tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55905987569360997412024-03-14T04:57:49.575-03:00The Business of Being HappyPattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-74034399184467723312012-01-02T11:19:00.000-04:002012-01-02T11:19:23.001-04:00#2 Lie on a bed of NailsThe second item on my list of 30 things to do before I'm 30 was to lie on a bed of nails.<br />
A lot of people said "huh?" when I told them that particular goal and I'll admit, it does seem a little odd until I explain. <br />
You see, I happen to work at a science centre where this is a science demonstration that they do for the public on a regular basis.<br />
<br />
And since my job is awesome, this is the type of thing that takes place on a Friday afternoon before a long weekend.<br />
The conversation went a little something like this <br />
"hey guys, wanna help me out with something if it's not too busy this afternoon?"<br />
"Sure, what's up?"<br />
"I want to lie on the bed of nails so I can scratch it off of my list"<br />
"Awesome, we'll totally help you!"<br />
(Ok, I may have paraphrased that a little bit... because I'm pretty sure that I'm the only one at work who uses the words 'awesome' & 'totally'... in the same sentence at least.. haha)<br />
<br />
Anyway, the interpreters (who actually do this as part of their job - jealous? Me too! They also get to make fire balls... who knew science was fun!) hooked me up and showed me how to lie on the bed without slitting my wrists - that turned out to be a helpful tip! haha<br />
<br />
Here's the proof!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWkZSmmcIHg/TwE_fWOFe6I/AAAAAAAAANo/ZGq2B0QEvmU/s1600/IMG_00000100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWkZSmmcIHg/TwE_fWOFe6I/AAAAAAAAANo/ZGq2B0QEvmU/s640/IMG_00000100.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dun dun dunnn!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jx30VvCmbDk/TwE_heXxm8I/AAAAAAAAANw/IWr0S4PLFp8/s1600/IMG_00000101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jx30VvCmbDk/TwE_heXxm8I/AAAAAAAAANw/IWr0S4PLFp8/s640/IMG_00000101.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks a little intense doesn't it... good thing I was working with professionals ;)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lzg-afYXYNo/TwE_j_zVQFI/AAAAAAAAAN4/JoPa_-yQ5BU/s1600/IMG_00000102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lzg-afYXYNo/TwE_j_zVQFI/AAAAAAAAAN4/JoPa_-yQ5BU/s640/IMG_00000102.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friends & colleagues, Geoff & Brianna touching the nails to prove that they're real - trust me, they're real!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-koI096vRsO4/TwE_lcZkoSI/AAAAAAAAAOA/GYpOybyoH3o/s1600/IMG_00000103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-koI096vRsO4/TwE_lcZkoSI/AAAAAAAAAOA/GYpOybyoH3o/s640/IMG_00000103.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQg7kWtJXoU/TwE_pbcDWII/AAAAAAAAAOI/xFVKRruCiSw/s1600/IMG_00000104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQg7kWtJXoU/TwE_pbcDWII/AAAAAAAAAOI/xFVKRruCiSw/s640/IMG_00000104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geoff demonstrating how to get onto the bed of nails... that was the most stressful part!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qwQpFJhM_qk/TwE_rlp4xgI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/FcjuAzVKGQs/s1600/IMG_00000106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qwQpFJhM_qk/TwE_rlp4xgI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/FcjuAzVKGQs/s640/IMG_00000106.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taaadumm!!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJPUz7xIUnY/TwE_tjiTyxI/AAAAAAAAAOY/PzoWiLRs08w/s1600/IMG_00000108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJPUz7xIUnY/TwE_tjiTyxI/AAAAAAAAAOY/PzoWiLRs08w/s640/IMG_00000108.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm super proud of myself.. lol <br />
Also, please note the tshirt (not my normal work wear, I promise, I was wearing a sweater over it but I took it off so it wouldn't look like I was cheating) it says<br />
"WARNING If zombies chase us, I'm pushing you" it's funny... cause it's true!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So... I get to check #2 off of my list SWEET! <br />
Annnd... I'm pretty sure that this makes me a superhero... those 'science people' tried to explain it by talking about pressure and weight distribution... but I like my explanation MUCH better. <br />
The science demo they do is really neat though, there's this whole thing where they break a cinder block over someones chest with a sledgehammer... on the bed of nails! (I opted out of that - I'll leave that to the professionals)<br />
<br />
I bet the question you're all dying to ask is, "did it hurt?" and the answer is.... drum roll please...<br />
not really. <br />
LOL (talk about anticlimactic eh?)<br />
<br />
It didn't actually hurt, but I was very aware of the nails, especially in my back. My bottom half was fine cause I had jeans on and there's a little more... cushioning... shall we say...<br />
my back is a little bit bonier - (there's that whole spine thing for starters) so when I laughed - and I was laughing a lot, it made me more aware of the nails. But I wouldn't say it actually hurt. <br />
<br />
Here's a neat picture of the back of my tshirt, it had the indents from the nails in it. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1JDdfMnwIk/TwFEgXdElxI/AAAAAAAAAOk/aLs-iDFc3u8/s1600/IMG_00000109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1JDdfMnwIk/TwFEgXdElxI/AAAAAAAAAOk/aLs-iDFc3u8/s640/IMG_00000109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, this means that I'm pretty much Super (Wo)Man ... I've long suspected it but now I have proof of my invulnerability.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So there ya have it, #2 checked off - BAM!Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-20297114728851672742012-01-01T23:59:00.044-04:002012-01-02T00:51:41.358-04:00Well hello 2012! <br />
It's nice to meet you!<br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> I decided to end 2011 by counting down my top 10 highlights of the year... then I made some goals for 2012, I'll share mine if you share yours! ;)</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4f0121161216c4616414609"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">Here are my 10 best moments from this year.</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">10. Discovering my deep love for<a href="http://www.toms.ca/" target="_blank"> Toms shoes </a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqT_GJbRve4/TwEsiFirgjI/AAAAAAAAALk/9R0GkaZk8sQ/s1600/toms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqT_GJbRve4/TwEsiFirgjI/AAAAAAAAALk/9R0GkaZk8sQ/s640/toms.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"> 9. Cancelling our cable (I feel so much more productive and ... smart! Haha. We still have a few channels though)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5sBhFbZO9c/TwEs9CKsziI/AAAAAAAAALw/3ZSkR_y2sug/s1600/tv-set-fuzzy-yeeessso2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="491" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5sBhFbZO9c/TwEs9CKsziI/AAAAAAAAALw/3ZSkR_y2sug/s640/tv-set-fuzzy-yeeessso2.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
<br />
8. Discovering banana ice cream</span> - for instructions on how to make this delicious dessert check out my post in June 2011.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HjTzITFVWSs/TwEtVu8DujI/AAAAAAAAAL8/NTFSboY34SU/s1600/banana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HjTzITFVWSs/TwEtVu8DujI/AAAAAAAAAL8/NTFSboY34SU/s640/banana.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
<br />
7. Spending a week in Cuba with my love and some friends</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZX9wpFVltA/TwEuD6owXaI/AAAAAAAAAMI/3t0lVwcg3yI/s1600/cuba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZX9wpFVltA/TwEuD6owXaI/AAAAAAAAAMI/3t0lVwcg3yI/s640/cuba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
<br />
6. My family reunion, seeing some of my long lost cousins was wonderful</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bfxifVe7ig/TwEw2L91AXI/AAAAAAAAAMU/LHAxNGMvj_Q/s1600/reunion_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bfxifVe7ig/TwEw2L91AXI/AAAAAAAAAMU/LHAxNGMvj_Q/s640/reunion_sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
<br />
5. My contract position being extended to a full time position – happy day! We (Ruth, my supervisor and I) held hands on the sidewalk and jumped up and down. Haha</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJEr44-fmMg/TwExjDM0-WI/AAAAAAAAAMg/DxjCAkT8xBs/s1600/excited1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJEr44-fmMg/TwExjDM0-WI/AAAAAAAAAMg/DxjCAkT8xBs/s640/excited1.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like this... but without the ties... and longer hair, because we're women... but similar to this... except that we were holding both hands and jumping... hahaha <br />
(If only I had a personal photographer to follow me around and capture these moments!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
<br />
4. Tommy & Shauna’s wedding <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1IZB561-SY/TwEyDo_PH7I/AAAAAAAAAMs/4Z_zybBG_gE/s1600/shauna+%2526+tommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1IZB561-SY/TwEyDo_PH7I/AAAAAAAAAMs/4Z_zybBG_gE/s640/shauna+%2526+tommy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
<br />
3. Doing yoga for the first time – I seriously feel like it was life changing... it felt like coming home.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xT7jaKgQPxU/TwEzIBl7bbI/AAAAAAAAAM4/1x4eqdio-UA/s1600/hot-yoga-poses-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xT7jaKgQPxU/TwEzIBl7bbI/AAAAAAAAAM4/1x4eqdio-UA/s640/hot-yoga-poses-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep.... this is totally NOT me... this person is 'representing' the type of yoga that I've started practicing - she just looks better doing it! haha</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
<br />
2. Jenni & Chris’s wedding</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWCuzxVElrI/TwEzzIillqI/AAAAAAAAANE/Hw5d9BmHiFM/s1600/jenni+%2526+chris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWCuzxVElrI/TwEzzIillqI/AAAAAAAAANE/Hw5d9BmHiFM/s640/jenni+%2526+chris.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
<br />
1. Sarah & Ryan’s wedding</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Saky3yGMNPQ/TwEz74hoejI/AAAAAAAAANQ/_ioGAQ7QOq8/s1600/sarah+%2526+ryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Saky3yGMNPQ/TwEz74hoejI/AAAAAAAAANQ/_ioGAQ7QOq8/s640/sarah+%2526+ryan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
<br />
Bonus # 11 - being introduced to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> - I'm seriously in love!! lol</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="162" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODsg_z2YJSU/TwE1RCuqY1I/AAAAAAAAANc/58Q7Whr1fkI/s640/Pinterest_Logo.png" width="640" /></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">I'm not really one for resolutions, because I feel like they are usually focused on what you <u>don't</u> want - for example, stop biting your nails, giving up junk food, stop waisting time, etc.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">So I like to set goals and since I already have all kinds of goals set for this year (until Sept 28th anyway) I thought I'd try to keep them to a minimum.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">Here are my 2012 goals:</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">1. Husband and I are going to do a cleanse for the month of January - his idea! I'm all for it.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">We're following <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/153124/how-2012-challenge-works/@center/152870/2012-whole-living-action-plan" target="_blank">this one</a>, check it out!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">2. Another joint goal, we've decided to run the 5k in the <a href="http://www.bluenosemarathon.com/en/" target="_blank">Blue Nose Marathon</a>.<br />
Now we just have to start running.. haha</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">3. I'm going to make an effort to post here more often.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">There you have it, my highlights of 2011 and goals for 2012. I hope you all take a moment to look back on 2011 and savour the successes then plan for more in the coming year.</span>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-87591277406914687782011-12-30T05:53:00.003-04:002011-12-30T05:56:57.309-04:00#5 Buy a membership to Moksha YogaI bought my intro membership to<a href="http://halifax.mokshayoga.ca/home/" target="_blank"> Moksha Yoga</a> at the end of November.<br />
It's only $40.00 for the intro month - Sweeeet!<br />
<br />
I'm not going to lie, it's not always easy being in that hot room and there were a few times that I had to lay down on my mat - but that's ok, there's no judgment in that room (or at least not obvious judgment, they may have been making fun of me in their heads...)<br />
The more often I went, the easier it became (I use the term 'easy' very loosely - because the goal is to always push yourself so it's never really 'easy' BUT I had to lie down a lot less!) and the better I felt.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately I started to feel icky & sickish toward the end of the month (because I started eating a lot of baaaad food... but that's a whole other story!), so I didn't go to class for about a week and a half but I'm feeling better now and I can't wait to buy a new membership and get started again!<br />
<br />
Because I was so excited about my new found yoga love, Santa brought me a Manduka Equa Towel from <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp" target="_blank">lululemon</a>, a nifty bag to carry all of my sweaty stuff in and the <a href="http://www.jillianmichaels.com/free-custom-weight-loss.aspx?promo=C769B522-88C3-414D-BECE-9081A50AC8D5&np=1&variable=tough&gclid=CPnC4J2-qa0CFRECQAodRhoOow" target="_blank">Jillian Michaels</a> Yoga Meltdown DVD for Christmas. I'm feeling very supported and excited to use all of my new goodies!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrNDonUMFkM/Tv2EFIF3wrI/AAAAAAAAALM/KDHGmL9Cd9U/s1600/towel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrNDonUMFkM/Tv2EFIF3wrI/AAAAAAAAALM/KDHGmL9Cd9U/s200/towel.jpg" width="160" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XX5Fm5PaK0g/Tv2G9eFNoYI/AAAAAAAAALY/Rt_OZrE9IzE/s1600/Jillian+Michaels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XX5Fm5PaK0g/Tv2G9eFNoYI/AAAAAAAAALY/Rt_OZrE9IzE/s200/Jillian+Michaels.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I've already seen quite a few benefits from doing less than a month of yoga; my skin feels better (it's actually pretty broken out right now - again with the bad food) BUT it feels amazing after class, I'm more conscious of my posture (especially when I'm walking around carrying a yoga mat, and I'm much more conscious of my breathing. I find myself taking more big deep breaths throughout the day to energize or de-stress.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I totally recommend it to anyone, the instructors are super friendly and make you feel welcome from day one. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're going to give it a shot, just make sure that you eat well the day you're going (or in life...), don't have anything too heavy beforehand, and drink LOTS of water.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Namaste ;)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-49457746036365128652011-11-11T12:19:00.000-04:002011-11-11T12:19:11.449-04:00Christmas Wreath CraftLast night was craft night... yaaay!!<br />
I love craft night (or craft afternoon, or craft morning... you get the point)<br />
<br />
The thing that separates craft night from any other crafting session is that husband and I are both working on crafts. He makes these amazing dioramas (mostly of Star Wars scenes.... MAN we're sounding cooler and cooler...)<br />
Anyway, it's fun because we're spending time together that doesn't involve tv or video games, and we can show each other how we're doing with our projects - just like little kids - "Look what I made!!!"<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last night I made a Christmas wreath - it was the cheapest, easiest thing EVER! (like under $10.00 cheap!!)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here's how I did it...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbLI8RlaR_E/TraQ-ZriMnI/AAAAAAAAAIg/7a-pLjO1VVE/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbLI8RlaR_E/TraQ-ZriMnI/AAAAAAAAAIg/7a-pLjO1VVE/s320/108.JPG" width="320" /></a>Supplies:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Pair of scissors</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Glue gun</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Duct tape</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>(pretty easy so far right? No fancy supplies needed - just stuff that pretty much everyone has around the house)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3SRmdIbElA/Tr03v3wyd9I/AAAAAAAAAIo/D4x6oIcSxf4/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3SRmdIbElA/Tr03v3wyd9I/AAAAAAAAAIo/D4x6oIcSxf4/s320/077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I bought all of this stuff from the Dollar Store. <br />
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Christmas bells $1.25<br />
Silver acorns $1.00<br />
Silver bird $1.00<br />
Blue ribbon $1.00<br />
Silver ribbon $1.00 (I didn't even end up using the silver ribbon)<br />
Dollar Store total: $5.25 + tax<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eesoVMRNkfQ/Tr042M9npPI/AAAAAAAAAIw/DZy3S_IMe3c/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eesoVMRNkfQ/Tr042M9npPI/AAAAAAAAAIw/DZy3S_IMe3c/s320/067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Foam insulation stuff from Kent Building Supplies<br />
$0.35<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GILv8yMxEw4/Tr05V9C_0QI/AAAAAAAAAI4/zqs3GUT6jPk/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GILv8yMxEw4/Tr05V9C_0QI/AAAAAAAAAI4/zqs3GUT6jPk/s320/076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Also from Kent, fake greenery stuff (please don't be intimidated by my technical terms.. just 'try' to follow along.. hehe!)<br />
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I used two of these, they were $1.99 each<br />
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Kent total: $4.33 + tax<br />
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Grand Total (drum roll please): $9.58 + tax<br />
Ok, so it ended up being a little more than $10.00 after taxes BUT I didn't need the silver ribbon, so I think it will even out if you decide to make this. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_w_SSnbH1k/Tr066ubnGyI/AAAAAAAAAJA/TmFuDwXeXRc/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_w_SSnbH1k/Tr066ubnGyI/AAAAAAAAAJA/TmFuDwXeXRc/s320/073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Step 1. <br />
Use the duct tape to secure the ends of the foam.<br />
I got this tip from <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>, (MAN I love Pinterest!! You should all join, and if you follow my boards, I'll follow yours! :) <br />
It's sooo much cheaper to buy this stuff than it is to buy Styrofoam wreath things from craft stores.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U8XXxdevwb0/Tr08ap0d8JI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/4u86HREJYCE/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U8XXxdevwb0/Tr08ap0d8JI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/4u86HREJYCE/s320/081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Step 2.<br />
Wrap the greenery around the frame.<br />
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Literally just wrap it, you don't have to be fussy and you don't have to fasten it or anything. <br />
I just tucked the end under the wrapped wire next to it.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dIUElpXNX2g/Tr08fW1VlmI/AAAAAAAAAJY/Rqdn_3xSxTY/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dIUElpXNX2g/Tr08fW1VlmI/AAAAAAAAAJY/Rqdn_3xSxTY/s320/084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I used 2 packs of greenery, and again, I just tucked the end under the wire next to it.<br />
Super easy - only takes about 10 or 15 minutes (depending on how many cats you have and how intent they are on playing with, catching, and eating the greenery - if you don't have cats... this will take under 5 minutes...)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEafbOnrEcs/Tr08jujtFXI/AAAAAAAAAJg/MRdrv8RDUsM/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEafbOnrEcs/Tr08jujtFXI/AAAAAAAAAJg/MRdrv8RDUsM/s320/086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Once you're finished wrapping, just fluff it up a bit.<br />
Cover any gaps there might be & arrange the branches.<br />
I did mine so that it was flat-ish on the bottom & so that there weren't many going towards the middle because it's kind of a small hole in the middle so I didn't want to make it look any smaller.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njDQKsIzCiQ/Tr0-cCxLvzI/AAAAAAAAAJo/L0UkZAg623Q/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njDQKsIzCiQ/Tr0-cCxLvzI/AAAAAAAAAJo/L0UkZAg623Q/s320/088.JPG" width="181" /></a></div> Step 3. <br />
Make a bow<br />
I used pretty much the whole spool of ribbon (not a whole lot comes on the spool anyway.<br />
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I did save a little bit of it to hang the wreath though, it only has to be as long as half of one of the bow ends.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTFHHuE3720/Tr0-f9d1zEI/AAAAAAAAAJw/ABYEFUTmfiM/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTFHHuE3720/Tr0-f9d1zEI/AAAAAAAAAJw/ABYEFUTmfiM/s320/089.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
If you want to have 'fancy' ends on your bow<br />
Fold the ribbon (lengthwise) and cut from the bottom corner of he open side, on an angle towards the closed side.<br />
Like so.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1ZRPPKiLgs/Tr0-ibd4ykI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/EpJkxG0fqrE/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1ZRPPKiLgs/Tr0-ibd4ykI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/EpJkxG0fqrE/s320/090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>OooOoohhh fancy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMhrjNaG8YE/Tr0_8_OUYCI/AAAAAAAAAKA/SjEpoNqnwq4/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMhrjNaG8YE/Tr0_8_OUYCI/AAAAAAAAAKA/SjEpoNqnwq4/s320/092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Step 4.<br />
Glue the bow on with the glue gun.<br />
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I also glued the ends of the ribbon, so that they "look" like they're hanging naturally-ish, but they're not hanging straight down.<br />
(I should clarify - by 'ends' of the ribbon, I mean the parts that aren't the bow... I don't mean that I actually glued the bottom that we cut. I glued somewhere closer to the middle)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sM9pAICSmRM/Tr1Bw2Wb_LI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/T6mGN725B_8/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sM9pAICSmRM/Tr1Bw2Wb_LI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/T6mGN725B_8/s320/094.JPG" width="320" /></a> Step 5. <br />
Add the pretty, silver, dollar store bird. lol<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlIUPiKWJ5w/Tr1B0-tRu1I/AAAAAAAAAKY/ndmTMtkqlcc/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlIUPiKWJ5w/Tr1B0-tRu1I/AAAAAAAAAKY/ndmTMtkqlcc/s320/095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Just pop it in there and glue it where every you want.<br />
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I chose the bottom inside of the wreath, so it looks as though it's perching there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OShFL-D96mE/Tr1DnI4Cr2I/AAAAAAAAAKg/pJP9cjbpJ8w/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OShFL-D96mE/Tr1DnI4Cr2I/AAAAAAAAAKg/pJP9cjbpJ8w/s320/096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Step 6.<br />
Glue everything else.<br />
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You don't have to use it all.<br />
Just keep placing and gluing until you're happy with the look.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xUTDKY83jvM/Tr1DsC_3e0I/AAAAAAAAAKo/h3ILqfPTVqo/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xUTDKY83jvM/Tr1DsC_3e0I/AAAAAAAAAKo/h3ILqfPTVqo/s320/106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Step 7.<br />
Add a piece of ribbon to hang it with.<br />
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I just used some left over ribbon from the bow & tied each end around the foam at the top then rearranged the branches to cover the small knots.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ha_KZ7R0s0/Tr1Du9zHl1I/AAAAAAAAAKw/D546Qj4hLHk/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ha_KZ7R0s0/Tr1Du9zHl1I/AAAAAAAAAKw/D546Qj4hLHk/s320/100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>TaDum!<br />
Ok, it's not the best picture - but I have a bad camera, bad lighting and no photographic skill to speak of. So this is the best I could come up with. LOL<br />
It's simple, but I think it's pretty and it's CHEAP so that makes it so much better! lol<br />
I think I'll try another one with red & gold.<br />
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Hope this inspired you to make some inexpensive crafts of your own, and if anyone tries this out, I'd love to see some pics of your version!<br />
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Happy crafting!! :)Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-35091333695405957652011-11-05T23:48:00.000-03:002011-11-05T23:48:40.295-03:00#6 - Try one new recipe every month - OctoberI was really looking forward to this one, because we sometimes get into a rut with our meals - so it's really nice to try new things.<br />
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I used the AMAZING cookbook <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Veganomicon-The-Ultimate-Vegan-Cookbook-Moskowitz-Romero/9781569242643-item.html?cookieCheck=1">Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook</a> by Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero. <br />
This book was a gift from two of my good friends <a href="http://labelleviesaine.blogspot.com/">April</a> & Pam when husband and I became vegan - and it's one of the best cookbooks I've used! (Thanks again friends!)<br />
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Here's what to look for if you decide to get this book<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpC9Rimt-OU/TrXvR2-Ai_I/AAAAAAAAAHI/iv80L6R625g/s1600/veganomicon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpC9Rimt-OU/TrXvR2-Ai_I/AAAAAAAAAHI/iv80L6R625g/s320/veganomicon.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br />
Ok, back to the meal.<br />
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I made leek and bean cassoulet with biscuits on page 172 of the book (translation, leek & bean stew with dumplings for those of you who, like me, aren't fancy... lol)<br />
This was fun, because I've never used a leek before... in fact, I didn't even know what a leek looked like until I went in search of one.<br />
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I'm not going to go into all of the instructions (because I don't want to get sued by the authors... hahaha... but seriously...) now you'll just have to buy the book! ha!<br />
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Here are the ingredients for the stew<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xSbj3W1OoH4/TrXxoTtFWVI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/4hKW0pXkN24/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xSbj3W1OoH4/TrXxoTtFWVI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/4hKW0pXkN24/s640/033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The measuring cup has some beans that I just happened to have in the freezer <br />
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Here are the ingredents for the biscuts<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oF6ZD_AsK0Y/TrXyDPlX5OI/AAAAAAAAAHY/UOgZvc41LJI/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oF6ZD_AsK0Y/TrXyDPlX5OI/AAAAAAAAAHY/UOgZvc41LJI/s640/036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Here's some "action" shots of the cooking process...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ghsX922oi8Y/TrXztyLrRkI/AAAAAAAAAHg/n1DArgLphgg/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ghsX922oi8Y/TrXztyLrRkI/AAAAAAAAAHg/n1DArgLphgg/s320/037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First (ish) Step</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZYt8kZb_ww/TrXzzEdAhtI/AAAAAAAAAHo/DeAKimDaEOM/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZYt8kZb_ww/TrXzzEdAhtI/AAAAAAAAAHo/DeAKimDaEOM/s320/040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding some 'flava'</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OY69SGiTuEU/TrXz1AnN6kI/AAAAAAAAAHw/7l7DurKWGtQ/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OY69SGiTuEU/TrXz1AnN6kI/AAAAAAAAAHw/7l7DurKWGtQ/s320/042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add MORE veggies you say? OKAY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXM6cE0h_-k/TrXz4Qu_jrI/AAAAAAAAAH4/CLyHcefjhhA/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXM6cE0h_-k/TrXz4Qu_jrI/AAAAAAAAAH4/CLyHcefjhhA/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final Product</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj8lXSzXh8Q/TrXz84brsqI/AAAAAAAAAIA/oXfYtxsm8KA/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj8lXSzXh8Q/TrXz84brsqI/AAAAAAAAAIA/oXfYtxsm8KA/s320/048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plated<br />
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</tbody></table>This was so delicious! Husband loved it too.<br />
It was hot and comforting - I can't wait to make it again!<br />
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October's new recipe = a success!!<br />
And that makes me happy!Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-82303418015123972092011-11-05T22:58:00.002-03:002011-11-05T23:10:13.836-03:00# 1 - Buy myself flowers once a month - OctoberSo I started tackling some of the things on my list of <em>30 things to do before I'm 30 - </em>I decided to go wild and start with #1... I know, I know... I'm livin' on the edge.<br />
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But #1 was to buy myself flowers once a month - FUN!<br />
So, at the end of October I bought myself a little bouquet of flowers, nothing too fancy but that's ok, I figured I would start out small.<br />
It made me really happy to do something for myself though... and my kitties loved them! haha<br />
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Here are some pictures.<br />
(Please excuse the crummy pictures, I've lost the charger for my camera so I've been using my video camera and it doesn't take the best pictures {not that I took great pictures to begin with - so this is just extra bad!})<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5V4wr6WqRQU/TrXmiETrLoI/AAAAAAAAAGo/53fSG0bN0W8/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5V4wr6WqRQU/TrXmiETrLoI/AAAAAAAAAGo/53fSG0bN0W8/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">These are my October flowers - they're so pretty and bright!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3bnkvCTpWw/TrXmypQpMYI/AAAAAAAAAHA/AH6IbZh3k6E/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3bnkvCTpWw/TrXmypQpMYI/AAAAAAAAAHA/AH6IbZh3k6E/s200/023.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabby had to check them out too</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsowWRIBkHA/TrXmnOgM87I/AAAAAAAAAGw/tMGO4MfjKSU/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsowWRIBkHA/TrXmnOgM87I/AAAAAAAAAGw/tMGO4MfjKSU/s200/024.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Einstein enjoying the flowers</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
So that's it, I've started my list.<br />
#1 for October - check! <br />
Only 11 more months to go... plus 29 other things to do; but so far it's making me happy! :)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-5080222548993545472011-09-28T22:30:00.003-03:002018-05-18T08:58:54.521-03:0030 things before I'm 30Today is my 29th birthday! Happy Birthday to me!! <br />
<br />
So, in honor of my last year of my 20's - I've decided to make a list of 30 things to do (that I've never done before) before I hit the big 3-0. (dunn dunn Dunnn)<br />
<br />
My list is not in any specific order, I'll check them off as I go - and take lots of photos!<br />
<br />
I encourage everyone else to make a list of their own, even if you're not in your late 20's; it's a fun way of setting goals and feeling like you've accomplished something.<br />
<br />
Here we go...<br />
<br />
1. <strike>Buy myself flowers once a month</strike><br />
2. <strike>Lay on a bed of nails</strike><br />
3. <strike>Go to the movies alone</strike><br />
4. Try rock climbing (indoors)<br />
5.<strike> Buy a membership to Moksha yoga (because I'm in LOVE with hot yoga... after doing it once.. lol)</strike><br />
6. <strike>Try one new recipe every month</strike><br />
7. Spend one month doing a random act of kindness everyday<br />
8. Finish my children's story and enter a writing contest <br />
9.<strike> Go to a professional sports game (I might let husband decide which one)</strike><br />
10. <strike>Volunteer for at least 200 hours</strike><br />
11. Shoot a gun<br />
12. <strike>Do a 30 day yoga challenge (this one will come after buying a membership to Moksha)</strike><br />
13. Make a pie from scratch<br />
14. Have a candlelight picnic with husband<br />
15. <strike>Take a chunk out of our debt (a more specific amount TBD)</strike><br />
16. <strike>Knit a scarf</strike><br />
17. Visit an animal sanctuary<br />
18. Plan a weekend getaway with my friends<br />
19. Take a ride in a hot air balloon<br />
20. "Unplug" for a whole weekend<br />
21. Put together a zombie preparedness kit<br />
22. <strike>Keep a gratitude journal - write in it every day</strike><br />
23. <strike>Finish every unread or half read book I own</strike><br />
24. Plant a tree<br />
25. Take a sewing lesson<br />
26. Watch Citizen Kane & <strike>Casablanca</strike><br />
27. <strike>Read at least 5 "Classics"</strike><br />
28. <strike>Eat ice cream and cookies for breakfast, lunch, & dinner one day (I'm really looking forward to this one... haha)</strike><br />
29. Buy 10 pairs of white underwear and tiedye them<br />
30. Make my own soy candles<br />
<br />
So there it is - my "to do" list for the next year.<br />
I'm so excited to start crossing things off!<br />
<br />
I can't wait to hear about everyone else's lists!Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-49224439782831215162011-08-23T23:38:00.000-03:002011-08-23T23:38:56.479-03:00Yummy "What's in the cupboard meals"Ever have one of those days where you want something yummy, but you're in desperate need of groceries?<br />
(I have those days <u>all </u>the time!! haha)<br />
<br />
Some of of my best creations have come from just throwing things in a pot and hoping for the best (and adding lots of garlic... everything is better with garlic)<br />
<br />
Here's a tasty burger that's super easy to make<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
Onion<br />
Red pepper<br />
Garlic<br />
Chickpeas<br />
Tofu<br />
Sunflower seeds<br />
Flax seeds<br />
Hemp seed oil<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ngb5HRZOioo/TlRc2dd-2dI/AAAAAAAAAE8/3XTv3r_Rfqs/s1600/May+1%252C+2011+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ngb5HRZOioo/TlRc2dd-2dI/AAAAAAAAAE8/3XTv3r_Rfqs/s320/May+1%252C+2011+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I don't have measurements because I'm more of a "throw in what looks good" kind of gal (unless I'm following someone elses recipe that I've never made before - then I'm the measurement queen!)<br />
<br />
Anyway, here's what I did.<br />
Ground up a large hand full of flax seeds until they were a power (then dumped it in the blender) <br />
Chopped up the red pepper, onion and garlic (about 2/3 of the red pepper, half an onion and about 2 cloves of garlic) and set it aside for a moment.<br />
<br />
Next I drained the chickpeas, and added them to the blender with the sunflower seeds, pepper, onion & garlic and about 1/3 of the tofu. I also added a little bit of the hemp seed oil (somewhere between a tsp & tbsp I guess) <br />
<br />
Then I blended - my cats were afraid of the blender for a very long time, but they've finally worked up the courage to stay in the kitchen while I'm blending - I'm kind of hoping that they won't grow accustomed to it, because it's pretty much the only thing that keeps them off the counter while I'm cooking!! hehe<br />
<br />
Once I was finished blending, I threw some salt & pepper on those suckers, then I spooned it out and made it paddy shaped (as opposed to Patti shaped, which would have been more difficult)<br />
Here's what they looked like before I cooked em.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1LYWPEdJLE/TlRg-Z9sFkI/AAAAAAAAAFA/iTkZYtYAoHc/s1600/May+1%252C+2011+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1LYWPEdJLE/TlRg-Z9sFkI/AAAAAAAAAFA/iTkZYtYAoHc/s320/May+1%252C+2011+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I threw them in the frying pan with a teeny tiny bit of oil and cooked them till they looked done.<br />
I was careful when flipping them, because I was afraid they'd break, but they weren't as crumbly as I thought they'd be.<br />
<br />
Here's the final product.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BE3K_luO0oA/TlRiM8HTVmI/AAAAAAAAAFE/rDVkGTfgYY8/s1600/May+1%252C+2011+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BE3K_luO0oA/TlRiM8HTVmI/AAAAAAAAAFE/rDVkGTfgYY8/s320/May+1%252C+2011+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Taa-dum!!<br />
They turned out really well, we used iceberg lettuce (because that's what was in the fridge- but I usually prefer spinach) tomato & pickles.<br />
<br />
Usually when we get store bought veggie burgers, Wayne eats at least two before he feels full. But with this, he was super full after just one.<br />
<br />
I realize that these "instructions" involve a lot of <em>throwing, </em>but that's how I cook (you should see the kitchen by the time I'm done with it... yikes!! Soooo glad husband and I have the "whoever cooks doesn't have to clean" rule LOL) The photo's aren't the best either - but hey, I'm no pro!! lol<br />
<br />
Anyway, yummy food that cruelty free makes me happy! Try it - it will make you happier too :)<br />
<br />
Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-77365129114636102362011-07-25T22:11:00.000-03:002011-07-25T22:11:42.861-03:00Busy Busy Summer!So it's been awhile - let's just count this as my one get out of jail free card, shall we? <br />
It's been a busy/ fun few weeks, we've had lots of weddings and festivities surrounding those weddings.<br />
<br />
Seeing my friends being happy makes me really happy!! <br />
Having so many of our friends in the same place at the same time always makes me happy too - this is why I love weddings!<br />
Wedding just bring out the best in people (even though the planning process sometimes brings out the worst in people! lol) everyone is always so cheerful, hopeful and excited for the bride and groom. <br />
And aren't brides just so beautiful? Yes the dress is beautiful and her hair looks great... but that's not what I'm talking about, I mean her smile, the light in her eyes the excitement and joy bubbling up from her because she gets to spend the rest of her life with the person she loves the most - that's what makes brides so beautiful! <br />
<br />
The other thing I love about weddings is the dancing!!!! Ohhhh the dancing... my partner and I live by the saying "dance like no one's watching" LOL<br />
He does a mean Angus Young guitar solo and I love me some running man... and other people just stare in awe... or laugh nervously... <br />
People take themselves too seriously sometimes, I love it when we can just be silly and dance like idiots - it makes me REALLY happy!<br />
<br />
I also love the speeches at weddings, all kinds of people saying thank you and being grateful for each other, I wish we all did that more often... <br />
<br />
I get to stand in my best friends wedding as her maid (technically matron - but I don't like the sound of that as much... lol) of honor and I'm SO excited! She is the most beautiful person I know, inside and out and she and her partner are perfect for each other. I can't wait until her big day - I also can't wait to dance like a fool at her reception! hahaha<br />
<br />
Anyway, long story short, weddings are fun - happy friends are my favorite!! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aisnEJx_3Ag/Ti4TVwQuW4I/AAAAAAAAAE4/6Z1_HdYO3ys/s1600/whackybooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aisnEJx_3Ag/Ti4TVwQuW4I/AAAAAAAAAE4/6Z1_HdYO3ys/s320/whackybooth.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">David MacVicar Photographer</span></div><div align="center">Wayne and I in the Whackybooth at our friend's wedding - you can tell we take these things very seriously! :)</div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-38796664616701226452011-06-15T22:58:00.000-03:002011-06-15T22:58:45.347-03:00You love me because I'm quirky...Poor husband... he came home from work one day last year and I met him at the door and said "remember... you love me because I'm quirky..."<br />
<br />
LOL<br />
<br />
He's a trooper though, so he went along, "okaaaay... what did you do?"<br />
So I took him by the hand and led him to our bedroom... wait a second.. it's not THAT kind of blog!!! heh!<br />
I wanted to show him what I had done while he was at work that day.<br />
<br />
I had made our headboard the day before, it was super easy.<br />
I just got a big piece of wood, stapled some cotton batting and fabric on it and voila! Headboard!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I decided that before I could hang the headboard, I needed to paint the wall.<br />
And I needed to have a tree on that wall.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure how I was going to do it, I'm not much of an artist and I didn't have a handy projector around to trace an image, so I had to be creative.<br />
<br />
Here's the 10 step plan I came up with:<br />
<br />
Step 1. Scour the internet for a picture of a tree <br />
<br />
Step 2. Save tree picture in paint, erase everything else in picture except outline of tree<br />
<br />
Step 3. Print off tree picture<br />
<br />
Step 4. Glue tree picture onto piece of cereal box<br />
<br />
Step 5. Cut out shape of tree <br />
<br />
Step 6. Prop up cardboard cut out of tree (you may have to be creative with this, I used a wine cork with a slit in it, propped up on some milk crates)<br />
<br />
Step 7. Prop flashlight behind tree cut out, adjust flashlight until the shadow is where you want it on the wall (I propped the flashlight up with a cushion)<br />
<br />
Step 8. Trace shadow lightly on wall with a pencil<br />
<br />
Step 9. Paint around image you've traced<br />
<br />
Step 10. Break the news to your partner that you've painted a tree on the wall...<br />
<br />
Fortunately, husband is an easy going kind of person ... so he said "hey, cool, great job"<br />
<br />
Here are some pics of the final product, it's not for everyone, but I'm happy with it.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-viMytSKPao4/TflhC7Hfy6I/AAAAAAAAAE0/eQtF7F_-OxU/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-viMytSKPao4/TflhC7Hfy6I/AAAAAAAAAE0/eQtF7F_-OxU/s320/027.JPG" t8="true" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I've taken these pictures, I've added some blue pillow cases and another throw cushion or two. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ended up doing some of the tree free hand, it was pretty fun & way less stressful than I thought it would be! lol</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like I said above, the headboard is really simple, but effective I think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trees make me happy... bed makes me happy... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I have to go finish *watching* the hockey game... cause that's what I've been doing this whole time... </div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-11112840989392632272011-06-12T21:57:00.000-03:002011-06-12T21:57:05.347-03:00Banana Ice Cream - YES!What a glorious weekend!!<br />
The weather was beautiful, I slept in both mornings and did a whole lot of NOTHING; if you don't count cleaning, cooking, watching movies and reading... which I don't.<br />
<br />
I use the term "cooking" lightly, mostly, husband & I prepared food but didn't actually cook much.<br />
<br />
Yesterday we had leftover couscous and salad from the night before and husband grilled up some asparagus... delish! Today we had veggie sushi, I'll do a whole other post on that at some point.<br />
No photo's right now, sorry!<br />
<br />
I also whipped up (literally) some banana ice cream.<br />
A friend of mine mentioned a few weeks ago that she had made banana "ice cream" and it intrigued me, because we are totally addicted to rice dream ice cream, and so delicious ice cream and it's soooo expensive!<br />
<br />
So I figured I would try making it and if it turned out ok, then we'd have a MUCH cheaper alternative to the ice cream we usually buy. I made it, we loved it, now I want to eat it all the time! lol<br />
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Here's some photo's from my first attempt.<br />
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You know there's a camp song that we used to sing that this reminds me of...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">"Peel bananas, peel, peel bananas..."</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPTC1tkbZNM/TfUUThU2OfI/AAAAAAAAAD0/5mOk-1dqUt0/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPTC1tkbZNM/TfUUThU2OfI/AAAAAAAAAD0/5mOk-1dqUt0/s320/027.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Slice bananas, slice, slice bananas..."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BdQsm7Kyapo/TfUVCkEu-1I/AAAAAAAAAD4/t48j7fc5IiY/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BdQsm7Kyapo/TfUVCkEu-1I/AAAAAAAAAD4/t48j7fc5IiY/s320/031.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rest of the song goes like this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"smoosh bananas, smoosh, smoosh bananas..."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"GO BANANAS, GO, GO BANANAS!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And you jump around like an idiot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But that's not what I did... I froze the bananas then I blended them</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mnm6lyYDors/TfVaIVHbImI/AAAAAAAAAEE/ULHKsPuyMLA/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mnm6lyYDors/TfVaIVHbImI/AAAAAAAAAEE/ULHKsPuyMLA/s320/033.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center">Here's a shot inside the blender... starting to look ice creamy...<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8XuegDEK5I/TfVah9WAYrI/AAAAAAAAAEI/ACu15M-m85w/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8XuegDEK5I/TfVah9WAYrI/AAAAAAAAAEI/ACu15M-m85w/s320/035.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to add a little honey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97OU32SWU6k/TfVa8Uhy4II/AAAAAAAAAEM/GVkgB4YDOAM/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97OU32SWU6k/TfVa8Uhy4II/AAAAAAAAAEM/GVkgB4YDOAM/s320/039.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yum...<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gP-EtKucJ24/TfVbEvyzX_I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/IuiihDPIR-U/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gP-EtKucJ24/TfVbEvyzX_I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/IuiihDPIR-U/s320/040.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And some cashews for good measure</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gBgjMBoUt-U/TfVbrbGEdQI/AAAAAAAAAEU/zANxC4j_coY/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gBgjMBoUt-U/TfVbrbGEdQI/AAAAAAAAAEU/zANxC4j_coY/s320/041.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-19bGA_i3Y/TfVbzW9fjHI/AAAAAAAAAEY/qlTs1gvJrBM/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-19bGA_i3Y/TfVbzW9fjHI/AAAAAAAAAEY/qlTs1gvJrBM/s320/042.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"></div><div align="center">Blended just a little bit more and dumped it in a bowl to freeze for a while longer</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqqmeYqdpjk/TfVcV5dzcPI/AAAAAAAAAEc/Klsgm4lUcF8/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqqmeYqdpjk/TfVcV5dzcPI/AAAAAAAAAEc/Klsgm4lUcF8/s320/044.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I couldn't wait so I didn't leave it in there very long,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it was more like soft serve than anything.. but soooo delicious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMJPuLjItLU/TfVdXGZqKpI/AAAAAAAAAEg/rT4_JA-zBYo/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMJPuLjItLU/TfVdXGZqKpI/AAAAAAAAAEg/rT4_JA-zBYo/s320/047.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">I took a few pictures... husband was like "umm... can you please stop taking pictures, so that I can actually eat this stuff?" </div><div align="center">hahaha</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">There was still lots left, so I put it in the freezer and it got nice and hard (just like ice cream!) there was enough for a few more servings! Alas, I didn't get a picture of it (camera died) but it looked the same, just darker.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Next time I'm going to try adding some peanut butter! Yum!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-92022847074823152332011-06-09T23:00:00.000-03:002011-06-09T23:00:56.006-03:00Emphasize the Positive<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Teens get a bad rap, don'tcha think?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I remember when I was a teenager, I felt like adults blamed us for everything and painted us all with the same brush... and it was a bummer.</div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZqc0FoRYCA/TfF2yCLvgjI/AAAAAAAAADk/ntrpzKhM96c/s1600/s-TEEN-ANGST-READS-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZqc0FoRYCA/TfF2yCLvgjI/AAAAAAAAADk/ntrpzKhM96c/s400/s-TEEN-ANGST-READS-large.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly Ringwald - poster child for teen angst</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
There was one incident at a certain donut shop that won't be named...<br />
<br />
Two of my friends and I went in to the shop because they wanted something, I didn't want anything because I had just bought a slushy at the store across the street. After they ordered, the woman behind the desk asked me what I wanted and I said I was fine, thank you.<br />
She told me that I would have to leave if I wasn't ordering anything and that I couldn't just "hang around there". I was shocked. <br />
We weren't causing any trouble, in fact, *some* may have said we were "goody goodies". <br />
Then she said, "you can't be in here because you didn't buy that here" I told her that I would have bought it there... if they sold it, but they didn't, so my hands were tied.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNn1qGvXf08/TfF4j0lPpKI/AAAAAAAAADo/-AoxBZeFDVk/s1600/slushcups1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNn1qGvXf08/TfF4j0lPpKI/AAAAAAAAADo/-AoxBZeFDVk/s320/slushcups1.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QaOC81tgUH0/TfF4mzz7MUI/AAAAAAAAADs/uGF5i1_Mq80/s1600/coffee_donuts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QaOC81tgUH0/TfF4mzz7MUI/AAAAAAAAADs/uGF5i1_Mq80/s320/coffee_donuts1.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Long story short, we were offended, outraged even, so we left, telling her she just lost three customers then went home and told my mom about it. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mom taught me an important lesson that day, she was angry on our behalf, she said "you girls are paying customers, they wouldn't kick out an adult who wasn't buying something in a party of three, you deserve the same respect" (she was never a parent who thought I was always right just because I was her child... she would call me on my BS and let all the parties involved know that she had done so).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">She was so angry that she called the store, and since she is always polite but firm, she kept getting put through to other people until she ended up talking to some "head honcho" guy, on his personal cell phone while he was flying somewhere (it may have been a company jet... I don't remember the details, but I do remember thinking - they are taking this seriously!)</div>He offered mom all kinds of free stuff to make it better, and she said "no thank you, all I would like is an apology for these girls, they are good kids and deserve to be treated with respect".<br />
But this time my friends and I were completely embarrassed and a little in awe of what was happening.<br />
<br />
So the next day, we went down to the store, the manager met us there, asked us to go in the back to look at video of what happened, apologized for what happened and acknowledged that an adult wouldn't have been asked to leave if one out of three people wasn't purchasing something. <br />
Then she insisted on giving us a free drink and donut (that was nice of her)<br />
<br />
It was great, I felt validated, adults were taking my concerns seriously and treating me with respect. That day I learned how to stick up for myself and that I deserve to be treated fairly.<br />
<br />
That leads me back to my point, teens are treated unfairly. The media usually only reports widely on the negative things that teens do, swarming, fights, drinking, vandalism etc. fill our TV screens and the pages of our newspapers, but what about the wonderful things that teens do? <br />
What about the teens who volunteer in the community, babysit their siblings and cousins every weekend, excel at academics or sports or work after school to help support their family? Where are all of these stories?<br />
<br />
The last few weeks there have been a lot of reports about a 14 year old boy who called in a bomb threat to a NS hospital (thankfully it was a hoax), it's been all over the news.<br />
What about the 14 year old boy who entered a science competition and then wrote a letter to General Motors about his project and received a very positive response? I happened upon this story on the MSN homepage, it certainly wasn't splashed all over the news.<br />
<br />
If we emphasized the positive more often, maybe youth wouldn't feel like the world was "out to get them" and that all adults are "the man" maybe if we praised the good stuff, it would show kids that we do care, we are listening and we are proud of what they're trying to do.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Two 14 year old NS boys, on very different paths, neither of them is "bad", one has just made some bad decisions. I wonder if anyone ever told him "you deserve to be treated with respect..."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I realize that many people believe that respect is earned, not given, but personally I choose to believe that each person I meed deserves my respect and unless they prove different, they will receive it.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Next time you "catch a kid doing good" let them know, tell them you appreciate them and that they deserve respect, help shape their life - you have that power!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Here are the articles I was referring to:<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://ca.news.yahoo.com/teen-impresses-car-anti-rollover-design-142803905.html">NS Teen Impresses GM</a> - </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.globalmaritimes.com/year+pleads+guilty+making+bomb+threat/4900958/story.html">NS Teen Reports Bomb Threat - Hoax</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Night all, try to be positive and look for the good in others, it's there, let's foster it.</div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-43057824978259934782011-06-07T00:01:00.000-03:002011-06-07T00:01:31.798-03:00Family Dinners<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I grew up in the 80's/ 90's (thankfully, I was just a kid in the 80's so I don't have any pictures of 80's bangs - well, none that I'm responsible for... but that's a whole other story...)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Anyway, I grew up with smurfs, snap bracelets, hyper colour shirts, and I thought Zach Morris was dreamy (if you don't know who that is, look up <em><a href="http://www.tbs.com/shows/savedbythebell/">Saved by the Bell</a> - </em>it's <u>totally rad</u>)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rCmeiCiSOiE/Te2CjXrkDhI/AAAAAAAAADU/nVfV6UZBYio/s1600/zack-morris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rCmeiCiSOiE/Te2CjXrkDhI/AAAAAAAAADU/nVfV6UZBYio/s320/zack-morris.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I TOTALLY had this poster on my wall!!!<br />
<br />
<div align="left"></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I watched Saturday morning cartoons and played outside with my friends until my mom yelled <br />
"Paaaaatti Lyyyyyynnnnnn" from the back porch. Then I ran home as fast as I could and I ate dinner.... with my family.<br />
Shocking, I know.<br />
<br />
My family ate dinner together every single night. My dad owned a business in town so he worked shift work, but he always came home for dinner then went back to work (not everyone is able to do that, I know, but he made a point to be there at meal time - and I'm just now realizing how cool that is)<br />
<br />
Mom or dad cooked dinner every night, we were very much a "meat & potatoes" kind of family, spaghetti was "something different for a change" as my mom used to say.<br />
We were so "meat & potatoes" in fact, that when I decided in my late teens that I didn't want to eat meat anymore, my mom (horrified) said "What will you eat??? Carrots and potatoes??" <br />
We still laugh about that, and mom has since experimented with all kind of plant based dishes. Because she's supportive- and wonderful.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, these meals weren't always peaceful - we were far from a perfect family, my sister and I fought, I sometimes refused to eat, mom and dad would sometimes use these meals to lecture us about one thing or another BUT we ate together every day. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEOwJ2YcQJs/Te2IV6vu-aI/AAAAAAAAADY/0GdR-QIBZJ0/s1600/fathers-day-dinner-lg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEOwJ2YcQJs/Te2IV6vu-aI/AAAAAAAAADY/0GdR-QIBZJ0/s320/fathers-day-dinner-lg1.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes family dinners looked like this...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VLXAzez6sY/Te2Nqk0vMmI/AAAAAAAAADc/tvYjmnN9PKk/s1600/tiago_hoisel_-_family_supper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VLXAzez6sY/Te2Nqk0vMmI/AAAAAAAAADc/tvYjmnN9PKk/s320/tiago_hoisel_-_family_supper.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And sometimes they looked more like this....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I didn't realize that eating together every day wasn't the norm until I got much older and people told me they they ate their meals in front of the TV or they would go to a fast food restaurant most nights.<br />
<br />
We went to fast food restaurants... but not often, and if our parents let us choose what restaurant to go to we never chose a fast food place. We would want Chinese food or Swiss Chalet or something like that - so at least it was closer to real food than a burger and fries.<br />
<br />
But I'm wondering if it's odd that we shared meals? Is it totally a "1950's", outdated practice? Or do families still sit down together at the end of the day and 'break bread'?<br />
<br />
My partner, who I've affectionately referred to as "husband" since the day we got married... I was excited that I could finally call him my husband - so I started calling him that, all the time. So much so that it's a year and a half later and I still rarely call him by his name. If any of my colleagues take a message for me when he calls they always say "Patti, husband called" LOL<br />
<br />
What was I saying...<br />
<br />
Right, my partner and I sometimes eat in front of the TV and watch <a href="http://the-big-bang-theory.com/">Big Bang Theory</a> (because it's hilarious)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iB2AP1bnypI/Te2UEYwU-nI/AAAAAAAAADg/Yihd1KZivBU/s1600/watch-big-bang-theory-online1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iB2AP1bnypI/Te2UEYwU-nI/AAAAAAAAADg/Yihd1KZivBU/s320/watch-big-bang-theory-online1.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what we do when we eat in front of the TV too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
but we often sit at the table while we eat and we chat, and ask how each other's day was - and listen. It's nice. <br />
I guess what I'm wondering is, are we old fashioned? When we have children are they going to eat with us? Or text us from their bedroom that they're ready for dessert? (That would involve me getting a cell phone.. which is a WHOLE other post.... maybe I am old fashioned... )<br />
<br />
There is a ton of research out there about the effect that eating meals as a family has on children, but I'm not going to get into any of that. All I know is what I lived - although sometimes it was a pain, and I really wanted to get back to fort building or barbie make overs I had to sit with my family and finish my peas before dessert.<br />
<br />
I'm curious about other peoples up-bringing, is it similar or the exact opposite to mine? And would they/ are they raising their children the same way or completely opposite to how they were raised?Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-76950595228240510162011-06-05T23:37:00.001-03:002011-06-06T10:20:17.175-03:00The Danger of a Single StoryI attended a work shop at <a href="http://www.isisns.ca/">ISIS </a> (Immigrant Settlement & Integration Services) a few days ago; it was excellent. We heard about Canadian immigrants and refugees and some of their needs and challenges in a new community, I learned a lot of interesting statistics and met some cool people.<br />
<br />
But the thing that really got my attention was a short video that we watched of a speech called <em>The Danger of a Single Story. </em><span id="altHeadline">Chimamanda Adichie, a Nigerian author gave this talk at a <a href="http://www.ted.com/pages/about">TED</a> conference. She is so eloquent and her message is so important that I've watched it a few times since the workshop.</span><br />
<br />
All too often many of us are guilty of buying into stereotypes and projecting a single story onto others, and sometimes we are the "recipient" of the single story, this is a kind reminder to open our eyes and look at people, places, things from a different perspective. <br />
<br />
Growing up I always saw people who looked like me on television and in books and magazines and until I listened to this speech I definitely took that for granted, I never really "got" why it made a difference or why it was important. <br />
<br />
I think everyone should watch this talk, and watch it often.<br />
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html">The Danger of a Single Story: Chimamanda Adichie</a><br />
<br />
Inclusion, diversity, and new perspectives make me happy.Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-39942209275736150092011-06-03T16:50:00.000-03:002011-06-03T16:50:34.175-03:00Wanna- be DIY'erI love DIY projects... I'll never have my own tv show about it or make any money doing it, but it makes me happy AND it saves me money (sometimes... lol)<br />
<br />
Here's the first DIY project I completed after husband and I moved into our apartment, he brought a dresser into the relationship that I HATED (I had been using milk crates to put my clothes in... so really.. who am I to complain? I mean, it didn't stop me from complaining, but at least I acknowledged that I had no right... lol)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MlBe9WzVp3E/Tekyan0fWqI/AAAAAAAAAC0/1YFTkGIuOXM/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MlBe9WzVp3E/Tekyan0fWqI/AAAAAAAAAC0/1YFTkGIuOXM/s320/032.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3G19T_z-0g/TekDyaswC9I/AAAAAAAAACo/CfbSQo_0huc/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3G19T_z-0g/TekDyaswC9I/AAAAAAAAACo/CfbSQo_0huc/s320/028.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My mom loved this dresser as it was, and was very worried about what I would do to it (I went through a phase in my teens where everything needed to be as bright as possible, check out my room from jr. high<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3eV3VhG75as/TekvjVX9O4I/AAAAAAAAACs/_mAP3eCy7AI/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3eV3VhG75as/TekvjVX9O4I/AAAAAAAAACs/_mAP3eCy7AI/s320/001.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I chose the colours for the walls and mum tried to "bring it all together" by making some throw pillows, curtains and buying that bed spread. There's a great picture (somewhere) of my dad painting the first wall yellow wearing sunglasses...haha<br />
<br />
But, I digress...<br />
<br />
Back to the dresser.<br />
So my mom was very worried about what I would do to it (now you understand why) so she really wanted me to leave it as it was, we have very different tastes. Leaving it like that would have been *almost* as bad as hanging on to the milk crates. lol<br />
<br />
Just to drive home my point, here's a close up of the gold flower part.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcP5-yBH68U/TekyOYA_OZI/AAAAAAAAACw/os3S47BZO2s/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcP5-yBH68U/TekyOYA_OZI/AAAAAAAAACw/os3S47BZO2s/s320/030.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I don't have any pictures of the steps (cause who knew I'd be blogging about it!!)<br />
<br />
Step 1. I put down some garbage bags - *tip* splurge on a tarp, trust me.<br />
<br />
Step 2. I sanded the crap out it. Not with a fancy sanding machine... but with actual sand paper...that's right, I'm hardcore!<br />
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Step 3. After waiting for the dust to settle and wiping it down with a damp cloth, I stained it black (classic black satin to be precise). I was super impressed with the stain, it only took one coat and I still have over half of the can left!! (946 mL can!!) Maybe it's because I don't know much about painting that I'm so impressed about that. LOL<br />
It cost about $15.00 for the can of stain.<br />
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Step 4. I replaced the hardware, we bought 2 packs because I plan on buying another dresser on kijiji and matching it to this one. <br />
It was about $40.00 for both packs.<br />
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Here's the finished product.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wLzoqvhmuh8/Tek36k71YlI/AAAAAAAAAC4/gSPuZY7LGGs/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wLzoqvhmuh8/Tek36k71YlI/AAAAAAAAAC4/gSPuZY7LGGs/s320/037.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS8gCxQtWa8/Tek4IGThizI/AAAAAAAAAC8/8GiqkXItIaM/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS8gCxQtWa8/Tek4IGThizI/AAAAAAAAAC8/8GiqkXItIaM/s320/039.JPG" t8="true" width="239" /></a></div><br />
The flower is still there, just not as gold... lol<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFcocKh0g9c/Tek4ijbWceI/AAAAAAAAADA/V1krqVAgOTg/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFcocKh0g9c/Tek4ijbWceI/AAAAAAAAADA/V1krqVAgOTg/s320/046.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It was super easy to do, so much cheaper than buying a new dresser and prettier than milk crates.<br />
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The one downfall was that I spilled paint on the carpet... whoops... so let's add $20.00 on to the final cost for the mat we had to buy to cover the black spot on the carpet. (but yay for a new mat... haha)<br />
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It took me the whole day to do it (you'll notice how much darker it is in the second set of pictures). <br />
I love doing projects like that, because at the end of the day you can say "hey, look what I did!" and that makes me happy.Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590598756936099741.post-71278354738707715082011-06-02T03:00:00.000-03:002011-06-02T03:00:53.286-03:00Welcome to my blog!Hello folks,<br />
Thanks for checking out my blog. <br />
I've been throwing the idea around of starting a blog for a while now, and when a friend of mine told me that she had started one I thought "why can't I do that?" <br />
The answer was, there's no reason why I can't, I was the only thing stopping me! <br />
So here it is, my attempt at blogging.<br />
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I was trying to choose a "theme" for my blog, but there were so many things I wanted to be able to touch on like delicious food, DIY projects, beauty in nature and things I just think are neat, then I realized that these are all things that make me happy. Voilà! There's my theme.<br />
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It's kind of awesome actually, what a great opportunity this is to try to spread some joy; maybe someone out there in internetland will see this and decide to try out an awesome plant based recipe or choose to find the silver lining in a crummy situation, or maybe I'll be able to raise awareness about things that matter deeply to me, OR maybe no one will ever read this and at the very least it'll give me an opportunity to take a few moments for myself and try to focus on the goodness in life. <br />
Either way, I think I'll get some joy out of this little project.<br />
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To close my first post (exciting!!) here are some things that make me smile.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9DajuHGk5NI/TecfZPjr1pI/AAAAAAAAAB8/y4jxqY_wXg8/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9DajuHGk5NI/TecfZPjr1pI/AAAAAAAAAB8/y4jxqY_wXg8/s320/098.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabby Cat enjoying some of my smoothie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My kittens (yep, I'm totally one of those people who call full grown animals kittens and puppies) always bring me joy - even when they're being monsters (because when they're being bad they're still hilarious) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65fA0y7TjLc/TecnACYsZxI/AAAAAAAAACA/SzciX1MqHyI/s1600/nova-scotia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65fA0y7TjLc/TecnACYsZxI/AAAAAAAAACA/SzciX1MqHyI/s320/nova-scotia.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Living in <a href="http://www.novascotia.com/en/home/default.aspx">Nova Scotia</a>, makes me ultra happy. The weather has been a little crummy lately, but compared to other parts of Canada and the world, I really can't complain (although I might at some point...).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yXEfjVnYkqM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>This is one of my favorite videos of all time. <br />
Try not to laugh while watching this. I dare you.<br />
If I'm feeling bummed out I throw this on and it never fails to make me laugh. <br />
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Partly because it reminds me a a camp game I used to play, the "HA HA game" (aptly named). We would lie on the ground with our head on the next persons stomach and the first person would say "HA", the next person would say "HA, HA", the next person would say "HA, HA, HA" and so on. The idea was to say it in a very serious tone and not laugh. If someone laughed, you had to start allover again. You couldn't even cheat with a silent laugh because someones head was on your stomach so they would feel it moving and they would start to laugh. Good times.<br />
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Well, that's if for me.<br />
Night all.Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135369559768892792noreply@blogger.com0