Isolation Baking: Cinnamon Rolls

Hi Kiwi’s!

So we are just days away from leaving alert level 4 for covid-19 and going down to level 3. Being in isolation has been a very different experience to say the least, it’s surreal that the world we are living in right now is going through a pandemic. I am privileged enough to say I have a home and food in the cupboards and have been able to do some baking with all this free time on my hands!

Last night I decided to bake Cinnamon Rolls! It is something I have been wanting to attempt to bake for a few years now but due to my lack of baking experience and the fact it is a little tedious, I just never bothered. Something inspired me to give it a shot - maybe due to the hundreds of Tik Tok videos I watch every day and seeing how many people have taken up baking and cooking during this isolation period.

Now going into this, not going to lie it was scary for me - I doubted my ability to be able to pull this recipe off. I found a basic, seemingly easy YouTube video that required few ingredients and the instructions were simple enough. First I will share with you the ingredients and instructions on how to make the dough, underneath that are the ingredients you will need to make the filling and glaze for your cinnamon rolls! Enjoy and adjust the recipe that fits right for you. It is very sweet and for my first try it turned out quite nice to say the least.

DOUGH:

2 1/4 tsp Active Yeast
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 egg
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup milk (warm, not hot)
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter (30g)


1. Begin by mixing together the water and milk in a bowl, making sure the liquids are warm and not hot. Add in the yeast and mix together and let it sit for 10 minutes. It should start taking on a foam form.

2. Slowly mix in the melted butter, salt, sugar, egg and flour  (try not to use all the flour) - I used a wooden spoon. When it starts going doughy you can begin kneading the dough for 7-8 minutes. Sprinkle some flour on the bench to ensure it doesn’t stick.

3. Form your dough into almost a compact oval shape, when you press your finger into your dough it should be a little elasticity.

4. Spray a bowl with a little cooking oil and roll the dough around in it (I am just going by what the video I watched did, this is up to you)

5. Cover the dough in the bowl and let it rest  for an hour so it has time to expand

6. Using a rolling pin, roll out your dough into a rectangle shape

7. Using a brush, start brushing melted butter all over the dough making sure to get the corners. You can then start covering your dough with your filling making sure every inch is covered. I also added pecans to this, but you can add whatever it is you like!

8. This is the part where you roll everything together making sure you are rolling it tight so when it comes to cutting your cinnamon rolls it stays together. You can also stretch out the cinnamon roll out to make it a little longer.

9. Pre-heat your oven at 180c  for at least 10 minutes before putting them in to bake!
Line your baking tin with butter so your cinnamon rolls don’t stick. Divide up your cinnamon rolls, cutting them into equal pieces and place close together face side up in your baking dish. The video says to cover up your dish and let sit for five minutes but I popped them into the oven straight after

10. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let them rest for five minutes, then using a brush glaze each cinnamon roll and enjoy 😋


FILLING:

2/3 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Melted butter to brush over your dough once rolled out

Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly

GLAZE:

1 1/2 cup icing sugar
1/4 cup butter melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp milk (add more depending on what consistency you like)

Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly. Add in extra or less milk depending on the consistency of the glaze you like

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Homemade Health Drink 🌞

Hello! It’s been a long while since I’ve posted on my blog, it is now 2020 and we are currently in lockdown in New Zealand for Covid-19. Unfortunately for me, my job isn’t essential so I am off work till the lockdown period is lifted. That means I have a lot of time on my hands. Currently, my Asthma has been flaring up - frustrating and annoying nonetheless.

Now I don’t know about you but it is so easy - especially during a time like this - to binge eat and eat unhealthy foods. I’m trying to eat better, for myself and my own health. I came across this video on Tik Tok for this health drink that helps burn fat faster. It says to drink this in the morning before breakfast. Keep in mind I am no health professional and I haven’t had this drink long enough to say that it does in fact work. The video also states along with exercise and a healthy diet it does work - we shall see!

The drink itself I find is delicious, I have already made two batches already and drink it instead of reaching for my usual energy or fizzy drink. Here is the recipe below!



INGREDIENTS

1 Lemon
1TBS Cinnamon
1TBS Raw Honey
Sliced ginger pieces (I just added this in myself)

1. Bring a small pot of water to the boil. Add in the ingredients, squeeze in the lemon and if you like I slice up the lemon and chuck it in the pot and stir well for 4-5 minutes.
2. Turn off the element and let your drink mixture sit for an additional 5-10 minutes before pouring to drink. Store in the fridge and enjoy 😊

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WOMEN WITH A VOICE: JASMIN

Hi Kiwi’s!

It has been a hot minute since I’ve brought you a new interview for my “Women with a voice” blog series: a series of interviews with women from different walks of life who I find inspiring and felt compelled to talk too about themselves and what being a woman means to them. I created this series as something for other women (and others) to read, to enjoy and to be inspired by. It is a series that is special to me and something I hope to continue doing and potentially create into an online video series in the future.

Todays fresh interview is with Food + lifestyle Instagrammer: @thislifeasjasmin! She is a person I have been following for some time now on the gram. She always has bright, colourful and inspiring posts which I love. She shares pieces of her life, along with her thoughts on a number of different topics as well as delicious recipes.

Meet Jasmin!

(Photographs supplied by @thislifeasjasmine)

K: Hi Jasmin! Thank you for taking some down time to have a little chat. In a few words or more, could you tell me a little bit about yourself and your Instagram account you run?

Hey, thankyou so much for chatting to me! I'm Jasmin, I'm 19 years old and I live in the beautiful Wellington NZ, where I've lived my whole life! Through my Instagram @thislifeasjasmin I share bits and pieces of my life, my passions, the ups and downs - positive vibes with a good dose of reality! I have a strong passion for creating (and eating!) nourishing but delicious and colourful plantbased food, and share lots of ideas and recipes through my page also. Over the last year or two I have come to embrace a plantbased lifestyle, I feel GREAT eating an abundance of plantbased wholefoods, and bonus is it's once  of the greatest things we can do for our planet as well🌏💛 

K: I’ve been following your page for some time now and I’m in love with how colourful, positive and inspiring your content is. What inspires you when you’re thinking of what post to put out next or do you let things flow naturally as you can?

Thankyou! I think it's a real mix to be honest, i get inspired from so many places, both online and in the real world! Instagram and Pinterest are a huge source of inspiration to begin with. In terms of food and recipes, those are often inspired by what fresh, colourful produce is in season, or just what I feel like making at the time really! I note down any ideas I get in my head in my notes app and refer to this if I'm lacking inspiration, but I tend to just make things up as I go and see how it turns out, sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't!  Majority of my content though is just inspired by what I feel like creating, or sharing at the time, it's very much my creative outlet... I try to make sure i share what feels natural, because I love my page to be a reflection of / a way to share my own life! 

K: It’s 2019 and there are a LOT of social media accounts out there - as positive as they can be, there are a lot of negative accounts that promote unhealthy, unrealistic ideas and content. Especially when it comes to “Foodies” or “Food blogs”. How do you feel you stand out from those accounts and how do you manage to keep your content positive and steer away from anything that could be considered negative or unhealthy?

I totally agree, as amazing as social media can be in so many ways, it is absolutely saturated with information and especially when it comes to something as personal and important as food and health, it can be really hard to know and pick out what is information you can trust, and what information is actually doing more harm.  Personally, I'm not qualified in nutrition, it would be wrong for me to share nutrition advice... So I don't! I stay aware that I don't want to force information or opinions on people, that's not my jam! Health is such a personal thing, it can come in so many forms and is going to look different for everyone. I'm a big believer in "healthy" coming from finding balance across all areas of your life, and that will be different for everyone! I want people to feel good, and inspired when they visit my page or see my content, not feel like they need to change parts of themselves in order to do what I do. I just share me and am conscious of staying true to and remaining myself! 

K: What are your goals for your account?

Honestly, I don't have any concrete goals. I'm just enjoying seeing where it takes me, connecting with amazing people, being inspired, and staying true to me. I have already been so surprised by the incredible connections, passion and opportunities I have received through my Instagram account, I am so grateful for this platform and am just exciting to see where it takes me next! 

K: So part of my blog series: “Women with a voice” I always ask this question, so Jasmine: What does being a woman mean to you?

Wow, what a big question! I think to me, being a woman means being unapologetically me, knowing that I can make and achieve big dreams, and that being a woman shouldn't limit that in any way. Not seeking validation from a society that tells me I should do or be something else, something I'm working on for sure, it isn't easy! But I also think being a woman means using your voice and privelage to continue the work of other incredible women before us who have made steps toward positive change... we've come a long way as women but there is still further to go! 

K: Who are some of the women in your life or that you may follow online that you find inspiring and why?

I do follow so many amazing women on social media who are all doing incredible things, but my greatest inspiration and role model is and always will be my mum. She is the most selfless, and giving human, and just through the person she is and the way she lives her life has taught me that who you are as a person, the way that you treat people, and make people feel will always say so much more about you than just what you achieve. Plus, she's always so supportive and always knows how to cheer me up or make me laugh if I'm down!

K: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time that helps you unwind and relax? And what does a self-care day look for @thisislifeasjasmin?

I love spending time with family and loved ones, going for walks, opshopping, drinking good coffee or kombucha, eating good plantbased food and chasing sunsets! Oh, and creating content and new recipes, this account has evolved into a huge passion of mine! 

True self care to me looks like listening to what my body is asking of me, and in all honesty I'm not always the best at listening to it (especially getting more sleep... I'm working on it!) it's a lifelong process I reckon! I don't so much have full "self care days", but I try to incorporate forms of self care into every day, whether that be through nourishing my body with good food or walking on the beach before work. My favourite form of self care is just getting outside and going for a walk, getting some fresh air, moving my body, especially getting out near the ocean or in the bush, somewhere I feel connected to nature just has the best way of grounding me.

K: What piece of advice would you give to a fellow woman if you had any advice you’ve either taken from someone or feel would be a good piece of advice for another woman to carry?

That life is happening now! Do the things that make you happy, stay true to yourself, value moments, and people over things, and don't try and change yourself to fit into a box. Otherwise you'll spend your life chasing things, and goals that don't light you up, and that will never truly make you happy. I'm still working on it too! Oh, and always be grateful, gratitude is such a powerful thing to have in your life💛

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FLOSTORM: THE MAN WITH THE "FLO"

Hi Kiwis!

Its been a while since I posted on my blog - but I am back!

I wanted to create a new series of interviews where I introduce to you new artists, artists you may have never heard of before and give you something fresh and interesting to listen to and read. I love music from all parts of the world and hope you enjoy this new series on my blog.

Recently, I interviewed Indiana's Breon Jones aka "Flostorm". You can check out his music on Soundcloud right here: https://soundcloud.com/flostorm

Check out my interview with him below!

(Photo: Facebook)



Hi Breon! Could you tell us a little bit about yourself – where you are from and when you first discovered your passion for music?

I am from Gary, Indiana. I was raised mainly by a single mother. Very strong woman, making the best out of a tough situation. Never had to question the next meal. I discovered my passion for music in the eighth grade after a poetry assignment was given. I began with poetry and then it just evolved from there.


Musically, where do you draw your inspiration from when coming up with ideas and writing your lyrics?

I draw my inspiration from the MCs of the 80's and more currently artist like Lupe Fiasco. I have a goal to make every bar count to get my point across, and artist like Rakim, Biggie, Nas, Common, and many others along that mold, that demonstrate that hip hop is a skill, not a gimmick.


Where did the name “Flostorm” originate from?

The name FloStorm was actually what I titled the poem from the poetry assignment.


To anyone who hasn’t heard of you or listened to any of your tracks – describe what “Flostorm” music sounds like?

I would describe my sound as catchy intellect. It's smart lyrics with addictive cadences that make ya head bounce.


I’m from New Zealand and discovered you through Phat Kamp Entertainment NZ – when I first listened to your music on Soundcloud there was something almost refreshing sounding about it. I was really impressed, you have great flow and vocals – what is the ultimate goal for you musically?

My ultimate goal musically is to be able to eat from my passion. I also wanna be recognized among the greats as one of the best who ever graced the mic. Doesn't necessarily have to translate into mainstream success, but the respect is a big thing for me.




Thank you so much for taking time out to have a chat about your music, I look forward to seeing what the future holds for you. Keep doing what you’re doing!

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HANDS ON CREATURES: I HELD A TARANTULA!

Hi Kiwi's!

Its been a little while since I've posted - recently I visited 'Hands on Creatures' in Titirangi. A place where you can get hands on with all types of creatures from: Blue Tongued Skinks, Geckos, Cockroaches, Weta's, Rats, Avondale Spiders and more! Just to name a few.

You are also able to hold a few Tarantulas! (Correct me if I am wrong) But this is the only place in New Zealand where you are able to meet a few furry 8-legged beauties. Being someone who has been terrified of spiders since I was a small child, I was so surprised once I actually saw the Hands On Creatures Spiders in person, my anxieties fell away from me. Brian Lawton who owns and runs this business made me feel at ease and safe in the environment we were in which greatly contributed to me finding it easy to hold these spiders - the first spider I met was an Avondale Spider (Also known as the Huntsman) It was so surreal and I was fascinated by how pretty it was. I handled it with ease which I found so odd, a year ago I would have been like "HELL NO".  Even crazier, I even got it put onto my face - click on the video below to see for yourself - it felt really weird, and a tiny pit prickly and ticklish.

(UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER 2021: Unfortunately the Tarantula experience is no longer available and Hands on Creatures has relocated)

We also got to hold his other bugs and learned so much about each creature and learned so many things we didn't know before going in. As the time went on I could feel myself growing a new appreciation for creatures a lot of us pay no attention too or find "gross" and "eeky". Its surprising just how your old opinions can change once you actually research them and educate yourself on these bugs. Their looks and appearances aside, most of them aren't even that scary or harmful - minus a few.  Asides from the bugs and reptiles, I finally got to see some rats and hold one of them - dream come true!

I was a little apprehensive going in to Hands On Creatures and unsure if it was really worth forking money out for but after going in and experiencing everything for myself, I can say 100% it was so worth it. You learn so many things, get to spend some time with each creature and have a hold and ask questions if you like. The environment is very laid back and you feel safe where you are.

I was feeling a little nervous but excited to meet Brian's beautiful Tarantulas after a few months of prepping myself up after discovering "Exotics Lair" on YouTube and watching his videos of his pet Tarantulas. That channel very much inspired me to want to be able to at least once in my life time hold a Tarantula or own one, so going to Hands On Creatures would be first ticked off my list. I googled Tarantulas in New Zealand and discovered an article written up about Brian and his Tarantulas. From there I rung him up and made a booking and I don't regret it one bit.

I was the first to hold his Peruvian Pink Toed Tarantula and my goodness she was so cute! I was a tiny bit nervous but as soon as I laid eyes on her and had her on my hand I was in heaven. Its a very odd way to describe the experience, but it truly was beautiful. I was so fascinated and in awe of her. I was surprised with myself just how casual I was about it but I could have held her for hours if it weren't for how fragile she was. We each took turns holding a few other ones he had and he told us a few stories about them and about their behaviours etc. It was such a great memory made, its made me want to own my own (If only they were allowed as pets in our country). One of the T's I held for a little bit before he put her back, started to kick back hairs on me without me realizing what she was doing which I found a little bit funny but lucky he picked her up and put her back into her enclosure before any could get onto me.

It was such a great 3-hours spent among such amazing creatures and I can't recommend Hands On Creatures enough - you won't regret going! If you're struggling with your fear of bugs and spiders give it a go. I never ever thought I would overcome my fear of spiders (Although I'm not a fan of a few species of spiders) or at least be able to be okay with them, educating yourself on them can help so much and handling them or being up close to them can definitely help when you are ready to face your fear. Thank you to Brian for welcoming us into your home and making our experience with you one for the books.

You can book Hands On Creatures for events, birthday parties etc and I'm really wanting to have them for my birthday next year - fingers crossed. Or like we did, you can make a booking to visit his home for an experience.



FOR MORE INFO:

fb.com/handsoncreatures



PHOTOS FROM HANDS ON CREATURES

Photos: Koko Whitehouse and Beatrice 

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Women with a voice: Maple Lane (Talking to Ashleigh Grey)

Hi Kiwi's!

The other week I popped into a brand new Retro/Vintage store: "Maple Lane" located in the heart of Green Bay - a cute, little store for those who love old fashioned items from: Comic books, Decor, Homeware items, Clothing and furniture pieces. This shop also doubles as a Beauty Parlour and is run by Ashleigh Grey and her mother. Here you can book by appointment for a Beauty Makeover, Brow and Wax tinting, Eye lash tinting and more! For more info check out her facebook: fb.com/maplelanestore

She welcomed me through her doors to photograph her store and even gifted me with one of her Homemade Candles: "Lemon Cheesecake". She has a beautiful range of other candles you can purchase at a great price - and they smell incredible! Thank you so much Ashleigh!

Stepping into this store is like stepping into a time capsule or some kind of retro fairytale. It was hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia looking at certain items she had for sale and the layout and colour scheme of the shop is stunning. Everything about it pays tribute to different eras. It has only been open for four weeks, but I can already see this shop becoming something truly special.

Unfortunately I didn't end up meeting Ashleigh when I visited her store but I had a chit-chat with her about how Maple Lane came to be over email. Have a read and be sure to check out her Instagram for regular updates. And of course I highly recommend you visiting her shop when you get the chance!

Maple Lane
85 Godley Road
Green Bay

Q: Hi Ashleigh! Thank you for taking the time to have a little talk with me – also thank you again for letting me into your store to Photograph. Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about “Maple Lane” and how it came to be?

Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me and photograph! Well my names Ashleigh and I’m a makeup artist, and owner of Maple Lane. I'm 21 years old, I love my do, old movies and collecting quirky things. Maple Lane was created by my mum and I, named after our crazy pug Maple. We've always had a love of vintage and retro, our whole house is covered in it! We decided one day to take a massive leap and open up our own store, it took a lot of hard work but here we are!

Q: What was your inspiration behind wanting to own and run your own Retro/Vintage store and how long did it take from coming up with the idea to turning that idea into a reality?

We have always had a big love for Retro/vintage and have always loved looking at vintage stores. I love the nostalgia the items can bring to people! We have always jokingly said we would love to have our own retro store but never really thought about it being a reality, until last year when we decided we would actually do it. It took a lot of hard work and renovations, the store used to be our old garage! We had a few set backs but kept on going as we were determined.

Q: What are some of your favourite items you have or have had come into your store and do you have your own personal collection of retro/vintage items?

I kind of fall in love with everything in the store and want to keep it all for myself! But some of my favourite things are the kewpie dolls, I'm obsessed. Our house is full of retro things, and always has been so its kind of the norm for me. Ive always been fascinated with old things so it makes sense.

Q: I love that you’ve combined your store into a Beauty Parlour as well – how long have you been a make-up artist and what are your go-to looks on clients?

I've been a makeup artist for a while now, although I went to Cut Above last year to get my certification. I also do tinting/waxing and eyelash extensions! My go to look would have to be a glowing skin and a smokey eye, cant go wrong.

Q: I am in love with your store, its like stepping into a retro/vintage fairytale! You’ve only been opened for a short period of time – what are your ultimate goals for Maple Lane if you have any?

Thats a cool way to put it, thank you! We’ve been open for just on 4 weeks now! My ultimate goal would be for more people to know about us and for us to just grow overall as a business.

Q: To those who have never been into your store – what can people expect when visiting?

I would say expect some things that you've definitely seen before and love, along with some quirky different things you may have never seen! I would say there is definitely something for everyone. For the older generations there is a lot of nostalgia and memories that come along with the items.

Q: Before we finish, I have been doing a series on my blog called: “Women with a voice” where I interview women who I find interesting or inspiring in one way or another. And I always ask them these two questions: What does being a woman mean to you and what do you love most about being a woman?

That sounds awesome, thank you for including me! Being a woman means a lot to me. It means being strong and resilient, confident and comfortable in your own skin, thoughtful and empathetic, the list goes on. It really means so many different things and its hard to put into words what its really like to be a woman , all I know is I love it and have a lot of respect for women. What I love most is being apart of such an amazing group. I get such a sense of pride when I see other woman accomplish amazing things, it really makes me feel like I could do amazing things too. I love how uplifting and supportive a group of woman can be to each other and others. I feel as a group, woman have a long way to come in terms of equality, but woman are determined!

Q: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak, I can’t wait to come back in and make more purchases from your shop. Keep in touch!

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it and all the best for your upcoming projects and work! Cant wait to read more! Ashleigh xx

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Women with a voice: Debbie Cordes

Hi Kiwi's!

It has been a while since we've touched base on my series: "Women with a voice" I created this series where I interview different women from different backgrounds, countries and asked them: "What does being a woman mean to you?" I wanted a series where I would talk to women I found inspiring or interesting in some way. I wanted to create a space where other women could read about their stories, be inspired or have a place where they could escape too when life is getting a little rough.

I ask this question: "What does being a woman mean to you?" because I wanted to know how other women see themselves. I wanted to create a space for other females to thrive in, in a positive and healthy way. To show other women they are not alone in how they may perceive themselves - I wanted to show just how alike a lot of us are and to have a space where others can grow together in and perhaps change their negative outlook on life.

I am big on supporting other females, as hard as it has been in the past to love myself, to not compare myself to other women, to not drag other women down when I have felt insecure - I came up with this idea where I would interview all kinds of females and get them to share small pieces of their lives.  I have found speaking to the few women I have interviewed, to have been a very eye opening and inspiring experience. The saying: "Never judge a book by its cover" is so true. We each all have our own stories to tell and its amazing to see so many young, talented and strong women pursuing their goals and making the most of every day.

Recently I had a chat to Debbie Cordes - someone I have known for many years. Although we have not been close, I have been following her adventures through her photographs on Instagram for the past year or so. She recently moved to London through Au Pair and I chatted to her online and this is what she had to say. Its a bit of a read but one worth reading if you have a little time to spare out of your day.

Q: Hi Debbie! Thanks for chatting today. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and what part of the world you are right now?

Hey Koko, no worries, thanks for interviewing me! I am 25-years old and at the beginning of this year I decided to quit my job and live in London as an au pair for two-years. I love to travel, I find it so inspiring and love to capture places I explore on my camera. Also love to write about all my adventures in my journal. I have been living in London since April and I love it.


Q: Wow, that is really inspiring, especially at 25-years old! How did you find the transition from moving from New Zealand to London?

I was so scared! But also so excited. This has been a big dream of mine for a long time, to live in another country. The days leading up to my flight were very nerve wracking. It was so sad saying goodbye to my family, cat and friends. I was a crying mess at the airport. I remember sitting on the plane and it started to take off and I burst into tears realizing I was all alone on my way to a foreign country. But a few hours into the flight I was so excited and happy and have been fine ever since. (100% recommend binging Harry Potter on the plane!)

(Brighton, London. IG: @mermaid_debbie)

(Richmond Park, London. IG: @mermaid_debbie)


Q: I've been following your photos of your current adventures, exploring on Social media - so many gorgeous architectures and views! What has been a highlight or "WOW" moment for you during your travels, while living in London that stands out?

Ah awesome! There are so many pretty places here. Ohh there have been so many. I think it would be my first day when I went exploring and I saw Buckingham Palace for the first time. Wow, just blew me away because I have seen it so many times on TV and I was seeing it in person for the first time. It hit me then that I was in London, on the other side of the world living my dream. Wow!

(Buckingham Palace. IG: @mermaid_debbie)



Q: It does look and sounds very dreamy. I can only imagine how surreal it must feel to be living in a beautiful place. A few months ago I did a series on my blog called: "Women with a voice" where I asked different women: "What does being a woman mean to you?" I asked them about what they found their strengths to be in the world right now, what inspires them daily and what they love about being a woman - I ask you this because I think it is really amazing how you've picked up your life to move to a completely different country alone. I can only imagine how scary and exciting that would be. I think you're very brave for taking a big step towards your goals. So Debbie: What does being a woman mean to you?

Yes it's so dreamy! Sometimes I just can't believe it. Oh wow that's cool, what a great blog post (totally just went on your page and checked it out, love it!!!!). Firstly thank you so much! I definitely recommend doing the things that scare you.

Being a woman to me is just being myself without worrying about what people are thinking about me (stuff them haha). This has been such a big thing for me in the past year, I have never been more myself and feeling so confident with it. Also expressing myself, being creative, lifting other people up, being kind and showing love to others but most importantly to myself.

( Swanage. IG: @mermaid_debbie)

(Disneyland, Paris. IG: @mermaid_debbie)

( Eiffel Tower, Paris. IG: @mermaid_debbie)



Q: I love that! I think we all as women should be supporting one another, living our lives as our best selves and show love to one another. The world has so much to offer and there are so many amazing places to explore, see and people to meet. Its nice to hear you also have similar feelings on this. What advice would you give to a fellow woman who was struggling to find themselves or cared a lot about what others thought of them?

Yes there definitely needs to be more love in the world. The world is a huge place and there is so much to learn. My advice is to read "The Four Agreements" By Miguel Ruiz. This book changed my life! I always recommend it to people and they say the same thing. One of the agreements is: "Don't take anything personally." and Miguel talks about how people do and say things based in their own beliefs, feelings and upbringing etc. And what people do or say has nothing to do with what you are doing. It's all about changing your mindset. It is so freeing when your mind is free from what other people are doing/thinking.

Taking a break from Social Media can be so refreshing. During that time, take time for yourself, doing all your favourite things. You will find you have so much more time! Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people. Cut out people who bring you down (Why waste time with people who don't make you feel your best). Be grateful everyday for everything you have and you will start to feel so much happiness. I know it's so hard worrying about what people think of you and yeah I still get caught up in it a lot sometimes. But you just have to change your mind. Think good thoughts like: "This is my body, it takes me to so many places. Over mountains, through oceans. I am so lucky!" I used to struggle with my big thighs but honestly who cares. I wear shorts with pride, they carry me over so many beautiful places and wow that's so beautiful!

(Redwoods Forest, New Zealand. IG: @mermaid_debbie)

(Uretiti, New Zealand. IG: @mermaid_debbie)



Q: What an absolutely beautiful way to look at things - changing your mindset is powerful and I have found this too. Thank you for sharing.

You're welcome!


Q: Before we end - what is your favourite photo you have saved on your camera roll or have taken. And can you share with us the story behind it? I ask this because I feel like a photo is worth a thousand words and can tell you a lot about the person taking it.

This photo was taken from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Once I made it to the top of the Eiffel Tower there were huge flashes of lightening and the loudest thunder ever! It was constant, every few seconds. The biggest thunderstorm I have ever seen. It was amazing! I watched the lightning and saw it raining in the distance. Then suddenly it started pouring rain. (I hadn't felt rain for 2 months maybe, its been so hot and dry). So I stood at the top of the Eiffel Tower with my hands up towards the sky, feeling the rain falling on me and got completely soaked. It was so cleansing and something I will always remember. I was the only one standing in the rain up there and it just felt so beautiful to be experiencing this by myself. I remember I started laughing so much, ah it would have been cool if someone took a photo of me like that haha. It was totally worth the huge puddles in my shoes. It was 37 degrees that day, it was bliss washing away all the heat and sweat. And I love the clouds in this photo!

Q: What an experience! That is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing pieces of your life with me. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions and hearing what you had to say. I wish you all the best on your endeavours and look forward to seeing more of your adventures on the gram. Talk soon! Thank you Debbie.

Awww you're welcome and thank you!! I love seeing your photos and blog posts. Can't wait to see what else you create. Have a good night 

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