Worst Blogger ever!

yeah, I stink, I'm a terrible blogger. But I promise to change if you'll have me. 

I've decided for my first blog in over a *cough* year *cough* to keep it short and sweet. Speaking of short and sweet...

...it doesn't get much shorter or sweeter than Ms. Rubes.

Happy Day everyone!

Trouble meets Basil.

 Trouble & Ruby

I try and take Trouble on a walk without the other two dogs once a week. It doesn't always happen, but when I do I'm so glad for both our sakes. When all three are together, Trouble feeds off Spike's (the oldest) nervous energy and feels like he needs to protect Ruby, the smallest dog. This makes him a bit of a challenge to walk.

The Trio

But when he's on his own, he's so good. He listens, he heels, he doesn't bark crazily at dogs behind fences, lunging and pulling me off my feet. And for me it's great because I get to put in my ipod and zone out for an hour. I also think some one on one time with my neediest of dogs actually helps him feel more secure and connected and less needy.

So the other day, we're on our walk and this 10 year old boy comes up on his bike. "Have you seen a yellow lab running around?" he asks with a very worried look on his face. My heart falls. Poor kid! I promise that we'll keep a look out for "Basil" pronounced with the English pronunciation, which makes this poor kid now sad AND adorable. I tell him that if we find him we'll bring him home.

Ten minutes later... I notice a very bouncy dog behind a fence fitting the young lad's description. Hmmm.... "Basil? Here boy, here Basil!!!!" I call, feeling a tad silly using the English pronunciation. So Basil comes bounding out from the open gate, responding to his name and makes a beeline for Trouble, who is being an angel because he's solo today.

Well, when I asked the young boy if his dog was friendly, perhaps I misunderstood when he said "yes", because Basil had it out for my Trouble-dog. Trouble, surprisingly, did not fight back, instead of going on the defensive, he tried to get away from Basil. This wasn't a real dog fight, merely a show of dominance on Basil's part so I just grabbed his collar to pull him off of Trouble, whom I'm considering a name change to "Angel" he's being such a saint.

Luckily, the fence that Basil was behind housed another dog with a lovely dog owner who lent me a lead so I could return Basil up a very steep hill to his master.

Both dogs are large- too large for me to control at once if they decide to go at it. So, channeling our amazing dog trainer, Rebecca, I take a deep breath and get both dogs to heal, one on each side. Trouble is so good- so focused- that he alternates between looking up at me for assurance and ahead of him. Basil on the other hand, is pushing boundaries, stealing glances at Trouble, pulling at bit to give him the evil eye. I know if I let up on the corrections with this dog he will lunge at Trouble again and I'm really worried all hell is going to break loose when we step foot on this dog's property.

Fifteen minutes later, we arrive at the dog's home, with both dogs intact. Basil a bit anxious that T-dog is on his property,  and he is slowing trying to get closer to start something. Angel (nee: Trouble) is completely ignoring him. Still focused on me, entirely. Phew.

The boys show up on their bikes, there's a younger brother who breaks out into tears when he sees his dog. "thank you thank you thank you!!!!"

Angel and I leave the boys to give their lost dog hugs and kisses and I feel on top of the world.

Gone fishin'

A few weeks ago, Dave's parents were in town and we visited Queenstown on the South Island. Totally different from the lush North Island, the South Island is a little more rocky and dramatic. The air is crisper, the mountains higher and the fish? Well....

Let's just say they were biting.

We did so much on this trip, an amazing helicopter ride, exhilarating jet boat ride, guided tour of the area, tranquil horseback ride, gourmet meals... but it was the fly-fishing that has truly stuck with me. The river is so peaceful and serene.




The scenery amazingly gorgeous and the rhythm you develop when you cast is personal and powerful. It's this broad sweeping motion that looks so hard to accomplish and does actually take a while to feel. But when you get it, it clicks into place and you feel like you could do anything in that moment.

Even catch a fish!

Note to self: keep sunblock in the car!

When we first moved to Auckland, NZ it was winter/spring. It was cold. Everyone said it was tropical in the summer and I couldn't figure out how this bone-chilling, rainy land would magically transform into a tropical paradise in a matter of months.

I couldn't have been more wrong!

After an amazing yoga class this morning (thanks, Ruth from Yoga Sanctuary), I had to run some errands. On the way to the market, I got side-tracked by Murray Beach. I posted about this Beach a while back, it was the first one I found while out exploring. Murray beach is not grand, it's a tiny little strip of sand nestled in-between two cliffs. There's only one road in and out and if you blink, you'll miss it. But if you don't blink, it's the most charming 200 feet of sand and water that you've ever seen.

It seems to be my "go to" beach. It's never crowded or too loud, except when the kids are out in their tiny sailboats courtesy of the Murray's Beach Yacht Club next door. Which is essentially one building in which they house the tiniest of sailboats. And even then, it's really amusing to watch them battle the small waves in these miniature, one-person sailboats which look like toys not capable of standing up to the wind.

I almost drove by and then thought... what's a 15 minute stop? So stop I did, and I was so glad. There's nothing like the sound of the water lapping on the beach and the cicadas in the background. And surprise, surprise, New Zealand IS tropical in the summer! Flowers in bloom scent the air, the sun is strong and high in the sky and the breeze today was perfection. Bright blue sky and big puffy clouds rolling by. It was hot and tropical and the birds were trying their best to drown out the cicadas. Bliss. Perfect after yoga. Much better than the market!

I've been meaning to try mediation again so I plopped down on the beach, crossed my legs and closed my eyes.

Well, I still can't mediate worth beans. Sorry Third Eye, you are still closed. But I only gave it about 10 minutes because I began to feel a bit crispy. Not thinking I'd be playing hookey on a beach after yoga, I failed to lather up with the SPF 30. And there's a hole in the ozone down here (?) or so they say. Note to self: keep sunblock in the car!

So on to my errands I went. Funny thing about the North Shore in Auckland. It's so laid back that shoes are optional. Have you ever been to the market barefoot with sand between your toes? It should be on your bucket list.

Namaste,
Amery

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Love Dog Biscuits.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Love Cookies

These are intended for the dogs, but I tasted one and they're not half bad. If you wanted to make them for people, personally I'd add some brown sugar & chocolate chips & omit the parsley.

They are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Crunchiness will depend on baking time. I store mine in the fridge, because I don't bake them too long. My little one doesn't like crunchy treats. Spoiled much?

I decided to make my own because the healthier biscuits down here in New Zealand seem to be really expensive, and still full of lots of ingredients I can't pronounce. The affordable ones are even worse. I will probably try experimenting with other ingredients like added fish oil for a healthy coat. Even the pickiest of dogs will eat these!

Ingredients:
3 cups of Oatmeal.

1 1/2 cup flour (I've been meaning to try with a alternative flour like Garbanzo bean,
if anyone does, please let me know how it turns out.)

2 cups cold water. (if you have leftover stock you can use that instead- make sure there's no salt, garlic or onion)

1 tablespoon parsley (natural breath freshener)

2 egg yolks

1 teaspoon baking soda

3 tablespoons natural peanut butter (no sugar, no salt added) or to taste.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.

Add the water, parsley & egg yolks mixing well. Add a little more water if it's too hard to mix.

Add the peanut butter after the entire mixture is well blended.


The mixture will be easy to form with your fingers into the shapes of hearts, bones, stars, moons, etc...

Larger biscuits will take about 15-20 minutes to bake. Smaller about 10-15. I normally test one to make sure it's the desired consistency.

If you want to store them in the cupboard, cook them at 275 for a longer period of time to insure they are crispy all the way through. Also make sure they are completely cooled before putting them in a an airtight container. They'll last about 2 weeks. It's the moisture that makes them spoil quickly.

My puppies like them a little less crunchy so I bake them until they are crunchy on the outside and soft in the center and store them in the fridge.

Happy Baking!

My "other" blog

Happy Thursday everyone!

So don't forget to check out my "other" blog from time to time. It's more jewelry biz related, but I am posting some down-underness for those folks to see as well.

http://amerycarriere.blogspot.com/2011/10/sorry-boss.html

a few explanations...

People have been asking for clarification on a few things..

One, what does Kia Ora mean? Here's the definition taken straight out of Wikipedia:

Kia ora is a Māori language greeting which has entered New Zealand English. It means literally "be well/healthy" and is translated as an informal "hi" at the Māori Language Commission website Kōrero Māori.The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage website NZ History lists it as one of 100 Māori words every New Zealander should know, with a definition "Hi!, G'day! (general informal greeting)".

Many Kiwis start their emails with this greeting, and I love it because it's Polynesian and try to use it when I can.

Two, "why is your blog called 'Notes from the future'?"

That's because I am actually in the future right now (well, if you are in the states, that is). We're across the international date line so when it's noon on Sunday in California it's actually 8am Monday morning down-under. I like to think of it as 4 hours behind, but a day ahead. And when the time changes for ya'll in the Northern Hemisphere in a few weeks we'll only be 3 hours behind.

And, three, yes I have a phone line down here! A phone line that is not long distance. But, I only have limited outgoing calls, so if anyone wants to chat, shoot me an email and we'll set up a time for you to call.

I have so much more to write, but must get back to work... Have a great day everyone!

-Amery


PS- Dave was right, the weather IS warming up nicely.

Kiss the Sky

Aotearoa: "The Land of the Long White Cloud"

Did I mention that the sky is amazing down here? Really fantastic. And it changes from minute to minute. Literally.

We've been caught in a few rain storms on walks completely unprepared, without an umbrella or rain coat, and found ourselves huddling under trees to keep from getting drenched. The good thing is it really seems to pass quickly. Or at least enough that we can run home during a break.

I felt better when I saw Kiwi's pull their bikes over & seek shelter as well. Felt a little less like a whimp, see my "girl make fire" post.

We really have to learn how to learn how to judge the weather. Especially because I've been using the clothes line to dry my laundry like a true Kiwi.

However, I think it's a skill that us Angelinos don't possess, but we will learn. I wonder if there's a class for that? Or a book? NZ Weather Forecasting for Dummies.

Get Lost- pt I

I hope I never stop getting lost. You should try it. It's remarkably freeing. And, since I'm on an Island, I know I can't go too far!

The best things happen to me when I get lost. The first time, I discovered Mairangi Bay. I didn't mean to but was completely smitten with this sweet little beach town with it's marigold and tulip planted round-about (traffic circles for those not familiar with the vernacular), baby strollers and sidewalk cafes.

Today, I was looking for Mairangi Bay and made a wrong turn and ended up at Murray's Bay- my bay for those who know me from college and remember my tomboyish nickname. Gorgeous beach, gorgeous path for jogging (who, me jog? maybe, it's that pretty) and cute restaurants.


My best discovery was a KARAOKE bar!!!! And my husband just informed me that he knew about it and has been holding out on me! That's because he's afraid I'll drag him to it.

Drive Left, Hug Right.

First trip out was excellent. Only one minor goof-up, a few wrong turns, and a bit of exploring. I was looking for the mega-center, this huge Westfield Mall which has everything. I call it the Mega-Low-Mart for fun. Anyway, on my way to the Mega-Low-Mart I took a wrong turn, or didn't turn or something and not only did I find a health food store with Agave, yay! But I came across this ridge and discovered the most amazing view of the ocean with islands.

This is when it hit me. I was lost, on the wrong side (well, right for here, I mean left) of the road, alone, and absolutely spellbound by the beauty before me. I live here? Really? Wow. And now how do I get unlost?

The hardest part about driving is NOT staying on the left side of the road. All the signs lead are pointing you to the left side, and all the other cars are driving on the left side, so you just follow along.

Top 10 driving challenges are:

#1--when you pull out of someplace and there are no cars to give you guidance. Panic moment! I normally wait for a car to gain my bearings.

#2--turning. Anywhere.

#3--parking. Anywhere.

#4--those making a right turn (the turn across traffic) have the right of way. Yes, even the Kiwis agree that it’s nonsense.

#5--the millions of “roundabouts” and remembering how to use your turn signals.

#6--drifting to the left. Your peripheral vision is catty-wompus because you are used to driving on the left side of the car, so you constantly drift to the left. You not only have to chant to yourself “drive left”, but also “hug right”. So many things to remember!

#7—did I mention, turning- anywhere?

#8--getting in the wrong side of the car.

#9--as a passenger, you see the gear shift in the center (to your right, where it would be if you were the driver in the states) and you want to use it even though you are NOT the driver!

#10--every time you go to use your turn signal you turn on your windshield wipers! I have a feeling that this will take the longest to correct.

Mantra: drive left, hug right. Drive left, hug right.

First impression of the new land....

Everyone is asking what my first impression of NZ is. Honestly, and sorry to harp on this, but my first thought is "It's really cold here! yikes!"

So our first outing was to the supercenter for some warmer clothes for me, as well as a rain parka. I need a hat, badly. And thanks, mom, for insisting that I bring a few extra of those small cashmere scarves in my suitcase. They are perfect for warming up my neck when it's chilly. So don't give away any extras that I might have returned to you if they are good colors. I have a feeling they will quickly be a part of my daily wardrobe.

Anyone coming to visit will need to bring warm layers, keep that in mind. I think in the summer it's much warmer, but the nights still get chilly.

The house is great. Will start posting pics this afternoon. The angles that looked slightly off in photos are actually really cool. The landlord came in and painted my studio and got rid of the crazy two toned (USC cardinal and gold), so now it's a soft butter yellow which is cheerful and clean so I can live with it for now. The colors are still a bit outdated in person, which was my concern from looking at the pictures. But, they aren't nearly as bright as they looked on Dave's skype. I think we need to get our furniture in here before making any major changes. The problem is, this house has such a great open floor plan, each room leads into another one, so you really have to make sure all the colors are in the same palette. However, that said, the kitchen needs to be white. The view from the kitchen sink is amazing, I don't think anyone has thought to take a pic, but I will. I promise. It looks out into the front yard and the window box screams for orchids, melding the outside with the inside. I'm turning into my mother's daughter and already planning the garden! Ferns & Callas & Peonies, oh my! :)

The landscape really reminds me of Hawaii- the rainy side. There's an amazing mix of tropical and pine trees and rolling hills that's just spectacular.

And the people are amazingly friendly. Made my first friend the other morning in the bakery, some crazy happy lady named Judith who told me all the yummy things that I needed to try. Surprisingly I'm feeling a bit shy, I feel like my accent makes me stick out like a sore thumb. And some of the dialect and the names make me feel like a total foreigner. I'm sure that will wear off very soon. As soon as I have to stop asking people to repeat themselves.

I made Dave practice driving with me last night. I have some errands to run and I wanted to drive the loop that I would be taking with him with me. But in about an hour I'll have to do it all by my lonesome. I'll report back after.

Cheers!
Amery

Girl make fire. ugh.

So it's cold here. For me.

Funny thing. We went for a walk the other day and I'm wearing my alpaca socks, layers of merino wool, a raincoat, a wool cap and my alpaca fingerless gloves. It's chilly and you never know when it will rain.

So what's funny, you ask? Well... many Kiwis pass us on our walk wearing shorts, a long sleeve shirt, maybe a light jacket. And they are all looking at me like I'm nuts, with a small smile on their face, and I know what they're thinking: "ex-pat". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expatriate

So maybe my huge roaring fire and my Arctic gear are a little much for Spring in NZ. But this Cali girl is cold! Yes, formerly East Coast, but don't forget many young years spent in Miami, FL.

Signing off, in layers of wool.
Peace & love & warmth,
-a.

Details on the move to NZ.

Kia Ora!

First of all I apologize to anyone that I haven't had a chance to explain why we've moved to New Zealand, or even that we've moved to New Zealand!!!!

To make a long story short, Dave got offered a job with a few year contract. It's a great opportunity for him, career wise, and also a great opportunity for us to live in a foreign land for a few years.

Dave has been here since July 6th, I stayed behind to pack up the house, get the dogs sorted and on the plane and pack up and move my studio to a gorgeous spot in sunny downtown Los Angeles. I just moved down here, left LA on September 16th and arrived on the 18th. I was so tired from all the moving and organizing and coordinating that I got on the plane and slept for 8 hours straight! wow!

About my biz. Amery Carrière Designs has gone global! We are still based in Los Angeles, my production being run by Carlie Mathews, thank God for Carlie! I feel confident that she will treat my production like she would her own, and I have left my business in good hands.

I am planning on coming back for trade shows, about three times a year. I have brought my studio number down under with me, and actually did some business this morning and people had no idea that I was calling from 10,000 miles away! :) So business will continue as normal.

I know this first blog wasn't too exciting, but stay tuned for a second one that will give you a little more Kiwi flavor!