Friday, November 27, 2015

2015, not a bad year so far!

It has been a wee while since I last did a post (March - aargh!) so this is going to be a bit of long one - a lot has been happening. I'll start with the crafty stuff I think, then move on to things a bit more tropical. 

But first I just wanted to say a big thank you because I just spotted that there are a lot more followers since I last posted and that astounds me. I started this blog as a way of sharing pics with a dear friend who had moved to the other end of the island, not thinking anyone else would even stumble across it. So thank you to all you lovely folk who pop by to visit my blog, even now when my posts are few and far between. It is always so lovely to hear from you! 


After Miss 8's blanket in my last post, Mr 11 decided he needed one too. So we sorted through all the boyish colours and he came up with the combination that he was happy with. I decided on chunky stripes, nothing too delicate about this blanket. I really love ripple blankets, they work up so quickly once you get started. It's almost a guarantee I'll stuff up my initial chain count and realise this when I get to the end of the first row, but I get there in the end!


The winter was a fairly chilly one this year so an extra blanket on the bed was just perfect. Both the kids have enjoyed snuggling up under their respective blankets while having some lazy TV time on a chilly afternoon.


Sorry Mum, what's that you say...


... you're trying to take a photo of the blanket...


... okay, where do you want me? Just here, okay. It just wouldn't be a blanket photo session without Bella joining in! Maybe she's hinting that she needs her own blanket?

I've also been making a few smaller blankets which are just the right size for a new baby, perfect for in the capsule, pram or bassinet. I just wanted to show what a difference blocking a blanket can make. It went from this, all wiggly and weird...


... to all nice and square (well mostly square). I have blocked it a second time since this pic just to even up a few of those lines!


I really loved this colour combo.


And of course I couldn't stay away from my beloved ripples for too long. This time a pretty pink baby blanket.




During our very blah winter, we escaped for a family holiday to Fiji - my happy place. This time we decided to stay for a few nights on one of the smaller islands and it was bliss. Sandy paths, hammocks to laze in, amazing snorkelling, lots of kayaking, great food and beautiful Fijian folk who always have a smile on their face. This was Malolo Island and boy was it gorgeous.


The view from our bure. My small folk are relaxing in the hammocks.


This is the jetty where we arrived by ferry to the staff all singing for us.


I think this has to be my favourite photo. Palm tree, hammock and a beautiful sunset - it doesn't get much better than that.



By the pool...



In a hammock...


By the pool again. This time, back on Denarau. I'm already dreaming of the next time I can visit. Time to start saving hard again.


Just days after we returned from Fiji, my husband received news that he was invited on a work trip to Hanoi, Vietnam. And even better, I was invited too! It was an unbelievable opportunity and we were beyond grateful. Vietnam is somewhere that neither of us had visited before. We travelled with a fantastic group of people who are all in the same industry and we had an absolute blast.

It was a long journey, but well worth it to experience such a stunning place. It was the first time we'd travelled without our children too. We stayed in a beautiful hotel right on Hoan Kiem Lake, literally on the lake! Sitting at breakfast in the morning, you could look out the window and see fisherman in the water right beside you.


 The view across the lake to the city centre.


Our first day started with a rickshaw tour around the Old Quarter. There were certainly a few 'hold your breath and keep your fingers cross you'll survive' moments - the traffic was like nothing I'd ever experienced in all my travels. Mopeds, people, cars, rickshaws all seamlessly blending, horns tooting instead of indicators, dodging pedestrians, whole families on one moped including the newborn baby - it was amazing and a little hilarious at times too. I think I only covered my eyes once when I was sure I was about to be squashed by a passing bus! The best advice we were given when attempting to cross the street was to just keep going, don't stop. The mopeds are prepared to dodge you, but if you hesitate, they'll smack right into you. By the end of the trip I was an absolute pro at walking straight out into traffic. I found myself doing it when I returned home and got a heck of a fright!


As crazy as the roads were, we only saw one minor accident. There were traffic lights only at very big intersections, all other roads just had traffic literally ducking around each other, dodging other vehicles and pedestrians. They used their horns to let other vehicles know they were near or planning on entering an intersection. No-one got angry or aggressive, they just made it work. Quite something to sit and watch! My husband was fascinated as it was the absolute opposite to the way we live where every intersection is controlled by road rules and many drivers show aggression if someone dares to move into their space.


Mopeds on footpaths, people on roads, but somehow it all works.


The local wiring system was astonishing!

The Old Quarter is made up of a series of narrow streets and each one is themed. There is a shoe street (I spent quite some time there over 4 days), a silver street, a leather street - you get the idea.

This was the haberdashery street - I was in habby heaven.


Tiny stores/stalls selling millions of buttons or ribbon or beads or zips or thread, you name it ...


We had so much fun negotiating prices, it was a dramatic process with lots of facial expressions and head shaking to overcome the language barrier. And considering 100,000 Vietnamese Dong was equivalent to about New Zealand $7.00, we were millionaires for a few days.


How could I not buy buttons from this stall, with the smallest dog I'd ever seen. More beads - bags and bags and bags of them.


There was colour at every turn. I didn't buy any yarn as I had pretty much filled up every space in my suitcase with sneakers, scarves, bags and watches for family and friends by this stage. Just as well we packed a spare suitcase inside our suitcase!


Our gorgeous hand held fans were just the thing to cool us down - and a nice cold local beer.


This was the view from the rooftop restaurant we visited. It overlooked Hoan Kiem Lake with its evening light show. We had a fantastic meal with a table full of the most delicious food - lots of things I had never tried before.


I just loved seeing all the bicycles laden with goods, anything from fresh flowers to food, to animals.


Another thing that we were really lucky with was the fact that it was harvest season in the rice paddies. We went on a bike tour through the countryside in about 40 degree Celsius heat. I thought I was going to pass out, it was that hot. I'd also never ridden a mountain bike and had no clue about changing gears so my little legs were peddling like a crazy person even though I wasn't going very fast. Thankfully someone showed me how to change gears so it got a bit easier. What a hoot. This lovely old lady saw us coming and met us with a supply of fans to sell. I've been told that the older folk with black teeth get this from chewing betel nut. I showed my kids this photo and told them that's what happens when you eat too many sweets. They freaked out.


Yep, that's me on my bike, looking less than glamorous in the heat. I look mildly like I know what I'm doing in this shot! Looking at these photos now, it seems completely surreal that only a few months ago I was on the other side of the world seeing and doing things I never thought I'd do. 


Cycling through the rice paddies, passing mopeds with all their wares.


Harvest time. I don't know how they manage it in that heat.





We had been told that some of the best food to be found is at the road side stalls which were more like tiny, tiny shops with a few tables out the front. We had no way of communicating what we wanted other than to point at someone else's food and hold up two fingers to say we wanted two meals. This amazing bowl of deliciousness was similar to fried rice smothered in veges with a broth on the side. It was utterly gorgeous and was only about NZ$2.50. Amazing.


The local dish, pho, which is a common breakfast dish (and is also eaten at other meals) was a must-try. On our last day I finally got to eat it, albeit at the hotel, but well worth it. It was gorgeous and not at all stodgy as it was mostly broth. I could really get used to eating like this. 


An amazing holiday I'll never, every forget. Leaving the heat was hard, we went from a temperature in the late 30's to arriving home to 8 degrees, brrr. That was a bit hard to get used to.

So now we're nearly at the end of the school year, only another few weeks to go before the children are on their summer holidays. It's the first day of summer next week (bring it on!) but for the meantime, it's pouring down today and crazy windy. My husband had a flight home this afternoon that landed on one wheel with a decent lean - eek. Welcome to Wellington on a windy day!

Have a fabulous week!

Leah
xx

68 comments:

  1. What a lovely catch up post! Your blankets are gorgeous. I am tempted to make another ripple as they are so soothing to work on, but I am having to justify the need for yet another blanket in the house!

    Your trips away sounded awesome. It's lovely to have beautiful memories of lovely new places.

    It's so weird you saying 'summer'! We are in winter now here, and although mild for the time of year, it's grey and wet and dismal and I am longing for warm heat on my face again!

    Take care and have a lovely Summer!

    Vanessa x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Everybody,
      My name is Ahmad Asnul Brunei, I contacted Mr Osman Loan Firm for a business loan amount of $250,000, Then i was told about the step of approving my requested loan amount, after taking the risk again because i was so much desperate of setting up a business to my greatest surprise, the loan amount was credited to my bank account within 24 banking hours without any stress of getting my loan. I was surprise because i was first fall a victim of scam! If you are interested of securing any loan amount & you are located in any country, I'll advise you can contact Mr Osman Loan Firm via email osmanloanserves@gmail.com

      LOAN APPLICATION INFORMATION FORM
      First name......
      Middle name.....
      2) Gender:.........
      3) Loan Amount Needed:.........
      4) Loan Duration:.........
      5) Country:.........
      6) Home Address:.........
      7) Mobile Number:.........
      8) Email address..........
      9) Monthly Income:.....................
      10) Occupation:...........................
      11)Which site did you here about us.....................
      Thanks and Best Regards.
      Whats app) +917290857361
      Derek Email osmanloanserves@gmail.com

      Delete
  2. I loved catching up with you and hearing about your wonderful year and trips. So much fun! Love the blankets and all that you have made. Have a wonderful day,
    Meredith

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a beautiful holiday you had! I have 2 missionary friends in Fiji. Lovely blankets too!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very nice post. Thanks for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of $250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius, call/whats-App Contact Number +918929509036 via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

  6. If you're American, soccer probably isn't your cuppa tea.
    บาคาร่าขั้นต่ำ

    First of all, at all times I used the soccer teams themselves as a starting point.
    รีวิวเว็บบอล


    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for posting this educative write up

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for posting this educative writeup. I really like your means of blogging.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your Blog is awesome. Really appreciate your work!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks, have a good d ay. Feel free to visit my website;

    ReplyDelete

  12. Your article is so convincing that I never stop myself from appreciating this.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like your site and content. thanks for sharing the information keep updating, looking forward for more posts.

    ReplyDelete
  14. In a world where DIY and crafting can sometimes become expensive hobbies, it's refreshing to see a kit that not only provides all the materials needed but also keeps costs in check.
    https://promocodehq.com/tidewe-discount-code

    ReplyDelete
  15. "The author's passion for their subject matter shines through in every post. It's evident that they genuinely care about the topics they cover, and it's contagious!"
    how money works

    ReplyDelete
  16. I appreciate the blog's commitment to diversity and inclusivity in its content. It's refreshing to see a platform that values different perspectives and voices.
    Pramworld Discount Code

    ReplyDelete
  17. I've shared this blog with my family, and it has become a topic of conversation at our dinner table. It's remarkable how it brings us together to discuss new ideas and perspectives.
    palmetto state armory military discount code

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you for sharing excellent informations.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your website is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Rattling wonderful visual appeal on this web site, I’d value it 10 over 10.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I went over this internet site and I think you have a lot of great info , saved to favorites.

    ReplyDelete
  23. thanks for sharing this beautiful blog

    ReplyDelete
  24. truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this!

    ReplyDelete
  25. it was really great for me – I was looking for such a thing

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank you for the very useful information.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hello, good day, this page was very enjoyable for me and I really enjoyed its content. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thank you for consistently providing insightful information that has had a significant impact on our learning and thinking. Keep testing our assumptions!honeypot furniture discount code

    ReplyDelete
  29. Its an amazing website, really enjoy your articles.

    ReplyDelete

  30. Im lucky I did because now Ive received a whole new view of this

    ReplyDelete
  31. That is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!

    ReplyDelete

  33. Great Post for Beginner to understand.

    ReplyDelete

  34. Nice info, I love the way you express words with emotions.

    ReplyDelete
  35. "The blog's commitment to promoting a positive mindset and personal growth is truly uplifting. It's more than just a source of information; it's a source of motivation and encouragement."
    canes coupon code

    ReplyDelete
  36. It was definitely informative article you've done. This site is very useful. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi! I like to give you a huge thumbs up for the great info right here, Love it

    ReplyDelete
  38. You provide the correct information here I really bookmark it, awesome

    ReplyDelete
  39. Wonderful website. Plenty of useful information here. And certainly, thank you

    ReplyDelete
  40. Wonderful, what a webpage it is! This weblog presents valuable information to us.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Great web site! It looks really expert! Maintain the helpful job!

    ReplyDelete
  42. I must say you have written a great article.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Very good article. I’m facing many of these issues as well

    ReplyDelete
  44. thanks for sharing great blog article.Thanks Again

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thank you! I really enjoyed your post I want to share with you all a useful source.

    ReplyDelete
  46. That was a pretty excellent blog article; please keep writing more like it.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thank you so much for sharing this blog with us.

    ReplyDelete
  48. The information which you have provided is very helpful and precise.

    ReplyDelete
  49. What a great article! I reaally love to read your blog.

    ReplyDelete

  50. I really like your writing skill, it's very unique.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

    ReplyDelete
  52. I like to see some other posts on the same subject! Very useful informative info!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Its enjoyable for me to come here and visit more here. It is terrific post dude.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I have enjoyed a lot reading this post keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
  55. It is very well written, and your points are well-expressed.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hello, I’m happy to see some great articles on your site.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I’m happy to see some great articles on your site.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I discovered your blog through the AVRELife Coupons, and I'm excited to see more of these unique and artistic challenges.

    ReplyDelete
  61. It’s great to read about the positive experiences and accomplishments from 2015! Your reflections and updates are both inspiring and encouraging. About Vickie Lynn Swayze

    ReplyDelete
  62. The post you shared is very unique and informative.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Remarkable! Its really amazing post.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this content together

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for visiting and leaving a comment! Have a fab day.