For Gooding Sake!

Day 202 – What Adoption Means

TheGoodings — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:18:52 +0000

I love this quote. I just had to share it. Every time I think about adoption, I think about the coming together of the 2 loves of my life:

It has been said that adoption is more like a marriage than a birth: two (or more) individuals, each with their own unique mix of needs, patterns, and genetic history, coming together with love, hope, and commitment for a joint future.

You become a family not because you share the same genes, but because you share love for each other.

- Joan McNamara

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WE RECOMMEND: Plush Baby NZ

TheGoodings — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:08:13 +0000

No, before you ask – we are not pregnant nor did we just adopt a baby. It doesn’t mean though that I don’t check out maternity and baby stores online for pressies for my friends and family who are expecting and those who have little bubs.

If you are pregnant, have a baby or you are looking for that perfect gift for someone, we definitely recommend you check out Plush Baby NZ.

Why do we recommend Plush Baby? Because we know the owner, Angela Day. Ange used to work for us before moving to Wellington and until now, we haven’t found the right person to replace this wee gem! That’s how great she was!

Check the rest of this post because at the bottom, I’ll let you know how you can win more than $10,000 worth of prizes!

Ange looked after us really well at Shannon’s Way and I can say without a doubt that Ange will ensure that the quality of the goods she sells are A+, the prices are affordable but we also know that she will look after your needs as a customer.

Plush Baby is an online retail store that specialises in maternity lingerie and clothing, babywear and accessories.

Some of the brands you will find include:

gorgeous NZ made HOTmilk Lingerie
Seraphine maternity jeans
Nearly Nude underwear
Oobi and
Tip Toey Joey to name a few.

Plush Baby also have their own line of ‘belly bands’ which are a definite ‘must have’ accessory for mums to be – they solve so many pregnancy wardrobe issues by enabling you to wear your pre pregnancy clothes longer and get you back into pre pregnancy clothes sooner.

The Plush belly band is also perfect for covering your belly during breastfeeding so you feel less exposed. Other products on the site are their best selling maternity leggings, baby hair accessories, leg warmers, petticoats and more.

Plush Baby is a relatively new business and is adding to its product range all the time; they are open to any suggestions or requests if you can’t find a particular product. Their customer service is very good and they provide an easy return and exchange system so you can shop with confidence…….plus your order will arrive beautifully gift wrapped so you will feel extra spoilt!

Do you want to follow Plush Baby? Go visit their blog and join their Facebook Page

You can win $10,000 in prizes!

Did you know that Plush Baby has recently been nominated in the Kids Fashion Review Style Awards for 2010 in the category for NZ’s Online Kidswear Retailer – PLEASE VOTE FOR PLUSH BABY!

By voting in this competition you automatically go in the draw to win one of many prizes worth over $10,000 – definitely worth checking out!Popular Posts:

Day 193 – Traffic in NZ is Like No Other

TheGoodings — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:44:54 +0000

The traffic in other parts of the world are defined by the volume of motor vehicles in that flood their busy roads.

I like New Zealand’s, specifically the South Island of the country’s kind of traffic where the roads are busy with the fluffy, cute kind of ‘disruption’ – a flock of sheep!

When I first visited New Zealand in the summer of 1999, scenes like these in the provinces of New Zealand abound. Not anymore though. You’d think having lived here for almost 10 years that a flock of sheep blocking our way would no longer enthrall me but they do!

I still feel like a giddy townie each time I across them on the road. I just had to take a photo (or two!)

Disclaimer – Please note that NO SHEEP was harmed in the creation of this blog entry

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Day 191 – Cuisine Challenge No. 1 – Lugawan in Worcester St.

TheGoodings — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 10:45:33 +0000

So my friends and family here in New Zealand catch up on a regular basis. We’ve decided to ’spice up’ our get-togethers, we’ll start a Cuisine Challenge where each of us cooks a dish (from scratch, if possible) relevant to the “theme”.

For our first-ever Cuisine Challenge, our theme is based on Filipino dishes (surprise, surprise!) which we titled “Lugawan in Worcester St”.

Lugaw means rice porridge. It’s a popular dish in the Philippines. We have it for either breakfast, lunch, morning or afternoon tea. Yes, we’re Asians and we have rice on almost everything and almost every meal!

Our hosts for this challenge, Peetol and Onie cooked the main dish while my sister and I brought side dishes and dessert that normally go with this main.

Mains: Chicken Arroz Caldo

Side dishes:

Tokwa’t Baboy
Green Mango with bagoong (shrimp paste)

Dessert: Minatamis na Saging (Bananas in Caramelised Sugar)

This meal was followed by our usual video/movie of the day, great company and laughter, of course! We all went home satisfied. Nom nom nom!

Recipes to follow!

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Thoughts on my First Year in High School: My mid-year Report

Beabubbles — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 07:39:18 +0000

Just the words “School Report” give me the shivers. It makes me think: What if they put something embarrassing on my report?

Or even worse, some thing really really bad?

But I was surprised. In my mid – year report, I actually got awesome results. My various teachers’ comments included:

“Bea is a ‘quiet’ learner.”

“Bea is an enthusiastic member of the class”

“Bea has potential”

“Bea works well with others”

“Bea behaves appropriately”

and “Bea is just the most awesome student that I have ever had in my class”

Nah that last one was done by me =P

And my grades for various things were good as well. They all said I either work at “At the level” or “Above the level” or some were even “Well above level”!!!!

Man I was just totally happy.

I’m glad that most of my teachers actually like me…

‘Til next time peoples! =PPopular Posts:

Day 188 (07.07.10) – 9 Years Today

mrsgooding — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:15:09 +0000

How come 9 years seemed to have rolled by so quickly? It seemed like yesterday when we got married and yet I feel like I’ve known you forever?

9 years ago:

Simon, my love, you are worth the wait.
You are worth all the heartaches and pain I have felt in the past.
You are worth waiting 28 years for.

You know my past and are aware of what I have been through.
You have shown me nothing but acceptance and understanding
for everything that you know about me and for that,
I will be forever grateful to you.

Simon, I do not promise to be the best wife in the world.
However, I promise to love you the only way I know how –
completely and unconditionally.
This is my solemn vow because in you, I have found the one my soul loves.

Today:

We may not be each other’s first love but I am fervently hoping that we will be each other’s last.

9 years ago, we vowed to love, to honour each other till death us do part.

Thanks for keeping that promise as I have kept mine.

Happy anniversary my sweet.

Love you untold

MrsG

PS – thank you for the pressie. I love my new LV!

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Day 184 (03.07.10) – Part 5: My Medical Horror Story in NZ – How low can you get?

mrsgooding — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:26:50 +0000

On 10 July, it would be 4 months since that fateful day in March where an Ashburton surgeon bungled up what should have been routine surgery.

While my energies were focused on healing and getting better physically, I failed to take into account the toll of all that has happened to me on my mental health.

It was only in the last month that I realised that I was feeling REALLY LOW.

I realised how badly damaged my body was. How weak I still was. How easily tired I could still get. How hard it was to focus on anything.

All I wanted to do was get better. Fast.

It was only in the last month that I realised as my body continued to heal, to improve…my emotional health was left unchecked and slipping down a slippery slope of despondency.

No, not depression. I know enough of the symptoms of depression and other mental illness as a trained Psychology undergraduate.

I was just feeling generally low.

Low enough that I did, for a time, withdraw from any “pro-active” socialising. Save for my sister and her family, I didn’t see anyone at all unless friends popped in for a visit or they invited me to catch up with them.

I stopped reading novels (my fave past-time ever!) and retail therapy lost its appeal (yes, now you know something was really wrong!)

Even work (that I love and am so passionate about) lost its appeal for a while. I was doing everything on auto-pilot.

I even had a writer’s block and couldn’t get my blogging mojo back.

Yes, I laughed at people’s jokes, I went out with friends and would generally have a good time but they were all superficial, transient. I still didn’t feel good inside. I felt…blah.

I felt empty but yet I was also angry. I got angry and irritated in the littlest things. Poor Simon and Bea. For a while they carried the brunt of my rage.

It didn’t help that at one of the lowest points of my physical recovery, one of our stalkers reared its ugly head and caused havoc in our family. I did have a relapse and took a few days to get back into the business of healing.

All of these were happening and I was feeling a bit lost when fate intervened.

A text message to one of my BFFs here in New Zealand (BFF “J”) with the words “I’m depressed “ saw her dropping in for a visit the very next day. I didn’t realise much I alarmed her when all I meant to say was “I feel low”, not really “depressed depressed”, if you know what I mean.

It took that visit of hers to get me talking about how I was feeling. And I promised J that I will never say “I’m depressed” unless I really am depressed!

Sure, I’ve told Simon all of these but he’s my Husband. He is in my soul. He is in my very being so discussing what I felt with him does not constitute me reaching out to another person. Does that make sense?

And after I told my friend what I was feeling, it’s like a dam has opened and I was able to discuss it with yet another BFF (BFF “D”) and a girl talk (READ: group session) with these 2 BFFs (“J” and “D”) plus another talk with friend Lisa via Skype helped me unburden what I was feeling.

It wasn’t until the girls trip with Arlynn though in Melbourne last week that I was able to finally fully unburden myself. Those girly chats I had with Arl late into the night (and up to the wee hours of the morning) finally got me all “talked out”.

After that, I was fine. I was able to get out of this funk.

Now, I could truthfully say I am back. My mojo is back. My sunny disposition is back. The future looks so bright and promising again!

I realised this transformation was happening when I tweeted and posted this status:

I wanted to record this moment in time. I wanted to shout out that I was happy and that I’m loving life again.

Actually, after I published this status, I wanted to remove it again. I didn’t want people to think that I am living THE perfect life. Because I am not.

I still have bouts of pains from my surgery. I still cringe each time I see my scar.

I still get irritable. I still worry. But at that point in time, I was feeling VERY HAPPY and I just had to recognise it.

I recognise the abundance of good fortune that I have. I have A LOT to be grateful for.

I have a GREAT family, in-laws on both sides (yes, they’re also family but I had to give them special mention to show how much I love them!) and circle of TRUE friends.

I live a comfortable life. I am in position to help and be an angel to others. Our daughter is doing well in school. I have the most adorable nephews and nieces.

It’s so hard to find LOYAL friends but I have been fortunate to be surrounded with a lot from all around the world that I can call on for company, support, advise, shopping buddies, chats, perspective and a lot more. I know all I had to do was either write an email, pick up the phone, tweet, SMS, shout out on Facebook, Skype and someone would respond. Sometimes, I don’t even have to say anything. Friends just pop in for a visit or ring just because they wanted my company. How special can one person feel?

The business I am involved in opened its doors in New Zealand at the worst possible time in history and yet is still here, surviving and thriving.

Despite the hectic work schedule, I am able to spend time with my family and friends. My social life is the busiest it’s ever been! I love it!

So yes, this post started with a question of “how low can you get?” and I’m glad I didn’t have to hit rock bottom to recognise HOW MUCH I truly have.

I have what matters in life.

Love. Family. Trust. Support. Loyal Friends. Comfort.

I pray to the powers that be, may long this continue. After the hell I’ve been through, I hope the Big Guy up there and the universe know, I deserve it.

What more can I ask for?

Handbags. Shoes. Clothes. Travel Fund.

Sorry. Just joking!

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SELLING: Genuine Louis Vuitton Ebene Damier Hampstead PM Tote Bag

mrsgooding — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:33:45 +0000

Yes, the rumour is true. It is with a heavy heart that I am selling one of my Louis Vuitton bags! It has to happen one day, I suppose.

Does this mean my baggaholic days are over?

Of course not! I just bought a bag last week which I will blog about next week. It was bought for a special occasion

Why am I selling this bag? Well, when Simon and I decided to send Bea to a private school for her secondary education here in New Zealand, I promised the Hubby that I’d curb my spending and not buy a bag this year (next year? who knows!)

So if I indulge in another bag this year (have you noticed how I’ve stressed that I only promised the Hubby that I won’t buy a bag THIS YEAR? LOL), I have to let one go.

This was not something Simon imposed on me.

Investing on our daughter’s education is SIGNIFICANTLY MORE IMPORTANT than my bags. No matter how much I love my designer handbags, the welfare of our daughter and our family would ALWAYS trump any material obsession I may have.

It’s a simple fact.

So yes, Internet….I am selling one of my pre-loved bags. My “loss” is another one’s gain. If you are a Louis Vuitton virgin or a serial luxury handbag collector, then you will have no regrets owning this bag. I sincerely hope this bag goes to a lovely home.

I love this bag because unlike LV’s Monogram collection, this bag does not scream “I’m a Louis Vuitton bag!” from a mile away. This bag is subtly elegant. One wouldn’t know it’s an LV unless someone is familiar with the Damier design OR until one inspects closely.

That’s just the way I like my bags. I hope you like it too

This bag is currently listed on New Zealand’s TradeMe auction site. Please go to the listing for further details about the bag.

If you are from outside NZ and interested in this bag, you can email me privately on mrsgooding(at)gmail(dot)com

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Days 175 to 178 (24-27.06.10) – Friends + Shopping = Fun in Melbourne!

mrsgooding — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:35:30 +0000

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It’s been so long since I went away on a trip overseas with a girlfriend. The last time was a 5-day trip to Singapore in 1999 with my good friend, Kathy. That was before I got married!

Sure, I went away with friends within and around New Zealand in the last 10 years or so but they were mostly sight-seeing trips and while I enjoyed these trips immensely, going overseas with a friend with nothing planned but a few days of shopping can also be heavenly.

No guilt feelings that the hubby and daughter were getting bored out of their minds while I shopped till I dropped during this trip. I had the perfect shopping companion in Arlynn.

As I go to Melbourne a week a month for work, we thought it’d be nice if Arl joined me towards the end of the work week I’d be in Melbourne in June for a few days of shopping, girl talk and shopping.

This girls’ shopping trip is also extra special as Arlynn is a friend I just recently became close to and this recent trip helped cement a new friendship which I hope would last a lifetime

So, what did Arl and I get up to the last few days?

Food galore!

We had lunch at Le Triskel – a French Creperie in Hardware Lane in the Melbourne CBD. The staff were arrogantly French but the crepes were to die for. WIf you plan to go there make sure you have cash as they don’t accept credit card payments.

We also had yummy Bavarian food at Cuckoo Restaurant in Mt Dandenong; brunch at Lindt Cafe, coffee at Starbucks, yum cha dinner at Yum Cha Dragon BBQ Restaurant (the only yum cha dinner service in Melbourne) and a meal at a pizza and pasta restaurant in Docklands. It was great that my friends were also able to join us. We had so much fun!

Arl and I also explored Melbourne’s Crown Casino where I taught her how to play Black Jack and in exchange, Arl shouted me a giant Strawberry Daiquiri. I loved it! I’m not too sure if it’s good for my liver but I’ve been good for so long since my medical misadventure that I thought I deserve this treat

If you’re thinking of where to dine in Melbourne, I highly recommend these restaurants and eateries! I’d have loved to take Arl to other food places in Melbourne but we ran out of time!

Shopping at Australia’s Fashion Capital, the city of Melbourne!

Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Grand Central, Chadstone Mall, stores in Crown Casino Towers and Collins St. We were going to explore the shops along Chapel Street too but ran out of time so that has to be something I plan to check out on my next trip.

And no, I didn’t buy the iPad. I did visit the Apple Store in Chadstone because I just had to see the iPad in person. It’s not available in NZ yet. How sad is that? My friends were right though, the iPad looked like a giant iPhone!

Girl talk and bonding! – Arl is one of those friends that is so easy to talk to and who’s got lots of stories to share. We spent the whole time chatting about anything and everything under the sun! It was soooo good! Who needs therapists when you’ve got friends like Arlynn you can share your secrets and innermost thoughts with?

A tour of the must-see places around Melbourne CBD

We went to Federation Square, Royal Exhibition Building, Docklands and Flinders train station on our last day in Melbourne.

Melbourne is lucky to have the tram as it made touring the city so much easier.

The trip was also made extra fun with the chance to catch up with my good friends based in Melbourne and meeting new ones too. I love meeting new people!

Thanks for a lovely shopping trip Arl. I enjoyed it and I look forward to our next holiday together! Maybe this time with our lovely hubbies and Bea, of course!

Re-booking my new flights online at the Melbourne Airport

The only downer of this trip? My flight back to Christchurch got cancelled so I had to stay an extra night in Melbourne. Oh well!

I wasn’t happy with the way my airline, Air New Zealand handled the cancellation and the story about that requires a separate blog post.

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Day 174 (23.06.10) – I thought Bags were my only downfall

mrsgooding — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:57:59 +0000

You can rightfully conclude that I’m not just a baggaholic, I’m starting to become a shoe-a-holic as well. No point in “praying” the Shopaholic’s Prayer eh?

Presenting my latest purchase.

My new babies will be right at home with their siblings I bought this pair from the same shop in Melbourne ages ago.

If you happen to be in Melbourne, make sure you visit Siricco – seriously, they have great discounts on designer shoes and other stuff.

I don’t check out the leather bags, jackets and such. They are mostly heavily discounted especially if the items are from the past seasons.

I am meant to be saving but I just couldn’t resist these wee cute puppies. PLUS, they were heavily discounted. I have said already, haven’t I?

I TRY not to buy designer shoes full price so when I do get a bargain, I am very very happy!

My boots are stored in another cabinet.

I know my collection is not much compared to other serious shoe-a-holics BUT I think I really need a Shoe Room. Seriously.

Or perhaps a shoe and bag room? Maybe in our next home.

Yeah, dream on, Christine, dream on….

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