Life of Bridey

Secret Cinema

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:50:00 +0000

This weekend there's a portable secret cinema in town. Nobody has any idea of the location, the time, or the movie that will be playing - we only find out where we need to go a couple of hours in advance via text message. The series is called Back to the Eighties and so far they've screened the Goonies and ET, I can't wait to see what the next one will be!

So on Sunday I'll be packing up a picnic rug and a big bag of popcorn (no movie experience is complete without popcorn) and waiting for the top secret instructions. I'm so excited!

Down With Sugar

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:37:00 +0000

Remember when I went a whole month without eating any sugar? I need to do that again.

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Tonight I ate enough cake to make myself feel sick (there was so much nice food at Book Swap Club and I got carried away) which is never a good move. This last week or so I've been out of control with my sugar consumption and something needs to change.

Obviously I'm not very good at moderation when it comes to sugar so I'm going to cut it all out again. And to make myself more accountable I'm going to let as many people as I can know about my latest challenge.

Hopefully I'll make it at least two months this time.

One Year Ago

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:51:00 +0000

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It's an emotional day here in Christchurch today. Over 10,000 earthquakes so far and every day we hope for no more big ones.

Weird Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:57:00 +0000

I often have pretty strange dreams (like these!) and these would have to be some of the weirdest:

Photo Credit

1
I'm not sure what I was doing in outer space, and I'm really not sure why my grandma was with me, but something went terribly wrong and we were somehow ejected from the space craft. And then we exploded (as you do!)

2
Probably the most disturbing dream I've had, I discovered that my palm was hollow and full of cobwebs since there were spiders living inside. I'm not usually bothered my spiders but in this case I definitely was!

3
In a recent dream I found out that the world was about to end. The thing I was most worried about? That I was going to lose my blog since it was only backed up on earth. I think that this month of daily blogging is starting to mess with my head...

More Bridey Trivia

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

If I went to Hogwarts I would be in Ravenclaw. I would also be able to see Thestrals.

I used to think that mushrooms were the most disgusting food, but now I kind of love them.

When I was fifteen I decided to marry Billy Corgan.

One of my habits that drives my husband crazy is leaving half-drunken drinks around the house.

I've never liked the taste of coffee although I quite like the smell.

The most interesting job I've ever had was working at a sex expo.

I frequently die in my dreams (when that happens the dream switches to third person and I continue to follow what's going on).

Donald Sutherland gives me the heebie jeebies.

Attempting to Sew

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 09:43:00 +0000

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I haven't used a sewing machine by myself since home economics class in high school. Until today! My newfound success at sewing involved:

Working out how to thread my sewing machine
Mending three pairs of pants
Not sewing any of my fingers

I had to use different coloured cotton and the seams were far from straight.... but the pants are only for wearing to the gym, plus I had to start somewhere!

My next bout of sewing will be a little more ambitious.

Afternoon Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:48:00 +0000

February is turning out to be quite a social month, which makes a nice change of pace for this homebody! I spent this afternoon at a garden party and loved the chance to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in weeks.

I made Raw Cacao Macaroons (from here) and they were delicious. Although I've come to the conclusion that they're not ideal for breakfast!

Photo Books

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:30:00 +0000

One of my goals for the year is to update my photo albums, and I'm planning on making a couple of photo books too (including one for our wedding - maybe I'll get it finished for our two year anniversary!)

At the moment I'm trying out three different photo books:

Obviously they're all pretty similar! Shutterfly seems to be the easiest to use with the most template and customisation options, and therefore the one I think I'll go with.

But. I don't want to get too far until I've heard what the print quality is like. Have you used Shutterfly, Blurb or Snapfish before? What did you think?

Travel Plans: London

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am so excited about going back to London!

Usually I'm not really that into cities. When Owen and I first went travelling a few years ago I thought of London as a gateway to other more exciting places, not somewhere I planned on spending much time. That was until I arrived and immediately fell in love with the city.

I'm not sure why I love it so much but just being there always made me happy. We were there during winter, during a recession, and living on a meagre budget, but I loved every minute.

Photo Credits

Things I'm planning to do in London for our next trip:

Visit our new nephew
Wander the city streets (which was one of my favourite things to do in London)
Go to a musical like the Lion King or Billy Elliot
Take a Jack the Ripper tour
Reacquaint myself with Tottenham Court Road tube station
See another play at the Globe
Visit some of the markets (and try this)
Have dinner at The Rose (the best Indian restaurant which was down the road from our apartment)

More suggestions are appreciated!

Tennis Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:11:00 +0000

Tonight Owen and I went down to the tennis courts for a few hits. We took the dog along as ball girl. She was pretty good at fetching the ball and bringing it back, but every now and then would get a little too excited and steal the tennis ball mid-rally.

Despite this her ball retrieving skills are still a lot better than my tennis skills!

Quarter Past Silly

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:56:00 +0000

You know how to be silly
That's why I like you
Boy are you ever silly
I never met anybody sillier than me till I met you
I like you because you know when it's time to stop being silly
Maybe day after tomorrow
Maybe never
Too late, it's a quarter past silly!

- from "I Like You" by Sandol Stoddard Warburg

Our friend Raewyn read this poem at our wedding, and this is my favourite verse - mostly because it's true! In honour of Valentines Day I thought I'd share some of the silly things that Owen and I get up to...

Making up crazy dances, like the Dinosaur
Nose licking competitions
Lots of play fighting (the dog always wants to get involved too)
Slapping da bass, mon
Pretending we can read the minds of the cat and dog and narrating what they think
Making up ridiculous nicknames, like Scuzz Rocket
Excessively quoting from our favourite movies
Communicating in cat noises

What shenanigans do you get up to with you significant other?

Current Obsession: Board Games

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

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Ever since I was little I've loved playing board games. My sister and brother and I would spend hours playing Monopoly (which usually involved a bit of cheating...) and would have some pretty intense games of Trouble and Face Off as well.

Recently we've been building up our collection of board games (we got a couple for Xmas last year) and my current favourites are:

Cranium
Scattergories
Bananagrams

I've heard a lot of good things about Settlers of Cattan so that's next on my list of games to buy. Also on my list is Hungry, Hungry Hippos and Rummikub. Now I just have to recruit more people to play them with me!

A Little Inspiration for Home

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:31:00 +0000

Although we haven't done any work on the house for ages, I've still been planning and dreaming and finding some inspiration for when the time comes. Some of my current favourites (via Pinterest):

Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5, Photo 6

I think my next project will be setting up a reading nook, although if the weather improves then a hammock in the garden might be my first priority.

Books Books Books

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

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When I visited my auntie in the second hand book store today I thought I'd have a look around to see if I could find anything interesting. It's quite a small shop, so I was pleasantly surprised to come across a copy of The History of Love which had been recommended to me a while ago.

I'm always on the look out for more book recommendations though, any suggestions?

Vanilla Essence

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The first goal I've completed for 2012 was to make some vanilla essence. Well mostly completed anyway - it takes six months to mature so technically it won't be finished til July. But I'm going to ignore that little detail and mark this goal as done.

My favourite part of making the vanilla essence was buying the vodka. The drinking age in New Zealand is eighteen, so I was amused when the guy behind the counter asked for some ID. I'm old enough to take that as a compliment now!

I used the instructions from here if you're interested in making some yourself.

Travel Plans: Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:30:00 +0000

Our first (and last) stop on our upcoming trip is going to be Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. We've planned a stay of two nights on the way over to London and one night on the way back, which doesn't leave us lots of time but hopefully enough to catch a few highlights.

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Some activities I'd like to include:

A visit to the Batu Caves
Fish foot spa (although I do have incredibly ticklish feet and don't know if I could handle this!)
Exploring the markets and temples
Trying some food served in a banana leaf

Have you ever been to Malaysia? Any suggestions of places to go/things to do/food to try?

My Favourite Movies (of All Time)

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

There are some movies that I can watch over and over again, but still I never seem to get sick of them! If I had to pick only three, my favourites would be:

The Princess Bride
You know how some movies you loved as a kid, and then watch as an adult, leave you really disappointed? The Princess Bride is nothing like that. I think that I like it more every time I see it. When I found out that some of my friends hadn't seen it before I forced them to watch it, because if you haven't seen this movie, then I'm sorry but we can't be friends anymore.

Click here to watch the trailer.

Favourite Quotes

Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
Inconceivable!
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
Have fun storming the castle!
Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.

Super Troopers
I first saw this movie when I was sixteen, and I still find it hilarious. I'm not sure whether this means that my sense of humour hasn't progressed since then, or that Super Troopers is just so good. Watch it for yourself and you can decide!

Click here to watch the trailer.

Favourite Quotes

Who wants a moustache ride?
I swear to God I'm going to pistol whip the next guy who says "shenanigans".
He's already pulled over, he can't pull over anymore!
These boys get that syrup in 'em, they get all antsy in their pantsy.
Yes, you are freaking out... man.

Amélie
This movie always makes me smile (and want to go and live in Paris!). The story is sweet, the characters are quirky, and the imagery is beautiful. Amélie is a heroine for introverts, dreamers and lovers of crème brûlée everywhere.

Click here to watch the trailer.

Favourite Quotes

I like to look for things no one else catches.
With a prompter in every cellar window whispering comebacks, shy people would have the last laugh.
This is called facing reality. And that is exactly the last thing Amelie wants!
I'm nobody's little weasel.

What are your favourite movies?

Where I'm From

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

I am from the edge of the world

from hokey pokey ice cream and bonfires on the beach.

From scavenger hunts and water divining

peas in the pod and smooth stones under bare feet.

I am from the lady in the bay

from lips stained with purple peaches and never locking the door.

From roller skating down the path and xmas in summer

making huts up the back and shelves overflowing with books.

I am from first to see the sun

from jumping off the old wharf and fruit juice mixed with lemonade.

From wandering the hills and the quiet streets

always ending up back at the place where I'm from.

Thanks to Alana for the inspiration. Here's the original poem, and a template if you want to write one too.

My Goals Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:30:00 +0000

I always find setting lots of goals is fun. I love dreaming and thinking of possibilities and adventures. What's even more fun is making progress on goals, although sometimes it can be a bit hard to keep track of the many things I've decided I want to do.

This year I wanted a new system to record my progress and work out what to focus on next, so I've started a goals journal. It combines a little bit of scrap booking, a few check boxes, and a lot of lists!

My sister gave me a couple of notebooks for Xmas so I'm using one of them. It's a nice compact size but with enough space for a bit of writing and pictures.

I started with a title page using some images and text I'd gleaned from a magazine a while ago.

The next pages are dedicated to my word of the year (I first heard about this practice here) and this year I decided to pick one I thought would challenge me a little!

Next I made a list of all my goals for the year with boxes to check them off when they're complete. I've also got room to add a couple more goals if I feel like it...

My first goal is to visit three new countries, which should be happening in May and June. I've left some spaces to write down which countries we get to (our plan is Malaysia, Belgium and Greece) and also space to stick in a photo I've taken in each country.

I've left six page for my next goal since I'm planning to stick in tickets, photos etc from our date nights (those are movie tickets from Girl With the Dragon Tattoo).

This is the list of the tutorials and assignments I have to finish to complete the proofreading and editing course I started last year. I love being able to tick each one off as I finish them!

The first goal I've completed! Here are the full instructions for making vanilla essence. I'm going to take a photo of how it's looking at the start of the process, and then another once it's ready to use.

Inspired by this method, I started checking off my almost daily exercise in November last year. For the new year I decided to keep going with the same page, and I'm planning to stick it into my goals journal once I've crossed out every day. And then start on the next page!

To keep track of the new recipes I'm trying, I've decided to record the name, the book it's from, and I'm also giving it a star rating (out of five) to see whether it's worth making again.

I have a list of books I want to read as part of my Life List, but I've also written the list of what I want to get through this year so I can tick them off once I'm done. I'm reading Jane Eyre at the moment (along with a couple of other books not on my list).

The rest of the pages don't have anything to share at the moment (I'm not sure what I'm going to do with some of them!) but I'm planning a review of my goals journal at the end of the year to see how effective it's been.

Corners of Home

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0000

We've been living in our first house for over a year, and slowly but surely it's becoming more and more of a home. None of the rooms are finished so I thought I'd share some of the little details instead. If you need a refresher of what the house looked like when we first moved in, here it is.

Dog and record player in the living room.

Piano (that needs tuning!) in the corner of the living room.

Books arranged by colour in the living room.

Miniature roses from our garden on the dining table.

There's always a big pile of books on my bedside table!

Snapshots: New Brighton

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:52:00 +0000

Some of my favourite photos that Owen's taken of New Brighton.

Inspiration: Travel Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

With our trip fast approaching Owen and I are thinking of some sort of photo project that we can do to record our travels. A couple of projects that I'm loving:

Feet First
While sitting on a beach in England with his girlfriend, photographer Tom Robinson took a photo of their feet pointing out to sea. Since then they've documented all of their travels this way, with over 90 photos so far (that's a lot of travelling!).

To check out more photos visit Tom Robinson's website here.

The Longest Way
In 2007 Christoph Rehage planned to walk from China to Germany. He walked over 4,000 kms before he decided to stop, and took self potraits throughout his travels. These photos document the different places he walked through and the growth of a pretty impressive beard!

Have a look at the awesome video he made here, and to get the full story visit the Longest Way website here.

Have you ever done a travel photo project? Please share a link in the comments if you have any examples, I'd love some more inspiration!

Childhood Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Some of the things I remember about my childhood that make me laugh now:

1
When I was little (probably about three years old) I went to the bank with my dad. While he was lining up I was running around, and coming back to tackle him around the legs every now and then. At some point the line moved forward without me noticing. I ran back one more time and grabbed his legs, and then realised with horror that it wasn't my dad at all, and my arms were wrapped around a strangers knees. So I cried, and I was too scared to play around at the bank ever again.

2
While I was growing up my parents always emphasised the importance of good manners. I can remember my mother growling at me once when I was about four years old for being impolite. I decided that she didn't realise how polite I really was. My evidence? I explained to her that "the other day I saw a fat person and I didn't even say anything". She didn't find my argument very convincing!

3
I really wanted to watch Jaws 3 when I was six years old, but my parents weren't too keen to have a traumatised child on their hands. Mum promised that she'd tape the movie so I could watch it the next day, but she never promised she'd tape the whole movie. Instead she only recorded the first few minutes (until one of the little sharks dies), and told me that was it. I didn't find out about this incident until many years later and when I finally watched the full version of Jaws 3 I realised I hadn't missed anything (it's pretty terrible!). But I still think it's one of the reasons that I'm obsessed with great white sharks.

What are the funniest memories you have from your childhood?

February Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Photo Credit

It looks like this is going to be a productive month, hopefully I'll be able to cross two big goals off my 2012 list! What I'm planning for February:

Post every day on my blog this month (I've never attempted this before)
Buy another indoor plant
Get my bike ready to be assembled (and convince Owen to help!)
Go to a meditation class
Try another four new recipes
Finish the last two tutorials for the editing course
Go on a couple more date nights

And how did I go with my January goals?

Try four new recipes (yes!)
Finish painting my bike (almost)
Start going to the gym regularly again (yes!)
Go on two dates with my husband (yes!)
Finish a couple more tutorials for the editing course (yes!)
Buy one indoor plant (yes!)
Organise some photos to be printed (almost)
Take the dog on more long walks (yes!)

True or False

noreply@blogger.com (Bridey) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Once I was unintentionally punched in the face at a rock concert.

I never learned to whistle properly.

If I wanted to I could probably quote all of Jurassic Park.

I've been a can can dancer in two different shows.

When I was a teenager I got sick of having curly hair so had it all shaved off.

I've never broken a bone.

If I really like a book I'll usually reread it, sometimes straight away.

I don't own a hair brush.

I was a vegetarian for nearly four years.

When I was little a went through a stage of making everyone call me Arnold.