Sunny Days

On both Saturday and Sunday my family visited the beach.

Saturday morning, we drove all the way down to Orewa Beach up North. We just sat in the sun enjoying the warm, rays of sunshine and the fresh wind. Orewa Beach is one of my favourites because of the actual beach itself. There are hardly any sharp shells that pierce into your feet or rough rocks that hurt to walk on. Another thing I like about the Orewa Beach is the water. It's clearer than most beaches in Auckland let alone New Zealand.

The next day we decided to take my dog out for a joy ride. We didn't know where we were heading but somehow we needed up at Omana Beach. What a sight! There was a beautiful scenic view of the beach. Omana is simular to Orewa but not as nice. The beach is much smaller but they are looking after one of New Zealand's endangered species.

Overall I had an amazing weekend.

Beep Boop

With all the new technology being released, some of us are forgetting how to be safe on the net.

Many programmers have created all sorts of applications for people to chat online. Some online games even feature a chat for gamers to communicate with each other whilst playing. Online communication is becoming a massive thing, it's more common nowadays to talk online rather than irl. Irl is text language for, "in real life". I probably didn't even need to explain what it means because more than 50% of readers would've already known.

Having positive and smart relationships onine not only make you seem like an approachable person but keeps you safe.

Anime, Anime, Anime

Yesterday Leanah took Riiana and I out to explore the Armageddon Exposition at the ASB Showgrounds.

We went last year but we didn't really understand what it was and we couldn't buy a lot of things because we took such a little amount of money. This year was completely differnet. We had more money, we knew what we were doing, there were more stalls and we arrived before the doors open. Once the doors open everyone that was there went all over the place!

The first thing we did was scout out the shops and stalls we wanted to visit then we went outside to figure out our game plan. Everything had a minor discount because yesterday was the last day.

VROOM VROOM!

New Zealand is the first country to celebrate Bentley's 100-year anniversary. The expensive car brand, is turning 100!

In celebration of the 100 year milestone, news reporter from Seven Sharp, Michael Holland took a Continental GT on a cruise through the central North Island. He met some Bentley enthusiasts with some ultra old and seriously valuable Bentleys.

Sleep, Sleep, Sleep

On a Friday afternoon, Riiana came to my house and raided my fridge. Sadly, Leanah (my other best friend) couldn't make it because she was sick. Riiana stayed over for, four days.

At first we did absolutely nothing but chill in my room and use the internet. When night fell... we were ALIVE! The atmosphere changed from a boring birthday party to a fun night at Rainbows End.

We started laughing about funny posts on the internet and weird dances we were doing. Eventually we made a funny video with a weird and distorted audio. Throughout the process we couldn't stop laughing because of the audio and the things were we doing whilst recording.

That went on for awhile and we did something simular each night. Overall I had an amazing four days with Riiana.

Where Have You Been All This Time?!

As the NZ Herald describes, "It began with a woman losing her dog and ended with a man being bitten." 

A woman in her mid 20's had been out drinking when she realised her tiny, pet pooch went for a stroll without her knowledge. This all happened in Dunedin, New Zealand. The missing pooch was being cared for in a bar by the name of Albar in Lower Stuart St. 

Before the woman retrieved her dog, one of staff members heard the woman yelling. She got ahold of her dog but the poor staff member was bitten on the way out! 

In my opinion, if you're not cable of drinking whilst looking after your pet, you shouldn't do it in the first place. You'd have to choose one or the other... Drinking or quality time with my pet?

Getting Creative with Graphics

Today at Tech, all the groups did a switch-a-roo. My group went from food to graphics with Miss Ferguson. 

Since it was our first day with Miss Ferguson, we had to introduce ourselves by creating a google drawing and adding photos or gifs of things we like and things that represent us. The background had to be our favourite colour and everyone needed to add at least 2 GIF's. 

I had a lot of fun creating my google drawing. I added lots of images and way more than 2 GIF's. It really made me take time to think about myself for change, instead of thinking about everyone else. My favourite part was finding the images and decorating the google drawing. I loved how I could just play around and experiment with google drawings.

Miss Ferguson said, "We'll be designing juice cartons." Which sounds intriguing to me. I can't wait!

To see my GIF's in action, click here!

Ouch! That's Hot

Today Frank and I made mince gravy with potato salad.

Method:
Step 1 - Boil 2 cups of water.
- Peel and chop 6 potatoes then add to the boiling water.
Step 2 - Fry mince and onion until brown. Take off the heat.
Step 3 - Boil another pot of water. Once boiling, add half a cup of mixed veggies. Take off after 5 minutes.
Step 4 - Get one cup of water, add one tbsp of Bisto and flour. Mix till smooth.
Step 5 - Re-heat the mince, add the Bisto mixture and continue stirring. Add little bits of water to smooth out.
Step 6 - Drain the potatoes and mix with 2 tbsps of mayo.
Step 7 - Serve on a plate.

Oh No! Ahhh!

Today my class had the opportunity to return to the Vector Wero Whitewater Park. This time instead of rafting and learning about water safety, we did kayaking.

Like before, we had to gear up. Wet suits and boots were supplied and ready for us. Before we placed ourselves in our individual kayaks, one of the mentors demonstrated how to get in the kayak and how to use the paddles. Finally it was time to leave land... We each sat in our kayaks and once everyone was ready we all took off.





At first it was scary but after a few strokes I gained confidence. It was hilarious watching others tip! I tipped a few times myself but it was just as funny. My favourite part of kayaking was when we were all falling out.

What do You Call a Cow With no Legs?

Ground Beef!

Today I paired up with Kain for Tech. Together we made mini mince pies.

Method: 
Step 1 - Pre-heat your oven to 200°c.
Step 2 - Fry one proportion of mince.
- Dice half an onion and add that to the pan.
Step 3 - Once both ingredients are golden brown, add in 2 TBSP of flour and 1/2 cup of hot water. Stir for 5 minutes or until bubbling. Remove from heat.
Step 4 - Evenly slice two sheets of puff pastry into 4.
- Place 4 pieces of the pastry onto a lined tray.
- Evenly distribute the mince mixture onto the 4 pieces.
- Add cheese to each pile.
Step 5 - Using the remaining pastry, gently cover the mince and cheese.
- Use a fork to seal the edges.
Step 6 - Put the tray into the oven, keep on eye on it.
Step 7 - Remove from the oven once golden brown.

You can wait till cool or eat it hot.

(Sorry for the bad quality photo.)

I'm Such a Good (W)rapper

Today we were running a bit late for Tech... Lucky enough though, my group made chicken wraps.

Method: 

Step 1 - Dice a bundle of lettuce.

Step 2 - Slice or dice a small tomato.

Step 3 - Spread mayonnaise on a medium sized roti.

Step 4 - Place lettuce, tomato, cheese and a handful of shreded chicken on one half of the roti.

Step 5 - Roll the roti starting from the side with the filling.

Making chicken wraps doesn't take a lot of time and can be sutible for all ages. You can customise this wrap by adding more or taking some ingredients away. 

As you can see, I cut my thumb on my right hand. Take this as a very valuable lesson... Always be careful with knives, look at what or where you're cutting and have parental supervision especially if you're unexperienced with knives.

Lake What?!

Out of all New Zealand's popular lakes, Lake Tekapo might be in for a slight name change.

Reason being, it is spelt incorrectly. The correct spelling should be "Lake Takapō".  According to Mackenzie District Deputy Mayor, James Leslie, the lake's name has no special meaning in it's current state.


Personally, I've never heard of the lake before. I think the slight name change would take a while to get used to.

What an Egg!

Today is our first day back at Tech. Frank and I joined forces and made mini quiches. In the oven they smelt so good!

Ingredients:
4 eggs
1 cup of milk
Ham
Cheese
Puff pastry






Method:
Pre-heat the oven to 180°c.
Step 1 - Whisk 4 eggs and 1 cup of milk until well combined.
Step 2 - Slice and dice the ham.
Step 3 - Grab two muffin trays. Using a brush, evenly distribute a little bit of oil.
Step 4 - Using a circular cut out mold, cut out 9-12 pieces from the puff pastry.
Step 5 - Place the puff pastry in the muffin tray then evenly distribute the ham, cheese and egg.
Step 6 - Put the muffin trays in the oven until a nice, brown crust forms.
Step 7 -  Take the trays out and let cool.
Step 8 - Ready to serve.

What an Old Bag!

During the winter holidays I made many happy, sad and angry memories.

On the first week of the holidays I turned 13 years old! My family and close friends celebrated my birthday 8 days earlier because on my birthday weekend I went on a little business trip down to North Islands, Wellington! My parents and I spent two days in hotel that was once a police department. It was exciting but the one thing I really disliked was the elevator. It was old and nosiy.

While in Wellington, we visited Te Papa. The musuem of Wellington. There were 6 levels to explore and two very tired family members trying. By the time we reached the really drains your energy.


Overall, my time in Wellington was super exciting. In general, I had an amazing holiday!

Yum!

Chocolate Muffins!

Today Frank and I made chocolate muffins... Because of what we used I'm going to call it Triple Chocolate Muffins. They are sweet with a subtle taste of bitterness which cuts through the chocolate and adds a new element to the desert.

Method and Ingredients:
Step 1 - In a big bowl combine 1 1/2 cup of self rising flouring, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of cocoa and 50g of chocolate chips. Mix until well combined.
Step 2 -  In another bowl combine 1/2 cup of oil, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of yoghurt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence and 1 egg. Stir until well combined.
Step 3 -  Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold the two mixtures, do not stir or whisk.
Step 4 - Line two muffin trays with muffin wrappers. Heat your oven at 180°c.
Step 5 - Put one tablespoon into each muffin liner. If there is extra batter, evenly distribute it into the liners.
Step 6 - Bake for 10-15 minutes.
Step 7 - Once out of the oven put on a cooling rack.
Optional - If you want you can add chocolate syrup to your muffins.

It's Hard to be a Potato When...

You're surrounded by kumara.

Today at Tech Frank and I made Kumara Frittatas.

Ingredients:
1/2 of a big kumara
4 eggs
1 cup of milk
1/2 onion
Optional - Mixed herbs

Method:
Step 1 - Peel the kumara and grate with cheese grater.
Step 2 - Dice onion.
Step 3 - Whisk 4 eggs and 1 cup of milk together.
Step 4 - Mix vegetables and egg mixture together.
Step 5 - Prepare a lined baking tray and pour the mixture in the tray.
Step 6 - Bake at 200° for 15-20 minutes.
Step 7 - Take out and serve while hot.

Frank and I make some pretty tasty dishes!.

One, Two, Three... PADDLE!

Friday 21st of June... My class and I had made memories worth remembering. 

We went to the Vector Wero Whitewater Park in Manukau. It was very exciting because one, we knew very little about this place and two, we were travelling all the way to Manukau! Once we arrived at our destination, I was dazzled. 

My favourite part of this trip was when we had to stand up while going down stream and when we went spinning. It was thrilling and made my heart race. Overall, I enjoyed every bit of what we did. 

Mission ImPASTAble!

Today at Tech Diego and I made Spaghetti Carbonara.

Ingredients:
A handful of spaghetti
3 slices of bacon
1/2 of zucchini
1/2 an onion
1 small carrot
1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
1 cup of cream
Dried herbs
Water

Method:
Step 1 - Boil three cups of water in a pot. 
Step 2 - Grab your pasta and snap in half. Add into the boiling water. Remove and strain when soft.
Step 3 - Heat up a pan with oil. Dice up the onion and add to the pan.
Step 4 - Peel the skin off the carrot. Scrape off bits of the carrot using the peeler.
Step 5 - Cut the zucchini in half, length wise. Scrape off bits of the zucchini.
Step 6 - Add in the remaining vegetables to the pan and stir.
Step 7 - By now your pasta should be cooked. Drain the pasta and add to the pan. Mix with tongs.
Step 8 - Turn the heat off and add the cup of cream, herbs and grated cheese.
Step 9 - Heat up the pan. When the mixture starts to bubble take it off the heat and turn the stove off.
Step 10 - Bake three slices of bacon at 200°c for about 5 minutes.
Step 11 - Take the bacon out and chop into small bite size pieces. Add and stir into the main mixture.
Step 12 - Serve the pasta mixutre in a bowl. 

S-so C-cold

It's been 3 weeks and 1 day into winter and... My gosh! Most mornings I can't feel my toes. My friends are frozen still and numb. My family... They all stay in bed for an extra 5-10 minutes or put a heater on and sit in front of it.

Temperatures are dropping all over New Zealand leaving cold, foggy mornings and in some areas and cold, snowy days in other places. According to the NZ Herald, "Temperatures are most likely to fall 3-4°C across New Zealand this week compared to the weekend." 

In Auckland temperatures will reach up to 17° and slowly drop. 

We're Surrounded by a Massive Ghost!

New Zealanders living in Auckland are experiencing paranormal activity!

This morning when I woke up and looked outside the window I was very surprised at the sight. This ghostly mist has a short, three letter name... Fog. We're surrounded by a ghost like mist that's very hard to see through. This paranormal activity is so dangerous that over 70 flights In New Zealand were delayed or cancelled. This unsuspected ghostly visitor has also made our Friday very cold and chilly.