New Robe Gets New Look

Jayden's room is now finished and we are just going through the process of putting in some finishing touches.  In saying this, I just couldn't wait to share the work she did on her wardrobe.  I picked it up off trademe for $150 and couldn't believe the bargain I got.  Early settler still sells this wardrobe for nearly $1000!!!

The robe itself was in really good condition, but the finish was dark and needed a lift.  Jayden had some big colour decisions to make for her entire room so for this piece her choice was white and henrietta (yes both are annie sloans colours)

Before

Jayden adding her personality to the piece

The finished product

This is a very big piece of furniture so took all weekend to do - especially when the weather has been as cold as it has.

If I am honest, I was a little worried about how it all ties into her room, but once it was completed her vision was on point!!

Happy learning peeps!!!

How To Make A Tufted Headboard

I've always loved the look of a tufted headboard and was pretty excited when I found Aaliyah's one.  I blogged about it in HEADBOARD GETS A MAKEOVER.

Jayden spent a bit of time pinning the headboards she liked on pinterest and after months of trolling through trade me and second hand stores I decided to make one.  (with the help of my wonderful husband and Jayden of course).

Once Jayden picked what size bed she wanted and selected a beautiful linen fabric, then we were all good to go.  Gig measured out a piece of plywood and rounded the edges with a router.

We cut out an old foam mattress that had seen better days to size and glued it to the plywood with spray on adhesive. We then got to marking out the diamond pattern on the headboard and then drilling through the plywood and foam.

Next was the buttons.  The local spotlight sells upholstery buttons that you can cover and we needed 33 in total.  A little tip - these buttons don't work as well with thick fabric (like we had), so we also used some hot glue for that extra stick.

Now for the fun part!  Or that's what we thought anyway.  I started from the middle and working outwards, I threaded the button from the front through each hole to the back of the headboard.  As I pushed the buttons to the plywood, my husband secured the button thread at the back of the headboard with 3 staples. Big tip - try not to pull the material too tight to allow for the pleats to fold and form the diamond pattern.  Repeat until all buttons are completed, working the tufting and secure the fabric to the back of the board.

Gig then cut a few pieces of plywood for the headboard legs and routered the join to fit where the headboard will screw onto the bed itself.  We secured them with my brand new staple gun.  We then cut up some old foam and placed them over the bed legs so the headboard doesn't damage the internal walls, then covered the whole back with an old ripped sheet we had.

Once the headboard was fully covered, the idea was to edge it with some upholstery tacks, but it was so big that the tacks looked lost.  Solution, upholstery cord!!  The first one was stapled in place, then the second was placed inside it and secured with hot glue.

 
The finished product!

If I am honest, it was a challenge to complete and you definitely need at least two people to do the actual tufting. If you have a gang of 3 people doing the buttons, it really helps as well because that alone was a challenge for one person.

The finished photo doesn't really give the headboard justice but I am so happy we finished it and that it looks fabulous in Jayden's room.  Best of all, Jayden loves it too!!

Happy learning peeps!

ELIZABETH PAKI HAGGIE (nee TURNER) - Part One - The Child.

If there is anything in the world that I currently love the most it has to be my beautiful grandmother.  I know I've blogged about my nan a couple of times in REFLECTION OF LIFE and HAPPY MOTHERS DAY but those blogs haven't really given my nan justice really.  They have simply touched the surface. 

In May this year, her journey took a different route and it's fair to say that my beautiful nana is facing some challenges.  Over the months I have been compelled to write something about her but I've just strugged on where to start .. maybe the beginning is the best place and although I have named certain people, it is purely to capture the significance they hold for my grandmother and  how highly regarded they are by her.  I mean no disrespect to them or their whanau.

My nan's father is Paul Turner of Ngati Apakura.  He was the eldest child of John Turner and his second wife Paki Cowell and was born in Awhitu.  Paul had many siblings, in fact over 14 of them, however only one was his full sibling - that being Ngakungaku Turner.

Nan's mother is Rangihinemutu Kupa of Ngati Whawhakia and Ngati Amaru.  She was the only child to Tukahia Kupa and Awetoroa Paki and was brought up by her tupuna in Huntly.  Like her husband, Rangihinemutu had many 1/2 siblings.

My nan was born in Mercer on the banks of the Waikato River in 1929.  This was a time when the great depression had hit NZ, pakeha governed the laws of the land and maori had begun to slowly build on the foundations to resolve the struggles of raupatu.  Although it was a time of stress and despair, hope was strengthening for her people under the umbrella of the Kingitanga.

My nana was the 5th child of the whanau of 6 children.   Sadly when nan was about 3 years of age, her mother became very ill and died.  This had a tremendous impact on my nan and she made no secret that her mother died as a result of a makutu or curse based on greed and selfishness for land.  

Her mum's death left the young whanau devastated and Paul Turner was forced to seek help from his aging mother and two sisters - Ngaku and Mona.   By this time, the whanau had also lost their youngest sibling and the resolution was to split the children.   Nana along with her sickly sister Annie  went to live with their Aunty Mona in Mercer while the other three siblings stayed at Te Kohanga with their grandmother opposite Te Awamaarahi Marae.  The boys, Napi and Bill were to help work the land and for nana's eldest sister Iti her role was to run the home and help care for the kaumatua.

Nana would travel with her aunty and sister back home to visit the rest of the whanau.  She loved being with her siblings and longed to spend time with her father.  When she would return back to Mercer, she spent most of her time with her cousin Wetere Dixon who was 3 years older than her and also living with their Aunty Mona.  

Wetere's mother was Ngakungaku, and nan openly spoke to us about how Ngaku married a man from up north.  From this marriage there were many children however Wetere was the only surviving child.  Nan said that the old people of Waikato believed he survived because Mona (Paul and Ngaku's half sister) travelled north to bring him back to the Waikato.  They believed he was destined for great things!  Wetere stayed with Mona from that point onwards.

My grandmother and Wes grew up together in Mercer and developed an everlasting relationship and I believe its due to their similar tribulations that brought them closer and closer together.  Nana always referred to Uncle Wes as her brother.

As a father, Paul Turner was determined  to provide for his family.  He would walk for miles for work and would leave every morning before dawn and return home well into the night.  His feet would be so sore, his mother would soak his feet in a bucket of hot water every night.  Nan always spoke about how she would try every night to wait until he came home, but struggled.  She made no secret that she loved her father so much that she craved to spend time with him whenever she was able.

Nana Paki, my nana's grandmother become seriously ill and struggled to help care for the young family at Te Kohanga, so she went to live with Aunty Mona.  By this time Aunty Ngaku had returned to the Waikato and married a Kukutai and my grandmother went to live with Aunty Ngaku to help share the load of caring for the whanau.  She was ten years of age when she first met John Haunui.  John was actually nana's relation as they shared the same great grandfather.  He had been whangai'd to Aunty Ngaku and my nan was made to sit on the chair and hold him as a baby.  My nan made no secret that she thought he was the most beautiful baby she had ever seen.  She loved him as if he was her brother and helped care for John.  Unfortunately within a few years, Aunty Ngaku became seriously sick that John was returned to his whanau and my grandmother returned to Te Kohanga to live with her siblings and father.  It's during this time of living with Aunty Ngaku that nana and John formed an inseparable bond that they continued to call each other brother and sister throughout their lives.

By the time my grandmother returned to Te Kohanga to permanently live, her father Paul Turner had remarried. This wasn't something my nana warmed to at all.  She loved her father more than anything and always longed to spend time with him every time he was home.  His new wife had other plans, and didn't want her husband to show affection towards his children and hindered them from spending time with him.  Her step sibling on the other hand was allowed to do whatever they wanted which infuriated my nana even more.

This didn't stop her father and he would spend time with his children whenever he was able.  Nan spoke about how her dad had a special cow that always knew when he was nearly home.  The cow would open the gate and disappear down the road, only to return with her dad.  She quickly learnt that when she saw the cow open the gate, she would run down the road, wait by the bridge, then walk slowly back with her father.  This was a special time to bond with her father and she appreciated this very much.


My nan also speaks fondly of her relationship with her siblings and how much fun they had.  Of course her eldest brother Napi and eldest sister Iti were a few years older than her, so growing up she had a different relationship with them.  Aunty Iti being the responsible eldest sister who cared for them so that they were safe, warm and fed.  Uncle Napi being the young handsome maori in the neighbourhood being eyed by all the woman in the area.  Regardless, they all looked out for each other and made sure they were safe.  I honestly believe they would've all got up to some mischief growing up and can only imagine the stories my nan hasn't told me because I know there are a lot that I have chosen not to share.

Although my nan had lost her mother at a young age, my grandmother always says she had a very good, happy childhood.  She enjoyed being with her brothers, sisters, cousins and especially her father and although she spent a great deal of her childhood living under the iron fist of her aunties, my nan always says her true mother was her eldest sister Iti. 

This concludes part one of my story about my grandmother and I'm already thinking about what part two will look like.  Stay tuned!!!

Happy loving peeps!

Side Drawers Go Pink

So we are getting close to revealing Jayden's bedroom and part of the renovation is changing some of her existing furniture.  These bedside tables were in pretty good condition, but didn't fit with the colour scheme Jayden wanted.

You guessed it - they were painted with Annie Sloan Antoinette and sealed with clear wax.  This time I painted the handles as well.

Before

After

Both drawers completed with this small pot of paint

I must admit that I had some reservations about the colour but once finished the colour looks wonderful, even if the photo's don't give it justice.  (Note to self - work on my photography skills).

What I was equally surprised with is how little paint was used to complete them.

What do you think?

Happy learning peeps!!

Koroneihana - What Does It Mean To You?

Koroneihana or the coronation happens every year at Turangawaewae Marae and has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  As a child growing up, koroneihana was just something that happened every year ... and back then it was always in May and always when it was my birthday. 

Of course the koroneihana symbolises the succession of the head of the Kingitanga and the Kingitanga in itself has a more in depth meaning and purpose not just for me or the people of Tainui, but for maori as a whole.   In saying this as a young child, the deeper meaning of koroneihana was irrelevant.  Even as a teenager.  It was more about people coming together to celebrate collectively as one.  It was about seeing my cousins and building long lasting relationships with friends and whanau.  It was about experiencing an environment that encapsulated the importance of being maori and for my family, it was about coming together and making it happen.

I have wonderful childhood memories of the koroneihana.  My grandparents were always working the event, along with my mother and other family.  I would stay at my grandparents which was only 50 metres from the marae and there was a constant humming of people throughout the week.  

My grandfather - Binga Haggie was always at the marae, tending to anything and everything from unblocking the toilets, to keeping the boiler going, to being on the paepae, to attending distinguished dinners within Turongo/Mahinarangi.  If it needed doing, he was either doing it, or helping someone to get it done.  At night I would hear his name announced "would Binga Haggie please come to the office".  As a child, I knew he was at the marae, but where on the marae was always a mystery.  With so many people, it was like trying to find a needle in a haystack and when I did finally see him, he was generally in a place where as a child, I wasn't allowed to go.

My grandmother on the other hand - Noki Haggie would be working the netball competitions with her sister-in-law - Doreen Gregory.  The both of them would have their little caravan parked up on the sports field close to the netball courts at Paterson Park and be constantly announcing games/results or simply sorting out some controversial decisions on the courts themselves.  I always knew where she was if I needed her and resting in the covered caravan out of the wet and/or cold of the winter weather was a god send.  The only problem with reaching my nana was getting past the wardens.  In those days, you had to pay to get into Paterson Park and as a child, you wanted to save your money for lollies, not spend it on getting into the sports field.  Back then the wardens were really fast and fierce.  If you were fast enough you would jump the wire fence and sprint into the sports crowd and disappear OR we would climb the trees or hide in the shrubs until the wardens went past.  If they caught you, you got a good slap, and then you were taken to the wardens office to be collected by a family member.   In the earlier days, people were fined for not adhering to rules of the wardens.  Lucky for me, I didn't get caught.  Not because I didn't want to get it from the wardens, I was more scared at what my mother or grandparents would do to me.

 My mum - Maata McManus on the other hand was always away from the sports field and marae.  Her job was to run the squash tournament which generally happened from Tuesday night through to Saturday at the local squash club, across the bridge on the other side of the river.  As a child I didn't spend a lot of time at the squash club, because all the action was either at the marae or on the sports field.

It was a pretty full on time for my grandparents and mother and there wasn't room to look after the children.  On the Friday night I would be given some pocket money for the whole weekend, and the doors to my grandparents’ home was always open so that me and my cousins could come and go.  Of course budgeting wasn't a strong point.  I usually found my way down to the lolly caravan across from the marae where my oldest sister Tanya would be working with my cousins from Te Awamaarahi Marae.  I'd stick my head into the titi tent, which was run by my nana's sister Iti Rawiri.  Nothing like a hot fried bread to get the energy levels up and then off I would go with my cousins again.    The kimiora kitchen was always a hive of activity and as a young child, I would head down there every now and again to see my aunty Anne Berryman who ran the kitchen.  I never stayed for very long as it wasn't a place for children to be.

Back in the earlier days, my grandmother - Dorothy McManus also contributed to the koroneihana by cooking the overflow of food for Kimiora offsite in Horotiu.  She managed the cafeteria at AFFCO back then and the food would be cooked in "the cookhouse" and then transported to Kimiora to her sister-in law Anne Berryman.

When I reached high school, my involvement at the koroneihana changed and I found myself working the event itself.  Although not in Kimiora, or the sports field, or the titi tent.  My job was to help my mother at the squash club.  This involved running the shop making toasted sandwiches, burgers and hot chips.  It started Tuesday night and went right through to Saturday night, when Te Arikinui would arrive in time for the prize giving and then announce the end of the squash tournament.  Once she left, the squash club turned into a night club where everyone would turn up for a dance and a few drinks to celebrate.    

If I am to be honest, I didn't enjoy working the squash club because it was so far away from the marae and the koroneihana "life" I experienced as a child.  I wasn't even allowed to take time off to go and watch the famous league match between Turangawaewae and Taniwharau on Saturday afternoon.  Work was the purpose and I believed I was hard done by, particularly when my cousins would tease me and then come back that night telling me how awesome it was.

Eventually my mother passed on the reigns of running the squash tournament and she became involved in the mirimiri workshops during koroneihana at Nga Miro.  Everyone loved this and people would arrive in numbers to recieve a nice massage.  This was definitely something the kaumatua enjoyed.  I would venture in there every now and again to help her and if I was really lucky, I'd get a mirimiri from one of the other aunties - because mum's a little too hard for my liking :-)   

Upon reflection, change is inevitable.  Today the koroneihana is held in August.  My mum's role is a kaumatua on the paepae alongside my aging grandmother Noki and I find myself working within Kimiora kitchen.  The crowds are different today along with the activities that are run during the celebrations and the cooking facilities have been upgraded to be able to cater for the large numbers more efficiently. Regardless of change, I have some very special memories of koroneihana and more importantly of my wonderful whanau who have long passed from this earth but left their legacy to continue on.  Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu, Binga Haggie, Doreen Gregory, Dorothy McManus, Anne Berryman and Iti Rawiri to name only a few.  I think back on the times of first working the koroneihana thinking how hard done by I was, then laugh at my immaturity to not see the bigger picture.  The koroneihana has taught me many things.  If anything it's made me want to contribute to a much bigger purpose than just myself.   It has taught me to be a part of a purpose where my tupuna contributed so much in.  It has made me feel my own sense of purpose and in some ways - worth.  It's taught me how to balance my contribution with my work and whanau.  But most importantly, it has opened the doors for my future generations to choose to be a part of this legacy.  Whether they choose to be a part of it or not, is entirely up to the knowledge they gain and how they are taught.

This Wednesday 19th August 2015 will see the celebrations begin starting with the kawe mate o Tainui waka.  A time when we remember our love ones from the Tainui waka who have passed away during the course of the year.

Thursday 20th August 2015 is the kawe mate o te motu.  The day when we remember love ones from outside the Tainui rohe who have passed away during the course of the year.

Friday 21st August 2015 is Kingi Tuheitia's day.  The day when he succeeded his great mother and took on the challenge of leading his people.

On Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd August we continue with the celebrations with kapa haka performances and sports competitions from all over New Zealand throughout the weekend.

I encourage anyone who is keen to get involved in the koroneihana to come to the marae.  To me, it is truly an inspiring opportunity where I get to work alongside some of the hardest working bodies, and most intelligent minded people I have every come across and I am so proud to be apart of it.

Happy living peeps!!

Flourless Chocolate Cake

I have this wonderful chocolate cake recipe that was handed down from generations that's moist and chocolatey but considering my husband is living the paelo lifestyle, and both my daughters have food allergies, I had to go out in search of a more healthier option for them to enjoy every now and again.

My initial thought was, no one does moist and chocolatey better than Nigella Lawson and what do you know.  I came across this recipe.  It's moist, chocolatey and gluten free!

Ingredients
2/3 cup olive oil
6 tablespoons of cocoa - sifted
1/2 cup of boiling water
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 pinch of salt
1 cup of caster sugar
3 large eggs

Method
Preheat the oven to 170°C and grease a 22 cm cake tin with a little olive oil.

Place the cocoa, vanilla and water into a jug and mix thoroughly into a paste.  Set aside to cool slightly.

Beat the sugar, oil and eggs until pale.  Add the cocoa mixture and until combined thoroughly, then add the flour and baking soda.  You'll need to scrape the sides to ensure everything is well incorporated.


Pour batter into the greased tin and back for 40-45 minutes or until cooked.


Let cool for about 10-15 mins before opting to eat warm.


Serve with berry coulis and natural yoghurt.


Enjoy!!


Happy learning peeps!

Piano Stool Gets Revamped

So, I've been working on a few projects for Jaydens room and this one is a lovely little stool to match her makeup desk.

I picked it up at a second hand store for $2.  Of course one of the legs needed some fixing which I immediately thought .. awesome, nothing my wonderful husband can't repair for me :-)

Once superman (that's my husband) made his repairs, off came the original material and the painting began.  Colour of choice - Paris grey using clear and dark wax finished with a slightly shabby chic look.

I wanted something bright for the upholstery and because Jayden has chosen pastels in her room, I went with pink.  

What do you think?

Before

After

With the desk

I'm pretty happy with the final result and the pop of colour adds some personality to, what my cousin says "a repeative colour scheme"

Happy learning peeps!

The Benefits of Coconut Water

With my husband Gig living the paleo lifestyle and embarking on marathon running, he was struggling to find natural products to replenish his energy levels.  Particularly when you are running 42 kilometres.  His first "paleo" marathon was in Rotorua and he found some natural boosters made with honey and molasses and unfortunately for him he cramped at the 26 km mark.  Fair to say, he was very disappointed he couldn't run the whole way, but he did end up finishing the marathon, even if he walked/limped the remaining 16 kms.

He then told me he wanted to run the very first ever marathon in Queenstown.  My immediate reaction was he needed to find a better supplement and suggested coconut water.  He wasn't too keen at first, but I had read a number of articles of how beneficial it was.

Rule #1  It's a natural isotonic beverage, with the same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood.  So basically, it's just as good as getting a blood transfusion.  In fact, I read that during the war, soldiers wounded in the pacific recieved emergency plasma transfusions using coconut water siphoned directly from the nut.

Rule #2  It has more potassium and less sodium than most sports and energy drinks and contains natural sugars as opposed to altered sugars found in sports drinks and energy drinks. It also has calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.

Rule #3  It regulates your body temperature, raises your metabolism, boosts your immune system, cleanses your digestive tract, helps regulate diabetes, improves poor circulation and helps treat kidney and urethral stones. 

Rule #4  It's got 0 cholesterol and is 99% fat free.  In saying this, I'm not a fan of fat free ratings, because in reality there are some essential fats that our body needs which has a result of raising the bodies cholesterol level in a good way.  But for those who love the fat free ratings and lower cholesterol levels, then this rule definitely fits in.

Rule #5 For those who struggle with dairy products, coconut water is a great substitute for milk and yoghurt in a smoothie.  PLUS it's a great substitute for liquid or powdered stock when cooking.  A can of coconut water can add huge benefits to a stew, curry and even a boil up. 

Rule #6 It's a great cure for a hangover!  Although getting a hangover isn't what I'm promoting here, if you do manage to consume a little too much than you should,  remember Rule #1?  Just like getting a blood transfusion.  

Rule #7 When consumed, it moisturises your skin from within and eliminates unnecessary oils.  It even has the ability to clear acne and tone the skin if applied to the skin.  That doesn't surprise me considering coconut oil has some tremendous benefits to our skin too.  I blogged about coconut oil in THE MAGIC OF COCONUT OIL.

Gig did find a coconut water that he liked and started filling his water bottles  on his training runs.  He noticed a tremendous difference in how his body reacted to exercise after that and he went on to run the Queenstown marathon.

From my own personal perspective, I've found myself cooking a lot more dishes using coconut water now.  I've even taken to making a smoothie prior to conquering the famous Hakarimata ranges.  I find my energy levels allow me to make it to the top with energy to burn to come back down, whereas before I struggled to get to half way.

If you find yourself wanting to incorporate coconut water into your lifestyle, I highly recommend it.  There are some expensive products on the market but you can pick up a tray at the asian market for less than $1 per can.  If you find you can't stomach drinking a can or bottle straight, then try smaller steps like I have suggested by using it in cooking. 

Happy living peeps!

 

Baked Salmon, Coriander & Apple Salad

It's the middle of winter and I have a huge patch of fresh coriander thriving on the conditions.  I blogged about it in CORIANDER IN THE WINTER.  This recipe works a treat with the fresh coriander as the salmon & other ingredients stand up to it's strength so that everything is in harmony and not one ingredient is overpowering.

As always, my dressings are generally just a drizzle of this and a drizzle of that until I am happy, but if you are more inclined to mix the dressing in a jar or have a favourite recipe then feel free. 

The bonus with this recipe is that it's very filling, very healthy and equally better for lunch the next day.

Ingredients
200 - 300 gms of fresh salmon fillet
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 clove of garlic - thinly sliced
2 sprigs of thyme

2 big handfuls of baby spinach
3 big handfuls of fresh coriander
2 spring onions - finely chopped
2 apples - thinly sliced
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
2 large kumara cubed
1 red chilli
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper 

Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C and line two roasting trays with baking paper.

In one tray, place kumara.  Lightly coat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss, then roast for 20 minutes or until golden.  Set aside to cool.

In the second tray, place salmon on baking paper.  Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the top following by a dash of olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cover with the zest of one lemon, sliced garlic and the thyme sprigs.  Bake in the oven (at the same time as the kumara) for 15 mins or until lovely and golden.  Set aside to cool slightly.

In a large bowl place spinach, coriander, spring onions, kumara, cucumber, red chilli, apples, red wine vinegar, juice of two lemons, a dash of olive oil and 1/3 of the cooked salmon.   Toss with some tongs until everything is dressed.  Taste for seasoning.

When serving, place the salad on a platter (or individual bowls), then break  the remaining cooked salmon over the top.

Devour and enjoy! 

Serves 4-6 people

Happy living peeps!

 


 

Old Desk Makeover

 So I purchased an old desk off trade me a year ago and my daughter Jayden claimed it in her room as a make up desk.  The desk itself was beautiful but it was missing some handles and needed some TLC and considering Jayden's room is getting renovated, it was time to make the old beauty over.

Colour of choice was Annie Sloan pure white and paris grey with a shabby chic finish.  On the drawers I decided to give decourpage a go.  There were a few quotes that Jayden wanted in her room so I typed them up they now sit on the front of her drawers.  (maybe the decourpage will be another post).

See what you think?

Before

 

 I must say that I'm really happy with the final result as is Jayden - although just quietly I don't think she's 100% feeling the shabby chic finish.

Happy learning peeps!