Nov 13, 2012

Roll With The Punches

A fitting song.
Those days when you have to learn how to roll with the punches.
Something I am not so good at.

So here is a song for you when you need to learn to go with the flow and 'Roll with the Punches'


Nov 12, 2012

A Quick Dip back in the Blogging Pool

It has been forever. 
Forgive me.
If I have any readers left, I wanted to let you know... I am alive and well.
Well.....mostly well. No crazier than before.
Trying to figure out how I want to start this blogging thing again.
Maybe include a vlog or two. 
Stay tuned....

Aug 13, 2012

Tuesday Tune In: Nadeah

Hello again.
I have been scouring the web looking for new and fantastic music again.
One of my favourite pastimes.
I found this wonderful artist.
Her voice is amazing. Strong and inspiring.
Check these out!
Let me know what you think.


Jul 17, 2012

Cinnamon Bun Waffles

Another Pintastic idea!

Found this rockin' idea on Pinterest the other day.

You just buy a tube of pillsbury grands cinnamon buns and use that dough in your waffle maker......brilliant!

They were so tasty.

Give them a go.

Jul 15, 2012

Margarita Popsicles = Pintastic!

Saw these on Pinterest, and with the nasty heat thought it was a good time to try.

May I present to you Margarita Popsicles....Oh so good.

 The pin lead me to the For Ladies By Ladies Blog.
I changed it up a little. 

Margarita Popsicles (original recipe here)  

3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup water
2 Tbs fresh lemon juice
2 Tbs fresh orange juice ( I omitted cause I didn't have any)
2 Tbs Tequila
2 Tbs Grand Marnier
Kosher Salt
Combine Sugar, lime juice, water, lemon juice and orange juice in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring until sugar dissolves. (NOTE: I just put everything into a bowl and stirred till sugar dissolved...hubby was using the stove top) Once cool transfer to a blender with tequila, Grand Marnier, and lime wedge and process until smooth. (this is why theirs looks so green, I am assuming. I didn't blend, rather I zested the lime into the liquid and stirred. Turned out fantastic!)
Pour into cups or molds and insert sticks. Freeze till hard. Garnish with kosher salt and enjoy!

Hubbies response.....You could make those again.
And I will.

Jul 14, 2012

The Pleasant Poppy Bucket List




A while ago my friend over at another fabulous blog posted her bucket list.
I thought this was a terrific idea and wanted to do the same.
I think, however, that this is a list that will continue to grow and evolve. I suppose that is what a good bucket list is supposed to do.
I would love to know yours as well.

Jennifer's Bucket List
1. Travel to Ireland
2. Go to the Power to the Peaceful concert in San Fransisco
3. Go to Newfoundland, Canada
4. Travel Canada with my family
5. Make money being crafty
6. Travel to the Aran Islands
7. Eat boxty IN Ireland
8. Learn to play the ukulele
9. Take archery lessons

..........

I will add as they come to mind.

Jul 13, 2012

Sweltering Heat/Dreaming of the Chill

I am not a heat lovin' kind of girl. I prefer a nice cool breeze and a temperature of about 22*C. I am a Canadian after all...you know polar bears and igloos and all.
We aren't known for our heat waves and tropical climate. We experience these heat waves only a few times in the summer thankfully, but as I get older it seems harder to take. I hate having days on end that I don't get anything done cause I feel like I am melting. Dripping sweat is not a pleasant feeling. I get grouchy quite frankly. Wouldn't you?
Yet in the middle this little heat wave that we are experiencing, I hear people telling me to suck it up and enjoy it. Honestly, I wonder why these people have not yet moved on to more tropical places if they enjoy this sort of weather. But don't worry. I get to return the favour when they start to whine about the cold temps in the winter. Canada is known to get a little cold in our near record breaking long winters.
So don't you worry people.
I'll be waiting.
We are Canadian after all.



Jun 20, 2012

Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf

It has been too long since I last tried out a pinterest recipe. Sorry about that. I decided that this recipe for Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf looked too good to be true. It was amazing. A little more work than what I would usually pick, but totally worth it. This is also the first time I am making a blog post using something other than my laptop.....so please bear with me.
This wondeerful recipe can be found at Sweet Peas Kitchen. Try it out when you are expecting someone for tea....or just for yourself. Enjoy!


Jun 19, 2012

Father's Day in the Mountains

Another Father's Day has come and gone.
We spent it in the mountains......Father's choice!
We went for a nice Sunday drive that turned into a twelve hour excursion.
Fun, but exhausting. 
I am thankful that my whole family loves being in the mountains as much as I do.
We saw three black bears, too many deer to count, and snow!
The kids learned about some of the glaciers along the Icefield Parkway.
While the weather wasn't fantastic it sure wasn't a problem.
We even had a picnic supper on a lake bed....a little off-roading Daddy style.
Here are some photos from the day.
Let me know what you think.

Picnic lunch at Old Camp day use area.

The Boy deep in thought.....that happens in the mountains.

Where we found snow and ice. The glacier that feeds the Bow is here.

A little love int he mountains.

Supper on a lake bed........hope the water doesn't show up suddenly.

Daddy and Daughter on the lake bed.

Enjoying my surroundings. Happy Father's Day!


Jun 14, 2012

Reuniting with a Passion for Pictures: Part 2

Well here are the last bunch of photos. Honestly I took about 250 photos. Yikes right? I managed to trim it down to my absolute favourites. Hope you enjoy them. I can't wait to continue rebuilding my passion.

Beautiful Owl

Big Horn Sheep

Wild Beauty

Humboldt Penguins

Humboldt Penguins


Jun 12, 2012

Tuesday Tune In: Michael Franti & Spearhead

I have loved Michael Franti for a few years now.
This is one of my favourite songs of his, but I had never seen this version.
This is Sound of Sunshine featuring Jovanotti. 
How delightful to hear such a great song in another language....music connects us all.
This song has been known to bring out the sunshine....Shine on!

Enjoy!

Jun 11, 2012

Reuniting with a Passion for Pictures: Part One

I will keep this short.
This will be a very photo heavy post.
I really enjoyed the Focused Event put on by our local zoo.
The zoo opened early for a select group of ticket holders who wanted to take photos before the crowds came. It was wonderful, quiet peaceful....no kids....lovely. The beautiful morning light however....didn't show. We were all thankful though that the rain stayed away.

I will divide this into two posts....lots of photos!
Let me know what  you think.
Click on any photo to see it larger.
Rainforest Pavilion

Just a Taste Statue

Just a Taste Statue

Just a Taste Statue
Beauty

Any fairies?

In the Butterfly Gardens

In the Butterfly Gardens

An Atlas Moth
Beautiful Snow Leopard

Snow Leopard

Snow Leopard
 

May 31, 2012

Finding my Photo Mojo

I have to admit that I had lost my photo mojo. I used to love taking pictures.
I have a great camera, and a husband who likes the latest and greatest equipment.
So I really don't know what my excuse is.
I have been thinking about this a lot lately cause I want to take photos to send to my new friend in Ireland. So I am attempting to find my photo mojo again. Today was my first time dragging the 'big' camera out and shooting everything. Man that bag is heavy... I think I know why I decided to not haul it around. The kids and I went to the local Science Centre in town and these are a few of the shots. Click the photos to see a larger one. Enjoy!





Next up..... I have signed up for a special photo event at the Zoo!
We are allowed in early and without crowds, so that should be fun.
Will post more along my mojo finding journey.

May 29, 2012

May 26, 2012

The Aftermath

The Aftermath
And finally birthday parties are done for another year. Whew!
Such stress I put myself through.
Big plans, Big ideas...Big Stress
I always make things harder for myself.
I have a long list of things that I tell myself I need to get done and then freak out 
at the last minute when I can't get it all done.
Please tell me I am not alone.
Half the battle I find is getting the house neat for guests. 
I am a lousy housekeeper.
There, I admit it.
And a perfectionist to boot...what a bad combo.

Todays tea party went off pretty well. My daughter was happy and her friends seem to have enjoyed themselves. We had four of my daughters friends over today. Various ages and personalities, an interesting mix indeed.
I am now sitting back enjoying a glass of wine and smiling cause I know 
I don't have to think about another till next year.

May 15, 2012

Tuesday Tune In: Kimbra

A little Kimbra for your Tuesday.
Looking like some fabulous warm weather today!
Think the kids and I may head out for some geocaching on this fine day.
Don't want to waste the day!
Enjoy!

May 11, 2012

A Few of My Favourite Things

Have you checked out Etsy?
Do you LOVE handmade goodies?
What are you waiting for?
I wanted to share a few things that I love. and have found on Etsy.
I will be linking up my Etsy shop soon, but until then check out these shops. The links are under the photos.
Check out Amanda Catherine Designs on Etsy
 
Check out Long Winter Soap Co. on Etsy
Check out Mystic Moose on Etsy


May 9, 2012

Tune In....better late than never: San Cisco


Something fun to check out.
I wasn't home much yesterday so time to blog wasn't there.
I think *knock on wood* that Spring has finally arrived here....with a minor blip tomorrow.
Hope Spring has found you!

May 7, 2012

Stuck

My creativity is at a standstill.
I have been trying to get my etsy store moving along again. It started out well last time, then slowed. I just can't get my creative juices working. I have noticed too that |I haven't been taking as many photos as usual.
What to do!
How do you get your creative juices flowing?
Anyone else in a slump?
Help.

At the Calgary Zoo


May 1, 2012

Tuesday Tune In: Rival Sons

Ok, so... I just came across these guys today.
Crazy right?
I was looking around to find another music video to share with you all, and found this one instead.
I like their sound, and the look. Kinda remind me of someone.
Let me know what you think.

Enjoy



Apr 26, 2012

Thought Filled Thursday: April 26, 2012


I love this, and wish I could embrace it more.
Sometimes it is scary to let your inner uniqueness show....don't you think?

Is there something about yourself that you keep hidden for fear of being laughed at?

Apr 23, 2012

Tuesday Tune In: Levon Helm (May 26, 1940 – April 19, 2012)

A little nod to a wonderful artist.
The world lost a true talent recently, so I felt it only right to dedicate a post to him.
You will be missed.
Thank you.

Enjoy everyone!

One Year Ago

Hello again!
I took the weekend off. It was beautiful here. Bright and Sunny.
I wanted to point out what was happening a year ago....cause I hear weather related whining and it irritates me. Today we are hitting a high of 27*C......so nice, summer like weather. But closer to the end of the week there is rumblings of wet and slushy snow. I found this photo in my April 2011 file, taken at my parents place.
Breath people....Breathe.

Apr 16, 2012

Tuesday Tune In: Flight of the Conchords (Jenny)

My Sister reminded at Easter about the Flight of the Conchords....Fabulously Funny!
So I wanted to share with you.
Picture it a conversation between a man and a man(woman). :o)

Enjoy!

Monday Monday...


How does Monday feel to you?
I, like many, dislike Monday.
What I dislike the most is that it means back to work for my husband. I love having him around on the weekends.
We go on day trips to the mountains, or hang out at the zoo after a fabulous brunch. Monday signals that snap back to reality.

While I understand this can be viewed as a bit of a downer post...
I would like to add something.
Having a Grateful Monday instead!
I came across this blog
Loved the idea of stating what I am grateful for.
I want to try and remember all that I am grateful for on Mondays. 
Cause it may make it easier to tolerate them.

My Monday Grateful List:
1) Happy healthy children.
2) Loving family moments. (Sunday Brunch at the Zoo!)
3) Getting the news that I am going to be an Auntie......to a BOY!!
Congrats Sister & Brother-in-Law!!



Apr 14, 2012

Titanic

Titanic
April 15, 1912
RIP
-------------------------
For the last few days I, as well as my family, have been thinking about the sinking of the Titanic.
It has always been such an incredible story to me. When the James Cameron movie came out it really allowed you to feel the loss yourself. Such loss, Such sadness.
Last year my daughters class spent one week at Science School during the time when the Titanic Exhibition was at our local Science Centre. She became drawn to the stories of those on board, and learned everything she could. I had the good fortune to go to see where the Titanic was built in Belfast. I told my traveling companion (my Mom) that we should take a Titanic Tour while in Belfast.
I decided for today's post I would share some photos that I took while on this tour.

Thomas Andrews Home in Belfast.

The staircase in his home. The first 'Grand Staircase'

Please excuse the stuffies.....my children gave me some other traveling companions to take everywhere.
The Harland and Wolff Offices.
The Drawing Office where the plans for Titanic were done by Thomas Andrews.
Harland and Wolff Offices.
Dry dock, built for Titanic.
It was a wonderful opportunity to be able to check this all out.
If you ever find yourself in Belfast check out Titanic Tours Belfast with Susie Millar.
She has an amazing personal connection to share with you.
Check it out...