Pinch and a Punch

My thoughts exactly for first day of March from Scoutie Girl 

Gratitude matters. It all starts with gratitude.

When I eat good, I feel good.

A little chocolate everyday is wonderful.

Mischief is magic.

I’m at my best when I play.

My gut always knows.

Nothing makes me present like being in the company of animals.

I need movement, physical movement, in my life.

Pinterest is a happy place.

I have everything I need.

It’s still fun to want some things, though.

It will happen when the time is right.

I must have plants indoors.

The better I know my tribe, the more of service I can be.

Relationships are worth cultivating.

My intention for the year is already taking shape.

I can do things at my own pace.

I can do them in my own way.

Once I know the rules, I can break them. Go beyond.

I must spend time with girlfriends.

Solitude is nurturing. So is party time.

Each day is worth celebrating.

Greatness & ordinariness are close cousins.

Art matters.

xoxoxo

Last week I made it to Splore

By the fresh water lagoon -chill out lounge made from pallets stacked and decorated.

For the reasons obvious I made a decision not to take kids to Splore so for the last decade I never went because I always had a baby in a sling.

Now finally got the chance to go now my youngest is 3 and half and the hookups made it possible. I worked for my good friend Lynsey Champion hat maker at the Splore market.
Arrived lastThursday night to a quite yet busy hustle with anticipation of the arrival of 6500 splorers.

Friday was the day to swim with out a crowd in the fresh water lagoon.

After a refreshing icey dip in the lagoon (wasn't long enough to count as a swim). Notice the boys building a damn and gorgeous ocean oppisite.

Oh and work selling hats, and people watch my favourite forgotten pass time.

Set up and checking out the view through the mirror  at the beach

 The lead up was exciting felt like a kid at a lolly shop after school. Everyone was rushing up to hear Erykah Badu the sound wasn't terrific but still made me get choked up. A rain pour after Erykah was serious but ran to the shelter of the hat gazebo 1 minute away. Soul to Soul was the high light for me, the moves came flowing back Karen Wheeler what an incredible voice and I was close up under a tree to the front right of the stage too.

Karen Wheeler and Jazzy B.

Had a great night with girl friends and remembered once again live music and dance has and always will be a big part of me.

Chill out room made of pallets by the lagoon

"You could have it all"

Bell "Boy"  and moving suitcases were a live kind of instillation

No sleep that night in cold tent... Saturday morning headed out nice and early to do a market in Freemans Bay, Mary's Market children's design seconds and sale items...and hang out with my girl Vibeke (aka sisterlionheart).

Thanks for those who helped make the event an amazing experience. Might even take the kids in 2 years time for the next one...or maybe not!

February Fever

My pondering spot today at Oneroa Beach on my Island Waiheke. Had a swing too before heading off for a walk along the lovely waters edge.

February always feels fresh for me...the year is truly kicking, kids back at school, summers arrived with sunny days and warm ocean waves. Then Waitangi Day's upon us to let us celebrate what makes New Zealand home.

Always have fond memories of 6th of February as its my younger brothers birthday so this blog is dedicated to my (annoying)sweet bro Levon.

A jute coffee sack turned into a mat with local printers work of Kestrel ferry. I grew up traveling on that boat from Devonport to Auckland so I bought it on Waitangi Day from local shop Upcycled - $25

Poi Manu by textile artist Ngaahina Hohaia made from woolen recycled blankets delicately hand embroidered $190 each at incubator gallery as part of Aroha o te Whenua exhibition for Waitangi Day.

I'm a New Zealander proud of it; spent almost half my life in Australia to come home and have my children here. A first generation kiwi of German Samoan Sri Lankan Dutch Scottish American descent. I don't fully understand the Waitangi treaty but respect what it means, to honour the past to create a better future for our people and this country. I give thanks for this land that nurtures me, and those who sacrificed and fought for what I'm blessed to call home.

Markets/Socialize ...Swaps/Trade

What i love about my business with doing the markets is the lifestyle ...its about socializing, community. Yes there's buying and selling, BUT its great when you can trade/swap.

You meet so many talented people, some at the beginning of there creative journey producing a product that's past an idea and ready to test the market, literally at a market!

Saturday was so lovely to leap out of bed, because for the first time in nearly 2 months Saturday morning had a ray of sunshine.

Dragged my big girls out of bed, who are amazing helpers and used to my fussing when it comes to set up. They're brilliant and I feed them at the market, so they know they gotta get the job done before they can launch into the yummo selection of fried food available.

Unfortunately for us we did have to drag our table and rack under the tree and set up 4 or 5 times due to serious down pours (NZ weather)... much prefer the shady tree to the gazebo when on the Island so delightful.

Had the pleasure to meet a honey, who made some really current hand crafted jewelry, Huni and here's her blog the bulwark and the sunbeam.

We did a perfect trade ...mine is the center piece!

I got the beauty in the center natural leather with amethyst.

We did some wicked trading swapping 2 of my tops, for 2 of her pieces! Plus a finally found my hand bag with her - oroton natural beige for 8 bucks and in mint condition. Love a good market, and my local is a winner!

Promise to blog

This year I have decided to blog with variety, spice and more life in general...but still with a twist

Today was a fantastic start found this site Bloglovin

Had inspiring summer biz meetings today, one of them at my favourite office...

My office Palm beach on a good day!

10 more sleeps to go...

Grace, Faith and I Christmas morning

It's that time again for deep pondering and wondering reflection at the start of every new year. For me it starts in the beginning of December because that's my birthday month. Then it carries on through the festive season and on into the new year.

Funnily enough I like having my birthday in December, because I feel like I have a fresh start in the New Year to really give my year older age (and hopefully some what more wiser) a full start to finish calender year. That's why I have decided to give this year 2012 a really good turn, and set some official goals to change habits, make wonderful plans, get rid of stuff, and dream of the what could be and of course what I don't want anymore of!

My enthusiasm has affected me to the point of near journal, note book addiction I have a book of list's plans, to do's, chores on every table, bench and fridge in my house - a reminder to me to remember to cross off what I need to try and do tomorrow or if not next week at the latest.

Commitment a word that strikes a chord of fear and joy at the same time. I should feel a amount of blessings at the choices I have been given and how much I know I'm loved for often I have asked and have received. Now no longer standing on the starting line of my 40's but into it I do feel exhilarated at the possibilities. I still tell my kids when I'm grownup I want to do this and that because its true.

I have had nearly 2 months away from 4 of my children, and feel a big part of me is missing (10 more sleeps till they return). They're with their father in Sydney and his family which is a wonderful experience for them as they have never had that opportunity to go visit them. 

I can't wait to hold them and listen to their stories and celebrate 2 birthday's and Christmas party, laughing and eating yummo food and of course pressies!

What a gift I have had with my 2 oldest daughters who came back from Sydney early (because they'll get some peace) I know are both young women, each beautiful in there own unique way, who are some of best work and who I owe so much.

This year I want to be more true to myself in all aspects of my life, and treasure what matters most connections; to my body, the people I love, meet and work for and with, nature, creatures (my chooks), and food I grow and buy & blessed to eat, and to the power who has made it possible.

I know if I'm true and have faith I will achieve those other daunting goals of my work which I love...because they're secondary and balance is the key. If I don't achieve the goals as set, a new date is not a failure, but a chance for new start...so begins the dream of what this year can be come.

Birthday's, little Chicks then Market to Market...

Looking back over the past 4 months I wanted to share...
what a blast September was, had 2 birthdays and 4 new additions not by me either.

Maia's 6th Birthday Party

Lucia's 3rd birthday baby chicks as her pets and gift

2 chicks for Lucia on her Birthday then 3 eggs in the incubator with success of 2 chicks hatching was such fun waiting for them.

Fertile bantam eggs arrived by courier

Our Bantam's hatched (21 days later) hrs after still sweaty

We've had so much fun with our new needs friends and hope to get some eggs layed. 

Lucia and the chicks in a basket in the garden

For me spring and summer are about markets and getting imp`ish out there. Doing markets for Organic Island Baby for 6 years and now my own brand it's hard work but rewarding + fun otherwise I wouldn't hang in there.

Matilda's Markets

PYD Market

End of November till the 1st week of December I spent in Sydney going to some of Sydney's favorite markets.

Finders Keepers 

Wish I had take more pics of other creators cause they were happening but was flat out all weekend

Then the oldie but a goody Bondi Market on the Sunday before I left. 

With Jo from NOTOXROX Sydney stockist.

Now back in the land of the long white cloud its been raining but still committed to marketing at the markets over summer first stop 12 days of Christmas market.

 Eleda 8yr on stilts in her new Christmas skirt Aotea square

12 days of Christmas market stall holder with her Up cycled fashion

My birthday started yesterday setting up at the market with my girl Grace & lunch with my supportive mum Patricia.

Ended with feelings of gratitude for my Waiheke Island sister girlfriends, last night over dinner that I can still be me, safe & silly...without kiddies xo

Simonne & me xo