No matter how you earn a living, never forget to: Keep It Simple, Stupid The KISS acronym is applied from principles of business, advertising, computer operating systems to science and learning. Albert Einstein’s maxim was: ‘Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.’ – i before e (except after c) old-school ways to remember stuff by Judy Parkinson How appropriate a mnemonic this one is to my life these days. In trying to stay on top of things, I need to break all my actions down into small manageable steps so as not to lose the plot (ok, lose it more.) One...

I’ve never really been a ‘girly girl.’ I’ve always struggled with the whole clothes, shoes, make-up thing, partly because of my weight and my upbringing. Makeup and high fashion is a no no in my culture. So when I had to go shopping for corporate clothes, I knew I needed help. On Wednesday after work, I bumped into my good friend Angela at the bus stop. We started chatting and she offered to come along with me. I’d pick her up from her place and we’d head over to Sylvia Park for a day of shopping. The art of clothes shopping is an interesting one… I started...

I am very happy to report that yours truly is finally gainfully employed! Its been a rough 7 months since I lost my last job thanks to these recessionary times, and while I am excited about the new role, I am also very very relieved. No more worrying about how to pay the bills, no more worrying about transport, no more worrying about eating! I have learned some valuable lessons too, and will never ever find myself in this position again. Busy few days ahead. Things were verbally agreed on over the weekend, picking up the contract today, and I’ll be starting work tomorrow. Such a fast pace, but...

Yet another installment of ‘Things I Love’ and a little late, oh well! Teresa Wentzler – is a needlework designer of much re-known and fame. She’s been around for a long time and has a massive fan base. My own discovery of her happened 6 years ago when I was searching for interesting cross stitch designs. A lot of the designs out back then were, well, crap. Homesy, drab, Americana style designs that didn’t appeal in the least. Then I discovered Teresa’s designs, and it’s been a love affair since. While I love her work, I’ve never felt brave enough to...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I know this is a bit early, but I wanted to get it up to share with my friends in all the various time zones they inhabit. The design is called ‘Scream Girls’ by Just Nan, a quick fun stitch for a colourful Halloween treat. Hope everyone who celebrates has fun! I am definitely looking forward to the trick or treaters. Scream Girls by Just...

Things Zeb will do once she has a job. Starting with the most important… Pay off debt. Ensure atleast NZ$400 of each pay goes towards savings, no exceptions. Shout my parents to a lavish dinner, to thank them for their help & support. Lunch with Nadea and a few others for proving they were real friends. Visit the Dentist. Hair Cut. Buying myself Neopets Premium. Catching up on all the Just Nan cross stitch designs I have missed. … pluck up the courage to ask Mr. Hottie out for coffee. This is important, but in the greater scheme of things? Cross your fingers for me please ladies and...

In an effort to keep positive about my current situation, I have decided to post atleast once a week, the things that make me happy. Hopefully you’ll discover new and tasty things, or just roll your eyes and grin at my silliness! Gretel’s Gingerbread – I discovered this company a few months ago while attending a local craft fair. I’ve always loved the taste of gingerbread, but hated how most of it was usually jaw breakingly hard. Not this gingerbread! Soft, moist & ever so delicious. Not overly sweet & with just the right combination of spices to make this gingerbread...

This is a dish my family often eats during the weekends for breakfast, usually when the whole clan is gathered. It’s filling, delicious, easy to make and healthy! It might be an acquired taste though, as the combination of egg and peas isn’t common to some. Egg & Peas Ingredients: (enough for 2 people) 4 x freshly cooked hard boiled or semi-hard eggs 1/2 a 500g bag of shelled frozen sweet peas 1 large onion, sliced into long pieces 1 tablespoon of oil (we use olive oil) ground black pepper to taste Method: Heat the oil in a saucepan or wok (we use a thin wok) and then add the sliced...

I wish I were jumping for joy as the title suggests, but alas my life is no better, but is in fact, getting worse. I won’t bore you with the detail, lets just say that certain thoughts have entered my head, that I never ever in a million years thought I’d think. So anyway, I recently finished stitching the design ‘Jump For Joy’ by Just Nan. A complimentary design you got when you bought the White Hare Charm. I was really lucky to score this one, as it isn’t an easy design to find anymore. This was quick and fun to stitch, and once I get a job and have a few debts paid off,...

A while ago I would have mentioned that I was taking part in a Fantasy Cross Stitch Exchange organised for members of the Rotation Stitchers forum. I mailed my exchange off on the 20th of July, and as yet still have not received word from the recipient that she has indeed received. This is frustrating because it would be nice to know that all the hard work and effort I put into it hasn’t been lost! I’ve decided to go ahead and share it anyway… I chose to stitch the design ‘You Were Hatched…’ by Teresa Wentzler. The design is a wee little mother dragon and baby...