mermaid tracks

Here I am!

2012-02-23T21:31:00.000+13:00

{Peek a boo! I'm still around}

Hello world! I'm still here!

I've been pretty bad with my blog in the last few months... But I've been especially naughty in the last few weeks.

I just wanted to say hi and that I'm still here.

I'll get back with a real post really soon. I just had to break the ice.

Cheers,
Nicole

Blog changes

2012-02-02T07:49:00.000+13:00

Apparently Blogger decided that since I live in New Zealand I can have a '.co.nz' address instead of a '.com'

I never approved this! Oh well...

Since I'm on the topic, I thought I'd share that there is a plan to move my blog from Blogger to Wordpress in an effort to combine both my blog and my music website into one amazing site.

I am getting help from a friend with this, and he's kinda been busy so who knows when it will happen, but he has been seriously helpful in getting me going in the right direction for my music. There's a lot that isn't instinctual for me, and he's helping me fill in the gaps. Thanks Jaya!

When the move is underway I'll be sure to let you know and make it easy for you to find me. This plan is still in the early stages.

Hey, look! A link to my website as it is now.

www.nicoleandrewsmusic.com

I dreamed of you.

2012-01-31T08:11:00.001+13:00

{This is a restaurant in New Zealand... Damn right I want to go there but I read it was closed...}

Last night I had a dream about you...

Yes, you.

I had a dream that me, and all of my bloggy readers were hanging out. These were real people in the dream...

And it was all by accident. I was on vacation somewhere and then I turned around and we just happened to all be staying in the same camp.... Or rather tree house resort... I know where that part came from... I've been looking at too many luxury tree houses lately.

It was one of those dreams where you wake up believing it. Suddenly I woke up with a lot of new friends, but then reality set in and I just got out of bed and into the shower before work. Just like normal.

I kind of think this dream is because of my sister. You might know that she is The Paper Mama and has turned from just being my sister and a baby into this very popular Mama blogger sister with a toddler. I'm really proud of what she has accomplished and that she is doing what she loves in life. It is inspiring for me and pushes me to work harder on my music.

She's always running around the states on different trips to meet up with all of her blog friends, and I think that because Chelsey and I have always done things together and been on similar wave lengths our whole lives, that somewhere in me I think that I'm going to do it too.

So here's the plan. You guys come to New Zealand and we will have a picnic by the beach! I don't have any tree houses, but if you find one we can go there instead.

My sounds

2012-01-28T11:00:00.000+13:00

I've got a new toy!

I just signed up for Sound Cloud, so be sure to start following me!

It's so easy to upload my songs without much confusion over the legalities (which makes me happy). There are so many sites that are full of complication and it doesn't inspire me to do anything with it, but I'm feelin' good about Sound Cloud!

So far there's just one song up, and you've probably heard it before- but I think the sound quality is so much better on this site so have another listen!

When ducks attack!

2012-01-27T07:58:00.000+13:00

Mike and I were attacked by ducks!

{They were not afraid of us as you can see}

When we were in Queenstown last week, we decided to take a quick break by Lake Hayes... Mike was asleep and I was sitting up knitting.

I got this feeling we were being watched so I turned around to find 5 ducks biting at Mike's hat while he slept. In reaction I shouted out "oh my god!" Yes, that might sound dramatic, but we were surrounded! And I was a bit surprised.

{We were surrounded}

Mike woke up when I burst out, and the ducks maneuvered around to my part of the picnic blanket to sample my knitting. I held on tight to the yarn, but they eagerly bit at the knitting needles. They went back for more, apparently convinced they must be edible.

I happened to have a bag of potato chips (it was a naughty week), which was mostly full so we fed the whole bag to the desperate ducks... And it was frightening... They were so violent when they ate! Like they had never seen food before! I'd certainly never seen ducks act like this before!

{Good bye fingers!}

Once the food was out, the group of 5 quickly turned into 10 or more. One duck appeared and the whole group chased him off biting at him... Must not be part of the family.

{What a poser}

I got to pet them but they really didn't like it so I didn't keep it up. But they were practically sitting in my lap! Mike fed them from his hand and got bit multiple times, but it just made him laugh.

Fun times.

Oh yes, the girl with the cough!

2012-01-23T15:30:00.000+13:00

I just got back from yet another vacation!! Probably should start working again to afford all this fun.

I went to the South Island for a friend's wedding just outside of Queenstown (where I used to live). It was so great to catch up with all my old friends and to enjoy the outdoors away from the city.

I was still pretty sick most of the time, and I'm pretty sure that everyone will remember me as the girl with the cough, but it was still fun.

We stayed at the famous Oliver's in Clyde, which is a historic building in a remote New Zealand town. It's been done up into an extremely famous hotel and restaurant, then deserted, and now is done back up by new owners- and it is freaking amazing! I could have never left! And the owners are soooo great! They even booked an appointment with their doctor and drove me there!

We stayed in this little room that used to be a horse stable and even still had a stable door. Ours was the smallest and least fancy room there, but I heard that everyone thought ours was the coolest (I guess people like the idea of sleeping in a stable). The wedding guests booked out the whole hotel so it was pretty much just friends wandering around this amazing property.

{My room at Oliver's}

{The room is tiny, but awesome}

{The view from my room. I spent a lot of time looking at this}

By the time we got back to Queenstown we were pretty exhausted, but still charged on. I'm a zombie today!

We did a few tourist things that I had never done before... It's shocking that I lived in Queenstown for over 5 years and never went up to Skyline. It's freaking expensive to take the gondolas, and I was always too lazy to walk up to the top, so I just never went. I still plan on walking it sometime, but it was nice to do the gondola once. It's pretty touristy once you get up there, but was nice.

{Being a tourist in my own town}

{See the bungy jumper? I can see several houses I've lived in from here}

We also did the Goldfield's historic gold mine thingy... I never really was interested in going when I lived in Queenstown because it always seemed incredibly touristy and possibly boring... But we ended up with a lot of spare time on a beautiful day so we just went with it... Yet another thing that is way too expensive in Queenstown, but I actually did enjoy it. I think that if I had known it was a nice hike then I might have felt like going when I lived there, but it always just seemed like it was all about the gold mining, which is pretty much everywhere in the area anyway and so it never seemed special. I would go again (for free)... It's not worth $20 especially since you just need to go 4 wheel driving to find the gold mine ruins... A lot of their "ruins" were built for a movie set in the 90's.... Not really what I was hoping to see, but it looked cool... Do it for the hike! Take the long trail and hang out in the cave for a while... These are my "paleo" photos.

{Our unexpected hike up a mountain...}

{Our cave at the top of the mountain}

{Mike's cave man photo}

{tourist time... Can you tell it's windy?}

We are back in Wellington now, and back to work. I suppose it has to happen.

Cough cough

2012-01-12T15:18:00.001+13:00

{source}

Getting sick in the summer sure sucks.

I'm home sick from work today- drinking hot toddy's, watching movies, hacking up a lung...

Watching the weather go from sunny and beautiful to lightly drizzling to gorgeously sunny again... It's beautiful out, but I'm sitting in my living room in my pajamas.... Sweating. At least in the winter you can throw on a blanket. Or take it off... It's unnatural being sick in the summer!

I'm going on holiday on Saturday so this is extremely bad timing! I even considered not going!!! Yeah, that's how awesome I felt.

Although things are feeling a bit better today. I'm drinking my hot toddies (which are really really helping!). I might even have an appetite for more than just broth!

It's also a good sign that I'm checking my emails and stuff. Last night I typed an email to my sister saying that I was sick, and it was like a monkey trying to type. I just gave up and put the computer away.

Here's the recipe for hot toddy that I'm loving right now... Mike has been gracious enough to let me use his special birthday whiskey (12 year old Glenmorangie single malt, non filtered). I think I'll have to down grade to Jameson's if I want to keep having them.

Hot Toddy recipe:

-Take a mug
-put a lot of honey in it
-put a bag of earl grey in it
-put a shot of whiskey in it (maybe a little less... Make it balance the rest of the flavors)
-grate up a ton of ginger and shove it into one of those tea strainers that look like a metal orb on a stick
-squeeze in a a lot of lemon juice
-top off with some water.
-drink it while it's hot and leave the ginger strainer in the whole time. I took out the earl grey tea bag because I am like that.

Wedding!!!

2012-01-07T00:22:00.000+13:00

Yes, I'm getting married this year!

My fiance and I (maybe I will start calling him some crazy name like Mr. Mermaid? No? Maybe just Mike...) we got engaged on my 29th birthday in 2010. What an amazing day!

{Quad biking on my birthday in Queenstown, New Zealand... Didn't know I was getting engaged this day}

We have been planning pretty hard core since the beginning, and now that we are like 7 months away, its all a bit surreal.

I intended to update every step of the way for the wedding plans, but discovered that a lot of it is pretty confusing and complicated! I'm a confused and complicated being, so this just makes it worse! So, here's an update since the last time I mentioned it a million years ago!

We have decided against Vegas (why?????) because we like torture. We have decided against a small wedding because: we are masochists (aka like torture). Sometimes we say to each other "lets just do it in Vegas" and then we laugh because we are way beyond this possibility and prefer our nightly beatings.

So here's the plan!

We are getting married in a dance studio that is really old and looks awesome in my home town of Portland, Oregon. We love it because it has these garage doors that open up to the street.... Why?

Because.... Our catering will be provided by a food cart! Portland has like 300 different food carts! It's so incredibly Portland! I'm making myself sick with how Portland our wedding is going to be! If this was New Zealand we would call it Kiwiana, but it's Portland so I guess we call it Portlandia????

If I can make these guys part of the wedding, then I will be a happy girl... I mean... Look at how happy this bride is!

{Pretend it's me... I actually tried on this exact dress}

Yessss.... Nice bike people...

There's a few other details that have been decided, but to me these things totally make the wedding! They certainly make it really Portland...ia...

Some other details:

-I've hired a photographer from Seattle, recommended by my lovely sister...
-I've picked a celebrant from one of my best friend's weddings, she was awesome!
-I've picked my DJ, which was the scariest part of the whole thing for some unknown reason.

I think there's a few other things in there, but that's enough info for now! Don't want to spoil all the fun!

The next step is working out where we will go on our honeymoon! Where? Ideas? Cheap and cheerful!

Guess what? This post ain't got photos!

2012-01-06T22:54:00.000+13:00

I'd say that about 90% of the time I sit down to write a blog post and then don't do it- it's because I don't have any photos...

I looooovvvveee the blogs that have these gorgeous photos and appropriate art work for every whimsical story of this incredibly interesting person's life- but me: I get stuck...

Maybe I'll write a New Year's post?

Damn! No photos!!!

Ok I'll just grab some off the internet.

Look shiny! Something fun... Oh, I forgot that I wanted to look up crazy quilts!!... La la la.

That's really how my mind works. La la la... You can tell by all the ... .... .... ... .... .. .. . .. . ..... .... I put after everything!....................

7% of the time I sit down to write a post and nothing comes out is because I can't think of a thing to say. Like I'm incredibly boring suddenly with no life... I could talk about breakfast.... The freaking weather! But something stops me... "Oh no, I think I'll leave it."

2% of the time I'm in a bad mood and don't believe that innocent lives need to be presented with the garbage that I come up with.

1% of the time I'm incredibly busy and think the world will explode if I spend the time writing a blog post. Sometimes I try anyway and then realize I'm 15 minutes late for work. Ha!

But really, it's the photos that stop me! And I can't seem to get used to my new camera (aka Mike's old camera). It's like being in a new relationship and not really knowing how your bodies fit together when spooning... Or what kind of movies the other person will like...

Christmas in the sun

2011-12-27T10:42:00.000+13:00

{Fake tree for our New Zealand summer Xmas}

Since New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, that means we have opposite seasons to the northern hemisphere. Which means that Christmas falls smack in the middle of summer.

I got sun burned.

I drank wine.

I played with kitties.

I had fireworks.

We lit a fire.

Pavlova.

Citronella candles.

Merry Christmas!

{Mike relaxing}

{Bye bye wrapping paper}

{Pavolva: it's awesome}

{Cat stole my bean bag}

{Comfy?}

{Brown cat's blog}

{Food!}

{Innocent looking}

{Kitties like presents too}

{Black cat opening his present}

{Watch out!}

{Black cat's present}

{My apple pie that burned a little because I forgot about it when playing piano}

That's all folks...

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T12:55:00.000+13:00

{Santa?}

Today in New Zealand it is Christmas eve (time difference from Portland: we are 21 hours ahead). So that means Santa will bring me my gifts first!

My family has a tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas eve.... Why? Who freakin' knows, but I love it.

The sun is shining, I'm baking an apple pie right now, and I've got my eye on a bottle of Chardonnay and a brainless book.

Since it's summer in the southern hemisphere, we will still have ham and all the normal Christmas food, but there's probably going to be some barbecuing and beer in the sun too.

On a serious note: Christchurch have had several major earthquakes again. Wish them a safe holiday season.

Secrets, drinking, and a quick vacation.

2011-12-17T16:49:00.000+13:00

Just got back from a road trip and I have so much to share with you but I am actually contractually obligated to not share all of it!

Arrrghhhh!

What am I talking about? Well, Mike and I went to Hobbiton and it was awesome. That's kind of all I can tell you. Stay tuned! Like for another 2 years because once the second Hobbit movie is released in like 2013, THEN I can share my photos. And I will! Cause they are great!

I've been before, and it was twice as awesome as last time! That's all I'm saying!... Moving on...

WE ALSO did a lot of other awesome things that I CAN share with you!

{Nicole and Mike wine tasting at Craggy Range}

The highlight of the trip (aside from Hobbiton) was our visit to Napier, which we started with a wine tour. We visited Askerne (Dessert Cabernet with chocolate!), Craggy Range (some of the best New Zealand wine that there is!), and Black Barn (new to me, and an amazing location)... The next day we were treated to a nice platter and another tasting at Vidal, which is more of a super market wine, but they do have a reserve level which is a bit nicer than the cheaper stuff.

Did you know that I love my wine? Did you know that I am a wine geek and used to be in the biz? Tis true... I learned on this little vacation that I have not lost much of my wine geek knowledge and have become inspired to keep it up a bit better. It's hard when you've got to actually pay for the wines! Need a second job at a wine shop!

{Beach in Napier}

Napier is pretty cool! Art deco buildings, sunshine, and beaches.

{Coffee in Napier}

Then we went to Martinborough and tried to do some more wine tasting, but we were pretty exhausted and kind of gave up when my top choices were closed... We did sneak in a yummy dinner and lots of drinks at Tirohana Estate though!

I really want to go back for a focused Martinborough trip though, because it is a cute little place and you could easily get a cool place to stay and walk to a bunch of different cellar doors. Ideal! No designated driver! And it's really close to Wellington.

{Red door to another world at a Martinborough winery}

I will be back Martinborough!

Hey there.... So how's it going?

2011-12-10T20:18:00.001+13:00

Now, I know you don't win any popularity contests in the blogging world by not posting for two weeks (or more...), but I've been kinda... Distracted? Lazy? Well, I've certainly been both of those things.

There's no excuse I know!

What have I been up to? Well, the sun has been out on the weekends here in Wellington so I've pretty much been wandering around the zoo (with my year pass), eating and drinking naughty things as soon as my 30 day personal Paleo challenge was over.... Well, just have a look at this photo.

The drink and the look say everything... Pretty much sums it up really....

{1:00am and my "old fashioned" at Hawthorn Bar Wellington}

So yeah.... I'm sorry I've been gone. I will try not to be away for so long...

It's not been all naughtiness though! I've actually gained a lot of new good Paleo habits from this last challenge. This photo above is not showing any of these new good habits....

Oh, and look what I found today!

A stick bug!!!

I am the only adult in the world who gets so excited about animals, birds, and bugs....

This guy was huge! Longer than my hand! I wanted to pick him up and carry him around but I know nothing about them and didn't know how creeped out I'd be... I didn't know there were stick bugs here! I've only seen them at the zoo before.

{My stick bug friend}

{Stick bug bum}

By the way!!! I've started using Flickr! Be sure to follow me, or whatever they are calling it! I'm liking it so far!

I know, I know... I'm the last person on earth to start using Flickr.

No stalking please, but it is summer!

2011-12-01T07:50:00.001+13:00

Today in New Zealand is the first day of summer!

And it seems like the weather is mostly agreeing with this fact.... Although some days I really think it forgets, but for the most part the weather has turned beautiful!

It's perfect for wandering to a neighborhood bar to drink wine in the sun!

{Nicole}

{Bar}

{Looking out from bar}

{Nicole}

If you know Wellington, then you can probably officially stalk me with these photos. It is a small world...

Please, no stalking... I am awesome though.

Paleo carbonara!

2011-11-26T20:32:00.001+13:00

{Umm... Laksa?? Oh, tastes like carbonara...}

Ok... So this was not what I was trying to make, but this is what it tasted like...

Next time I make it I'm going to intentionally make paleo carbonara! These sweet potato noodles are so exciting because I can finally do something similar to pasta minus the grains that is not actually sliced cabbage or carrot or whatever. I'm sure it's not the best paleo choice, so it will not be a staple, but it will certainly keep me sane.

Yeah... So I was trying to make laksa... Embarrassing, I know... I've made laksa a million times but these noodles were unpredictably absorbent.... And the noodles made more than I expected... Just in general I wasn't prepared for this. It's been a long time since I've really cooked noodles... That's my excuse really.

So, here's my theory recipe for paleo carbonara... The thing I will do next time.... You know, so this is just the theory of how it should go.

Theory: Not in order... Or exact.

-Get some bacony stuff... No sugar, so you gotta look closely... And no nitrates or nitrites... But according to my bro who is a head smoker at some fancy place: you cannot have no nitrates or trites in cured meat... You can however get it from a natural source such as celery (as opposed to chemicals) (Warning: for all you trolls, this is not a direct quote from my bro). As for me: I have limited access to things like this here in New Zealand. Many more options in hippy Portland. So, I've been using some thinly sliced lamb meat found at the Asian grocer in my neighborhood. Ingredients: lamb and cold.

-Get some sweet potato noodles...Not totally paleo I'm sure, but it doesn't have grains or preservatives and other junk.

-Get some coconut cream... Dump this in the mix. Cook it down a bit. It will be the right consistency.

-Get some chicken stock... Preferably you make your own chicken stock, which is ridiculously easy! In New Zealand you can just grab some chicken frames from your normal supermarket and toss it in the slow cooker overnight. Get it to boiling and then turn it to low overnight. You can freeze it and use it whenever. Nutritious and not full of fake junk.

-Chicken... If ya want. I want. Do yourself a favor and try to avoid hormones.

-Mushrooms galore... Toss in some mushrooms with some butter and saute to your hearts content. Add extra butter (or ghee or coconut oil or whatever) because this is paleo! No dumb low fat diets... Don't think that is sane? Do some research on the benefits of real fats and then get back to me (actually don't bother me if you don't agree).

-Onions, garlic, chilli and other things... Just make it taste like chicken carbonara... You know. Flavor it. You know you want to. Add rocket if you want to be cool like me. You need veggies if you wanna be paleo!

Now maybe 7 months (or more) of paleo have left me confused, but this is totally carbonara to me! Another good substitute for pasta/noodles is cabbage. Maybe not for this recipe, but definitely in laksa and spaghetti!

Naughty times with noodles

2011-11-26T13:52:00.001+13:00

{source}

I'm on day 26 of my 30 day paleo diet challenge and I've had a few naughty moments that I would like to tell you all about...

Supposedly you should be able to stick to the paleo diet and still have a social life but I'm having a hard time seeing how this is possible... Not even considering the whole drinking thing... I'm just talking about going out to dinner.

For one: the menu is not designed with me in mind. No one creating a menu said "I better make sure to put every single detail in there so that Nicole Andrews knows what is in her food." So, even when I'm ordering salad or things that appear safe, I'm still finding battered meat and sugar added to my dressing. Whatever, it's no big deal.

Except for the gluten... I'm especially trying to avoid gluten for these 30 days far above everything else. I've noticed that I seem to have an actual reaction to eating gluten as opposed to other grains... Yes, paleo is grain free (all grains) but I feel that because of the pain I get from gluten that I should make an extra effort to avoid gluten.

Well, screw putting the details about gluten on the menu! Sure, we'll write that it is a salad, but we won't tell you that we've added battered things to it! Or that we've scattered tiny bits of cous cous with the salad... I just forgot to mention that...

This has been my experience while attempting to avoid gluten (at least) during my paleo challenge. I've made a pretty strong effort to avoid it. I only consciously ate it once! After arriving at a party hungry, being handed a sugary drink- this scenario caused me to lower my standards a bit... When I found myself at my favorite noodle house I just did it... I got the curried won ton soup... Oops!

But every single other dining experience in the last 26 days have been conscious attempts to stick to paleo or at least avoid the gluten. Whatever was possible.

Even when I ended up at that same noodle house last night at 1 am! Yes! I had still tried to be a good girl even at 1 am! I promised myself I would get something new, and that it would not have wheat in it... So I ordered what I thought was stir fry with rice noodles... Nope!!! It was wheat noodles with a sugary kind of teriyaki sauce on it... Now, I'm sure that if I knew a little more about this kind of cuisine, I could have identified it better as wheat noodles... I could have also asked the waitress, but still it was 1 am... I wasn't thinking straight. I would have probably been better off just getting a box of mac and cheese and eating that because it looked about equally nutritious.... This was the low point of my challenge... There's that awful feeling in my torso that I ignored for years...

Sigh... So, basically I've learned that I do actually have to be that annoying customer who asks about everything. Yes, I do realize that I shouldn't be having any grains, but I made a personal decision that if I'm faced with it- I should be gluten free. This is not the paleo way, and it is certainly not how I eat when I'm at home, but the method saves me from being obnoxious even to myself in a restaurant.

New hair cut

2011-11-20T21:18:00.001+13:00

Ok, so last week I got a new hair cut...

Do you remember my last hair cut? We don't speak of it... After a lifetime of having my Mom as my amazing hairstylist (she really is an awesome hairstylist)- then suddenly finding myself in a new country and trying to figure out what to do... I made a mistake last year... BUT this time I am happy!

I went to Debbie at the Powder Room at the top of Cuba street.

She is amazing. thanks Debbie! Thanks for making me feel pretty!

Adventures with the spider.

2011-11-13T22:11:00.001+13:00

I had an interesting adventure today....

{Ride that spider!}

{Nicole has tamed the beast!}

{Or so she thought!}

My life in Paleo...

2011-11-06T19:26:00.000+13:00

So, I feel great.

{That's me on the left- hangin' with some friends at a very paleo BBQ... Not my beer}

I always do when I make sure to stick to my Paleo diet. And lately I've been speaking about it more openly. I just hate trying to make another person feel better for my choice of not eating grains.... But it is my life, so I'm not hiding anymore.

This is day 6 of my 30 day hardcore Paleo challenge for my household and I've already lost about 2 kilos... Must have been some water retention in there... Wouldn't normally loose so quickly. But the main thing is that I feel really awesome. I'm not in it for the weight loss; I'm in it because I've gone my whole life with something wrong with my digestion and couldn't ever isolate what it was. I mean: I was 12 years old when we tried cutting out diary for the first time... I was 8 years old when they tried to say that I was allergic to cats and that was the problem (not allergic to cats by the way)... The doctors had no idea what was wrong, and neither did I or my family.... Nothing seriously wrong, but certainly not thriving.

Turns out: I stop eating gluten and I do a million times better! Although if you know anything about the Paleo diet then you know I've stopped eating a lot more than gluten.

Since we've been on the Paleo diet for about 6 months now I've had to spruce up some of our normal recipes so that I don't go crazy.... Crazy meaning: sneaking down to the supermarket for mac and cheese... (Although, based on my last mac and cheese experience- hurting as I shoveled it into my gullet- I think I'm still a bit scarred from my favorite naughty food.... Man that was bad.)

So here are some recipes I've been trying:

Shepherd's pie: I added tomato paste and worchesershire sauce... I think I needed to throw a parsnip into the cauliflower puree. Too runny, but really good.

I made the egg baskets and tropical macaroons!

I think I'll make this hollandaise sauce tonight since I've got 4 egg yolks left over from the macaroons.

And here's some I've got my eye on! Not even having dairy at the moment! My normal approach to the Paleo diet does allow for dairy at times in the whole raw form... Not everyone agrees with this, but I tend to ignore them... Or I will go crazy... But for these 30 days I will be listening to them, so some of these I will have after my challenge ends:

I would make this recipe if I could find coconut flour in New Zealand.

Grain free lasagne!! I want.

These are all great blogs to read by the way.

It's food challenge time again!

2011-11-01T21:58:00.000+13:00

{Just hugging... Not eating...}

As you may know, I have been on the paleo diet for just about 6 months... I was pretty close to winning a food challenge in August! Well, since then I've been a tad bit lax on my eating. I was pretty darn good, but my cheat days started to get a bit closer together.... Like this:

"Oh look, it's raining outside. Looks like I need a mocha."
"Oh gee, I had a mocha, looks like I need a pizza."
"Oh man I had a pizza yesterday. Looks like I'm having leftovers."
"Oops I had leftovers. Looks like I've got to buy tempura soup for lunch."

These are true stories.... Then I sort it all out for a few days, and suddently it's Friday...

"Oh yay, it's Friday, time to have some wine."
"Oh wait, it's Friday! Time for a cheat day!"

Anyway, so I'm in need of some straightening out. I'm not feeling quite as awesome as I have when I'm eating right... And suddenly my flat mates started to become interested in my paleo diet and have themselves (without my encouragement) committed to 30 days on the paleo diet just to see if it works for them... So Mike and I are taking this opportunity to get back into it.

So today is day one! Seems like a normal day so far. I don't think I'll notice anything until I get to the point where I want a cheat day and I don't have one.

Carousel at the Garden Club

2011-10-30T13:21:00.000+13:00

Last night I went to another burlesque show at The Garden Club, which is always so much fun. It always ends with me eating at an Asian noodle house called Cha (curry won ton soup!!!!) and me paying a lot of money for at least one dirty martini.... Not that it wasn't worth it (thank you Hawthorn Lounge).

Since I don't have a camera right now, I was forced to take photos and videos with my phone.... And the result is not good. I just watched my video of an awesome performance by Miss La Vida, and the sound is incredibly bad... Ugh... Must fix the camera situation soon. But seriously, you must watch this video anyway! It is worth the bad sound!

Camera go bye bye!

2011-10-27T21:03:00.000+13:00

{Photo taken with Mike's camera}

Ok.... So, my camera is dead... This is partially why I have not been blogging lately. Please forgive...

I would love to share with you how awesome my new house is; how I can see birdies singing from my bed room window. I could take photos of the 2 tuis that live in my back yard, or the cool new music studio I have.... But my camera is dead... I've been kinda lost.

I started looking for a new replacement. I want a NICE camera! I started investigating a dslr, but ended up thinking "Holy cow! Lots of money!" and then moving on.

I tried to take photos with my phone but not only is it a sucky option, but it is also hard to remember that I took the photos. I just remembered yesterday that I took photos at a rugby game I went to 2 weeks ago!

Just thought I'd say: hey! I'm still here!

How did my camera die?.... Well..... Sand plus open, plus dropping in the sand equals squealing noises coming from lens.... Last weekend in Oregon.

Zealandia!!! (Put a bird on it)

2011-10-15T10:38:00.003+13:00

Do you know that I love birds?

{source}

I LOVE birds! I walk around with my eyes pointed up looking to see where the birds are in the trees, on the roof tops, flying over head (mouth closed).

Which is really lucky because I live in New Zealand, and in case you don't already know this: New Zealand is a country of birds. In fact New Zealand only has one native mammal species and it is a bat (just a cute tiny one). Other than that it is pretty much just birds. And New Zealand has an extremely high number of endemic species; meaning that most of the species here are found no where on earth (this isn't just birds, it's fish, fungi, trees, etc).

So when people arrived and brought rats off their boats, they introduced other species like rabbits, possums (the awful Australian kind), cats, dogs, etc. this started to really affect the birds. Animals like rabbits don't directly harm the birds like a cat or a dog would, but they do end up destroying the land which affects the native trees, which affects the birds.

{Kiwi crossing}

The possums are a whole different story: I hate the Australian possums. They scream, they destroy the trees faster than anything else, they eat baby birds, and they supposedly can claw you. I'm not so sure about the last one but they are freakin' awful. However, they are protected in Australia.... Just like a bunny rabbit is nothing to worry about in America, but in New Zealand you are encouraged to kill them because they are destroying everything very quickly.

{The enemy: Australian possum... Yes, spelled minus the 'o'}

These introduced species are quickly killing off some of the native species (all birds). Since the birds in New Zealand evolved with no predators, many of them just roost on the ground; making them easy prey for cats and other animals.

What is my point? Well, because of this problem, many of the species are extinct and the ones that remain are quickly going extinct. There are billboards everywhere asking people to bring their pets in at night, to keep the cats from hunting the roosting birds. There's the Easter Bunny Hunt to help bring down the rabbit population. There is poison everywhere in the woods for the millions of possums to attempt to thwart their destruction. All of this is helping, but only a little.

{strange robotic song of the tui}

Soooooo.... Now that I've got my quick biology lesson out of the way; the reason I bring all this up is because last night I went to Zealandia, which is in the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary.

We did a night tour (in the rain), and it was amazing! If you ever get a chance then definitely do this! I can't believe how deprived I was by the Queenstown Kiwi House (sorry Kiwi House people, you are still fun in other ways!). This was like walking around in the old growth forests, the way New Zealand used to be before the humans came in and destroyed everything. The biggest draw for this tour is to get a chance to see a kiwi bird since they are nocturnal and extremely rare, but unfortunately we did not find one. I've seen them before, but I always love seeing them! Plus this place was a bit more special than any other place I've been to! It would be like you were just wandering through the woods and found a kiwi as opposed to being in a zoo and walking into a building, letting your eyes adjust, and then seeing the kiwi that is just always right there. So, I definitely think that if you get the chance: go to Zealandia!! Awesome.

{Karori Wildlife sanctuary}

We did hear a male and female kiwi calling to each other in the hills just after we left their location, which was disappointing and awesome all at the same time.

A high light for me was seeing the glow worms because when I came to New Zealand as a back packer many many years ago, I planned to see the glow worms, and never did. I've seen phosphorescence before, but these were a bit different. Very cool! We could even shine our little light on the poor little guys and see that they actually are these little worms living in a little dewey looking home. Cute.

{Glow worms}

And I saw a few weta, which is cool because I'm told that I'm a freak of nature for having lived in Wellington for a year and not seen one. I've only really seen them squished in the road. That doesn't count. Have you seen King Kong (the Peter Jackson version). When they get attacked by those ferocious ugly bugs; those are what wetas look like.

{Giant weta}

And I saw a gherkin slug. That was the ugliest thing I've ever seen. It did look like a gherkin.

{ugly gherkin slug}

And they even do events there, and its not that expensive to rent a space out! If I were getting married in New Zealand, then I would absolutely do it there!

So, even thought I got rained on all night, walked around in the mud, and didn't see a kiwi; I still loved it. Plus I always love to see how excited visitors get to see the birds that I see every day, like tuis.

By the way: my camera broke, so none of these are my photos. Thank you unsuspecting internet friends! I promise I sourced you!

This is also why it's been a while since I've added a new photo.

Burlesque classes

2011-10-11T21:38:00.000+13:00

Tonight I took a burlesque class; the first in a series that lasts 6 weeks with Miss La Belle (aka Miss Burlesque New Zealand).

{source}

One day when I'm a seriously famous burlesque dancer (ha ha) everyone will be able to look at my blog and know that it didn't come naturally for me. I had to be taught. The truth is revealed....

I seriously loved it.

I was completely nervous all day long. I imagined that I was going to be the only one there not looking like a pinup girl and the only one incapable of walking in my stilettos that I purchased for Vegas and haven't worn since.

I mean, I'm a yoga girl. I walk around barefoot most of the time. Not that I don't love heels. I just don't ever seem to wear them. Maybe its because I don't really drive in New Zealand and walking 30 minutes into town to strut around in heels doesn't sound like too much fun.... Although I have seen people walking to work in the morning in heels. Crazies...

Anyway, I had so much fun and Miss La Belle really made everyone feel comfortable. Everyone else seemed to be in the same boat as me with the nerves. I was a bit clumsy with the strutting, but I think I'll blame that on the heels. I mean these heels are monster stilettos. I think I'll have to buy some new "realistic" heels for the rest of the class.

Why am I taking this class? I have no idea. I think that one night after one too many wines I went online and signed up. But I know that I had a desire before that. For one, I knew where to find the classes. I had actually been thinking about it for months, but was scared to death of the idea of just getting up there or coming up with my own routine from nothing. I'm definitely much more confident with this bit of guidance.

What will I do with it? Who knows. I won't say that it's not possible to fall in love with it and really pursue it, but really I just think that its fun.

Like, really fun.

Little details...

2011-10-09T13:04:00.000+13:00

Another Paper Mama photo challenge.

{Marmite, the mouth breather}

So, today I woke up for the first time in my new home (rented, nothing overly exciting). And so this is a little "good-bye" to my old house. This is Marmite; he lived next door and used to come visit all the time. I will miss him. He's a good boy and is very old. His Mama knew that he stayed with us sometimes; she was very nice. I will miss her waving at me from our kitchen windows.

Good bye Marmite!

Seriously, this is making me a little sad.

Already?

2011-10-02T20:22:00.001+13:00

I'm already losing my mind ladies and gentlemen.

I've been working pretty steadily on my wedding ever since we got home, and already I'm feeling the crazies creeping in.

{Not me, I swear}

I will never be a bridezilla: it's not in my nature.... But I've always known that I am capable of being a big ball of stress. That is totally within the realm of possibility.

Why? Because no one is returning any of my emails.... Ok, ok, I have got some emails from the lovely photographers I've contacted.... But over all it's like there is a massive black hole that my emails are funneling into. Never to be seen again...

"Hello, my name is Nicole. I live in New Zealand and I'm planning a wedding in Portland Oregon. I would like to give you all of my money. Please write me back to let me know how much you want."

No reply.

I know the wedding is still pretty far away (next summer) but I'd love to just get a few things booked so I don't have to keep searching.

Luckily my sister has been super helpful! She's got some great recommendations and I don't think I could find a photographer without her! Plus she's been down this wedding planning path before so she has advice for everything.

Time to start meditating again.

Bloggy friends

2011-09-29T20:29:00.000+13:00

Blogging is kind of like summoning pen pals to you.

I love it!

I just wanted to say how happy I am to see all of your comments (and posts) every day. I seriously look forward to hearing from each and every one of you.

{Posing with my favorite bloggy friend: my sister, The Paper Mama}

Sometimes I hear from someone that I hadn't heard from in months and I think "Awesome! They are still reading? Excite!"

My boyfriend knows about you all in a weird way.... References that are kind of random.... Like I'm trying to describe someone instead of giving names (I try to incorporate names). Like: tattoo girl with dog I want... Or the girl who just moved to Denmark.... He knows who you are.

Then there are people that I have commented on their blogs months ago... Then one day I wake up and I think "Hey, it's the girl who loves Jeff Buckley like I do."

I am excited to hear from all of you.... Even the ones I didn't mention! I have not forgotten!

Cheers!

Good morning Nicole! (warning... nasty post)

2011-09-29T07:58:00.001+13:00

Well.... I've got some good news and some bad news....... Which should I start with?

Lets start with the bad news....

I saw my neighbor pissing out of his bedroom window....

Pause for reaction.

Yup. I was walking to work. Leaving at the exact same time as always, and then I saw some liquid flowing from his bedroom window. Now, I have to walk directly past his window to get out of the property, so this was not something I could have avoided.

At first I thought it was a water bottle with a strong flow. As I got closer I could see that he was almost completely hidden by curtains and the window was only slightly open. When he saw me he startled and tried to hide.

This isn't the behavior of someone not pissing out his bedroom window.

I don't know what goes on over there, but I saw what I saw.... I mean, I've lived next to this guy for a year! Our bedrooms share a wall! How often does this happen?

Want the good news now?

I'm moving to a new house next week! This little incident couldn't have come at a better time.

{Do you see the situation? Direct view of the street, and directly where I would be walking!}

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Friends

2011-09-25T15:22:00.000+13:00

Thought I'd join in on the Photo Challenge fun. It's not very often I have photos I can submit since I do not have kids or pets. Lucky for my trip back to Portland!

{My niece Ruari and my Mom's dog Farley.}

Join in on the fun over on my sister's blog.

A to Z of Me!

2011-09-23T23:07:00.000+12:00

Ok, so I'm totally obsessed with my sister's blog... But I know some of you guys are too, so you get where I'm coming from right?

Well, I love checking in on her from way over here in New Zealand and reading things about my little sis that I would have never discussed with her in real life. Things like A to Z of Me... You know: question and answer blog post. It forces you to say things that don't normally come up in civilized conversation.

Like did you know that I still have red nail polish left on both of my thumbs from my friend's wedding? Did you know that it was sparkly? Not important at all, but its what you sometimes discover during these question and answer posts.

{Now you also know how small my fingers are. Freaky.}

Anywho, so I stole this from my sister's blog because I love random things.

A. Age: 30
B. Bed Size: Queen
C. Chore you hate: The dishes.... I don't have a dishwasher... Even if I do: I hate it.
D. Dogs: My sister's dog Angus is kind of my dog. He loves me the most!
E. Essential start to your day: Coffee and computer. I check my email, check my blog for comments, check my sister's blog... Facebook. Loser.... I used to try to do yoga and meditate but I've been a bit slack in those areas lately. Now I sleep in until the last possible moment. Its great!
F. Favorite Color: Teal? That is a difficult question. It depends on my mood, but I'm a serious fan of the teal and copper combination.
G. Gold or Silver: Silver usually, but gold actually looks good on me.
H. Height: 5'4'' I'm short.
I. Instruments you play: PIANO!!! But I used to also play guitar, bass, recorder, I tried to play the violin a few times, organ, anything with keys really. Actually, I can play anything, I just may not know what I'm doing. (PS, I play: singing too)
J. Job Title: (Shhh...operations manager....) That's something I NEVER talk about on the blog. I find its best to avoid talk about work.
K. Kids: None of my own. I've just got my neice.
L. Live: I live in New Zealand. But I'm from Portland Oregon.
M. Mother's Name: Mom... Oh, and Janis.
N. Nicknames: Cole... And you can only call me Nicky if I knew you when I was little. Otherwise I just think you are weird. I don't mind it, but its just weird.
O. Overnight hospital stays: None, knock on wood.
P. Pet Peeves: I don't like fake... I can see it from a mile away and I don't like it. Stop it!
Q. Quote from a Movie: Double tap.
R. Right handed or Left handed: Right. Please don't use this info to steal my identity!
S. Siblings: Chelsey, and Adam are both younger than me.
T. Time to wake up: Unfortunately 6:30 am for work, but it has been earlier (Try used to be 3:15am! I worked at a coffee shop)... I won't complain... But when I'm on my own time (and I have been fortunate enough to have a job where I could adapt to my own time) it was 9 am.
U. Underwear: Thong!!!!!!!!!!!
V. Vegetables you hate: Honestly, I do not like brussel sprouts. I thought I was old enough to get over it, but I've faked it long enough. Unless they are soaked in chicken fat (and I mean it!) or covered in cheese, then I don't like it! Or if Mike makes them... He does them cut in half with fish sauce and it's great!... Otherwise I like all veggies!
W. What makes you run late: Not wanting to leave my house. This is why I don't talk about work. Someone will read it.
X. X-rays you have: Teeth all the time because I'm a good girl. Also I've had many chest x-rays. Partially because of immigration for New Zealand. It's just what ya do.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Everything I make is yummy! I am seriously into my food. Even when I'm on a healthy diet, I still have the yummiest food around, otherwise I get totally bored. I am famous for my pumpkin pie, quiche, spaghetti, Japanese food, and sometimes veggie lasagne. I rock.
Z. Zoo animals: I love penguins.... At my zoo in Portland we also have otters and other cute sea animals. I love the sea. I also must see the polar bears and the crocodiles. Mostly the crocodiles because at the Portland zoo it rains every hour on the hour on the crocodiles. I love that... I also love the aviary! And I do not like going into the Alaska exhibit. That caribou still freaks me out... Otherwise, if you know me, then you know I am totally obsessed with the zoo! I LOVE zoo! I love animals! And have you noticed this is the longest part of this post? I would work at the zoo if they would hire me! I would take care of the penguins or otters... Le sigh.

If you do one of your own please be sure to link up at the original post here. Spread the love.

Alright, here's your Burning Man post.

2011-09-16T08:05:00.000+12:00

{Nicole in Center Camp, BM 2011}

So, I promised you some Burning Man.... I feel like I am somehow avoiding it because there is really so much to say! And it really isn't for everyone (ear muffs if you are prone to judgement). And besides: it is nearly impossible to describe Burning Man... Remember the quote in this post?

I'll say it again:

"If you've never been to Burning Man then it is impossible to imagine. If you have been then it is impossible to describe." (I found on the back of an RV while sitting in line for 4 hours to leave Burning Man this year).

{Nicole the Jelly Fish... The real Nicole... Look how happy she is!... Oh look, Mike is on the right peeking in}

{Nicole's jelly fish bloom}

So, what can I say? Burning Man is what you make of it and what the others make of it; all coming together to form one massive clump of accumulative things that people have brought together.

{Nicole's solo bike ride}

It is a massive participatory event where you can't buy nuthin' and you can't go see shows. Unless someone woke up one day and said "I'd like to do a show at Burning Man" and then proceeded to gather all of the necessary things for said show. There are tons of things to see and do, but the people have to do it themselves.... And they do it well! I just thought I'd throw this in because one of the first questions people always ask me is: what concerts are there.... None! Unless someone wants to do it in their camp. And they do sometimes, but it's not like that.... Ugh, so hard to explain.

{Art car in front of the Temple of Transition... The temple was made by some awesome people and I was lucky to camp with many of them}

It is not a concert, it is not a place to buy t-shirts, and there are lots of naked people. It is a self expression/art/self reliance/leave no trace kind of a love-hippy-punk-alien-neon light-fest.... Although not everyone is naked and not everyone is a hippy.

{My favorite art car ever!}

I guess, what I'm trying to say is that there is no real way to describe it and there is not just one kind of people who go. It is a beautiful collection of every kind of person! Which to me is the best part!

{My dirtiness.... Playa dust! It gets everywhere!}

People let loose and are their true self. Some people live this life year round, while others live in an office year round and let loose at Burning Man. It is awesome, and it is not for everyone. Especially if you tend to judge, or hate, or don't like living in the desert for a week without a shower, restaurants, or anyone to look after you. It is totally awesome and I wish I was there now.

{It's a good place to make friends}

Music and stuff

2011-09-14T20:29:00.000+12:00

{Nicole Andrews Music}

Well, I just thought I'd share that I now have a Twitter account. I've been meaning to get one forever since I'm a musician and it's kinda handy to promote and stay in touch. Sooooooo I've done it now. I'm totally set up to say random things about myself.

You can connect with me on any one of the many social networks I've joined if you just click on the links that please you on the right side panel of this blog.

And while I'm at it: have you seen my music website yet? It's totally awesome! Go here!

I'm back in New Zealand!

2011-09-13T18:09:00.000+12:00

Well, I'm back in the land of the long white cloud. And it's certainly not summer down here!

Look what we had waiting for us.....HAIL.....

{My hand and the hail}

Big painful hail with thunder storms and lightening and stuff. And from what I understand, this is unusual. Yet every time I get back from America and land in Wellington, this stuff is waiting for me.

Watch the video shot from my front door:

Ugh. Not another good bye.

2011-09-11T18:17:00.000+12:00

{Mike, Me, and my grandparents}

I hate saying good bye to the people I love once a year. It sucks. But you get good at it when you do it as often as I do. I barely shed a tear anymore (I seem to cry when I first arrive and see my family in the airport).

Well, its time to say good bye again.... No likey... I'm officially down to my last day in Portland and have nothing more to do than to pack. Somehow I've still managed to fit in a family-get-together, some wedding cake tasting, and I'm even thinking of a quick shopping spree. This is me being crazy... I've been really good at it this year.

{Ruari wears my Burning Man hat}

I said good bye to my sister and her family the other day (they had to go out of town) and that was super sad because it will be a very long time until I see my little niece Ruari again. Her and I are now best friends and I can't believe I am about to leave and have to be reintroduced to her all over again when I'm back next time. One day this won't be the case, but it sucks man.

Ruari is not much of a hugger, but when I said good bye to her she gave me a really big and long hug (she's a year and a half remember) and then she started crying like she was really sad about this good bye.... It broke my heart... We say good bye to her all the time when she has to go home or whatever, but this time I think she could tell we were sad and just didn't know why. Although I wasn't crying and wasn't letting on that anything bad was happening. She's clever.

There's always next time.

2011-09-08T06:26:00.000+12:00

{My Paleo friendly restaurant find: pulled pork!}

Well, I did not win the food challenge, but I am still so happy to have been a finalist! It's the closest I've ever come to winning anything, and it was something I worked very hard on!

The challenge was to eat right while on vacation (according to the Paleo diet, which is my diet thing) and I did a great job but with many obstacles. However, it would have been a million times easier for me at home! I would have complete control over my circumstances and could easily have gone 30 days with everything perfect, but I don't think I would have been a finalist because the challenges of being here in America on vacation and trying to eat right are what really helped me challenge myself and grow.

I'm about to head back home in a few days and I'm very excited to get back to my normal healthy eating. I think I'm ready for another food challenge. Thanks to those who voted for me!

Food Challenge!

2011-09-07T10:22:00.000+12:00

{The mess I left on my plate when I avoided the bun on the hamburger. Everything counts right.}

Holy cow! I'm a finalist for a food challenge I entered in for the month of August! I'm so freaking happy!

I meant to say something about it like a month ago, but as you know I've been flippin busy! So, please forgive me, and if you wouldn't mind, please spare a vote for me.

All you have to do is follow this link right here then tick the box next to me (I'm Nicole- From New Zealand to Portland Oregon and Back) and then click the vote button. It's that easy. If I win I will personally send you a psychic hug and thanks!

I've probably been the naughtiest of all the finalists, but my personal challenge was not to be perfect, but instead to work with my situation and try to do the best I can whenever I can!

It was a really hard a lot of the time with family dinners, temptations of being around American food again, being in a wedding, and not to mention Burning Man... So I was taking the buns off of my hamburgers, saying no to Voodoo Donuts, eating snap peas instead of chips, and always striving to have control over breakfast so that everyday I could have a really healthy meal even if I could not control the rest of the day.

I have never really won anything before so I'm super excited to be a finalist! Fingers crossed! (And thanks for the vote).

Back now

2011-09-06T19:52:00.000+12:00

{My home for the week, can you see me?}

We just got back from Burning Man tonight! To be perfectly honest I didn't want to leave this time. I was totally happy to never come back to reality again. Even with the heat and dirty: I was in love all over again.

I saw a bumper sticker in line on the way out of Burning Man this morning (with plenty of time to read it since we were in line to leave for 4 hours); it said something like this:

"If you've never been to Burning Man then it is impossible to imagine. If you have been then it is impossible to describe."

This is exactly how I feel about it. I am totally capable of talking your ear off about Burning Man, but at the end of the day it is something that you need to experience to understand. Having said that: its not for everyone.

Tonight I am way to tired to sort through all my photos, but I can assure you I will do it soon (We drove from Nevada to Portland in a day: tired!). I gorged on cooked food and had an awesome shower and now I'm gonna pass out in a real bed. Darn you real world! Why are you so comfy?

Here's a little taste of the fun... This is an art car that I thought was freakin' awesome. This is not my video, but please watch. (And on a different subject, please check my sister's blog with the family picnic photos we took a few weeks ago. I love being with my family. Go here).

Burning Man

2011-08-29T03:41:00.000+12:00

{My last Burning Man in 2008 at sunrise the day after the burn}

Good bye real world! I'm about to take off for Burning Man! This is super naughty of me to even take time for a post! I should be shoving things in the car!

I haven't been to Burning Man in 3 years, so this is super exciting for us! It's my 4th burn.

What is Burning Man? Go here and read.

See you on the other side.

August: favorite photo so far...

2011-08-28T04:48:00.000+12:00

My sister over at Paper Mama has a post about your favorite photos from August, and since I've been on vacation for the whole month of August, I thought I'd join in.

(Psst... I'm supposed to be packing for Burning Man, so I'll have to be quick and sneaky)

This one is my favorite... My niece Ruari was so happy playing with the sprinkler and then got too close. She was not smiling in the next photo.

{Ruari discovers the sprinkler}

Hey there, I'm still alive.

2011-08-26T05:40:00.000+12:00

{Hangin' with my pals. We haven't hung in a while since I've been gluten free. Ahem... Paleo...}

Hi there. I am bad... I have had no time to blog at all! I've barely had time to breath! In fact, I've been so busy that I started getting sick! Eek! And Burning Man starts Monday!!! I have been taking tons of vitamins and am starting to feel better now, but seriously I am BUSY!

{Sadly, no donut for me.}

This trip has been one giant life reunion. I've seen 3 people that I'm friends with in New Zealand. Found a lost relative yesterday. I saw some family members that I hadn't seen in 6 years. I saw like 10 people from high school that I haven't seen practically since. I've met my New Zealand friends parents who moved just moved here. Etc. Etc. It goes on. The moto is: you want to hang? Ok.

{A moment alone with my future hubby in Alberta in Portland}

Now I'm about to go up to Seattle to visit some family and then come right back and pack up for Burning Man! Which means another week of no communication. After that I'm only here a few short days before I head back to New Zealand!

{Sisters}

Did I mention that I've also been planning my wedding this whole time? Yes.... That is a difficult task. I have to decide on a ring (want to) and a wedding venue AT THE VERY LEAST. Then if I'm lucky I will also have a caterer sorted and a cake place. I'm honestly only really picky about the venue and the ring.

{Jazz in the park with my grandparents}

Oh, and have I mentioned that my niece Ruari LOVES me? She loves Mike too, and says our names while giggling. She is so much fun.

{It's a good deal}

Crazy busy yo.

2011-08-16T12:14:00.000+12:00

Just so you know I AM alive! I've just been a neglectful blogger and the busiest woman alive!

So, I will try to catch you up on the massive amounts of craziness as quickly as possible. It goes something like this:

Nicole tired.... Drinking lots..... Party and hang out lots... Many times hang with family.... Many many wedding things to do for best friend. Lots of fun. Lots of drunk. Lots of naughty food (off diet lots). Lots of my adorable niece Ruari. Not enough sister! Lots of drink. Lots of party. Make into pretty Maid of Honor. Make into pretty tired girl.

Here's the story without words:

{Beaverton Farmers Market}

{Mike and Angus sitting in a swing at home}

{My niece Ruari, who has decided that she loves me very quickly}

{My Mom's Dog Farley in my Mom's garden picking green tomatoes. Then Auntie Nicole takes them away so she doesn't choke}

{Shannon, Nicole (Me), and Tucker at Hood River for the day}

{Nedra's bachelorette party}

{My sister Chelsey (from Paper Mama) and I about to go see a friend play at Ash Street Saloon}

{Chelsey is my BFF}

{My Mom and I at Nedra's pedicure wedding party}

{The mother of the groom, Shannon, Me, Nedra the bride, and Laura- at the wedding site on the rehearsal day.}

{Shannon getting her brides maid hair done by my awesome hair stylist of a Mom}

{Me in my own brides maid hair, done by my Mom}

{Nedra in her beautiful dress}

{Nicole frantically throwing on her make up as she realizes that she needs to be ready in 10 minutes}

More to come... I can almost take a step back and relax now that the wedding events are done.... But not really. Next comes Burning Man in only 2 weeks! And we totally don't know how we will get there.... EEK.

Bye!!!

2011-08-03T12:41:00.000+12:00

So, Mike and I are leaving in a few hours!!!

We just came back from an emergency hunt for a new suitcase and are about to transplant the junk from one to the other.

We knew that we needed a new suitcase, but wanted to wait until we were back in America to get a cheap one.... Someone left us a little present on our last one:

{Thanks for pissing on my suitcase Brown Cat}

Anyway, the "waiting" plan didn't work out because it turns out we have too much stuff to take with us and can't manage without one.... Darn.

Now things are starting to be a bit frantic (which is of course why I took the time to post on my blog.... Because I'm great at avoiding!).

My family will be happy that I didn't have to sacrifice any of the chocolate I bought them now that I have a new suitcase. (Don't tell them that's what they are getting this year).

It takes about 2 full freakin' days to get to America, so you won't hear from me for a few days, but I'll let you know as soon as I can how the flight and everything went....

Plus!!! I get to see my niece Ruari!! I am so excited! Yeah, I'm excited for the rest of the family too, but I haven't seen Ruari since she looked like this:

{My sister Chelsey (The Paper Mama) and my niece Ruari, from my last trip to Portland}

Anyway, its been over a year since I've seen her, and I am totally excited! My Mom told me that she said my name the other day which I LOVE!

I am a proud auntie... So excited!

Time to get packing! I've got Ruari a New Zealand kids book (which I know she can't read) but I know she likes books.

We fly into Portland at like midnight, so I'm wondering if I will be able to contain myself if Ruari is at home asleep.... I'm gonna wanna wake her up to see her! I have a feeling that won't be allowed.

As for my sister: I have to wait a few days to see her because she is in San Diego for Blogher. Sad.... I miss you Chelsey! But I will have her chihuahua, cats, husband, and baby all staying under the same roof as me while she's gone so I'm pretty excited!

See you on the other side!

Bye Marmite!

2011-08-02T16:51:00.002+12:00

Marmite knows something is up...

{Oh sure, just come right in}

He's our neighbor cat who likes to have multiple families.

I haven't seen Marmite in a while until this week.... Suddenly he's bursting in the door before you even realize the handle was turned.

He is twice as needy and loving as usual. And he's been following me around the house for 4 days.

Now we have our luggage lying out and he is trying to come along.

Sorry Marmite, you must stay with your real family.

The madness

2011-07-31T12:03:00.000+12:00

This is me taking a moment to slack off in the middle of my day filled with frantically cleaning the house and preparing to live out of my suitcase for 6 weeks in another country.

{Actually, this photo was taken months ago... But this is how I feel}

I look around my living room right now and there is crap everywhere.

Laundry...

Why is my wedding binder sitting out?...

Cables for computer stuff we might take...

And like 50 to do lists scattered across this couch and other random surfaces...... I am overly organized. And this is making me completely out of control.

{La la la la}

Actually, I am able to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I wish there was a way to avoid those last minute stresses.... A personal assistant and a maid would help with that I suppose.... Maybe next time.

So here's the plan:

I clean and organize like crazy today so that when I get back in the country my life is clean and organized (unlike last time....). It feels good knowing that you will come back to happiness.

Then tomorrow I work.

The next day is packing and making sure that everything is sorted to go. That way I can wake up in the morning the next day- do yoga leisurely, maybe even go out for a coffee and a long walk in our suddenly freakishly sunny weather.

Then I fly... And wait... And fly... And wait.... And land at home in Portland Oregon with my Mom waiting at the airport.

As soon as I'm home I always try to see immediate family members and best friends as soon as possible so that no one feels left out. Unfortunately for me my sister is at a blogging convention (Blog Her in San Diego) so I don't get to see her for like half a week! Wah!!! I miss her so much!!! But I've waited a year, so I can wait a few more days.

Then that weekend is a bachelorette party... And I'm a Maid of Honor (there's two) so I am gonna be running like mad getting things organized.

It's going to be madness and I can't wait! Let the party begin.

{My Mike took these photos months ago. Thanks honey!}

Nicole Andrews Music

2011-07-27T21:59:00.000+12:00

So, randomly my facebook music fan page started to get a lot more people liking it.... Like in the last week I've got another 12 people liking it, and 2 of those people are also named Nicole Andrews!

What in the wide world is going on here?

Not only that, the two Nicole Andrews fans "liked" me within 10 minutes of each other... It's almost as if they planned the whole thing. Kinda freaky and fun...

I feel like there must be something going on that I am not aware of that is getting my music out to more people... Or something... It's pretty exciting. Keep them coming!

And don't forget to check out my new music website!

Parental Warning: Burlesque

2011-07-24T01:16:00.002+12:00

So, normally I wouldn't have given a parental warning, but I know that a lot of my readers are mamas (including my sister, Paper Mama) and you might want a little heads up before I go from a post about Harry Potter to a post about strip tease... So, here's your warning: I'm gonna talk about naked people... Even show you some videos. Put the kids to bed and enjoy.

{Magenta Diamond}

I am seriously in love with the art of burlesque... (way before that movie came out).... And last night I went to THE most awesome burlesque show. I was getting all teary eyed! That is how awesome it was! These girls were completely amazing!

{Carousel performers and crew July 2011}

The show is called Carousel, and is a monthly event here in Wellington and I am totally going every month from now on! Well, unless I am in America... Which I will be next month... But every other month I am so there!

Lets just say that I came home with paint and glitter everywhere! Watch this video to find out why!

Each one of the girls were so amazing and unique. Miss Anthropy came down and used my leg as a place to rest her heels then kind of collapsed on me, we hugged, and she went back up on stage.... And then collapsed... (all part of the show gang).

{Miss Anthropy at the end of the show}

Don't forget to check out my website if you haven't already:
www.nicoleandrewsmusic.com

Harry Potter Mania!

2011-07-20T19:41:00.000+12:00

Yes, I love Harry Potter. The books. The movies. The theme park (well, I know I will when I go).

{Yes, I know my top is see through. But I'm in Slytherin so who cares.}

And if I were the type of person to dress up like the characters to go see the movie, then this is the movie I would do it for.

I wonder which character I would dress up like?

Probably Bellatrix Lestrange... I love Helena Bonham Carter, and I'm a bit too old to be any of the kids... And too female... And lets be honest; Hermione is so boring sometimes.... (just kidding).

We kind of have similar hair when mine is really long.

And we are both nuts...

Actually, I probably had a similar dress in high school (but my hair was buzzed).

{source}

Well, we went to the Embassy Theatre again, and they were totally in the Harry Potter spirit. They had flags up for each of the houses in Hogwarts, and they were selling butterbeer and polyjuice potion. Cute.

I was trying to validate buying a butterbeer, but wanted alcohol in my drink... Polyjuice potion looked like a good option, but it was basically just vodka and black currant. I couldn't do it! I can make that at home! But they almost got me with their clever marketing!

Besides, I had bubbles.

Chocolate and wine

2011-07-14T20:17:00.000+12:00

So, today I decided I was having chocolate... Chocolate and wine.

{source}

I got dark chocolate so that I can be a kinda good girl, and I am so freakin' happy to have this Whittaker's dark chocolate... And my Mission Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

{source}

Do we have Whittaker's chocolate in America? I need to find out because I am in love. I must know that I can have a weak moment with Whittaker's again and again in the future.

Love

{source}

My dirty little secret

2011-07-09T18:18:00.000+12:00

I have been living a lie.

{Nicole around the time she started living this lie...}

I have consciously been keeping something from you and it has now spiraled out of control and I cannot possibly hide from it anymore. I must own up to the truth and proud of my choices...

{She's hiding something}

Here it is....

I've been on the Paleo diet.

Yes, like a cave man.... Woman...

What in the world are you talking about Nicole?

Basically I'm eating like our paleolithic ancestors. The other term is cave man diet.... And the first time I heard about it I thought it was dumb... Then it started following me around and I started to pay attention. A lot of it made sense.... Then suddenly all of it was making sense... Now here I am 2 months into it with out the slightest loss of interest. A huge difference from barely making it 14 days on a detox. Every meal I have is amazing and satisfying.

{Nicole's true identity}

I have never been a diet person and have pretty much always made healthy meal choices aside from the obsession with macaroni & cheese and ranch dressing... I am human...

However, the paleo diet isn't really a diet... Its not like I'm out to lose weight. It's just what its called. Lets call it the paleo lifestyle or foodstyle... Something like that.

The diet goes against a lot of what we are told to do, and because of this it makes a lot of people very angry and confused. Actually, I avoid talking about it with anyone because it does inspire lots of negative reactions from people.

{source}

So I just make my food, eat it, and don't say a word.... But this is my blog and sometimes I just want to talk about the things I'm enjoying.... I feel like I've had a dirty little secret and that if I tell anyone I will have hoards of angry people chasing me around with sticks....

The paleo diet is essentially the opposite of being vegetarian, among many other controversial aspects... This anger inspiring equation goes like this:

I eat meat... I don't eat grains.... I don't eat sugar... I eat a lot of natural fats from animals, avocados, coconut, etc. Everything I eat is unprocessed and as humanely raised as possible. I only eat food that was available before the agricultural revolution... So if you can't find it or kill it with a stick then you probably are not equipped to eat it in large quantities if at all (ahem... bread, candy bars.... etc).

{Wellness Mama, I love her}

(Luckily the whole "Meat factory" thing has not caught on in New Zealand like it has in America and the rest of the world. Almost all New Zealand meat by default is actually pasteur raised and better quality.)

Did I say fat? Yes.... Lots of fat.... I add extra fat.... Extra veggies... I have not even missed pasta...

Look what happened all by itself:

{Nicole July 2011}

Here's some pre-paleo photos for comparison....

Disclaimer.... I am not suggesting I needed to lose weight. I just did and its fascinating to me. Not to mention I feel awesome. Maybe you can't see the difference, but these pants are so loose- trust me!

Here is a really awful photo of basically my hips... But they are the same jeans so you can see the difference.

{Nicole September-ish 2010}

Here's a more recent photo of me making tortillas just after finishing my detox... So I obviously had lost some weight here too... But still, the jeans are fitting tighter in this photo than they do now.

{Nicole February-ish 2011}

And this one is the day we committed to changing our diets, having a very decadent day of eating to celebrate. We did not know it would be paleo at this moment, but this is the day of commitment. Those are different jeans; they used to be my tight fitting skinny jeans that I couldn't wear on some days. Now they are my normal jeans that are getting kinda loose.

{Nicole May 2011}

We started this diet for the health benefits, but the weight loss is an exciting bonus! My body looks so different... You don't get those photos though :)

Another cool surprise was when I was the only person at work who didn't catch the flu! I am usually the first person and I'll usually catch it again as soon as I'm better. My previous pasta filled world seems so lacking in nutrients when I look back at it now.

{source}

Of course we do cheat sometimes, which a lot of people who do the paleo thing do not do it seems. It helps us stay focused, and often we find that we didn't really miss the cheat food, and are a bit let down.

This week I had a mocha.... Hee hee... And then I almost went home from work sick to my stomach... Oops. This is probably why most people don't cheat.

Anywho... I hope I haven't scared too many of you away. I am still Nicole the musician who loves yoga. I am just the crazy cave woman version of that. Trying to make her body and belly feel good.

{Banksy's Caveman}

Wedding Music

2011-07-08T20:19:00.002+12:00

Wine+music= planning the music list for the wedding!

Sing along:

(I just saw a live video of her covering Amy Winehouse "You know I'm No Good" song at age 73! Holy crap. Awesome. Don't stop there. She is my new goddess. Go youtube Wanda Jackson crazy! Wanda Jackson and White Stripes!!)

Not to mention the Elvis connection.... Wanda Jackson forever.

All hail rockabilly!

And now:

I am a MASSIVE David Bowie fan... So, I will probably have far too many David Bowie songs as it is... And so I thought I could do Iggy Pop singing China Girl instead of David Bowie, for two reasons...

One: Because Iggy Pop is awesome
Two: because I need more Bowie!

Besides, they co-wrote that song.... Makes it twice as awesome... When the energy builds in Iggy's version there is really nothing like it, but Bowie's version appeals to more people... It is a wedding and not a 'worship all musicians that Nicole loves' party, so I need to consider this.

What do you think?

Iggy:

Bowie:

Mike just told me this awesome music video was filmed in Sydney but the "China Girl" is Kiwi... Woo hoo!

NEXT topic:

Is this song too inappropriate for a wedding? I think probably.... No one will notice the first few lines I'm sure...:

Now... Which Marilyn Manson song? This is my wedding afterall... Not exactly romantic, but a good "Nicole and Mike party."

Mike likes this (there will be no video for the wedding so ignore... close your eyes):

Upon further inspection I don't really know what Marilyn Manson song could possibly be appropriate for a wedding.... Still looking... Wish me luck.

What a strange music evolution we are having tonight...

NEXT:

My personal favorite.... Nine Inch Nails....

Don't really how I'll get them in there.... They will be there in whatever way possible. Appropriate or not (PS: there is a blatant David Bowie reference in this song):

Go here for Trent please

Well, this song goes without saying:

Well... I think I've embarassed myself enough for today.

Good night!

The fourth

2011-07-05T22:14:00.000+12:00

Happy 4th of July everyone!

I want to take this opportunity to say:

I will be back in Oregon in less than a month!

{Left to right: Nedra (getting married to the guy next to her in August), Greg, Nicole (Me), and Mike (my man in the glasses)}

I can't wait! I will get to see my cute little niece Ruari...

And my cute little sister Chelsey...

{Chelsey and Nicole at out Mamma's 50th birthday, visiting a great Oregon winery}

And my step dad who is in recovery from cancer...

{source}

And all sorts of awesome people. The list could go on and on....

And I'm finally going to Burning Man this year after about 3 years of not making it! Woo!

{Nicole at Burning Man... Being a dirty hippy}

I am seriously so excited. So, even though I am sitting here in a freakin' cold New Zealand house right now and not watching fireworks... I had spaghetti for dinner... I am still carrying the fourth of July spirit!

My Music Website!

2011-06-27T22:20:00.000+12:00

{Nicole and her piano... Both in a purple mood}

Behold! My Music website lives!

www.nicoleandrewsmusic.com

It is not so fancy right now, but it is MY not so fancy music website!

Now I just need to get some business cards... Record an updated demo.... Buy a piano amp.... The list goes on...

One step at a time and this was a big important one! It's easier to tell people how to find my music this way.

Please visit and tell all your record producer pals.

Don't make me do it...

2011-06-20T19:43:00.000+12:00

Hey you...

Brussel sprouts... You better be delicious or I will put cheese on you!

Consider yourself warned!

The Fellowship of the Ring

2011-06-15T12:23:00.002+12:00

Last night Mike and I saw The Lord of the Rings (the first movie: The Fellowship of the Ring) in the Embassy theatre where they held the World Premier.... The extended super long version.

{It looked nothing like this the night I was there}

I had already been to this theatre a few times. Once to see The Return of the King, and once to see the Oscars air live the year that Peter Jackson won. That was quite a big deal actually because all the people who helped make the movie were there (the ones who weren't in LA). I even met the old Prime Minister Helen Clark that day.

Surprise: I'm a big nerd!!!

{Nicole in the Embassy Theatre 2011}

Sorry that the photos are rediculously dark! That's what I get for taking photos in a theatre with no flash.

{My comfy leather seat and bubbles}

I really love this theatre.

It's old and beautiful and special to watch these movies here because this is where the actors watched it for the first time.

{Couldn't get the whole thing in the photo, but it was pretty}

This is the city where this film was born, so that is also pretty cool. Everyone in those seats could have had a connection to the film in some way. I do. Mike was an extra in it. (Don't tell him I told you).

He's in the back ground in this scene and a few others. He's prettier in real life I swear.

{He's in the there somewhere}

Pies pies pies... My guest Post on Meat á la Mode!

2011-06-11T20:38:00.001+12:00

One of my good friends has an awesome meat pie company back in Portland Oregon and she is quickly gaining recognition for all the awesome creative and delicious creations.

She is truely an artist with her food and I think that she is quickly going to be the new cool thing in the Portland foodie circles.

Seriously. If you have not checked her out: CHECK HER OUT!

{Kristina of Meat á La Mode}

But the reason I'm mentioning this is because she has posted one of my emails on her blog as a guest post, and I'm pretty excited about it. Check out my guest post here!

Since pies are a major part of the meat eating New Zealand culture, I end up photographing and emailing her about every pie I eat. Sometimes I just send her photos of food, and that is how this guest post came about.

Go Meat á la Mode!

I Heart Faces: From a Distance

2011-06-07T07:58:00.000+12:00

This is my first I Heart Faces Challenge!

I have tried before and totally missed the deadline. So here I am, having my coffee on my way to work and throwing this together as fast as I can just so I can say I've done it.

This photo appears on Paper Mama's site all the time (because she is my sister), but I am the awesome one who took this photo. Obviously Chelsey didn't: she's holding Ruari.

{Faces in the distance: My sister and neice... Faces in the forefront: Sophie the Giraffe}

Won't be long and I will be back in Portland at this same table with them enjoying some pizza and Oregon beer! Here I come!

Francais

2011-05-30T20:20:00.000+12:00

Bonjour!

I have decided to learn French.

Why when I live in New Zealand?

Well, I already know English.... I have a degree to prove it, but fluency is slipping daily :)

Maori won't be quite as useful in America when I one day move back....

Spanish would make the most sense but I already took years of Spanish... I forget most of it, but basically I want to be crazy and do something fun... That's why I'm learning French!

{Gack! I love Amelie! Love! LOVE! LoVE! lOVe!!!}

Who knows, maybe I will get sick of it and switch to Chinese next week, but right now I am seriously loving it! It's like I've tapped into some little wish from when I was a little girl and French sounded so pretty and I wanted to be the girl who spoke French... If that's all it gives me then it was worth it!

I am not taking classes though... I'm doing it audio style... Personally I think that classes work better for me, but this is a fun game at the moment. I think I might try and listen to some French podcasts while I'm at work because the amount of appropriate music I have is limited, and I don't want to get sick of my precious favorite artists!

{blah blah... Something something.... French}

So the plan is basically to force it into my brain and hope I make some French friends or plan a trip to France... Maybe I'll just be super cool at French restaurants? I'll be like those people who watch the Spanish channel and become fluent.

{Yes, if I learn French maybe this will happen to me too... Only I keep my head}

Seriously.... I forgot how much I LOVE!!!! Amelie and Audrey Tautou, and actually got more excited while writing this post.

{French Bulldog.... I love you}

Lunch

2011-05-27T22:58:00.000+12:00

Look at the beautiful sushi I had today...

You know when you try and bite your sushi in half instead of shoveling the whole thing in at once? You think you are being graceful by taking a bite, but really you are ripping your sushi to shreds- all except the seaweed which remains in tact and annoyingly stuck to your lip... Do you know that feeling?

This is not that kind of sushi.

Every single bite melted away gracefully into my mouth. No tearing and no fingers. Just bites.

Midori Sushi here in Wellington is seriously awesome.

I had a voucher to go to the already cheap-o sushi place but turned around when I remembered Midori Sushi... I should have had a photo to compare, but just trust me: compared to this it looked like wet cat food rolled up in rice and some green stuff. This cost twice as much but I am 10 times as happy with it.

Home again home again... Jiggity jig.

2011-05-24T21:10:00.001+12:00

Sigh... Back to my awesome home.... Le sigh...

{Hey there!}

Lets pretend I live here:

{Come in!}

{My bedroom}

{My kitchen}

Here's one corner of my back yard... I call this the rocking chair corner.

{One corner of the back yard}

Thanks for stopping by!

Brown Cat bad boy

2011-05-22T22:59:00.001+12:00

So today the Brown Cat caught a bird... It was huge!

Of course it was a gift for Mike and I since he loves us so much.

{Brown Cat tough boy}

I'm the one who noticed him walking through the back yard with a massive creature in his mouth, but I don't have the stomach to look much closer. Mike is the one who locked him out of the cat door before he brought it in the house....

Mike thought for sure it was a King Fisher.... Hopefully not the native variety.... But seriously, that is a massive bird!

{King Fisher,,,, I'm so sorry}

Thanks Brown Cat, what a nice present.

Since Mike locked him out of the cat door, the Brown Cat dropped it, and we hope it flew away.... We don't really know though. Mike went outside looking for it, and found nothing, so "flew away" is a safe bet.

Thanks Brown Cat.... I know you love us.

House sitting

2011-05-21T11:30:00.001+12:00

I have been looking forward to this week!

When you are renting the cheapest house possible so that you can save the most money possible, and when your land lady is more like a slum lord: you really appreciate a nice house!

Mike and I are house sitting at his sister's house, which means I have cats to cuddle with, a dishwasher, a heater, and a bath tub! (Yes, I said heater... Not all New Zealand houses have heat pumps. We have a space heater... Not good enough.)

Plus I can sit around all day watching Harry Potter because I don't drive and I don't feel like walking down to the bus stop!

Woo hoo! Nothin' to do!

Who wouldn't want to cuddle with him:

{Brown Cat}

Or him:

{Black Cat}

Let the relaxation and cuddles begin!

Too bad I forgot my Harry Potter movies at home.... and the cats are somewhere outside.

It's like one of those weekends where the opportunities are endless but you still sit around doing nothing but blogging.

By the way... The Brown Cat has his own blog. His name is Slim (and the black one's name is Spike), but they are only ever called Brown or Black. Be sure to check out Brown's blog because he is the coolest cat ever.

{Brown cat mad}

Vloggin Vednesday: Cheater cheater... Pumpkin eater...

2011-05-18T20:11:00.001+12:00

So, I've got a massive cold sore (aka the devil lives on my lip this week) and thought I didn't want to miss out on Vloggin' Vednesday since I only just stopped being lazy! So, I'm being a cheater.... And yes I love pumpkin.

Actually, its just a great coincidence that the topic for the week is about morning rituals, and that my morning ritual has already been shared during a Vloggin' Vednesday!!!

What I do every single morning is: Meditate!!

{Gabrielle Bernstein: Add More Ing}

And that is exactly what I talked about in my "How to" vlog, so if you have already seen it... Sorry.... If you have not.... Great! Learn to meditate with me!

Besides, this is one of my more popular videos on youtube. People still check it out regularly...

The rest of the details of my morning are not super interesting, but if I skip a day of meditating then I feel like there is a hole in me the whole day. It throws me off. I wake up early enough to have 20 minutes of meditation, 10 minutes of journaling about my meditation (or just thoughts), and sometimes I try and do yoga or some exercise.... Exercise is hard at 6 am!

See that girl meditating in the middle of the street? She is a huge inspiration for me, and has really got me back into meditating. One of my friends introduced me to her book and I've never looked back. Check out her book if you are interested. Also, she does guided meditations, which are available on itunes.

Anyway, here my morning ritual and a repeat on how to mediate.

Happy meditating!

Don't forget to link up over at Adeline's Daddy, and be sure to spread the love around. Visit my vloggin pals below.

Wow

2011-05-17T21:49:00.000+12:00

Where did this week go?

I saw that my sister uploaded a new Vlogging Vednesday video, and I thought "what the heck? Already?" Then I realized that it is already Tuesday! Where did the time go? (She's super on top of her blog anyway)

So this is me saying "Hello world! I'm still here! I must be enjoying myself if I lost a week in there!"

{Gypsy Kitchen Wellington}

So, what have I been up to?

Between friends visiting from Queenstown, and randomly finding out another friend was in Wellington from the states; it has been a good week.

I found the best Japanese takeaway in town (Midori Sushi on Willis)... I skipped out on a concert to watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and drink whiskey (more fun than it sounds).

{Udon in a park}

I found a tree with a sweater and I ate a savory scone with mashed potatoes in it:

{Stay warm fella}

{Scone from the Gypsy Kitchen... Freak of nature}

Mike showed me a shop filled with vintage kimonos....

{That one there was like $300}

{Kimono heaven... I want I want}

And last night I hung out in a bar with about 80 Americans.... I was introduced to most of them (friend from the states was their boss on a business trip), and it made me want to go to New York and Boston so badly. (I've never been). It was like America came to me. It was awesome.

What have you been up to?

Vloggin Vednesday: Photo share

2011-05-11T20:46:00.000+12:00

Yes, I took a few weeks off of Vlogging Vednesday, but what can I say? I was lazy....

It was fun getting back into it though! There's nothing like talking about yourself to put a smile on your face...

{Cheese}

Actually, I love love love sharing my photos!

Of course I do! I have a blog.

At first I didn't know what I would talk about, so I just started pulling out some random photos that make me happy. Then as I got talking about them, I realized I had so many good memories and things to say about each one.

Don't forget to link up over at Adeline's Daddy, and be sure to spread the love around. Visit my vloggin pals below.

Beer

2011-05-10T22:32:00.000+12:00

I love beer...

{Tuatara APA}

We went out to a cool bar near our house and of course I made Mike take photos of me for the blog.

{Mike+Beer}

Nothing exciting happened... I drew a picture of Mike in a tutu on the paper table cloth.

{Punch you!}

He was a pretty ballerina.

{I'm so tough}

We had chips for dinner... (french fries)...

{Smile?}

We are awesome.

Rebel Rebel

2011-05-07T23:20:00.000+12:00

Ever just feel like shaving your head?

I do...

No this is not me:

{Britney in a moment of sanity... Down with the man!}

Guess what... I've had years and years of shaved head! And now I miss it...

{Nicole turns 23 in New Zealand... 3 weeks after meeting Mike while on a surf tour... This is grown out by 4 weeks.}

No... I don't miss it... I miss what it stands for: freedom of expression and me! ME! I am me and I love it.

My fiance met me the week after I shaved off my mohawk (sorry, those photos are physical. I'll work on scanning them).... He begs me to do it again all of the time. I just don't REALLY want to do it again. I had a good 5 years of shaved head Nicole... It's almost not rebellious enough since its such a huge part of me and my history.

If I did it people would think I was rebelling.. They'd have no idea I was coming home. Visual rebellion is a strange thing.

Long hair is more of a rebellion for me... But it totally doesn't feel right.

Man, I really want to have a half shaved head! I've never done that! I always want to but never have... I think I'd get fired from my job... Or wish I was fired.

{Darn... Shouldn't have cut my hair!}

{Probably more like what I'll look like with my short hair... Only curly.}

David Bowie.... What should I do?

Sexy

2011-05-06T20:00:00.002+12:00

I stumbled on a something (while cruising the internet) about the sexiest chick rockers out there... Normally I totally pass these things up, but the first one I saw was: Tori Amos!!!!

{Tori Amos and her sexy synth}

{Tori Amos: Professional Widow single 1996}

Ok... So I might have been searching Tori Amos and that's why she was the first one I found... shhh.

Anyway, you might remember from this post that I have always been in love with her in the musical sense. And so I was like "high five Tori!" when I saw that.

It was really interesting actually. Go here to have a look for yourself. I love how unique and "not perfect" each one of those women are. Imperfection and being yourself is truly sexy!

{Kate Bush: High pitched sexiness}

And like 80% of those women were red heads.... Maybe I should die my hair red? Is that a guaranteed way to be a sexy rock chick?

{Florence and the Machine.... Another sexy red head}

Yes, I think of my music as rock... I'm probably the only one, but its in my heart as rock.

"I prefer angst to bling..."
Just Another Female Vocalist
~ Nicole Andrews

Progress!

2011-05-05T20:32:00.000+12:00

And it feels so good!

Look at me go! I'm putting together my wedding binder.

{Think think think}

I bought a binder and some dividers, and didn't stop there!~ This is me working on how I'm gonna organize my binder!

Of course they do sell these wedding binders, but being me, I have to do it my own way. Mostly, I've just got to do it in a way that makes sense for me.

And I did it! Several drafts, a bit of whining, and 2 coffees later and I figured out!

{Pulling the madness out of my mind and putting it on paper}

I feel like accomplishing this one task has given me the confidence to make some decisions! I've already contacted a DJ! (There was a discount on the knot)... I'm kind of skipping a few things here because I still don't have a date, but each step feels good.

I've even printed off the DJ info and put it in my binder! Yes!

The wedding... Urrgggghhhhh!!!!

2011-05-01T23:00:00.002+12:00

Yes, I'm already going crazy.

It took one hour of trying to find something online and being indecisive to make me lose it.

What's wrong with Vegas? Nothin! That's what!

{Source, that I altered}

And trust me, I'm in it for the party, so all the guests would still be invited! It would just be so much easier on the old brain.

Yes, my Mom, my Grandma, my sister.... My best friends... Everyone would get to come just like normal except Elvis would be involved some how :)

No.... I just can't do it! I'm too creative and controlling to let go and not be involved in all the DIY cuteness and infinite possibilities to express myself.

{source}

It just seems so daunting... A whole wedding. So much to plan! I'm not even very high maintenance (says me) and so it should be way easier right? :D

Planning the wedding does make me totally rebellious though! Makes me wanna be wild and outrageous.... Mini skirt bridal dress and tequila shots!

{source}

Actually, I LOVE VEGAS!!!!!!!

So, it is tempting from time to time!

(I love Elvis and pink Cadillacs too!)

{source}

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

2011-05-01T16:25:00.000+12:00

1) Architecture

{Might have been some architecture involved at some point}

This pile of junk lives out back at the end of the property at our house. Who knows how long it has been there or what it was originally for. Building something? Tearing something apart?

Our land lady keeps the grass mowed and the weeds pulled around the house, but there is this pile that just stays right where it is... It's far enough from our house that we don't really care, which is probably why she doesn't really care.

2) Rimmed with Light

{Mike mid-sentence}

This was breakfast this morning and it was awesome! Sweet Mother's in Wellington, which had the best hash browns I've had in New Zealand! Most places give you one of the frozen triangle shaped processed hash browns like you get at a fast food joint... But here they had REAL hash browns! Grated and grilled right there in that building.

I am so going back to this place! And they had things like po boys, jambalaya, and chicken and waffles! This is my dream come true (I miss American food sometimes). The best part is that it tastes like American food and not just a Kiwi version of American food.... You're not fooling anyone with that sugary ranch dressing! Oh man... Don't even get me started on the ranch dressing here...

I heard some Americans next to us when we were leaving and they ordered the chicken and waffles and I thought to myself "you came to the right place!"

3) Toes or Feet

{Mike's feet}

I took this photo of Mike's feet because he was stomping beer cans, but I didn't really think about what he was wearing.... Two different shoes... I couldn't stop laughing as soon as I realized I'd taken this photo without noticing! Obviously one was for the weather, and the other was for stomping!

4) This is my favorite...

{Look! Filter coffee in New Zealand!}

Being American, when I think coffee I think filter coffee. And it isn't exactly available at all the cafes here in New Zealand, which has not been a problem for me, but sometimes you just want a regular cup of filter coffee...

And just when I had given up hope- a bottomless cup of filter coffee walked into my life!

It was like the strongest cup of filter coffee I've ever had, but it was amazing! And endless refills! (This was also breakfast at Sweet Mother's this morning).

Here's some photos that Mike took... He can join in the hunt for the sake of relishing this coffee a bit longer. (Look how happy I am!)

{Milk but no sugar... That's what I like}

{look how thick it is!}

5) Shade(s)

{Yes, that is my lace bra}

In New Zealand it is more common to have to hang your laundry up to dry than it is to have a clothes drier in your laundry room.

Of course some people do have driers, but they use so much electricity and are super expensive to run, so most people just stick with what is free: air.

Most houses come with a clothes line fixed outside somewhere. Every house I've lived in in Australia and New Zealand has had one... Even when there is also a clothes drier in the house, you typically only use it when you are in a hurry.

Such an eco-friendly thing to do, and here it is just the way. I love it! It does take a bit more work, but really its only a few minutes of effort, which is hardly worth crying over. And since everyone does this- it is not an eye sore.... I say this because there was a Daily Show about a girl in Oregon who wanted to hang her clothes outside and the neighbors freaked! If only they knew what the rest of the world was up to then they wouldn't have to waste their energy.... Huh.... Get it? Waste their energy? (sorry, I couldn't find the clip!)

A quick note.

2011-04-30T12:49:00.002+12:00

{source}

There is something I would like to share with you that is very personal, but has started to affect everything for me, including my blogging.

Last month we found out that my Step Dad has cancer and this week he has started his treatments.

I wasn't intending to blog about this out of privacy for him, but I think that it is better to let my readers know what is really going on as opposed to putting on a fake smile and pretending that the boat is not rocking and I am not scared.

Actually, to be perfectly honest- I am not scared. I am stressed and upset, but not scared. And he is not scared (which is more important). But for someone who has never been sick a day in his life to go from fine to treatments, that it is quite a confidence breaker. I think he is doing really well though and I'm very proud of him for his attitude and strength.

I wish that I could be there to have dinner and hang out with him, but he is in Oregon and I am in New Zealand. The best thing I can do is call him and email him and give him support in whatever way I can, which I have actively been doing.

Luckily I have tickets back to America for August, so I will be able to see him after his recovery period, which I am so incredibly excited for!

We are still in the unknown- the waves are crashing down on us, but we all feel like the storm will not last forever, and that a beautiful day will follow. The most important thing is to stay positive.

What I want to be when I grow up...

2011-04-27T23:03:00.000+12:00

You know I still say this... When I grow up I want to be... And I still believe it. Like I'm not grown up somehow... Weird.

{Nicole... The gyspy years... Source}

I was just visiting one of my lovely followers and she was talking about all the things she used to wish for when she was growing up, and how things have worked out quite a bit differently for her... It got me thinking about all the things I wanted to do and how different it is for me now...

What do you want to be when you grow up? I mean like, what do you REALLY want to be? With your heart and not your head.

I honestly have such a hard time with this question, which I suppose is why I have not found the job of my dreams yet....

I have these visions in my perfect world where I'm all these things that are so not realistic... Like I could be a famous musician full time, but part time teach yoga... Then maybe a few days a week I could be a florist... And maybe when I felt like it I could teach a literature class or a film class at the local university... Maybe a librarian even?...

Maybe I'll be a gyspy on the side and just dance for hours?

Or I could just float down stream in an canoe and hope to find some awesome hippy friends to wander through the woods with singing with the birds...

Don't we all just want that free feeling to do what ever the hell we want? I actually love to work, but I love to work on things that I am passionate about. You put me in a job that I'm passionate about and I'm your best employee (says me). Should I write this on my resume?

See what I mean? It's getting a bit ridiculous but I'm totally passionate about them all...

Here's how I see this all panning out...

Me:

{Lets pretend this is me.... 10 hours a week.... In a super awesome studio or private lessons in my luxurious home... Source}

{Pretend its me... Full time.... Source}

{4 hours a week stopping to smell and design the flowers... What a life... Source}

{Just because I've got an English degree and I know how to use it... Part time... Source}

Ugly and yummy.

2011-04-26T22:12:00.000+12:00

They might be the ugliest thing I've ever cooked, but they were pretty tasty!

{What the heck is that green thing in her hand?}

Kale Chips!!

I got the recipe from Sometimes Sweet, who got her recipe from here...

Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Make the healthy chips for yourself now!

They look ugly, but they are awesome! Mike even went back and tried to scrape off all the bits from the baking sheet.

What is Kale? Well here in New Zealand it seems to be called Silver Beet... And it still might not be the same species but it does the job.

It's a grean-bitter-leafy-stalky thing that is super yummy but should be cooked... Too tough otherwise. Super healthy and really great stir fried with lemon and garlic!

{Not cookies}

We always have this stuff in the fridge anyway, so I thought I'd give the chips a try.

I went with the original recipe because I'm lazy and it was easy to follow along with the photos.

Anyway, I just wanted to point out a few things... Just an earth friendly alternative to the recipe.

The original recipe says that they put the leafy greens in a bag and then pour all the ingredients in and massage. I just used a bowl and stirred it up with a spoon... My results were awesome!

{Bowls are reusable kids}

Also, the original recipe says that if you don't have a salad spinner that you can wipe each individual leaf with a paper towel. Well, I used to do that until I realized that there is nothing wrong with wiping your food with a REAL towel. Just grab a clean one and throw it in the wash afterward. Why waste your money and the paper towel trees? Just try not to use fuzzy towels... Although the fuzz sticking to your leaves might remind you of wiping with paper towels... Memories....

{I know I'm ugly. But I'm healthy and yummy... I'm not filling though. Sorry!}

The result is the same, and you have cut out a few disposable steps, making your foot print a little smaller.

"Yay! Thanks for using a bowl and a real towel!"

{I'm cute. Do what I say. Source}

Wedding: Awesome Jacksonville Oregon

2011-04-25T23:00:00.001+12:00

Can I please just put on the record that I love Jacksonville Oregon?

I was only there for a few hours as we breezed through during our explosive wedding venue hunting (March 2010), but what I saw I really loved.

Not to mention that this guys lives there:

{Bruce Campbell from Army of Darkness}

Please tell me you know who this is.... (and that you've seen the movie)... And yes, he really does live there.

Anywho: back to my wedding.

So, Jacksonville had everything you could hope for out of a wedding location, except that it was still freakin' expensive and a 9 hour drive away!

We had fantasies of everyone coming down for a weekend, like a giant reunion for family and friends where we all laugh, soak up the Southern Oregon sun, and relax into the old west feel of Jacksonville. It was going to be so cool to show all our New Zealand friends and family what a real old west American town looks like. It was cute, and kitsch, and quirky, and awesome. And 9 hours away.

This is the Nunan Estate, which is pretty much a historic house and a restaurant. We could use the whole property, but they were pretty picky about a few things. One of them being music outside. We are not traditional, so when someone has so many rules that force me to be traditional, I immediately am against them. But Mike loved this place (and it was very gorgeous)...

{The historic Nunan house}

{Ceremonies on the gazebo-esk porch}

{This is where they typically hold the ceremonies, the guests would be in the grass}

{The reception space, including that building to the right, which is a restaurant}

{The restaurant, where the dance floor and everything would be. Which makes no sense to me because its an outdoor wedding! But they had strict rules on this}

{We were there in the early spring, so no flowers yet, but it is normally covered in Wisteria}

{A porch attached to the restaurant. They would not allow that to be the dance floor but it would work so well!}

{View of the grounds and reception area from the parking lot, which was directly behind the garden}

We fell in love, but just could not rationalize that long drive... The real deal breaker was that the venue we were looking at was far too expensive, and had a view of a suburban neighborhood... If maybe it had a view of the cute town, then we might have given it a chance, but I kept thinking "I'm sure I can find an awesome place in Portland that does not overlook suburbia."

{View of suburbia.. No.}

This might be why they were so precious about the music situation. I just can't make sense of having an outdoor wedding and reception but everyone has to go into a dark room to get all their drinks and to dance. It would just break up the party.

Unfortunately, I don't get to just pick where ever I want to get married... There are many places that I would jump on immediately if the option was available!

For Jacksonville I would have picked this place:

I can't remember what it was, and that sign is too little, but I think it was a library or a town hall. Maybe even a museum. There was a ton of lawn space surrounding it, and it was in the heart of the cute town. Everything around it was cute and beautiful and awesome.... But still a 9 hour drive away.

It's not fancy in this photo, but it was gorgeous in person.

And look what was across the street:

{Cute church}

I won't be getting married there, but it is a great view.

The whole town was filled with these incredible old buildings that were very well maintained. I want to go back sometime to relax instead of venue hunting and talking business.

Have a look at the town:

{I spy with my little eye: a freemason's building.}

The search continues....

Until next time.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

2011-04-25T11:30:00.001+12:00

1) Reflections

{Nicole loves Nicole}

Yes... I rubbed my face all over my mirror and took photos of me looking like I'm making out with myself... I suppose I should be embarrassed... Some how I'm not.

Remember everyone: its important to love yourself :P

2) Guess what this is...

{Faux bling}

Ok, so this might be pretty obvious what this is but I thought it was cool. I took this photo because I'm selling this necklace online on a website called Trademe, which is the New Zealand version of Ebay.... PS: it's way cooler than Ebay!

And yes, there is Ebay here (incase you felt like asking), but Trademe is just for Kiwis, so its extra special and more personal since there's only about 4 million people in New Zealand... I think that America is just too big to be able to do what Trademe does... Darn.

Oh man... I love Trademe.

By the way, no one has bought the necklace yet.

3) What's inside

{PS: electricity is inside}

I took loads of photos inside of everything, but this one was my favorite. It looks like the sun with the little rays behind it (the light fixture).

4) Playtime

{album art}

This was a seriously dark and fuzzy photo, and my attempts to edit it into clarity have failed. So I went a new direction: album art work.

I've entered my "Playtime" photo to the Paper Mama photo challenge for "Multi-colored"... My blog wouldn't accept her button. It was trying to take over my entire post... I lost control and wanted to throw the computer across the room... So instead: just visit the Paper Mama photo challenge here.

5) Lawn and Garden

{Native New Zealand moth}

I got a visit from a cute little moth. He was waiting for me on my front door when I came home. I had a look in a field guide for New Zealand animals and it turns out he's a native little bug.

Nice eyebrows!

PS: My blogger must be freaking out because it won't let me attach Ashley's button for the Scavenger Hunt either.... Please go here to check out the other Scavenger Hunt entries.

Paper Mama Top 5

2011-04-24T10:29:00.001+12:00

Um... So I just got 3rd place in the Paper Mama photo challenge, which I didn't think I qualified for since I'm Paper Mama's sister... Not that I think it's actually in the rule book, but I always just assumed I was not able to win anything... Looks like I was wrong!

I've entered her photo contests like a billion times though, so this one must have been extra great!

So I think I've earned this:

The challenge was for your self portrait... (which you've seen in last week's Scavenger hunt)...

Ta da!

{Nicole: freckles and all}

"This is me with no make up and no energy on a lazy sunday morning... This is me after 30 years. This is me who needs more sleep and to eat healthier. This is me after staying up late all night drinking wine with a friend. This is me after I had a facial yesterday. This is me thinking about yoga and writing a new song. This is me after 5 years in the New Zealand sun... This is me being eaten by my freckles." - (what I wrote about it last week)

The wedding... still avoiding it...

2011-04-23T19:23:00.000+12:00

Yes, I promised to plan my wedding... Yes, I'm still avoiding it...

Alright... Anything is progress!

It's like therapy... Just talking about it works things out I suppose (hee hee).

Mike asked me to marry him on March 11th, which was the same week that I was flying back to Portland. So I dove head first into wedding plans and ideas without much prior thought.

I started out thinking that I might like to have the wedding outside of the Portland area (I'm difficult), and so we began our search in Southern Oregon and kind of spiraled into Portland, where I realized that I'm a Portland girl and I should have just started in Portland. Oops. It made for some good road trips though!

{Road trip in Southern Oregon: Mt Thielson}

There were some really amazing places along the way, but we pretty much felt that if people are going to drive for 9 hours for a wedding, then the location will have to provide something that is special and not available closer... We wouldn't settle for less, and our budget would not give us more, so we kind of gave up on the long drives... The plan will be Portland, or within an hours drive, which is still pretty close.

{Just look at the long haired hippy I said yes too... Oh and those mountains are the Three Sisters}

Also, Mike's friends and family will be coming from New Zealand, and it would be such a pain to have to fly 18 hours then drive another 9 hours for a wedding... Seriously! It would have to be pretty special to be outside of Portland.

{All hail the Oregon beer: we stopped at the Ninkasi Brewery in Eugene on the road trip}

Well, back to the drawing board... I need to come up with a list of venues, narrow it down, and then visit them... Then make a decision... It will come easily this time. It will!!! It has to! Gar!

Kickstarter

2011-04-23T13:01:00.001+12:00

Seriously, why had I not heard about this website before?The last time I was this obsessed with a website was when I stumbled on Etsy!

What is Kickstarter you might ask (like I did).... Well, it is only the most awesome thing in the whole world! Go here to find the awesomeness.... (or click on any of click on any of the projects to the right).

It's a website for art, creative works, and projects to find funding from anyone who loves them...

In other words, its a place where you can go to ask for money if you are involved in a creative project, but just can't afford it. When you donate, there is usually some kind of compensation (depending on how much you spend), like if you are helping someone afford to record an album, and you donate $30, that might get you the album and a t-shirt, but if you donate $3000, then they will let you be in the music video or play a concert in your living room- That kind of a thing.

All of the donation prizes are really interesting, and can get really creative. One girl who was making an album said that for a $500 donation she would make you a batch of her creole seasoning and send you some home made corn bread... She raised $15,000 for her album, and her goal was only like $5000!

Have a look at the Hall of Fame to see just how out of control it can get! People with a goal of $15,000 getting almost a million dollars because people believed in what they were doing!

And if you are interested in Burning Man, then be sure to check out the funding for this year's Temple. A few people I know and have camped with at Burning Man are building it this year, and they need help with funding. It looks like they are going to make it too!

Seriously, have a look at this website... I love seeing all the interesting things that people are up to and I feel like I want to give them all money... I'm not really able to do that, but I always donate when the right thing comes a long. I would love to support such an amazing website!