For Robin

I was the snack queen. "Was" because I have fallen out of the habit. I have somehow tricked myself into believing that buying granola bars (2 boxes for $5.00) was not going to add up and that with my husbands new job we would finally be able to afford these little extravagances. Guess what? They add up! By the time Sam takes one for lunch, Ellie has one for a snack and Andy takes 2 to work, the box is pretty much empty and that's just day one. Not only that, but I don't feel anyone is getting any actual nutrition. A whole lot of something, but nutrition is not it...

I have decided (this too could be fleeting) that it's time to rediscover my role as Queen. Ah, it suits me don't you think? There was a time I could make something out of nothing and not only was it healthy, it was delicious - at least by my standards (which we all know aren't that high). So, the last two days I have hardly left the kitchen. It's good - I know some people don't like being there but quite frankly, I'm happiest when I'm in the warmth of the appliances, their quiet buzzing noises and the amazing flavours that can be created from the simple ingredients found within. I think while I mix, while I knead and while I bake. It's my own special place. Of course, it does help to have an appreciative audience.... With children this is not always the case and so I have started branching out. In Colorado, I often pawned stuff off on my friends and their children. Here, my neighbours are my victims! Simple stuff for the children: cut berries (easy peasey), rice krispie squares, that sort of stuff and occasionally, a daring "stuff added" muffin!

Yesterday and today was a daring day. I hate waste. I really, really hate "food" waste. I save bread (freeze it). I save vegetables (freeze them). I puree fruits to be used as sauces or jellies or fillings for bread and pies. So if you've ever been given a 'banana loaf' from me chances are it contains a lot more then just bananas....surprise! The menus I've created thus far (often from others recipes - again, with stuff added if I thought it would work):

1. Icky, sticky date pudding with sauce (thumbs up from the neighbours).

2. Prune & Almond/Walnut Breakfast loaf (I made it yesterday - it's almost gone)

3. "Leftover" Cereal squares (like rice krispie squares but I save all the little bits of cereal then use them to make the squares - this one also contains pretzel pieces and graham cracker scraps)

4. Samosas/Pie (started out as samosas and then I got lazy) - last nights ham and rice with veggies for the boys (the ham frozen leftovers) and a potato, chickpea, tomato for my husband and I (leftover onion and potatoes).

5. I make my own homemade bread and when you do this you can make oodles of stuff. On my counter now: 1 dozen buns, a loaf of bread, a roll of dates, honey and walnuts (to be sliced), and a roll of 3 cheese, garlic and spices (to be sliced on Friday driveway night??).

6. Sweet Potato Doughnuts (using leftover pumpkin and sweet potato - recipe adapted from J. Seinfeld's book).

Need a recipe? Let me know - but I highly recommend making some creations of your own. I've been doing this for a while and it's strictly trial and error (a whole lot of error...).

Special thanks to Ser for reminding me that I don't have to shop a lot to create a great meal!

Nails & Tubs.

The bathtub before... nice walls, nice tiles, nice cream (oh, don't be fooled) bathtub.

The 'nails' at work. Easy peel and remove paint chips. Good gracious.

A pile of peeled paint. Say that 10 times fast. Yah, it irks you too doesn't it???

And now, the bathtub after the peeling has started. Sometimes it peels easily, other times not so much.

For those of you who would just die if you're manicure was ruined, STOP READING! Please, please, please, stop reading!!! Have you stopped? I can not be held responsible for any gut wrenching and/or gasping that might occur.....

Alright, for the rest of you, I have been tackling my upstairs bathroom (yah, not the en suite that hasn't worked since we bought the house - nice heads up on that one Mr. Home Inspector). It's a beautiful raspberry colour (I actually like the colour - bold, I wouldn't have done it myself but like it just the same) with nice faucets, a cream toilet and what we thought was a cream bathtub.... thought? Yes, thought. Now, we knew the tub had been painted. Yes, painted! But we were unaware that the people who originally painted it (perhaps the previous owners???) had absolutely NO idea as to what they were doing when they painted it! I know it's possible to paint a bathtub (see Anna's tub on Door Sixteen - gorgeous!!!) but, I would never, ever, think of using just regular paint. It's a bathtub. It gets wet. It gets gross - don't kid yourself, your tub is gross too. And when you clean it with regular old baking soda and vinegar (no harsh chemicals here) it shouldn't bubble and start to peel - RIGHT???!!!

So imagine my surprise when it started to bubble and peel! This is after we find out the en suite shower doesn't work (as the water dripped down the wall in the living room), most of the plugs are wired incorrectly so that a bulb ended up exploding in the office (yes, explode), the basement started to leak and then the drainpipe fell off the front of the house. *sigh* deep breath... Do you remember that movie with Tom Hanks and Shelley Long, "The Money Pit"? So far (good gracious, I'm about to jinx myself aren't I) the tub has not fallen through the roof of the living room and into the basement. Can you even imagine? You'd probably hear me screaming in Gahana and if you do, cover your children's ears 'cause it ain't going to be nice.

Anyway, back to the peeling.... So, the paint has started to peel - sometimes in little bits and other times in great big junks. And in order to lift it easier you'd think I would use some sort of tool right? Like what??!!! What exactly do you use to peel paint off a bathtub? Wait for it.....yah, that's right, finger nails! And you know what? They work pretty darn good. Shake your head, have bad thoughts, it's alright, I can take it. If someone knows of something better feel free to tell me but for now, the nails are going to have to suffice. This time tomorrow I'll be staring at an all white bathtub - white, they painted a white bathtub with a cream paint.... I can only imagine why?! Who were these people????

Swinging through the trees.

We bought our first home last summer - you've seen some pics - it's great. I love it. Of course, that doesn't stop me from looking around, you know, to see if there's anything better out there for a cheaper price, in a better neighbourhood, for less money... and ultimately, making me second guess the purchase of my new home. What I've happened upon are the fabulous treehouses out there! Have you seen these? They are green - so green they incorporate trees into their very existence. How wonderful. So, my next house is going to be one of these.... perhaps the round "Deathstar" like one or something made by the Sybarite architectural firm in London. Yes, we can swing in the trees like our ancient ancestors! Take a look - pick one and maybe in 20 years we'll be neighbours!

Check them out:
Freshome
Weburbanist
Treehugger
Inhabitant

Glasses

This is my favourite of the 3 - from www.papastour.com - pottery made in Scotland

Lovely and sleek - Ravenscroft Double Blind Tasting Glass

Don't click to enlarge! Sorry, I'm still getting the hang of this... Dansk Karin wine glass

When I graduated from university I got a job NOT in my chosen field of bio-anthropology (archeology) but rather in a china shop. Didn't I make good use of that degree? At the time I was quite happy just to have a job and be able to pay the rent (I was 23 for crying out loud, what did I know). I didn't think I would actually grow to love the job, okay, maybe not the job but definitely the china and the glassware. I have quite the collection of odds and sodds from working there and a darn good salad spinner (it's been a decade and that thing keeps spinning)! So, today the above pictures are a few glasses that I've found on-line to put your favourite wine in... okay, so don't worry if it's just a bottle of 6 dollar crap, at least you've got a nice glass!

The ladies are heading out again this evening - we'll be at the local watering hole - say "hi" if you see me - heck, buy me a drink would you?! And if you're just too far away don't let that stop you from enjoying your spirit of choice - CHEERS!

Who are you today?

I just read an article in GQ magazine on Robert Pattinson (I know, I know, enough about my Twilight obsession already) and according to the article he's just a 23 year old boy - fancy that! He's not a yummy, 17 year old vampire. Who knew?

We (maybe just me) all have assumptions of people - friends, family, ourselves - that aren't necessarily who those people really are. Is it possible for others to live up to these expectations? Do you really know who the person really is? It got me to thinking about who I'd like to be... you know, if I could take a step out of my already fabulous life and reinvent myself into someone even more fabulous! Could it even happen??? No, but give me a minute here... In my weird, fantasy world I'd be hobnobbing with the rich and famous. I'd be sure-footed and elegant. I'd be funny and smart and gorgeous! Vanity Fair would be calling me to do the cover shoot and I'd have to turn them down because I was off that week and heading to Fiji for a long needed holiday. *sigh*

In real life I'm none of these things. You wouldn't turn your head if I passed you by (oh, you might, but it would be to check out the weird stain that was stuck to my shirt or to wonder what was happening with my hair), I'm not photogenic (Vanity Fair is definitely NOT calling - even the local paper isn't calling...), and I'm not rich. I have trouble remembering what I was going to say. I don't have a Ph.D. I don't even have a Masters degree and I'm not a Doctor of Medicine, Dentistry, or Optometry. I'm not incredibly funny and sometimes, even I don't find me interesting (what the heck are you still reading this blog for???).

I admit, on occasion I do dream of the rich, fabulous life. I even dream, some days, of being able to run away and having an amazing fantasy life that others would be jealous of. But would I trade my existing life for my dreamworld? thinking.... No, no, I wouldn't. I'm very fortunate to have great friends, a wonderful family and a roof over my head. It's not perfect. It's not glamorous. I'm NOT fabulous. Occasionally I get told I'm the most beautiful woman in the world (thank you to my 4 year old)! *sigh* Sometimes life is better than the dream...... right????

A little something for my "foodie" friends.

Hello Foodies, you know who you are! I've got a quick and easy recipe for some Yummy and Nutritious French Pancakes... It's adapted from Jessica Seinfeld's recipe for Pancakes with sweet potato puree. My kids (all 3 of them) loved them and probably ate about 5 of them each - loaded with peanut butter and honey! They freeze well; place a piece of wax paper between each first thaw them in the microwave or the toaster!

Crepes:

1 cup all purpose flour (white

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp. salt

Mix these together in a bowl.

In a blender, place the following ingredients:

1/2 cup plain yogurt

2 tbsp. honey

1 cup fat free milk

2 eggs

1/2 mushed sweet potatoes (I use any leftover sw.pot. here - you could use cauliflower or pumpkin or bananas)

4 cooked baby carrots (it was all I had but I think you could probably use about 10 if you had that many)

6 prunes

3 tsp. cinnamon spice or pumpkin spice

Blend until mixed and then throw in all the dry ingredients and mix again. Add milk as needed to get a runny consistency. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes or up to an hour. If you have a crepe pan then you could use it to cook the pancakes or on a griddle put about 1/4 cup of batter and use the back of a spoon to spread the batter out until thin. This makes cooking time cut down to less than a minute on each side. You don't have to smooth it out but trust me it makes them ooh, sooo yummy and easy to roll up.

Fill with anything! Peanut butter and honey are favourites in our house but I tried it with some leftover curry today and it was yummy that way too!

The Winery Wine Shop - the day after...

www.thewinerywineshop.com

Hello all and a happy end of the week to you (I don't think I've gotten over St.Patty's day talk yet - it is fun isn't it?). The sun is shining, the curry is simmering and the boys are playing, together, outside. Life is pretty darn good. To top it off I've opened a bottle of Wooloomooloo (Shiraz) to sip while I wait for the curry. It's not all that bad. I read the back - it says, "it'll go well with any type of bold-flavored cuisine or equally well with dimly lit candles...", sounds like a winner in my book (I'm so easy to please).

An update on the night at The Winery: I'd have to say it gets a big ol' 4 stars in my book. It would have gotten a 5 if the portions of the cheese tray were a little bigger and there was chocolate sauce for the brownie (it's all about the food with me). It's a great wine bar; wonderful service, lovely ambiance, and a big fish bowl full of crackers! You actually get served at your table with what ever you've chosen for your tasting flight (oh, right, you have a choice) and the portions are not at all chincy here (have to love that). A large selection of wine and food round out what might become a regular hangout for our Thursday Night Wine League (bunch of ladies getting together = a league). I think the fact that they didn't kick us out when we started talking about our breasts (this includes hand movements and gestures) was a big part of us wanting to go back... really, this isn't a joke. Get 5 women over 30 away from their families and serve them wine, cheese and chocolate and all heck breaks loose!

So, at the end of the night and many a gesture later... we did compile a list of wines that you might enjoy. At least we enjoyed them. There were some we didn't but I'll spare you those tonight - its the weekend, start it off on a happy note!

1. Paso A Paso Tempranillo (La Mancha, Spain) $10.99 a bottle

2. Cote Alla Flora Podere Del Giuggiolo Sangiovese (Tuscany, Italy) $12.99

3. Ballentine Chemin Blanc (Napa, California) $15.99

4. Franciscan (Napa, California) $15.99

What are you drinking?

Hippity Hoppety...

Lovely Eggs at http://www.learnpysanky.com/

And here we are on Thursday already! The ladies are heading out again this evening but tonight we thought we'd try something a little different and head north to The Winery. They promise a long wine bar and leather chairs! A little different from the patio set we're used to and as a bonus, they're located right next to a Dunkin Donuts. Could be an extra special night!

While I'm there of course I'll be thinking of my family (hee hee) and how my little one is prepping for Easter already (it's not far away, I know, I know...). We had to pick up some little, paintable, ceramic eggs today and now he actually wants to paint them. Surprise! I thought they would be adorable in a little yarn basket that a friend of mine used to make (M!) and the only instructions I could find were here; however, the blog "One Pretty Thing" does have a basket made of cloth that is quite lovely but a whole lot of sewing (and remember I'm lazy and like something fast and easy).

What do you have planned for Easter? Any new crafts or ideas? We're hoping our little town has some sort of something planned for hunting eggs and eating chocolate! I love, love, love chocolate.... Lent is almost over right?

Moving.

At camp in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Woods Hole, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

Public Gardens, Spring Garden Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

A State Park in Colorado.

I've moved 11 times in my life to eleven different places, 5 different provinces, 2 different states and 2 different countries (I lived in France for two months but I'm not counting that 'cause I didn't have to change my address). For 5 of the moves I actually had some say in and I'm happy for it. Nothing sucks more than being too young to have an opinion or having an opinion that doesn't make one heck of a difference anyway. As you get older the moving can get easier, but don't kid yourself it's still very, very hard. I've often wondered if it was easier being the one left behind but as of yet I haven't been able to test this. I will eventually, but not yet.

The hardest part of moving for me has always been the leaving people behind. I've left some really great people (I'm sorry). But what makes moving so hard is also the reason I like to move. Think of all the wonderful opportunities yet to explore. The people, the memories, who you could be to these new strangers (I'm unimaginative and always end up being the same person). I think kids get this. Ever been at school when the "new kid" shows up? It's fascinating! All the talk, the stares, the gossip! What will this person have that we've been lacking? Where have they been? What new things can they teach us? What stories and adventures do they have? A good teacher will pounce on this and use the kid for a couple of weeks!

As adults we grow accustomed to our daily rituals. We're scared to try new things and new experiences are frightful. We know that it is not nearly as easy as the children make it out to be and shudder at the thought of 'moving'. Honestly, who wants to pack up all those memories and haul them across the country? But, it can be a cleansing experience. A time to whittle away at those magazines you've been saving for 5 years. A time to sell those knick knacks your granny has been buying you every christmas since you were 13 - really who needs another cow pitcher??

We've just had what I hope will be our last move for many years. I'd like my boys to experience something different than what I've had. I'd like them to be able to say, "Yah, this is my friend Luke, we've like been friends since, I don't know, like grade 1 or something...". Can you imagine marrying someone you met when you were 6? Yah, me neither. Can you imagine growing up in the same house your whole life? Yah, me neither. But, I hope they will be able to. And I hope they appreciate it. We'll still travel (A LOT); our family lives in Canada and we've got friends in many different countries - there won't be any good experiences lacking in their lives. But can you truly appreciate all of these things if you've never lost them?

Top of the Morning to you.

www.talbots.com (patent leather flip-flops - $58.00)

www.zappos.com (Donald J. Pliner - $285 that's right!)

www.sundancecatalog.com (solana sandals $328 - wait don't choke!)

Happy St. Patty's Day! I'm not Irish but I'm more than happy to celebrate with them. Green beer for everyone.

It's a lovely 67F here in Columbus today and it hasn't even hit the high for the day yet. I'm walking around in my capris thinking of ways to waste away the day. Perhaps a snooze on the lawn chair? A walk around the block, or two? Playing at the park with the boys? And yes, even a glass of wine with friends? And since it's so absolutely gorgeous one can't help but think it might be flip-flop weather. I adore flip-flops but I do think they need to be worn right. When you walk, one foot should "flip" and the other should "flop". There should be no shuffling of the feet and your toes should not, listen to me, NOT hang over the edge (ICK). They can be lovely, sporty, or elegant if done following those rules. And if you play your cards right you can find a beautiful pair for a great price that can be worn with jeans and a skirt (or shorts - if you're over 35 don't do the shorts unless you're playing golf or tennis and even then keep it decent please - Daisy Dukes are NOT for everyone despite what you've heard).

Well, I'm off. The sunshine is calling me. I apologize for missing so many days but I find it hard to believe this great weather is going to stay for very long (am I a pessimist?) and I feel like I should enjoy it while I can! Enjoy the beer! Kiss someone wearing green and may the luck of the Irish follow you on your journey.

Note: I know the flip-flops I've pictured above are a little pricey (I'd have to refinance my home to buy the Solana's) but keep in mind at the end of the season (you know, for next season) they often go clearance and if you just can't wait then check out the new lines at Target. They are wonderful, especially the Merona Elda Thongs in Black Patent! But hurry, these are so cute there won't be any left!

Wine, Wine, Wine.

We opened the bottle of Fetzner on Saturday and if you haven't rushed out to buy a bottle already then you definitely should. It's $6.99 a bottle and worth every penny, maybe even a few more. It goes down with a great body and finishes with tons of flavour. My husband and I have decided it's a case buy and so I'll be off to Giant Eagle in the next week or so to get one.

I also cracked a bottle of Oops white today and voila, another winner! I purchased it because I liked the name and the label. They carry a red as well but that will have to be blogged about at another date as I haven't yet relieved the cork!

Have you tried anything great you'd like to share? Always looking for something yummy. As the weather is warming up however I have to say I'm getting ready for having a ice cold margarita. I hope to try at least 2 of the recipes off of http://www.margaritatexas.com/. Nothing better on a warm day then nachos, salsa and a limey goodness. Cheers!

Try the Garnacha (it's even full to say)!

Wonderful night last night! House wine picked a great selection again (how would I know???). The wines were great overall - Organic and Flavourful! I could pass on the first white, a little dull in my opinion and I disliked the after-taste. The others were good however and I don't think you'd be doing an injustice if you served them to a dinner guest (or just wanted something to drink while you read this blog...). In case you missed Thursday night at house wine and would like to try putting together a little tasting of your own, here's what we had:

1. Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc ($21.99) - again, my least favourite. There's something about this winery I just don't like... but everyone else did so you might want to judge for yourself. You might want to check out their website - it's worth the chuckle!

2. Hofer Gruner Veltliner ($17.99) - a "biodynamic" winery so by drinking this you're practically saving the environment single-handedly! How conscientious of you.

3. Menguante Garnacha ($10.99) - there's no sulfites in this wine making it a great choice for those of you who get headaches from reds!

4. Yalumba Shiraz/Viognier ($10.99) - a very "green" winery and rated an 89/100 by Wine Spectator (can you say, "good buy"?)

And in case you weren't aware, at most stores you'll get an extra 10% off for buying a case - ask first (Giant Eagle does and so does House Wine).

No driveway Wine Night tonight. Just a nice, quiet night in. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Kisses to the kiddies and an extra hug from me to you!

Let's Talk about Wine Baby!

Tonight is the Wine Tasting at House Wine. They're featuring an organic farm here in Ohio - Wayward Seed Farms - and a few organic wineries. I don't think I've had the ones featured before so I'm quite looking forward to having a sample or two or three (who are we kidding, it'll be more like four). The one other bottle of organic wine that I have had (I'm sorry I can't remember what it was...ack!) wasn't my favourite - a little too flat. Hopefully, these wineries will *wow* me with their flavours.

Of course, the anticipation of trying a few new wines got me thinking of all the wines I'm missing out on and I just had to buy something new when I went to the store. And so, the new additions to my now fairly low stocked (*gasp*) wine collection are:
Cycles Gladiator (pinot noir) - but of course!
Da Vinci (chianti)
Fetzer (cab.) - it's a 9 time winner of "Winery of the Year" by Wine & Spirits magazine. Should be good right?

I also checked out a few others I'm hoping to try in the near future (and a few I've had before). If you've had one by all means, leave a comment so that the rest of us know what we're getting into!

Greg Norman (pinot noir) $17.99 - Californian, I'm pretty sure there used to be an Australian line as well...
Sketchbook (pinot noir) $18.99 - I've had this. It's wonderful; a bit pricey though.
Francis Coppola (zinfandel) $14.99 - Good movies = good wine? Who knows?
House Wine (red - that's it) $10.99 - this is a good everyday wine. I think it might be cheaper at House Wine (the store, not the wine, they're not related, it's all very confusing) for those of you who live in Columbus.
Genesis (syrah) $14.99 - someone I know has had this!
Joe Blow Red - sorry didn't get the price, I was too busy chasing after a ball in the middle of Giant Eagle (who's smart idea was it to put up a "fake" basketball court to sell Coke??). Anyway, I like the name of this don't you?

And if this isn't enough, hop on over to Wine Spectator where they have a Daily Wine List! Isn't that great?

Exercise is highly overrated

On Wednesdays I have a window of exercising opportunity of 2 hours. 2 hours! That's a lot of time to run, row or lift weights. I'm not an enthusiast per se but I occasionally enjoy breaking a sweat and thinking that I'm extending my life by at least a day (more time to drive the rest of the world batty). I also find it a good way to de-stress and think - yes, think - it's amazing the problems that you can solve while running on a treadmill! Today however, I ran into a friend as I was heading to the gym and she's been trying to update her bedroom all week. Not an easy task by yourself and not all that fun either.

And so, today I helped put the primer on the lovely pink walls she had - a nice soft apartment pink - I'm sure she's truly sad to see it go... Now, the wall are a beautiful primer white and just waiting ever so patiently for the chosen colour. What will it be? Yah, she hasn't picked it yet but perhaps she could use a hand when she does!

Pictures from: www.livingetc.com and desiretoinspire.blogspot.com

On a side note, check out Chic and Charming Feb. 17th - she too has a little crush on Rob Pattison but she's thinking of moving to Tibet. Find out why!

Tech. Tuesday

Amazingly enough I spend a lot of time on the internet - A LOT. I surf, I read, I giggle. And as I'm doing this I find tons of stuff that I put into my favourites section. Some of it makes it on my blog as 'beautiful blogs' or 'a few of my favourite sites on-line' and some of it doesn't; some of it I work into my everyday blogs and hopefully you venture out and check some of it out. They really can be interesting. And yes, some of it isn't going to work in your everyday lives (really, who would spend $1000 on a lamp for crying out loud) but take a look anyway. Well, today I decided to list a few of the sites I've enjoyed. Click, perhaps it'll give you a little more insight into my dream world! Hope you enjoy too.

Are you into running? Then here you'll be able to map a run.

Some of you commented that you liked the idea of being able to make your own journal. This company allows you to make your own book! Isn't that simply wonderful?

Okay, this is just fun - get your kids involved - or your husband!

For Robin, and anyone else looking for some simple and interesting dinner ideas, check out The Dinner Files (hopefully a little different than the X-Files...).

Want to jazz up those photos you're going to use in your book? How about aging them or adding some effects?

And lastly, I like this little online store. It's lovely - check out the bunny slippers and the little purses! Nice.

This isn't everything I've got. Check back next Tuesday to see if I add any others. And until then, I'm going to sit still for a few minutes, check facebook (addict?), drink my Tazo Tea, and watch some Noggin (love it).

Work or Pleasure?

The white dresser I'm refinishing. It's was a bit chipped and ugly. I'm stripping the paint of the front and just leaving the edging in the white.

Good find or junk? All the drawers are there and the hardware. And yes, my garage is a mess too - cleaning it up is on the list!

Alright, it's time. I've put it off all winter - it's been too cold to work in the garage. But now, spring is almost here, temperatures are picking up, and I'm in desperate need of a desk. I'm writing with my computer set up on an ottoman and I'm sitting on the floor...

So, I found the above desk on the side of the road this fall and I thought it would be perfect painted black and set in my guest room. Imagine new hardware as well - not sure about which type yet - what do you think? Wouldn't it be great in the fireplace room near the window - easier to keep an eye on the kids! I also have a dresser I have to finish. Hmm... sounds like a fun week doesn't it? Anyone want to come help?

Spring?

The Tulips in my yard.
Don't you just love Tevas?

I think Spring might be here. Friday and Saturday were marvelous days - both warm, partly sunny and filled with energy and happiness. I cleaned, cleaned and cleaned some more and I would almost, at this time, almost, be able to have strangers into my house without shuddering to think what they might find in the far reaches of the room. The dust bunnies have been battled and conquered (until next week). The spiderwebs have been removed from the light fixtures. The baseboards are still covered in dust but seriously, I'm not getting down on to the floor to scrub them so too bad.

One of the other bonus' to spring, you know, aside from me getting off my butt and cleaning, is Friday Night Driveway Wine Night. A Holiday you ask, why yes, sort of. FNDWN is the night when people in my neighbourhood - my husband, K, R and I - get together and sit in the driveway and drink wine and chat about our week. It's wonderful. We talk and vent. I yell at my husband. My neighbours laugh. We drink wine (sometimes bad wine -ick) and eat stuff that we try not to eat for the rest of the week (Oh, except on Thursday Night Wine Night with the girls - hmm... I see a trend here...). It's nice to live in an area where your neighbours are good friends and it's a relaxed atmosphere.

It does however, make me miss some of the good friends I've made in my many stops along the way. I reminisced about a few places I've been with them - The Pub, The Intowner, Lulus, the Split Crow, Pappys Corner Pub (to name a few- yes, there's more). And of course, it's not about the buildings but more about the times I had with my friends. Like FNDWN and Thursday nights with the girls, it's always about more than the food and drink, it's about the memories and the laughs. I never had sisters when I was growing up (I do now, they are just little) and my brothers were both too old to hang out with their little sister and so, my friends became more than friends, they became my family. A lot of pressure for my new friends, I wonder if they know what they're in for (as I'm never moving again!).

So, here's to Spring - may you not be too fleeting, here's to friends and here's to flip-flops! May summer be right around the corner!

Friday is here!

Go out! Get out of the house NOW! Oh, wait. In Columbus right now it's +17C (62F)! It's practically summer here. The kids have played outside all day and I was able to go for a run without a jacket, toque, mitts, sweater.... well, you get the idea. Just a t-shirt and running capris. *sigh* It was wonderful (the fact that my neighbour was with me was an added bonus)! And so, for today I am saying "Adieu". Have a good evening ladies (I'd say gentlemen as well but I'm not sure I have any male readers - aside from my husband). Enjoy your wine, as I will. Hopefully tomorrow I can pull myself from this lovely weather and write just a little bit more.

A few Observations.

You can find this journal at L2 Design Collective and they have so much more worth looking at!

A few of the snacks from our Thursday night get-togethers.

Happy Thursday!

Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog and thank you as well for the great comments! In regard to the post on Beauty - I should have mentioned what I find nice about myself but thought I'd give you all time to ponder the question first. There's always things that irk me when I look in the mirror - like when did those lines get so deep around my eyes, mouth, neck, etc. But, generally, I'm still liking my hair (except when I was pregnant and it started to fall out - ick) and since I started running I have to say I adore, yes adore, my calves! It was great to know everyone could think of just one thing so that when you have those days (and I know we all have them) that you just think "ACK!" you can try to focus on that one thing and hopefully it will make your day that much better.

And now, I thought I'd share with you a few thoughts I had while I was waiting for Ellie to finish his swimming lesson on Tuesday. I almost always have to write something down whenever I'm out so I've started carrying a little notebook with me (If you think this is a good idea then you might want to consider carrying one too. Here's an example - or here- or here and of course, here).

Do you ever have those days when you wake up and the smile is already there? The rose coloured glasses are in place - You could throw your arms up and spin and jump up and down in a room full of strangers and not care?!

- A dad plays with his child in the pool and you can see the love in his eyes.

- Squeals of delight as the baby flies in the air.

- Splash, splash, splash, blowing bubbles and marvelling at the wonders of water.

- On days like these you wonder how it is that the world is at war, poverty exists and global destruction is so rampant.

- A mother-to-be glowing, smiling, waving at a friends baby.

- A little girl, maybe 4?, supposed to be learning to swim but she can't listen. The pull to swish the water is too great. The teacher "barks" at her but she smiles and splashes some more.

- Outside the sun shines. Gold light, blue skies, reflections in the glass. Shadows on the ground.

- A little boy stands besides the slide, almost hidden behind a beam. He's eating animal crackers and watching the other boys swim. Does he want to be swimming too? He doesn't look sad, just pensive.

- The simple beauty that should make you happy - that should open your eyes and make you thankful for being able to exist. Do you see it? Do you see the children trying so hard to learn, to please you? Do you see the little boy who just jumped into the pool with all his might and determination? Do you see his smile? Do you see his light shining?

- Always stand up straight, shoulders back. Only round your shoulders if you're guilty or you've wronged someone intentionally. Confidence and self-respect and a smile are not only catchy but attractive. You don't have to be skinny or tall or smart; a simple smile and straight back will change the way you view the world. Try it.

- Don't just smile with your mouth. Smile with your eyes.

Beauty

I have a bit of a question for you today. You don't have to answer right away; if you'd like to think about it that's fine as well.
Alright, ready?

Name one thing about you that you think is beautiful - and it has to be external. Something that everyone can see. Something that no matter who is looking at you they will think it's amazing. Not an easy assignment? Not something that you think about all the time? I don't believe that.
I bring this up for a few reasons: 1. Because my friends and I were talking about body image this weekend (Ser wrote about it on her blog). 2. Because this is a big topic for girls and boys - who are we kidding? My son already talks about how his eyes are beautiful (It runs in my husbands side of the family. His eyes and his brothers and their aunts are gorgeous!). 3. Because in Twilight (yes, see how big this book is in my life right now? Sad.) Edward loves Bella no matter what she looks like; even though in her eyes she's so very flawed. And he too believes he's flawed because he's a "monster" (*sigh*) and can't possibly be good enough for her.
Now the reason I'm asking you to look on the outside is because internally we are all beautiful are we not? I'd like to believe that anyway. For those of you that are my friends, trust me, you're gorgeous, internally and externally - I'm very picky about my friends... You are kind-hearted, trust-worthy, and funny. And on the outside you shine and make my day brighter every time I'm with you. Thank you.

The "Twilight" Zone

I'm officially in it. I have a secret - or not so secret depending on who you are - I love the Twilight Saga. LOVE!!! I've read all the books and finally seen the first movie. And now, I'm living in la-la-Twilight zone. Luckily, there's nothing more until Stephanie Meyer changes her mind and writes either a fifth book (we'd read it) or continues her work on Midnight Sun (thank you to whomever leaked it - really, we're not hooked and wouldn't have enjoyed reading a whole book vs. just 265 pages). This way, I can go on not ignoring my friends and family. And now, I should probably start working on all the house work I've been letting go astray. I should probably start painting, fixing and wallpapering. I should...

Wait, I own the books... Umm, gotta go, I think Book 4 is calling me...

P.S. In the time I had, not reading, I made the cookies I mentioned in the previous post. Not as 'fluffy' as I had hoped but yummy just the same.