12 days of Christmas

Get your thinking caps on! The Twelve Days of Christmas are fast approaching (like, tomorrow people) and I've yet to come up with a theme. I'm feeling the stress. What should we focus on this year? Something fruity? Something fun? Traditional?

Comments (nice ones please 'tis the season and all) are welcome and appreciated!

And Christmas fast approaches....

The stairs still don't have the poly on them. But how can I even think of that when Little Drummer Boy is playing. Enjoy. This boy is 16 years old (or so the article said) and extremely talented. Little 8 pound baby Jesus would be smiling in his manger.

Some Things I Found Today.

Never one to shy away from hours of Internet surfing, I've happened upon a few sites that I am now particularly fond of.

The first is an up and coming designer, Catalina Rozo. Check out the Market Grown bags. How great would it be to have one of those for the market here in Worthington? Alas, the bags are only sold by the farmers in Alachua County, FL. Maybe one of my creative friends will think of a way to whip one of these up right here. I tag you!

I originally found the bags on the dieline. The first blog entry that I read was for a label created for 337 - wine... You just have to be on board for anything that has to do with wine. The blog is more about package design but I judge a book by it's cover and that's probably why I enjoyed this so much.

Taking another step back and it brings us to House8810. I'm all in a dizzy over their retro 70's look; especially, but not limited to, these awesome Days of the Week Towels. How cute! It's a great place to look if you need a little something, something, for a new house that you may be considering... ;)

AND THEN, I came across pinterest. It's a website dedicated to keeping whatever you're interested in. And the bonus: you can check out what everyone else has found. There are some wonderful, wonderful ideas. It's just amazing. And when you click on a picture it will take you somewhere else. LOVE IT. I could spend days (and probably will) just going through everyones posts.

You thought your day was going to be empty. You're welcome. I'm off to go find some of that 337 and stare at pictures. Something tells me I'm going to have to sell something in order to afford the wine and the stuff in the pictures....

Someone's a little Green

Thank you Apple Photo Booth for supplying my family with hours of fun... really, hours...

That nasty flu-bug has made it's way into my house. The one person that got the shot (above) is Mr.E. Guess who's doing his best Exorcist impression all morning? Luckily he didn't have split pea soup for dinner last night or I'd be high-tailing it out of my house! Kidding....

Since I'm not going anywhere today I've been catching up with my blog reading and surfing and I've found a billion ideas and items that I could do/want. If you haven't been over to School House Electric in a while might I suggest you do? The bare bulbs are enough to send me swooning. And have you checked out Leah's apartment? I WANT those brick walls!!! But I'd settle for that television hutch. How awesome is that?!

My surfing led me to Graphics Fairy and I do believe I'm going to make me a few new pillows soon (like maybe next year) or wouldn't it be lovely to blow up that Birds Nest (Jan25/11) and put it on a duvet cover? So many ideas, so little energy.

The child is calling... he wants lunch. *sigh*

New Favourites!

In case my love for Anthropologie hasn't been made previously (somewhere back in 2008 - I'm not looking for it...), I would just like to state now that I LOVE Anthropologie. Really. I'm not just saying that so Karyn won't be mad at me (or Rob... or Alex...). In fact, I have lust for almost every pair of boots currently posted on the website. The above ones in particular. I think they would look fabulous on me. Yes, now that I've thought about it a little bit more I'm sure of it.

And this cardigan would match those boots perfectly! I'd be stunning. I'd stop traffic - for good reasons, not because I was talking on my cell phone and not paying attention to the darn lights (I digress).... And while I was wearing those beautiful boots with the oh, so lovely cardigan I could lounge on my couch with a glass of The Prisoner in my hand and *sigh* at Benedict Cumberbatch in the new Sherlock Holmes series on PBS. *Sigh* What an absolutely perfect evening that would be. Now, if only I knew someone that worked for Athropologie that could get me those boots at a crazy ass discount... hmmm....

K - got ya smilin' yet?

What I've been reading.

Most people read books, magazines and bathroom stalls. Me, I'm too busy surfing the net these days looking for useful information. I don't always find it but I've been lucky enough to stumble across some of these great blogs. So, if you got the time, which I know you don't but I know you've got a procrastination streak like me, grab a mug of Earl Grey and surf away.

1. Sue Brown: "I'm a busy mum of 3, have 1 very understanding husband and have far too many creative addictions to mention." You can also visit her here.
2. Nina's Kitchen. I suspect the Bobotie recipe from March 1st will be on my dinner list next week. It looks fabulous!
3. The Witches Kitchen: "The Witches Kitchen is a collection of bits and bobs that I have found over time. Not all sources are known, but when known then credit will be given.. Blessings and welcome ..." Okay, I was sold on the name. I was also sold on all the '.......' she uses in her writing. Tons of great recipes and bits and bobs.
4. Rhonda Hetzel: "I write about my ordinary day to day life of working in the home, vegetable and fruit gardening, slowing down and being mindful, cooking simple food, keeping chickens and worms, composting, green cleaning, stockpiling and preserving."
5. King Arthur Flour: Not only do they have some really great looking recipes but this particular recipe for Cheese Buns looks fantastic! Someone needs to make these and share with me. Mmmm... don't they look delicious?
6. My French Kitchen: "Life in a kitchen is an everyday audition and here I telltale of my surrender to the failures, the successes, the hitches and pleasures and always joyous gatherings that life in a kitchen forks out."
7. The Perfect Pantry: This blog is the perfect introduction to tomorrows' blog where I show you my own pantry dilemmas....

Ho Hum....

As I sit here and watch the snow fly (geez, I'm sure getting tired of talking about all this snow) I'm also contemplating the idea my family was throwing around about Lent. Each year we try to explain to the kids just what lent is. Since we aren't devote Catholics or even strict Christians, I'm pretty sure we lose something in the translation and more due to the brief nature of our explanation than anything else: Jesus in the desert for 40 days & 40 nights contemplating his worthiness of God; as well as an anthropological explanation, (have to use that degree somehow) that perhaps it's also a way to combine faith and the need for survival (for example: the people were starting to run out of food and fasting was a way to extend the food supplies).

My children's response was, "So, it's kinda like us on our budget then?". I'm thinking they get it - well, at least they get the anthropological explanation anyway...

Alrighty then... we've decided, as a family, that in order to get that full feeling of Lent we're going to give up buying anything that isn't a total necessity (are you rolling your eyes yet). Easy enough right?

Now, here's the hard part: What exactly is a necessity? Does that mean I shouldn't be buying dishwasher detergent when I could make due with washing the plates by hand? But what about the environment? Washing dishes in the dishwasher can actually be better than washing by hand. And what about birthdays and anniversaries? What do you do when people ask you to go to the show or out for coffee? How do you handle 'pre-existing' appointments?

Don't get me wrong, I don't think everything costs money - far from it! There are tons of things we can do that are better for us, better for the family and probably better for the environment (bye, bye plastic bags...). Where I can do these things I will - if I'm not already. But as a family? Even I'm shaking my head and down right laughing...

By the way, are chocolate and wine necessities??!!!

And it snowed...

It snowed and it's still snowing. I've never been one to let the weather get me down so to brighten the day up, I made pink soup (purple E. says). It was delicious - E. finished the bowl and shared only 2 tablespoons with me. I think he ate it just because he thought it was a cool colour but I tricked him - it was full of nutrients too (potatoes, beets, sweet potato and home-made broth).

Also, I made homemade granola to boot! Look at me, all this energy and soon I'm going to weigh 300 pounds. The granola is a combination of recipes from Smitten Kitchen and Miserly Moms by Jonni McCoy.

Now, because I always need another project and because I keep reading these blogs by people who actually use the stuff in their house for a project (what?! crazy talk...) I decided to make a new comforter for E.'s bed. What I've started thus far is to take the crib skirt apart (with matching bumper pads and comforter - oh, weren't we funny) in order to join those parts to aforementioned comforter. Seems like an easy task and with luck I could have this done by this evening... Oh, how I make myself giggle.

This is the matching comforter and bumper pads. The bumper pads I might make into some throw pillows or something. Whatcha think?

(The blogs with those crafty people can be found on your right hand side. Go ahead, take a gander but don't blame me if you start taking bumper pads apart and creating flour sacks.)

Whatcha been doin'?

We've been raking leaves (a LOT of leaves),
Building lego ships,

Baking Bundts,

Feeling the fall breeze blowing in our faces,

And just snuggling on the couch. Wathcha been doin'?

One more.

Just wanted to show you how happy my coffee looks on my new desk. I think it likes it there...

ACK!

Gourmet magazine is folding! Did you know this? I'm a subscriber and have been for the last year (I wanted to wait to until I could read it in my own home before I subscribed, that'll teach me) - before that I checked the magazine out from the library and read through the pages just to find the "right" recipe to inspire me. This weekend it was the oven baked pretzel nuggets from the October issue (DELICIOUS). I've travelled all over the world with the writers of Gourmet. I thought it would be fun to actually go on a holiday and try to stop at all the little dives they go to. *sigh* Alas, they are no more and now I'm going to have to find a new magazine. Are the days of paper magazines gone? I REALLY dislike reading a magazine online. It just doesn't have the same appeal.

In the same regard, I have a fear that books in general are going to go as well. I cringe every time I see the commercial advertising the Kindle. Double ACK! How can you curl up in a cozy chair and fall into the pages of a Kindle? Yah, I know, they said the same thing about shopping on the World Wide Web. Although I love sending my thoughts out there for my friends to read I'm still not cyber suave. Heck, I'm still trying to get a hold on how to work my microwave and don't get me started on cable...

I'm not ready for the future. I'm not ready to let go of my travel companions at Gourmet. Sadly, it doesn't matter. It's all moving ahead anyway isn't it?

A New Blog to ponder...

...While I finish up my desk - and no, I really didn't procrastinate yesterday and I have the black fingers to prove it!

I'm using spray paint to paint the desk (don't gasp or shake your head at me). I thought it would be easier. I thought it would cover those hard to reach areas easier. I though the whole process would go, well, easier. It's not. My right arm barely works - I think I'm slowly pulling a ligament and now my last 3 digits barely respond to my brain. It's like this one time I tried to water ski and couldn't use both my arms from the elbows down... whole other story and not one I'm proud of.

Anyway, I went out and bought 2 more cans of paint and I'm putting them on right now. Really, I am and while I do that you should read Julie at Towards Sustainability. I think she's a smart lady and she's got a great recipe for crackers! I made them and I have to say they're lovely! I added 1/4 Cup Rye flour and 2 Tbsp of flax seeds. YUMMERS! So, sit back, stop folding the laundry for just a minute and browse her site!

A little so long.

Is there any woman over 30 that didn't want to be Baby? If you say "No" you're lying. The way that man moved his hips was enough to make anyone go weak in the knees. And what about throwing some clay? Yah, you know you wanted to do that too. I thought we were supposed to be afraid of Ghosts. *sigh*

Good-bye Mr. Swayze. Save a dance for me.

Somethings you might like:

Others you might not. Check out some of the other blogs/sites I've found on the Internet. It's just a wealth of knowledge! So exciting. So fun.

A Contest? Why, sure! It's in Oregon - I know someone out there will love this. You have to make your own video however... *sigh* that sounds like work...

101 Cookbooks. It's got healthy stuff so this is really more of a blog about nutritional crap. The recipes look good just the same but I'm sure there's nothing fake in them. Darn, I so like fake stuff. The marathon cookies look good...

A blog on Canadian Baking! Oh, say it isn't so - but yet, it is! Hurray. Not too much in there that seems Canadian however, just the baker. There is a recipe called Pink Sin that sounds divine. Mmm, pink sin. "Ferb, I know what we're doing today!"

How about a recipe for Oreo Cookie Cheesecake with whole Oreos for a crust? Oh, yes, that does sound divine doesn't it? Then you need to check out Bake or Break - more my style. I think she's a little behind - something about a job taking up her time. What's that all about and really, why would you do that to yourself?

And Nigella Lawson. She's lovely, a seemingly great cook and seductive all in one swoop. It's just amazing. She's British so watch out she does use "fat" ingredients and butter but sometimes you just can't do without.

Possibly the best Peanut Sauce EVER! So yummy - probably even better if Amy cooked it for me and did my dishes, wiped the counters, fed the dog, put the kids to bed... I suppose that's asking a little too much from a blogger I've never even met (maybe borders on a little stalkerish).

I may have mentioned this site before: http://www.miserlymoms.com/index.html - not only good for recipes of varying degrees but also great for the budget conscious! You'll find great tips for being frugal on other things besides just food (that's only half the battle isn't it)?


I hope you enjoy. I know, I know, I know - I spend way too much time on the Internet and not enough time cleaning my house, cooking, doing laundry and all of the other stuff I'm supposed to be doing but I don't mind so neither should you! Life's too short to do chores everyday.

Want one?

Putty and his new family (photo copied from Columbus Cocker Rescue site)

Did I say how much I love having Putty with us? He's just a doll. He listens. He's housebroken and he sleeps in his little bed without any problems at all. He loves all of us - well, he's warming to the kids - they're loud, I get his apprehension. It's also nice to have something to snuggle with that doesn't wiggle about. I forgot how much I liked having a pet around. And so I feel that all of you deserve a pet of some sort of your very own. I'm pushy.

Just please, don't go to a pet store (unless they have pets from the shelter - ie. PetSmart) and DO NOT go to a puppy mill (please, oh please don't do that). I understand the draw of a puppy - they're cute. Keep in mind they will grow up and they won't stay a puppy forever! And in case you choose to go the puppy route, remember that the chewing, peeing in your house, and whining will eventually (hopefully) stop. Be patient. However, if you're going to get a puppy look online at a shelter or a rescue group in your area or even a reputable breeder. It's amazing how many little creatures out there don't have homes. And don't limit yourself to a dog (though I'm obviously biased). Check out the lizards, bunnies, rodents and other such animals available! Yep, the sky's the limit!

*Giggle, Snort, Giggle*

(photo courtesy of some place on the Internet where you can buy posters)

It could have been the cold/allergies. It could have been the Hot Toddy (mmmm...). It could have been that Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott are just freaking funny! A. and I watched "Role Models" last night - be aware that this is NOT intended for children. I haven't laughed that hard at a movie in ages! I was literally doubled over in laughter. And I think it was for no other reason than the movie had great comedic actors; even the children make you laugh, which is saying something 'cause I'm not always a big fan of child actors (that's a whole other topic). It doesn't have a huge plot - it's not cinematic genius but if you're just looking for something to watch on a Saturday night then this is a sure hit. I was delightfully surprised.

Love at any age.

Two weeks ago my father-in-law, G, remarried. He's a wonderful, caring, outgoing man. Unfortunately, he's been a widower for twelve long years. And then, as fate would have it, S came into his life. I don't know her that well, but at first glance I'd have to say she's also a lovely person. He's happier than I've seen him in a long time - and as far as I can tell, so is she. How lovely to find someone you love twice in one lifetime.

The 1st Annual...

Mark your calendars. Book your plane tickets for next year. Today is the 1st Annual Bocce Ball Pierogi Off in Worthington. What is that you say? Why, it's a bunch of neighbours getting together to cook pierogies and have fun - you too can join in but not until next year for this years ticket is all booked up!

If you don't know what a Pierogi is than you should google it and find out and quite frankly, if you don't know what it is then we really aren't that good of friends are we? I've made pierogies for several of my friends though probably not for those living in my home town as I never needed to cook when I lived there (I lived with my mom). And I'm not the best pierogi maker - it's some polish lady, of this I'm sure, but I may be the best pierogi maker this side of 161. That's what today is for. I think there's 3 of us making them and a whole lot more eating them! Should be a great evening. We're all capping it off with a trip to the Worthington Green to listen to Mr. Jim Masters and his friends sing out the weekend.

Hope your Sunday is filled with potato, cheese, onion and bacon and a little diddy being sung by someone you know!

Hoser

I have a confession. Are you ready? Are you bracing yourself? Alright, here it is: I'm Canadian! It's true. And so I wish you all a Happy Canada Day (it was yesterday but I was so busy enjoying it I didn't have time to blog). On Canada Day everywhere Canadians wake up to a busy day of BBQ and beer. There's probably a parade, some fireworks and inevitably, more beer. It's a grand tradition and one I miss terribly. One year, when I was young and probably stupid, I even flew home early from Europe so I could spend Canada Day with my friends. It's true and it was lame. I'm pretty sure we did nothing exciting and there probably wasn't even beer.

Now that I'm older and not living in my country I'd like to say that I'd never do that again but I would. I miss my home - not always 'cause there's no Target there - and I miss all those things that make Canadians Canadian - though I don't think you miss those things unless you do without them. So, I've compiled a list of things that I miss....

1. Canadian chocolate.

2. Canadian beer

3. cough medicine

4. persians (a hometown favourite)

5. the Hoito

6. RCMP

7. The Big Nickel

8. French/English bilingualism

9. Metric

10. BBC's Coronation Street (yah, I know it's British but we get it in Canada and it's sort of an icon just the same).

And no mention of Hockey? I believe it is understood. I love, love, love Hockey Night in Canada (or at least the old anthem) - it's a Canadian tradition if ever there was one. But, I'm married to a hockey player, I have two sons that play hockey (in the yard) and I live in a town that has an NHL team - it's still in my life so I won't bore you with it...

Ah, the Weekend...

What do you have planned for the weekend? Maybe a sit down dinner with some friends? Be sure to wear your good ruffled blouse (sorry Jen - it's a gorgeous dress!). Don't the boys look like their mine? Nope, their not - that's my husband in the brown suit and his little brother sitting next to him - their cousins, Jen and Jeff are across the table.

We have nothing planned (oh, surprise considering this is usually what we do on the weekend) and quite frankly, it seems to work out for us. My husband cuts the grass (we have an electric mower and a large lawn so this takes a whole day), the kids play (like they usually do - bicker, bicker, bicker) and I tend to go around and cut the edging with scissors (yes, scissors, we don't have an edger and I can't get at my little mounds with one anyway). I know this all sounds so romantic and you're all insanely jealous!

Hope you have a good one even if you too break out the scissors. Sing a little diddy while you do it and it will be amazing how fast the time flies.