I Am Still Here! And I Won!!!

So my computer still has a mind of it's own, and may at any minute start malfunctioning, and unfortunately no one has ever heard of this problem before, therefore it is making it hard to get it fixed.  That being said, no pics, simply for the fact that I can not necessarily get them onto the computer properly.  So instead, heres what I'm going to do, I am going to, to the best of my ability, continue to do posts, some crafts and cooking, recipes, etc.  And for the time being you will just have to imagine that I am an awesome photographer who has taken amazing pictures for your viewing pleasure.

As an example, imagine a pic of Chaos running around pretending to be a T-rex, which is his new thing, little arms and all.  Supernan on the ice as my little hockey superstar, arms up after scoring another goal.

And YaYa building tunnels and caves in the snow (without the destructive force of the BOYS to render them useless).  We  have had some amazing weather here in AB, which sure beats the freezing north weather we have had recently.  That awesome weather has made the light snow sticky enough to make an entire yard full of tunnels and caves.  Hope the visual works for you.

Something I am going to start shortly in the future, for the travelers in you, is profiling places we visit here in Alberta.  We don't go too many places in the winter, mainly to Edmonton and local towns (for hockey), and when I can get pics up, I will, but I will for sure tell you where we were and a little bit about the town or city, something special.

I am keeping up with my New Years Resolutions, and at the very least emailing people, which has also rekindled lost (just been a really long time since we talked) friendships.  I have not lost any weight (according to the scale) but my jeans are fitting a little better again, my flexibility is coming back (think popping my shoulders to get into an inverted pose YAY FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!!!!!!!!), and my endurance is WAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY up, in that I can run 10-15 min on the treadmill before collapsing in in a heavy lump (just kidding, it's getting easier).

The boys birthdays are this weekend, but we will be having their party next weekend so Mad Dad can be home.  Be prepared to hear about that.  It's a cowboy theme and for the first time I am prepared way ahead of time, I love it.  Supernan is Super pumped about it.

And finally, I WON!!! I follow Tattoo Tales blog, she has beautiful original artwork (and check out her etsy shop too).  Anyways, she was having a valentines giveaway for some valentines postcards and an 8x10 print and I won it!!!!!!!  I am soooooo excited! I can not wait to receive my valentines and share the love with my friends!

I will try again tomorrow to put up a somewhat normal post, a recipe.  But no promises, if my computer likes me tomorrow I will.

Until tomorrow, Enjoy your life, Enjoy your family and Happy You!

computer.still.not.working

sorry.guys.my.computer.is.still.on.the.outs,so.in.the.interest.of.saving.me.and.you.some.fustrations.and.since.i.have.to.wait.until.the.weekend.to.take.it.in,i.am.going.to.leave.my.posts.untili.have.a.computer.again.hopefully.it.will.be.soon.

Computer.Not.Working

Its.Monday.and.I.woke.up.to.my.computer.space.delete.and.tab.buttons.and.capslock.NOTWORKING.WOrking.on.the.problem.today.but.will.not.do.my.regular.post.due.to.the.fact.that.it.would.suck.lemons.Quick.update.I.lost.5.pounds.since.I.started.back.with.my.workout.regimen.YAY!I.beat.my.plateau.See.you.tomorrow.m
.

4 GOALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry for the late post all, but my superstar had an early game this morning.  My superstar scored 4 goals!!!!!!! Ok, Ok I know he's not likely headed for the NHL anytime soon, he's only in pre-novice, but I am SUPER DUPER UBER proud of him.  He scored 2 actual goals, 1 that got waved off, and 1 in the shootout!  

So I'm a little late with the recipe, today it is straight from the newest edition of the Martha Stewart Living magazine, mmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Tandoori Marinated Chicken with Cucumber, Lime and Chilies

1 whole Chicken
{1.5 tsp whole cumin seeds, 1 tsp whole coriander seeds, 1/2 tsp whole fennel seeds} or if you can find a tandoori seasoning together, use that instead.
1 onion, coarsely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp ginger, minced
3 tbsp vege (or EVOO) oil
1/2 tsp turmeric (omit if using tandoori season)
1/2 cup greek plain yogurt
coarse salt

If using the raw ingredients, toast cumin, coriander and fennel in a skillet over med heat until fragrant (2 min), then grind into a fine powder.
Puree onion, garlic and ginger.  Heat oil in a skillet over med high heat.  Add onion mix and fry until translucent (5 min).  Stir in spice mixture (or at this point add your store bought mix 3tsp) and turmeric.  Let cool.
Stir yogurt into mixture and add salt to taste.
Place chicken breast side up and tuck wings under, on a rimmed baking sheet.  tie legs together.  Pat chicken dry with paper towel.
Gently separate skin from breast and rub some of the yogurt mixture underneath, and on the top of the skin.  Cover with plastic and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, Preheat oven to 450 .  Uncover chicken and season with salt.  Reduce oven to 400.  Roast chicken for 30 min, remove from oven and tent loosely with foil.  Return to oven, rotating sheet.  Roast until juices run clear and an instant thermometer reads 165 when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (about 30 min).
Remove from oven and let rest 10 min before serving with cucumbers, lime wedges, and chillies.

This is what we are having for supper tomorrow.  So I will tell you how we like it and you can tell me if you like it.

Until tomorrow, Enjoy your day, Enjoy your family and Happy cooking.

Does Anyone Actually Read Me?

So I am having an identity crisis when it comes to my blog.  I was uploading pics to show, and it occurred to me that I can count on one hand how many comments I have received and short of 4 people I know religiously reading, who btw I talk to everyday, I don't think I'm as popular as I believe I am.

So here it is, I want to know what you think.  If no one out there is interested in listening to me, I won't do this anymore. If you are, Let me know and I will continue, but I need to know, mainly because if I am going to continue to add recipes or do tutorials, I want to know that they are being well received and worth my time and effort.

I'm sorry that this may sound like a rant or play for attention, but I am under the weather and would prefer not to stress myself out for nothing.

So it's in your hands, do you still want to read me?

Man Cave Decor

So before I left for my holiday, I promised everyone pics of what I was so busy sewing and doing before the holiday.  Todays pic is going to come with a tutorial and a huge thank you from the Plaid website.

My husband and I decided not to buy gifts for each other (as we do every year only to be set up for failure).  I enjoy giving gifts!!  I enjoy taking the time to make or pick out something special that I know the receiver will love.  So to keep my costs down, I decided to make Mad a useful piece of art for his rock out section of our basement.  Currently he owns 3 electric & 1 acoustic guitar, 1 electric & 1 acoustic bass, plus the kids have electric guitars.  He also only has a space that is about 6' x 9' to house all this, plus a set of drums and all the equipment that goes with it.

As I was browsing the instructions on how to use modge podge (yep needed instructions, cause I kinda sucked at it), I got distracted by the project tutorials on the website.  For anyone who knows, thats not really hard to believe.  That aside, I found a tutorial for a rocked out coat rack with a pic of a guitar on it.  The wheels stared turning, I loved it.  We don't need another coat rack, but I immediately thought I could giant size it and turn it into a guitar rack.

So I apologize that I only have 1 pic of the finished product, but we only had 1 camera on which I could take pics.  Mad also likes to take pics and look at the ones that I have taken of the kidlets all day.  So unfortunately I couldn't take step by step pics, and I had to wait until Christmas to take a finished pic so as not to arouse suspicion.  I will however provide you with the best instructions and measurements that I can.

So here goes.
Material:
sanded plywood, 4'x3'
2x4 cut to 3'
12" wide mdf board cut to 12" squares, 3 pieces
(the above material I had on hand)
2 guitar wall hangers, $13.00 each
coat hook, $1.00 ($ store)
Long wood screws, on hand
washers, on hand
burgundy and black spray paint, $3.00 each
silver paint, on hand
poster of a guitar made, $18.00

total: $51.00

A little more than I wanted to spend, but I still have some paint I can use for another project, aka a second one that Mad requested.  Not bad for a totally awesome way to get the guitars and cords off the floor and give him some more space.

Instructions:
To start I spray painted the plywood burgundy, red according to him because burgundy is far to feminine for him, and the 2x4 black.  I let it dry and then added a second coat to both.  Also, because I could only find a brass coat hanger, I spray painted that black as well.  Meanwhile, I cut my poster to fit the 12"x12" mdf board and modge podged it on (see why I needed the instructions).  After that was dry, I pre-drilled holes for my screws, and attached the mdf pics to the plywood (here is where I used the washers for a more industrial look).  I measured where I wanted them and it was about 4" from the left and right, with a space of 1.5" in between the pics, and they were 3" down from the top of the plywood.  After that was done, I painted the 2x4 silver and wiped it off immediately to leave a worn look.  When that was dry, I pre-drilled 3 holes to attach it to the plywood.  Then I attached the 2 guitar hangers (about 2" infrom either side) and added the coat hanger in the middle.  Then I attached the 2x4 to the plywood, and voila, DONE! Super simple, and with drying time, it only took me an afternoon, which was also spent doing laundry and cooking and other general cleaning in between.  The best part, he loved it and requested another one!

So here it is

Like it, I love it!

Until tomorrow when you finally get to see my pics, enjoy your day, enjoy your family and happy crafting!

Maya Angelou

"Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass."-Maya Angelou


Maya Angelou has got to be by far my favorite person to read, she got me through some pretty rough times in my life, and pushed me forward when I thought I was done.  The following quotes are a couple that I have kept with me for years, and I hope you enjoy them as well.


If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.
Maya Angelou 


We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.
Maya Angelou 


I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou


And my personal all time favorite:


I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse
to be reduced by it.
 Maya Angelou


Not much inspiration from me, but in bad times these all got me through my life and whenever I get stressed out, I always remember these.


Until tomorrow, Enjoy your day, Enjoy your family, and Enjoy Life.

Side Note

I was checking out some of the blogs that I follow, and I came across this giveaway at Whimsy Couture.  It is from Forty Toes Clothing on Etsy, or her blog, Forty Toes.  She has some super duper cute items for sale on her Etsy shop, adorable little girls clothes.  Please check it out!

Super Duper Cool & Easy Tie Up Scarf Purse for a Picky Tween (or Teen)

So when I was in Cape Breton, an Ardene's store was closing out and had EVERYTHING on sale for $1.00 the last 2 hours.   I was fortunate enough to be there at that time.  I had a super hard time not stocking up on hundreds of items, that I could later find use for, but I had to remember that whatever I bought, I had to bring back, and seeing as how I already had to buy another duffle bag to bring stuff back (yes, I bought another back to bring things home), I figured that maybe I would only grab a couple things.  So that's what I did, I picked up some super cute fingerless gloves (my addiction), and a cute pink beaded necklace for YaYa, however, no pic, because it broke the next day.  I didn't feel too bad, cause it was only $1.00. And I also picked up 5 super cute square scarves.

Now I really like the look of wearing scarves, but I can't do it for very long, it bothers me and gives me an icky feeling on my neck (ICKY).  So I did actually buy them to make stuff with.  Before Christmas, I stumbled upon a Knotted Bag tutorial on the Martha Stewart website.  (I love Martha)  I made a couple for my nieces, and they were a huge hit.  I took it a step further and sewed the handles together instead of tying them so it was permanent (both girls have little sisters who like to play with their stuff).

So here goes, like I said, easy and cheap.

Grab yourself a square scarf, or big silk handkerchief, you can find lots of cool ones everywhere, including the $ store or second hand stores.

Step 1: Tie a knot in all for corners (about a quarter of the way down, I would give exact measurements but it depends on the size of your scarf) You can eyeball it an decide how much room you want in your bag and how big you want your handles.

Step 2:  Sew 2 straps together at the top, you will lose your triangle.  Repeat with the other side.  (you could hand sew or machine sew)

VOILA!!!!! Easy peasy lemon squeezie!

Makes a great quick for tweens, teens and everyone else.

Until tomorrow,  Enjoy your day, enjoy your family and happy crafting!

I'm Baaaaccccckkkk!!!!!

Welcome back everyone, or should I say welcome back me.  After a too long hiatus, we are back in full swing in our household.  Kids go back to school today and hubby is back to work and I am back to wondering around my house, wondering how I can organize better, what I can create without having to leave my house, and wondering if I can just go visit all my friends instead.

While we were on our fabulous vaca to see family and friends in Cape Breton, I decide on my New Years resolutions, and I know this is coming a little late, but give me a break I just got back.  Every year, I make and break all of my resolutions, but this year, my # 1 is to NOT BREAK MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You heard it here folks, and if I say it out loud, I have to challenge myself to follow through, so thank you for your help in advance.

Resolution #2: Organize my life and house a little bit better, and maybe downsize   on some of the stuff I don't really use (maybe).

Resolution #3: Get back into better shape.  Last year I lost almost 50 lbs, and then I got cocky and lazy.  I had an injury that prevented me from continuing to run, and our towns gym closed down, so I took that as my excuse to slow down on my workouts.  I was ok until the holiday season, when I took it two steps further by just stopping my workouts (short of yoga, which I still do religiously), and over indulging on vaca.  Them east coast donairs and pizzas are hard to turn down.  While I haven't gained much of the weight back, I feel my body falling back into the old body and I don't like it.  So my goal is to get back into shape, not lose weight (too much pressure).

Resolution #4: Stay in touch better with friends and family.  I am a big believer in writing and email  (I do not and will not have Facebook, so I miss out on a lot of correspondence).  But it gets lost on my to do list, and sometimes, months go by without me talking to some people.  So the actual goal is to email or handwrite letters to  friends and family at the very least once every month to keep everyone updated on our family and find out how everyone else is doing.  I would say more than that, but realistically, I don't have that exciting of a life that I need to tell everyone what happens everyday.

Thats it, my Meditation Monday is dedicated to my resolutions, and to welcome me and you back.  My week will continue as normal after today, although, seeing as how we just got home, I'm not sure what kind of tut I am going to do.  I will get all my pics uploaded and edited and put up for Fotography Friday.

Until tomorrow, enjoy your life, enjoy your kids and take a deep breath, it will be the best thing you do today.

Happy New Year 2011

I'm still on vacation, but I just wanted to stop by and wish you all a Happy New Year.  Hope the coming year gives you exactly what you need.  We are having a blast and have been super duper busy, visiting everyone.  And since this is the first time that the boys and YaYa will be around for birthdays, (theirs are all in Jan and Feb) we are going to have a great big birthday party to celebrate everyone's special day.  I'm gonna need another suitcase. 

I will post tons of pics when we get back, btw, I got my new camera from Santa, so I have been taking even more pics than normal, my poor kids are gonna be blind from the flash.

Hope everyones holidays are going well and I will see you all back here on Jan 10, 2011.