Strawberries

There is nothing nicer in summer than strawberries...

(I grew these ones)

...except maybe strawberries at a picnic.

What I have been doing while not blogging

Here's a brief update:

Have seen two movies - Coco Avant Chanel and Sunshine Cleaning. I liked the first one more than the second one.

Coco Avant Chanel is not a good movie if you actually want to know about Coco Chanel. But it is a biopic so I guess a bit of embellishment is to be expected. I really liked the costuming and set design. Audrey Tautou is fantastic. I like the sincerity she brings to this role. But I thought the ending was a bit abrupt and over-laboured.

Sunshine Cleaning was just okay. Once again a poorly ended movie. I am guessing it must be a hard task to come up with a good ending for a movie... maybe?

Also went alone to one of the talks in the series of Mayoral Conversations. Last night was Rita Justesen talking about the revitalisation of the Copenhagen waterfront. Unfortunately, the venue was truly appalling. Aotea Centre 'conference facilities' are not good at all. The room was the wrong size and shape, so no one could properly see or hear the speaker. The screens for projecting the presentation on to were too low. As a result everyone was bobbing side to side, up and down and arching their necks to see. I would like to point out that it is advertised on The Edge's website as being "New Zealand’s premier conference destination, an unrivalled complex in which to do business." I beg to differ. So as you can tell this was a big distraction in being able to enjoy the event.

My conclusion on the mayoral conversation series: Don't go. The wine is no longer good, the venue isn't likely to be either, the speakers are okay, and the dumb questions people ask are likely to annoy you. In the future I am planning to watch them on YouTube.

On the up side, I am now thinking of adding Denmark onto my list of places to go. It looks pretty. Copenhagen - "It's Chic. It's Exciting." And it has interesting architecture. Maybe my love of architecture and interest in urban planning is thanks to my Danish ancestry?!

Some photos of Copenhagen from: VisitCopenhagen.com

Ah Monday

Quite a mixed bag it was.

The best bit had to be having cuddles with our friend's new baby!

Friday evening was a real mix. Went to a talk at the University of Auckland by UN Habitat Director Anna Tibaijuka. To be honest the talk wasn't amazing or anything. But it did renew my interest in development planning. Hmmm.

Also went to the Vegetarian Society Mid-winter dinner held at the Blue Bird Cafe, which if you are happy to hang with the Sri Chinmoy followers, has the most delicious vegan and vegetarian food. We felt a bit strange crashing their smaller than we expected intimate dinner, especially as only one the four of us was actually an eligible to be a member of the society! However, they were nice people and it was a good experience.

Did anyone listen to Music 101 on Saturday? Uni and her Ukulele were on it. We saw her play in the Domain last week. She rocks!

No pics today. But I may have some photos to post tomorrow...

The weekend that was

Ohhh, my first post! Welcome.
Here's some highlights from my weekend spent in the good company of a friend from Wellington.
Saturday morning was spent at the French market in Parnell La Cigale.

We had the most delicious Turkish delight. Nougat flavour was the best!

Source: La Cigale

And on Sunday after a visit to the Annual Auckland Red Cross Book Fair, we went to the Alexandra Market which was an equally pleasing experience. Highlights included, handmade chocolates and a scrummy mushroom, parsley and truffle oil concoction which became the basis of that evening's 'gourmet' risotto.

Heavenly eating all weekend!

Source: Alexandra Market

Wedding Update No. 1:

Also as our October wedding draws closer and closer the pressure is on to get the invites out, especially as most of our guests are travelling and will need to book accommodation. So we spent some time on Sunday evening hand-making about 60 pink envelopes.

More about weddings another day...