Glass Cabinet Conversion

I get some furniture pieces every now and again with this wonderful idea of where it will go inside the house and what function it will have, and as it sits waiting to be revamped, plans change.  This piece is a shining example of that. 

I picked it up years ago in Morrinsville with the idea that it would be converted from the beautiful queen anne glass display cabinet (which had a broken leg and missing glass) into a shoe storage display unit in Aaliyah's room.  My thoughts were to paint the whole thing black including the glass at the back and sides of the unit so that her heels would be the feature of the piece, displayed through the glass in the front.

The room was renovated and as furniture went into the room, Aaliyah decided she didn't want the piece anymore.  It sat in our shed for a month or so more until I came home one day and my husband Gig had decided to use it as storage for sports/hunting gear.  

He replaced all the glass with old wood he had laying around, sanded it back, then painted it.  ASCP Olive was his colour of choice (inside and out) with the handle painted ASCP Duck Egg Blue to break the piece up.  I am just gutted I didn't get a before photo of the piece.

I think it looks fabulous in our room and adds that much needed storage.

If you have a piece of furniture that could do with a make over, then I encourage you give it a spruce with a coat of paint.  You'll be surprised with how fabulous it will turn out.

Happy learning peeps!

 

Te Whakaruruhau Fundraiser

Today is the first time since the 1^st of March 2016 that I've logged into my blog with a view to post something.  Upon reflection, time has flown by, but I wanted to share a great experience I had working alongside my marae whanau and Te Whakaruruhau.  Last year I was so lucky to be able to work alongside Anne Thorpe who was their celebrity chef at Te Whakaruruhau’s first fundraiser “Saving Rose”.

That event was such a wonderful success for Te Whakaruruhau that they ran another fundraiser this year on February 25^th.  When meeting with the organisation to discuss this years event, I asked who their chef would be.  The response was “we would like you”.  I was completely taken by surprise!  Trying to compose myself, words were spoken, which I really can’t remember, but I managed to blurt out “Wow, I’ll have to come back to you”.

I have worked with Te Whakaruruhau for a number of years now.  They provide such a wonderful and beneficial service to the community by providing help on domestic & abusive environments for maori women and their children.  In fact, it’s quite eye opening to understand what experiences their women have been through and the courage it takes to choose a different path.  I really couldn't turn a blind eye by not getting involved but I wanted to ensure I could commit 100% before saying yes.
I went back to them – then reality hit.  What the heck will I serve? I decided on a healthy menu using fresh ingredients, natural sugars, natural oils - Absolutely nothing refined!

The menu - just gutted I didn't get a picture of the entre.  It was devine!

Bacon wrapped smoked paprika chicken with pineapple & avocado salsa

Orange & fennel pulled pork on a kumara cake with watercress, pistachiao & parmesan salad

Coconut cream pannacotta with poached nectarines & summer syrup

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this intiative and more importantly to all those volunteers who I worked alongside.  I really did learn so much from this experience and understand this years event was just as successful for Te Whakaruruhau as 2015.

 

In regard to Te Whakaruruhau?  If you are looking for an organisation to support OR you know someone who needs help, and you don't quite know how to go about it, then simply contact Te Whakaruruahu on 078551569 (24hrs).  You could save their life.  

Happy learning peeps!

 

Apple & Berry Smoothie

Sometimes during the hot summer weather, I find I can't enjoy heavy meals as much so this recipe is perfect for me when I feel like something.  PLUS it's healthy!!

Ingredients
1/2 to 1 can of coconut water (no more than 350 mls)
6 - 12 raw almonds
1 apple, cored
One handful of frozen berries you
1 teaspoon of manuka honey 
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Method
Place everything in a blender and blend until smooth.

Pour and enjoy!

Happy living peeps!