in layers

This igloo was made with just a few sand pails, and a LOT of snow...
we had about 3 feet of snow that day! (and yes, my daughter wore mittens
...she briefly took them off to have her snack!)

It snowed yesterday.  It's November.  Although it wasn't significant enough to really call it snow (it melted on impact, and the snowfall only lasted for about 10 minutes), you can tell that winter is just around the corner.

I didn't dress my children appropriately.  I prepared them for colder weather, but not SNOW!  Of course, guilt sets in.  And of course, they were fine.  No frozen digits, no one has the cold. It wasn't really snowing (as I keep telling myself)...just a little precipitation.

So, I guess it's that time of year, when you start taking out heavier jackets.  Pulling out the mittens and hats.  Dressing in warmer layers...because one minute you'll be sweating like it's summer, the next, fighting a snowstorm.

Layers are good.  For wearing (or eating) in this cold, unpredictable weather.

Old Fashioned Lasagna

(adapted from Allrecipes)

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (6 ounce) can of  tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar

• 12 ounces cottage cheese (or full container)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan (approx. 1/2 cup)

Directions

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook beef until brown. Drain. 
• In another skillet over medium heat, cook onion until translucent. Combine beef and onion in a large saucepan with tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, water, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper and sugar. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1 hour.
• While sauce is simmering, blend cottage cheese, Parmesan and egg until smooth. Set aside.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Spread 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover sauce with 3 noodles. Cover noodles with one-third of remaining sauce. Top with half the mozzarella. Place another layer of noodles and one of sauce over the mozzarella; top that with the cottage cheese mixture. Top with remaining 3 noodles and remaining sauce.
• Bake in preheated oven 30 minutes. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella & 1/2 cup of parmesan on top and bake 15 minutes more, until golden and bubbly.

Serve.

piece of cake

If there is one thing that makes me squeamish, it's loose teeth.  Especially ones that are on it's last strings, sort of speak.  And if you're wondering...yes, I gave birth.  Twice.  Both occasions I had the privilege of almost nine pounds of bliss squeezed out of me.  Once without drugs. 

I think I was traumatized as a child when I went to a horrible dentist who removed teeth so fast, the anesthesia didn't have time to kick in...so any time there is something that involves teeth, well, let's just say, I hope nature takes it's own course.

Well, last week my daughter had her first loose tooth.  And it was a stubborn one.  I have been very fortunate up to now, that her older brother's teeth had always come out with his own urging...but this little sucker refused to come out no matter what urging from my daughter's tongue.  But it was breakfast time. And I didn't want her to lose her first tooth at school.  What if she swallows it?  What if she refuses to eat her lunch because it's too hard to eat with a wiggly tooth? 

So, I washed my hands like a surgeon, took a deep breath, closed my eyes a little, and started gently to nudge it out. Nope.  I could feel my heart pounding, blood rushing to my head, worried that I'd pass out, so I held my breath, grabbed that sucker, closed my eyes...and yanked it out.  Silence.

It came out.  No tears from me (or the kid that it came from..."it didn't hurt mommy").  It was actually quite magical! And it was a first for both of us...her first tooth for the tooth fairy, and my first foray into the dental profession.

I guess it wasn't so bad after all. I think I've now overcome my fear of loose teeth, and can help the kids remove any future straggling teeth. I guess you can say this experience...was a piece of cake.  

Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Cake 

(with Maple Cream Cheese icing) 

Adapted from Thibeault's Table

If you love cinnamon rolls and if you love cake, then this is the recipe for you.  It's has a coffee cake texture, but tastes like a cinnamon roll.  


Ingredients:

• Cake:
• 3 cups of flour
• 1/4 tsp.salt
• 1 cup of sugar
• 4 tsp. baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups of milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 cup of butter, melted

Topping:

• 1 cup of butter, softened
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Mix the milk, eggs, vanilla and butter.  Slowly add the dry ingredients until blended.  Pour into a greased 9x13 pan or fluted pan (I used a stoneware one). For the topping, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes. (for approx. 50-60 minutes if using the Pampered Chef stoneware fluted pan)

For the maple cream cheese icing:

4 oz. (1/4 lb.) cream cheese, softened

3-4 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1-2 tablespoons milk

1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, to taste.

Beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Slowly add the maple syrup and vanilla. Add a few tablespoons of milk, then the powdered sugar, if necessary, so the frosting can be drizzled.  While the cake is still warm, drizzle the frosting on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Have your cake.

crossing the finish line

It's amazing how life can be so bright and then in an instant, can be darkened so quickly.  How at one moment someone could be running in a marathon, and the next moment, fighting for their life.

Last summer, after running in a triathlon, a parent and friend from our children's school was diagnosed with myelodysplasia (MDS), a form of cancer that affects the bone marrow's ability to produce proper white blood cells and platelets. The only cure was a stem cell transplant. 

His unwavering determination and faith helped him and his family work towards finding a donor, and a cure.  A father of three and a veteran triathlete, he had the drive, determination and strong faith that he would find a donor and would be cured.  His prayers were answered, a life saving marrow donor was located, and the transplant took place.

Unfortunately, just a few months later, his body rejected the transplant, and his health deteriorated quickly.  He passed away Saturday night, surrounded by his loving family.

His passing is another reminder to live life to the fullest while you're here on this earth.  To hug and kiss your loved ones everyday, and at every chance, let them know you love them.  Sometimes it's the little victories that help you move forward. Sometimes it's what you and your loved ones need to make it through to the end.  Although our friend lost his battle to cancer, with the hearts of family and friends, he was a winner when he crossed the finish line.

onematch.ca

worth a thousand

{source: Kay Douglass}

Love the twig art on the wall.  I must DIY this!

a moment to remember

Today is a special day on two counts...it's Remembrance Day, and my husband's cousin is getting married.

Unable to go to the wedding due to scheduling conflicts, we are thinking about this young couple as they begin their journey on this monumental day.  How amazingly symbolic for this couple, that their guests can remember those in the past who sacrificed their lives so they have the freedom to enjoy the path to their future.

{Source:  Flowers Gallery}

Thank you to those who served, so we can all look forward to creating many beautiful moments to remember.

using your mussel

Do you ever look at a pile of dishes, laundry, homework, and lists of "things to do", and wonder how you'll get through the next hour, much less the rest of the day?

Then you just pull up your sleeves, use a little ingenuity, muscle, or just take a deep deep breath, you plow through your work, and get it done?

Motivation comes in different forms.  Sometimes we need to treat ourselves once in a while to help us move forward. Nothing feels like a better treat to me, than a nice meal, with a glass of wine.  A "fancy" restaurant meal, either at a restaurant or simply made at home to feel like you're treating yourself at the end of the day, can help you muscle through the trenches and cross the finish line.

Garlic Wine Mussels with Pasta

(adapted from Mario Batali's version)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil or butter
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup dry white wine or chicken stock.
• 2 pounds small mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 1 pound fettucine (box of 450g)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
• 1/4 cup parmesan
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot, and add 2 tablespoons salt.

2. In a 12-inch sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onions,  and cook until light golden brown, about a minute. Add the wine/chicken stock, raise the heat, and bring to a boil, then add the mussels. Cook, stirring and tossing, until all of the mussels have opened, about 4 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook until al dente; drain well.

4. Add the pasta to the pan with the mussels and cook over high heat for 1 minute. Add the parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve immediately.

Pour yourself a glass of wine, light some candles, and serve.  

{Attending these beautiful  parties...A Beach Cottage, At the Picket Fence, Nifty Thrifty Things}

pinkie swear

I promised my daughter (and "ahem", my husband), that I would finish one of my quick DIY projects, a new dresser for her room.  That "quick" project sat in my garage as I got carried away, with the usual busy autumn schedule...and just playing with the kids.  My biggest obstacle (other than my "distractions") was determining what colour to paint this dresser.

It's amazing how colour plays a role in how we feel. The kinds of emotions evoked by a simple colour on a wall or an outfit.   It's no wonder why interior designers choose neutral soothing colours to create rooms that evoke a sense of calm and serenity.

1.  Fill all holes (I used Lepage wood filler).  2.  Sand then wash down any residue.
3.  Prime.  (I used Zinsser's Cover Stain).  4.  Do a second coat of primer, if needed.

There is a psychology behind what colours mean and why we choose the shades we use, and this quote summed up what I was looking for.

"Pink is the color of happiness and is sometimes seen 
as lighthearted...an attraction to pink may speak 
of a desire for the more carefree days of childhood."

{from Sensational Colour}

Carefree days of childhood.  That's what I strive to create for my kids...a place, a home where they can feel carefree and safe.  As an adult, it has a different, much stronger meaning...the pink ribbon comes to mind, and it represents a symbol of hope, strength and determination.

1.  Painted the dresser with Para's Cabinet & Furniture Paint in Sarah Richardson's "Blush" colour  

2.  Using a fireplace mantle ornament (found at Lowes for $10), sawed the ornament in 3 pieces.  

3.  Painted the ornament in the Para's Cabinet and Furniture paint,  also in "Blush".  

4.  Varnished using water based Varathane in Semi-gloss.

This is something I definitely want to instill in my children, especially my daughter. And it is with this determination, I finally put the finishing touches to this dresser, so my daughter has a made with love, place for her personal things.

1.  Varnished the dresser with water based Varathane, in semi-gloss.
2.  Glued the decorative ornaments onto the dresser, using LePage wood glue.
(I also added the knobs and handles....not shown)

Promises fulfilled... 

...and she's tickled pink!

{Attending these beautiful  parties... Coastal Charm, The DIY Showoff, Dittle Dattle, C.R.A.F.T., Embellishing Life, The Girl Creative, Capers of the Vintage Vixens, Flamingo Toes, Cherished Treasures, Making the World Cuter, Between Naps on the Porch, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Mod Vintage Life, Creating My Way to Success, Creating a House of Grace, Reasons to Skip the Housework, Today's Creative Blog, A Beach Cottage, At the Picket Fence, Miss Mustard Seed, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Nifty Thrifty Things, Homemaker on a Dime}

worth a thousand

Royal Davui Island Resort, Fiji

There must be thousands of photos I see every week that are eye candy of sorts...beautiful photography, homes, food, travel destinations or just little things I'd love to covet.  Things I dream about, aspire to make, or just love to look at.  So often, I'd like to share these beautiful jewels with you, but haven't quite been able to find a place to fit them into my regular weekday blog posts.

So I thought I'd start a weekend photo series, called "worth a thousand".  Just visual indulgences.  Very little text, since I think the picture is worth that many in words.  

Enjoy the start of your weekend!

simply beautiful now

left behind

I have to be honest...I haven't been able to catch up on my endless DIY projects, nor have I really experimented too much with new recipes (and I can't even begin to think about the piles of laundry, dishes and cleaning to be done).  Although I have been busy with the usual family activities, I've also been a little distracted because of one particular book I've been reading.

One day at the grocery store (of all places), I saw on the discount table, a few books that were on clearance.  I usually go to the library for my book reads, but one book in particular caught my eye...when I read the back cover, I knew I just had to buy this book.

{Source:  Notes Left Behind website}

Notes left Behind, is a national bestselling book that chronicles the journey of the family of Elena, a six year old girl with cancer.  A story of incredible courage of this little girl, and how she, wise beyond her years, left love notes to her family, hidden around the house as treasures to discover, after she is gone.  It's been a book that at all at once, has been difficult to put down, but at the same time, I find myself needing to put it down, to wipe my tears.

I now find myself thinking of this book when I feel myself getting getting mad or frustrated about petty things, especially around my children. Although we are very blessed to have very healthy and happy kids, I think the authors of Notes Left Behind would want everyone to treasure the miracles of everyday living....because you never know what the future holds.

This excerpt has particularly struck me...

"Time was plentiful before-or at least so we thought-and our priorities were different.  Cleaning, errands, and repairs were more important than time with our children.  These were our guilty pleasures and now there is no time left to waste....When will it end?  Will it ever end?  Who knows, but I hope I have to keep making these decisions for the rest of my life.  That's the curse of medicine.  You can diagnose the disease, but God keeps the time frame a secret.  I guess it's best this way to keep living and to see the importance in every action.  I see it now but only hope that the lesson will soon be over, and she will be cured.  Until then, every weekend, afternoon and morning will be different."


The notes that Elena left behind is an inspiration for all of us.  I often wonder what legacy I will leave behind someday when I am gone.

One lesson that is now ingrained in me is to accept that it's okay to now and then, leave behind the laundry, the dishes and the vacuuming just so I can spend a little more quality time with my family.  So that someday when I'm gone, what I really leave behind are things that matter.  Those special, magical moments.

{Shared this at these beautiful  parties...Centsational Girl }

it's movember

With so many fundraising opportunities right now through the Christmas season, sometimes it's hard for charitable organizations to be heard.  One really fun charity that has had a huge following is Movember.  My husband participated in it last year, and it was a blast.   For those who don't know what Movember is...

"During November each year, Movember is responsible 

for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces,

 in Canada and around the world. With their “Mo’s”, these men raise 

vital funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer" 

{Movember website}

It's easy to support this...you can even just post a photo with a moustache on it to spread the word.  

Seeing that I'm always on the lookout for great photo editing tools for this blog, I thought I'd share my new discovery of this really easy (and FREE) online photo editing tool, called piZap. Just upload your photo from your computer, edit (or draw the moustache) and save right back onto your computer. Just click on the huge green "start" button and away you go.

Enjoy the start of Movember!!!