A Labour of Love

Hawaiian Angel Cake

2011-10-19T00:15:00.000-07:00

I love this cake. It's healthy, tasty and super fast and easy to make. It's so good that after I have it I feel like I should be guilty, but really there is no need. You can serve it with a bit of sweetened whipping cream if you like but when I have this at my Mom's it's always plain. It's Angel Food Cake and pineapple, that's it. Enjoy this fresh healthy dessert.

Ingredients:

Betty Crocker Angel Food Cake Mix
One 19 ounce can of Dole Crushed Pineapple (or measure 19 oz. from two smaller cans)
Coconut Extract

Method:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

1. Pour the cake mix into the mixer. (This recipe will not work with an Angel Food cake mix that comes with two bags in the mix. Betty Crocker is the one to get.

2. Pour the 19 oz. can of crushed pineapple with it's juice into the mixer with the cake mix. Sometimes I can't find the 19 ounce can, so I will buy two of the 14 ounce ones and measure the extra 5 ounces out of the second can. You can also add the one teaspoon of coconut extract.

3. Mix the cake mix and the pineapple on a low speed for thirty seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

4. Now, mix for an additional one minute on medium.

5. Pour the batter into an ungreased 9 x 13 pan.

6. Bake the cake for 35 minutes until golden and it bounces back when touched lightly in the middle. Cool in the pan on a rack.

7. Whip up some whipping cream and sweeten with icing sugar.

Fast, easy and healthy. Try it, I know you'll love it.

Starbucks Refills

2011-08-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

I came across an interesting blog about Starbucks. If you love coffee as I do you'll want to check it out. The blog is called Starbuckmelody she is the "ultimate" Starbucks fan and reviews different stores and keeps upto date on anything Starbucks. She clarified some points about the Starbucks "refill" policy.

Who knew? This is the reply from the Starbucks Customer Care at Starbucks.com about getting a refill of coffee, iced coffee or even an ice tea - no matter what handcrafted beverage you purchase. (So long as you have a registered card and it's the same visit.)

Starbucks Reply posted July 11, 2011 at 9:27 am

Here is the original long thread at Starbucks Customer Care - Discounted Refills on Coffee - even if you buy a different drink.

Starbucks gave the final word on the last post.

Taylor's Favourite Rhubarb Cake

2011-07-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

Taylor's 26th birthday was last week and he wanted me to bake a cake that he loved and remembered from when he was little. I haven't made this cake in years and years, but apparetly it was one of his favourites. So out came the stacks of cook books and papers to try to find the recipe. Thank goodness I found it! Taylor wrote the recipe out on a Labours of Love note pad. The cake was awesome!

The precious little recipe hand printed by Tay,

look at the spelling, "rubarb" and "suger."

Method:
Preheat the oven to 350 Degrees

5 cups of Rhubarb
1 cup of Sugar
1 small package of Strawberry Jello
3 cups of Minature Marshmallows
1 Betty Crocker French Vanilla Cake Mix

1. Put the rhubarb in the bottom of a 9" x 13" pan.
2. Sprinkle the rhubarb with the sugar.
3. Next sprinkle on the jello powder.
4. Next sprinkle the mini marshmallows on top.

This is how it will look so far.

5. Make the Betty Crocker (not Duncan Hinds) French Vanilla cake mix according to the instructions on the box, and pour over top of the marshmallows, sugars and rhubarb.

Tap the pan just a little bit on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Pop it into the oven on the middle rack and bake for 50 - 60 minutes, until a tooth pick comes out clean.

This is what it will look like. Just let it cool on a rack.

You can serve it warm or cool, but you definitly serve it with vanilla ice cream.

Last Love Letter

2011-06-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

The perfect gift. (2010)

Spencer used the word "Love" fifteen times.

I remember when Taylor (my oldest) was just a little boy and would bring me a bouquet of dandelions home after school. One day I realized that, there hadn't been a bouquet in a long long time. My thought was, "Wow if I had known that last bouquet would be my last, I would have enjoyed it more."

Because "my boys" are ten years apart, I was thrilled when Spencer showed up one day after school with a hand full of dandelions. It's such a sweet, sweet gesture, that little kids (especially little boys) do for their Mom. But I knew that one day it would stop. So I was savored every little dandelion that came my way - every time.

I'm getting that same feeling with the love letters. I've loved getting all sorts of little notes from my boys, but as they get older I know they too will stop. So this one from Spencer is especially sweet, I can still see the little boy who gave me dandelions in this one, but I know what's coming.

Part of being a Mom to boys is teaching them to be sweet, while you are, the only woman in their life. Taylor gave me a Valentines card a few years back that said, "You were my first Valentine". I loved it, and in reading those words I could see the proud little boy with a fist full of dandelions.

Button Sugar Cookies

2011-06-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

Sewing themed sugar cookies, this is right up my alley. Since I've learned how to make cookie cutters I've really been into making sugar cookies. Spencer had a project for Math class on "PI", so we decided to make sugar cookies in that shape, outline them, and then "flood" them with green icing. They turned out super cute.

Here's Spencer "flooding" his cookies.

Just for the record he got 90% on the project.

So needless to say I've been spending a fair amount of time searching the internet for cute sugar cookies.

I could hardly contain my excitement when I saw these!

Button Sugar Cookies - I can't wait to make them!

I found them over at the Sugar & Meringue Blog.

Emily even has the cards to print out and sew the cookies onto.

Thank-you Emily for sharing such a great idea.

Louis Vuitton Speedy 25

2011-04-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

Audrey Hepburn and her Speedy 25 (I love her.)

The Speedy marks one of the single most important turning points in Louis Vuitton’s history. In 1932, LV was still a luxury luggage house, with such a reputation that the brand’s designs were starting to spill over into haute couture. After the Keepall travel bag became such a icon, Georges Vuitton was urged to create a smaller carry on for short trips. The Speedy 30 was the very first crossover—both luggage and a purse, and Louis Vuitton’s very first true handbag. By 1965, the bag was a worldwide icon, inspiring Audrey Hepburn to personally ask for an even smaller version to be created. And so, the Speedy 25 was born—Audrey was never again seen without one, and the history of Louis Vuitton was forever linked to the Speedy.

(More from this article here)

Thirteen Things To Know About Louis Vuitton

1. A very high percentage of “Vuittons” in the world are fake. Someone with a real LV can spot a fake - it's all about the "honey" colour of the leather and perfect "cut" of the patterns.

2. Louis Vuitton craftsmen rarely cut thorough the "LV" logo on the monogram canvas. Designs are created around this tradition. Look close at the pictures, you'll see what I mean. If you go to the Louis Vuitton web site, there are only a few bags where the "LV's" are cut to accommodate a more complicated design but it's very rare. Two bags that break this rule are the Galliera PM and the Galliera GM.

3. Louis Vuitton carefully centers the pattern to be symmetiecal, and cuts out the material to perfectly match and line up at seamlines. You will never see a Louis Vuitton handbag where the pattern doesn't line up at the side seams.

4. Louis Vuitton celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2004.

5. Louis Vuitton opened his first store in 1854, he began making handbags after the 1892 world’s fair.

6. The world’s first flat top trunk was created by Louis Vuitton in 1858.

7. Each and every Louis Vuitton has a hidden tag stamped with a serial number, more specifically a date code that tells where and when the item was made. Wallets will be stamped right on the item, tucked close to a seam, usually hard to find - you have to know what you're looking for but it's there.

8. Though it’s been around since 1930, the Speedy didn't gain a massive following until it was redesigned for Audrey Hepburn in the 60s. (see above)

9. Vuitton HQ is in Florence, Italy.

10. Louis Vuitton was born in Jura, France in 1821.

11. The “LV” monogram was originally meant to foil counterfeiting attempts. It didn't work.

12. When the Louis Vuitton Building opened on the Champs-Elysees it was the largest travel-goods store in the world.

13. Louis Vuitton handbags are only sold in Louis Vuitton boutiques (some boutiques are in high end department stores) and on line at their official web site. They don't go on sale or get discounted ever. Never, ever, ever. They are not sold wholesale to boutiques or sold on the street or at purse partys.

My Speedy 25 got damaged somehow (see the nick in the piping). I took it to the Louis Vuitton Store in Vancouver to have it repaired and they replaced it on the spot explaining that the piping was not installed correctly. As happy as I was that the problem was solved, it was like giving up my best friend, I hated to see her go. The leather on this one was just getting to that nice shade of honey.

My original speedy, with her little "nick".

Easter Cupcakes

2011-04-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is my dream costume the Cupcake Pin Up Girl. It wouldn't even have to be Halloween, it's just so so cute! These days all I'm thinking about is cupcakes and Easter. Yellow cupcakes with a nest and three little speckled eggs tucked inside to be precise. I came across some really cute ideas of cupcakes that I wanted to share, and keep a record of for future baking. Future as in, the next couple of days. Whatever I decide to do I'll post some pictures for you to see as soon as they're done.

These get me excited!

Adorable, just like outside the Mad Hatter's House at Disneyland.

Springtime!

So simple, but so pretty, and lots of icing.

I saved the best for last, the perfect Easter cupcake.
I decided this would b e the perfect time to show you my new cupcake fabic.

I have absolutely no idea what I'll do with it.

Mango Porcupine

2011-04-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

You have to go a long way to find something that tastes better then a ripe mago. I love them. I've gotten some friends into them and I've promised to do a quick video on how to cut them into porcupines so that they're easy to eat as a snack. I buy a big box of nine mangos from Costco and pull them out of the fridge one by one, or two by two if I have to share them, and let the ripen for the day on the window sill. They will be slightly soft when they're ready to cut and eat. When I was in Hawaii, they made Mango Bread, it's thier more tropical version of our Bananna Bread. It was wonderful! There is a very popular highly rated recipe for Mango Bread at All Recipes. Give it a try, I know you'll love it!

So here's the "how-to" on cutting one just right.

My next video will be on how to sharpen knives.

Enjoy your tasty, healthy, low calorie Mangos.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

2010-10-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

This recipe was given to me by a good friend as most recipes are. It's a combination of my oldest son's two favourite things, cheesecake and pumpkin pie. It's hard to imagine any dessert other than pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, but trust me on this - you will change your mind when you taste this. My girlfriend was almost tempted to sit down and write this out on a cute recipe card like she has in the past, but then she got thinking and decided, no "we" (as in all the friends) have an old "clipped" original version just like this one. It's part of the fun that we all have the same; an old newspaper clipping that has been blown up on a copier so we can see it, it's been faxed and scanned, emailed, facebooked and now blogged. So here it is, your own beaten up copy. You can make this one day ahead and you're guests will love it.

Pin up image by Gil Elvgren

Method:

1. For The Crust

24 graham crackers crushed (that's two cups of the crumbs)
1/2 cup sugar (try not to notice how much sugar is in this recipe)
1/2 cup melted butter

Combine the graham cracker crumbs with the sugar and melted butter. Press into a 9 x 13 buttered pan.

2. For The Cheesecake Layer

8 ounces of cream cheese (that's one brick if you're Canadian)
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs beaten

Beat the cream cheese, sugar and beaten eggs together. Pour over the crust and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

3. For The Pumpkin Layer:

2 cups of canned pumpkin (I use Royal City brand, because that's what my Grandma used)
3 egg yolks (set aside the whites)
1/2 cup milk (this is no time to use low fat milk)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 envelope of unflavoured gelatin (dissolved in 1/4 c cold water)

In a saucepan cook the canned pumpkin for 10 minutes on medium heat.

While the pumpkin is cooking, in a mixing bowl, mix together the egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon, sugar, salt and gelatin/water mixture. Add this to the pumpkin when cooked, and let the mixture cool until thick. Put it in the fridge for an hour or so and give it a stir now and again.

One hour later...

3 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar

Beat the egg whites and sugar until stiff and fold into the pumpkin mixture. Pour over the cream cheese and place in the fridge. You can cover it up, you're done until the day you serve it.

When you serve it you'll notice the recipe suggests to use a spoonful of cool whip to top the dessert. No, no, noooo ... see next step.

4. The Whip Cream Layer

2 cups of whipping cream

1/4 cup icing sugar

Whip the cream until frothy and add the icing sugar slowly a tablespoon at a time. Whip until it holds peaks and taste it as you go. If you want more icing sugar, feel free. The whipping cream should be nice and sweet.

Spread this over top of the pumpkin layer and cover with saran wrap over until your ready to cut it up and serve it. Because this is in a pan, I would suggest you cut it up in the kitchen, and then serve it to the guests already on dessert plates.

Thank you "Tune" for the amazing recipe.

I've been asked for the recipe three times already, that's how you know it's a "keeper".

Spencer was just proof reading the blog and said, "Oh I wish we still had some of that!"

Mom's (Magic) Pancakes

2010-09-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

I love pancakes. I especially loved when my Mom would make breakfast for dinner when I was little. I think it was America's Test Kitchen that reviewed pancake mixes and found that Bisquick of all things was chosen as the best pancake mix. The best recipe I've ever used is the one from a booklet from my Mom called Basic (Magic) Pancakes. I'm not sure why I have this book, if she gave it to me or if it's supposed to be returned but I love this recipe and can't imagine giving this little booklet away. The lady that wrote it was a food writer for The Vancouver Sun, her name was Edith Adams and she made a collection of these booklets from all the recipes that were featured in the newspaper.

So first things first, here's the recipe

Method:

In a larger bowl sift together the dry ingredients:

1 3/4 cups of sifted All Purpose Flour
1 Tbsp. of Baking Powder
2 Tbsp. Sugar
1/2 Tsp. Salt

In a smaller bowl mix together the wet ingredients:

2 well beaten Eggs
1 1/2 cups of Milk
1/4 cup of melted Butter

Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Even though the recipe says, "beat until smooth" I don't because I saw a pancake cook off and they said to never do that, a few lumps are ok.

So preheat your pan on medium heat. This pan I'm using is only used for Pancakes and is well seasoned (20 years), except for the one time someone fried onions in it and didn't know it was only for pancakes. Anyways, I lightly grease the bottom of the pan with Grape-seed oil, each time a new batch goes in. Using the 1/4 cup measuring cup, pour out four pancakes.

Optional: You can of course add fresh or frozen "blues", that's what we call Blueberries. Delicious!

Cook until bubbles appear on the top of the pancake, flip and cook on the other side. You should serve them right away but if you want to keep them warm in the oven put them on the rack, not a plate. Pop them onto a plate at the last minute when your ready to serve them.

At our house the last bit of batter is always turned into a Mickey Mouse Pancake.

Another variation we like is how they spruce them up in Hawaii at our favourite little breakfast place, the Kihei Cafe in Maui. You dust icing sugar over the top of your pile, add some banana slices, and some macadamia nuts (chopped). Pour on the pancake syrup and that's what you call Banana Nut Pancakes.

Sushi Cupcakes

2010-07-17T22:44:00.000-07:00

I never get tired talking about cupcakes. I've been wanting to make these "sushi cupcakes" for ages. Taylor turns 25 this year and he loves sushi so this was my chance. Getting the stuff together was the biggest part of the project but it was really fun.

Here's all the stuff I bought to go on top. You can design the cupcakes decoration around your favourite rolls and then find candy that you think will resemble the real thing. I didn't end up using the green watermelons. Also keep your eyes peeled for black cupcake liners - they are a must.

Cut the round part of the cupcake off. Cut the candy up if necessary. You'll see I have a bowl full of coconut in the background, it's going to be the rice. All you do is ice the cupcake, turn it upside down and catch coconut around the outside edge. I don't pick up coconut in the very center, so that the candy will stick to the icing. I used tweezers to get the little orange balls into place, but they look awesome.

They were so so good.

Ok, so these are made from icing dusted mini donuts. You just cut the donut in half - carefully, I used a steak knife. Cut just a little sliver off of the top, so that the Swedish Fish will lay flat. Then I cut flat black licorice into strips (ok, Spencer cut the strips), then you just wrap the strips around and overlap on the bottom I used a dab of water to stick the two ends together.

They're so so SO cute.

The birthday boy and his sushi.

In Paris Fleurs Are A Way Of Life

2010-07-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Fleurs,twinkle lights and old stuff.

This is my kind of place.

I will pretend I'm this girl, shopping for "Fleurs".

In my little town, this is the "Fleur" shop.

It's a drive though, on the honor system.

Louis Vuitton Purse Cake

2010-06-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

I was looking at some handbags online and spotted this knock off right away by the odd leather. Then I realized it was a cake! Oh my goodness, I want this cake. This combines my fondness, love, obsession, passion - whatever you want to call it for Louis Vuitton and cupcakes perfectly. I'm in awe of Nadia's amazing one of a kind designer cakes over on flicker. Take a peek they are just amazing.

Won Ton Soup

2010-06-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

I've been making Won Ton Soup for ages - I thought everyone did. My girlfriend was curious to know how you wrap the won tons, so I thought I would just do a quickie video and recipe so she can whip a batch up! This is going to be like a recipe you might get from your Grandma, because I don't have the exact amounts.

The Broth:

I used to boil chicken backs and necks and whatever other chicken guts were on hand for a day in water. You would then drain it and get all the guts out and put it in the fridge overnight and skim off the fat the next day, and that was your broth. Or you can buy four 1 liter cartons of chicken broth - regular or fat free it doesn't matter, because your going to spruce it up anyways. Put your broth in a pot, and add soy sauce I would say about 1/4 cup. Remember soy sauce is salty, so just add it bit by bit until you like the taste. I also add some salt and pepper to taste. Have this on the stove ready to heat up when the won tons are done.

You will also need two bunches of green onions chopped and ready to add to the soup last.

For the Won Tons:

Won Ton Wraps - they usually come in a two pack and can be frozen.

1 Pound Ground Pork

2 Eggs

Salt and Pepper

1 Can Sliced Water Chestnuts

3 green onions - finely chopped

Method:

1. Crack the eggs and put the egg whites in a bowl. (read next step) Mix the egg whites together until frothy with a fork.

2. Put the ground pork in a bowl, add one egg yolk. Add the other to the garbage.

3. Add the finely chopped green onions.

4. Add about 1/8 cup finely chopped water chestnuts - freeze the rest.

5. Add about 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper.

6. Mix it all up.

Here is the video on how to wrap the won tons - we ran out of battery on the third won ton but I think you can get the idea...

Once the won tons are all done, bring the broth to a boil, then reduce it so it's not bubbling but it's hot. Gently drop the won tons in one by one. When the hit the water, the egg white acts like glue and holds it shut. You don't want to drop them into bubbling boiling water and have them blow apart! Let them cook slowing until they shrivel up and float. Don't stir them excessively - they're delicate.

Once these are cooked you can add the green onions that you had cut and set aside. This part is done, put a lid on and let them sit while you do the vegetables.

You can also add prawns and/or scallops to the broth right about now and they would be cooked when the vegetables are done.

If you want Won Ton with noodles in the bottom of your soup - buy a bag of Won Ton Noodles (that's what they're called) from the store, they're rice noodles and look just like spaghetti. Spencer likes noodles in his soup so now is the time to cook them up. They only take about four minutes.

The Vegetables:

You can have whatever vegetable you like in this soup. We do baby corn, bock choy, broccoli and sliced carrots. I used to add these to the won ton but pot they get over cooked and messy for the next day. Now, I just steam them as shown and add them to the hot soup.

You know what my Julia would say!

Bon Appetit

BBQ Sauce, Burgers & Ribs

2010-06-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

This recipe is from one of my Mom's 1000 cookbooks. I would like to say which one but it would be impossible to find it again. It was originally included in an award winning hamburger recipe, but we also use it on ribs and it's delicious. Spencer is in charge of making the sauce, we just keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge.

Spencer's BBQ Sauce

1 cup Ketchup

1/2 cup Brown Sugar

1/3 cup White Sugar

1/4 cup Honey

1/4 cup Molasses

2 tsp. Mustard

1.4 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Liquid Smoke

1/8 tsp. Pepper

Method:

In a small sauce pan combine all the ingredients and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat to cool. Pour into a jar and use as needed.

The Award Winning Burger Recipe: (makes 6 )

1 Egg, beaten

1/3 cup Quick Oats

1/4 tsp. Onion Salt

1/4 tsp. Garlic Salt

1/4 tsp. Pepper

1/8 tsp. Salt

1/4 cup BBQ Sauce

1 1/2 pounds Ground Beef

Method:

In a bowl combine the egg, oats, 1/4 c of the BBQ sauce, onion salt, garlic salt, pepper and salt.

Crumble the ground beef over the mixture and mix well. Shape into six patties.

Grill covered, over medium heat for 6 - 8 minutes on each side. Do not mess with them as they are cooking on the first side, they are a little soft and need to get a good grill on them.

Baste with the BBQ Sauce (about 1/2 cup worth), in the last five minutes.

Here's the sauce on the ribs - so so good!

Note to self: The ribs bake for 1 hours and 20 minutes, on 350 degrees in foil. Mom sprinkles some of the Montreal's Chicken Seasoning from Costco on each side before she wraps them in the foil.

Cool, drain out the liquid, then they can stay in the foil in the fridge until ready to bbq. BBQ each side but don't put the sauce on until about the last ten minutes.

Kinder Love Letter

2010-06-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning my office and switching things around.

I found this post it note on the inside of a door in my desk.

When I say boys should learn how to write love letters,

trust me I started them young.

This was left for me on my desk when Spencer could hardly even write. He has just turned fifteen, so this is kinda "vintage."
A kinder love letter ... what a find!

Glamour Sewing Travel

2010-03-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

If travel still looked like this maybe I wouldn't break out in hives every time I go somewhere. Remember when flying was fun and it was a business that was run like a service? Now it's like catching a public bus across town with a strip search included.

Now that they charge for every bag you check you get to carry even more of your stuff on board hoping not to get caught at the gate with an oversize roller bag or my biggest problem an overweight bag. That's what guys are for, to hoist my thirty pound carry on bag inconspicuously into the overhead bin. That's what I do in the waiting area, pick out the guy that's going to hoist my bag. That's not bad is it? I think it's just being organized and not delaying the boarding process.

Last year, when my sewing machine went though the scanner three security people were standing there looking at the screen having a conference to decide if my size 60 Schmetz needle was a weapon. I didn't want my machine going into regular luggage and getting thrown around so I leaned over and said "I bet you don't see one of those scan through everyday?" They had a chuckle and let me go - being friendly goes a long way at security.

The year before on my way to Edmonton, I had about 30 mini irons in my carry on and the security guy being the astute guy that he was said "This looks like a bag full of irons" - I said "Good guess, it sure is!" and smiled. He was all proud that he was right and let me go with my irons. As I was buckling my belt and getting my shoes back on, he felt compelled to let me know that he had a Rowenta - I said "Great choice." and got out of there before he changed his mind. I'm always so happy to get through security, it's like half of the trip in my mind. If you have a class, take your own machine, it's a big pain but it's worth it. You want to learn on what you sew on and for me as a teacher, trust me I like when you have what your familiar with in class. Just be prepared to have a sense of humor and patience at the airport.

Canadian Hockey Humor

2010-02-28T05:57:00.000-08:00

In the friendly spirit of the Gold Metal Olympic hockey game between Canada and the USA I thought you would like to see what "we" think is one of the funniest commercials that aired during the Winter Olympics. For some reason I don't think it's being aired in the US. This is a sample of Canadian humor - eh?

The sign on the building in background says "Welcome to America"

Update: Congratulations to both teams for
their Olympic Gold and Silver medals.

I for one will not be wearing anything Canadian to America for a while!

Bureau Herb Planter

2010-02-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

Needless to say I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw this!

It's the perfect herb garden. You just can't go wrong with an old set of drawers and a can of pink paint. Stuff it with some lavender, parsley and flowers and you've got cute on a whole new level.

I can't wait for spring and it's just around the corner!

The Lovely Photo from Pink Cupcake Blog

Love Is In The Air

2010-02-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

The first Valentine's Day box of chocolates

was introduced by Richard Cadbury in 1868.

This guy was a "smart cookie".

Canada Welcomes The World

2010-02-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to be an Canadian even more than ever. Today Vancouver finally welcomes the world. Olympic gold at home is our dream - we believe.

Did you know five interlocking rings on the logo represent the five continents or major geographical areas of the world. The colors of the rings represent the flags of the countries each of which includes at least one of the following colors: blue, black, red, yellow, and green.

Our local 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Website

Don't worry if we don't have enough snow - we'll make some.

We joke that we just tell people it rains here, to keep them away.

It does rain but that's what keeps it so green.

We tell our kids from a very young age that they're "waterproof".

Updated: February 14th : Big News

This is what history looks like - we finally have our gold medal at home.

Frédéric Bilodeau - Gold in the Men's Moguls Event

His personal story of inspiration makes this gold extra special.

Grab the kleenex and watch the clip.

First Sign Of Spring

2010-02-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

As you know, I'm on the West Coast of Canada by Vancouver. I'm hearing about the terrible snow storms across Canada and the US. So I'm posting this picture, not to brag about the awesome weather out this way but to say "Hang on, spring is on the way!"

These are the crocuses in my front yard that come out for a few hours a day in the sunlight, then shut up tight again at night in the cold. Mother Nature's way of giving us something to look forward to. Thank God, because I'm tired of being wet and cold!

Make Thai Salad Rolls At Home

2010-02-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

We love Thai Salad Rolls and could eat them every night. That's what we decided just a few nights ago. The best part is at home you can eat as many as you want. At the restaurant they usually come two to an order. I made it my mission to find the ingredients and learn to make them at home. I will make something over and over again until I perfect it - these were no exception.

So here's the ingredients all ready to go. From back to front, left to right. Round rice paper wraps, lettuce chopped fine, prawns sliced in half, cucumber sliced thin, chicken or pork cooked and sliced, the package of the noodles, a bowl of noodles cooked according to the package instructions, bean sprouts, shaved carrots, and mint clipped into small pieces.

Tip: You can get the rice paper wraps and noodles in the Asian isle of your supermarket. I like the brand of noodles shown because there are six bundles inside instead of one big lump. I cook two bundles and that's the perfect amount for about twelve rolls.

Another Tip: Put warm water in a shallow pan and wet one side of the rice paper, for about 30 seconds then flip it over and wet the other side. It gets softer as it sits and you pile the stuff on, so don't over wet it. When you do one or two you'll get the hang of it.

Spencer made this video of me making a roll so you can see how easy it is to roll up. You can see the ingredients are added in the same order as the picture is shown above. I wash my hands after handling all the ingredients just before I roll it up. The rice paper will get a little dry so when you roll and fold the sides in they will stick in place.

Good job on the video Spencer!

Here they are cut in half, on an angle with a bowl of peanut sauce. These are very low in calories until you dip them in the peanut sauce. Our favorite peanut sauce is from Super Store. It's the President's Choice brand and it's called Szechwan Spicy Peanut Sauce - we get the light version.

Fit Really Is Everything

2010-02-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Imagine one of the happiest days of your life - your wedding. After the ceremony, outside the church, with all your family and friends - camera's flashing capturing the moment as you release doves to celebrate you're love.

I hardly know what to say except "fit really is everything"! Any kind of an alteration would have been better than this. I rest my case.

This would be on Facebook and Twitter circulating around the world

before you hit the car on the way to the reception.

The Ultimate Glamour Girl

2010-01-31T16:00:00.000-08:00

I love Marilyn Monroe. She's was so glamorous, you can tell she was a high maintenance "girly girl". Like all girls, she worked at it . She didn't have the perfect life, or relationships, or body image. It's pretty well known that she battled with her weight. By today's body standards I wonder what the paparazzi would say? Only fifty years ago she was the standard of beauty in a much classier time.

In Marilyn's day it was ok to have hips.

And natural boobs.

This might be the cover of her fitness DVD if she were alive today.

Is there anyone that wouldn't be happy with this body and boyfriend?

I think she's beautiful.

Indian Butter Chicken

2010-01-30T14:09:00.000-08:00

I love Indian food. As a special birthday present I made a whole Indian dinner from scratch. It took me two days to find just the right recipes and to shop for the ingredients, but it was fun. The starter was Prawn Pekoras and Raita Cucumber Dip. The dinner was Butter Chicken, Basmati Rice, Aloo Gobi (cauliflower and potatoes) and Naan Bread. The links are for the actual recipes I used - you'll see they're all five star recipes.

This is the Butter Chicken recipe I used - I love, love, LOVE it! It's adapted from an Indian cook book I "borrowed" from my Mom. She ended up giving me the cook book because I kept if for so long she had to find another one on Ebay. Sometimes daughters do that with things they really like - thanks Mom. I find it interesting that "Butter Chicken" doesn't really have that much butter in it and the one cup of whipping cream is not that bad when you consider it's for the whole dish. All in all another healthy chicken recipe.

Maakhan Murg (Butter Chicken)

4 chicken breasts, skinned

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 tbsp. butter

2 tsp. garlic, crushed

1 tsp. ginger, grated

1 tsp. green chili peppers, finely chopped

1/2 tsp. paprika

1 tbsp. curry powder

1 cup tomato sauce

1 tsp. salt, or to taste

1 cup of whipping cream, or half & half

1 tbsp. fresh coriander

What to do:

1. Cut the chicken into bit size pieces.

2. In saucepan fry onions in butter until golden brown.

3. Add garlic, ginger, chili peppers, paprika and curry powder, fry for a few seconds.

4. Add tomato sauce, salt and chicken and slowly bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is nearly done, about 15 - 20 minutes.

6. Add whipping cream, stir and simmer until chicken is tender.

7. Garnish with coriander

I usually do steps 1-3 on the stove, then finish up in the slow cooker on low. The house smells heavenly with the Indian spices. If you want it to be at it's very best, cook it a day ahead and let the flavors blend overnight. I really enjoyed getting my new Indian spices - you'll find when you get into it, you use the same ones over and over again.

My New Cowgirl Chili

2010-01-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

The other day my Dad told my Mom this was the best chili she has ever made. This was a huge compliament coming from him - they are few and far between. He seemed really surprised that the best bowl of chili was sitting right there in front of him. I have my own chili recipe that I make for my boys, they love it over rice with cheese and onions on top just like they do in Hawaii. Anyways I decided to try Mom's great new receipe. It seemed simple enough with nothing too out of the ordinary (except the coco). So instead of using my world famous "Chilli -O Mix" from IGA, I was going to add the spices myself. Spencer came in the kitchen took off the lid when it was simmering and said, "This looks like real chili." I said, "What does that mean?" He said, "You know, like cowboy chili." I looked again and thought wow, he's right. Mine looks more like a pot of meat and beans - this had alot of nice thick sauce with beans poking out here and there. So, as it turns out Dad was right on the mark - and this really is the best chili ever, it's so, so good. It made me feel like I wanted to cook for a bunch of cowboys out on the range, circle the chuck wagons and eat off tin plates.

My New Cowgirl Chili

1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic

2 tbsp. unsweetened Coco (I know it seems wierd)

1 tbsp. all purpose flour

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp ground corriander

1 tsp cummin

1 pinch of hot pepper flakes

2 - 28 ounce cans of crushed tomatoes

2 green peppers, chopped

2 stocks of celery chopped

2 - 14 oz cans of kidney beans (undrained)

1.) Brown the meat, onion and garlic. Drain off the fat.

2.) Mix the spices and add to meat.

3.) Add the canned tomatoes, green pepper, celery and simmer 45 minutes.

4.) Add beans and simmer another 10 minutes.

* Taste the chili as it simmers, if you want it hotter add more spices to taste - be sure to keep a note of it.

Paris Watercolours Made In America

2010-01-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

You can have a beautiful Paris inspired watercolour Made In America. I'm in love with each and every watercolour by artist extraordinaire Carol Gillott. She lives in New York and paints her way to Paris two to three times a year for inspiration. You can even have commissioned watercolours done - with you and your pets in them. Her Etsy Store is wonderful and you can see what she is currently selling - you can also see what she has already sold by clicking on "sales". She also has a cute little blog called Paris Breakfast that is fun to follow with lots of her pictures of bakeries and cafes from her Paris travels. She loves cookbooks, bakeries and cute shop windows - it's like taking a trip without leaving home!

Getting a few of these is definitely on my "to do list".

The problem is how to choose - just one.

She really does paint Paris Dreams

A Birthday Love Letter

2010-01-14T14:58:00.000-08:00

This is from Spencer for my birthday.

All boys should learn how to write love letters - it will come in handy.

I like how diplomatic he is at the part where he says I get on his nerves....

"All in all" I love you too honey.

Sew Your Panties And Hem Your Gym Pants

2010-01-12T19:23:00.000-08:00

I joke in class about how I don't have anything in common with people that don't sew. I do consider sewing a casing for curtains, being able to sew - because that shows there's some interest and that you even went as far as to thread the machine. So if that's all you've done your my friend. I do feel sorry for the girls at the gym though who have their gym pants too long and rolled up because they don't know how to hem them. I'd cut them off with pinking shears before I'd roll them up - and no that is not an option. So see even being able to sew a straight line means you can sew - it's a start. You use a stretch twin needle by the way for all you gals running around with long gym pants. Help with the pants is coming below.

Ok, so I saw these lovely vintage style panties - don't you think they're cute? They're only (are you sitting down) $260.00 at Lillie Boutique online (they do have beautiful things). I think they mentioned something about the crotch in these being lined with gold. Aren't you glad you can sew? Panties might not be at the top of your sewing list, but if you wanted to - you know you could. I love, love, LOVE sewing!

I'm just kidding with you girls about your sad looking gym pants . But really if you haven't hemmed them up yet give it a try it's really fast and easy. I make my long gym pants into the Capri length all the time. I've typed up some quick instructions for you on How to Hem Gym Pants.. Just click the "read more" link below this sentence at the left.

1. Fold the pants up to the inside to the length you want them. You can fold up 2" or 12" it doesn't matter. Just fold them to the length you want them. Put a pin in the hem at the side seams and center front and back just to hold it in place.

2. Set your machine up with a stretch twin needle and you're regular everyday presser foot (not a pintuck foot). I use the 4.0/75 needle. Match the thread to your fabric in colour and content. (If you've never used a twin needle before dig out the instruction book to your machine or you can check out my book called Modern Machine Techniques - it has lots of twin needle techniques among other things.)

3. Test your stitch on some of the hem that will be cut off. You will be sewing with a straight stitch on a stitch length of about 3.0 because it's stretch fabric. When you like the look of the stitch you're ready to sew.

4. On the right side, starting at the inside seam, about 1" up from the bottom fold stitch around the bottom. I pull the fabric just a little as I'm sewing. When you meet up to where you started, back stitch and clip your threads.

5. Once you've done both legs turn the pants inside out. Carefully, and I mean carefully trim away the excess fabric above the stitching line. I'm using blunt tipped Gingher Pocket scissors - the best for this job because the tips don't get caught on the fabric.

Fabrics won't fray along the cut edge because when using

the twin needle the underside is a zig-zag stitch.

I found these pictures in some teaching stuff. The pink sample fabric is not gym pants, but I think you can get the idea. I always us black thread on my teaching samples so you can see what's going on.

"The Dress" Workout

2010-01-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

Last October I set out the new fitness plan.I was thinking oh my god look what I ate this summer and oh my god Christmas is coming. I need to get back into a healthy routine again.

The October Booty Boot Camp Plan was:

1.) Eat healthy and count calories - 1500 a day.

2.) Get back into yoga, Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

3.) Run (30 minutes) and weight train on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Tanya jumped on board and we were off. October went as planned and so did the first part of November. But, everything changed when Tanya bought "the Christmas dress". The dress was a little tight in the bottom and a little big on the top - the same old story. The plan was to take in the top and work off the bottom.

That's when the new plan came into effect 6 days a week.

1.) Yoga to warm up before #2

2.) Cardio - run or elliptical each day (alternate so we don't fall apart)

3.) Weight train each day, running laps between sets to keep the heart rate up

4.) Eat protein and vegetables - no white stuff, like rice, potatoes and white bread. Fat and alcohol were out of the question. Oatmeal and other healthy carbs in low amounts were ok, to keep us alive.

Tips: There is no shame in eating tuna and green beans straight from the can. We also discovered carrots don't go bad in your purse after a few days. When the girls at work are eating Christmas chocolates - crunch on carrots! I always loved yoga but we really got into it each morning. As it turns out yoga before running was awesome and has helped us out with our knee and hip problems that come and go when your a runner.

So, to say I'm exhausted after what we called "The Dress Workout" November through December would be an understatement. I called it the "death workout" a few times - I am twenty years (+/-) older than Tanya so it was quite the marathon. The big news is yes, she fit the dress and looked awesome. Once we kicked into high gear - she lost 12 pounds since October and is still right on track. We still have a bit of our booties but our boobs are pretty much gone. Tanya was pretty busty and was shocked as week by week they got smaller and smaller. I think she puts stuffing in there now when she goes out because no amount of under wire is going to lift what's not there.

We sailed through and had a healthy Christmas but that's not to say we didn't get into the chocolate covered fortune cookies, shortbread and wine. So the new January (looking forward to summer) plan is the old sensible October plan - just with a little more yoga. Like everyone we want to look and feel great for summer and time is on our side to just to eat healthy, exercise, and get into a good lifestyle groove. Anyone who is healthy and fit works at it - it doesn't just happen on it's own. You really do have to make it a lifestyle, and it changes at times, so you need to be able to adapt.

I wanted to let you all know where I got some great yoga routines for my ipod. If you go to itunes and search "yoga", scroll down until you see the "20 min yoga yogadownload.com" podcasts, just click the subscribe button. They have all sorts of routines to choose from and they're free - you can donate to help keep the poscast going. You can also print out their pose guides, but the podcasts are really easy to follow on their own. I'm actually breathing now while doing yoga instead of holding my breath! Just plug your pod into speakers and you're ready to go.

The glorious pin up picture by the one and only Gil Elvgren

Winter Sugar Cookies

2010-01-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

Ok with a project like these I can forget about the cold and the rain and the post holiday shopping hangover. I'm thinking I can make it to spring - gracefully. Sugar cookies with royal icing and tea every afternoon until March.

Oh yeah, the perfect winter afternoon baking - I'm in heaven.

Photo's from the wonderful Glorious Treat's Photo stream at Flickr

If you go and look at Glorious Treat's, be forewarned, you will want to

quit your job and open a cookie store.

If you like fancy baking sprinkles & sugars like I do, you have

to visit Country Kithen SweetArt.

Pretending To Be Julia

2009-12-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

If you follow this blog you know of my fondness for the amazing Julia Child and all things French. It's not everyday I have a dead bird to cook so I just couldn't help but strike Julia's famous pose....

It was shortly after this display of cockiness that the bird slipped out of the roasting pan while I was stuffing it and ended up on the floor. We laughed and laughed - and what else could I say but a spirited ...

"Bon Appetit!"

Note to self - when making stuffing, the salt is not equal to the same amounts of sage and poultry seasoning!

Second note to self - there is no handy cooking tip to get the extra salt out of the stuffing

Sewing Basket Cake

2009-12-26T14:42:00.000-08:00

This cake won first prize at the NC State Fair for cake decorating.

I plan to do one just like it in my spare time in about 10 years.

Image from Flickr

Chocolate Dipped Fortune Cookies

2009-12-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

These are really fun and easy to make. I've made them for Christmas and Valentines. Keep your eyes peeled at Michael's Craft store for the cute little Chinese food take out boxes.

All you need is chocolate melts, I use the milk chocolate ones. Some fortune cookies and some chocolate sprinkles. Just click the read more link below this sentence to see more steps ....

Melt the chocolate slowly in a double boiler. If it gets thick while dipping warm it up, but never ever to a boil, it should be low and won't take much for it to get runny again.

Drop the fortune cookie in the chocolate, swish it around then pull it out. No, it won't fill up with chocolate, just trust me. Keep going ..... I'm using a chop stick that I cut flat on each side so I can pick up the cookie in the fold. Starbuckss flat wooden stir sticks work well, just hold two together at the same time or glue them so they're sturdy enough.

Place the cookie on foil carefully.

Let is sit while you dip a few more cookies, then sprinkle with the sprinkles.

Keep going until they're all done.

Let them cool and they're ready to package up.

Enjoy.

Canada Corn Starch Grandma's ShortBread

2009-12-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

Well it's finally happened, something Canadian that isn't related to Eskimo's or Curling. Great eh? I'm Canadian and I'm proud of our Corn Starch.

So Spencer is baking again and he has pretty much perfected his shortbread cookies.

So here is the recipe right off of our Canada Corn Starch box. We used bulk cornstarch today because the store was out of our usual and they turned out just as great. So don't worry, I'm sure your American corn starch will do just the same. There's no secret ingredient or anything.

Click on the recipe, and a new window will open so you can print it out.

He used half a red cherry, then 1/4 of a green cherry cut in half again for the leaves. He made sure to dry the cherries so they didn't bleed down the sides of the cookies.

Pop them in the oven. He had to cook his longer than recommended by about 5 minutes but that could be our oven so watch for them to be a little brown along the bottom edges.

Perfection and they are so so SO good.

Update December 2010 - A friend of mine said shortbread was wonderful with unsalted butter. I made these cookies with unsalted and they were blan - almost unedible, compared to what we were used to. I wouldn't change a thing on this recipe, it's melt in your mouth perfection. Deb

If you like these cookies, you might also like my chocolate dipped fortune cookies, or the Mr Christie Mint Chocolat log. They're both under the Dec 2009 link on the right.

Subscribe to this blog - the baking is about to begin and I'll keep you updated!

I'm going to share the Original Reeses Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe - I have the original label it's 25 years old!

Magical Reindeer Dust

2009-12-23T17:27:00.000-08:00

It's time to make a batch of Magical Reindeer Dust so Santa can find your house! This is a cute tradition that started when Spencer was little. On Christmas Eve, just before bed, the kids sprinkle the dust on the lawn so that the Reindeer will smell the oats and the glitter will sparkle in the moonlight to guide them to you house. It wasn't long after we sprinkled that we would hear "clatter" on the roof top!

Recipe:
1 Cup of Quick Oats

1/2 Cup of Sugar

1/4 Cup of Glitter

1/4 Cup Paper Confetti or Confetti Baking Sprinkles

Mix it all together and put about 1/2 cup in each bag. Just divide it up by the kids you have so there's enough for each. You can slip the tag into the bag, or attach it by a ribbon to a bag - whatever is cutest is always the way to go! The amounts are estimates, the Reindeer will eat whatever you put in those bags. It's the magic of the tradition that is most important.

The tag attached to the Magical Reindeer Dust says:

Sprinkle this reindeer dust on the lawn before bed on Christmas Eve night.

The moon will make it sparkle bright.

As Santa's reindeer fly and roam.

This will guide them to your home.

You can get my PDF for my cute little tags here.

You just can't go wrong with a crystal bowl full of Reindeer Dust

It's simply magical.

You're never too old.....

Yoga On The Beach

2009-12-18T09:40:00.001-08:00

At the end of yoga practice you rest, it's called Savasana or corpse pose. It's a time to relax and rejuvenate the mind and body. Often times you listen to soft music but my favourite is when the sounds are of the beach - the waves rolling in almost put you to sleep. In my world, on my yoga mat this is my version of "the beach".

Make Sweet Gift Boxes

2009-12-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

Wow, this is what I call a great kiss! A vintage Hershey's Kisses box. My question is why would they not continue to have them in boxes just like these? So sweet and pretty.

I found a wonderful page for making homemade gift boxes - you print them, cut them and glue them. I think they're awesome. Check out Don't Eat The Paste - you will love the selection for all occasions.

Vintage Valentine Chocolate Box
I don't even want the chocolate, the box is perfect.

(Lovely images found on Google Images)

Mr Christie Chocolate Mint Log

2009-12-15T14:01:00.000-08:00

Am I the last one to know about this wonderful dessert? The recipe is on the box of Mr. Christie's Chocolate cookies. There is also a version of it over at Martha's that I like better. If you want a quick fancy dessert without a bunch of creaming, whipping, folding and messing around half the day in the kitchen - this one is a keeper! My Mom never made this but it must have been around - you can't miss it on the front of that box. I bet my American friends are going to write and say they grew up on this and wonder what kind of mothering is going on up here in Canada. Maybe we just recently imported Mr Christie - I'm pretty sure he's American.

I used the recipe from Martha Stewart's site for this instead of the instructions on the box. The main difference is that we that is Martha and I, use whipping cream, sweetened with sugar and mint flavouring to ice the cookies, where as the folks over at Mr. Christie's use cool whip. So you can get the recipe here and print it out. I didn't put the miniature chocolate chips on top like Martha did and chose to use festive confetti instead.

This is what the box of cookies looks like. Check them when you buy them that they're not cracked or broken because they are very thin. Just follow Martha's instructions - they're a little long winded with saran wrap this and parchment paper that but in a nut shell all you do is carefully ice one thin cookie at a time and pile them in stacks of 6. When you're ready you lay the stacks down on a platter and ice them together. Ice the whole thing with the whip cream, decorate the top and refrigerate for four hours or up to two days. The cookies absorb the moisture and puff up. Cut the log on the diagonal to get the fancy effect shown.

Update: December 24th

I managed to make the log into a Yule log with a little branch sticking out - I cut some of the cookies in half the closer I got to the main log and filled everything in with whipping cream. On the top of this one I put chocolate shavings. Um um good.

Popcorn Garland Sewing Tips

2009-12-11T06:36:00.001-08:00

This is the Christmas tree in our living room. It's theme is "Little Boy". Multi coloured lights, wooden and glass ornaments all in primary colours. The boys have gotten ornaments every year since they were little and especially love the glass ones like the Grinch. I get all the girly pink stuff out of my system on the other tree - this the main tree has always been for "the boys".

There is real popcorn strung on the tree. I used to string it every year but I figured out that if you put it into a large zip lock bag and pack it away carefully you can use it over. The secret of stringing popcorn is to pop it then let it get stale overnight in a paper bag, that way it won't split on the needle when you sew it. Also use a double strand of button hole twist, or a heavier thread, so it doesn't cut the corn. So there's your little sewing tip for the day - so get popping! Trust me once you've had a tree with popcorn garland, it's won't be the same without it. I love it and it is old fashioned so it's right up my alley. Of course I don't tell anyone I use it over and over, I let them think I'm so orgainzied that I sit there for three days in front of the fire listening to Christmas music and string.

Goofy from Taylor's first trip to Disneyland has been

on the top for 24 years.

On the mantel are more twinkle lights, but my
favourite are the little gingerbread guys. The nutcracker tradition started when I took Taylor (24) to the Nutcracker Ballet in Vancouver, he got his first one at intermission - you can see it above in red. He was only about five.

Isn't the gingerbread dude the cutest? I'm crossing my fingers that these guys never burn out because they have long bulbs in there that I've never seen before. That would be bad.

Twinkle Lights

2009-12-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

I love twinkle lights, especially the clear ones. You just can't have too many all year round. I overheard a lady in Starbucks yesterday say that she was afraid to take her Christmas tree out of the box and plug it in because the lights might not work. That thought had already crossed my mind about fifty times because it happens to me every year. It would probably help if I took the lights off each year rather than fold that tree up like an umbrella, lights and all and stuff it into the box. One little light loose, in one little socket, and it's all over.

As positive as my thoughts were that I was sending out to the universe for this light deal to go my way, I plugged that tree in, and the inevitable happened - no lights. I thought to myself in that instant, I want to kill the guy that invented these lights - I hope it's not one of my customer's husbands. As I was pulling the dead lights off the tree, planning my trip to Canadian Tire for more - that I knew wouldn't match, I thought I am going to search that guy out. My next thought was, in this day and age there must be some sort of technology to fix these lights - or some sort of breaker or warning system to alert us as to which of the 200 lights is the problem. It was an exercise in patience because there is no guy, and you won't find the bulb....you just have to start over.

For my pussy willows outside my front door, I specifically bought twinkle lights that said the string would keep lit even if one bulb burnt out - I thought finally, yahoo it's about time. Yeah, well guess what - about 25 lights burnt out in a row. I haven't even attempted to fix the problem, every time I drive in I just think how pathetic they look. I'll buy more, I always do - and I'll hold out hope that somewhere, somehow, someone will figure a way to keep them lit.

Adorable photo's from littleroomla.blogspot.com

My pussy willows in all their glory or lack of it. What can I say? It's next on my list.

Gingerbread House Night

2009-12-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what was so funny...

"The Kids" with their finished Gingerbread Houses. My boys have done them for years and years but it was Tanya's first time and she really loved it. It was cute to hear my oldest tell her how to use a pastry bag and explaining how the pressure is everything. What fun! The holiday season is officially underway!

Tanya picking all the blue stars out of the sprinkles with

tweezers. That's just like something I would do. Her plan

was a blue and silver theme. So cute.

Taylor did a roof with almonds, but we thought the cutest part

was the penguins he picked up from 7-11

We're still not sure how Spencer got that candy pole to stand on end
with a candy on top, but he did.

Pink Christmas Tree

2009-12-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

This is the pink tree I have in my kitchen.I decorate the mantel with a garland to match. I use lots of pink and silver glass balls and pink ribbons. I love the clear iceicles and pink glass light bulbs, both from Walmart I think. I just keep buying and adding as I see things that will look cute. I got the sweet wooden gingerbread boys hanging from the mantel years ago at a local craft fair. You can click on any of the pictures for a really close up view. That would be our kitty "Missy" trying to pull the whole thing down.

A close up of the the little Gingerbread Boy and

the Walmart Glass Light Bulbs

Another close up of the iceicles, ballet slippers,

pearly beads and old fashioned photo.

Beautiful Girly Art

2009-12-04T13:53:00.000-08:00

This wonderful picture is by the amazing Janet Hill. I love, love LOVE her work. It's everything girly and lovely. You can buy a large selection of prints or the occasional original in her Etsy store. Janet’s work ranges from portraits of women, to portraits of objects, food, and interiors. She explores the magic and the beauty in everyday life.

You can see her extensive Portfolio here.

Oh and you can thank me later.

Lovely Hosiery 101

2009-11-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

With all the pin ups you see on this blog it will probably come as no surprise that I love girlie lingerie. I can't help myself from following the luxury lingerie blogs. There is a great article over at Fru Fru Fashionista - called A Brief Lesson in Hosiery. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

You have to wonder where they get girls with legs like these to model the nylons - you'll see what I mean. They have got to be stretching them out in Photoshop.

A Vintage Ad for A Canadian Hosiery Mill.

"The sheerest, most exciting hosiery available to Canadian Women".

Grandma Irene Justice Heirloom Dress

2009-11-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

Oh to be a little girl in the 1900's...

This is Grandma Irene Justice's little heirloom dress. I got this the same day she gave me her christening gown and Grandpa Clive's christening gown. Little dresses like this make me want a little girl. It's a very basic square yolk dress made out of batiste, not the greatest quality - but it's still here after all these years so it held up well.

If you click on the pictures a new window will open and you can get a good close up look at them.

On the back there are twill tape ties to close the dress and one mother of pearl button you can't quite see at the bottom of the yolk. All the lace on the dress if cotton and made in France.

The sleeve detail shows lots of lace and pretty layers. Notice that there is lace edging on the edge of the collar and sleeve, you can also see some insertion and then the flounce of Swiss edge under the collar.

I"ll be posting pictures of my Mom's christening gown collection in the next while. I tried to take pictures of them at her place but couldn't get any good shots. She told me to take them home (I know I was surprised too). I couldn't get out of there fast enough with them. In fact I think she might have forgotten that I have them. Anyways the deal was I have to iron all of them so as I get them ironed, you will get to see them.

Hanky Doll Card

2009-11-13T14:40:00.000-08:00

This is a sweet thank-you note that was sent to me by one of our customers. It's a hanky doll card. She was sent in a lovely handmade envelope with scalloped edges.

I always use hankies. I love them because they're old fashioned and dainty. With the flu that's going around these days I thought it might be nice to pass this along to you so you can pass some hankies along to your girlfriends.

You can print her out on card stock, cut her out and then attach the hankie of your choice and give her away. You could call her the H1N1 Hankie Girl and give her with a travel size bottle of Purell - I'm kidding!

You can see on the second picture how the hankie was folded and pinned on the back nice and flat.

You can add a little note to the back of the card.

Here she is in her heirloom undies before you add the hankie.

You can get her PDF here.

Vintage Le Bon Marché Paris

2009-11-11T15:35:00.000-08:00

This is a vintage ad from the Le Bon Marché

Department store in Paris in 1937

Le Bon Marché, "the good buy", or "the good deal" in French, is the name of one of the most famous department stores in Paris, France. It was founded as a small shop in the early 19th century. By about 1865 it had become the world’s first true department store.

Louis Vuitton Made In Paris

2009-11-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

It was going to have to come up sooner or later. Everyone has their weakness. I've done a little research and found the location of the Louis Vuitton in Paris. It's one thing to have a LV, it's another to have one from the flagship store.

Anyways, this all started with my Mom's red leather purse. I loved that purse, I must have been about 13. She always carried great handbags and like mother like daughter it's in my DNA, so I can't help it. If your interested in designer handbags you might like to join the Purse Forum Blog. So back to my mission, I've got my map and I've got a plan.

The turn by turn directions, were a little lengthy from Canada.

2, Rue Pont Neuf

75001 Paris, France

Monday - Saturday

10 am - 8 pm

I'm a new fan of Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones. I never really paid much attention to those guys because I thought Mick Jagger was kinda creepy. I saw The Rolling Stones at the Imax and that changed everything. Mick is ok, but Keith Richards oh my, he's the ultimate bad boy and cool to the bone. Needless to say when I saw the ad campaign LV did with him I really loved it.

There he is, looking almost dead having a cup
of tea on this LV guitar case.

So then, a click here and a click there, my heart almost stopped....

It's the one and only Mr Handsome, Sean Connery, pretending to be a rogue on some deserted island, oh my god I can't breathe.

Here I am pretending to be their new poster girl.

This would be the last one .... the Speedy 30

I would never go to their web site again, ever....

except to look at the matching wallet.

Paris Sugar Cookies

2009-11-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

I can see it now...

Lingering at my favourite Starbucks in Paris
enjoying a Misto and munching on pink sugar cookies
shaped like the Eiffel Tower and high heels.
What more could you ask for?

Lovely Confection from Fabulously French
You can get the cookie cutters at Copper Gifts

Thank You Dear Friends

2009-11-06T19:33:00.000-08:00

Finally good news at last, all is well! The past three months for me have been enough to scare the living daylights out of a person. When you're a Mom, the thought of not being around to raise your kids is unthinkable. They say in life you get what you can handle - there are some things that I know I'm not strong enough to handle. There are some fights I don't want to fight. There are some places I've had to visit, that I know I don't want to go back to. It's been a humbling experience to say the very least and for that I am grateful. For the people that have supported me, given me words of encouragement and prayed for me, you know who you are, all I can say is "thank you from the bottom of my heart". I say we celebrate with some cupcakes!

Vintage Dress Heaven

2009-10-31T17:17:00.000-07:00

There has been a huge mistake because I am living in the wrong era.

It's just not fair.

You can find glorious Vintage dresses, suits and more at

the Etsy Store Calendar Girl Clothing

I love, love, LOVE this dress.

Simple Elegance

Julia Child, Beef Bourginon

2009-10-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

I couldn't find a pin up of Julia Child so I had to go with this picture of her with her dead duck. I loved the movie Julie and Julia. It was so cute. The first thing I wanted to do after watching it was move to Paris. Since that wasn't in the cards I decided to do some cooking. I wanted to make Julia's version of Beef Bourginon. They talked about how great it was in the movie. It would be served for family dinner on Sunday night. In the movie this recipe sounded like something that you whipped together and let cook for hours and it would be ready to serve. I started the "boof" as we call it here at about 1:00 in the afternoon and I was going strong peeling this or sauteing that until almost 5:00 pm.

I love Julia Child, she's a tell it like it is kinda gal. If she says those mushrooms are going to sweat, then dry, then leak, then brown in ten minutes, that's exactly what's going to happen. Just for the record, I have never cut my mushrooms the way she suggested and mine have never sauteed as beautifully as her technique. Her first book, Mastering The Art Of French Cooking is a classic and has been tested, and you can tell because her directions are accurate down to the minute. So I used the recipe right out of her book without any changes.

Yes, that is in fact bacon fat and rind - that's what you brown the meat in. It's the French that people always say are thin - right?

Saute pearl onions and a batch of mushrooms.
They're in butter and olive oil of course, that's what you do
when you're pretending to be French.

Bake that "boof" in wine for a few hours, add your pearl
onions and perfectly sauteed mushrooms and there you have it.
It was wonderful with fresh baked buns.

Vintage Aprons To Sew

2009-10-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

When I see a pattern for Vintage Aprons like this one, I think of my friend Mary Mulari. She was designing patterns for aprons way before anyone was. I think they're the perfect gift.

I wish someone would make me some cute aprons. They're fast, you can personalize the fabric and what cook doesn't love to have a great apron.

Last Christmas I made my Mom a new one from the Mary Mulari Collection called the Church Ladies' Apron - she loves it because it's reversible and looks vintage. I made another one called The Clothes Pin Apron for a friend and was able to shorten it for her because she's all of 5' tall if that. She was so happy to have an apron that didn't hit her mid thigh. That's whats so great about sewing, you can make things that fit with simple adjustments.

If you haven't seen the aprons Mary designs, you have to go and see them at Mary's Productions.

These are the two I've used so far.

Both are reversible and use only 1 yard of fabric for each side.

Brain Cupcakes

2009-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Spencer is going to a Halloween party on Saturday. We are making "Brain" cupcakes for him to take to the party. They're definitely not what I gravitate towards in the cupcake department but he loved them and wants to the baking and decorating himself. I'm proud that he's got the same cupcake thing as me, just in a more manly way. We found black cupcake liners at Target in Bellingham so they're going to look awesome.

Surprisingly both of my boys are pretty good with a pastry bag since they've been doing Gingerbread Houses every Christmas since they were little. I will post actual pictures of Spencer's cupcakes when they're done but I want to share the link with you now because it's not too late for you to bake up a batch.

Get the recipe and decorating instructions here.

Picture and Idea From The One and Only Martha Stewart

I love you Martha, I don't care what anyone says!

This is how Spencer's cupcakes turned out.

He coloured the icing light pink so it would be more like brain.

That's my boy...he did an awesome job.

The Best Hawaiian Fabric

2009-10-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

This time last year, I had just gotten back from Hawaii. It's getting cold here and I'm reminiscing, wishing I was there. As much as I love to soak up the sun and enjoy the water, there were fabric shops on the island. I was on the hunt for some fabric to make the Amy Butler halter top to wear with my cargo pants. I love the pattern even though it called for way too much fabric, and you have make a muslin to take it in under the arms and also to curve the now straight ties, so your bust doesn't fall out - trust me if I had that problem, most ladies will have more of a problem.

The fabric store I visited Hawaiian Fabrics was wonderful. They had great vintage style cotton prints for only $5.95 yd. and poly/cottons for $4.95 yd. You could get understated wonderful prints that had that tropical feel that you really could wear here on the mainland in the summer. As soon as I walked in and saw all the bolts I got that really excited, overwhelmed feeling that you get in a really good fabric shop. They had prints for adults and kids, Oriental prints and even traditional coconut and shell buttons. This is the part where I ask what time they close. The selection was awesome and you could find all sorts of prints to love, in fact too many prints to love. Now I'm thinking about the baggage allowance on the airline or how much I could carry on in a big tote bag.

I have great news! They have a web site and the fabric is the same price there as it is in the store so you can buy right off of their web site. They have great photo's and they also do custom sewing for next to nothing. If you're visiting Hawaii you have to check it out, I know you'll love it! This is what I bought.

Old Time Hawaii, nice guys shirt.

For the halter to go with my Army Green cargo's.

This is for a ladies, simple, sleeveless, zip up the back dress.

The Evolution of Underwear

2009-10-17T14:15:00.001-07:00

I came across a short but sweet picture by picture narrative on The Evolution Of Underwear. I think you'll enjoy it.

It starts with the famous S-Shape silhouette of the 1900's and ends with the 2000's bra wardrobe.

The article is at THE INDEPENDENT FASHION .

Click the numbers 1 - 10 at the top of the page when you get there.

Vintage Mother Of Pearl Buttons

2009-10-15T15:39:00.001-07:00

Now that you're addicted to Etsy and have been up all night looking at Vintage Sewing Patterns, there's more...

In the drop down box select "Vintage". In the search box type "mother of pearl buttons".

I'm so sorry to do this to you but when you find something wonderful, sharing is the right thing to do!

The Lovely Image is from seller "Lynnaddison"

Vintage Sewing Patterns

2009-10-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

If I had a little girl, I would make her this coat about fifty times!

For a vast array of Vintage Patterns that you can buy, head on over to Etsy - you will love, love, LOVE it!

Set yourself up with snacks and refreshements because you'll be there a while.

In the drop down box select "Vintage". In the search box type "sewing patterns". Have fun.

Lace Cupcake

2009-10-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

It's beautiful isn't it?

This would be perfect treat for tea time when you're sewing you're heirlooms.

We can call it "themed sewing" and
make it manditory.

My Pint Sized Inspiration

2009-10-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

I've learned something really great the last few months. My son's girl Tanya decided she wanted to workout and drop a few pounds. So at the beginning of summer we started working out together. With her work schedule, we would meet up once a week on Monday's and do a run and work out. She reminds me so much of me twenty years, ok (whatever) thirty years ago. She just learned about calories - it was so fun watching her learn to read labels ... she thought that was the greatest thing. There was some shock of course. She has learned alot in the calorie department - and completely changed what they eat and how she cooks. My son loves her cooking and even gets excited about oatmeal these days. I guess I've been doing calories for so long that it's takes something really special for me to get excited - 6 cups of cheezies for 100 calories - would excite me.

So when we first met up on Monday's and she started running, she was running for ten minutes at that point and would walk uphill for the rest of the half hour and then we would work out afterward. This past week in honor of the Booty Bootcamp Blog, her goal for herself was to work out each day, and on three of those days do the run. Needless to say I was her number one fan! I think she was surprised that I did the gym Monday - Friday. I knew she was focused and on the case when she was at the gym before me on Wednesday, what we referred to as "day three". This is the same girl that wanted to work out at leisurely 8:00 am and now she has me up and pulling into the parking lot at 7:15 am. I know it's not easy to get up, get to the gym and be at a job by 9:15 am. It takes commitment and you really have to want the results - you also have to have faith that you'll get them.

It's a fine line between pushing someone, and letting them decide how this gym thing is going to play out. I don't think it's the easy choice. She is so happy and feels so good starting her day like this that she brought up the subject of what time we should meet NEXT week. This is turning into a lifestyle and I was so proud my little protege - these things are a process and nothing changes overnight. I know all too well, one little thing can turn you off and it takes twice the determination to start over.

What she doesn't know is that she is the one who has inspired me. My helping her get started, helped me so much more than she will ever know. Seeing her try so hard, made me try harder. Seeing her grit to do that run and slowly but surely make it up to 26 minutes has been awesome. I know what that's like, I've been there done that and it's still hard every time I do it. It made me feel good that I could run beside her and support her minute by minute. She has completely changed how I feel about running - god knows I needed something to give there! I was surprised when she said she was inspired by me - that never occurred to me. I have so enjoyed this ride and the true joy has been seeing her transform the last few months. Her milestones feel like mine. She has become so confident, and healthy and so proud of herself for what's she's accomplished. I couldn't be happier for her. I'm so greatful that I was the one to be around to see it.

It's not real pretty, but we get it done.

How To Cook A Turkey

2009-10-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and for my American friends a great Columbus Day! I thought this was cute considering the frenzy of cooking the perfect turkey dinner!

1.) Go buy a turkey.
2.) Have a glass of wine.
3.) Put turkey in the oven.
4.) Pour another glass and have a few sips.
5.) Set the degree at 375 ovens.
6.) Have a few more sips.
7.) Turk the bastey.

8.) Wine another glass of get .
9.) Ponder the meat thermometer .
10.) Sip yourself a pour of wine.
11.) Bake the wine for 4 hours.
12.) Take the oven out of the turkey.
13.) Floor the turkey up off of the pick.
14.) Turk the carvey.
15.) Get yourself and guest another wine of bottle.
16.) Tet the sable and pour yourself a glass of turkey.
17.) Bless the dinner and pass out.

I love the recipe for Turkey on Martha Stewart's web site. I've used it about three or four times now. I call it "Cheesecloth Turkey" ... she calls it "Perfect Roast Turkey". Try it, I know you'll love it. What's not to like about a bird basted with butter and wine?

Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts

2009-10-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

This is a page out of a volume of The Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences Book, Published in Scranton, PA, with a copyright of 1936. I have eight volumes and just love them. They are on all sorts of sewing and were used as text books. This particular page is from the volume on Children's and Maternity Garments. I don't know about you, but my maternity body didn't look anything like these girls.

I don't know how many volumes are in the whole set but the ones I do have are: Ribbon and Fabric Trimmings, Cutting and Fitting, Principles of Tailoring, Sewing For Profit, Dressmaking - Trimming - Finishing, Children's and Maternity Garments, Harmony in Dress, Tailored Garments and Decorative Stitches and Trimmings.

If you wanted to track them down I would think a search in google with the key words of "Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences" would be a good place to start.

This is a sample page is from the volume on
Ribbon and Fabric Trimmings.

This would be the perfect type of rose to trim
The Garter I wrote about in September

Yoga - Down Dog

2009-10-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

Well I've been waiting all summer to get back into yoga. Between an injury and switching gyms it wasn't until now that I could get back at it. So at 6:15 this morning I kept the promise I made to myself - and it felt great. That said, my "down dog" isn't what it used to be. A few more weeks and I'll be all stretchy and zen like. I'm expecting great things this month as you know.

I love the yoga teacher, she's such a tiny little thing, she likes pink and wears those plastic crocks, in pink of course. She showed up with her pink yoga bag I made her last year. She had a sad bag from a very famous yoga clothing company that she couldn't even get her mat into. It didn't matter how tight you rolled that mat, it was not going into that bag/tube without a fight. Needless to say, being the sewing gal that I am, I saw the problem, figured out a solution (a zipper) and surprised her the next week with a beautiful pink Chinese brocade bag with a zipper! Us sewing girls can do anything we put our mind to! We are a special breed. So, another gal (Monique) in our class saw that bag, and she loved it - so I made her one too! In fact the girls in the yoga classes think I should start a little yoga bag business ... I told them I appreciated their confidence, but I have my hands full with another little business that I'm running at the moment.

This is the bag I made for Monique, she is one of those hippie birkenstock types, so I got some Indian fabric with a gold border print for hers. She loved it. I also made one for Spencer, his print was army camouflage and a big hit.

Booty Boot Camp

2009-10-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

Summer is over and I'm not travelling again on business until the new year. The health and fitness thing has been up and down. I've been doing it but haven't really been "into" it. So, now is the time to come up with a plan on that front.

The October Plan:

Eat healthy and count calories - 1500 a day is healthy. (No Indian or Italian food!)

Finally get back into yoga, Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Run (30 minutes) and weight train on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Run with Spencer on Saturday mornings to help him work up to running his 1 mile for gym.

I'm hoping having this is print, will help with the process. All the self help books tell you to write your goals down. I didn't mention my true feelings about running, because I don't want to jinx myself! I'm excited for Monday, I'll keep you posted on the ups and downs...because I know they will be coming!

My Dream Car

2009-10-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

I could not believe my eyes when I saw this - I'm doing the happy dance! It's little, it's pink, it's a convertible and it's "going green". It's perfect for running down to "7-11" for a dozen eggs and pound of butter. It's so cute I think I would just drive around town and look at my reflection in windows. I'm not quite sure how I would make it work at Costco though - two or three trips maybe? This would look awesome parked next to my bra planter.

The Bra Planter

2009-09-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

If I could combine a lot of the things that are me, I guess it would something like this! It's hard for me not to love this. Recycling, gardening, the colour pink and girlie lingerie. Wouldn't you just die laughing every time you saw this thing hanging on the fence? And oh my god, what would the neighbours think?

Craft Tip: Use a padded satin hanger and it will look really classy.

Indian Chicken Balti

2009-09-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

This Indian chicken dish is one of our very favourites. We really love Butter Chicken as well but it's laced with cream, so this is a tasty healthy alternative. My Spencer said it's better than the Balti Chicken we get at our favourite Indian restaurant. At the restaurant I fantasize about getting my own bucket full of Balti and a big plate of white rice and not having to share it.

Chicken Balti

Try it, I know you'll love it.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 chopped onion
1/4 + 1/8 tsp mustard seeds
2 cans (14 oz) chunky tomatoes, diced tomatoes or even crushed tomatoes - I've used them all.
1 1/2 tsp coriander
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 + 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 + 1/8 tsp garam masala
1/4 + 1/8 tsp turmeric
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
4 boneless chicken breasts, cubed (about 2 lbs)
1/4 cup of water as needed

Method:

1. Heat oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and mustard seeds, cook until the onion begins to soften.
3. Add garlic and cook stirring about 1 minute.
4. Add the chicken and begin to brown.
5. Add the cans of tomatoes and the sauce.
6. Add all of the spices.

7. Add water if needed, it should not cover the chicken. The idea is to cook the sauce down to the consistency of spaghetti sauce.

8. Cook down about 15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked yet tender and you have the spaghetti sauce consistency.
9. Server over rice.

The taste heat on this dish is about a "medium". A tip would be to buy your Indian spices in small amounts so that they're always fresh. I found some information on Indian Spices that you might find helpful. They convert the Indian name to the English name making them easier to identify.

The Heirloom Nightgown

2009-09-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

Well here it is my lovely my new seafoam Heirloom Nightgown and I must say turned out great! Since I've last posted we've both been to Calgary and back - that's me and the nightie! The ladies in my class loved it and they almost got the whole top part of their own nightgowns done while learning in one day. The one thing I realized this past week while sewing is that you can really get alot accomplished in just a few minutes here and there. My new plan is to always have something on the go in my sewing room. I'll keep you posted as to the next project.

A tuck here and some "puffing" there...

It's so pretty!

OK, here comes the shameless plug...
You can make this Heirloom Nightgown
Pattern and Supplies at Labours of Love

My Rick Rack Top

2009-09-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

See the yellow top? My Mom made that for me when I was about 8. I loved it because of the way it closed in the back with that tab and that it had big rick rack along the eges. Funny out of all the things I could remember for me it was my rick rack top. So,I'm poking around the vintage patterns in Etsy and look what I found. I could not believe my eyes - there is was exatly as I remembed it.

My Sewing Room

2009-09-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

I love to sew. Is that news to anyone? Not to anyone that knows me that's for sure. I'm excited and proud to say my sewing room is the cleanest it's been in ages. There's a place for everything and everything is in it's place. I'm not saying the places are organized but most of the "stuff" has been put away. Finally, I can sew!

This weekend I'm making a new Heirloom Nightgown in that pretty frothy seafoam green with white lace and trims. I'll post a picture when it's done.

I love when I can see the counter and don't

have to dig for a seam ripper.

Wow, looking at this I can hardly believe it's my room.

This is where I do my cutting.

So, I was at my Mom's the other night and she let me take

some pictures of her sewing room...

She is going to kill me for doing this....

Mine looked something like this before I cleaned it up!

And I would say my Mom actually gets to do more sewing

than I do so she should be able to have a bigger mess.

Mom I am so sorry, I couldn't resist...

Just look at all her stuff.

Trust me, she knows exactly what she has and where it is!

Starbucks Paris

2009-09-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

I can finally go to Paris!

My Favourite Drink: Grande, Non Fat, No Foam, 180 Degree, Two Pumps of Sugar Free Vanilla, Shots on Water, Americano Misto. After 4:00 pm you can make that a Decaf. Add one Splenda. 70 Calories

June Update: The temp is now 190 degrees and add a long pour to the shots.

I love this quote from You've Got Mail:

Joe Fox: The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino.

(Photo and Story At MSNBC)

Free Butterick Projects

2009-09-16T15:24:00.000-07:00

Butterick is giving free patterns for some really cute projects. The one I liked right away was the Retro Wrap. There is also a Retro Tie Bag that is cute, cute, cute! Just enter your email address and print off the pattern.

Butterick Projects

The Ruffle Tower Cake

2009-09-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

This is the most beautiful cake ever!
It's Perfection in Pink and Ruffles.

Lemon Cake With Swiss Meringue Buttercream

And there it is, the magic word "Buttercream"

The Ruffle Tower Cake Recipe

I love you Martha
(Photo From Martha Stewart)

Pacific National Exhibition

2009-09-15T02:11:00.000-07:00

We went to the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver. I guess this was the last big event before we host the Olympics next year. It was the first time back for me in years. Most of it was the same - the rides, the games, lots of food and exhibits. I was really surprised it wasn't too busy on the Friday of the long weekend just before the kids headed back to school.

Some random observations of the day.

1. The people watching was awesome and we got to see real "Carnies"

2. We rode the "Bay Watch" and while spinning I noticed it was

propped up with plywood - uh oh.

3. Hand sanitizer was installed for when you got off of the rides.

I did think "swine" more than once.

4. I wondered why anyone would want to deep fry a Mars Bar?

5. There were lots and lots and LOTS of rides that spin.

If you don't like to spin you won't like this place.

6. We got to see the pretty midway lights at night.

7. I got to see other people working a trade show.

8. Those Little Donuts always taste the same.

9. I Found a Fisher Scone truck in Canada.

I celebrated by having one.

10. We decided not to go on the ride that the vice grip flew out of.

11. I know to run when a ride is "temporarily out of order" but

they have it spinning and water is flying out of it.

Those Little Donuts

2009-09-15T00:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone to the movies, just to eat a bag of real buttered popcorn in the dark?

Well, you know summer is almost over when you're at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver in early September and the real reason you're there is not for the rides. The highlight will be when you smell "Those Little Donuts". Everyone knows exactly what they are and where they are. What is so mesmerizing about that little doughnut machine? I can tell you what, knowing that the little floaters, will be in a bag and in your mouth in about 36 seconds that's what.

Sharing these is pretty much out of the question.

They pop out one per second, and float in the circles with one "flip over" until they shoot out and get hand tossed in a heavenly mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Nothing wrong with that!

Oh and good news you don't need worry about the deep frying, the cooking oil is trans fat free. The "green" in you can rest easy knowing they are sold in little paper pouches. The calories aren't listed on the bag so forget about that part - they're quite small.

It's all good, just get it out of your system and load up on the sugary treats knowing you won't be able to get your hands on them again until next year.

Spencer's Meatloaf Pepper Rings

2009-09-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

This summer Spencer (my son, 14 yrs) has been going to the gym with me. I like to watch CNN on the TV that is hooked to the treadmill to distract me from what I'm really doing there. Once I get CNN set up on close caption, I plug in my ipod and try to run for half an hour. Spencer right next to me, prefers to walk and watch the Food Network. It's distracting seeing all that cooking going on out the corner of my eye. One morning he saw this recipe and was telling me all about it on the drive home. It didn't sound too complicated and he seemed excited to try it so we decided to made it that night for dinner with our favourite meatloaf recipe and winged the rest by his description. We made it as healthy as we could so there is no cheese or ketchup in the meatloaf like original recipe called for.

Ingredients:

4 Peppers (try to pick out tall ones)

Combine the following 8 ingredients in a bowl to make the meatloaf
1 1/2 pounds Lean Ground Beef
1 Egg beaten
3/4 cup Milk
3/4 cup Rolled Oats
1 Onion, chopped
2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper

Parsley for garnish
Top with 1 - 14 oz Hunt's Chunky Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano

Method:

Chop the ends off of the peppers, pull out the seeds and cut what's left into three rings.

Place the rings into a baking dish and stuff each one with the meatloaf mixture.

I must say it's looking very "Julia Child"!

Chop up the parsley and sprinkle over the meatloaf rings to garnish.

With a spoon, scoop tomatoes and sauce from the can and

make a little pile on top of each ring.

If you have any left over dump it in the bottom of the pan.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40 - 45 minutes.

We love how the tomatoes bake and taste like they're sundried.

Organic Pesto and Vine Tomato Italian Cheese Dip

2009-09-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

You know when you really love something someone has made at a party - an appetizer or salad, or whatever? On the big camping trip last weekend we had appetizer night. Each family made an appetizer and we met up about 4:00 and had a happy hour. I made Japanese chicken wings and they were a big hit. But, there was a gal, (you could tell that she was a hard core camper) that made this great and I mean great pesto, cheese, dip deal all wrapped up in tin foil. I'm sure this dip would be even better made under controlled normal circumstances in a cute baking dish baked to perfection in a real oven. I didn't want to ask for the recipe right then and there and seem desperate. Ok, I did ask about the recipe, more like inquired about the ingredients but I couldn't remember them it because it was happy hour.

So the morning after the trip I e-mailed and said how wonderful the dip was and asked for the recipe - this time in print with the exact ingredients and amounts. (Of course I googled Philly Dip and gave up on that dumb idea!) Oh my god, I was doing the happy dance when I saw it in my "in box". You have to try it - you will love it! Thank you Suzanne :)

Camper's Philly Dip In Tin Foil

In real life when you serve it or take it to a party do not mention the camping or the tin foil. The new name will be: Organic Pesto and Vine Tomato Italian Cheese Dip

1 Pkg. Cream Cheese

¼ cup of Pesto sauce (She said she used lots)

2 Roma or other flavorful tomatoes chopped (think vine)

¼ cup of Kraft 4 cheese Italian blend (She said she used lots)

Method:

1. Layer in the above order on heavy foil (like a foil bag).

2. Place on BBQ on med-low heat for 10 minutes or until the Philly cheese is very soft.

3. Open and serve with crackers. The crackers she used were Triscuits with cracked pepper.

You can thank me later!

The Camping Girl

2009-09-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

In British Columbia, camping is really popular. I haven't camped in years and years - well since I was just little. I do have some really fond memories of family camping trips when I was a kid. My Mom and Dad built a tent trailer together. Mom sewed the canvas top on her Husqvarna sewing machine. It had bug netting on the windows and zippers and everything. My dad built the whole bottom part with pop out sides to sleep on and storage compartments. Can you believe that? I know for sure that my fear of pit toilets came from our camping trips when I was little.

On the way to our camping destination my dad would take charge and cook dinner for the family. Mom would make us each a "chicken pack" of a chicken breast, potato, some carrots and celery and a few dabs of butter all wrapped up in tin foil. My Dad took those packs and somehow hooked them to the engine of the car and cooked them while we drove. What would make somone even think to do that? What are the chances it would actually work? That is a true story and that's what I call living green. You go Dad, use that gas, drive that car and cook that dinner all at the same time - lets rough it!

I would say I'm more of a resort, condo, flushing toilet kinda girl but it is hard not to appreciate nature when you're out there. It took three days to plan meals and figure out what to take. It took another two days to pack and get organized. I don't even want to remember that last hour before we were out the door because it was something else! It takes alot of planning and work to pretend your homeless for a few days. This is not the kind of deal where you say "If we don't have it, we'll buy it - lets go".

We were the first of the family to arrive at the group campsite so we staked out our spot and got ready to move in. Once we decided where our new home would be I whipped the guys into shape and we pitched our tents made a kitchen and got ready to live off the land for four days, three nights and eight meals.

In the spirit of Julia Child I set up the kitchen.

And no I was not embarassed to hang the cookwear in our shelter

or say "Bon Appetit" just the way Julia did before each meal.

In fact I got the opportunity to use another of her famous quotes

while learning to cook in tandem on that Coleman (like a blow torch)

and BBQ, that would be "never appologize"!

The Breakfast Menu

Coffee from boiled water so that we won't die.

Fresh Organic Poached Eggs

20 Grain Whole Wheat Toast and Canadian Back Bacon

Pan Fried Hashbrown Potatoes that actually came out of a can.

Just so you know what a camping girl I am,

I slow baked that bread over night in a tin can on coals

so it would be warm just in time for breakfast.

There were no motor boats allowed on this lake.

We were virtually alone even though there was a campsite up the street.

A shot of the lake and the reflection while kayaking about 7 am.

It was really something. It made me wonder where

the rest of the world was and what was wrong with this place?

Are there ticks in the water or something in the pit toilets?

Me the new outdoor girl - just before I headed out for a hike!

I'm not kidding about the hike - that was fun.

But I wasn't truthful about baking that bread in a tin can on coals.

Peach Cobbler

2009-09-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

I went to my Mom's a few days ago because she had some fresh organic peaches for me. I couldn't get over there fast enough. When you have a box of fresh peaches, you better get cracking and do something with them. My son Spencer found a great recipe for Peach Cobbler in the Red Gingham Better Homes and Garden cook book, so the baking was on! In all the years I've been baking - and I do LOVE baking, I've never made a cobbler. I think it's because I associate it with cooked fruit and that automatically makes me think of apples. Because my parents had an apple orchard and we had alot of cooked apples - I have pretty much stayed away from cooked fruit. All I can say is what was I thinking? We loved this cobble, and it was gone in one night!

Inspiration in a box

For a recipe go to http://www.recipezar.com/

Why do a two star recipe when you can do a five star recipe?

A little flour and butter, some peaches and brown sugar.

Some heating, some topping....

And 40 minutes later one great smelling "cobbler" just out of the oven.

It was wonderful, still slightly warm with home made French Vanilla ice cream.

I love making ice cream, it's really easy.

The best book for that is by two guys called Ben and Jerry!

Grandma Irene Justice Gown

2009-09-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

I showed you Grandpa Clive Justice's fancy silk christening gown in August (Post "Family Heirloom") and the story of how Grandma and Grandpa raised five boys on a turkey farm on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia. They were perfectly happy and in love, but did come from different worlds growing up. What a love story! When Grandma gave me Grandpa's beautiful silk christening gown, she also gave me her gown. What a stark difference. We could call Grandpa's "ruffles and flourishes" and Grandma's "sweet and simple". Even though Grandma's family couldn't afford silk with all the trimmings she was christened in her simple little gown that was lovely. I love her gown because of the care and love that went into it. When I teach Heirloom Sewing Classes I show both of these gowns to show my ladies that you buy the best fabric and lace you can afford and go from there. You don't have to have the best fabric and yards and yards of lace. I've seen christening gowns made out of fabric that was as rough as feed sacks with lace that had been recycled from petticoats. So as humble as it may be, this Grandma's gown and I love it just as much as Grandpa's.

"Sweet and Simple"

The tiny piece of French cotton insterion lace on each shoulder.

More French cotton insertion lace around the cuff of each sleeve.

Traditionally mother of pearl buttons are used on the back.

And here we have two mother of pearl buttons with hand stitched button holes.

The dress is gathered onto twill tape ties that close the back.

This is the hemline of the dress, two rows of the matching French cotton lace used on the sleeve and shoulder. Notice the use of folded tucks, they don't cost more, and look lovely.

So the dress is made of cotton, with matching French lace throughout and mother of pearl buttons.

All the elements that make a true heirloom.

Just knowing the Gramma was christened in this gown makes it priceless.

Fisher Scones Recipe

2009-09-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

The Puyallup Fair Scones (Fisher Scones)

Over the years I have given friends and family packages of the Fisher Scone Mix from the grocery store in Sumas, Washington. These scones are sold from a big white truck at the Puyallup Fair in Washington State. That's when I first tried them and loved them. I have on occasion talked the man in that truck into selling me a large bulk 25 pound bag of the mix - I haven't told too many people that so it will come as a bit of a surprise. But I have an even better secret to tell my friends....

This recipe was in the 1930's Fisher Cookbook. The original recipe called for raisins, but they no longer make them that way at the fair. You can buy the mix to make at home by just adding water, but if you want to do them from scratch, this is the recipe. To serve like they do at the fair, when still warm, cut open but do not cut all the way through. Fill with a slab of butter and spoon full of raspberry jam. These are also the base for the strawberry short cake that also sold at the big white truck!

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons shortening
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup raisins (if no raisins, add another 2 Tbsp. of milk)

Method:

1. Sift the flour and then measure the 2 1/2 cups.

2. Re-sift with the other dry ingredients.

3. Work the shortening into dry ingredients with your fingers.

4. Add raisins to the flour-fat mixture if desired and mix thoroughly.

5. Add milk to mixture. (no raisins, add another 2 Tbsp of milk)

6. Turn out on to a floured board and divide into two equal pieces.

7. Pat each into a round that is a little higher in the center and tapers out to the thickness of about 3/4"

8. Cut each round into four to create 8 wedge shaped pieces. Bake about 15 minutes at 450 degrees on an ungreased baking sheet.

This receipe makes 8 scones at about 280 calories a piece.

** Hide, oh I mean store these little gems in an air tight container. Just reheat in the microwave and enjoy!

The Garter

2009-09-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

I love ribbons. Old ribbons, new ribbons, satin ribbons - they're all wonderful. On one of my expeditions I found this garter. It's so simple but so pretty and girly - I love it. Someone like me can't imagine why a bride would ever buy something like this when they are so easy to make. They are so simple and really the sky is the limit as far as the decoration.

History of the Garter - beware, probably more than you want to know!

Tossing the wedding garter is an old time held tradition. It is said that in the days of old the bride and groom had to consummate their marriage. But in order for it to be proven it was common tradition to have people like family and friends come into the room with the couple to witness it. The "witnesses" would obtain the garter as "proof" of the consummation. Also having any article of the under garments was considered to be good luck so sometimes things would get out of hand in the newly wed's bedroom as crazed onlookers snatched at clothing to get for good luck. This was not appreciated much by the bride nor many grooms, hence the groom started tossing the garter out so that no one would need to obtain it themselves.

The blue silk satin ribbon is on the outside and the inside and is almost 1" wide and about 20" long. (this includes about 1/4" on each end to turn under at the center back seam where it will be hand stitched together.

The elastic inside measures 5/8" wide. The length should be cut to whatever length is comfortable then stitched together.

The ecru cotton lace on the top and bottom is slightly gathered and is sandwiched between the front and inside ribbon. The amount of lace showing measures 1/2", so buy it a little wider and a little longer than the length of the blue ribbons to gather up slightly before you sandwich it between the two layers. I would guess about 24" of lace for each side would do it. The stitching from the right side that "sandwiches" the lace is placed just under 1/8" from the edge on the top and bottom edges.

So from what I can see without picking this apart the construction would be something like this:

Gather the lace and pin along the top and bottom edge of the blue ribbon for the inside. Stay stitch in place by hand or machine.
Pin the blue ribbon on top of the lace, matching the edges perfectly. Stitch along the top and bottom edges just under 1/8" from the edge sandwiching the lace between forming a casing. If you look closely at the picture above you can see the stitching.
Thread a piece of elastic through the casing you've made. Cut the elastic at a comfortable length, use your own leg or a friends leg if you don't like yours and then stitch the elastic together by hand or machine.
Turn under each end of the blue ribbon 1/4", butt the ends together and hand stitch together to finish the back seam.

You can embellish the center of the garter however you like.

If you need some cotton lace and silk ribbons, I know just the place.

http://www.laboursoflove.com/

Healthy Hamburger Buns

2009-09-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

All I can say is on the way camping, we had one last stop to pick up healthy hamburger buns.

These are NOT healthy hamburger buns.

These are NOT my homemade vanilla Betty Crocker.

This is NOT my new four star Buttercream recipe.

These are NOT from a cute Cupcake shop.

This IS what desperation looks like in a plastic box.

Previousely frozen from the local "Save-On-Foods".

No comment. :)

Soul Kiss

2009-08-28T00:54:00.000-07:00

Soul Kiss By Shay Youngblood

Another gripping summer read! I've started this book and should have it finished by the weekend to give you my final report. Another camping expedition is planned this weekend - the great outdoors and all. It's alot of work to get organized for three days of roughing it. I'll admit I briefly thought about making cupcakes for the trip but ended up buying rice crackers and pretzels (they're both so dry you can only eat so many!) That box of Betty Crocker sat on that counter all day staring me down.

The one thing I've already noticed and love about this book is how Shay uses words to describe something. It makes me want to underline phrases and combinations of words - a "no no" and something I would never do of course.

Synopsis:

A coming-of-age novel set among the African Americans of the Deep South in the late 1960s. Seven-year-old Maria Kin Santos is left by her emotionally unstable mother in the care of two elderly spinster "aunts" she has never met before. Although Maria comes to love her aunts, she dreams of finding her father and spends years searching for him. Eventually, she learns that he is in Los Angeles and sets off to meet him there.

UPDATE: Finished the book. I would rate it a 3 out of 5. A good read but I would have liked for it to unfold more - I felt like there was more to tell - like where's her mother?

Liquid Gold

2009-08-25T07:20:00.001-07:00

For years my Mom and Dad had an apple orchard. It grew and it grew. I grew so big for so long that my Mom finally convinced my Dad to cut back. Now there are only a few trees.

My Dad's hobby while doing the apple trees was making honey. It started out small but over the years especially without the trees to tend to it grew and it grew. It grew so big that my Dad has been hiding hives around the neighbourhood so my Mom can't see them. They're down behind the barn, up by the gate, over at her friends and who knows where else.

My Dad loves his bees and I don't say that lightly - he LOVES looking after them and is pretty darn good at it. His bee's have survived even the hardest winter around these parts. The hives are always pretty and white and if there's a problem like a swarm - he's out there lickety split to calm them down.

You could ask him anything about bees and hives, and swarms....he knows. He knows so much about making honey that this year he made the most honey ever! My retired Dad on his 10 acres in Abbotsford, has got - are you ready? - no less than 4,000 pounds of honey in his shed. He's bone tired exhausted from getting the honey off the hives and doing what bee keepers do. I'm just amazed - did I mention the 4,000 lbs?

This is Spencer and my Dad years ago selling honey at a local summer market. This picture warms my heart. Oh and by the way, do you know anyone who wants some farm fresh honey?

I Love Being A Mom

2009-08-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

There is no job more important in the world than being a good Mom. It's the hardest job but it's the best job. My boys know a "love letter" is the best gift a girl can get.

Glorious Vintage Buttons

2009-08-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

I was in my sewing room again today, still cleaning and tiding things up. I got side tracked with my glass jar up on the window sill full of vintage mother of pearl, thread and glass buttons. Aren't they just lovely? I seriously need to do some sewing but these are all so special will I have the heart to actually use them? It's like that piece of fabric that's just too great to cut and then goes out of style and ends up donated somewhere. But, buttons aren't like that - they don't go out of style, at least not these ones. If you're 100 years old and you haven't gone out of style, you won't be!