated carefully as it can be quite daunting and upsetting they way people offer their advice. At least with the book, Mariana can read it in her own time with her new beautiful baby girl.

M

congratulations to my dearest K

Last weekend one of my dearest friends got married. Congratulations Kate & Richard!

D and I flew to Nelson for the weekend to be part of the celebrations. Kate looked gorgeous in a beautiful blue dress. I am so happy we were there to share the day with them.

We held a Hen's night for Kate, which was quite entertaining, especially as Scone and I were the only sober ones! We had great fun dressing Kate up in all kinds of bride-to-be gear. (You like the fishnet stockings? the bride2be sash? or perhaps the abundance of wedding veils and garters??)

There were also several typical hens night games that were most entertaining... Luckily for those involved I have a no face photo policy on my blog... (the internet is a scary place you know!)

It was of course also fantastic to spend some time with my Nelson friends and family and just relax! I really love going back to Nelson and wish we could afford to do it more often. Mum has had their house renovated and they now have a fabulous (and huge) kitchen/lounge/dining area. It was lovely to chill out in.

D went on the whole weekend about how he wants to move to Nelson! I don't want to ruin my perfect holiday destination!

So to those Nelson lovelies who actually read my blog, (yes I know I ramble) it was wonderful to see you and I can't wait to see you soon!

And huge hugs and kisses for my mummy who had an operation yesterday and is at home recovering.

Oh - I forgot to say what fantastic weather it was:



M

pie, glorious pie

We've had a good friend staying with us for a week and while she was here, she made pie! Glorious pie. Pumpkin pie, lemon pie and chocolate pie! Talk about pie heaven! She has ruined my husband who will now expect pie on some kind of regular basis.

M

Christmas baking

Once again, my blogging has not been as regular as I'd like. Perhaps if I actually posted more often, people would read my blog? I am going to try and update in the orderish that things happened..

Before Christmas, we did a bit of Christmas baking. You know, for Santa. (god that seems sooo long ago now) I baked some Stained Glass Cookies. They turned out quite well, despite my terrible photos. They looked pretty and according to D, tasted good.

I also baked some carrot cupcakes for Santa's reindeer

Yes, those are fake carrot lollies on top. Like I was going to peel down REAL carrots!!

Christmas was great this year, we spent the morning with D's family and the afternoon with Sconey and a bunch of friends. We played games all night and ended up eating our Christmas roast dinner at 2am! It was fantastic Christmas fun.

M

big catch up...

On Tuesday night we were lucky enough to see the lunar eclipse. The weather wasn't the best in Welly so the moon was often obscured by clouds. Apparently it was the best kind of lunar eclipse as it lasted so long. It was very cool -and quite freaky to see the moon so red.

And yes, I am obsessed with Bento. I have spent countless hours looking at bento blogs and wishing we could get cool bento accessories in NZ. I am making a bento of sorts for lunch tomorrow. I'd love to get into the habit of making really funky packed lunches - first I'd eat healthier and second its cheaper! Maybe then I can justify spending money on a bento box!!

My 101 list hasn't been progessing so well, with all the getting married excitements. We did managed to open a joint bank account so that is number 56 crossed off. Sadly that only brings me to a total of 6 completed! I have managed to read a few more books, and change a few of the books that were on my list.

It has also been a busy week for my Guides involvement. I had a full day workshop yesterday that goes towards my leaders certificate. It was really fun and great to meet some other leaders. I am also selling Girl Guide Biscuits! The "season" is basically over, but both the units I am involved with have a few boxes left. So if you want some Girl Guide biccies..... hehe.
In fact, I think I have taken enough steps towards becoming a Guide Leader than I can cross of number 26 - Become a volunteer. I am really enjoying Guides and I am keen to get more involved.

And I cannot forget a very Happy Birthday to my bestest friend Kate, her birthday was on Monday 27 August 2007. I'm afraid I haven't been a very good friend this birthday time - things have got away on me. However, I am very lucky she is coming up to visit me and help celebrate our marriage.

Happy Birthday Kate!!

It is only 4 days til D and I actually get married. I am not in the slightest bit stressed (yay for low key weddings) but I am getting very excited and a tad nervous... I am also looking forward to catching up with my family and good friends that are coming to help us celebrate.

I also have some very sad news. My dear Grandad is very ill with pneumonia and is not expected to recover. It is very upsetting and I really feel for my mum at this time as she is stressed about coming to Welly for our wedding and also about what will happen to Grandad.

Love you Grandad.....

M