A Pirate Birthday Party for a Girl

J was invited to his classmate's 5th birthday party and he was so excited to dress up as a pirate. He was all prepared because he also had a pirate birthday this year.
This pirate party was a bit special because it's for a birthday girl!
When we were out buying her birthday present, J told me that she doesn't like girlie toys and wants to get a 'Ben10' toy for her. I was quite reluctant but in the end, I agreed just because J knew her better so I trusted him.
So...we bought a 'Ben10' Lego for her and for J himself! Hahaha...his bright idea (so they can play together)
Anyway, back to the pirate birthday party...upon arrival, J saw this big pirate ship and was so excited he ran straight to it but we managed to stopped him. We went to greet the birthday girl and her family & friends...and as fast as lightning...off he went again.

They hired a professional 'pirate' including his 'pirate ship' and he organized the treasure hunt & games for about one and half hour? (loss count coz I was too busy taking pictures and video...hahaha)

And the ship's name is Black Rose.

They also have a huge tent for the kids...almost like a 'wedding' reception. Hahaha...because they have place cards...which I thought was sweet. J was very observant because when I showed him his seat...he told me and the birthday girl that his name was spelt wrongly and needed another 'U'
I was happy that he realize there's a mistake in his name!

Kids was served 'kids' food and I was being naughty and tasted every single one of them and I tell you...WOW...almost for a minute there...I felt like a kid again! LOL..

I didn't get the chance to talk to the 'pirate' but found his website.

Eco Friendly Sandwich Wrap

As a parent, I believe we're always thinking of what to pack for our kids' lunch box. We have tried a variety of food such as -

• fried rice, 
• lightly battered salmon with green beans (his fav.), 
• potato & salmon fritters, 
• chicken with brussels sprouts & potatoes 
• and all the healthy food we can think of.

Now...you're going to ask me..."how do you find time to do all this"?

HAHAHA........Well...like I say...my husband is so patient and an angel, he wakes up earlier than me to prepare breakfast and lunch for J !! (and that's everyday!!) And when my parents are here, they'll do it too.
He also make sandwiches for J's lunch and I thought it would be nice to get him an Eco friendly sandwich wrap instead of wrapping it with aluminum foil..right?

So...this is what we bought...an Eco Friendly Sandwich Wrap from www.4myearth.co.nz and this is J's wholemeal pita bread filled with tuna, cucumber, small chunks of pepper bells and alfalfa sprouts.

We got the 29 cm x 29 cm for $14.50
Yeah...We bought the biggest one in case we have a bigger sandwich for him in the future!
The black label is to write his name.

It fits nicely into his lunch box.

I think it's a bit on the pricey side.... $10.00 would be a reasonable price considering the quality (too simple, J didn't find it very attractive, and if you know how to sew, you can easily make one yourself) but the good thing is, when not in used, it can be easily stored and it's a good way to start saving our planet!


www.4myearth.co.nz

Indoor Rock Climbing

 J loves climbing! Since young, he climbed on sofas, tables, anything that he set eyes on actually. (yeah! almost like a monkey). Hahahah...

When he was younger, we bought him a toddler climbing set but he's getting too advanced now and finding it too easy and using it as his treasure place when he wants to hide his toys.
So, we brought him to an indoor rock climbing centre.

It's J's second time at an indoor rock climbing centre and this one is much bigger and cheaper and there's no time limit. ($7.50 for 5 years and under and it's for the whole day)

 They have the 'kids climbing area', newly open (3rd July 2010, just in time for school holiday) and the 'more advance climbing area'. J climbed in both areas and we spent about 2.5 hours there. Great place for fun and exercise. We can even have birthday parties there!

Extreme Edge Indoor Rock Climbing,
5 Waikaukau Road,
Glen Eden,
Auckland
P: 09-818 3038
www.extremeedge.co.nz

Dining Out

When it comes to dining out, my dad would usually go to his favourite restaurant. He's familiar with the menu, the taste and most of the time even the owner and the chef.

But this time, it's mom's call and she wanted to try out the 'Fireplace'-Bar & Brasserie at Kumeu.

I have to say, I was quite impress with the interior. It's welcoming, simple, neat and I like the high wooden ceiling.

This is my 'Tempura Fish'

L ordered 'Rump Steak'

I think dad had 'Scotch Fillet', mom had 'Tempura Fish' as well but asked for it to be 'pan fried' and J had kid's menu - 'Chicken Nuggets & Chips' (and we kept giving him fish and vegetables and stealing his chips, LOL)

We went on a Tuesday -  All main course for only $19.90!! (to be seated between 6-7pm)
The lady that served us that night was very friendly and this is what we should find in all the restaurant.

The Fireplace Bar & Brasserie
64 State Highway 16
Kumeu,
Auckland
P: 09-412 6447

Winter

It's been really cold these few days and it's the time of year where nobody likes opening mail from the electric company! Houses in Auckland are so differently built that during winter, we need to wear jacket/jumper indoor, whereas when we lived in Zuerich, Switzerland, we could be nude indoor while it's snowing outdoor! (Hahahaa...well... not that we did it!)

We've pink bates put up last year but heaters are still running every night especially in J's room as cold could trigger his asthma.

It's also time to dig out my boots, thermal, gloves and thick socks. As for the summer clothes...I'll see you in a few months time.

During this cold, winter, flu season, I would stock up on onions and when there's sign of flu or sore throat or any early sign of sickness, I will cut one onion in half and put 1 in the bedroom and the other half in the living room (which ever room we spend time the most). 

I'm sure you all know the benefits of onions. I've tried it few times and I'm happy with the results. It usually stops the flu from spreading around. Give it a try. More onions and less medicine = happy family. Hahahahaa...

Out Shopping

I've always enjoyed going shopping/window shopping by myself! Reason is because I can take my time going through clothes, shoes, accessories, handbags etc... in peace!
I'm very lucky to have a very patient husband. When the three of us are out shopping, he'd be the one taking care of J. He'd be the one waiting for J at the play area, He'd be the one in the toy shop with J while mommy is in her favourite store trying out shoes, clothes and looking for bargain! Hahahahaa..

What I usually do when I'm out shopping with J:

• Ensure he's not tired or hungry
• Bring his favourite toy along
• Bring husband/mom along (take turns to watch J while 1 of us are trying out clothes)
• Limit my shopping time
• Get J to help out (asking his opinion to keep him busy)
• Take him to a toy shop or play area (if there's any. So he get to do his window shopping as well)

All Blacks of New Zealand

I had a small job last week. Filming the re-opening of the Kingsland Train Station and All Blacks was there for the ceremony. Kingsland Railway Station is five minutes walking distance to Eden Park, the major rugby stadium in Auckland. The platforms were lengthened and an underpass constructed just in time for the 2011 World Rugby.

That's Steve filming Edward from PeopleMax.

All Blacks Captain - Richard Hugh "Richie" McCaw

The rest of the team, walking towards Eden Park Rugby Stadium. The station was packed full of news crew, photographers, fans and VIPs from Auckland Council and other councils. It was nice experience because I get to feel like a 'paparazzi'. hahah...