tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20177023158626882622024-03-20T12:06:36.359-03:00The Kitchen Sink ProjectHi there, welcome to my blog! As the title suggests, it's going to be about everything and the kitchen sink. I am as they say, crafty, or artsy fartsy if you will - I make jewelry, I sew, I cook, I write, I do all kinds of cool crafts - and this is going to be my forum for that. The plan is that once a week I will do a post about a new project that I have done. My hope is that "going public" like this will keep me motivated. I wouldn't, after all, want to disappoint my many fans.Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-50972983916875109082014-02-17T16:59:00.000-04:002014-02-17T16:59:34.577-04:00Humans of New YorkOk, so today I just felt the need to share with you a blog I discovered recently. You all might have known about it forever now, but I just came upon it a couple days ago and was so blown away I've since spent hours clicking photo after photo and reading the stories that come with each.<br />
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The story behind all the stories is that this guy, Brandon Stanton, moved to New York with this project in mind: he wanted to photograph thousands of New Yorkers and tell the world a little bit about each of them. A beautiful concept and one he has since been incredibly successful at achieving. Check the blog out if you haven't already. It just goes to show that everyone, every single one of us, has a story that is fascinating, if only we'd take the time to ask.<br />
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It's been, aside from quick occasional correspondence, the only reason I've been online lately....as I guess you can tell.....<br />
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Anyway, enjoy! Till next time!Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-6165278461852242632014-02-13T09:17:00.000-04:002014-02-13T09:17:27.688-04:00Weird Winter WonderlandThis has been an odd winter. We've had more snow and snowstorms/blizzards than I can remember having since I was a kid, and we've had more freezing cold days and city wide shut-downs than I can remember period. <br />
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I woke up this morning to a stunning sight. <br />
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Everything outside is covered in a layer of white. From a distance I assumed it must have been freezing rain, but then I went outside for a quick photo session and discovered that everything is, in fact, covered in big flakes like this:<br />
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Everything:<br />
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It's cold, but it sure is pretty! There's my cute little bike helmet behind that frosty window, awaiting better days:<br />
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The birds have all gone to warmer climes, their summer home closed up for the winter. There are some garlic babies in those pots too, hibernating.<br />
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The big pine across the street, all dressed up.<br />
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In fact, the whole street is:<br />
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Now, apparently we're supposed to get a crazy rain storm later today, which hearkens back to the odd winter statement I made earlier. Right now it "feels like" -18, and by early tomorrow morning it's supposed to go up to +9. Whacky. So anyway, glad I braved frozen fingers for a while to capture some of this prettiness before it's all washed away. <br />
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Hope you're all warm and cozy, friends! Till next time!Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-67057100049000923692014-02-08T13:30:00.000-04:002014-02-08T13:30:41.681-04:00This Face.....How do I ever get anything done???<br />
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Honest answer? I haven't been. Not gonna lie, this pup makes me just want to sit and stare at her sometimes, and watch how she reacts to the world around her. It's amazing seeing her grow up and see things for the first time - snow, new dogs and people, toys, a room in the house that we trust her with now. When we go for walks I hardly see anything other than her because I am so interested in how she sees things I've already seen. Makes it all more fun.<br />
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Happy Saturday friends! I hope you're all having a good one.<br />
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Till next time!Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-22462355714848789992014-02-05T19:01:00.000-04:002014-02-05T19:01:24.382-04:00Word of the YearOh hi there! It's me, Blogger on Hiatus. I didn't mean for it to happen. Turns out puppies are a great consumer of time. You don't want them to be bored, you have to make sure they're well cared for and never hungry or unhappy, and that they gets plenty of exercise. Plus, if a super sleepy, tiny little puppy falls asleep on your chest as you sit reading a kitchen renovation magazine, there is just no way you can move her to get up to go to your computer. Just no way. <br />
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So that's a lot of what has been keeping me away. But let me tell you, while Bea and I sit there snuggling, my thoughts often run rampant with post ideas, and the guilt I feel in not actually putting them down is fairly powerful. I have not given this little blog up! No, I <u>will</u> get back to regular posts. I owe you lots from the last few months - for crying out loud, I still haven't told you about our Honeymoon - and lots more to come.<br />
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For now I leave you with my current favourite word. When I think about the last year and try to summarize it, this is the word that I think does it perfectly. <br />
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It's been quite the year - an engagement, a new house, trips, a wedding, parties, a new puppy! All of it involves that special word. Being in love, creating a real home, exploring new places, being with family and friends, adopting and raising a puppy, making a place in the world for yourself and making it the best place it can be - it's all about love! Like the Beatles said, you know, it's all you need.<br />
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I suspect the future posts in this little corner of the web will maintain that theme. I have so many stories and projects and (puppy) things I can't wait to share. I'll get back into it, I promise, just be patient with me. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>:)</b></span><br />
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Till next time, friends!<br />
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<br />Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-78395446373175864802013-12-22T16:47:00.000-04:002013-12-23T10:06:22.241-04:00Life With BeaIt's been the best of times.....it's been the worst of times. <br />
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Two weeks ago, as many of you know, Husband and I expanded our wee family by one, by welcoming Beatrix Tucker Buggo into our lives. Our lives changed pretty instantly and we can no longer imagine it without her in, and it's been amazing.....but not all the time.<br />
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We both knew things were going to be very different by taking on such a responsibility, but I don't think we realized quite how much things would change. Getting up several times during the night to get a whimpering puppy to the washroom on time - and succeeding about 50% of the time - and having to keep an eye on her every minute, having to beat it back home after work to make sure she's ok, happy, well fed and watered, not bored. I run into people in the hallways at work and they say "yikes, you look so tired." I say, "we have a puppy." They say, "AHHHHHH, it's like having a baby."<br />
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As lost as I feel sometimes when Bea just wants to shred things and nip and bite, I love her so much. It makes me want to figure everything out, and to be the best puppy Mama I can be with what I know. Thank you so much to all of you who have given us advice and shared what has worked for you, it's great to have a support group.<br />
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Ultimately, I know we are on the right track. I know she's well taken care of, interested in life, not lacking for anything, comfortable and happy. I know we'll get through the tough bits with her, and see the other end, with a well behaved, respectful puppy who loves us as much as we love her. I look forward to it!<br />
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Till next time!<br />
<br />Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-36407877012798168892013-12-15T17:12:00.000-04:002013-12-15T17:12:54.231-04:00Sleeping Bea-utyYeah, I've become one of those people. Those people who carry around pictures of their pets or babies and offer them up to perfect strangers in elevators, and over and over to friends who patiently smile and nod in agreement that yes, the puppy IS the cutest one to have ever lived.<br />
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But mine really IS. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>;)</b></span><br />
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Good god, look at that! The lil tongue! Oh my heart, how am I ever going to get anything done from here on??<br />
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Till next time, friends!Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-58513039730030002292013-12-11T17:42:00.000-04:002013-12-11T17:42:40.108-04:00Bea's First Snow Adventure!<br />
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This afternoon, Bea and I hung out in the backyard for a bit. On Sunday, Bea's friend Willa gave her a little coat that had gotten too small for her, so Bea would be warmer in the Winter. Look how sporty!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 18px;">Since it snowed yesterday, I thought it might be fun to see how Bea reacted to it. Mostly she just followed me around and ate the snow, but I think pretty much anything she does is super cute so I had to share. It's possible that there are some hard-hearted individuals out there who won't think that this tiny clip is the most adorable thing ever, but whatever. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I know there's not much action, but I love it at the very beginning when she munches on the snow, and when she tries to turn around but her little coat is too thick so she has to back up instead. And that little face! Oh my heart! Gotta go kiss it!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Till next time!</span></span><br />
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Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-46983189764591476992013-12-08T17:39:00.000-04:002013-12-08T17:39:17.050-04:00Hi Everyone, My Name Is Bea!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm the newest member of the family! I'm just a baby, only seven weeks old, and I'm half Boston Terrier, half Pug, and allllll cute. My favourite things to do are snuggle with Mum and Dad, eat my kibble and play with my squeaky chipmunk. Oh, and I love to chew on my Mum's moccasins too, but I get the feeling I shouldn't.<br />
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Anyhoo, looks like some kibbles and snuggles are heading my way, so I'll be going now. It's probably not the last you'll hear from me though, so stay tuned!<br />
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Till next time!Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-86418611898702758362013-11-30T09:39:00.000-04:002013-11-30T09:39:49.949-04:00Col. Chris Hadfield - Astronaut, Hero and Really Nice GuyLast night, Husband and I had the pleasure of meeting a real Canadian Hero. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Hadfield">Col Chris Hadfield</a>, former Commander of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_Station">International Space Station</a> and inspiration to millions, came to a Halifax Chapters to do a signing for his book, <a href="http://books.google.ca/books/about/An_Astronaut_s_Guide_to_Life_on_Earth.html?id=Cm9Srav-opoC&redir_esc=y">An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth</a>. <br />
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Husband snapped this just as Col Hadfield reached over to shake my hand! In fact, even though there were probably thousands of people there, he managed to make eye contact with, shake hands with and have a little chat with every single person. He told me he liked my t-shirt:</div>
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It was a surprise that Husband ordered for me online weeks ago and serendipituously (Col Hadfield's own word when we told him about it) arrived yesterday afternoon. He admired the likeness and told us about how it was his son who wrote the new <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaOC9danxNo">lyrics</a>. My face still hurts from grinning so hard. </div>
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We waited to get our books signed for close to four hours, but it was a surprisingly quick four hours. Everyone was cheerful and so excited, and besides, we all had a wealth of millions of books to look through as the signing line went on. I spotted at least four tiny astronauts in homemade space suits waiting to meet the hero with their parents. Young and old, girls and boys, people of every background gathered at the bookstore to meet and express their appreciation for a man who has inspired them. </div>
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When Hadfield was still on the space station, he constantly kept in touch with us mere earthlings via social media. He published photos of his views from up there, snippets of interesting information, and just general observations about his life and work while he was in space. He made being there, in a way, accessible to everyone, and fueled the imaginations of people in a way that no one ever has before. In a world where people often have to look hard for a champion, here came this charming, generous, brilliant mind who wanted to share his fascinating life with us all. And we are better for it.</div>
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I am <u>fully</u> aware that I am gushing, don't worry, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find a cynical soul on the premises yesterday, when so many other people were fighting for their place in line for half price Korean tvs, we were all basking in the presence of greatness. </div>
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Till next time!</div>
<br />Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-8020853731722590392013-11-21T16:26:00.000-04:002013-11-21T16:26:43.327-04:00So Much To Do......This is the busiest time of the year for many people, the weeks leading up to the holidays, as it certainly is for us. A month - EGADS! - to go and not even one present has been made. How did the end of November sneak up on us so quickly? There is so much to do around the house and to get ready for Christmas, but yipes, so much fun to be had too.<br />
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Like tonight, for example, I'll PROBABLY go to the <a href="http://tedeschitrucksband.com/">Tedeschi-Trucks Band</a> show instead of dusting my salt and pepper shakers.<br />
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Although that rabbit DOES look somewhat dismayed. . .<br />
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And tomorrow, we might just have a dinner and drinks and games party with family and friends rather than doing the raking in the chilly backyard.</div>
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Looks like one thing I WILL have to do before the dinner party, is some grocery shopping. Pretty hard to make risotto without arborio.</div>
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And though I'm gonna have to at least do some ironing beforehand. . .<br />
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. . . I'm pretty sure we'll be going to Husband's work Christmas party instead of folding the laundry.</div>
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Oh for shame, as my Mum would say.</div>
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Yep, things pile up pretty quickly when there are holiday and birthday parties, friends having babies, astronauts to meet, family to visit, concerts to go to and addictive television shows to catch up on. What can you do but carry on?</div>
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I hope you're all having an easier time keeping up than I am! Till next time!</div>
Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-6912239991346569162013-11-12T18:58:00.001-04:002013-11-12T18:58:24.265-04:00UGHYes, I realize the title of this post is less than welcoming. But, dear friends, it is not without just cause. Take a look:<br />
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Our poor, sweet patio set. And YES, I know it is November, and YES, I DO realize what country I live in. <br />
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But LOOK!<br />
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Poor lil barbeque. You're gonna be a bit lonely for a while. Sorry.<br />
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Pumpkin that I bought two months ago and keep meaning to do something with, maybe you'll become a science experiment now. Perhaps I'll put you up in the corner where nothing seems to grow and see if, over the winter and next spring, your hundreds of seeds may, in fact take root.<br />
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Garlic babies. I was told you like the cold? Though I am reluctant to leave such a pretty planter out all winter, you are deeply rooted in there now, and I feel like if I pull you out, you will not be happy? Oh garlic baby, if only you could talk.<br />
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Anyway, it's frigging snowing. I know, it has to happen, it's pretty much Winter. But I don't have to like it.<br />
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And that's all I have to say about that.<br />
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Till next time!<br />
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<br />Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-21842128363220359822013-11-05T17:21:00.000-04:002013-11-05T17:21:09.017-04:00Le Bon PouletA while back I was searching for a good new chicken recipe - I mean, there must be trillions, right? - and I came upon this super easy, if time consuming recipe that we've fallen in love with. <br />
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It all started with an over zealous tomato buying trip to the Farmer's Market. Husband is not a big fan of the mighty tomato - crazy, I know - so having purchased a dozen of them was, perhaps, foolhardy. They were getting dark and squishy in our fridge but there was no way I was tossing them out, so in my search for a new chicken recipe, I looked for ones that included tomatoes. I could not have found a more perfect solution.<br />
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It's a French recipe, called Poulet Saute Au Vinaigre, which, funnily enough, according to my Mac's dashboard translator, means Chicken Jumps to the Vinegar. Whether or not that is the most accurate translation, I think we can all agree that it's the one we shall use. This is what you need:<br />
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That's it! You gotta love such a simple meal. So here we go. Chop the tomatoes - I should mention, the riper they are the better, so this is a great recipe for when like us, you find yourself with a surplus that's at risk of going bad. So yeah, chop them up.<br />
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No need to be precise here, just chop. Then, take a good chunk of the butter and melt it in a medium sized sauce pan - ok, another aside - if you don't have good quality pots and pans, you might want to skip this recipe. The very nature of it means that the pan WILL BURN on the bottom. If you have a good quality pan, no big deal, if it's a cheap one, it may never recover!<br />
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Anyway, melt yo' butta.<br />
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Keep it on medium to high heat, melt it all, and then pop in your chicken - breasts are the best cut to use. Keep a pair of tongs close by and push the chicken around every couple of minutes, until they are browned nicely on both sides. <br />
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Then toss in your chopped up tomatoes. <br />
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This is the part that takes the longest - you have to wait for the tomatoes to release all their juices, and then reduce. You want them to turn into a thick, dark, sticky sauce. Keep the heat at medium to high, and give it a stir fairly frequently. I have found that this takes about an hour.</div>
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This is what it looks like in all it's tomato juicy goodness.<br />
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This is what you should have in the end.<br />
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Now, add about a cup of red vine vinegar. You have to stir it in and, again, reduce it, this time to about half. The vinegar reduces <u>much</u> more quickly than the tomatoes.<br />
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Once the vinegar is reduced, add a cup of chicken broth. <br />
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<u>Again</u>, reduce, but this time, until you have a sauce consistency that you like - I like mine to be still pretty saucy since I serve it over plain rice.<br />
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Finally, add another chunk of butter - this IS a French recipe after all! This makes the sauce a bit slicker and creamier. <br />
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Take it off the heat and now you're done! Like I said, I serve mine with rice, but whatever you like.<br />
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The result is a rich, delicious meal, made with whole ingredients. It takes a while but it super easy to make. Enjoy!<br />
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Till next time!Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-69533539429304938422013-10-31T16:55:00.000-03:002013-10-31T16:55:00.132-03:00HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!If you should happen to run into this fearsome bugger in our neck of the woods tonight, DO NOT BE AFRAID!!<br />
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He (or...she...) and a pack of his (or her) friends are just keeping watch on the neighbourhood, greeting the littles at the door when they come along.<br />
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Tonight marks the first Halloween since both Husband and I moved away from home as young pups, that we have had the opportunity to meet the kiddies at the door and toss some yummy treats into their bags. We've both always lived in apartments, and in my nearly twenty years of it, have never had a Trick-or-Treater! So we're stoked. I MAY have gone overboard at the dollar store today to get decorated and spooky. Put it this way - I left with a bag of rats big enough that I had to cab it home.<br />
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Tomorrow we have a grown-ups Halloween party right here at our house, but tonight, it's all about the little ones. I've already had a tiny, tiny dragon toddle up to the door and emit a ferocious "RRRRR!!" when I opened. I can't wait to see what other monsters and ghouls make their way over!<br />
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Have a scary night, friends, till next time!Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-21068185638285438072013-10-30T18:56:00.000-03:002013-10-30T18:56:21.855-03:00Bike StuffHusband and I had a date night after work last week. We had a nice, slow supper at Estia, the greek restaurant on Spring Garden Road, and then headed home for some snuggling on the couch with Dexter Morgan, haha. Anyway, we'd both bussed it to work that day because it had been pouring rain when we got up, so after our meal, we strolled down to the bus stop to await our ride. That's when I noticed this:<br />
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In case you don't know, and I didn't as it's the first time I've ever seen such a thing, this is a bicycle repair post! There are a bunch of appropriate tools to fix your bike if you are downtown and get stuck with a busted something or other, plus a pump if you've got a flat! How cool is that? Is Halifax suddenly and finally getting more bike friendly?<br />
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Another hint that it is, is that a couple weeks ago, they extended the bike lanes on Windsor Street, to go almost all the way from one end of it to another! You know what this means? It means my ride to and from work is 75% in a bike lane! And THAT means I get to worry just a little bit less while I'm cycling. Mind you, it seems as though it's going to take a few slower people a while to figure out they can't park in the bike lane, but hey, baby steps. <br />
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Keep it up little city! The more people we've got traveling on two tires instead of four, the better!<br />
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Till next time!<br />
<br />Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-55819688323985176792013-10-29T15:23:00.000-03:002013-10-29T15:28:13.326-03:00Fallsy DownsiesAbout a week ago, we had the pleasure of attending a reading at The Carelton, by local author <a href="http://stephaniedomet.com/">Stephanie Domet</a>, of her newest work,<i> Fallsy Downsies</i>. <br />
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<i>Fallsy Downsies</i> is Stephanie's second novel - the first one, called <i>Homing,</i> came out a few years ago. <br />
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<i>Homing</i> was great, a story about missing people you love, getting over a slump and figuring out what's next. Also, it was set in Halifax, so it was really cool to read a novel that constantly referred to places I know and have been to. The above is a special edition cover. I owned another copy of <i>Homing</i> that I gave to my friends C and M to take home to New Zealand with them when they visited last year, and hopefully pass around to as many of their kiwi friends as possible. Husband joked to Stephanie at the reading, to watch out for a spike in sales in Wellington.<br />
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<i>Fallsy Downsies</i> is about an aging Canadian musician on the road with a couple mismatched friends and hangers-on. Since we just got it the night of the signing and I <u>just</u> finished the book I was reading previously, I am only a few pages in, so I will quote the back of the book: <i>Fallsy Downsies is a novel about aging, art, celebrity, and modern Canadian culture, told through the lens of Lansing Meadows, the god-father of Canadian folk music.</i><br />
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Stephanie read chapter 18 in her novel.<br />
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It was a funny scene in which Lansing Meadows, the main character, plays a show in a restaurant to a fairly inattentive audience until he gets some accidental help from a few unlikely guests. Stephanie's captivating and animated reading was met with appreciative enthusiasm and afterwards, she greeted her friends and fans and signed books for everyone who wanted. <br />
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I can't wait to get into this one - in fact, friends, I think that'll be the plan for the afternoon! <br />
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Till next time!<br />
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<br />Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-87132756345849757852013-10-28T15:24:00.000-03:002013-10-28T15:24:06.384-03:00The Avett BrothersThis summer, as usual, was great for live shows. Holy smokes we were lucky - Old Crow Medicine Show, Dr. John, Xavier Rudd, Hey Rosetta!, Barney Bentall, Dustin Bentall and the Smokes, Ron Sexsmith, Rush....whew! And just a few days before our wedding, back in the middle of September (oh how time flies!), we got to see <a href="http://www.theavettbrothers.com/">The Avett Brothers</a> at the Rebecca Cohn.<br />
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Having been a fan for a few years now, I was really excited about this one. Husband, D and I got tickets the morning they went on sale, and waited somewhat patiently until the night of the show. The Rebecca Cohn is a theatre venue, and often the audience remains fairly reserved, staying seated even when they want to dance their butts off, and clapping politely as each song ends. Well the Avett's blew that trend right out of the water.<br />
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Everything about this show was lively and exciting, from the lovely background and light show, to the incredible energy the band had, to the raucous song performances. The Avett's have a lot of sweet but very slow, quiet songs, but even these often got a rocking treatment at this show.<br />
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One of the few times it did get quiet, Scott Avett got up and played a solo song on the guitar. The stage was dark except for him standing in the spotlight; I wish I could have gotten a better photo!<br />
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Speaking of better photos! Augh. Near the end of the show, after the band had whipped everyone up into a bluegrass loving frenzy, the two Avetts, Scott and his brother Seth, jumped down from the stage and played their way up the middle aisle, just a few feet away! By the time I realized they were right beside me and it was a good opportunity to take a snap, they were on their way back, but man was that a cool moment!<br />
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They actually really surprised me with how much they rocked out. Husband admitted after the show that he'd been nervous he'd fall asleep if they played as many quiet songs as they have on their albums, but there was NO chance of that. Seth Avett never stood still once, dancing his way through every song, Scott jumped up and down in place, landing on the pedal for his own kick drum every time, and cellist Joe Kwon ties Romesh Thavanathan of Hey Rosetta! for most rockingest, enthusiastic cellist ever. <br />
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It was one of those shows that you just hoped would keep going and going, but as all good things do, it eventually, of course, came to an end.<br />
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I hope they come again! In the meantime, treat yourself to this:<br />
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Till next time!<br />
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Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-77514788649819392592013-10-27T15:35:00.000-03:002013-10-27T15:35:08.912-03:00Baby, It's Cold InsideWhen I was a kid, my Dad used to say I was "stubborn as a mule," referring to my adamant refusal to feed the chickens, to stop trying to convince the parents to take us kids to the beach, or to turn down the blasting music in my room. Some things never change, but nowadays it's poor Husband who has to put up with it. My latest challenge that I'm having a hard time giving up on is particularly tough for him, and yes, I'll admit, a bit goofy. The challenge - not turning the heat on in our house yet.<br />
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The first thing that inspired me to try to wait as long as possible is the bills for oil that we got when we first moved in - terrifying. Husband and I are, luckily, both healthy and gainfully employed, so we can afford to heat our home when we need to, but I can't even <u>imagine</u> how hard it must be for some people who aren't as lucky as we are. <br />
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The second thing that inspired me was simply just the test of how long we could go without it. I mean clearly, people used to just <u>live</u> that way, how hard could it be? I've got lots sweaters! And I always sleep better in a room that's a little chilly, so you can really snuggle up under the covers.<br />
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Well, we've made it this far. Husband says it's like living in the 19th century.<br />
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The mornings are tough, but then again, even when it's warm mornings are tough for me. But getting out from under those warm, cozy covers to get ready for work is particularly hard when it's freezing cold in the house. Changing from sleep wear to biking-to-work clothes is scary cold and the floors are a nightmare. Yesterday I bought slippers.<br />
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But, it's kinda fun, in a way, when it's winding down time in the evening. We snuggle up on the couch with some blankets - good thing our Grammies were such skilled knitters - and watch a movie or show....<br />
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...and then head to bed. That first skin-to-sheets contact is difficult, but soon things are toasty. <br />
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I know I'm gonna have to give up the game soon; it's getting to the point where even I am wishing for the sound of the furnace coming on. But in the meantime, what better excuse could you have to say, "hey, come snuggle!"<br />
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Till next time!<br />
<br />Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-9151206859152251372013-10-26T13:49:00.000-03:002013-10-26T13:49:15.143-03:00It's The Most Colourful Time Of The YearWe've had the opportunity to get outta the city and see the season change over the last month, and boy, is it worth the drive, if you can do it. Even though it means the summer is over and winter is coming and it's soon time to pull out the Sorels and mittens, Autumn sure is a gorgeous time!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't resist a drive-by.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cornfield beside my folks' house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I <3 fall.</td></tr>
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Although I sometimes wish I lived in a land where I could wear dresses and cute shoes all year long, I, at the same time, can't imagine living in a place where you couldn't watch the seasons change every year. <br />
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Hope you're been able to play in the leaves this fall!<br />
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Till next time!Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-59178043067752854502013-10-22T20:55:00.000-03:002013-10-22T20:55:17.404-03:00Another QuickieSupper guys. I mean supper.<br />
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You know how it is when you get home from work and the very last thing in the world you want to do is cook? It's so much easier just to order in or pop a crappy frozen pizza in the oven. Well I'm here today to let you know that's just not necessary. Especially this time of the year.<br />
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Husband and I, on out way home from Thanksgiving at my family's home, stopped at a farmer's market and picked up a bunch of freshly harvested squashes - spaghetti, acorn and my favourite, butternut. The next day, when I came home from a tiring day at work, I made a soup.<br />
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It's very, very simple. You take your squash, (I used the butternut) peel it and chop it. Grab an onion, a few potatoes and some garlic. Slice, chop, mince.<br />
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I put it all on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, ground some salt and pepper on top and put it in the oven to roast at 375 degrees for about an hour. <br />
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This is when you can do other things - catch up with the hubby, watch that episode of Glee you missed, add another layer to that paper machier project you've been working on, throw in some laundry - you get it. <br />
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When the timer rings, bring those roasted veggies on out. Can you poke a fork through them really easily? Yeah? Ok, done.<br />
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Don't worry, that white haze in the right corner is neither smog, nor a ghost, just those veggies giving off the most delicious smelling steam. So let them cool for a few minutes. Now's the time to try to beat your Candy Crush score.<br />
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Then it's simple. Pull out your food processor. Dump it all in. Press the button.<br />
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As it's pureeing, pour in some stock - I used chicken stock but use whatever you have - until you get your desired consistency, OR run out of room in the processor. I like a pretty thick, hearty soup myself, seems more like a meal.<br />
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I would normally try to jazz a food photo - foodto? - up with some garnish and better lighting but hey, I was hungry, so you'll just have to forgive me. <br />
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The resulting soup is pretty rich and sweet and I have been known to sprinkle a tiny bit of balsamic vinegar on top to cut that and give it a little bit of an edge. But whatever you like, just make sure you take good advantage of the seasonal produce where you are - it'll be the best, I promise!<br />
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Till next time!Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-35013749574155277752013-10-21T15:46:00.002-03:002013-10-21T15:46:28.976-03:00Ron SexsmithAbout a quarter of a million years ago, Husband, then still BF, and I went to The Carleton to see one of Canada's (and the world's) best living song writers, Ron Sexsmith. Husband had seen him already, also at the Carleton, a couple years ago, but I never had, and I was really looking forward to a night of taking in his sweet, thoughtful songs.<br />
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<a href="http://mokenney.com/#splash">Mo Kenney</a> opened.<br />
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I'd heard lots about her around town, but never had the pleasure of listening to her until then. She was great! Really funny and charming. Her songs were smart and honest, and her voice reminded me of a rasper, bluesier Norah Jones.<br />
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Then the man himself got up there.<br />
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Not surprisingly, if you've ever heard him interviewed or, for that matter, listened to his lyrics, he was pretty shy, but funny and self-deprecating, and man, is he an amazing song writer. His snippets-of-life songs, love songs, story songs - among my very favourites in the world!<br />
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He's a great singer too, his voice kind of vulnerable and tender, and his playing is perfect.<br />
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Just another notch in our ever-growing-great-night-at-The-Carleton-board, haha. <br />
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Till next time!Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-46717151445806893302013-10-19T10:58:00.000-03:002013-10-19T10:58:06.166-03:00Good Morning, Good Morning!!Among the wonderful gifts Husband and I received for our wedding were three in particular that contained these beautiful packages.<br />
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Our friends and family know us pretty well! <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:) </span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As I write this, waiting for the blueberry pancakes Husband is making in the wee kitchen, I am savouring a cuppa the Anchored coffee. It is strong and delicious. We both drink our coffee black, so you can really taste all the complexities of different beans, and how the way they are processed changes them. I think it's the way coffee should be enjoyed, but that's just me. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ahhh, a slow sipped Saturday morning coffee, is there anything better?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Till next time!</span>Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-37589904857205982802013-10-15T17:23:00.000-03:002013-10-15T17:23:12.600-03:00One Whole Month!Yesterday was Husband's and my first month anniversary! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWJ1x4-81zU/Ul2hxbf_skI/AAAAAAAADQg/DQyyBwbC_4g/s1600/The+Rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWJ1x4-81zU/Ul2hxbf_skI/AAAAAAAADQg/DQyyBwbC_4g/s640/The+Rings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by the lovely Michelle Robinson</td></tr>
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One whole month has gone by already in our newest chapter, I can hardly believe it! People keep asking how married life is and I keep feeling like I should have some profound answer at the ready when they ask, but the truth is - not much has changed. BF, now Husband, and I were pretty committed and contented even before the rings were exchanged. I think now, the main difference is in articulating the fact that we're married, as in - "my husband read that book," or, "this is my wife, H."<br />
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That being said, when we look back at the day we got married, I know we'll always remember how special it was to exchange those vows with each other, to really make that promise in front of all our favourite people, and I know that memory has changed us too.<br />
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Till next time, friends!Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-36562395529925507442013-10-06T10:49:00.001-03:002013-10-06T10:49:43.968-03:00This Was Saturday<br />
It's funny, isn't it, how you get used to waking up at a certain time for work every morning and look forward all week to actually being able to sleep in...but then you're up before the sun anyway. Well, maybe "funny" isn't the right word. But anyway, yesterday, being Saturday, was my chance to sleep until 10, but, as usual I was awake at 5. Luckily I didn't have to get up then, but I was soon enough.<br />
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It was a beautiful day! The sky was bright blue and the clouds flew by and left us behind early.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First things first.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMYCuGSgl9k/UlFjCyEmJ1I/AAAAAAAADP0/2rY-M5oVza4/s1600/IMG_3705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMYCuGSgl9k/UlFjCyEmJ1I/AAAAAAAADP0/2rY-M5oVza4/s640/IMG_3705.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backyard jackhammer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PCHgDZ3tBcA/UlFjJdZj2MI/AAAAAAAADQE/pTUapvNUP_0/s1600/IMG_3919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PCHgDZ3tBcA/UlFjJdZj2MI/AAAAAAAADQE/pTUapvNUP_0/s640/IMG_3919.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding mums, still in perfect condition almost a month later! Thank you Costco!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
After we got our day going, Husband and I cycled downtown for a little adventure. First stop, the waterfront:</div>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-miv8fMxUwG0/UlFinkRP0LI/AAAAAAAADPE/SO79GrqGalc/s1600/IMG_3993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-miv8fMxUwG0/UlFinkRP0LI/AAAAAAAADPE/SO79GrqGalc/s640/IMG_3993.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Food Truck Rally in Atlantic Canada!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXkI8pu2aqw/UlFie91pgTI/AAAAAAAADO0/1IZoZuOMPLA/s1600/IMG_3989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXkI8pu2aqw/UlFie91pgTI/AAAAAAAADO0/1IZoZuOMPLA/s640/IMG_3989.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super packed, crazy hour-long line ups by the time we got there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WEFOeRRyhg/UlFiZzN-qKI/AAAAAAAADOk/SjmAedNz1Hs/s1600/IMG_3990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WEFOeRRyhg/UlFiZzN-qKI/AAAAAAAADOk/SjmAedNz1Hs/s640/IMG_3990.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And lookit this menu - longest line-up there, of course.</td></tr>
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<br />We chose the Nomad Gourmet.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fd4_FGYqO7s/UlFieiNXREI/AAAAAAAADOw/2c0XE8DK3Vw/s1600/IMG_3991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fd4_FGYqO7s/UlFieiNXREI/AAAAAAAADOw/2c0XE8DK3Vw/s640/IMG_3991.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When there's a burrito around.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6aS5iYG2SqA/UlFiuqeEIfI/AAAAAAAADPU/rUCz8Q9A7sE/s1600/IMG_3996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6aS5iYG2SqA/UlFiuqeEIfI/AAAAAAAADPU/rUCz8Q9A7sE/s640/IMG_3996.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulled pork burrito with guacamole.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8RnFnRiQzU/UlFisx9wlpI/AAAAAAAADPM/ULgXpUd6_wY/s1600/IMG_3998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8RnFnRiQzU/UlFisx9wlpI/AAAAAAAADPM/ULgXpUd6_wY/s640/IMG_3998.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Darth Vader cannot resist a good meal.....or a weiner dog.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhSb4sdbaRU/UlFizYDzURI/AAAAAAAADPc/LHKctkCkzII/s1600/IMG_4003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhSb4sdbaRU/UlFizYDzURI/AAAAAAAADPc/LHKctkCkzII/s640/IMG_4003.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">......or a Segway.......</td></tr>
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On the way home we stopped at a few of our favourite places along the way to say hey to friends at - Chives, Argyle Fine Art and Fireworks on Barrington, and then Biscuit General Store on Argyle. <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/-0aI4D8b5ri0/UlFi4OHXr2I/AAAAAAAADPk/ZY9SEQovNLI/s1600/IMG_4007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0aI4D8b5ri0/UlFi4OHXr2I/AAAAAAAADPk/ZY9SEQovNLI/s640/IMG_4007.JPG" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Husband in his new shirt from Biscuit.......what???</td></tr>
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By the time we got home, we'd worked up our appetites again so we got to work in our little kitchen. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbket5MG0zM/UlFi6-vR5DI/AAAAAAAADPs/2px_sa_vH9o/s1600/IMG_4013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbket5MG0zM/UlFi6-vR5DI/AAAAAAAADPs/2px_sa_vH9o/s640/IMG_4013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our supper - homemade five-cheese Mac&Cheese with lobster and thyme. </td></tr>
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What a lovely day! Weather's getting cooler every day so we're trying to take advantage while we can, before hibernation season officially arrives. Hope you had a great Saturday too!<br />
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Till next time!</div>
Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-15044534991397153202013-10-02T16:47:00.000-03:002013-10-02T16:47:16.732-03:00Hydroponic Guacamole, Anyone?A while back, Husband and I picked up a few avocados at the grocery store. <br />
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Mmmmm, avocado in salads, avocados in sandwiches....we make short work of those babies to be sure. As I was using up the last one and was about to toss the pit, I suddenly remembered that you can grow an avocado tree by planting the seed. So I did a little research and gave it a go.<br />
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I cleaned the pit, wiping away any remaining fruit residue. Then I poked in four toothpicks all around the pit. Finally, I filled a cup with water and set the pit inside, about half submerged in the water, held up by the toothpicks.<br />
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Then, I just kind of forgot about it. Every once in a while I'd remember it was there, sitting on the window ledge, and I'd change the water and hope for the best. Just when I was about to give up, I noticed the pit had cracked and a small root was growing out through the bottom. A good start!<br />
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It's been perhaps two months now, and look:<br />
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It's about a foot tall and such a nice, healthy green. It's been growing in the water the entire time, and I'm almost a bit afraid to plant it since it's doing so well the way it is. <br />
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We have another avocado in the kitchen right now, so I may just do another one, this time actually planting it when it sprouts, and following some other helpful suggestions I've read on the interweb, and see what difference it makes. You can never have too many nice plants around, and imagine, just imagine, if one really took and the next thing we know we're rolling in avocados! We can dream.<br />
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Till next time!Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2017702315862688262.post-61983471379738688572013-10-01T16:49:00.002-03:002013-10-01T16:49:43.267-03:00Road Tripping......Part IISo from Bridgetown in the Annapolis Valley, Husband and I hit the road once again, taking a longer, but more rural and scenic route across the province to the South Shore. You never know what lovely things you might see.<br />
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After a nice leisurely drive that eventually turned into us getting hangry and our butts needing a break, we were glad to see we were getting close.<br />
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One of the main reasons we'd decided to go to Lunenburg, other than it's one of our favourite towns on earth, is that the famous Lunenburg Folk Art Festival was going on that weekend. Hanger almost turning to hurious (I totally <u>just</u> made that word up, I swear) we went straight there anyway.<br />
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The first thing we saw when we got there was this awesome and funny collection by Husband's high school wood working teacher, Brian Willett. <br />
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I mean, seriously? So great! But the place was filled with amazing stuff.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Werewolf of Liverpool</td></tr>
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I want this guy for our kitchen!<br />
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Absolutely gorgeous hooked rugs.<br />
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We saw this gal in her pretty blue dress, buckled into the back seat of a convertible as were were leaving the festival, one of the funniest things I've ever seen!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah's Ark</td></tr>
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One thing we learned about the festival was that it's no place for careful shopping - if you see something you love, grab it up, don't keep looking "just in case," as we did. Someone else is gonna come along and love it too. We lost a couple things that way. Regardless, we left with our hands full. We got a couple things for the house and a couple presents too. Our plan for next year is to save a bit of cash up and invest in a nice, big piece. <br />
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After the festival, it was time to feed our bellies. We quickly checked in to our Inn.<br />
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And then went out for some supper. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most delish pizza we <u>never</u> made - roasted red pepper, <br />
caramelized onion and goat cheese, ooooohhh baby!</td></tr>
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While we were at the restaurant, suddenly everything went quiet and dark. The power had gone out! Our intention had been to go back to the inn and take a quick nap, but without air conditioning our room was so muggy and hot we couldn't relax, so we headed back out. And why not, look at this place.<br />
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We wandered around for a while taking in the sights and scenes. Being huge supporters of the Buy Local scene here in Nova Scotia, Husband and I went to the Ironworks Distillery and taste tested some of their yummy liqueurs and rums and vodkas. The super friendly hostess gave us all kinds of recipe suggestions and was very encouraging when we wanted to try a second little sip of something, you know, just to be sure. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>;)</b></span><br />
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We also stopped in at a shop called Dots and Loops Handmade, which has turned into my new fave shop ever. I think I'm going to do a whole post about it actually, so I won't get into it here.<br />
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Eventually we headed to the waterfront and walked along the wharf. This here? This is a whale vertebrae. It's tip top almost reached my waist. <br />
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The evening was coming along, so we decided to wait around and watch the sun set.<br />
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After dark, we headed back to the Inn. On our way, we came upon a bookstore that had been closed earlier in the day when we passed by. As it turns out, the owner is a night owl, usually opening late and staying until the wee hours!<br />
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It was the kind of store with piles and piles of books everywhere, with no hope of seeing everything without spending a whole day or even weekend. But, in typical Husband and Me fashion, we went back to the Inn with a pile anyway.<br />
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It was a short but jam-packed visit, but we'll be back as soon as we can! Ahhh, Lunenburg! How we love you!<br />
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Till next time!!<br />
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Helen Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349026141813519166noreply@blogger.com0