Fly a kite

Play with wind, baby!
(these kites are delicious)
mk
x

Eco friendly yourself!

All of these tips help just that little bit extra.. Help save the World in a mini way! I don't like writing about negative things but Global Warming is crazy scary and it is happening right now. Global warming is when the Earth heats up -- It happens when greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide, and methane) trap heat and light from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere which increases the temperature. This effects people, animals, plants, and overall -- the Earth. The smallest things can help and you will feel better for yourself by doing them!

1. Bike, use public transit, carpool to work, drive slower, keep your tires inflated
   One-third of all traffic is commuters. Use alternative transportation when possible. If you must drive, go slower with proper tire inflation. It saves both fuel and tires, and lowers emissions. It also saves lives.
2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Compost
   Reusing packaging material saves more energy than recycling. By avoiding extra packaging, you save both energy and landfill space. Yard and kitchen waste (leaves/grass/vegetable scraps) are 30% of trash. Reduce this amount by composting. Also be sure to re-use plastic bags, or better yet... refuse plastic bags when you really don't need them.
3. Conserve water
   Don't let faucets run. Never water your lawn at midday. Place a brick in old toilets. Take low flow short showers. Run the dishwasher only when it is full. Let grass grow longer. Plant native or drought-tolerant garden plants.
4. Quit smoking
   Second-hand smoke is a major indoor air pollutant and health hazard. When you quit, both you and your family will lead longer and healthier lives.
5. Don't use pesticides/herbicides on your lawn
   Along with nitrogen fertilizer runoff, these are major water pollutants.
6. Keep your cat indoors
   Domestic cats kill over one billion small birds and animals every year (1 outdoor cat averages 40 kills per year). They upset natural predator/prey balances and eliminate ground nesting birds.
7. Eat less meat/eat more local and organic foods
   Feedlots are a major source of organic pollution. Tropical forests are cut to raise beef.
8. Lower your thermostat in the winter. Raise it in the summer
   Wearing a sweater in the winter and short sleeves in the summer saves energy and reduces pollution.
9. Dispose of old paint, chemicals, and oil properly
   Don't put batteries, antifreeze, paint, motor oil, or chemicals in the trash. Use proper toxics disposal sites. Never buy more than you need.
10. Consider the environmental costs of major decisions and purchases
    When relocating or changing jobs try to live close to work. Compare efficiency when purchasing new cars or appliances. Buy fewer things. Choose products with lower energy inputs.
11. Volunteer/Lobby for the Environment
    Work locally and globally to save natural places, reduce urban sprawl, lower pollution and prevent the destruction of wilderness areas for timber and oil.
12. Plant a tree with a child
    Take a walk in the woods, or plant trees which store CO2. Teaching our children to love and care for the planet is the most important thing we can do to insure the future of humankind.
13. Wash dishes by hand in a basin, and then use the dish water for outdoor gardens.

Do it for the LOVE! x

Love!!

On 16 May, me and my precious boy, celebrated our 1 year anniversary. We went to Kelly Tarltons which was the cutest adventure, filled with little slippery tuxedoed darlings - PENGUINS! which I abolutely adore, gargantuan sting rays being fed by a very brave wetsuit covered gal, tropical fishies and lots n lots of kisses!! Then we went on a food testing spree at Sabato -- www.sabato.co.nz, and purchased the most exquisite delicacies EVER! You must go there and try! The best anchovies in town! My must have is the truffle-filled brie.. bliss! Anyway on to our next adventure!! We then went to the Parnell rose gardens and had a picnic with all our Sabato goodies, laughed and loved until the sun went down, then home and made a much loved (and regularly done) PILLOW PIT! Complete with our two gorgeous kitties and a rom com. I then gifted my love with a soil filled box, and a fig seed pod... What is this you may ask? A tree to grow as our loves grows, and yummy figs to eat filled with love. Cheesy much! Hee.

Joyous smiles and the fullest heart!
mk
x

Tea, darling?

My fabulous coffee girl, Mini -- now my TEA lady! -- (at Thirsty Dog, Karangahape Road)... has recently purchased a few to-die-for tea's from Tea Culture -- www.teaculture.co.nz -- so now I am a massive coffee addict turned to absolute tea obsessee! You must go there and try the fabulous Chocolate or Vanilla Tea, or if you love all sweet things, try the Stawberry Champagne Green Tea! Wow!

The virtues of Tea are well known: tea heals, quenches and sustains. But it's secret powers reside in it's almost human qualities.Tea tells stories, punctuates journeys and has intrigued poets since time immemorial.

Tea brings cultures together and is a sign of hospitality and conviviality. Over the centuries no other earthly product has called forth such subtle and intricate rituals. Tea brings people together in times of trauma.

The journey through the enchanting and complex world of tea covers the whole globe. From the vast gardens of Assam under the dazzling Sri Lankan sun to the volcanic slopes of Mt Cameroon East Asia, Aotearoa and beyond.

Tea is exacting. Each infusion has its own character, nature and secrets. Poor preparation can ruin leaves even from the best garden. Success is a question of attention to codes and of a certain degree of experience.

Regardless of cultural differences tea gathers people. The most secret of secrets may be shared over a cup of tea. Tea reaches across the generations. The history of tea is inextricably intertwined with the history of humanity.

Tea benefits:

• Achieve a more calm, relaxed state of mind
• Support heart health
• Aid with stomach and digestive problems
• Provide cleansing properties for the body
• Promote energy and wellness

Following are some of the herbs and botanicals found in tisanes.

Allspice is said to help soothe the common cold and relieve upset stomachs

Chamomile is known for its calming attributes said to have a host of anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that help relieve and ward off a variety of maladies.

Chrysantemum provides a sweet tasting briew and is supposed to help reduce body heat resulting from fever. It also is known to help protect against liver damage and neutralize toxins in the body.

Cinnamon has a calming effect and is thought to support healthy circulation and digestion.

Fennel has been used for centuries as a digestive aid and to soothe upper respiratory problems.

Ginger is a centuries old herbal remedy used to treat a wide range of health concerns from nausea and colds to indigestion and migraine headaches.

Ginseng is believed to stimulate vitality and help the body stay healthy.

Hawthorne has been used to strengthen the heart and increase blood flow.

Hibiscus has shown to help reduce high blood pressure and soothe menstrual cramps.

Lemongrass is used frequently in teas for its calming properties.

Parsley has a diuretic effect and is purported to help with kidney function.

Peppermint is thought to have greater stress-relieving attributes than chamomile tea and help with stomach and digestive issues. It also helps freshen breath.

Raspberry Leaf helps with colds, sore throats, canker sores and diarrhea. It may also keep nails, bones, teeth and skin healthy.

Sarsaparilla is said to promote energy and healthy skin.

Slippery Elm has properties that help relieve stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal problems. There are a plethora of herbal tea choices available from tea houses and retailers.

Yum!!

Hearts full of joy and unicorns ;-)

mk x

Rainbowssss

This immense, curved spectrum of beautiful light appears only when both the elements of sunshine and rainfall present. As the sunlight enters the falling raindrops, it breaks up into its true colors of red, orange, yellow, blue, and violet. (These colors are always arranged according to their wavelengths, with red being at one end of the spectrum, and violet at the other). Once inside the droplet, the particles of colored light bounce from side to side, reflect off of the far side of the droplet, exit the droplet, and reassemble, according to their wavelengths, to form a rainbow. How magical!!!

Green berry tea.

As the tea infuses, the origami bird unfurls, which is the part I'm really impressed with. Cuteness plus!
m.x

Happiness (rules)

.knowing things can come as quickly as they go

.appreciating everything now

.being 100% aware constantly, practice makes perfect

.knowing emotions are just that;
(they do not define who you are and you are in control of them)

.meditate.write.read.express

.be kinder than necessary

.help others because you want to, don't hold back

.know you are always learning and growing

.know clearly what you want

.do what makes your heart sing and your soul dance
(not by doing what is expected of you, or what is 'easy' or money driven)

.eat healthy and raw and fresh as much as poss

.do not judge or have expectations

.open your mind to allll

.do the right thing

.be honest with yourself and others

.always see the bright side.. aka the right side, the beauty in everything

.know that positive attracts positive

.only keep the positives in your life;
(spring clean your life every now and then.... )

.simplify and de-clutter your life from the negatives and unnecessary... from people to material things..

.give to charity.do volunteer work for people who need it
(www.volunteernow.org)

.stop chasing happiness, enjoy the here and now, appreciate it.
Stop having dillusions that you will be happier....... ïf only....".
You can be happy right now ;)

x

x

Smile like the sun x

Rather than seeking pleasure
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.
.
the trick is to be
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present
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aware
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and open
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to all the pleasures around you
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.
;)
x