Aaliyah's Room - Before

Finishing the lounge has been a great accomplishment, but now it's time to move onto the next room - my daughter Aaliyahs room.

This room is bright and has lovely north & eastern views of the Ponderosa but lacks personality.  It has no storage, and Aaliyah was a chic, classy, feminine look for her room.

Lets see what creative juices flow in the next couple of weeks to allow us to get the finished product.
Happy living people!

Drum Table Gets A Make Over

My latest experiment with paint is a drum table that I acquired.  I liked it's original state, but it was a little damaged on the top and needed some personality.

I decided on a bright green from the Annie Sloan range with a dark wax finish without the shabby chic look.

Before Photo

The after photo

A closer view of the dark wax

A closer view of inside the drawer which I painted in the colour florence for some added personality

I'm pretty happy with the final result! It sat in my home for a few weeks until a lovely dutch lady fell in love with it. It now resides in her home in Cambridge to enjoy and I'm sure she'll enjoy it just as much as I did.

Happy living people

My I-C-E Challenge - Cancer Awareness

So the ICE challenge went viral on face book in NZ and Oz, and I can't believe it's now hit America with all the celebrities getting on board.  I was entertained daily at the different challenges that were posted on Facebook.  Some people showing creativity by changing it up to make a point of difference than other challenges. This went so viral in NZ that it hit the national news and various other media with someone actually dying because they drank a large bottle of spirits after the icy exposure - hmmm not the wisest of decisions.

The process was that a person has icy cold water tipped over them and then nominate the next person. The challenges objective was to raise awareness of cancer, provide an icy experience that could be similar to the experience of chemotherapy and to donate money to the cancer society of your choice.

I was nominated a few times, but the thought of placing icy cold water over my head didn't inspire me to make a difference to the cause.  What did inspire me, was to reflect on my past Intense Cancer Experience (I-C-E).  By this I mean my encounters with many of my whanau who have battled this hideous disease - some having positive outcomes, some still fighting and some loosing their battle.

Upon reflection, I'm astounded by the number of family members who have been affected.  My fathers mum - Dorothy McManus, her sister-in-law - Ann Berryman, my fathers sister - Lindsay McManus, my  mothers sisters -  Lillian Paretovich, Raina Ruri, Nora Gagie, my mothers brother - Charles Haggie, his wife - Monica Haggie, my mum's mother - Elizabeth Haggie and also my mum - Maata McManus are some - just to name a few and not including my friends who have been affected.

My earliest memory is when I was 6 sitting in the hallway of my grandmothers hospital ward witnessing my father coming out from her room crying and wondering what was going on.  At the time, all I wanted was to see her, but wasn't allowed.  Later in life I learnt that that was her wish - she didn't want her grandchildren to see her as sick as she was and that was the only visit to the hospital that we were allowed to go.  So both my parents could say their final farewell.

My most vivid memory is living with my mother when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Attending the specialist visit with her and being told the news.  Taking in as much information and asking as many questions as possible.  One thing that was vivid was the doctor stating that cancer continues to double in size until it's either removed or treated with radiation or chemotherapy.  His advise to us was to have it removed as quickly as possible.  When I asked when she was able to have the tumour removed, he stated in the public system it would take 3 months ... but privately he could do it within 3 days.  I was appalled at the answer but knew what needed to be done.  Reluctantly, my mother agreed to go privately.  I say reluctantly, because in her mind she wanted to get "used to the idea" that she had cancer before making a decision.  She thought that having the operation would be the hardest thing to do.  She thought once the operation was over, then treatment would be easy.  That couldn't be furthest from the truth.  Over the months I witnessed my mother go through hell.  Her body rejecting the toxins that were being pumped into her body.  Her body changing.  Her skin changing.  Yes she lost her hair, and yes she looked burnt black after her radiation treatment and yes she was exhausted and wanted to just get it over and done with.  Imagine the reaction when she went for her specialist appointment to be told that the cancer had disappeared.  Elation!  Overjoyed!  Relief!  The specialists told us that the results were positive due to the fact that mum's cancer was detected early.  Over the next month I witnessed my mother heal. Her skin was flawless, her hair growing back thicker.  Her body rejuvenating itself, inside and out. It really was a sight to see and made me realise just how much your body can self heal for the better.

My most recent and hands on experience was when my fathers sister was diagnosed with cancer and within 8 weeks, she was gone.  She was a person living alone in a small two bedroom home, and after discussing it with my husband, I made the decision to ask if she would like to come home to my house.  It was large enough (350 m2) to accommodate her along with my family of 4, plus my sister and her family (3), my parents and anyone else who would like to move in or visit to assist with her care during her final stages.  My parents did move in along with many others and the roster started.  The good, bad and the ugly was witnessed during those 8 weeks and my aunty went through hell.  Her battle to live and her bodies fight to stay functioning, but unfortunately the cancer was detected too late and the battle was lost.  She lived a lonely life in terms of having a partner but I know she was overjoyed to be surrounded with such love from her family, even when she took her last breath.  

My husband has also had his fair share of cancer in his whanau.  Both his father and brother died of bowel cancer and on his 42nd birthday in July, my husband became the oldest living male (on his fathers side) ever!  Nearly two years ago he decided he would make a lifestyle change.  He decided to go PALEO.  A lot of people were getting into it for weight loss, however for him it wasn't about that, it was more about making a more realistic change in how he lives and what he eats.  He explains paleo simply as "eating real food".  Fitting, for a life on the Ponderosa and it honestly is more gratifying when you're growing your own food.

If I am to reflect on these experiences and compare them, I can understand why my grandmother didn't want her grandchildren to see her.  I can understand why my mother thought it would be better to "get used to the idea".  I understand how important early detection through regular checks is. I also understand that healthy wellbeing is important although to me it's not just about healthy eating or regular exercise.  It's about moderation for those naughty indulgences and living life to it's full potential.  Life is much happier when you surround yourself with people you love who provide you with strength and positivity.  I truly believe that love and positivity is life's drug.  It draws you in and gives you the motivation to enjoy every chapter that is thrown at you.

My photo is of my daffodils that I planted in 2012.  They are my dedication to all my whanau and friends that have been affected by cancer which I blogged in SPRING DAFFODILS.  It's quite a concerning topic so for now I think life is too short to worry about what might happen, we should enjoy what does happen by making positive choices in our lives. 

Happy living people! ... oh yes and my donation goes to Hospice!

What To Do With An Old Veneer Drawer

So following on from my up cycling trend, I acquired an old veneer drawer that had it's own personality, but I wasn't quite feeling it.

I've been quite interested in learning more about paint techniques on furniture, so whitewashing the draw to allow the veneer pattern to come through was something I was keen to do.  I thought it would keep with the drawers retro theme but I also wanted to add a little shabby chic "ness" as well.

I am quite happy with the finished result but unfortunately I didn't have a chance to take a photo of what it looked like prior to painting. 

The areas that have been painted have been finished with wax to protect the piece and is now sitting awaiting it's next owner to love it.

Happy living people!

Homegrown Food

In our quest to live off the land for a much healthier and sustainable lifestyle, you learn very quickly that having your own supply of fruit and vegetables is a must.

My husband grew up in Mangamuka, a small town just south of Kaitaia on a large farm with a large old villa .  He remembers vividly at least 1/4 acre of the property housed an orchard and would have a massive supply of fruit and preserves all throughout the year.

Although I didn't grow up on a farm, I did grow up in Ngaruawahia where all properties were 1/4 acre sections and nearly all the houses had fruit trees galore and vegetable gardens.  As a child I would go from house to house eating what fruit I could with all my cousins and it was great!

Imagine my surprise when we first moved onto the Ponderosa and there wasn't much of a supply, especially considering a property as old as this one.  In fact, there was a fig tree, pear tree, lemon tree, grapefruit tree, walnut tree, plum tree, hazelnut tree and 3 cherry trees.  The property did come with a green house, and was loaded with tomatoes and the vegetable garden had heaps of onions.  (Secretly my daughters thought the old owners had an obsession with onions, because they were everywhere).

I have blogged about the cherries, plums and nuts ARE YOU NUTS & SUMMER FRUIT SURPRISE but we took action and planted so much more.  An OLIVE GROVE , a citrus grove with lemons, oranges, limes and mandarins as well as plums, peaches, apples, cherries, pears, almonds and a nectarine tree. 

We repositioned the vegetable garden closer to the house as well.  The old vegetable garden was positioned closer to the front boundary which meant we had to walk a marathon to go and grab something for a meal.  Not good in the rain.  It's pretty close to the back doorstep now, and we get to look at the progress of the garden from the kitchen window which is great!

Beetroots, kale, radishes, spring onions, spinach, silver beet, celery, lettuces, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, sage, marjoram, thyme and bay have served us well over the winter months and I'm starting to think about what needs to be planted for picking this side of xmas.

Kale, Carrots & Beetroots

Beetroot, radiches & spring onions

Sliverbeet, spinac & spring onions

I am currently on the hunt for some maori potato seeds and hope I'm able to secure some soon as I need to get them in the ground this month just in time for xmas.  My favourite fruit tree supplier is Farrels has their annual sale on at the moment so I'm looking to add a few more nectarine trees and citrus as well.

Grapes, passionfruit, raspberries, avocado, pomegranate and asparagus are all on the radar as permanent features too.  I just need to find the right place for them.

Have a great night peeps!

Homemade Granola

I'm not a great fan of just oats, but love the consistency of all the nuts, seeds and dried fruit in this granola.

It's packed with goodness and is great with just plain yoghurt for breakfast or by itself as a healthy snack. 

For a more paleo version, simply omit the oats and add more seeds,nuts and coconut.  We are making more of the paleo version in my house now that my husband has made that lifestyle change and a container doesn't last long in my house.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of porride oats
1 cup of jumbo oats
1 cup of sunflower seeds
1 cup of pumpkin seeds
2 tblsp of sesame seeds
1/4 cup of slice almonds
1/4 cup of walnuts
1/2 cup of hazel nuts
1/2 cup of shredded coconut
1/2 cup of honey
1/4 cup of coconut oil
1/2 cup of dried strawberries or other dried fruit 

METHOD
Preheat the oven to 140°C

 

Line a baking tray with baking paper and spread out the hazel nuts and coconut evenly and toast until golden.  Leave to cool completely and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, place the oats, seeds and remaining nuts and mix to combine.

 

Heat the oil and honey in a pan until combined, then removed from the heat and add to the oat mixture.  Stir well, then spread out on one or two baking sheets.

Bake for about 50 minutes until crisp, stirring occasionally to prevent the mixture sticking.

Remove from the oven and leave to cool.  Once cool, throw everything into a bowl and mix .  Store in an airtight container.

Serves 4 people.


Happy living people!!

 

 

Fireplace Chairs Get A New Lease On Life

So my wonderful husband has a NEW SHED, but now it's getting pretty full with my stuff!  (which he isn't too impressed with).  So time to apply some lovin by doing a little upcycling and maybe look to let some of my collections go to a new home.

One of my latest creation is two beautiful fireplace arm chairs.  They were fairly rustic to begin with, but they had great bones.  I decided to recover them with a nice french linen I picked up at spotlight and paint the frames - yip you guessed it, with paint from the Annie Sloan range.  This time I chose graphite and finished it off with with clear & dark wax.

Judge for yourself, what you think of them?




Before - in their rustic state

Finished view from the front

View from the back



View from the side .. with upholstery tacks

Both chairs finished

This was a real learning curve for me as I'd never done anything in this scale before, but my wonderful mum motivated me to give it a go, and I'm really happy with the results.  The chairs are really quite comfortable and are great for sitting out on the front porch and reflecting in the sun.  Of course they are too good to leave out there on a regular basis, and unfortunately I have no room in my house for them to live permanently. 

Yes over the years I collected lots of different things and I have to admit, buying 9 acres gave me lots of potential to collect more :-)  But sadly, these babies will need to find a new home somewhere but for now, I am just enjoying learning from the experience.

Happy living people!

Revamp Your Dining Suite - Part 2

So .. I'm really getting into "up cycling" furniture so I decided to try revamping another dining suite.

The whole thing was a very orange stained pine which I was feeling, so I painted it pure white and french linen from the Annie Sloan range and applied clear wax for extra protection.  I was pretty happy with how that looked, but decided to distress the paint a little for a bit of added texture.

Happy living people!

New Additions - Part 2

The first of the next generation of beef has arrived!  Born on a very cold and frosty night/early morning, the calf is healthy, feeding well off mum and integrating into the rest of the herd.

To be honest I thought it would've arrived last week sometime, but the wait was definitely well worth it.

Less than a day old .. trying to get it's balance properly

Integrating well with the rest of the herd and exploring everything and anything! - 5 days old

Never wonders too far from mum and can't understand what this hay and grass is about - just give me MILK!

Reflecting on my past blogs OUR PERSONAL CASH COW and BULLET THE BULL, we know for sure now that Bullet (or Roger as my husband calls him) has done the bizzo. Hopefully within the next week or so, this calf will have a friend to run around with as a couple of our cows are showing good signs that it won't be too long before they become mothers.

Today marks 5 days since the calf was born and we have done nothing but simply monitor the calf to see if it hasn't wandered too far away from mum, or that mum has rejected the calf for some reason.  That means no early morning  wake ups or multiple feeds which is definitely much easier than our past experience with calving.

Happy living people!

Live Love Learn

Yesterday we celebrated my daughters Aaliyah and Jayden's 19th birthday.  Upon reflecting on the up coming days of the event, I couldn't help but wonder where the years had gone.  I remember their birth as if it was only yesterday and still regard them as my babies, but they have grown into intelligent, responsible and loving young women.

My husband and I have had numerous conversations about life and the reality of our mortality as we grow older, but instead of writing about it, I think the below picture reflects what should be done.

Who knows what the next 19 years will bring for me and my whanau, but I expect us all to love each other, learn from everything and live every moment as if it was our last. 

Happy living peeps!!