tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50209022024-03-23T11:14:12.525-07:00seeing dotsMary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.comBlogger431125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-53202246112215768142014-08-31T23:19:00.000-07:002014-08-31T23:19:41.387-07:00She remembered watching a summer sunset ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5EgwK5RCLhEe2pyR13RnqlMWDCz37iDh08UCMIB2F4AhoXd1A7gPAtwYAhiqbEjTR8lPgmZgQ-2UilXaabPuFTQe3hzeC0DIeWO6sqfsS3ve-ZkHVgq9tFiqjrLHbnQ55b_AxA/s1600/IMG_5101a-smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5EgwK5RCLhEe2pyR13RnqlMWDCz37iDh08UCMIB2F4AhoXd1A7gPAtwYAhiqbEjTR8lPgmZgQ-2UilXaabPuFTQe3hzeC0DIeWO6sqfsS3ve-ZkHVgq9tFiqjrLHbnQ55b_AxA/s1600/IMG_5101a-smaller.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-78094382069325947062014-08-31T23:16:00.001-07:002014-08-31T23:16:55.425-07:00Stay Gold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-61320717689391931822014-08-31T23:10:00.001-07:002014-08-31T23:10:49.581-07:00At the Cabin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-71298821126335346472012-07-22T23:11:00.005-07:002012-07-22T23:13:19.043-07:00Summer ... finally!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We just got back from an amazing week at the beach on the east coast of Vancouver Island. We rented a beach house with another family, met up with 2 other families and had the best time ever! Part way through Jacob announced that he wanted to live here forever.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the deck of our beach house</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rathtrevor Beach, Vancouver Island. You can walk for miles and the water is crazy shallow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why follow the path when you can climb over it?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We played in the ocean for hours.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And sat on the beach for hours as well. Isn't it amazing?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We built awesome sandcastles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And went on fabulous rainforest hikes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XLePk73JmAVk4owu_YthkEeeL2kQwBV5-hh8nwcfkL9qGOWIMvCi4JUcLhAbs8asrJuO-V0m89Qy9heToAm1IYAeDRNeXaeEhSLNmT1mnWuSEsB0dHyltv4hThcHyDZv8UP9Cw/s1600/IMG_1593a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XLePk73JmAVk4owu_YthkEeeL2kQwBV5-hh8nwcfkL9qGOWIMvCi4JUcLhAbs8asrJuO-V0m89Qy9heToAm1IYAeDRNeXaeEhSLNmT1mnWuSEsB0dHyltv4hThcHyDZv8UP9Cw/s640/IMG_1593a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every night we were treated to an amazing sunset.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZpF3m912Aq9y5eyJF9VPhsQJ8G1HAmLKtNL191JxBtctIm2qmS83diq2pNdem1iAYIxeI7qO8_KJ6OnTx4Xh-9NLKucSl_wnENZP9EYmpwMuTpueIfaI91ug8Ma2psEoP67WYQ/s1600/IMG_1609a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZpF3m912Aq9y5eyJF9VPhsQJ8G1HAmLKtNL191JxBtctIm2qmS83diq2pNdem1iAYIxeI7qO8_KJ6OnTx4Xh-9NLKucSl_wnENZP9EYmpwMuTpueIfaI91ug8Ma2psEoP67WYQ/s640/IMG_1609a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These geese went out for the day every morning and came back every evening at sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPBWLFp2y6RvtvK9LHTHFP-vmcEIIo6P00emAdjI1qOsFkNmbW1MLKyIQjrlxPMQeeWB4x2mDd6HDY19BwLDJnq7QZ37_espIQFya-xHGB5i9pv4GV9CBIbiIseeHRboCAgMaWQ/s1600/IMG_1562a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPBWLFp2y6RvtvK9LHTHFP-vmcEIIo6P00emAdjI1qOsFkNmbW1MLKyIQjrlxPMQeeWB4x2mDd6HDY19BwLDJnq7QZ37_espIQFya-xHGB5i9pv4GV9CBIbiIseeHRboCAgMaWQ/s640/IMG_1562a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand dollars were everywhere.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GbcJl9BxLM7YAYmc0_umHXZmeBr1bq4F537yegzHSKF-q7BrFE_g9xo8ezo0r14Jy2eHqqKr_PU3Q8nGoUasvrDYnqjVOa0HMYbtpgSA6SSPxvF_eFaHeR0iCO8TN7HuonmIkw/s1600/IMG_1510a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GbcJl9BxLM7YAYmc0_umHXZmeBr1bq4F537yegzHSKF-q7BrFE_g9xo8ezo0r14Jy2eHqqKr_PU3Q8nGoUasvrDYnqjVOa0HMYbtpgSA6SSPxvF_eFaHeR0iCO8TN7HuonmIkw/s640/IMG_1510a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This oyster catcher let me get nice and close! Love his red beak and eyes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2jHlx6KnTsSRWLDP5gZDXizOjNmO94puwFGcJzuWL2HLE76yE1UqTcEX06P_qhVEOuVEsTgUPmY_398mJqN0050m5IE9-XadiQKMpSYfvNMZE8bqIqGZ-yi9mQT1iiZD94vTBw/s1600/IMG_1631a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2jHlx6KnTsSRWLDP5gZDXizOjNmO94puwFGcJzuWL2HLE76yE1UqTcEX06P_qhVEOuVEsTgUPmY_398mJqN0050m5IE9-XadiQKMpSYfvNMZE8bqIqGZ-yi9mQT1iiZD94vTBw/s640/IMG_1631a.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was lots of time for being silly!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSBFR6czbM2w5rkYQbmy0sSnl9Wjz7v_z68xhwyMbLvMNBk5eLS5DuXE8t5jZUDAxLXAYSAA8MRy3k1LSuS0PAwpIZB0kgDkN_rzZ20zGksDcxUvJlvMBK3kMa_48_zdaaRNTVA/s1600/IMG_1663a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSBFR6czbM2w5rkYQbmy0sSnl9Wjz7v_z68xhwyMbLvMNBk5eLS5DuXE8t5jZUDAxLXAYSAA8MRy3k1LSuS0PAwpIZB0kgDkN_rzZ20zGksDcxUvJlvMBK3kMa_48_zdaaRNTVA/s640/IMG_1663a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another amazing sunset.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZJJGJx_7qCf6idFc0nbrv7biXd-F_eZCXvPYRW7h3t4YLDPLe9zU0fxVVo9KjltA6RqgwJwZKzRYuQasR9_2Eu3NLfodhyphenhyphen_C0cQHBJVZrC0p4X0rWb9tiRVfR443ozao1siWZA/s1600/IMG_1902b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZJJGJx_7qCf6idFc0nbrv7biXd-F_eZCXvPYRW7h3t4YLDPLe9zU0fxVVo9KjltA6RqgwJwZKzRYuQasR9_2Eu3NLfodhyphenhyphen_C0cQHBJVZrC0p4X0rWb9tiRVfR443ozao1siWZA/s640/IMG_1902b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what happens when your Mom forgets your bathing suit and tells you NOT to get wet!</td></tr>
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Best vacation ever! We can't wait until next year to go back.<br />
<br />Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-29895376061001908822012-06-16T22:38:00.000-07:002012-07-22T22:38:43.197-07:005 years ... and counting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When, by the way, did a birthDAY turn into a birthWEEK? Our week, in
atypical fashion, has been scheduled and busy. I usually try not to
schedule too much in a week, besides swimming and soccer and gymnastics
(it sounds busier than it is), but this past week was a little bits
nuts. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqij-s3ExlhGanprwepnTvuAGV2r6kQW8r9cljUyWTu0ujvnvv0l1dDi-q_eKggYEr7wPu_yjLXykY9pYLE4UXc9Dw-4J4RxHBbfzlCOkUdw9gYLKBoWaxTkRn4NxMqn5_5Y9-wQ/s1600/2012-06-09+08.33.20.a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqij-s3ExlhGanprwepnTvuAGV2r6kQW8r9cljUyWTu0ujvnvv0l1dDi-q_eKggYEr7wPu_yjLXykY9pYLE4UXc9Dw-4J4RxHBbfzlCOkUdw9gYLKBoWaxTkRn4NxMqn5_5Y9-wQ/s640/2012-06-09+08.33.20.a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dino birthday cake</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNS7FiB7mH9te5tR9KXxm77NN2HvqXrC4pCzjh7i5Kx518lXZSiKk09-DxW3_2JCHs90FcYswxmKDqPxnzRb0GWryuVdZ70ZZO7jY8IMab-a6xwEK5cPZ5vw20z2ByvakR1GluQ/s1600/2012-06-09+10.24.23.a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNS7FiB7mH9te5tR9KXxm77NN2HvqXrC4pCzjh7i5Kx518lXZSiKk09-DxW3_2JCHs90FcYswxmKDqPxnzRb0GWryuVdZ70ZZO7jY8IMab-a6xwEK5cPZ5vw20z2ByvakR1GluQ/s640/2012-06-09+10.24.23.a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dino dig in the backyard</i></td></tr>
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Saturday, we held Jacob's "buddy" party at the house. It wasn't his actual birthday day, just the party. At 10:30, eleven 4 and 5 year olds converged for a prehistoric party. This was our first drop off party and everyone did really well. Me and my mad party planning skills will take credit for that! Except I miscounted and only had 10 sets of favours. Thankfully Jacob was a good sport about it and played along! The main attraction of the part was the dino hunt, where I led them on an extravagant (for a 5 year old) scavenger hunt using clues from <a href="http://onecharmingparty.com/shop/dino-party/" target="_blank">One Charming Party's dino theme</a>. The hunt culminated in a dino dig in the backyard. Some colouring and stamping and cupcake decorating wrapped it up and everyone left happy and tired. As much as I would have liked to lay down and nap ... we had 45 minutes to pry Jacob away from his hew toys and get to another birthday part (also dino themed!). Thankfully the party as close and drop-off (yay), so I dropped ... and ran all the way to Starbucks where I sat for 2 hours nursing a venti latte and reading <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/The-Art-Fielding-A-Novel/dp/0316126691" target="_blank">"The Art of Fielding"</a> on my Kobo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZNLldtb3HGoGELr4FksZkRRmpkGtB85DCcBiN6nxITxUmWVQSTZji4_b5rwQ5guUgtTEAWtH8olwELXRLFWwOxb_S6R9CvbpRSRq9ixZtfl5sw2Fc-TMeiEZ0lfXe8LTgPuFug/s1600/2012-06-09+11.56.36.a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZNLldtb3HGoGELr4FksZkRRmpkGtB85DCcBiN6nxITxUmWVQSTZji4_b5rwQ5guUgtTEAWtH8olwELXRLFWwOxb_S6R9CvbpRSRq9ixZtfl5sw2Fc-TMeiEZ0lfXe8LTgPuFug/s640/2012-06-09+11.56.36.a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Birthday boy</i></td></tr>
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Sunday was preschool graduation day. I should preface this by saying that Jacob goes to a montressori style "junior kindergarten" ... and they take graduation very seriously. Cap and gown seriously. I am not kidding. We struggled with attending, particularly at $45 a head, but as all his friends were going and they'd been practicing a secret song ("I can't tell you mommy, we can only sing it at school."). So, they we were Sunday morning complaining about how you shouldn't be rewarded for "graduating" from preschool ... or primary school, that you are expected to complete these levels of education ... and for that matter you should only GRADUATE from university. Can you see me up there on my high horse? So, we're sitting there drinking coffee when all of a sudden, these sweet little people with their beaming, little faces stepped onto stage in their yellow caps and gowns and it was all over! I have to admit, I got a little teary! They were so cute ... and so proud!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEmZbXAqIsMFklIANu15abZDmVK6IQo8ad_-TS1teon4xxWoyOBRcpwtgQDxCiCxHAxDzj7olZngTL9sOv-ZOwVLb2PrGKd1TkbPxuFkTbidoSKs_-Hovvzxa1ixccuERVQ_s8w/s1600/IMG_0838a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEmZbXAqIsMFklIANu15abZDmVK6IQo8ad_-TS1teon4xxWoyOBRcpwtgQDxCiCxHAxDzj7olZngTL9sOv-ZOwVLb2PrGKd1TkbPxuFkTbidoSKs_-Hovvzxa1ixccuERVQ_s8w/s640/IMG_0838a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Everyone got a graduation bear</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The "graduate"</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mother - Son Dance</i></td></tr>
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Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Work. Boring!<br />
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Wednesday night. Another party? Why not! My parents were coming to town, and Mark's parents are at our house on Wednesdays anyway ... and both of our sisters wanted to celebrate the boy's birthday and it was my Dad's actual birthday, so we threw another party. I baked a cake Monday night ... iced it on Tuesday ... and served it on Wednesday! It was not a dino cake ... but it was still awesome (3 layer chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting). And what's a party without more presents? This kid is drowning in new toys.<br />
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Thursday was the boy's actual birthday ... so we went out for dinner. No cake this time ... just drinks. For me, not him. And more presents!<br />
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Friday we drove to Kelowna to visit my other sister and to spend the weekend with my parents, who were just at my house, but were on their way back to theirs! And just for good measure ... there are more presents, from the nephews.<br />
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So, the birthday that turned into a week is finally over. And let me tell you, next year it will be different. One day ... one party ... done! Happy birthday my lovely boy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3f2IjGG3LBLfkte9qMZAwlJQMhGiOQqECxuT_lN10mjOw-tAbALXH-pxlmgjcIWNR0yz2ueVtxjnSTpwcMK5FLe02Ne9ShNE0TWxmTkUFmvMXnZqvPIKsQRPFtSF8NnhZUv6yQ/s1600/IMG_1008a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3f2IjGG3LBLfkte9qMZAwlJQMhGiOQqECxuT_lN10mjOw-tAbALXH-pxlmgjcIWNR0yz2ueVtxjnSTpwcMK5FLe02Ne9ShNE0TWxmTkUFmvMXnZqvPIKsQRPFtSF8NnhZUv6yQ/s640/IMG_1008a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A celebratory after graduation bike ride</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-48643773320413196252012-02-02T21:25:00.002-08:002012-02-02T22:08:13.782-08:00Just a girl and her label makerEvery evening at dinnertime, for the past 10 years, I open the cupboard where we keep the spices and I find myself cursing. Typically it goes like this - first, something falls out. Then whatever fell out, hits the microwave and ricochets into the sink where it usually splashes dirty dishwasher all over the counter, the floor and me. Once said object is returned to the cupboard, I dig through a mess of spice bottles and nasty ziploc bags until I get so frustrated that I have to take everything out, only to discover an empty bottle that once held paprika, or even better I find 3 half empty bottles of paprika!. To say that I loathe this cupboard is an understatement! This week's project was to go through the cupboard, throw out old, stale spices and anything else that I found and to put whatever was left in lovely, shiny, matching spice bottles, with lovely matching labels!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WJB-92Aza8o2il32twFVDmKnM9_uLpcO_KWgQHqYyxVEwUtMpd9VToBZVYyvyOi103eo3Ezo5QmCq9heDExsl7B0tPKEFGR6WaTGyFwEdnsvBAK6lsYFCvVp102JIsweOxOyvg/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WJB-92Aza8o2il32twFVDmKnM9_uLpcO_KWgQHqYyxVEwUtMpd9VToBZVYyvyOi103eo3Ezo5QmCq9heDExsl7B0tPKEFGR6WaTGyFwEdnsvBAK6lsYFCvVp102JIsweOxOyvg/s640/IMG_0534.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this cupboard I found, among other things, 4 tins of smoked oysters (no one in this house eats smoked oysters .. blech), 2 half used bags of stale croutons, sesame oil that expired 3 years ago, 2 open boxes of (now stale) graham crackers and multiple bags from the bulk aisle of unidentified spices. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLRXjQ1JblR2tUJNuBsPVSSAO6BNOnE1jg2KJeY52zIzsasNL_ayAh59h8aQ0OfJpGnTgf77-RMLjbpgW2zDH51VVbuVTX8wAYFSo-NwMFYEh7lJ4DMvuq5kjTtXW85hULbfetw/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLRXjQ1JblR2tUJNuBsPVSSAO6BNOnE1jg2KJeY52zIzsasNL_ayAh59h8aQ0OfJpGnTgf77-RMLjbpgW2zDH51VVbuVTX8wAYFSo-NwMFYEh7lJ4DMvuq5kjTtXW85hULbfetw/s640/photo1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trusty label maker!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5fbHj5hpZ0-OLm9rBKaGAO46qYa8G67p5-Xn13xvyR5h-BnsEiaQXZ9vQfePrHDk5UzCZU7gxTsi_kN5GZ9zl6z8LYwBo0F7fJjrd4G7SKHUh-rEobBGPQZ9fuej3kxgNSy5Ow/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5fbHj5hpZ0-OLm9rBKaGAO46qYa8G67p5-Xn13xvyR5h-BnsEiaQXZ9vQfePrHDk5UzCZU7gxTsi_kN5GZ9zl6z8LYwBo0F7fJjrd4G7SKHUh-rEobBGPQZ9fuej3kxgNSy5Ow/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got a little carried away and started labeling all the jars, in all the cupboards!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KdB8gF1dHLI1i7z-MIhD1Ez8jizHxKhjXWzDvJBRiw9hValk0DxMG_miOK3qAzjfLmHpbeMlZImdsAPrcSLgMPoVYIkvA0NIm5g1uhE0UAz-DQTnf9OtToCHFz4PJge_VzCXQQ/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KdB8gF1dHLI1i7z-MIhD1Ez8jizHxKhjXWzDvJBRiw9hValk0DxMG_miOK3qAzjfLmHpbeMlZImdsAPrcSLgMPoVYIkvA0NIm5g1uhE0UAz-DQTnf9OtToCHFz4PJge_VzCXQQ/s640/photo2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So neat and orderly ... like little glass & chrome soldiers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuPy5PMf1nMDde988p4TYfeTDklNqpAKAL8PAF5Ydh0_S1zsGqIIWy1hgpbY4ooJ6ZhIodjlKJPIrnz7hBEwuYq69PDS40ufMy3ZZTuHxPVfQSJU97YR9-CkBK03UVJH1mcC8Ew/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuPy5PMf1nMDde988p4TYfeTDklNqpAKAL8PAF5Ydh0_S1zsGqIIWy1hgpbY4ooJ6ZhIodjlKJPIrnz7hBEwuYq69PDS40ufMy3ZZTuHxPVfQSJU97YR9-CkBK03UVJH1mcC8Ew/s640/photo3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFZooYUwWOwpF_mXQNsuQwYW5mOEqVJ8nBY_7cnmCBoBcxnPYPIYJeKnq_ynfrQFOANDgqCU08X_Rf95K2cdVFgArqCpO2tIbhtrI4SUG1lsmeFZ8YEN5O0qvc7lNaPnBybMpRQ/s1600/photo5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFZooYUwWOwpF_mXQNsuQwYW5mOEqVJ8nBY_7cnmCBoBcxnPYPIYJeKnq_ynfrQFOANDgqCU08X_Rf95K2cdVFgArqCpO2tIbhtrI4SUG1lsmeFZ8YEN5O0qvc7lNaPnBybMpRQ/s640/photo5.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, those are Zoodles that you see in the background. There is no shame ... Jacob LOVES them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This cupboard makes me happy every time I open it! I'm tempted to leave the door open to admire it all day! I'm linking up to <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/02/updates-to-the-living-room/" target="_blank">Pancakes & French Fries' William Morris Project</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/02/updates-to-the-living-room/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/useful-beautiful-wreath-375sq.png" width="320" /></a></div>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-73308409966524225492012-01-26T13:57:00.000-08:002012-01-26T13:57:13.873-08:00Double Decker<div align="”center”"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQWEG2HioxPtnPv4afgplm1DlmNPj3ylKKNa3qC1ZD89Q8G8RTXInyV0KjtegOLR_ITV57OlJGRuqac-w8ku_c7lxgjvA3t5irzG_sUB2-nnVSdHPbaKe7YTEuzXcGeSxj-Aq2g/s1600/IMG_8005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQWEG2HioxPtnPv4afgplm1DlmNPj3ylKKNa3qC1ZD89Q8G8RTXInyV0KjtegOLR_ITV57OlJGRuqac-w8ku_c7lxgjvA3t5irzG_sUB2-nnVSdHPbaKe7YTEuzXcGeSxj-Aq2g/s640/IMG_8005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This was the day we put up the vinyl decals which were such a pain in the neck that they are never coming down. We'll have to paint around them!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jacob has bunk beds! When we moved Jacob from the crib to a big boy bed we purchased a bunk bed used from a friend, but only put up the bottom bunk. That was a couple of years ago (he's 4 1/2) and recently he's been asking about his bunk beds. "When can I have bunk beds. Where are my bunk beds. Who will build my bunk beds?" So, this weekend we built the bunk beds! He was so excited and decided immediately that he was going to sleep in the top bunk.I was a little nervous about letting him, but both bunks have a full rail and the chances of him falling out while he sleeps are basically nil, so the top bunk it was! We're on night 5 and he's still in the top bunk. I love that he loves it so much, but I have to admit to being a teeny bit sad as he's growing up right in front of me. And ... hugs and cuddles are tricky in a top bunk! I can't reach without climbing up the ladder!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCtKvgRuOHE9xqnwMt9bVVDWYnM_qFCKceOxDqg31f0PkuKzze8mlorH5JAbnhf4m_vhS1N8axKy6zcUahSCaHYyhIO1CIbQVgGdPKDpyrMPRC8FlqtWelrPQGhyphenhyphenmttvDCQwLXA/s1600/IMG_0583a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCtKvgRuOHE9xqnwMt9bVVDWYnM_qFCKceOxDqg31f0PkuKzze8mlorH5JAbnhf4m_vhS1N8axKy6zcUahSCaHYyhIO1CIbQVgGdPKDpyrMPRC8FlqtWelrPQGhyphenhyphenmttvDCQwLXA/s640/IMG_0583a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We have bunk beds!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Other plans for this room are to repaint, recarpet and add new shelving or something. We created a story corner a few weeks ago with some cushions that I made from some fun black, red & white fabric ... and yes, the books need to be purged! I have a hard time getting rid of books ... even bad books (is there such a thing?).<br />
<br />
He has requested a dinosaur theme for the room, so I'm on the hunt for fun dinosaur fabric for a new duvet cover. And I'm planning to scan some pages from one of his favourite books, <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Dinotrux-Chris-Gall/dp/0316027774" target="_blank">Dino Trux</a>, to frame and hang.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlS8qMFVdgAGKhXfkCWxw7lNZ53AsX6SCkQi1UwQMBo4PtZh_L3AWeoDeYBKAq0sPiFS4uHadb9MKCtD_USYF4S9oM3bfJHsXCzuJHZKxEUsd1nKu8SWZARyNLnKy6GW2ol_7Pg/s1600/IMG_0587a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlS8qMFVdgAGKhXfkCWxw7lNZ53AsX6SCkQi1UwQMBo4PtZh_L3AWeoDeYBKAq0sPiFS4uHadb9MKCtD_USYF4S9oM3bfJHsXCzuJHZKxEUsd1nKu8SWZARyNLnKy6GW2ol_7Pg/s640/IMG_0587a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After looking at these pictures I've realized just how bare his walls are! Any suggestions as to what I could put on the walls over the bed?<br />
<br />
I'm linking up with the <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/01/too-much-storage/" target="_blank">William Morris project over at Pancakes & French Fries</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1665071660"><br />
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/01/too-much-storage/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/useful-beautiful-wreath-375sq.png" width="200" /></a></div></div><div align="”center”"></div>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-79313897899187719942012-01-19T22:38:00.007-08:002012-01-30T06:22:20.345-08:00Home Goals 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/01/return-all-the-things/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/useful-beautiful-wreath-125sq.png" /></a></div><br />
Back in October, <a href="http://www.pancakesandfrenchfries.com/" target="_blank">Jules of Pancakes & French Fries</a>, inspired by the William Morris quote above, embarked on a one month project to declutter, organize and beautify her living space. I watched enviously as she hung photos, organized closets, declutter side boards, painted trim and purged books, and I looked around our space and thought, "I could do that". Emphasis on <i>could</i>! Well, January is upon us, Jules has decided to commit to a year of "William Morrising" (is that a word?) and has invited her followers and lurkers (me) to join in. So, here we go! We moved into this house ten years ago and have done very little to improve it's livability. Don't get me wrong, it's a very liveable house ... in fact, it looks quite lived in, which is the problem. I'm tired of looking for gloves and books and tape and lego instructions, because the house isn't organized. I'd like to sit in our family room at night and not look around at the mess that isn't tidied because it doesn't have anywhere to go.<br />
<br />
Jules started with a list, which inspired me to start with a list. A big list. I had no idea the list would be this big! Many items on the list are long term and lofty (<b><i>very</i></b> long term and <b><i>very</i></b> lofty) goals, but you never know. One day we may hit the jackpot, or receive a mystery inheritance, both of which are highly unlikely and I'd never wish anyone to pass in order for me to get a new kitchen. <br />
<br />
I will attempt to do something from the list, or related to something on the list weekly!<br />
<br />
Here's my list! <br />
<br />
<b>Master Bedroom:</b><br />
<br />
1. Paint master bedroom a calming colour (maybe …)<br />
2. Purge <strike>closet </strike>and dressers<br />
<strike>3.<i> Install closet organizer</i></strike><br />
4. Replace carpet in master bedroom<br />
5. Clear surfaces of clutter<br />
6. New window treatments (any window treatments)<br />
7. New blinds<br />
8. New duvet cover (maybe <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1114739009"></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/123989795960722676" target="_blank">this one</a>)<br />
9. Art over bed<br />
10. Hang art on window wall and over dresser<br />
11. New carpet<br />
<br />
<b>Ensuite Bathroom:</b><br />
<br />
1. <i>Demolition (a year ago)</i><br />
2. New floor<br />
3. New shower<br />
4. New toilet<br />
5. New sink and vanity<br />
6. Paint calming blue … spa like<br />
7. New mirror<br />
8. Buy new, matching towels<br />
<br />
<b>Main Bathroom:</b><br />
<br />
1. Paint<br />
2. Re-tile tub & shower<br />
3. New sink & vanity<br />
4. New toilet<br />
5. New flooring<br />
6. Buy new, matching towels<br />
<br />
<b>Powder Room:</b><br />
<br />
1. Paint<br />
2. New flooring<br />
3. New toilet<br />
4. New sink (maybe <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/123989795960745527/" target="_blank">this one</a>)<br />
5. New mirror<br />
7. Buy new matching towels<br />
<br />
<b>Laundry Room:</b><br />
<br />
1. Move stacking washer/dryer to be side by side<br />
2. Install counter over top washer/dryer<br />
3. Remove old sink/cabinet<br />
4. Install shelving on east facing wall<br />
5. Clear room of things that don't belong there (stroller … J. is 5!)<br />
6. Organize shallow (but wide) closet … sporting gear, ironing board, vacuum, summer shoes, hiking boots.<br />
7. Paint cheery colour<br />
8. Hang fun "laundry" artwork<br />
9. Install rack/bar for drying laundry (a task currently assigned to the office)<br />
<br />
<b>Linen closet:</b><br />
<br />
1. Empty and organize<br />
2. Buy baskets for soaps, shower gels<br />
<br />
<b>Office:</b><br />
<br />
1. Paint relaxing colour<br />
2. New carpet<br />
3. Create filing system<br />
4. Organize desk top and loose paper<br />
5. Organize bookshelves … craft supplies, computer supplies<br />
6. New artwork<br />
<br />
<b>Family Room:</b><br />
<br />
1. Carpet<br />
2. New sectional sofa<br />
3. Mount tv on wall<br />
4. Construct built-in shelves, etc on tv wall (something <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/123989795960740571/" target="_blank">like this</a> ... but no fireplace)<br />
5. Build shelves on back wall ??<br />
6. Paint<br />
7. Update family gallery wall<br />
8. New art<br />
<br />
<b>Kitchen</b><br />
<br />
1. Complete remodel - new cabinets, countertops, floors<br />
2. Take down wall between kitchen & dining room<br />
3. Close in sliding glass door to back yard. <br />
3. New oven & cook top<br />
4. New dishwasher <br />
<br />
And, as I'm anticipating that this kitchen remodel won't happen anytime soon ... <br />
<br />
1. Empty and clean all cupboards & drawers<br />
2. Put loose items (sugar, oats, tea, rice, etc) in jars from IKEA. <br />
3. Purge spices and put in new spice jars with labels<br />
4. Make spice jar labels <br />
5. Organize Tupperware cupboard ... If there isn't a matching lid & bottom it goes. <br />
6. Organize loose utensil drawers<br />
7. <strike>Move Jacob's cups down low so that he can get his own glass of water!</strike><br />
<br />
<b>Dining Room</b><br />
<br />
1. New dining room set<br />
2. New hutch ... or?<br />
3. Tear up carpet ... install hardwood. <br />
4. Replace sliding glass door with French doors<br />
<br />
<b>Living Room</b><br />
<br />
1. Tear up carpet ... install hardwood<br />
2. Find starburst mirror for above fireplace<br />
3. Style piano top display<br />
<br />
<b>Jacob's room</b><br />
<br />
1. Paint ... Blue (grey) with red stripe<br />
2. New duvet cover (dinosaurs)<br />
3. Clean out toys & books<br />
4. New carpet<br />
5. New shelves (IKEA?) for books, toys, etc.<br />
<strike>6. Put up the bunk bed. </strike><br />
<br />
<b>Spare room</b><br />
<br />
1. New carpet<br />
2. Purge, purge, purge<br />
3. Reorganize closet<br />
4. Replace queen bed with sofa bed <br />
<br />
<b>Pantry</b><br />
<br />
1. Empty and purge items no longer being used. <br />
2. Buy large containers for flour, sugar, oats, etc. <br />
3. Buy wire shelves & under shelf baskets <br />
4. Buy small deep freeze<br />
5. Organize shelves<br />
6. Put healthy snacks on a low shelf for Jacob<br />
<br />
<b>Crawl Space</b><br />
<i>This space takes up the entire space under our kitchen and dining room and it is FULL! A lot of the things under here belong there, like Christmas decorations, baby stuff (we may have another), suitcases, camping gear. And a lot of the things don't belong there, like my sister-in-law's old stuff, broken toys, old books. </i><br />
<br />
1. PURGE AND ORGANIZE<br />
<br />
<a _blank"="" href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/01/return-all-the-things/target=">Linking up to the William Morris Project at Pancakes and French Fries! </a>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-26079173558104925072012-01-14T13:26:00.000-08:002012-01-14T13:26:47.182-08:00Snow Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJQkWcZTh0PpRLpeMbXz06xAPsY81zGfyh5mNhynZI0kvFk0W2RlFCw1gYaJO-iVFSRvAjazoZvnlsNTxmyuMYNc9HHSswxMcX1u5Pvvwr_3Ue27wJb8LUggRSwsOquWYG9P3aA/s1600/IMG_2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJQkWcZTh0PpRLpeMbXz06xAPsY81zGfyh5mNhynZI0kvFk0W2RlFCw1gYaJO-iVFSRvAjazoZvnlsNTxmyuMYNc9HHSswxMcX1u5Pvvwr_3Ue27wJb8LUggRSwsOquWYG9P3aA/s400/IMG_2638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Today we are enjoying the elusive Vancouver snow day! Once or twice a year it snows in our area, and as we live quite high up we tend to get more than elsewhere in the city! Today was extra special as it snowed over night and today the sun is shining! Fingers crossed our snowman will make it through the day. I know a 4 1/2 year old that will be very upset if Frosty doesn't make it!Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-39991710861534395702011-11-22T21:55:00.000-08:002011-11-22T21:55:56.112-08:00Things on Pinterest I've actually made!Just like everyone else I have spent <strike>a little</strike> a lot of time on Pinterest happily pinning away! And I'm happy to report that I've actually tried a few of the things I've pinned! I'll post pics later, but these were my inspiration pics.<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/123989795960613832/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/123989795960613832_dvlHYQXf_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.lafujimama.com/2010/01/simple-sandwich-bread/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">lafujimama.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/maryann_bell/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mary Ann</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<br />
This bread is so easy and so delicious! I mixed a little bit of whole wheat flour (about 16 grams all purpose and 4 grams whole wheat).<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/123989795960574137/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/123989795960574137_CWwIxVO0_c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/851771/oatmeal-smoothies" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">marthastewart.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/maryann_bell/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mary Ann</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<br />
Oatmeal in a smoothie ... who knew?<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/123989795960576172/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/123989795960576172_cQL5fT0T_c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/2011/08/you-knew-i-was-going-to-make-one.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">megduerksen.typepad.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/maryann_bell/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mary Ann</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<br />
Jacob and I did this on a VERY small scale ... 7 crayons on an 8x10 canvas!<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/123989795960570559/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/123989795960570559_KigaR4jq_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://sarahsprojects.blogspot.com/2010/02/wall-art-for-siennas-room.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">sarahsprojects.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/maryann_bell/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mary Ann</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<br />
Really easy ... I made the mistake of modge podging over top and tore the tissue a bit ... won't do that next time!<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/123989795960569147/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/123989795960569147_P8QGvm12_c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://inchmark.squarespace.com/inchmark/2008/9/9/magical-thinking.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">inchmark.squarespace.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/maryann_bell/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mary Ann</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<br />
I'm using this idea to keep track of all things that Jacob says that make us laugh!<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/123989795960562936/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/123989795960562936_qauacPXq_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">megduerksen.typepad.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/maryann_bell/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mary Ann</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<br />
On the wall in our spare room ... I loved this project!<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/123989795960623890/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/123989795960623890_q9UJbIXQ_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://mommysavers.wordpress.com/2010/09/12/frugal-bathtime-fun-for-baby/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">mommysavers.wordpress.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/maryann_bell/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mary Ann</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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Jacob was excited about this until he realized that the ice cubes would melt in the bath. Boo.<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/123989795960572651/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/123989795960572651_izJFqAB0_c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh?page=3" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">ohdeedoh.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/maryann_bell/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Mary Ann</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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So simple and yet so brilliant!Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-86433389293406969452011-09-30T15:39:00.002-07:002011-09-30T15:42:40.678-07:00Birthday ...Today is my birthday! Happy Birthday to me. I'm 42 years old today and can't quite wrap my head around that number. I don't feel 42 ... whatever 42 is supposed to feel like! I got a lovely birthday hug ... "and don't forget your birthday kiss" ... this morning from my favourite four year old. And an awesome card that he drew himself of the three of us. Tonight we're going out for crab fest. Yum! And tomorrow I head to Whistler with some girlfriends for a weekend of spa, massage, wine and dancing! The weekend is not in celebration of my birthday ... but I'm pretending it is!Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-61836805570155930432011-08-28T08:20:00.001-07:002011-08-28T08:22:07.451-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKJ_-U13R9oWuPIPGh6NChy1PO5_FuOZjxwOOMGhZDLx2SGPEOevIO8sRDkxtL9ZXFxf_e8DAErDThEgcOb5_HA-ZKzxM7pn3S28bmgEPlwSyQOWkHVaFguDI_y5t7kmcxuclfA/s1600/bedroom_palette_photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKJ_-U13R9oWuPIPGh6NChy1PO5_FuOZjxwOOMGhZDLx2SGPEOevIO8sRDkxtL9ZXFxf_e8DAErDThEgcOb5_HA-ZKzxM7pn3S28bmgEPlwSyQOWkHVaFguDI_y5t7kmcxuclfA/s320/bedroom_palette_photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645927147220282530" /></a>
<br />Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-20227682520699212552011-07-16T07:41:00.004-07:002011-07-16T07:52:50.408-07:00Summer concertsI don't think we're going to get a real summer here this year. Boo. So far, the warm & sunny days have been few and far between, so when we get them we have to make the most of them!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrln2VzPLI5YocbM6PRGa8fOwreXGcfAlxaWsHtAXKOgmZMnHuzj-zswpDz0FjlWg5y40wY7RFBBqYVopqDYu9OfHycm0bPfiJJv-2aD57ZPbqDi_a-ypJe0b13ZEYmEBoTxwW_w/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrln2VzPLI5YocbM6PRGa8fOwreXGcfAlxaWsHtAXKOgmZMnHuzj-zswpDz0FjlWg5y40wY7RFBBqYVopqDYu9OfHycm0bPfiJJv-2aD57ZPbqDi_a-ypJe0b13ZEYmEBoTxwW_w/s400/IMG_1446.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629962634666587890" border="0" /></a>Last weekend was the first of our community summer concert series. the band was a Blues Brother Revue and they were awesome! We've been going to these Friday night concerts since they started 2 years ago and we typically head down to the Village early, grab some dinner and then set up our camp chairs and mat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_uirPMsVtOJIDjtAgETuM9jmc4wg9ZvDBM_M8ABU5prf-fJAiqzczBy3VUBZT-L9RLU1yIcf5EH2kPawWgz0hniho_H8OyO-rdGXxHej4HSUrqrnXcfrjaVuWrKcOwzQqUfSqg/s1600/IMG_1456.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_uirPMsVtOJIDjtAgETuM9jmc4wg9ZvDBM_M8ABU5prf-fJAiqzczBy3VUBZT-L9RLU1yIcf5EH2kPawWgz0hniho_H8OyO-rdGXxHej4HSUrqrnXcfrjaVuWrKcOwzQqUfSqg/s400/IMG_1456.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629962615177843714" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBz9Qrby3sxCsd8HhFoQ72GIbHzSXg2xXzEWMxV2qMM8p13YUz5qpSgj97j0JgfYuo49ZxxS-M8MqIL6nr4pIprPiC5eqWf8U9_1eRg-P5neUff1lxAqOKTeapvyabB2ZOPPp5g/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBz9Qrby3sxCsd8HhFoQ72GIbHzSXg2xXzEWMxV2qMM8p13YUz5qpSgj97j0JgfYuo49ZxxS-M8MqIL6nr4pIprPiC5eqWf8U9_1eRg-P5neUff1lxAqOKTeapvyabB2ZOPPp5g/s400/IMG_1457.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629962624086259330" border="0" /></a>The boys had a blast. They danced and ran around and drew with chalk.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEETgxk0bppY-y_KX1WOxCEz6fGV__q1NZ8eX4C4qLwkrYOcDz2VMm_gH0n0t-lSFBahCodkNcsUjN1iriwWORDxUqXZsJIVcvitNqtB6pni_ms0BH7_x20vXfyXk935s9BTdOMw/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEETgxk0bppY-y_KX1WOxCEz6fGV__q1NZ8eX4C4qLwkrYOcDz2VMm_gH0n0t-lSFBahCodkNcsUjN1iriwWORDxUqXZsJIVcvitNqtB6pni_ms0BH7_x20vXfyXk935s9BTdOMw/s400/IMG_1464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629962619469267858" border="0" /></a>It was a great night.Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-50921600875853275962011-02-25T16:10:00.004-08:002011-03-13T19:41:46.630-07:00Because Diego is awesome!Tuesday was kind of an emotional day at Jacob's school. Jacob started at this school (daycare) at 15 months old (he's 3-1/2) now) when I went back to work part-time. He attends twice a week on Mondays and Tuesdays. One of the little boys who started at about the same time is named Diego. It was obvious right away on that Diego wasn't well. He was very small, not walking yet, being fed via feeding tube and the whites of his eyes were yellow. Diego was born with a diseased liver. Despite the challenges Diego faced every day, this little boy became the heart and soul of this group of little people. Over the past couple of years we have watched Diego learn to walk, start to speak, laugh and, most excitingly, begin to eat without the aid of the feeding tube. With cautious optimism some of the other parents and I speculated that the treatment that Diego's parents had chosen for him must be working. Unfortunately we found out a few months ago that, in actuality, the treatment wasn't working and he needed a liver transplant. On Monday, Diego and his family are flying to another city for that transplant. Last Tuesday was his last day at school and the teachers threw a party! Those parents that were able to, attended and the kids painted a picture for him of their hand prints. His teachers, and in particular, his care worker, made touching speeches and a few tears were shed.<br /><br />On the Monday before the party I asked Jacob if anything special was going on at school the next day. He told me that there was going to be a party. When I asked him who the party was for he told me it was for Diego. When I asked him if he knew why they were having a party for Diego, this little boy of mine paused, thought for a minute and then said, <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Because Diego is awesome.</span>"<br /><br />Our thoughts and prayers are with Diego and his family! We hope to see them again soon.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Edited - Unfortunately, just one week after Diego left, he was back in school. The family flew to Toronto and when the donor was operated on it was determined, for a reason that I don't understand, that the liver was not a good match and the surgery would be too risky for Diego. We were thrilled to see him in school, but heartbroken that he still needs a transplant.</span>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-81928729108547506162011-02-11T15:52:00.005-08:002011-02-11T16:17:12.024-08:00Valentine CardsWe have been very busy here making Valentine cards for school. For the past 2 years we have managed to avoid the school Valentine exchange as Jacob only attends on Mondays and Tuesdays. But guess what? This year, Valentines Day is on a Monday. Crap. There are 22 kids in his room at daycare and even though they're not all there on Monday's, they all still get a Valentine!<br /><br />This idea came from a couple of different places - <a href="http://www.chalkinmypocket.com/2011/01/spray-paint-valentines-cards.html">here</a> and <a href="http://sweetmetelmoments.blogspot.com/2011/01/free-printable-valentines-day-mini.html">here</a>. I knew that Jacob would get a kick out of spraying watercolours on the paper ... and I was right. I kept the "spraying station" out for a few days as his attention span lasts, oh about 5 minutes! And we need more than 5 minutes to got 22 valentines done! Before he sprayed the pages, I cut a bunch of hearts out of old christmas cards and taped them to the paper. After we sprayed the pages and let them dry, we (I) cut out rectangles and pulled out the alphabet stamps and the heart stickers (and the robot stamps and the dinosaur stamps ... this is a little boy after all) and then Jacob went to town. I let him do whatever he wanted with the stamps ...though I wrote out the word "Love" for him to copy and told him that "XO" meant kisses & hugs. Next we'll pop some stickers and a treat in little favour bags and staple the cards to the bags.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVT9IPvgwhyQob4Xwt66bc8rQpqmpwsUeCVdPWWpl3srIoen0dOHYlKl_IOGoqGZwqhixX_gARmM7b3ttf5g2OeFYZ0xZj0D9U4X7tfEQ0YI1v6_dMAqtoN0NsOJaTLJhtqakoPw/s1600/IMG_8656+%2528Medium%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVT9IPvgwhyQob4Xwt66bc8rQpqmpwsUeCVdPWWpl3srIoen0dOHYlKl_IOGoqGZwqhixX_gARmM7b3ttf5g2OeFYZ0xZj0D9U4X7tfEQ0YI1v6_dMAqtoN0NsOJaTLJhtqakoPw/s400/IMG_8656+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572586085123997986" border="0" /></a>I love the little "spike" in his hair! He'd had his hair cut that morning!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCy5dYa9QzhkWukUsRjjgkGceGAwCV4DkTabFOBaJY-1hv5lLg1PDKrsovWolwUVpxK-Ydkc9nkOFMCv69ZQvxm9DGfzqwrKXc4trzcqDgW8MG2ybUR1ladqlYlLO_oTnwU4fnA/s1600/IMG_8662+%2528Medium%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCy5dYa9QzhkWukUsRjjgkGceGAwCV4DkTabFOBaJY-1hv5lLg1PDKrsovWolwUVpxK-Ydkc9nkOFMCv69ZQvxm9DGfzqwrKXc4trzcqDgW8MG2ybUR1ladqlYlLO_oTnwU4fnA/s400/IMG_8662+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572590002940662418" border="0" /></a>This one is for a teacher.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTljjlDuacd2rYwzYLxrhVxOLVvFlGEwFdeNZe6r5ohwBw1fbKGDgY4OlgsRe1rSnm3hX02Y28_xTQf_qt8Du8O5KaSR-k1sA-LAoatZS7CzLuKnQ5cxes-fOwgOcm0bXeBKr4Q/s1600/IMG_8664+%2528Medium%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTljjlDuacd2rYwzYLxrhVxOLVvFlGEwFdeNZe6r5ohwBw1fbKGDgY4OlgsRe1rSnm3hX02Y28_xTQf_qt8Du8O5KaSR-k1sA-LAoatZS7CzLuKnQ5cxes-fOwgOcm0bXeBKr4Q/s400/IMG_8664+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572589998284920370" border="0" /></a>And this one is for a "school friend".<br /><br />I love them ... and I think they're super cute.Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-9674767145815505722011-01-15T22:39:00.000-08:002011-01-15T22:27:06.816-08:002011I've been thinking (lots of thinking ... not a lot of doing) a lot about resolutions. Every year I make the same ones… lose weight … be more organized … manage my money better … and every year, my resolve fizzles right around the 3rd week of January!<br /><br />So, as inspired by <a href="http://blairpeter.typepad.com/weblog/2010/12/evolution.html">Blair at wise craft</a>, here is what I've been <span style="font-weight: bold;">thinking</span> about for 2011!<br /><br />I will take a photo every day. So many of my <a href="http://www.aprettycoollife.com/">favourite</a> <a href="http://onegirldesignwrks.blogspot.com/">bloggers</a> <a href="http://jchandmade.typepad.com/">take</a> <a href="http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/my_weblog/">photos</a> of their everyday lives to document the beautiful in the ordinary. I love this idea. (I wrote this post almost 2 weeks ago and have barely touched my camera since ... )<br /><br />I will finish the two quilts that I started … last summer! They are for my sisters and they really should have them before the summer when they won't need them! And anyway … I can't buy any more fabric until they are done! (quilt #1 is pinned!)<br /><br />I will make a quilt for myself. With all the knitting and sewing, I very rarely make anything for myself.<br /><br />I plan to blog more consistently. More consistent with time and purpose. Is it an on-line journal, if you will, or what. What's the point if there's no purpose?<br /><br />I will be more organized. I know, I'm setting myself up for failure. But I really want this one to happen. More organized at work, with my time, at home.<br /><br />I will do more crafts with Jacob. The above mentioned "be more organized" will help this! I'd love to do more crafts … but by the time I get organized, he has lost interest!<br /><br />I will have something on my knitting needles at all times. Even if it's just a silly hat or scarf. There is a lot (I repeat … a lot) of yarn in the cupboard upstairs begging to be knit! This one has started off really well … I have this fun scarf on the go at the moment!<br /><br />I will plan our meals for the week on the weekend and ensure that I have all of the necessary ingredients on hand. Again, the above mentioned "be more organized" will help here! I've had a good start here as well … this week is all planned and has been executed so far!<br /><br />I will start sorting my photobook photos monthly. Every December I panic and spend WAY too long looking for, and uploading photos to Shutterfly. It's not going to happen again. (ha!)<br /><br />I will clean my kitchen and wash the dishes before going to bed each night. I know lots of you can't imagine not doing this. Not me … I don't do this. I want to do it … I just don't. Maybe I can change!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUISOLkcQ6KHirNKQ12OLcDbD5TeB3Rm-nRUO_YFgt1PZ8mvNFkL9Pbrl675CKzonNpAElZo3yBAmgYzcLJOkF63NxTfmCVDCnImbaazt8lXqxGZvpQjA5pcWJekNWjtduhG-0g/s1600/IMG_8600.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUISOLkcQ6KHirNKQ12OLcDbD5TeB3Rm-nRUO_YFgt1PZ8mvNFkL9Pbrl675CKzonNpAElZo3yBAmgYzcLJOkF63NxTfmCVDCnImbaazt8lXqxGZvpQjA5pcWJekNWjtduhG-0g/s400/IMG_8600.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562663845272531106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Lego is a craft ... right?</span>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-45871677820382452142011-01-06T23:00:00.004-08:002011-01-06T23:32:44.865-08:00Vintage Sheet Music WreathWhen my parents moved into their current house they didn't have room for the piano. We took it and the piano bench and discovered books of old sheet music from the 40's that had belonged to my mother and my grandmother. The pages were yellowed and a little tattered ... pretty!! So I jumped on the <a href="http://www.thecraftjunkieblog.com/2010/12/vintage-sheet-music-wreath.html">vintage</a> <a href="http://thecreativemama.com/vintage-sheet-music-wreath/">sheet</a> <a href="http://the1829farmhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/deck-walls-with-sheets-of-music.html">music</a> <a href="http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2010/11/easy-pottery-barn-inspired-music.html">wreath</a> bandwagon and made a gorgeous (in my completely unbiased opinion) wreath for over the piano. I love it and the fact that the sheet music was my mom's and grandmother's makes it all the more special!<br /><br />I followed a most excellent <a href="http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/2010/09/vintage-sheet-music-wreath-by-primp.html">tutorial from {Primp}</a>. I bought a foam wreath form from Michael's, wrapped it with ivory ribbon (I didn't have enough ribbon to completely cover the form ... doesn't matter ... you can't see it anyway), rolled lots and lots and lots of sheet music cones, hot glued them to the form and then hung it over the piano with a length of ribbon. I really like how some of the pages from a child's music book had illustrations on them.<br /><br />Love, love, love!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HTj4ekxD5Sghc5Ec3goATttaXjUbzkZlynef4JfzceuO5d17dXOlLngi8dCF3Wj7vsyMXMu0Q_es-sKB3Ht-vw35l-MZJoZz9Gzwx5ZPhwNrd1gD8A6liZJ-A4qUmGYxF5hGqw/s1600/IMG_8354.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HTj4ekxD5Sghc5Ec3goATttaXjUbzkZlynef4JfzceuO5d17dXOlLngi8dCF3Wj7vsyMXMu0Q_es-sKB3Ht-vw35l-MZJoZz9Gzwx5ZPhwNrd1gD8A6liZJ-A4qUmGYxF5hGqw/s400/IMG_8354.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559342768579600466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNP59j9B7jlazjZa2a-RGT-9nRf2BSdtSaUa48JpbzD_urXWu2TQHs4iM1XIabZPf57uKs0A5mxJPrVAwRnNEG9Iaue4KwJAN-ivpJGA5Av9N4byASPdVeUIwAIdPcxw4vJuyn_w/s1600/IMG_8352.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNP59j9B7jlazjZa2a-RGT-9nRf2BSdtSaUa48JpbzD_urXWu2TQHs4iM1XIabZPf57uKs0A5mxJPrVAwRnNEG9Iaue4KwJAN-ivpJGA5Av9N4byASPdVeUIwAIdPcxw4vJuyn_w/s400/IMG_8352.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559342765967523618" border="0" /></a>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-18088285905178068092011-01-01T01:24:00.003-08:002011-01-01T09:06:50.077-08:00Happy New Year!It's not a party until someone's wearing a funny hat!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtd4ZjAEeLpwXPSASJq205khErcA27JyGkZBE-Dxg3TWtg8Zx7VSIQkn_SKMUZ9bYs6h-5p33QyV2ggQR4-mvxp6ZE-GBz0Fx6yGWEmFnH-sY-Uf_VNY6tg3tJW6R6KxF-HYYVcA/s1600/IMG_8592a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtd4ZjAEeLpwXPSASJq205khErcA27JyGkZBE-Dxg3TWtg8Zx7VSIQkn_SKMUZ9bYs6h-5p33QyV2ggQR4-mvxp6ZE-GBz0Fx6yGWEmFnH-sY-Uf_VNY6tg3tJW6R6KxF-HYYVcA/s400/IMG_8592a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557265037350898450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MPpRm8Sw6QFNUgu3TZJJh6xAZ8B-n5OdmYxPpO-q3GGTHPCimwKFtWYx1mZx2P-vFZJw2rj4G5EhKHnzcVM0Xu5gLhS6owA5SFX3YyJnaUr8U0oj3sTD4J-T8zw43nrluB7IZg/s1600/IMG_8592a.jpg"><br /></a>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-91490172475601007232010-12-30T14:21:00.006-08:002010-12-30T14:41:18.274-08:00These days ...... we have been visiting my family in Kelowna. We fly home tonight and it has been a visit full of playing in the snow, masterful games of Clue, swordfights, eating & drinking!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmMHFPmXMVJopv6G8i6VS5f_XALIsViE4Buu4ei50jBCCojGRxidC0rZm-P1Rs2Ys05ysHe2qp9lGhlvNkqWfJZ6LxJr2hA3-4gLYeaqQgbUCj2UHnmIopAl5ZpAZE6ZLrpePYg/s1600/SAM_1258+%2528Medium%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 466px; height: 349px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmMHFPmXMVJopv6G8i6VS5f_XALIsViE4Buu4ei50jBCCojGRxidC0rZm-P1Rs2Ys05ysHe2qp9lGhlvNkqWfJZ6LxJr2hA3-4gLYeaqQgbUCj2UHnmIopAl5ZpAZE6ZLrpePYg/s400/SAM_1258+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556607666457209458" border="0" /></a>Jacob's favourite part of the sledding was the dogpiling ... usually on top of mommy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5JCbi5ZVyjTg-z3SBU8NDVZSIZdgf0Oy5JGlFKzIU9udIbHlO3rgA4p9ApX-BjbaU5wjy6qToQJM6fAAt6ckSvI2tWu09UV1A8VrhoRdtqnDeBQRzET6MzjCcPPGzEEtcVFqJg/s1600/SAM_1253+%2528Medium%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 464px; height: 347px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5JCbi5ZVyjTg-z3SBU8NDVZSIZdgf0Oy5JGlFKzIU9udIbHlO3rgA4p9ApX-BjbaU5wjy6qToQJM6fAAt6ckSvI2tWu09UV1A8VrhoRdtqnDeBQRzET6MzjCcPPGzEEtcVFqJg/s400/SAM_1253+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556607661382512850" border="0" /></a>My sisters and I.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwTFT8QWbx1L4WTmHydanjQTxHvDHTaRa5gIOoa2H84GEt25JDUYl5m1eoTc-7mFT1nnlb1WTBOdafFQAfILkU4GiOYXEB1258CLb0qIWBG2dVdvZtXyhRxRnriRCe7_fBInb_g/s1600/IMG_8528+%2528Medium%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 464px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwTFT8QWbx1L4WTmHydanjQTxHvDHTaRa5gIOoa2H84GEt25JDUYl5m1eoTc-7mFT1nnlb1WTBOdafFQAfILkU4GiOYXEB1258CLb0qIWBG2dVdvZtXyhRxRnriRCe7_fBInb_g/s400/IMG_8528+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556607662523314850" border="0" /></a>The best cousins a little boy could ever have!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMo_RmIGRj8ixoxdzN5FmweGFDof4S9TwcefhSFMKCpohpWyailCnCiLEbIQ4QjRDifVdh1aFa63ixXSGMBOlW_L-J8yqOsp08jIjBQ5gGx62RNQW34TUfmaeJHqGsyShSdwVtlg/s1600/IMG_8460+%2528Medium%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 464px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMo_RmIGRj8ixoxdzN5FmweGFDof4S9TwcefhSFMKCpohpWyailCnCiLEbIQ4QjRDifVdh1aFa63ixXSGMBOlW_L-J8yqOsp08jIjBQ5gGx62RNQW34TUfmaeJHqGsyShSdwVtlg/s400/IMG_8460+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556607659168849298" border="0" /></a>They might look sweet, but they're plotting to bash this gingerbread house to bits.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mSxjNe0GkV9WgMYbyU3KvOrY1ZXVnmZxJH1rSjRPsyPmpENTPZ50xL287amZ1UBCIoFWy_XU2COiiyDOUeCOrC6DdGhQzp6id27ezW7cCmbWesCz7vYSdVKJNLoOknwl8W3VGA/s1600/IMG_8481+%2528Medium%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mSxjNe0GkV9WgMYbyU3KvOrY1ZXVnmZxJH1rSjRPsyPmpENTPZ50xL287amZ1UBCIoFWy_XU2COiiyDOUeCOrC6DdGhQzp6id27ezW7cCmbWesCz7vYSdVKJNLoOknwl8W3VGA/s400/IMG_8481+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556607654659631298" border="0" /></a>I love this shot. He looks like he's deep in conversation with someone.<br /><br />Soon we'll be back to reality. But hopefully we can eke out a few more days of relaxation and fun!Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-75237153267825639362010-11-20T16:32:00.006-08:002010-11-20T17:00:40.088-08:00Book Clubs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH0tcabmwawBahf4CzX2lkWZWco-aIJ1uVqlPON4HTgiWfXY06z5t_9C0baD70EjWp2WkBQZ_R8GSdImZuUo9OYdHXaNNvfRFT63yjbxcIMeYAAhVO0bfUo4G2kCTA96wwAmboQ/s1600/bookcovers.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH0tcabmwawBahf4CzX2lkWZWco-aIJ1uVqlPON4HTgiWfXY06z5t_9C0baD70EjWp2WkBQZ_R8GSdImZuUo9OYdHXaNNvfRFT63yjbxcIMeYAAhVO0bfUo4G2kCTA96wwAmboQ/s400/bookcovers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541801588687440098" border="0" /></a><br />Book clubs. I’ve been in a variety of different book clubs over the years. Some with very good friends and others with women I’d met through co-workers. All were based on the same premise … someone picks a book, we read the book (sometimes even finish it), we get together to “discuss” said book, drink some wine, eat some treats, drink more wine and invariably the evening ends with a rousing gossip session. The best book club is one with no pressure. No expectations to finish the book and most of all … no theme. The last book club I belonged to had pressure … and book finishing expectations and … a theme. Each meeting everyone was asked to bring a dish based on the book, which always seemed like such a great idea until the night before, when I was scrambling to figure out a dish to suit the theme. One of my more memorable dishes was for Paulo Cohelo’s Eleven Minutes, a book about a Brazilian prostitute. The dish, Feijoada (Brazilian Black Beans) is apparently the national dish of Brazil, and was delicious. Made with black beans, cured beef, sausage, bacon and rice, it is a meat-eaters’ dream come true. Unfortunately the hostess of that evenings’ book club meeting was decidedly not a meat eater … in fact she was vegan. Not just vegetarian, but vegan. By the end of the evening I had noticed that my dish had migrated from the table to the kitchen. I think the smell of meat was too much for her. Oh well. That book club fizzled out pretty quickly after the “meat” incident and I’ve just recently jumped back into the book club world. My new book club is with a group of women who I met when my son was born 3 years ago. Together we are moving through this joyful minefield of child-rearing and as a happy bonus have discovered that we really, really like each other! We take every opportunity to get together with and without children (and husbands) and our new book club is a new reason to get together … much like our now defunct “knitting club”. It is a book club of very low expectations. Read the book if you choose … or not! At the last meeting our hostess wrote down discussion points on little slips of paper. We didn’t read them! Our first book was Lawrence Hill’s “The Book of Negroes” (published in the US and Australia as “Someone Knows My Name”, and it was a beautiful story of strength, courage and hopefulness. In fact, the book was so good that we actually discussed it at book club! Our next book is “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows. It looks interesting … I might even read it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU_nWohUk8ItPS0KuXhFT2wdpCS5bheiUsyFGFy5YxlLrJk8eUkg3aINS9T9j1P_H0q-Z8fFrSc5mhCmzJ4GL2RYbEEiBw8LvBse76rx5rrfVyip9ypsE4kHpK6v60HDfxWta-w/s1600/book-of-negroes.jpg"><br /></a>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-86981462971512096572010-11-19T15:29:00.010-08:002010-11-19T16:06:28.641-08:00Food + Foto No. 2: Peanut Butter Oatmeal-Chocolate Chunk Cookies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3bCgA5wIa0qc8zV7F7KqdRoIZUHua74KKUZ-bUs6OxjSPd2MjRYvsdStdurH56yPGjj57lSNiIrGuDpNI3qVyrjXp94JBeRZdbOEuJR6wk0qRpQhnNZne0X6xu_dI04OgOxHkQ/s1600/foodfoto_chocchip.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3bCgA5wIa0qc8zV7F7KqdRoIZUHua74KKUZ-bUs6OxjSPd2MjRYvsdStdurH56yPGjj57lSNiIrGuDpNI3qVyrjXp94JBeRZdbOEuJR6wk0qRpQhnNZne0X6xu_dI04OgOxHkQ/s400/foodfoto_chocchip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541410476345765298" border="0" /></a><br />Best. Chocolate Chip Cookie. Ever! According to me anyhow! I know that everyone either has their favourite recipe or is constantly on the hunt for the best one. I know that many of you are big fans of the <u><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/dining/091crex.html?_r=1&ref=dining">New York Times Chocolate Chip cookie recipe</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></u>and I'm sure that they are delightful. But they don't have peanut butter in them. And peanut butter, my friends, is what makes this cookie yumilicious. This was my week two submission to <u><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/foodandfoto/">Food + Foto</a></u> ... I'm pretty pleased with the composition and the lighting!<br /><br /><u><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/peanut-butter-oatmeal-chocolate-chunk-115877.aspx">Peanut Butter Oatmeal-Chocolate Chunk Cookies</a></u><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">From kraftcanada.com</span></span><br /><br />1-1/2 cups crunchy peanut butter<br />1/2 cup butter, softened<br />3/4 cup granulated sugar<br />2/3 cup packed brown sugar<br />2 eggs<br />1-1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />1 cup quick-cooking oats<br />3/4 cup flour<br />1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />8 oz dark chocolate chips (the original recipe calls for Bakers semi-sweet squares, chopped)<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350ºF.<br /><br />Beat peanut butter and butter in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Add sugars; beat until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla.<br /><br />Mix oats, flour and baking soda. Add to peanut butter mixture; beat until blended. Stir in chocolate. Drop teaspoonfuls of dough, 1 inch apart, onto baking sheets.<br /><br />Bake 10 to 12 mins. or just until centres are set (my favourite batch was baked for 13 mins). Cool on baking sheets 3 mins. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.<br />_____________<br /><br />While I was setting this shot up and taking a ridiculous number of photos, J. wanted in on the action as well. So I gave him my point & shoot and he set up his own shoot ... of a mini smartie's box!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsuq0dGtjSx69wJZq-H5dYyxUqOWk4AWUmtiFGNE_vObUp0dYbrACa0gXdHiU9VQe_7jSxieEtDxtMbM2ehNTI13nCVicz20xjQeuoSFiJgVjtMpw00tSJPubFJm9BWqOn-H2Ew/s1600/smarties.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsuq0dGtjSx69wJZq-H5dYyxUqOWk4AWUmtiFGNE_vObUp0dYbrACa0gXdHiU9VQe_7jSxieEtDxtMbM2ehNTI13nCVicz20xjQeuoSFiJgVjtMpw00tSJPubFJm9BWqOn-H2Ew/s400/smarties.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541416376855438594" border="0" /></a>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-389265233677707382010-11-14T14:53:00.004-08:002010-11-14T15:07:43.135-08:00Food + Foto No. 1: Salted Toffee-Chocolate Squares<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCiX6h4Jj6KDNOU6W1yTJ-a9fTNQTzdxnAGCczAVq9p_uECeJwgpgQLbni9ISDcGxGTiVru2S4ZnvXcZQjqk47i2jBFY_PMmEJh1Hab8ybnujCuZkjhMJaGGHwZjgd66di6ujWw/s1600/IMG_7897flickr.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCiX6h4Jj6KDNOU6W1yTJ-a9fTNQTzdxnAGCczAVq9p_uECeJwgpgQLbni9ISDcGxGTiVru2S4ZnvXcZQjqk47i2jBFY_PMmEJh1Hab8ybnujCuZkjhMJaGGHwZjgd66di6ujWw/s400/IMG_7897flickr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539545079280314658" border="0" /></a><br />In an effort to learn more about my camera ... and perhaps venture into taking it off the automatic settings (aaackk) ... I have signed up for a session of <a href="http://www.besottedblog.com/2010/11/food-fotosouvenir-foto-school-sign-up.html">Souvenir Foto School</a>. The photo above was my first submission and although I'm relatively pleased with it I have been fighting gloomy, dark, rainy weather and a very, very busy schedule! The session runs for six weeks and my plan each week is to bake something out the Martha Stewart 2010 Holiday Cookies magazine.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/salted-toffee-chocolate-squares">Salted Toffee-Chocolate Squares</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >From Martha Stewart 2010 Holiday Cookies Magazine</span><br /><br />Tasty little treat ... but do not be tempted to oversalt. Too much salt = not so much tasty little treats! Mine are too salty.<br /><br />13 graham crackers<br />1 bag (8 ounces) toffee bits<br />1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped toasted natural almonds<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter<br />3/4 cup (4 ounces) bittersweet chocolate, chopped, or chocolate chips<br />3/4 teaspoon coarse salt<span><br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place graham crackers in a single layer on sheet, edges touching. Sprinkle toffee bits and almonds over graham crackers</span><span><br /><br />In a small saucepan, bring sugar and butter to a boil over medium-high. Reduce heat and cook at a rapid simmer, swirling pan occasionally, until mixture is syrupy, 2 minutes. Immediately pour over graham crackers. Bake until sugar topping is bubbling, 12 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate and salt over graham crackers. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into 2-inch squares. Let cool completely on sheet on a wire rack. (Store in an airtight container, up to 1 week.)</span>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-62743099532276720992010-11-13T22:56:00.003-08:002010-11-13T23:09:37.857-08:00An evening outI've just come in from a night out with 4 of the loveliest ladies I know. We all have young children and very rarely are able to coordinate an evening out ... though, funnily enough, our husbands' seem to be able to schedule a pub night every month. We went to <a href="http://www.fishworks.ca/">Fishworks</a>, a fabulous restaurant celebrating its first anniversary. We all live in same neighbourhood, a "suburb" of a major city, and tonight, although the restaurant was on "our side" of the water, it felt like we were downtown. It felt like the old days ... you know ... pre-kids ... and pre-sleepless nights ... and pre-clean cars. Our occasion for being out was to celebrate the spectacular news that one of these lovely ladies is officially cancer free! This amazing friend was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago and has made it through this awful journey with poise and grace and a kick-cancer's-butt attitude. She is truly an inspiration and someone who's strength I will remember when I'm whining about my day being stressful, or the fact that I've gained 1.5 lbs.<br /><br />Tonight I will kiss my son and my husband and be thankful for good health!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4W0PgO28z1VdXCGSMkXOgrN0iTy0BynqPCWdeyHSQ3ZSBNl6EgyyzrhfGTfkW3PZUt6JrL1eh7L0Ffqo9OlPPLOFJhJ1TwlNQY5AxHJFi30_nbJWsxX4yOD1FsWNeuEvd6ghAQ/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4W0PgO28z1VdXCGSMkXOgrN0iTy0BynqPCWdeyHSQ3ZSBNl6EgyyzrhfGTfkW3PZUt6JrL1eh7L0Ffqo9OlPPLOFJhJ1TwlNQY5AxHJFi30_nbJWsxX4yOD1FsWNeuEvd6ghAQ/s400/photo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539298790471099554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >The remnants of a good night!</span><br /></div>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-29123906675568592982010-11-09T07:53:00.005-08:002010-11-09T18:27:48.088-08:00It could have gone either way ...The day that is! Yesterday had the potential of going to you-know-what in a handbasket but ended up being quite pleasant! We started out rough when, all bundled up and ready to go, but late (strike 1), J. and I jumped in the car, strapped our seatbelts on, turned the key and .... nothing! Well, not nothing exactly, a click-click-click sound (strike 2). In confusion I looked at J. and he looked at me ... then I looked at the interior light that was shining in my face! Grrrrr! I called BCAA (roadside assistance) and was told that it would be a 45 minute wait ... not bad, considering where we live. Now we'd be even later getting J. to school. Miraculously my phone rang 5 minutes later to let me know that the driver was close ... and then lo and behold, there he was! 8 minutes from call to arrival. Impressive. With the car now started, and me terrified to turn it off, I attempt to move J. away from the "Magic School Bus" episode I had parked him in front of. Riiiggghhhttt! No chance! Now we're even later (strike 3)! Finally I get him to school, grab a well deserved Grande NF Latte (aahhh) and head for Ikea ... alone. See how my day is about to get better?! In addition to being a wonderful place to visit, it is a decent drive on the highway and should adequately charge the battery ... obviously the REAL reason that I went! 2 hours later I was in post-Ikea bliss and remembering how nice it was to shop ALONE! Next, off to Costo ... not quite so blissful but still ... ALONE! Here we purchase, among other things, a shiny new, decidedly unsexy, car battery! Next stop, Bosa Foods. Bosa is an Italian supermarket. Aisles and aisles of olive oil, vinegars, olives, pasta (so much pasta) and cheese ... oh the cheese! Last stop, SuperStore ... just boring groceries ... bu<a id="yui_3_1_0_1_1289355962483997" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/maireaine/5159745182/in/photostream/"><span id="yui_3_1_0_1_12893559624831095" class="facade-of-protection"></span></a>t again .. ALONE! Once I got home I puttered around the kitchen and made these lovely lemon bars before heading out in the glorious sunshine for a run!<br /><br />The sun was shining through the maple in the backyard and was so pretty! I used my iphone (my new favourite toy) to snap this pic before the wind blows all the leaves down!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a id="yui_3_1_0_1_1289355962483997" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/maireaine/5159745182/in/photostream/"><img id="yui_3_1_0_1_12893559624831006" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1138/5159745182_e5d38e45ab_b.jpg" style="opacity: 1; z-index: 1; width: 371px; height: 487px;" class="loaded" /></a><br /></div>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020902.post-88958545426839305662010-11-03T07:57:00.004-07:002010-11-05T00:16:56.206-07:00A glimpse at our HalloweenIt's funny how Halloween has turned into a house-decorating, crazy costume making, fireworks kind of event! When we were kids I think we each carved a pumpkin, dressed up as a punk rocker, princess or a hobo (one year my sister was a robot!) and called it a night. I do remember watching fireworks in a friends back yard. Now we decorate the front entrance with pumpkins (6 this year), a spider web (complete with spider), skeletons, ghosties and tombstones. I love it! Jacob asked to be a kangaroo this year ... you will note below that he was a giraffe. I couldn't find a kangaroo costume, and I was not going to make a costume. He was the cutest giraffe on the block! We met up with our favourite gang of three year olds and tricked and treated our way around the neighbourhood! Our night culminated with a "spectacular" fireworks show in a friends backyard ... just like back in the day. We had a great evening ... and must remember next year to visit the house that gave out <a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/20067/b52-coffee.html">B-52 hot chocolate</a> to the parents! Best ... house ... ever!<br /><br /><a id="myphotolink" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7668147&id=669041062"><img id="myphoto" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs244.snc4/39537_497452946062_669041062_7668153_3551536_n.jpg" style="width: 299px; height: 442px;" /></a><br /><a id="myphotolink" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7668147&id=669041062"><img id="myphoto" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs005.snc4/33611_497460056062_669041062_7668326_4820234_n.jpg" style="width: 299px; height: 431px;" /></a><br /><a id="myphotolink" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7668147&id=669041062"><img style="width: 299px; height: 445px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs897.snc4/73054_497452836062_669041062_7668149_5492526_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /></a><br /><a id="myphotolink" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7668145&id=669041062"><img style="width: 299px; height: 444px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs948.snc4/74165_497452671062_669041062_7668146_5637234_n.jpg" id="myphoto" /></a><br /><a id="myphotolink" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7668145&id=669041062"><img id="myphoto" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs941.snc4/73421_497452396062_669041062_7668139_95587_n.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a>Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16984447862081376669noreply@blogger.com0