NZ Apples

Dedicated to creating simple pleasures

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Our new favourite hobby: apple carving. What a way to make art of your daily snack. 

Via pagerejo.

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Today's sunrise, as seen from our window... a sublime simple pleasure.

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What’s your favourite thing about the run up to Christmas? It’s almost certainly not battling with shoppers in the supermarket, or queueing up to buy gifts, I’m guessing. Is it the pure anticipation? Buying presents for others and wrapping them up? Seeing the twinkling lights in your neighbour’s windows, or getting the kids to write to Father Christmas?

Perhaps it’s the thought of a few days off work with the Xbox, some Christmas TV and a rather large box of chocolates that gets you in the festive mood?

For me, the smell of a real Christmas tree is the real sign Christmas is here! I love seeing real trees in people’s windows, although it’s thought that having an artificial tree is actually far more environmentally friendly. Despite all the plastic involved in making an artificial tree, dumping a real tree in landfill after just a couple of weeks’ use isn’t really a great idea, and many real trees are lopped off at the roots so they won’t survive long in the garden. We saved ours for a good two years, but it has finally given up the ghost.

If you’re not so keen on hoovering needles up until next August, you can simply ‘spruce’ up your fake tree and buy Christmas tree scent as a room spray! A quirt of pine-scented room spray can’t fail to make even the cheapest plastic tree seem that little bit more authentic.

If you don’t want to spray air freshener, try a Christmas tree scented candle, incense sticks or an oil burner. You can often pick the candles up from garden centres and home ware shops, and they add a wonderful twinkly atmosphere to a cosy room too. Just be careful not to place them too close to your plastic tree or you might have some other stinky smells to deal with!

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Although we love our apples, we have a lot of time for apple's best friend the banana, especially when it comes to baking banana bread! This particular recipe was tried and tested over the weekend and we can assure you that with a cup of tea on this freezing cold morning it was an absolute delight!

Banana Banana Bread by Shelley Albeluhn makes a loaf that is ever so moist, packed full with banana flavour!

All you need is:

250g plain flour  

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 

pinch salt 

115g butter 

115g dark brown soft sugar 

2 eggs, beaten 

500g mashed over-ripe bananas

All you have to do is:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 C / Gas mark 4. Lightly grease a 23x13cm loaf tin.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour mixture into prepared loaf tin.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a knife inserted into centre of the loaf comes out clean. Leave to cool in tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire cooling rack.

Enjoy!

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While it’s cold and frosty outside, there’s nothing more appealing than sitting by a roaring log fire while sipping on a hot chocolate. The beautiful vibrant colours are a joy to watch and the sounds of the cackling fire bring a sense of comfort while snow is falling at the window. Not everyone is so lucky to enjoy this favourite pastime, but if you can’t get close to a log fire there is now an alternative... With the glow of candlelight, a simple candle has the ability to make everything look so much more cosy and now there is one particular candle brand which has gone that much further. Wood Wick candles provide that cosy glow but also, due to the wooden wick, they make the sound similar to a cackling log fire burning! Why not give one a go and get your hot chocolate at the ready...

http://www.woodwickcandleshop.co.uk

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In the run up to Christmas, as a Friday afternoon treat, we’ve been treating ourselves to mulled wine – the perfect thing to warm up the tum before braving the cold! Why not give this tried and tested recipe a go? And the best thing about it? You make it with apples! Enjoy! http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1625/appleberry-mulled-wine

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Freshly cooked food made with fresh, seasonal ingredients is a yummy delight for everyone. To showcase how a few ingredients can create a simple pleasure for the taste buds, Claudia Pearson has created these lovely little illustrated recipes which are simply divine. Why not take a peek at http://claudiapearson.com

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There is nothing more heart warming than spending a day rummaging through old photographs. A simple pleasure which can bring joy and laughter from times gone by, beautiful memories of lost loved ones, and moments to reflect on how things have changed since the photographs were taken. ’Dear Photograph’ is a lovely blog which allows users to choose an old photograph, revisit the place it was taken and re-capture it in the present setting. The new photograph can then be submitted on to the blog with a small caption sharing the users memory. A lovely idea which is definitely worth a look.

http://dearphotograph.com/

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Many of us find taking our dogs for a simple walk a simple pleasure in itself, and one in which our beloved best friends probably take for granted. Some dogs are sadly not so lucky, but this video is sure to tug on your heart strings as we watch The Beagle Freedom Project set free dogs which have previously been caged and used for laboratory research. Seeing the Beagles take their tentative first steps on grass will bring a little warmth to your chilly day, knowing they are now on their way to happy homes and a brighter future.

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Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

The weather outside is….milder than usual, so, to guarantee you’re living in a winter wonderland, make your own paper snowflakes. Everyone can join in the fun! Be ambitious, get a little creative and look at these examples from Reese Dixon and Laura “Lupin” Howard for some inspiration.

http://www.reesedixon.com/2008/12/quilled-snowflake-ornament.html 

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Can you believe it's only one month until Christmas?! As the excitement builds, dazzling lights and festive decorations are appearing everywhere. And as time is fast running out, could we suggest a trip to Covent Garden? With various stalls providing unique gifts and inspiring ideas, this is one market which should not be missed while doing your Christmas shopping. While wandering around the square you will also see one of the most magnificent Christmas trees, towering high in the sky and draped with festive cheer. Not only that, but you will also see beautiful gigantic baubles hanging above you and there is even Reindeer petting for the little ones! So why not take a visit and let the Christmas countdown begin!

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Just when you think it can’t get any cuter: how about a panda playing on a slide? These baby pandas have their very own Panda Kindergarten!

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Is there anything better than fussing over a little kitten? How about a pile of kittens? These guys were enjoying basking in the sunshine and huddling together for warmth: can you tell where one kitten ends and the next one starts?

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Simply delightful! These are purr-fect!

See more at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2062294/Say-cheese-Purr-fect-pictures-sweeter-animal-kingdom.html

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Sunday is a good food day, with many starting their day with a traditional cooked breakfast in all its glory. The simple pleasure of a Sunday dinner, however, can not be underestimated; roasted joints, golden, crisp potatoes and hearty winter vegetables, all covered with steaming hot delicious gravy. In our house, the smell of a Sunday dinner is the best thing about the weekend, and is also a great opportunity for all the family to gather together. Mmmm, roll on next Sunday!

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This innovative and inspiring project by Slinkachu, invites you to view a world of teeny tiny people.

Originally train set characters, the people have been re-modeled and placed into an environment where the surroundings create amazing miniature situations. Amusing, creative, truly inspirational and a lot of fun. Check it out.

http://little-people.blogspot.com/

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The 19:57 from Euston