It'll Make You Giggle

I labeled it 'movies' but technically WEEDS is a TV show. If you haven't seen it you should, it's really funny. I'm not a big comedy girl, I love to laugh but sitcoms and movies rarely do it for me. Maybe it's our warped sense of humor but Mike and I are hooked on Weeds - not the stuff you smoke, the show. A suburban mom turns to dealing to support her two boys, I'll say no more. We're into the second season right now and loving it. Have you seen it? What do you think?

Fab Pick of Last Week

This funky hanging wall clock in aqua was one of my Etsy fav's and it's now hanging in my studio! Be sure to check out Decoy Lab for more fabulous designs.

Whispered Sweet Nothings

He sits rubbing my socked feet like a good husband and then comes out with these sweet words.

him: "Is it you with the big toe?"
me: "You mean the extra long toe beside the big toe?"
him: "Yeah, it's freakishly weird."
me: "Thanks babe. And what who else would the toe belong to?"
him: "Anyone with their socks off."

huh?

There you have it, I'm freakishly weird, or at least my toe is. Thanks babe.

ADDITION TO POST: I am surrounded by such sweet men. Here is my brother's response to this post, "Yes you are freakishly wierd and it isn't because of your "Normal" Storozuk big second toe. There is plenty of other things that make you freakishly wierd..."
Thanks bro.

This Makes Me Seriously Consider French Immersion for My Invisible Child

There is no way you can make it through this video without cracking a grin or twelve. Capucine is too sweet for words and can tell a fabulous story. Listen right through to the end, it's worth it.


Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo.

Rocking In 2009!

Hard to believe another year has bit the dust. I just read this post which made me laugh, my new years resolution for 2008 was to talk less and listen more. I think I managed to listen more but the talking less bit... well that's just a silly resolution for someone who rarely closes her mouth.

We brought in the new year with some of our closest friends, I have no clue what they were doing in the picture above but it was snapped just after hugs and cheers. Unfortunately a few of our regulars were unable to join us: Moscow, Germany, Vancouver, cruise ships and work commitments kept them from us. Not here in body but certainly here in spirit. We missed you ladies!

That's a post-spaghetti and pre-gin glow you see on our faces here. We filled our bellies with lots of carbs to ensure there was a good base for alcohol absorption - no hangover here thank you very much.

A good deal of our dinner conversation revolved around profanity and the many marvelous ways nasty words can be used in our day to day lives: enlightening.

Of course I brought in the new year with the love of my life at my side.

My new years resolutions for this year:
1) healthy living: be more active and eat more fruits & veggies (I didn't bother with this resolution last year because I knew I would FAIL but I'm serious about it this year so I'm putting it in writing)
2) curse less
3) call/email/skype my out of province girlfriends more often

I'm now part of a girl band with the uber classy name the Magina Vonologues. Don't ask.
Guitar Hero rocks.

How was YOUR New Years Eve? Happy recovering.

P.S. I Loved It

If you want to watch a movie that will make your heart feel like it's being torn in two you should watch P.S. I Love You. I cried, hard, both times. Maybe I'm just a cheese ball.

Delish Dutch Apple Pie

Jessy's grandma's apple pie is super yummy and super easy to make. I know, I've made it three times in the last week. This is one of those recipes that everyone at the table requests after eating a piece. DELISH!


What You Need for Filling:
4 cups cooking apples (3-4 apples) peeled and chunked - I recommend Gala apples
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp flour
Nutmeg and cinnamon to taste

What You Need for Topping:
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup butter
2 tbsp cream/milk (optional and I chose not to use it)

Pastry: 9" pie shell

What You Do:
1. Sprinkle apple chunks with lemon juice.
2. Toss with sugar, flour, nutmeg and cinnamon.
3. Place in pie crust.
4. Sprinkle on topping.
5. Cover loosely with foil.
6. Bake at 425 degrees for 45 minutes.
7. Uncover, dribble with cream if using, and bake for 15 minutes more.

Fab Pick of Last Week

These vintage typewriter keys turned wine tags are super cool. There won't be any question of what glass belongs to what guest if you sling these funky charms on goblets at your next shin dig. Visit QA Create to check out what other unique bits typewriter keys have been turned into.

Happy Holidays!

Flickr photo thanks to Gizmo_F

I'm hoping all of you have had a stellar Christmas, I certainly did. I've eaten enough turkey to last me a lifetime and although I'm still stuffed (we had Christmas number 2 today) I'm seriously considering crawling to the fridge to snag a slab of stuffing. My second mom makes the best stuffing ever created by human hands. Seriously. Just writing about it is causing my full belly to growl -- stuffing and wine, oh my. The bonus of hosting big dinners is leftovers and I have a massive chunk of stuffing sitting in my fridge waiting to be devoured. Oh and there's the cheesy cauliflower too... oh no.

A big thanks to Sarah for Christmas dinner number one, it was fab. Thankfully the snow stopped falling Christmas eve (our snow banks were 7 feet high after mike dug out the 5 ft of snow at the end of our driveway left by the plow) so Christmas day was perfect for traveling, not that we had very far to go. It was a lovely day with unexpected appearances from Mr. Napkin head and Prince Napkin head. If only someone had snapped a photo of the original Mr. Napkin Head - it's one of those 'had to be there' moments but trust me when I say my dad caught all of us off guard and it was hilarious.

Today we cooked the bird for the other half of our family. Gertrude, affectionately named Gertie, was a pretty turkey and tasted delish.

Mike and I were spoiled rotten by our families: loads of lovely gifts! We slept covered in our new duvet last night and it was heavenly; I'm currently wrapped up in the softest blanket ever and we have enough chocolate around here to last a lifetime. A zillion lovely gifts, far too many to name but I'll definitely share some of them with you over the next couple of weeks. One will be my new fab pick of the week.

I'm chopping the lid tomorrow, I'm desperately in need of a cut considering my last one was in September! Ick, my hair is a mess. I'm going to a new stylist and trying a new cut - not sure if a brand new style is a smart idea with someone I've never been to but I'm going to give it a shot and hope to hell I don't end up with a hack job. I'll report back to you soon, I'm sure you'll think of NOTHING but my hair until you hear from me again.

I can't resist it any longer, stuffing and wine here I come.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Happy Birthday Big Bro!!

My big brother turns 44 today. Happy Birthday John!

Did I say 44? I meant 34. Seriously, he's 34 going on 14.

On this date many years ago (for MANY years in a row) John would be threatening to tell me what all of my Christmas gifts were if I didn't tell him one or two of his. He couldn't handle not knowing and I loved being surprised. Of course the reality was he would have never told me what my presents were but I was convinced he would ruin it for me so I would always give in and tell him a gift or two.

As if you really needed me to tell you John! You were the master present opener and re-sealer. There was just one year I gave in and looked with you and I totally regretted it on Christmas morning.

Although you are were a total pain in the ass big brother who looked out for me rather than buying me vodka and cigarettes - what nerve!! And even though we could have been aired on UFC on more than one occasion - I so did NOT throw a knife at you, you simply imagined that... or maybe I blocked it out? I have loads of fond memories of us growing up and I love you more than you know John. I am lucky to have you as a big brother and I'm lucky to have you as a friend now that we are bigger kids adults. and I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of you, you are an amazing man and a phenomenal father.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday bro! May all of your birthday wishes come true.

Oh and I made you a little something for your birthday - everyone feel free to check this out and have a good laugh on John's expense. John this is what you will look like if you let yourself go a little... okay, a lot. Go Bro, it's your birthday!

Christmas with the Crazies

Our annual Christmas with the Crazies took place last night and now it really feels like Christmas is just around the corner. We skipped the typical turkey and trimmings and hosted a pot luck instead this year, it was perfect! Less mess and less stress! EC took care of the tunes.

Jess made the best apple pie I have ever tasted and I intend to replicate it for our family shin digs, a frozen cheesecake or two will be waiting in the wings just in case. I'll share the recipe with you if all goes well.

I spent this morning clearing the wreckage from the pah-tay and the proceeded to procrastinate... eventually I managed to get my butt in gear and a few things were wiped off my TO DO list.

I finally got to Rosie's Christmas gift and I am stoked with the results. How cute is this tiny sundress?



A big thanks goes out to Habitual where I found this super sweet pattern.

I know it's December but I figure she can wear it over a long sleeve shirt and tights or leg warmers. Once Rosie's too big to wear this as a dress it can be work as a little tunic top. Super cute! This pattern is definitely a keeper.

I also whipped up this little crayon roll for my dad; he is stuffing Neve's stocking and was looking for a little something extra to add to it.



Remember to enter the draw for the ZipIt by leaving a comment on this post.

Oh So Sweet Tags

Abigail Halpin has posted a free downloadable pdf for some super sweet gift tags. I have a zillion tags leftover from last year so as tempting as it is to print these off I'm going to save the pdf to print next Christmas. Enjoy!

Mushrooms and Snails and Tiny Pig Tails

I had a request for some teeny tiny Lola's for some teeny tiny girls for Christmas and I am really pleased with the results. I found this super cute fabric at Above All Fabric and was thrilled with the super quick delivery and friendly service; be sure to check out the selection at this Etsy shop if you're looking for some fabulous fabric.

I hope the little ladies like this tiny Lola as much as I do!

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE!

HO HO HO! Time for another givewaway!


Leave me a Christmas related comment: fav memory/tradition/joke WHATEVER on this post and you'll be entered in my draw to win a ZipIt similar to this one.

The contest closes on December 25th. Be sure to leave me some sort of contact info (email or link to your blog) so that I can contact you if you're the lucky winner!

Gamer Love Song

Mario Kart Love Song (Original)

I found this video over at Oh, Hello Friend and fell head over heels for it. Whether you're a Super Mario Bros. fan or not you're sure to think it's a sweet song - listen closely to the lyrics. A syrupy voice, unique lyrics and an acoustic guitar: this guy has been added to my favs on YouTube.

Easy & Delish = Danger

Read this post at your own risk.

This is the time of year when I go hunting for new blogs to add to my list of regular reads, I have a hard time sitting down doing nothing so surfing blogdom kingdom while watching tv during Christmas holidays is my way of relaxing.

Tonight I stumbled upon Made by Petchy where I found a pattern for an adorable and simple little peanut dress that I think I might whip up for Rosie for Christmas AND the recipe for this simply deadly delightful chocolate cake in a cup. Seriously. CAKE in a CUP. BRILLIANT. In less than 5 minutes I made one for Mike, when I asked how it tasted and received a chocolate mouth filled "Yum!" I proceeded to make one for myself and I concur: YUM.

Easy peasy. I highly recommend the hot fudge topper along with coconut as suggested by Petchy. Mmm mmm good.

Here's the Recipe:
Dump the following ingredients in a coffee mug and stir
5 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp sugar
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt

Once you've stirred these goodies add the following:
1 tbsp oil
3 tbsp milk (or 1 tbsp milk plus 2 tbsp applesauce)
1/4 tsp white vinegar

Stir it up and place mug in the microwave. Cook on full power for 1-2 minutes, depending on your machine.

One of the ladies who left a comment following Petchy's post suggested that you "watch for the rise and then the beginnings of falling back into the cup (for done-ness) or the signature steaming up of the microwave door, after which (she) count to about 15." I'll try this next round!

When you pull it out of the micro you'll look in the mug and think "ew" or "hmmm I don't think that's done" even when it is. Use your typical cake testing method to see if it's all good and then tip your mug upside down on a plate. Give it a few moments to settle (this would be a good time to melt your hot fudge and/or scoop your ice cream) and then give the mug a shake and THUMP out falls your little cake. Well, in theory you'll get the thump. I had one thump and one that I had to dig out with a spoon.

This is a pretty rich dessert that tastes like a brownie so next time I'll share one with Mike OR I'll be sure to add vanilla ice cream and pineapple to take the edge off. Oh me oh my this cake in a cup might not be a good thing after all.

Santa's Message to My Man

This is a very cool little tool you can use for your kids (or husband) for Christmas. A personalized video from Santa himself!

Check out the message from Santa to Mike, I'm sure he'll be thrilled when he sees it. Be sure to have your volume turned up and you might have to refresh your screen once or twice before it actually comes up, it will say error but it's LYING!

Oh and one side note, if I was creating one of these for a child I think I would choose one of the options other than "how does Santa know who has been naughty and who has been nice" - how creepy are the elves peering in the window?! That would freak me out if I was wee!

Fab Pick of Last Week.... or was it two weeks ago?

I'm a sucker for fabulous photographs and then there's my weird obsession with swings... needless to say it was love at first sight when I spotted this beautiful print in Oranje's etsy shop.

Mmmm Buttons

My favourite woman dropped off a massive ziploc bag of my favourite things this weekend - thanks mom! Yay for Thrift Shops and a mom addicted to scouring them for fabulous goods.

I've decided to finally sort my collection of lovely buttons by colour so that I can display them in my sewing room/office. I started sorting and soaking the little buggers last night and I know I'm a dork but there is something oddly satisfying about the task.

Oh how I love buttons.

And the WINNER is...

Congratulations to Melanie from Whimsical Creations who is the lucky winner of the alien stocking! With the huge number of entries (all TWO, hee hee) I figured writing names on slips of paper was the easiest way to take care of the draw and Whimsical was the name pulled.

Thanks for entering the contest. I'll be posting another giveaway VERY soon but will be leaving this one open longer to give more people a chance to enter.