Tips on doing a paper run

Are you starting the job of doing a paper run soon, and you want some tips from someone who can safely say they're not an expert but has done the job before?

Well guess what? I can help you there!
I just got back from doing my first paper run and here are a few tips that might just make your paper run a little easier to handle.

1. Bring a drink bottle!
     I made the sad mistake of not bringing a drink and by the end of my round I was feeling pret-ty woozy. If your run isn't that long you would probably make it, but I would still say it's a great idea to bring some water especially if you're out in the sun.

2. Dress for the weather
     A paper run is not a fashion show so don't fret about looking 'cool' or whatever. If you need a hat, wear a hat. If you need a raincoat, wear a raincoat. Better to be safe than sorry.

3. You don't have to go it alone
     If you're route has a lot of houses or is on a difficult terrain, don't hesitate to ask your parents or a friend or someone you trust for help. They don't have to go through the whole run with you, but it is best to have someone to keep an eye on you. You don't have to give them a share of your pay if you don't want to ;)

4. Fold your papers beforehand
     Folding your newspapers along the way might be easier for you, but I personally find it faster and easier if I fold up my papers before I deliver them. That takes away the time you spend trying to fold up the paper before you put it in the mailbox, and the short battle of wind/weather vs. newspaper. I also found it lighter if I folded them up... not sure why.

5. Know your route (and be aware of mailboxes)
     I would say it's a good idea to walk around your assigned paper route before the day that you have to deliver the papers, so you become familiar with  the area. Also, take note of where all the mail boxes are!!!  Unless you live on one of those streets where all the houses look the same, remember that mailboxes can be on either side of the gate, hidden behind a bush, inside the fence... and many other places. Take care to deliver to all the mailboxes you're assigned to.

Hope this helps!!!
If you have anything specific to do with paper runs that you want advice on, you can always comment or email me and I will try to reply as fast as I can!

The Ultimate Brownies

I made these brownies the other day, and they were absolutely DELICIOUS!!!!!

 

Slightly crunchy top, with a moist and chewy middle!

 

Here's the recipe...



 

 

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces bittersweet (60% cacao) chocolate, chopped
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for pans
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

 

• Special equipment: A 9-inch square baking pan; parchment paper

 

METHOD

 

Heat oven to 325°F with rack in middle.

Butter pan, then line bottom and 2 opposite sides with a long sheet of parchment paper allowing a 2-inch overhang on the 2 sides and trimming paper to fit. Butter parchment (not overhang).

Melt chocolate and butter in a metal bowl set over barely simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Cool to lukewarm.

Whisk in brown sugar until blended. Whisk in eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition until well blended. Stir in vanilla, salt, and flour until smooth.

Spoon batter into prepared pan, smoothing top, and bake until set and a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer brownies in pan to a wire rack; let cool for 20 minutes. Holding onto parchment paper overhang, lift brownies from pan and let cool completely on rack. Cut into serving pieces.

Cooks' Notes:
•Brownies improve in flavor and slice best when made 1 day ahead. When completely cooled, return, still on parchment, to pan and keep at room temperature, well wrapped in plastic or foil.
•Leftovers keep 5 days (but the brownies are so good, you'll be lucky if there are any left at the end of 5 days!).

 

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/The-Ultimate-Brownie-51107880#ixzz2IUtVxhtN

Idol Chicago auditions

I gotta say, the Chicago auditions were jimazing!!!!! (And that is not a typo).

Looks like Haley Reinhart's appearance before the auditions started must have inspired them!

Thousands of people waiting to be checked in for their audition!!!
(I hope the guy in the yellow singlet didn't damage his vocal chords doing that)

Now if I heard correct, 46 of those who auditioned got through to Hollywood!!! Yaaayyy!!!!!
Here are a few of them whose performances were aired (and I remember) :P

Kiara Lanier (who recently sang for President Obama on his birthday) sang "The Prayer" by Celine Dion.

Isabelle Parell asked Keith Urban to be her duet partner as she sang "Baby It's Cold Outside."

Curtis Finch Jr. burst into a soulful rendition of "God is Able." At the end of which, Nicki showcased her opinion with a rhythmic "O-M-G! Let's hear it for the boy-boy-boy!"

Recovering anorexic, Mariah Pulice, auditioned with "Let it Be." When she receieved her golden ticket she told us she "felt beautiful for the first time in so long." (Is it just me or was that a tad OTT?)

Johnny Keyser returned from Season 11 and auditioned with "Try a Little Tenderness."

As soon as Kez Ban walked into the audition room, I instantly fell in love with her and her personality. She sang "I've Got No Strings" from Pinnochio initially, but afterwards she sang an original called "Wandering," which I think suited her way better!

And who could forget the heartthrob stutterer Lazaro Arbos? He auditioned with "Bridge Over Troubled Waters." And in case you were wondering, he did not stutter when he sang.

Finally, here are a few highlights from the show that I like. Sorry about the quality of some of them...

 

 

 

 

 

And finally American Idol presents... The Miserables!

I love this but unfortunately I wasn't able to get the video up, but here's the link to watch it on Youtube:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2eHCYFfuNU

 

The cowgirl at the end, I think her dad (or whoever that man is) was right! It is funny and she is giving us a show! Huzzah for people with good attitudes!

 

 

PS. Rosyglasses and I are going to see Les Mis next week, so hopefully we can get our thoughts up from that!

 

 

 

 

American Idol; Season 12 first ep

Just watched the first episode of American Idol; Season 12. (The auditions were in NYC)
Gotta say my favourite part was THE TURBANATOR!!!

He's goin to Hollywood!!!!

 

I love the new panel of judges. They all have different interesting opinions... about the contestants and each other.

 

I promise to give a more detailed review tomorrow!

Thai Archer restaurant

 

A few nights ago my family and I went to this amazing Thai restaurant for dinner. I must say I'm not much of a fan of Thai food, but it was seriously delicious.

I ordered the Tod Kratiem Prik Thai, which was described on the menu as slices of chicken or pork or beef stir fried with garlic and pepper. And it arrived just like that (I chose chicken as the meat), with a perfectly spiced soup accompanied with stir fried vegetables including decorative carrot slices and carrot flowers with a sprig of fresh basil on top.

My family also ordered Pla Makarm; a whole deep fried snapper topped with vegetables and tamarind sauce, and Gang Kiew Warn; slices of beef or chicken or pork with green curry paste, bamboo shoots, capsicum, and coconut cream. All of them say what they ordered was above the standard they expected.

As you can see the menu is a typical Thai cuisine.

The kitchen staff are also very flexible with allergy related requests.

 

One of the pretty carrot flowers



When we arrived there we were welcomed at the door by a smiling staff member and led straight to our pre-booked table. Every single table in the restaurant was laid out with menus for each placing, and each plate had a charming origami napkin on top. The decorations inside and out were nice and made the atmosphere of the restaurant relaxing.

 

My charming origami napkin

 All in all the experience was enjoyable and the food was delightful and satisfying. I do recommend it to all Thai food lovers or those who would like to try something new!

Thai Archer

Open 7 days a week for dinner, and 5 days a week for lunch

 

Lunch

Monday-Friday: 12:00am - 2:30pm

 

Dinner

Monday-Sunday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm

 

10 Campbell Road, Royal Oak, Auckland

Phone: 625 7398

Kiss You music vid!

To all my fellow Directioners!

Here is the official Kiss You music video!!! Enjoy!

 

Twenty thirteen has arrived!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I personally celebrated by watching Titanic for the first time... I practically sobbed throughout the whole thing! :'(
How did you celebrate?
Did anyone else find it hard to get to sleep with all the fireworks going off? I know I did......
Don't forget to come up with your New Years resolutions!

PS. Owllightning has no wifi at the moment, but she wishes everyone an amazing 2013 too :D