tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57484261707115187182024-03-14T01:25:34.355+00:00sassy is convenientBelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.comBlogger515125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-21017396817937638362017-06-13T11:31:00.002+01:002017-06-13T15:44:20.844+01:00The perils of googling homemade shampoo recipes <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Lou | 11.05am UK time |</span><br />
<br />
This is a public service announcement folks. If you run out of shampoo and think "I'll just whip up a <b>homemade coconut shampoo recipe</b> from the internet" - don't. I mean, I love natural homemade products from the internet - I use <b>homemade laundry detergent</b>*, I use <b>homemade face masks</b>**, I use <b>homemade body scrubs</b>*** - but boy oh boy was this one a mistake.<br />
<br />
To set the scene: I haven't used chemically commercial shampoo in years. I tried the '<b>no-poo</b>' thing, but living in an area with extremely hard water it just didn't work for me. So now I do buy shampoo, but it's the most natural I could find that would work for my long thick curly locks (<b>Lush Curly Wurly coconut shampoo</b>, should you be wondering), and I don't use any conditioner or styling products. I can comfortably go a week between washes and it never gets greasy or gross-looking.<br />
<br />
However, I ran out of shampoo and there isn't a Lush near me. So first I used <b>baking soda</b>. It completely and utterly dried my hair out - much worse than back when I was using it in a transition to trying 'no-poo' - and I spent a few days with fly-away brittle hair until enough natural oils brushed through to help it out a little. Still hadn't got to a Lush, so come next time it needed washing I thought "I'll just google a <b>homemade coconut shampoo recipe</b>". I find one on a website called 'Style Craze' (I don't want to link to them in case anyone else feels curious enough to try) that I had the ingredients for - <b>coconut milk, olive oil</b>. It assured that this mix is enough to cleanse the scalp, and that hot water would wash it all out.<br />
<br />
No no no no no no NO.<br />
<br />
It didn't seem to be coming out so good, so I turned the hot water up to scalding and hoped for the best. But honestly - my hair felt like it was slicked in oil. My neck became covered in oil. I looked like I'd dunked my head in grease. My boyfriend came home and said "I hear the greasy hair look is very fashionable right now", then snickered to himself every time he looked at me. Eventually it was dry enough to plait it, pin it to my head, and tie it up with a scarf, before scrubbing my neck for the 5th time.<br />
<br />
I managed to get to a shop that sold <b>natural castile soap</b>, so this morning I whipped up a different homemade shampoo that actually used soap this time, turned the shower up to scalding, and tried to wash it out. Nope. My hands were still coming away drenched in oil. Okay, just the castille soap by itself then. Nope. Alright, how about <b>African black soap</b>? Nope.<br />
<br />
Okay fine. After years - YEARS - of my hair having been kept from harsh commercial chemically shampoos, I reached for my boyfriends cheap shampoo, squeezed out a handful, and lathered up. I turned the shower up as high as I could bear it, and scrubbed.<br />
<br />
It seems okay - still a bit of an oily residue, but probably a little bit mad at me for exposing it to silicon and whatever-the-fuck-else is in that bottle. I've probably taken ten steps backwards on the well-trained weekly-wash ecosystem, but at least I don't look like I work over a fryer at the local fish 'n' chip shop. <i>[Update at 3.40pm - my hair is now dry and still looks like someone poured a gallon of oil over it.]</i><br />
<br />
I shall continue the quest for a homemade shampoo that actually cleanses and doesn't leave behind a gallon of oil, and will update if successful.<br />
<br />
<b>TL;DR - don't let the internet trick you into using coconut milk and olive oil on your hair.</b><br />
<br />
<b>*Homemade laundry detergent: </b>2 parts each of washing soda and borax, 1 part grated bar of natural soap, give it a couple of pulses in a food processor to get the soap granules as tiny as possible <br />
<b>**Homemade face mask: </b>Full-fat greek yoghurt with a splash of vodka<br />
<b>***Homemade body scrub:</b> 4 parts brown sugar, 1 part olive oil, a tiny dash of honey<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-24280328274450379582013-02-20T16:05:00.002+00:002013-02-20T16:05:18.849+00:00Why Les Miserables (the film) is brilliant #2: The Sweep! The Scale!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Lou | 3.55pm UK time |</span><br />
<br />
After a lifetime of being confined to the stage, it is wonderful to see Les Miserables come alive at such an epic sweeping scale.<br />
<br />
This was particularly swoon-worthy in the first half hour, from the opening shot through to the ripped pieces of Valjean's past flying over the countryside of France.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0JcnjWG5YSab7rKK8r7JLjhkmDJ62pfiBc3z1vrWmpYjN2qFsOMXjFtPzDno2xFs2xpJRE3Toba7DiDfs7BtjFqbbeH6z9jvcEPgoZetaW20MeM4-KXlxMQdYENSZfUEufCbaQeULis/s1600/Les+Miserables+ship+opening+scene.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0JcnjWG5YSab7rKK8r7JLjhkmDJ62pfiBc3z1vrWmpYjN2qFsOMXjFtPzDno2xFs2xpJRE3Toba7DiDfs7BtjFqbbeH6z9jvcEPgoZetaW20MeM4-KXlxMQdYENSZfUEufCbaQeULis/s320/Les+Miserables+ship+opening+scene.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I salute Tom Hooper for approaching it with such ambition... and perhaps even more so for resisting the urge to apply it to the whole story, particularly in paring back the battle to portray it as the minor (relative to history) skirmish that it was.<br />
<br />
Oooh I'm just making myself want to go see it again...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-8713844664792542562013-02-04T18:49:00.001+00:002013-02-04T18:49:15.355+00:00Why Les Miserables (the film) is brilliant #1: Colm Wilkinson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Lou | 6.25pm UK time |</span><br />
<br />
<br />
As a lifelong Les Miserables fan who fucking LOVES the new film, I'm taking the liberty of giving you my Top 5 reasons why it's fucking AWESOME. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=039td1lNrwU" target="_blank"><b>Colm Wilkinson as The Priest </b></a><br />
<br />
There is a special place in the heart of every Les Miserables fan for Colm Wilkinson, the original (and forever the best) Jean Valjean. One of the highlights of my life was being at the O2 for the 25th Anniversary concert when, after the main show was over, the original cast came out and Colm stepped forward to the microphone to deliver his ubiquitous line "God on high...", prompting a spontaneous mass eye-watering/geekgasm.<br />
<br />
So when his face appeared on screen to sing "Come in Sir, for you are weary..." it felt like a very warm nod from the filmmakers to the Les Miserables geeks of this world. <br />
<br />
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<br />
(Of course, this also had its down-points, such as my utter inability to retain any sense of composure in the film's finale as Colm joins Hugh and Anne in giving the greatest of all final lines.)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-9431534083740224572013-01-30T11:27:00.004+00:002013-01-30T11:31:17.449+00:00Unemployment Part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Lou | 10.55am UK time |</span><br />
<br />
Hi everyone! It's me! I'm back! And for the third time in three years, I'm an unemployed bum engaging in all the soul-searching and self-pitying that that entails. <br />
<br />
<br />
For reasons I can't put into a public forum, I ended up with some money in my bank account after a (very personally unpleasant, but professionally successful) one-year stint at a major studio working as an Analyst. And I was like "This will be easy! I'll find a new job no trouble! It took two-and-a-bit months to find that job, but this time will be different!"<br />
<br />
Nope.<br />
<br />
Well, yes actually - it will be different...Because three months later I'm like WHAT THE FUCK.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I've gotten an interview for one role, for which I was told I had too much experience (I did, so that was fine, it was at the very beginning when I was just testing the water).<br />
<br />
I've since had absolutely no response to any job applications, even those for which I am perfectly (and, I assume, reasonably uniquely) qualified.<br />
<br />
Oh, except for one where the agent replied to say that the job was too junior for me. (I then directly submitted a CV to the company itself, making myself appear slightly younger and slightly less experienced, and got no interest from that either.)<br />
<br />
Contrarily, anything more senior and I don't even get a phonecall, let alone an interview, let alone the job.<br />
<br />
What the fuck is going on??!<br />
<br />
I've read probably literally hundreds of job-hunting blogs/ advice columns/ tips/ motivators.<br />
<br />
I've refined my CV over and over.<br />
<br />
I've kept in touch with every agency in town that handles media and entertainment.<br />
<br />
I've scoured every jobs board, every day, and signed up to every job alert email.<br />
<br />
I've written custom cover letters and custom refined my CV for every application, always applying within a day or two of the job ad appearing. <br />
<br />
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<br />
And NOTHING. <br />
<br />
Okay, so you're thinking: Well, there's a recession on. The job market is rammed with people, and lacking in jobs. In fact, people are in much worse positions.<br />
<br />
But it's London! And I'm highly qualified, highly experienced, and looking at jobs of all levels... including ones at about where I was six years ago when I left New Zealand.<br />
<br />
In fact, after six years of working my way up again from nothing, having already established a career in New Zealand, now is when I should be leveraging all that to land a great job that actually increases my salary for the first time since 2008, not desperately scrambling about for anything. <br />
<br />
And I think what's really, <i>really</i> bothering me is that I genuinely think that a lot of the people I've worked with are incompetent, disinterested, and lazy. Yet their careers seem to have happened so easily for them. And additionally, it seemed to me like a lot of the people I worked with in a <i>film studio</i> didn't even particularly like films. So I'm like "how come they have a job, and I don't?" But the secret is that they all got in on permanent jobs, while I've been stuck with contract positions, which are of course the easiest and quickest to cut (and thanks to the Tories, getting ever easier to cut). <br />
<br />
So... any ideas? New careers I could try out that it's easy to move sideways into...?? Any magic positive thought manifestos out there to help keep someone like me motivated......???<br />
<br />
Because I'm very quickly descending into sitting-on-the-sofa-watching-tv-for-the-rest-of-my-life mode. <br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-47526114895862210532012-06-27T04:25:00.000+01:002012-06-27T04:25:11.337+01:0030 to 30: Nemesis update<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel |</span><br />
<br />
<b>Bel: </b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you remember how I have told you about how I have that
nemesis, who I saw one time on the bus in [redacted] and he annoyed me how he was
talking to the person sitting next to him and so now I hate him but I see him
around town sometimes and I'm like GRRR THAT GUY even though I don't have any
real reason to?</div>
<br />
<b>Marky:</b><br />
Yes.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Bel:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
THERE IS A PHOTO OF HIM IN THE PAPER TODAY WITH HIS NAME AND
EVERYTHING</div>Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-40860900280803995862012-06-21T23:46:00.001+01:002012-06-21T23:46:24.120+01:0030 to 30: The longest shortest day.<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | </span>
<br />
<br />
Apparently yesterday was the shortest day. I spent 14 hours at my desk in a frenzy, only getting up to make tea and toast english muffins, pretending that was a meal. (And to go to the loo, rather frequently, on account of the continuous tea consumption.)Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-73708717252956744672012-06-20T03:01:00.004+01:002012-06-20T03:01:40.921+01:0030 to 30: 9 days to go (apparently)<br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | </span><br />
<br />
<b>Bel: </b>I'm looking forward to us all going out for dinner for my birthday. Have you got that Thursday night in your diary?<br />
<br />
<b>Bel's dad:</b> Yes of course, next week.<br />
<br />
<b>Bel: </b>Dad, no - not next week, in a fortnight!<br />
<br />
<b>Bel's dad:</b> A fortnight?<br />
<br />
<b>Bel: </b>Yes, on the 28th! Sheesh.<br />
<br />
<b>Bel's dad:</b> Next week.<br />
<br />
<b>Bel:</b> What?<br />
<br />
<b>Bel's dad: </b>Tomorrow week in fact.<br />
<br />
<b>Bel:</b> Tomorrow week??<br />
<br />
<b>Bel's dad:</b> Yes, tomorrow is Thursday, all day until midnight, which means one week from then.<br />
<br />
<b>Bel:</b> NEXT WEEK?!<br />
<br />
<b>Bel's dad:</b> Yes.<br />
<br />
<b>Bel:</b> My birthday is next week!!<br />
<br />
<b>Bel's dad: </b>Yes. You'll be 30.<br />
<br />
<b>Bel:</b> I KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-8874270126042328092012-06-19T04:03:00.001+01:002012-06-19T04:03:12.019+01:0030 to 30: Wisdom from my parents<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;"> </span>
<br />
<blockquote>
<i>"Keep your fluids up."</i></blockquote>
- my mum, forever.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<i>"Save early and save often."</i></blockquote>
- my dad, anytime I am anywhere near a computer ever.Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-87586954081565873362012-06-17T05:53:00.001+01:002012-06-17T05:53:54.374+01:0030 to 30: Beginning of the end.<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel |</span><br />
<br />
Got my first birthday card in the mail this weekend.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Bluejay!! Outta the way!!<br />
<br />
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<br />
Technically the envelope was marked "FOR 29th JUNE" but I opened it right away anyway. Lou understands this of my nature and when she send me my lovely giftie early, I was given instruction to of course tear it open immediately.<br />
<br />
And now I have this yummy visual reminder of all the rosebuds I'm going to drink at my birthday party!Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-53654828502232635812012-06-15T01:47:00.001+01:002012-06-15T01:47:33.794+01:0030 to 30: My friend Lou in London<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | </span>
<br />
<br />
#94 on my epic <a href="http://sassyisconvenient.blogspot.co.nz/2011/05/i-need-11-more-things.html">To Do list</a> was Visit Lou. I ticked this off at the end of last year, whilst also completing #1 Go On Our Honeymoon. That trip also crossed off #89 Spend New Year's Eve In An Exotic Location and #101 Visit Family In Sydney (Ranking in no way indicates importance, FYI!)<br />
<br />
Here are some photos of us on our wonderful walking tour of inner city London, past the iconic sights on the Thames riverbank. <br />
<br />
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This is that bridge that gets pwned at the start of Harry Potter <span class="st">and the Half-Blood Prince!!</span><br />
<span class="st">And yes, our hair matches our outfits. </span><br />
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When I saw this, I was like "Mark! You can barely even see the Globe in this photo!" and he was like "Um, yeah, I didn't actually know what you were talking about when you were like 'OMG! The Globe! Take my photo!!' so yeah." <br />
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The Shard!!!! (You have to say it like that - The Shard!!!) <br />
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Me using Lou's London A-Z to get around without supervision!Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-62165697124979860052012-06-11T09:49:00.000+01:002012-06-11T09:49:12.036+01:0030 to 30: Stitchin' II<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel |</span><br />
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Hurrah! Photographic evidence of crafty gift being enjoyed:<br />
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AND photographic evidence of the backside of my embroidery! I TOLE YOU.<br />
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<br />Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-73392044306549166732012-06-09T06:21:00.000+01:002012-06-09T06:21:11.734+01:0030 to 30: Kitteh luvs cupcakes<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br />
Katya made these delicious looking (and tasting!) rainbow decorated cupcakes this afternoon.<br />
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And then Bluejay decided she would share mine with me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjZ32Q2Ict1OH4qelfwvk9PUifNcazd86AKZQY9SPkw4dsKUCt13oRywk_g5-sm-CB1dvSFFkqlEJLUAcERwDJH91213Zxy6God_Vd6Mqk1wFF7xOywTUum-7L8Qj1DBWpq48vQwLQ6o/s1600/IMG_20120609_170147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjZ32Q2Ict1OH4qelfwvk9PUifNcazd86AKZQY9SPkw4dsKUCt13oRywk_g5-sm-CB1dvSFFkqlEJLUAcERwDJH91213Zxy6God_Vd6Mqk1wFF7xOywTUum-7L8Qj1DBWpq48vQwLQ6o/s400/IMG_20120609_170147.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Yes this is me with my uggs-wearing feet up in front of the fire)</td></tr>
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You have not laughed at your cat being ridiculous until you have laughed at your cat being ridiculous with blue icing all over her whiskers.Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-84573736501231122912012-06-08T04:52:00.000+01:002012-06-08T04:53:04.280+01:0030 to 30: 30 Songs<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | </span>
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<br />
Here is a playlist I made for Melissa, who is turning 30 today, exactly three weeks older than me!<br />
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Some of it is very specific to our friendship, but there should be resonance for anyone who listened to a lot of commercial radio in the late 90s.<br />
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<ol id="internal-source-marker_0.31119551130749434" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Summertime” Dinah Washington band</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QnyAufwNfAY" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Sweet Dreams” Eurythmics</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rJE_Sc1Wags" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Here Comes The Hotstepper” Ini Kamoze</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/l7MK5Esy-L0" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Short Short Man" 20 Fingers, feat. Gillette</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/At5YPpKYTL4" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Informer” Snow</span> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NtILxBszyf8" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Would I Lie to You?” Charles & Eddie</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/G_UXvcr22rM" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Two Steps” Alice Russell</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Zdiny2o0snk" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"100 Days, 100 Nights" Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8ouI5KcyHfE" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“My Girl Josephine” Supercat </span><span style="background-color: #ff9900; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/22D4e2RcgAk" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Kate” Ben Folds Five</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/u7K_mF-aKSY" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“My Sharona” The Knack</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bbr60I0u2Ng" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"New Age Girl" Deadeye Dick</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sEDw9xgSmSc" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Prisoner of Society” The Living End</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wBbmIYFCGak" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Everlong” Foo Fighters</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eBG7P-K-r1Y" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Tonight Tonight” Smashing Pumpkins</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NOG3eus4ZSo" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Pepper” Butthole Surfers</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NTltKbfvnfI" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Santa Monica” Everclear</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MW6E_TNgCsY" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What I Got” Sublime</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0Uc3ZrmhDN4" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“She Wants To Move” NERD</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mXC3h95PtDY" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Umi Says" Mos Def</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mcxLFXbECsY" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Everything Is Everything” Lauryn Hill</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/i3_dOWYHS7I" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I'll Be Missing You” Puff Daddy feat Faith Evans</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mM0-ZU8njdo" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I Swear” All 4 One</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pLqPJZUNrqI" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Head Over Feet” Alanis Morissette</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4iuO49jbovg" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Stay” Lisa Loeb</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/70PR5pinGs8" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Building A Mystery” Sarah McLachlan</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zWxzM9_gEo0" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Father and Son” Cat Stevens</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q29YR5-t3gg" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Everybody Hurts” REM</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ijZRCIrTgQc" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Street Spirit” Radiohead</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IrTB-iiecqk" width="480"></iframe></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Exit Music For A Film” Brad Mehldau</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F_4fiMIxO2E" width="480"></iframe></li>
</ol>Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-85708725254489804732012-06-07T01:02:00.000+01:002012-06-07T01:02:37.076+01:0030 to 30: In which I go to the gym so you don't have to.<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNZ1Y2l3iaDp_jQHUtPKlI2EfkztioTIZvHdUHs2ubMDZ31uaQdX5VAHzaLrpOGmSLFNuHLUxNuXbGBr3hNmyb6-Wd3DVDNjIi7PdYznNHciDvWrsSo0nE5VkZALm5pDWdA0lXZWy3oE/s400/3221820358_6bcd8f8224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNZ1Y2l3iaDp_jQHUtPKlI2EfkztioTIZvHdUHs2ubMDZ31uaQdX5VAHzaLrpOGmSLFNuHLUxNuXbGBr3hNmyb6-Wd3DVDNjIi7PdYznNHciDvWrsSo0nE5VkZALm5pDWdA0lXZWy3oE/s320/3221820358_6bcd8f8224.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Women only gyms are different to co-ed gyms. The atmosphere is less competitive and there's a wider variety of body shapes.<br /></li>
<li>Don't drink water before the end-of-session ab tracks in your aerobics class. No matter how thirsty you are, hold out. Don't dooooo it!! Having a big swig of water and then launching into crunches will make you want to vomit.<br /></li>
<li>The first class of spin is cruel on your crotch, but you soon get used to it (/destroy sensitivity in that area?).<br /></li>
<li>Treat the free shit like you paid for it. Because really you did. Any of those "free" personal training sessions they give you when you pay the joining fee, make sure you book 'em in. If they have a sauna or massage bed, get stuck into it.<br /></li>
<li>No one cares what gym gear you're wearing.<br /></li>
<li>But maybe it will make a difference to you? Wearing a matchy-matchy ensemble where my shoes are coordinated with my leggings and singlet makes me feel like I am part of a TEAM! Here to WORK IT! To go for GOLD!<br /></li>
<li>(I am assuming that you are wearing a supportive bra and comfy shoes. Which of course you are.)<br /></li>
<li>When you bump into your boss half naked in the changing rooms, just maintain eye contact. In the eyes.<br /></li>
<li>When the instructor enthusiastically yells "Sing along, you guys!", no one will sing along.</li>
</ul>Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-54306941741974727162012-06-07T00:59:00.000+01:002012-06-07T00:59:40.060+01:0030 to 30: Stitchin'<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | </span>
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<a href="http://sassyisconvenient.blogspot.co.nz/2011/05/i-need-11-more-things.html">Day Zero Project</a> #22: Complete a cross stitch project<br />
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Ok, technically what I did was embroidery, not cross stitch. But still counts!<br />
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I had a look in the new craft store <a href="http://www.mademarioncraft.co.nz/" target="_blank">Made Marion</a> for a pattern that would be suitable for my toddler godson. The people in that shop are lovely, but sadly the range was limited to pretty traditional teddybears. I did get a nice big hoop though - and resisted the urge to stock up on more lovely colours of thread!<br />
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Glory be to Google - searching found me exactly what I was after! I bought a PDF pattern from Auckland-based crafter <a href="http://www.thestitchsmith.co.nz/" target="_blank">The Stitchsmith</a>. Take a look at <a href="http://www.thestitchsmith.co.nz/categories/freehand-embroidery-patterns/helicopter" target="_blank">the original</a> and you'll see that I adapted it quite a bit for my finished product. In fact, I noticed that there were some differences in the pattern and the completed example - there is more room to be creative in this kind of embroidery than a by-the-numbers cross stitch.<br />
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I also resisted buying up on carbon paper and transfer pens. I figure I'd just trace the design onto the fabric.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpQrrmI0UjlR8ILkNB9mLqxVIilqIC6hGcu816OkM_Mi6hnnR21qI8AOkZuBOcDl7peOLIyhKItZVJ32rTARiDJNS12wlUPFI15pXFPrHkIO2R6XPBKejchsynCzeBq3jdT1FB8wHdI0/s1600/IMG_20120520_101525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpQrrmI0UjlR8ILkNB9mLqxVIilqIC6hGcu816OkM_Mi6hnnR21qI8AOkZuBOcDl7peOLIyhKItZVJ32rTARiDJNS12wlUPFI15pXFPrHkIO2R6XPBKejchsynCzeBq3jdT1FB8wHdI0/s400/IMG_20120520_101525.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Idyllic domestic scene? DON'T BE FOOLED.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
Sellotaping the pattern up onto the window, I grabbed my pillowcase and started to attempt to trace the pattern on.<br />
<br />
First, it was awkward getting the bit of the pillowcase I wanted to stitch onto, to overlay nicely onto the window. I needed a third arm to hold it in place. Then the two arms I do have started getting tired. The sun was conveniently shining through and illuminating the paper for my tracing - but also shining right in my eyes and making it hard to see.<br />
<br />
After about the sixth time of losing my grip on the material and tracing completely askew, I gave up and tore the pattern down off the glass. I stormed off to make myself a cup of tea, because I am boss like that.<br />
<br />
When my inept crafter's rage had worn off slightly, I took another look
at how I'd gotten along. It was then that I realised I had made an idiot
mistake. Not wanting to stain the white material, I was using my
trickmarker, which is designed to fade and leave no trace. DESIGNED TO
FADE, PEOPLE. Sheesh, what a muppet.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JzaQpnefCqACuliY8HdZfd-WT8xBAitLcks_QpVFCPWxI7RzqyEJxhoydhKM-GORA47EMQUFuQGOr9YFCTqKbqUO1OgnBsmNldmzbbpJSWXV4aXFkfGlKIAvSCzylbhcIIeObN_XgUw/s1600/IMG_20120520_102526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JzaQpnefCqACuliY8HdZfd-WT8xBAitLcks_QpVFCPWxI7RzqyEJxhoydhKM-GORA47EMQUFuQGOr9YFCTqKbqUO1OgnBsmNldmzbbpJSWXV4aXFkfGlKIAvSCzylbhcIIeObN_XgUw/s400/IMG_20120520_102526.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invisible chopper. Sigh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Even after just 15 minutes, my tracing was already beginning to pale and disappear. Unless I was intending to magically upskill and sew like crazy for the next half hour undisturbed, I was going to be left stitching aimlessly in the wilderness.<br />
<br />
I resorted to sellotaping the pattern to a hard cover book, sliding that inside the pillowcase and tracing (lightly, but not TOO lightly) with a soft pencil.<br />
<br />
This went much better.<br />
<br />
Especially after Mark saw me faffing around with it, sighed and harummpfed and then, once I relinquished my attempts, joyously took over the sketching.<br />
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(I had no problem handing it over. My mum is a very talented artist, who couldn't resist intervening and giving tips whenever she saw us muddling our way through art projects as kids. The frustration of not being able to make something look on the paper the way you have it in your head is soon dissipated if you're willing to swallow your pride and let someone who knows what they're doing take over. And besides, otherwise you'll have to put up with them hovering nearby and 'not saying' anything, which is worst of all.)<br />
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I don't have any "work in progress" photos to share with you - and even more sadly, no photos of the backside of the stitching. But let me tell you, it was exquisite. I used to be mortified of anyone sneaking a look at the back of my work and seeing the unholy spaghetti tangle mess revealed there. Not this time! All my stitches looked as neat and tidy as they did on the front, and I carefully tied and snipped off small knots. Honest!<br />
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The bulk of the sewing was done while keeping DK company in hospice. I found it incredibly useful to have something to do, which wasn't intrusive or consumed too much of my attention. It was the perfect level of distraction, while still being able to stay engaged with what was happening around me. I feel a bit rude reading a book (but not a magazine, funnily enough) and it was unbearable to just sit there doing nothing except watching and waiting.<br />
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The rest was done sitting on the couch at home, half-watching movies in the evening. It's amazing what you can tolerate when you're focusing elsewhere. COUGH <i>Fast and the Furious</i> for the nine millionth time COUGH.<br />
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I ditched the hanging banner from the original pattern and made the 'copter pilot a bit more cartoony. I drew freehand a couple of cutesy clouds to give a bit of aerial context and am so pleased with how they turned out.<br />
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I've since gotten a book out from the library, as I realised from reading the pattern instructions that my repertoire of stitches is fairly limited. What you can see here is mostly backstitch and I split my embroidery cotton to 3 ply. The main exception is some simple stitch on the rotor blades which I did with the full 6 ply. The detail in the line across the chopper is a metallic gold thread - it's a bitch to get through the needle but looks fantastic.<br />
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The courier should be delivering this giftie today - I hope Leo enjoys it! I am looking forward to getting stuck into a new project... any requests??<br />Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-58125364515613957192012-06-04T23:23:00.001+01:002012-06-04T23:23:33.354+01:0030 to 30: Consolation prize<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | </span><br />
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Lovely long weekend here and since I missed three days, here are three outfits and three nails to satisfice. (AND A PHOTO OF MY CAT.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccVobBgDg8j39by5dEggjb5Vl0s2qBYQ4dSY1Z6UKLsvSYM0-ZlXNHxzXPkdkZiCo-tKYBoBMpSm97yPud8xxOCbpqaPZe2NL4-6uSnyglnoySk9AgmY57Nc3v2QUqhDz2L0Y_YY6hQk/s1600/IMG_20120520_114639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccVobBgDg8j39by5dEggjb5Vl0s2qBYQ4dSY1Z6UKLsvSYM0-ZlXNHxzXPkdkZiCo-tKYBoBMpSm97yPud8xxOCbpqaPZe2NL4-6uSnyglnoySk9AgmY57Nc3v2QUqhDz2L0Y_YY6hQk/s400/IMG_20120520_114639.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Outfit for SlutWalk protest:</b><br />
Faux fur coat - <a href="http://www.collectif.co.uk/" target="_blank">Collectif</a> (early birthday gift from the wonderfulest Lou!!)<br />
Merino cardigan - <a href="http://www.minniecooper.co.nz/" target="_blank">Minnie Cooper </a><br />
Chucks with red glitter laces <br />
Catseye sunglasses - you can get similar ones off <a href="http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=271831" target="_blank">TradeMe</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRumJrT2RPNnRl7SkTatosmpj0-57OWmyDvFQ_YcV19fFIeSa2bUPh_e-l60iiqlEU1BK2uWhQe1sjca-43rmstvvHH4HssLblgQ21CiV0JwNxcgkZz0fCKnaRRAXLB_sQTD8A897gvuM/s1600/IMG_20120524_083950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRumJrT2RPNnRl7SkTatosmpj0-57OWmyDvFQ_YcV19fFIeSa2bUPh_e-l60iiqlEU1BK2uWhQe1sjca-43rmstvvHH4HssLblgQ21CiV0JwNxcgkZz0fCKnaRRAXLB_sQTD8A897gvuM/s400/IMG_20120524_083950.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Outfit for rainy days:</b><br />
Raincoat - Farmers. It folds up into its own pocket!<br />
Hoodie - <a href="http://www.ascolour.co.nz/" target="_blank">AS Colour</a><br />
Catseye glasses - free <a href="http://www.clearlycontacts.co.nz/glasses/frames/love-l740-black-passion-fruit/prod28085.html" target="_blank">online</a> with a voucher<a href="http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=271831" target="_blank"></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Outfit for being fance:</b><br />
Dress - <a href="http://www.jacquie.com.au/" target="_blank">Jacqui E</a>. I feel so Mad Men wearing it!<br />
Wedges - <a href="http://www.hushpuppies.com.au/" target="_blank">Hush Puppies</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necklace - Agatha Paris (YES I BOUGHT IT IN PARIS. But apparently there is a <a href="http://www.agatha.co.nz/home2" target="_blank">boutique</a> in Auckland?)<br />
And I did my hair with hot rollers.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butter London 'West End Wonderland'.<br />
Bought in a sale online, I can't bring myself to spend the $35 in Farmers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="ctl00_Body_EditTabsControl"><span id="ctl00_Body_EditTabsControl_ctl00_ProductBodyText_EditRegionControl_RichTextRO"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Me: OPI Nicki Minaj collection 'Pink Friday'<br />Brookie: Australis 'Sweet Pea' base with </span></b></span></span><span id="ctl00_Body_EditTabsControl"><span id="ctl00_Body_EditTabsControl_ctl00_ProductBodyText_EditRegionControl_RichTextRO"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">OPI Nicki Minaj collection 'Fly'</span></b></span></span><span id="ctl00_Body_EditTabsControl"><span id="ctl00_Body_EditTabsControl_ctl00_ProductBodyText_EditRegionControl_RichTextRO"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> french tips.</span></b></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="ctl00_Body_EditTabsControl"><span id="ctl00_Body_EditTabsControl_ctl00_ProductBodyText_EditRegionControl_RichTextRO"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">OPI Nicki Minaj collection '</span></b></span></span><span id="ctl00_Body_EditTabsControl"><span id="ctl00_Body_EditTabsControl_ctl00_ProductBodyText_EditRegionControl_RichTextRO"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Did It On 'Em' base with Orly 'It's Up To Blue' french tips</span></b></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFuO-BFUTfh4EyohwN4nF59oqgiE6IwhWLOcsPzO-LL4oetChKuDJhtg53fu27vYYpfwerUmmfmVFswUCMLU9UEbAPGCtHCXYumKYEnZn5MOnD9YMVhu7mlzx3ybsNAo0O0lTJKBGTAE/s1600/IMG_20120604_144012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFuO-BFUTfh4EyohwN4nF59oqgiE6IwhWLOcsPzO-LL4oetChKuDJhtg53fu27vYYpfwerUmmfmVFswUCMLU9UEbAPGCtHCXYumKYEnZn5MOnD9YMVhu7mlzx3ybsNAo0O0lTJKBGTAE/s400/IMG_20120604_144012.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nails being put to good use, tickling Bluejay under her chin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-87368283122211106562012-06-01T03:14:00.000+01:002012-06-01T03:14:11.491+01:0030 to 30: 100% photos of my cat. Because Friday.<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluejay. And me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(She lets you know she wants breakfast by sitting on your throat. SO CUTE.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(this is her lapping water from the bottom of the shower, which is apparently something she loves to do)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(And this is her scratching the shit out of new armchairs which had been in our home approx 2 mins)</td></tr>
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Oh and one video for good measure. This is her showing a piece of paper WHO IS BOSS.<br />
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<br />Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-26885567383043985592012-05-31T06:31:00.000+01:002012-05-31T06:31:23.442+01:0030 to 30: In which I stumble at the first hurdle<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | 5.30pm NZ time |</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;"><br /></span><br />
Buried a friend today. Here is a photo from us celebrating his life, in lieu of actual blogging.<br />
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<br />Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-14728951877518160692012-05-30T03:39:00.003+01:002012-05-30T03:39:29.919+01:0030 to 30: In which I finally learn the importance of dental hygiene<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | 2pm NZ time |</span><br />
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Until earlier this month, I hadn't been to the dentist in a long time. A <i>really</i> long time. Only one other time since I'd turned 18, in fact.<br />
<br />
The long awaited check-up (#44 on my <a href="http://sassyisconvenient.blogspot.co.nz/2011/05/i-need-11-more-things.html">Day Zero Project list</a>) revealed that I had a cavity in need of a filling, and a thorough clean to get rid of years of built-up plaque. Gawd, the clean was the worst bit of all. My hands were shaking - I had not expected that to be so intense.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDnk5z9Y8RdPKmFyfNrcZAd_uEQ8iyHTZU5QDlZpaLpb43nIsRaBLdH8r0bOU5-wVtaw7J20j-yZ9hasXmEWJDpehDYZ3VVaKQ8ORgL63HpJewAoiwFjD4GwwPa7f0nTObhkqhMmfxHA/s1600/4103956254316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDnk5z9Y8RdPKmFyfNrcZAd_uEQ8iyHTZU5QDlZpaLpb43nIsRaBLdH8r0bOU5-wVtaw7J20j-yZ9hasXmEWJDpehDYZ3VVaKQ8ORgL63HpJewAoiwFjD4GwwPa7f0nTObhkqhMmfxHA/s320/4103956254316.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE CAVITY!!</td></tr>
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The dentist was also able to confirm that I have no wisdom teeth. None at all, not ever. He told me that this evidently meant I was "more highly evolved". THAT'S A DIRECT QUOTE, PEOPLE. FROM A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.<br />
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My youngest brother has only one wisdom tooth, whereas the other has a full set. He's the only one of us who doesn't need glasses though - so I've decided we all need to get body x-rays to check whose appendix is the smallest, so we can confirm which of us siblings is the most refined genetic specimen.<br />
<br />
Why do we avoid things that we know are actually good for us? Money, I guess. That's hugely off-putting. It cost me about $300 all up for the clean and the filling - and most people have told me that's a pretty good deal. Unless you're actually in pain from your neglected, rotting teeth, it's easy to just spend your money elsewhere.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACsJwMnOEw54xJlarSRfqfnKVJW2r8r4eCYks4nDZQ7oB22uJfSp9MRH5ha6BZun8shEfCJQFFkdJVW4FGd-WtPhMTMM4PUO1rbDgOVahKZUbgA-td27O51EWk6yzcQPShaVqHmiqq38/s1600/clean-teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACsJwMnOEw54xJlarSRfqfnKVJW2r8r4eCYks4nDZQ7oB22uJfSp9MRH5ha6BZun8shEfCJQFFkdJVW4FGd-WtPhMTMM4PUO1rbDgOVahKZUbgA-td27O51EWk6yzcQPShaVqHmiqq38/s320/clean-teeth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live action shot of me cleaning my teeth. </td></tr>
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But I am now determined to be a responsible teeth owner and go for an annual check-up, as well as using a soft brush, rinsing with mouthwash and even FLOSSING*. Perhaps that more highly evolved part of me is finally taking hold!<br />
<br />
*The dental hygienist emphasised the importance of flossing (ugghhh) and said "You don't have to do it when you brush your teeth. You can do it any time, even just while you're watching TV." Is this a thing?? Are people out there, watching Shorty Street as they seesaw dangling bits of floss through their teeth?! Really?? I compromised and am doing my flossing while in the shower. Which is way more normal.Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-33938598838145087912012-05-21T01:49:00.000+01:002012-05-21T01:49:00.461+01:0030 to 30: Bel's turn.<br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | 2.35pm NZ time |</span><br />
<br />
Remember how Lou did that daily <a href="http://sassyisconvenient.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/30DaysTill30">30 Days Til 30</a> thing? Counting down the final month between her and her 30th birthday?<br />
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Well, time marches on and now we arrive at my last days in my 20s.<br />
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I know, Lucy, I KNOW. <br />
<br />
I kick off the action on May 30th (HOW APPROPRIATE) and will be covering the <a href="http://sassyisconvenient.blogspot.co.nz/2010/10/30-days-till-30.html?showComment=1286923036315#c3710673671325871164">same topics</a> that I attempted to bully Lou into covering. I will also need extra writing ideas, so feel free to drop 'em in the comments.<br />
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<br />Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-53778277984565196922011-11-21T21:37:00.006+00:002011-11-21T22:39:20.277+00:0030 Days of Film: Lou's Day 30<p><span style="font-size:78%;">| by Lou | 9.38pm UK time |</span></p><br /><br /><b>Your favourite film of all time</b><br /><br /><br /><i>(Took me long enough! I've actually had this sitting in drafts almost finished for a month... New job, lovely man (Michelle did </i>very<i> well with that set-up) conspired to distract me from ever finishing this.)</i><br /><br /><br />At last. The final one. I've known all along what the film would be:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">On the Waterfront</span><br /><br />I fucking love this film. The main reason why can be summed up in two words: Marlon Brando.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFpSHo4CP_rKm0prr3S6c53rkAENYRXheGy_BF8p-IdGpRf-34H1sYT5EsuLWtG6PaSYqDRchOvlU6cxIibShS-CJ6nwk70cNruUL8N5N_KH9aTWQfEHqSFs7sPeqEFFnR0lMx7A2usY/s1600/Marlon+Brando+On+the+Waterfront.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFpSHo4CP_rKm0prr3S6c53rkAENYRXheGy_BF8p-IdGpRf-34H1sYT5EsuLWtG6PaSYqDRchOvlU6cxIibShS-CJ6nwk70cNruUL8N5N_KH9aTWQfEHqSFs7sPeqEFFnR0lMx7A2usY/s400/Marlon+Brando+On+the+Waterfront.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677579253292684482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm going to use an adjective I've never before had cause to put into a sentence:<br /><br />His performance in this film is <i>incandescent</i>.<br /><br />Of course in it he delivers one of the most famous pieces of acting ever - the "I coulda been a contender" speech. I knew this scene long before I saw it, and even with the high expectations and the foreknowledge it is still a stellar moment of acting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdtf71Rw-soBUy9G9m_l83RMHgoCKDY5lYhTyrkoyaPGt0y3svaSgYyQ0a2u0UH09VSQdhr1Kl8bmKa-3sVGjlkJWut0g3KY8er9XGrd23V7gRs2AXsKkv5Xf6x0IVCYgftjYGGlYwQc/s1600/Marlon+Brando+On+the+Waterfront+Contender+speech.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdtf71Rw-soBUy9G9m_l83RMHgoCKDY5lYhTyrkoyaPGt0y3svaSgYyQ0a2u0UH09VSQdhr1Kl8bmKa-3sVGjlkJWut0g3KY8er9XGrd23V7gRs2AXsKkv5Xf6x0IVCYgftjYGGlYwQc/s400/Marlon+Brando+On+the+Waterfront+Contender+speech.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677579252864934034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But in this film he gives an overall performance of raw power and tender softness that transcends a single moment of celluloid legend. I love the swoon-worthy moments of delicacy and vulnerability:<br /><br />When he picks up the girl's glove and sub-consciously puts it on his own hand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWb7N3HOBruxs1syb5TFUlTWrSoDWhHE-fZeARacfHPs3o5aZ9xx0ekmSxQBFrdv724PusBLG1f8xCZio-JX6ELyUMXKUvG8VFAcFS_ezfPu2NyydpY0Z4bm9QDqY0lD_iJhPBC_sKVRQ/s1600/On+the+Waterfront+-+glove.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWb7N3HOBruxs1syb5TFUlTWrSoDWhHE-fZeARacfHPs3o5aZ9xx0ekmSxQBFrdv724PusBLG1f8xCZio-JX6ELyUMXKUvG8VFAcFS_ezfPu2NyydpY0Z4bm9QDqY0lD_iJhPBC_sKVRQ/s400/On+the+Waterfront+-+glove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677579261680795074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When he pushes her against the wall and kisses her to the floor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQOVpm5Jg8dpaC4oFiSoxqsTswmmQC2oW94r1I_UHXhOg1NCfKVPh_WX7y38VstCGfh2Ps3XO9v5exFkyn4_MdVISuc0_zWRceZa2G7L8-otySQQWYDC7EV-piFoVdq-HC9eUvHiyi_8/s1600/Marlon+Brando+Eve+Marie+Saint+Kiss.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQOVpm5Jg8dpaC4oFiSoxqsTswmmQC2oW94r1I_UHXhOg1NCfKVPh_WX7y38VstCGfh2Ps3XO9v5exFkyn4_MdVISuc0_zWRceZa2G7L8-otySQQWYDC7EV-piFoVdq-HC9eUvHiyi_8/s400/Marlon+Brando+Eve+Marie+Saint+Kiss.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677579247484483106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He is simply stunning across every frame, every line, every scene.<br /><br />A film about a waterfront union dispute sounds rather bland and dry. But for me in Brando's performance* is a film about something (or someone) shaking up your life and leading to a catharthis where you find within yourself an integrity, a strength, a goodness and a sense of pride you didn't even know you were capable of.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CiXGsaVZbrSlt5DBvI9_DCKCOUg_JBksTJV_NNyVnX23bRstFccpcUECTlJcyTlsZwXfWEAcTfWjt8_lhBCm9sNUeKVAN_veyQDCErOcBFwPHDCSPf2ZAgm4mFHNHNGdpfv1_kZmMs4/s1600/marlon-brando-contender-007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CiXGsaVZbrSlt5DBvI9_DCKCOUg_JBksTJV_NNyVnX23bRstFccpcUECTlJcyTlsZwXfWEAcTfWjt8_lhBCm9sNUeKVAN_veyQDCErOcBFwPHDCSPf2ZAgm4mFHNHNGdpfv1_kZmMs4/s400/marlon-brando-contender-007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677579263422073490" border="0" /></a><br />Marlon Brando, Terry Malloy - I salute you.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">*I say Brando's performance to try and detatch from the dodgy political context of the <whisper>Elia Kazan and Budd Schulberg McCarthyist thing</whisper> - I choose to detatch this from my own experience of the film, having not known about it when I first saw and fell in love with it.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-89546508800215118772011-11-02T04:09:00.000+00:002011-11-02T04:09:00.710+00:00Farewell from Bel!<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | 4.53pm NZ time |</span><br />
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I'm done blogging on Sassy Is Convenient for now. I'm tapping out!<br />
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You can find me as <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Annabel_HM">@Annabel_HM</a> on Twitter or <a href="http://annabelhm.tumblr.com/">on tumblr</a>.<br />
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xxxBelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-63088596054993229802011-11-01T03:32:00.001+00:002011-11-01T03:33:13.084+00:0030 Days of Film: Bel's day 30<span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Bel | 3.35pm NZ time |</span><br />
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<b>Your favourite film of all time</b><br />
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My favourite film? My <i>favourite</i>? Singular?? Choose just one?!<br />
Yeah right.<br />
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Because then I'd have to decide whether I like <i>Amelie</i> better than <i>The Philadelphia Story</i>!<br />
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Or find some way of comparing <i>Clueless</i> with <i>La Haine</i>. Both of which are films I love, but for very different reasons.<br />
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And I just saw <i>Drive</i> on Sunday, and I easily think that could go onto the Best Movies Evaaaaaah list.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAO1QVr5uBvvp5aAZmzIruP5xePly3tGc7YwboNNQ0ZSVH5qNc22Y1ZzcdA_4RWYkHodXRyBCu19my2bTbLeTOBolVki7iPBNQ2b9rasmlCagl3NRLOGFHHgc4QE8AZOfm5WgMU4eYoWg/s1600/drive-gosling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAO1QVr5uBvvp5aAZmzIruP5xePly3tGc7YwboNNQ0ZSVH5qNc22Y1ZzcdA_4RWYkHodXRyBCu19my2bTbLeTOBolVki7iPBNQ2b9rasmlCagl3NRLOGFHHgc4QE8AZOfm5WgMU4eYoWg/s400/drive-gosling.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And most of all, I am always hoping that I am yet to see my favourite film.Belhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103227990636100256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-27321902229449769012011-10-23T15:15:00.007+01:002011-10-23T16:16:13.015+01:00Recipe: Kiwi Jaffa Tart<p><span style="font-size:78%;">| by Lou | 4.10pm UK time |</span></p><br /><br />Oh, hello blog. Sorry. We've been neglecting you. Um, how about some home baking to get things pumping again?<br /><br />Earlier this year I had a wonderous Jaffa Tart in a restaurant in Te Anau and have been looking for an opportunity to make one myself. With a bag of jaffas sitting in my kitchen and my gentleman friend coming to stay it seemed the perfect excuse... but... there seems to be no recipe for a Kiwi Jaffa Tart on the internet.<br /><br />Allow me to provide one, with credit to <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/tarte_au_citron_94480">Mary Berry</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Willies-Chocolate-Factory-Cookbook-Harcourt-Cooze/dp/0340980516">Willie</a> for the base and filling respectively.<br /><br />I made two mini tarts, so double the recipe if you are making a big one.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Kiwi Jaffa Tart</b></span><br /><br /><u>Pastry:</u><br />85g flour<br />50g butter<br />1 tbsp icing sugar<br />Half an egg yolk<br />Half a tbsp cold water<br /><br />Cut the cold butter into tiny cubes and rub through the flour (or use a food mixer if you have one). Rub through the icing sugar, then add the egg yolk and cold water. Use your hands to mix it into a nice consistent lump of dough and stick it in the fridge for half an hour.<br /><br />Tip from Mary: Lay baking paper over your bench surface before the roll out phase - it's sooo much easier for clean up. Grease the tart tin's base and sprinkle with flour, then roll the dough out so that it exceeds the edges of the tin base by about an inch (or more if making one big one with higher sides).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5Ymo1fRcZ09oNOrO0qyKfCxUafh-OEKAJPQD-9qBU9FE0WhH7KydlxtDM5bBiGmvkdQ276-qLdWcM9Z6jW-764_1RHi2CCUhH9u0Azeltt4NyW0f5KZ1SIcLeCqFO6woZVQHYGoXeuM/s1600/Tart+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5Ymo1fRcZ09oNOrO0qyKfCxUafh-OEKAJPQD-9qBU9FE0WhH7KydlxtDM5bBiGmvkdQ276-qLdWcM9Z6jW-764_1RHi2CCUhH9u0Azeltt4NyW0f5KZ1SIcLeCqFO6woZVQHYGoXeuM/s400/Tart+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666705488440308754" border="0" /></a><br />Fold the sides in and delicately place it into the tin, then fold the sides back up and press them into the (greased) tin sides. There will be surplus hanging over the edge which Mary would leave, but as mine fell off the tin into the bottom of the oven and nearly set my kitchen on fire (leading to me burning my arm and the pastry in the panic...), I would actually recommend cutting the surplus edges off. Also check there isn't surplus flour on the bottom of the tin.<br /><br />Cover with tin foil and weigh with baking beans (or actual little stones, or I used rice), and bake for 15 mins at 200C. Remove the foil and baking beans, then cook for a further 10 mins or so until it is dry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWgZvYs2RNWa1j7N2mPnzRpZXYTQIqGDN5QvJ5_rJ_SbGBwBYYFx6meIZ2MMH9HibLIOxABS7_Fu3S3nDjzMNSseidj64gysOEp9tCE9pwwobhJJQ5xVRmNO54Ow-ryV1J2_77u4ZAqg/s1600/tart+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWgZvYs2RNWa1j7N2mPnzRpZXYTQIqGDN5QvJ5_rJ_SbGBwBYYFx6meIZ2MMH9HibLIOxABS7_Fu3S3nDjzMNSseidj64gysOEp9tCE9pwwobhJJQ5xVRmNO54Ow-ryV1J2_77u4ZAqg/s400/tart+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666705491621714002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><u>Filling:</u><br />90g very dark chocolate (I used 85%)<br />25g butter<br />35g castor sugar<br />90ml maple syrup<br />1 and a half eggs (use the rest of the egg from the pastry for the half)<br /><br />Chop the chocolate finely and melt with the butter over boiling water. Gently heat the syrup and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Whisk the eggs and then combine all three.<br /><br />Great British Bake-Off tip: put the bases into the oven and then pour the filling in from a jug. It avoids spilling as you transfer from bench to oven.<br /><br />Bake 10-15 minutes until it is firm.<br /><br /><u>The Kiwi Bit:</u><br />Crush a whole load of jaffas. This is not as easy as it sounds - I used a rolling pin and still found them to be ridiculously resiliant.<br /><br />Sprinkle the crushed jaffas (or just halved, as the photo shows many of mine to have been) over the tart. I did it while it was still very hot so that the jaffas melted a tiny wee bit, helping them to adhere.<br /><br />Once everything has cooled remove the tart from the tin, and voila:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVx3USCk_mYVSoJUibpcEBHcq8yAO1VxRFker0Tn9O2cxOrGV3-eK71GEu3nTKkgyFJRgzidmunfoMiYIJ7g6p1NWlQG-WZLBU8i_sDZiFl-871QIzRarTYOnRGhGe4Ow68j-25O_UV2M/s1600/tart+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVx3USCk_mYVSoJUibpcEBHcq8yAO1VxRFker0Tn9O2cxOrGV3-eK71GEu3nTKkgyFJRgzidmunfoMiYIJ7g6p1NWlQG-WZLBU8i_sDZiFl-871QIzRarTYOnRGhGe4Ow68j-25O_UV2M/s400/tart+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666705500620609346" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748426170711518718.post-59673974497127263432011-10-08T17:07:00.003+01:002011-10-08T17:09:16.635+01:00Bel sent me a care package<p><span style="font-size: 78%;">| by Lou | 5.07pm UK time |</span></p><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogYAnJ-LlACxIaqE5u-oR_0RJBfZCIh2Yke28a6RE-h23ReT7S6PRCfSh_aJi9PPPuSUBTS0ZmsIbAySuauf9Ez03N1SotMGbtERKE9x04mEo3v6qtwX6jFkQauNhcrPq_7y8eEwkotI/s1600/care+package+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogYAnJ-LlACxIaqE5u-oR_0RJBfZCIh2Yke28a6RE-h23ReT7S6PRCfSh_aJi9PPPuSUBTS0ZmsIbAySuauf9Ez03N1SotMGbtERKE9x04mEo3v6qtwX6jFkQauNhcrPq_7y8eEwkotI/s400/care+package+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661153963388659650" /></a><br /><br />Thanks Bel!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2