Banana cake is universally loved by children and adults. A good banana muffin should be moist and springy. Light yet banana-ey with enough substance to leave you satisfied after one serve. A seriously good banana cake will keep for days and improve in flavour in that time. But what separates the good from the bad in the bunch (I know! look at me and my banana puns!) is the icing on the cake. Everyone knows about chocolate frosting and cream cheese icing. Been there, ate that - those taste better on choc and carrot cakes imho. But for a badass banana cake to truly shine, you need to dial down the condiments to explore the texture. This is a naughty cake, nowt healthy about it. It is ful

It was a rather hellish journey to New Zealand from Thailand, punctuated by beautiful moments, but mostly back breakingly exhausting. I shouldered 100kg all the way home, totally solo on a 40kgs frame - oh plus a toddler who mostly chose to use me as a donkey. I had 3 hurdles to cross and passing them all, arriving in Auckland was literally one of the happiest days of my life. Getting married is supposed to be that... this was better. To recall the feeling of setting myself free and coming home. Two beautiful sensations to feel in your heart simultaneously. To be home. Finally home. My actual childhood home no less - we’re staying with Dad until we find a place for us and our Thai stra

We’re on our way!! Edward’s passport just arrived!!!!! Omg the excitement, relief and joy that washed over me is indescribable. Having been stuck in limbo for months now trying to sort out Edward’s very complicated citizenship / residency in NZ, the knot of anxiety located between my eyes has finally unraveled. I might actually be able to sleep tonight. What a delicious thought. Flights are booked, bags were packed but some little hands got involved today. Most have now been unpacked, reorganized or relocated to under the sofa. (Eddy’s favourite spot for hiding things) In fact, I don’t recommend trying to pack with toddler on duty. Pretty sure we made more mess than we tidied this weekend

My face hurts from crying so much. Edward’s application for endorsement was rejected and I lost it. I’ve been quietly losing my mind during this whole process but I was sure everything would work out. In the last few months I have developed some serious stress-induced acne vulgaris and the salty tears streaming down my face on a regular basis burn like acid. In the last week I’ve been to Bangkok and back again, to Phuket and back – today alone I have literally driven around the island of Koh Samui – twice. The hurdles we have had to jump: forms and photos, bank statements and letters of consent. More forms, more photos. Medical certificates from immigration approved doctors; only 5 in t