nomadacinad

taste test Aug 9 @7:30pm

2011-08-05T00:45:00.003-06:00

RSVP on my Facebook Event Calendar HERE

more information on products HERE

BODY BY VI

2011-08-03T10:22:00.003-06:00

I will be having a taste testing next week..(posting date and time later today).. come and go style at my house... taste all my favorite shakes! bring your whole family =} my kids love the shakes! and with all the vitamins and minerals in a shake I know they better then the multivitamins I can hardly get them to take!

here is a video with some information about product and company! (PUSH PLAY TWICE FOR SOME REASON)

Body by Vi challenge

2011-07-29T13:44:00.002-06:00

To join my healthier you challenge.... I'm in it to get rid of my sluggish slow self... Lack of energy... Nonsleeping self

What I have noticed - more energy!! Plus .... Sleeping through the night and waking up ready to go!!

Kids - Damon has more energy... He asks for one everyday to start his day ... Which Is a plus... He has never ate breakfast... Hope to get him into a drink for breakfast habit that will help him concentrate at school and give him the nutrients hr needs to grow healthy and make more healthy food choices

Danica - slower to take them... Found a chocolate milk recipe with a hint if mint ... She slurped that right up! Again I just want her getting all her vitamins , minerals and nutrition for the day in one shake!

Interested in tasting a ViShake? Or more information

Leave me a comment... I will be back to city Sunday! And love to whip you up a mocha latte, piña colada, a Saskatoon berry or another one of my 100 recipes!!!

Go visit my site:
www.kari33.bodybyvi.com

Football and a river photo shoot

2010-09-26T23:43:00.002-06:00

A mini photo shoot of Danica and her friend at the river...

Damon (77) at his 3rd football game... Think I may need to learn about a whole new sport!

I was so proud that I wanted to attempt taking all these photos today in total MANUAL mode... and I did.... and YES there is a difference to the last football photos ( shot in P mode and they were on the same new XTi2 camera)

Day of Icing

2010-09-18T19:15:00.003-06:00

Today I had a little help form a few Baton Moms to get the task of icing around 160 cupcakes (24+ a few extras in each flavor)

Lemonade

- Lemon cupcake, lemon icing..and a little sugar lemon slice and Wrigley's gum leaf

Pina Colada

White cupcake (with a few extras- pineapple juice instead of water and 1/3c coconut) and the most yummy Malibu rum icing ( there is 1/2c smoothing out the icing) and a cocktail cherry

Margarita

White cupcake and the icing was a new one I tried with egg whites... 2TBP of Tequila, lime juice and some rim salt

White Mocha

Espresso cupcake with a white Chocolate and whipping cream icing... and a homemade chocolate swirl- missing is little chocolate shavings, to be added tomorrow

I just didn't want to have the cupcake go running so we only staged one cupcake and took them apart- hence why I did not want to pick chocolate shavings off... =-)

Photos of the whole lot of cupcakes and the golf day will maybe end up on here tomorrow sometime! LATE

Sock Piggy and Monkey

2010-09-06T17:40:00.005-06:00

2 socks..cut one through the half way point of the heel...

2nd sock turn inside out ... draw pattern (tail, 4legs and 2ears) sew with sewing machine on black marker lines then cut and turn right side in.... and stuff each part except the tail....a pipe cleaner works for a curly little tail!

sew all stuffed parts and tail onto pig

and isn't she cute! she is just missing a mouth... but Danica was tired of sewing for now.. she hand sewed all the parts on.. even the buttons!

Pattern HERE since I missed some photos and my steps are not as clear....

(Since we tried to crochet a sack boy-Little Big Planet- but I soon found out I can not follow the Youtubes on how to make a circle.. after an hour and a pile of loops I gave up ... so if any of my friends crochet.... wink wink... maybe you can teach me the tricks of the trade)

Look at some of these cute animals... and I bet you will be running for all those ODD socks!

back to stitching her together ... Danica is busy putting the legs on... and the photos of her Piggy will follow as soon as we are done!

Saskatoon's Fireworks Festival

2010-09-05T13:44:00.004-06:00

(This is what it looks like through the $1 glasses Tammi purchased for the kids)

I had the tripod but had the wrong attachment piece with me... so I attempted the fireworks without.... I also played with the ISO some were on 800 for a more blurry effect the rest were on 1600 ....

if you have never been down to the river to enjoy this display... it was amazing.... (Tammi and I took the kids to the Saturday show)

I took over 100 photos... I am just trying to get the slide show to load up... maybe later tonight I can figure it out =-)

Firework Photos:

Cupcakes and Fresh Garden Goods

2010-08-28T20:32:00.000-06:00

I managed to get all 64 cupcakes baked last night and iced this morning by 10am for the football bottle drive and potluck lunch

They were Yard lines ( some were thinking Saskatchewan player numbers.. I thought it was pretty clear what they were.. oh well)

Some of the garden goods that were ready to be picked and enjoyed for supper....
I finally picked one of the peppers ( I only bought red and yellow) but how long does it take for them to turn on the plant? I have at least 10 more growing but 3 or 4 really BIG ones like this one in the photo ( behond the beans and carrots)

On last day off for the kids before school gets going... Danica is ready to get back... Damon not so much... Yikes grades 5 & 7 ... how does time fly so fast?

Football

2010-08-27T21:27:00.010-06:00

Okay.. I have no idea.... I know the main idea of the sport... I get the downs and the yard-line stuff... but as for the plays or the positions - I am lost

so here is what Damon says he plays: "Weak side Defence" ( and from what I can gather.. he is positioned in the 2nd line of defence.. middle.. and when its the right play he rushes the QB...)

Damon really enjoys it so far ( he has only had 2 practices) and does he and the other boys work hard... I didn't think it was this intense for practises ( 2 hours every night 5X a week until the season starts then 2 hours 4X a week and the games)

and for some reason the first set are backwards -for the play- no idea how that happened uploading ( but I am in the middle of making 62 cupcakes for tomorrows football bottle drive/ potluck supper... and I really don't feel like changing the photos!)

and Damon is in the BLACK with the ORANGE shirt showing at the bottom...

Almost over

2010-08-23T22:24:00.003-06:00

only 2 days left and I am back to work and the kids are soon back to school.... no idea where the summer was or went

I have signed up for an amazing class.... ( I have thought I should make a shirt just like this ... but never felt I had the time...) BUT with an online class... I could not turn it down- they are so cute

(her blog: Dear Lizzy- on the right hand side)

The kids are busy getting into the fall time groove....

Damon will be playing tackle football (it started today but he is having some fun at his grandma and grandpa Walker's farm right now)... his nights look busy with football running M T W TH F SAT 2 hours each night... then following week T W TH F SAT SUN.... so I hope to get some photos of him - not always on the bottom of a pile-up :-)
Damon will also start hockey tryouts first week of October- I think.

AND Dj... will keep me even more busy at the dance studio...She will be taking Jazz 3 (along with Jazz 3 exam classes) 2 classes of Ballet (this is a first try at ballet and she will be in level 2) and Baton- where she will be still competing the same amount (solo,medley,solo dance, duet, and groups but will be adding 2 Baton... yes she will be throwing.... catching ...and spinning two batons at once... YIKES ...

I may need to apply for a second job.... I will never complain about hockey being expensive.... Until your little girl wants to dance ... only then you see how cheap hockey REALLY is!

random.org

2010-08-13T23:26:00.002-06:00

Picked number Three

so since Kristy managed to enter twice I only counted her first one

Crystal send me your information to

creative.scrapper AT shaw.ca

and lip licking yummy gloss will be sent your way'

Santa??

2010-08-13T09:40:00.002-06:00

'Twas 2am on a stormy Thursday night,
Everyone was snoring in bed tucked-up tight,
When on the deck there arose such a clatter
With KEDA and HALO wondering "What the HELL is the matter?"
I sprang outta bed and chased them around
Then stopped at the back door to investigate the sound
Hoping it was nothing and I could get back to bed
When I saw such a site that made me shake my sleepy head
The white ForceFlex bag bulging full of trash
had now tumbled down the stairs with a great big crash
there was ham, there were ribs and Chinese noodles too
strewn all over the yard...... "Oh ,&%$#^*what to do!"
two beady eyes stared back at us with a gleam
It was the strangest stray cat I had ever seen
From behind those piles of garbage and yesterday's pizza box
stood a gangly, narrow nosed, sly little............

FOX

also... tonight I will pick a winner for the lip gloss....

Forestry Farm

2010-08-10T12:43:00.000-06:00

All photos are care of Danica (well not the one she is in!) It was a beautiful day there yesterday.... all the animals were out- you have to go first thing in the morning.... the bears were loving the water in the heat.

Today is the perfect day to stay in and try to do some scrapbooking.... house cleaning and maybe some baking in the Easy Bake oven =)

Give away

2010-08-09T22:50:00.003-06:00

When I was in Calgary, I needed to make two stops.

1. Pottery Barn- had my eye on a blanket for dj... A brightly colored gerber daisy pattern( think it was flower pop) but no PBteen there... off to eBay to see what I can come up with

2. Bath & Body Works.... Love this store.. Kitchen antibac soaps...gotta have every flavor! And while I spent my hour n a bit looking, smelling, testing.... I stumbled upon lip gloss in cupcake flavors!!! Dj sports a cookies n cream, while I have the red velvet.
There is always a deal there so it happened to be cheaper to get three....(like it was to get six of their hand soap pumps for $21.., three of their signature lotions or shower gels and get 3FREE ... So I did :-)

I have a strawberry cupcake lip gloss to give away!

Is there a favorite store you always need to check out when your at a BIG city?
I will do a random draw on Friday

Better start making a list for back to school ... It's going to be here soon!!!

Wedding weekend

2010-08-02T13:21:00.004-06:00

Having to take a photo to see if my hair looked somewhat okay all curled and up

Not too many good photos.. there was a lady in front of me and she stood up and was always in my way! oh well...

my cousin Charmaine and Andrew

quick photo shoot to keep the kids from saying "I'm BORDED!"

Danica's turn with the camera

Damon... clicking away....

Mini cupcakes .... super cute and yummy

MMMMM...

that was about all the photos that were taken that day....

it was a fast weekend filled with driving...but with the new car... the 12 plus hours of driving... were actually FUN

Zoom-Zoom

2010-07-29T14:24:00.005-06:00

With my old car's lease being up in September I have been looking for a new car.... and I love everything about this Mazda3 Sport.... big plus Damon's hockey bag will fit in the back- no more taking it in the back seat! which is good since he is almost 12 (and its only going to get stinkier)

I managed to get a great deal ( thanks Brian) I was given his name by a co-worker and to deal he gave me I was able to pick it up now... this way I am able to get the WHITE... 6 Speed that my little heart was stuck on.... all that I need to do is get the back windows tinted dark.....

well off to hunt around for the best package policy price.. so that I can take this little car to Calgary for the weekend to my cousin's wedding....

I hope to have a few photos of the wedding to upload when I get back... ( they have rented Spruce Meadows for the wedding,she use to or maybe still does ride there) Love my dress and little jacket I got from Le Chateau.... have to get a photo of it too... the jacket is my favorite part ( its got a Victorian flare to it- so me... like a modern Tudors!

Have a great long weekend =)

Sun-kissed

2010-07-26T22:58:00.001-06:00

As I was standing in the water taking a few diving shots of a friends kids... I turn around and start snapping some shots of Dj.... My wheels are already turning for some scrapbook layout ideas!

Lake time

2010-07-26T20:24:00.009-06:00

I have been away at the Lake (Gravel)... good luck finding it without following someone there- it is on a sand trail in a Community pasture... no power, no running water... just 4 walls and a roof to sleep under... Back to Basics there..... where you know all your neighbours (heck you grew-up with them all) and its now their kids playing and running around with your kids... thinking they are being sneaky running around the camp sites til midnight and finding cool spots ... but in reality- we had already did all that when we were kids!.....

This year 2 of my childhood friends ( OK the only other 2 girls in my grade until we went to High School in grade 10) were there as usual- but his year they both have 4 little ones ( almost 1years to 8years ) (3 months- 5years) those girls are busy! So I tried to hold and cuddle the youngest to give them a little break- but in all honesty they didn't really need the break... they had it all under control the whole time! i just liked to take the kids and spoil them with homemade cookies, hot chocolate and maybe the odd chocolate bar and snack pack! one of the monkeys I would have taken home on a heart beat..... she just reminds me of Danica when she was little... and that girl loves her chocolate-she would blend right in =-)

We had a fun night for the kids last Wednesday .... relays, door prizes, juice, chips, tons of fireworks and I decided to take up face painting.... well running around the city on Tuesday I finally found face paint at Dance Street! The liquid black pot was a must have to outline with a #2 round paint brush(care of Michaels) ad a set of crayon like colors (wet and apply kind)

since it was dusk and I was busy painting 50-60 kids faces I had no photos that night.... but since it was a hit ... I was always set up on the beach with the kids wanting their faces done again after swimming lessons....

here are some of the photos the next day ( I have been asked to do this again so... I will be on the look out for more ideas on patterns and sales for more colorful face paints)

I never got a photo of the spider man.. butterfly or the monster eye ( on a face- just on the leg with the hand drawn eye) but all in all it turned out and the kids were pleased ... even if I didn't really have a clue what I was doing..

I think I only took about 30photos at the lake ... I was there to lay on the beach.. relax and catch up with old friends

PHOTOS Canadians - finally

2010-07-13T21:45:00.000-06:00

Look at her 5 Medals.. (2 gold, 3Bronze)

getting their GOLDS for their group THINK

All the OTC Twirlers and the 2 Coaches...... Saskatchewan showed up to compete with 60 athletes!

Danica scared to DEATH to do her solo.... but with some encouragement from her Coach... she was great out on the floor.... getting a 2.5 and advancing into the next level of competition (BN) --- notice her coach smiling as she watched Danica enter onto the floor.

Danica and her Best Baton Bud ( Jazzlyn) preforming their duet for the first time... they scored a 2.3 and GOLD

NIAGARA... it was worth the 2hours 45minutes drive in peek rush hour!

POP and LOLLYS- Candy shop .....

To BIG

2010-07-11T19:57:00.002-06:00

Guess I have out grown blogger I can no longer post photos:-(

so I will be looking into deleting old posts or seeing if there is away around it.

Danica and I are still a bit tired. She was sleeping at 5 pm last night and was up at 6am so one more half early night and we should be on track. I have 600 photos to sort out.... And will post when I get things back to normal

Canadian placement updates

2010-07-08T22:48:00.002-06:00

Danica was amazing...she was bringing her A game this week

she now needs a bigger shadow box, she received 2gold medals and 3 bronze( one she scored her 2.5 so she moved up a level) moving up is hard at the best of time little lone at canadians!!!

No photos today to upload.. Think blogger has been out grown will not load any photos now....

We did get to Niagara Falls this afternoon... Well the 4 pm leave took 3 hours to get there and about 2 back... Traffic is nuts stand still grid lock nuts!!! The only scary part of the drve was the huge bridge at Burlington ... it's like straight up

Off to bed.. 1am and I need to be up at 6 again to get danica's friend to her competition tomorrom/today... And we leave at 8 am flight from here ... That means up at 4 am saskatoon time to be there by 7am Toronto time...

Golden girls!

2010-07-07T20:52:00.002-06:00

Just a quick update from my iPod ;)

Danica must have got too much sun ... The poor girl was sick,crying and cold sweating at 8:30am. We had to be up at 6am dressed and ready out the door at 7am to be at the York University at 745. She was begging not to go on and coughing gagging style(blah) I told Brenda (the coach) that we should maybe dress someone else cuz danica never gets like this for a competition. But she would have none of that ...she took Danica and her team for a little walk and I went to the seating area so nervous and scared for her... They were 8th up... And Danica led the group onto the floor smiling ... That was the longest 2 minutes of my life! When they were done( BTW they rocked with only a few drops) they ran off but my little miss started to cough and sputter so I bolted down the stairs knowing how I would feel if I was going to be sick but not know where to go or if you would make it..... She did indeed get sick in a garbage can that goodness there was one near by.... We packed up n headed back to the hotel to sleep... 3hours later she was up and feeling better... And that goodness we rushed back to the awards!!!

Cuz their group beat out 6 groups and got gold ... As Danica would say"we are National Champs"

The best part of their win... They were not on the floor with the teams getting medals... They were watching by the stands.. And when they said GOLD goes to OTC for Think.. the girls screamed and jumped up to run get their medals!!!
Coach brenda was so impressed that they pulled together as a team with a sick member and smiled and did an amazing job!!!

Tomorrow she has 4events looks like we will be there all day... Danica is so pumped about her Duet with Jazzlyn and cuz she loves her solo dance so much she can't wait to do it( she just was taught it on a Thursday and only had3 or so hours to practise this routine with the coaches!!

So much for the short post;)

Gotta get some sleep so I'm not proff reading this post

Wonderland

2010-07-06T20:46:00.004-06:00

Very hot day full of fun! US old moms even got into the rides... Blogger is giving me problems so I can not upload them all tonight... not too many photos as we joined all the girls on the rides... and we loved the ones we got wet on- a great way to cool off =)

up early tomorrow for our group competition.... 7am we need to leave hotel to get to the York University!

and we got a little turned around with our lovely GPS giving us the route!!! ended up on the 401 in rush hour! but I like to say we did okay... super easy to drive on there but you have to keep up... 120km is slow on there!!! but I did not feel nervous at all... it is pretty well set up with signs- long as if you know where you need to exit!

Toronto

2010-07-05T23:51:00.006-06:00

All the photos tonight are care of Danica! We are having a great time! HOT HOT HOT and the power outage was a little nuts.... and I AM driving in the BIG city ( a 2010 Dodge Avenger! WOW glad I took out the extra insurance-)... actually so far it has been really easy.... We went to the CN tower tonight.... and tomorrow will be Canada Wonderland... with 34 for the weather (feels like 44) I will be glad to ride the water rides =)
t

the SKY walk glass floor...

Canadian Baton Competition

2010-07-04T23:07:00.005-06:00

Danica and I will be Toronto bound tomorrow...Along with her competition we have planned a trip to Canada's Wonderland and most likely a trip to Niagara Falls ( and Marine Land- LOVE watching the animals)

Damon and his Dad also got back from his big fishing trip tonight - guess the fishing was not that great this year but he did get a 3 pound walleye (spelling not sure?)
I amsure there will be photos I can post when I get back.

PLEASE no more rain!

2010-07-02T16:08:00.005-06:00

After the storm passed today! this is what my backyard looks like =-(

During the storm: ( I am under the eves trying to not get really soaked)

this was 15 minutes into the down pour today!!! (Danica's little canon powershot works great even in the rain!)

"Hey MOM... Look what I have got for YOU !"

2010-06-30T13:34:00.006-06:00

Keda... caught one of the birds the cats have been stalking for a week. I Really didn't think that either cat had it in them to actually catch one! proved me wrong!

not to be out done, Halo brought me this lovely present at lunch time! I noticed she was meowing to get inside. Which is not like her.... she growls at me when I carry her in- she loves it outside......

to my surprise when I went to open the door, she picked this mouse up in her mouth and was still begging to come in!! Her and I had a little talk though the patio door.... NO WAY she was getting in until she got rid of the mouse! (Danica ran out after to catch a photo of our little present)

SCHOOLS out for the SUMMER

2010-06-25T18:55:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I managed to make 60 mini burgers for all the Grade 3's and both Kindergarten classes.....
so if anyone is ever wanting to make this many... you will need:

1 white cake mix ( 1/2c melted butter, 1/2c water and 4 eggs added)

the burgers: 2 batches of your 8X8 brownie recipe (spread mix thin in a 9X13 pan- I used my pampered Chef cookie sheet - bar pan( it may be called)

Icing: 1 batch of Saucy's never fail butter cream ( this will be plenty!)

I used an 1.5 inch circle to cut out the burgers......

time including all baking, cooling, cutting and icing: 3 hours

They were a hit =-)

and with my 2 gift cards for Indigo --- I will be trying to find the What's New Cupcakes!

Now... to enjoy some of the SUN and HEAT....

Burgers and Fries (part2)

2010-06-19T17:53:00.004-06:00

and we also managed to go shopping at Once Upon A Child (2nd hand store on 115th) and scored a bunch of clothes for the kids at 70%off.... I saved 49.00!!! and that was all before 11:15am!!!

and to top the day off I got together with a bunch of local ladies at Saucy's backyard for a Cherry Lemonade Charm swap..... can't wait to assemble it all tonight!

Hamburger and Fries

2010-06-19T08:50:00.003-06:00

(photo from Bakerella's site- until I have mine on here)- I am a visual girl and need to know what I am making

We have a sweet treat in the making for Tomorrow..... Danica spied this idea on my favorite baking sites: BAKERELLA and figured we should make them-- I was up for the challange so I agreed they are so super cute!!

Here is all the in detail directions ( As I have not captured any photos of the process!)

Finish product photos will be posted later... we are off to get sugar cookie dough and icing--We have been baking since 7am!!

Round-up

2010-06-13T19:57:00.005-06:00

We rounded up cows/calves (50 head) to take to the Community Pasture(back at my Parents's farm-at Senlac)

A small little Antelope in the stubble field

The cows leaving the farm yard

My Dad and Damon

My Dad and Damon on a borrowed quad- my Dad SOOOO wants one (Damon is also rooting for one on the Farm)

Danica checking out all the calves once we got them to the pasture

Scrap-tac-ular Sites

2010-06-03T20:16:00.002-06:00

At 5am I am always here:
www.peachycheap.com (which usually places me into paypal!- great deals!)

and I do love some Chocolate, even at 5:10am :-)

www.cropchocolate.com

followed by:

www.craftysteals.com

www.scrapbooksteals.com

and

www.kindredcreationsideas.blogspot.com

I have even stayed up until midnight... as to not miss out on the next deal!!! I may have an addition problem....

and all this rain needs to end! I WANT some sun!!!

BATON Nationals- Regina

2010-05-23T18:36:00.007-06:00

Queen City Classic Baton Competition and National Team Trials were this weekend. Danica did amazing

Solo: SCORE 2.25 (4th)

Medley: SCORE 2.58 !!! which means not only did she move up to 9-11yr BN, she also got a first place medal!!

THINK group: they had a competitor this time =) but still scored a GOLD medal

Pre-Solo Dance: SCORE A - a first placing

Danica was amazing... she caught both her warm up 1-turns in this routine and she nailed them again infront of the judge!

baton

2010-05-08T22:43:00.002-06:00

Danica had a busy day again =) she was so close to moving up, but fell short. She scored a 2.2 in Solo and a 1.9 in Medley(which I think was really off-no drops and she was on beat, but its all with what judge you have and today was a hard one)

Her group got GOLD (I know it is by default- only lrg C group in province)BUT they rocked it this time... with only a couple minor drops =)

Danica and Damon also won a couple draws.... Damon a couple water bottles and a pig Webkin(which he gave to Danica- how sweet) and Danica won a Minky Dimple jacket from triple flip! we are going to see the other colors and try on a different size tomorrow.

and a lovely damask rolling tote(for our carry-on in July) with a turquoise leather trim--- I'm just too lazy now to take a photo- need to get to bed it was a n early morning and a long day

Kindness

2010-05-07T17:36:00.006-06:00

Well to my surprise this morning... I was early for work (I bet is is one of the first times this year) so I thought I would treat myself to a Cinnamon Dolce Latte

So I pulled up to the starbucks on 8th( by Winners) and placed my order... and when I arrived to the lady to pay..she replied " the woman ahead of you recognized you and paid for your coffee and said to have a wonderful day" and with a warm feeling in my heart and an "awe" feeling because someone cared to get me my coffee and wish me a wonderful day.... I headed to work with a smile on my face =)

The only downside to a Random Act of Kindness........who to say Thank You to???

So to the kind hearted lady in a silver vehicle THANK YOU.... your truly made my day wonderful... when Kindergarten got a 'little' WILD today, I took a sip and was reminded of your act of kindness and smiled =)

on another note..... my Mom called my cell at 315 and left a message that my Dad had been taken to the hospital with chest pains and a very low heart rate..... when I called the cells Dad answered(doesn't he know he shouldn't have it on?? when he is hooked up to the machines, then again I called it!) anyways he said his heart rate was up a bit now... they are doing ECG's every 30mins along with a blood pressure/ heart rate check..... and he sounded a little ticked that he would be in all weekend....but said he felt good.............Mom said they would call if any change.... so they both figured I didn't need to rush back home.... Think I may still drive down Saturday after Danica's Provincial Competition on Saturday ( or of course sooner if there is a change) Danica has to compete tomorrow in order to get her ranking level to compete in Canadians in July(Toronto) and I have already bought our plane tickets and hotel! BUT family is first so she may just have to enter in the open and be out of medal contention for Canadians.

Sherwood Dance Competition

2010-05-02T20:48:00.005-06:00

Danica's team was rewarded with a HIGH GOLD for their routine!!! that means they scored above 90!

My mom came along... and we did manage to get a little shopping in =)

***an hour trip to Ikea (super short-I know) with only spending $41.00- not much can fit in a small car =).... But I did manage to get to the gift card for $75.00 that I was owed from the last trip to Edmonton(2yrs ago)...let just say customer service is not high on the Ikea list of priorities!!
** maybe 2 hours in total in the Box Stores which I did not find much this time =(
a couple cute necklaces from Laura (one was only $4- steal of a deal) My mom picked out her birthday gift from me there too (a sweater, bracelet and a necklace)
** West Ed Mall was a last minute decision.... right after the girls were finished on Saturday, my plan was to drive to my parents..... but that soon changed when Danica over heard that her friend was going to the rides!!! so at 5:30pm we arrived at the mall, quickly ate... and the girls were off to the rides..... Danica has only been there once when she was 3 (and being a short munchkin- she could only ride the little train, the hot air balloons and the mini dragon roller coaster) this time being a TALL 52" she was able to ride on all the rides! and they did just that- MINUS the BIG roller coaster.... they did go on the Medium one- 5 times in a row!!

Think she really enjoyed it....

We also found baby kittens at the farm... a couple weeks old and so sweet... Danica spent most of her day there!

off to finish baking my muffins... they are skinny and tall... it one of my Ikea buys! and the muffin liners are what make them super cute!

Large group Video

2010-04-20T18:24:00.001-06:00

Think Large Group Baton from Kari zacharias on Vimeo.

Video

2010-04-20T12:11:00.003-06:00

Solo Dance (1st time she has preformed this routine)...

Solo Dance Baton from Kari zacharias on Vimeo.

it takes a moment to load up... but I was unable to upload to you tube...More videos tonight maybe...

Super cute and a Walk

2010-04-19T11:37:00.005-06:00

Look at what I have for Danica's black wall.... Snap frames... so CUTE.. I need to take some updated photos of her to make a collage on her wall.

I also took part in the Kidney walk on Sunday... with Tammi and her kids... 4.5 KM... the kids were good sports... we also had a treat at the RED bus.. waffle cones and frozen yogurt =P

Blake took the photo =) Not a very good one of me.. note to self never use Danica's hair band again... cuz I look bald!

Gold Medals =)

2010-04-17T21:37:00.000-06:00

Danica was in a groove today! She placed 3rd in medley, 1st in Solo ( a 2.4 score!!!!--2.5 is needed to advance to BN-- she is so close) Her group also placed in first!

I took video of everything today-no photos

I will post the video tomorrow... but Dj and I have had a long day- so we are snuggled up watching the Family Channel..and Damon just took our order and ran downstairs to get us juice boxes and snacks from the fridge and has now joined us in bed

Hope you enjoyed the beautiful Spring day!

2010-04-16T23:06:00.002-06:00

The fridge upstairs decided to die... it is only 6 years old... the flood that poured out of the freezer and the sticky puddles from the melted icecream treats is now all cleaned up.. but let me tell you it was not what I wanted to come home to on Thursday !!! with some calls today, there will be a repair person sent on Monday ( love this...) between 8am and 4:30pm!!! and $65 to walk in and see what the problem is plus another day off to fix it and all the other parts and labour costs!!!

but on a bright note... I went to the Midtown mall and spotted some super cute shoes! (and they make my BIG feet look small) at 29.99 sale.. reg 70 they were such a deal... making me forget about the lack of a fridge =) I also decided to check out Children's Place (Danica will only wear Yoga style pants!- drives me nuts) and to my surprise MORE sales! (Fridge?-WHAT FRIDGE) they were 50%off and all red sale tag items were another 40% off ... HELLO yoga pants-- $4.99!!!!!! tops$4.99!!!cotton capris $6.99.... Danica now has 7 pairs of yoga pants, 2 pairs of capris,3 super cute tank tops style shirts and 2 long sleeve tops.. all totalling $77.....And then to Triple Flip where I picked up a water bottle and a head band for Danica's Baton Competitions raffle table......

Now to get some sleep.... long day tomorrow- we are hosting the competition (OTC) so that means working the booth and helping out when needed.. along with making sure Danica is ready and knows what lane she is competiting in for all her advents and her costume changes! But I love every minute of it.... and so does she =)

2010-04-11T22:12:00.000-06:00

Dj's Paper Wallet

Now Damon wants to use the sewing machine to make one...

What a fast easy craft..... and BTW the plastic was 1.97 a meter at walmart!

paper wallet

2010-04-11T08:47:00.000-06:00

scrapbooking paper craft .... think I will make one with Dj today....and I am sure Damon will want to join in too =) I have some hockey paper that he can use...

Check it out ... paper wallet (I get all the Martha emails daily) all the templates and written information for craft is HERE

Fire Burnin' video

2010-04-08T19:15:00.001-06:00

kinda fuzzy I know...it might be the way I converted it... I will look into it(cuz it is super clear and crisp on the file I watched) and Dj is the 2nd girl from the right =P

2010-04-08T12:02:00.002-06:00

When Tammi was in the States, she had some items shipped to her sisters.... and one was my birthday gift! and it is amazing.... can't wait to make some amazing cupcakes.... thinking white fluffy cream cheese icing might be rich enough for the sugar pearls and lace cupcake wrappers.....

I know I have visited this site before.... all you need is an address of a friend in the States cuz flat rate shipping to Canada is $40.00 ( yikes!) FancyFlours

Better get the last of my items off to the second hand store and the garage cleaned out.... before my body gets too stiff ( gym class in the morning was a killer) and it is going to snow tomorrow =P- lets hope the weather people are wrong!

Baton and Dance Photos- Update #2

2010-04-07T22:34:00.000-06:00

After a long bike ride with the kids and a stop at a friends... I am ready to upload some photos of Dj's gold medal routines =)

First Baton:
The girls routine is to "THINK"

A few shots from her Forward Motion and Solo

Not the best shot... but I love the way you can see her coach in the back... smiling away!

Dance Competition:

"Fire Burnin'"

we are not allowed to take photos or video during Dance... so I quickly snapped some photos and I managed to video at their practise gym time.

update #1

2010-04-07T18:04:00.000-06:00

My Peachy Cheap grab bag rrived today...(check out link on the top right- they have one item a day)

I think it cost me $13.00 with shipping

and my treat for Dj and I....cubicals from Michaels (and with 40% off coupons!) they are all easy to move too... so that I can paint and get the basement looking more updated!! a couple cans of paint can do wonders and is a cheap way to spruce up the house =)

I now have a little spot to work on my photos and scrapbooking.... its also big enough to share with Dj =)

I spent most of today sorting junk and making trip to and from Value Village and the second hand store on 115th.... I have another load to go there tomorrow =0)

I have also sorted through a bunch of photos that have been piling up on my CF card...... photos of the baton and dance competitions will follow later tonight... and video if I can figure it out...

Easter at my parents... in true small town style- includes a cake bingo.... and I won (but made Danica scream BINGO) =P

Looks can go a long way.... and that is where it ended for this cake!

BACK

2010-04-06T22:12:00.000-06:00

Danica and her "Fire Burnin'" group walked- or should I say, ran away with GOLD at their dance competition!!

We had a relaxing few days at the farm =0)

My laptop is back =-)!!

tomorrow I will be cleaning out the garage and updating Nomadacinad! My camera is FULL of photos!!

Short n sweet

2010-03-29T23:15:00.000-06:00

Since my laptop has decided to not run in windows vista or at all for that matter! I thought I would quickly post from my iPod. Danica had baton on Saturday in Regina. 530 am we were waiting to get on the bus!! And back in Saskatoon at midnight, a long long day.

Danica now is in a 9-11yrs age group so the judging seems more strict! But out of 10girls she managed to get 4th and was .01 away from 3rd. Her group came home with a gold or first place! (this is the same team that won gold in canadians as a large group last year. Rtheyonly had 2minor drops and were pretty much dead on with their pattern work.

I have a few photos  and soon as my laptop is working I will post some!

she also has a dance competition in north battleford on Monday. Where they will be dancing up a storm to 911 or fire burning on the dance floor song- in my opinion it's a little too saucy for 9 year olds...but they look good as a group all together.

Okay fingers are getting cramps from holding and typing this post....hope I can figure out what is up with my laptop

April Fools Fun

2010-03-22T21:19:00.000-06:00

check this out... I think I will have some fun with the kids on this day!!!

it is sponge cake and icing!

loads of ideas for fun silly food tricks ! HERE

the Meatloaf Pie looks amazing... BAmemories- your taste it Tuesday may never be the same!!!

Sometimes

2010-03-20T13:24:00.000-06:00

...life just gets busy and you have no time =P

I plan on posting updated photos of Dj's bedroom.... plan on making my cheap charger station ... finish making my little space for Danica and I to create...

but instead this is what I am busy at :
-PPP's since it is report card time....
-Scrap Splurge night- that was great to get out and see some friends and get some creative juices flowing and get back into it all.
- running Dj to and from extra baton and jazz classes and dress rehearsals
- making cupcakes for the dress rehearsal concession
-trying to squeeze in some gym time(spin class today was great! that is how a few friends and I spend our Saturday A.M. )
- buying BLACK EYED PEA tickets... phoned in cuz all I was getting was far lower level and now I will be going with a friend section 22 row 11.... super pumped.. cheaper seats and I will have a great view...

better get cleaning the house and start checking off my TO DO list!!!

a couple cans of paint

2010-03-07T19:19:00.000-06:00

to update my not-so-little girl's bedroom.....

From Princess:

To Diva Style:

the bed still needs to be painted black and a new duvet cover.. and a few black floating shelves...

trying to update the house from it's 11 year old style... to more of a modern look... next will be painting the railing black.... I never liked the wood and white paint look anyways!

a chance to win PRIMA

2010-03-02T22:32:00.000-06:00

(Click on the purple curtain to reveal the names of our two winners from the Big Secret Blog post!)
You have 7 days from today to contact us at cari@primamarketinginc.com for your prize package.

If you don't have a blog, don't worry, you still have a chance to win.
That's Right! Prima is giving away two more AMAZING prize packages in conjunction with our BIG SECRET!
We want EVERYONE to have a chance to win so we are changing the rules a bit.

Please copy this write-up and link us on your blog, Facebook, or any other site that you frequent (please follow their TOU).
Then post here with a link to your blog, Facebook or site post for your chance to win BIG with Prima!
One US and one International winner will be chosen on Thursday, March 4th, 2010.

And we are getting closer and closer to revealing our secret-it won't be long now!
Just a couple more days of suspense!

.....
hope I can walk tomorrow... Group Power class was a killer... my legs are like stiff jello- is that possible?!?!

Cupcakes and a week long update

2010-02-27T19:29:00.002-06:00

First... Monday was a field trip to Pooh Corner (Storytime in the downtown library) and a little boy I was keeping an eye on threw his body back while sitting by me and ...... well... I caught him, but something sounded not so good in my chest but the morning went on...by 1:30 I could not breath more than half a regular breath at a time.... by 2a.m. I woke up in a bunch of pain (crying actually) but refused to go to the ER.... slept finally sitting up (because laying down made it feel like my chest was caving in) The next morning I still went to work ( the 3 extra strength Motrin seemed to help) but by the end of work I was back to the same pain..... so off to the Dr. and after a 1.5 hour wait... I finally got to go back to those "little rooms" but when I mentioned it was chest pain.... I was treated right then! monitors hooked up and my blood pressure taken ( 142/80-- I have not a clue what it means and my heart was beating at 84 a minute) after a run through of every little question... I was sent off to get an X-ray ( my first one every- well teeth don't count, to me) and the ribs were not fractured or dislocated... but they were off set a bit... the Dr. said they maybe needed to be popped back into place - like a sprained ankle after the swelling goes down..... so until then... LOAD yourself up on these and top them up with another 800mg of advil/mortin and it should help!!

and by Friday I was feeling way better!!

These are my FAVORITE Hershey KISS <3 So why not make them into a cupcake for my staff friends at school!

the icing even had cherry juice in it to add the sweet yummy taste!

LOVE my Costco find at Christmas time! holds 36 but the only complaint is that I can't have as HIGH of icing!

Friday night was a BLING it up night... I had purchased one package of bling but that was not enough! I went back for 3 more! Danica had her first baton competition... and her solo costume that her coach ordered in did not fit her... so I decided to add some sparkle to her Jazz exam outfit.... I had sketched out a pattern to follow and 4 hours of BLINGING it was done! there is $44.00 of sparkle on her... ( and people that was at the 40% off) no wonder those outfits can be in the hundreds!
only have one more large purple swirl to add to the back!

Danica did AMAZING.... she managed to catch one of her 1-turns ( a super high throw... spin one rotation and catch) .....
now to go through 230 photos I took of her and her friend during their solo!

I also got a HUGE bag of Birthday items from my friend Heather =) the most amazing black and white mugs full of chocolate, my FAVORITE candle flavor (she use to sell Partylite), a Tim's card, scrapbooking embellishments, hand wash, tassimo green tea and fuzzy socks! Thanks so much Heather....

Friends

2010-02-17T19:48:00.000-06:00

With another day at home with the kids.... I phoned Friends to come over to skate.... Dale and Tammi headed over with their kids and a friend joined them.... Tammi and I even joined Dale on the ice with the kids and tried to pull out some of our figure skating moves from WWWWAAAYYY back (note to self- more than 4 rotations in a spin may cause a sick feeling in your tummy!) .... I think it is safe to say we all had a great time =)

Damon before his haircut today......

AFTER:

He was going for a Zac Efron look:

I think it looks great on Damon... he was all smiles when he left Angles! and I bugged him because 2 girls(his age) smiled right at him when we were walking down the mall....

Hockey

2010-02-14T22:16:00.001-06:00

I packed up my camera for Damon's game on Saturday... (taking just over 600 photos- trying to get some of each of the players)
the top 2 of Damon ....

and here is what happens when you get into the play and your stick is knocked out of your hands..... YOU KEEP ON PLAYING... use what you have to defend the puck in your end...

or ... Damon's friend with a big hit!

Who wants in???

2010-02-13T13:29:00.000-06:00

I found these lovely camera strap covers... through Ali Edwards site... I know which one I want... but does anyone else want one... maybe we can save on shipping!
Shey*B

The winner is

2010-02-12T18:04:00.000-06:00

Post Number 6!! Danica picked the number...

so Erin.... email me your address and actually I may be able to drop it off tomorrow after Danica's baton (around noon)

I also went back there yesterday... I thought that if any were left I would snap them up and give away as many as I could... but sad to say.. only one left that was bashed in beyond repair...( i looked it over but decided it was not even worth the 47cents)

the ipods were a HIT and the crayons went over great with the K's...... and I ended up with a bunch of tulips, from a sweet little boy =)

an Amazing SALE !!UPDATED

2010-02-10T17:21:00.002-06:00

I was just at the local Micheals... and spotted an item... which suits me to a T... but for the sake of such a deal (or sucker) I grabbed 4- and thought about taking all that were there!...

I will post a photo of my DEAL later tonight... I am busy helping kids with projects for school and a hockey game at 7.....

Some hints:

of course it is BLACK and WHITE with a damask pattern
You can store rolls of various colors and patterns in it
But this is not what I will use it for =) I'm thinking of a better use =P

Take a look here... at the price I got them I could resell! they were A LITTLE OVER 98% off... see why I just about bought them all....

tell me your best the best SALE price you have ever had...
and what could you use this for... I'm thinking a docking station in one half... little power bar inside..where the ribbon comes out could be where the cords to charge my things comes out... and even a little label for each cord.....How handy and cute!

one could be yours ( I will deliver it to the winner on Sunday) Kids will make the draw on Friday after school!

Valentine Swap photos & the finished iPods

2010-02-10T10:35:00.001-06:00

The iPods are done =) and have been sealed with a sticker!

Valentines Swap Photos.... Still no photo of my necklace, as I really did not get the look I was trying to do and I have not pulled it out to try again ( maybe tonight while the kids are working on their homework) The recipe box I won, designed by Leica Forest a super duper talented lady.... her work is published everywhere and she has her own articles in Canadian Scrapbooker!!

Keda! guess from this spot he can see everything in the basement!

a LUVLY day

2010-02-07T15:38:00.000-06:00

Photos will follow... I am amazed at the uniqueness of all the Valentine Swap items!!! From handmade Conversation Hearts to a Tin that amazed everyone I have showed it to!! I will also link all anyone who was there (As I never took any photos- I was to busy trying to get my necklace together!) I just need to take a little rest and enjoy some quiet time with Danica....

Valentines Swap Day

2010-02-07T10:00:00.001-06:00

Right now I am ... making necklaces with conversation hearts... thanks to these two ladies (Saucy and Sassy) I am there with 19 other ladies ... where we have decided to also exchange Valentines.... can't wait to see what everyone has made....

This was my second choice for this event..... Valentine Sundays.... so darn cute I was thinking this would make an awesome gift for Damon and Danica's teachers!

and here is what I made... Photo Tiles.... With a trip to Home Depot... I was set with 4x4 marble tiles ... mod podge and ribon(care of Michaels of course- armed with 2 of the 40% off coupons....sorry Damon I have now broken your honest little self- he was quite taken back that I should send him 2times with coupons to different tills to reap more benifits of the %off... in the end he did it with a devilish smile as he paid for the 2nd purchase-- thats what happens when you come shopping with mom!)

they turned out great... at least I think so.....

The SWAP ideas

2010-02-05T22:24:00.000-06:00

when searching for the Valentines swap ideas I stumbled upon lots of interesting sites... ( see the below posts and site for the Rock Candy iPods and the Heart Crayons)

And here are my top ideas that made my list of blog tabs for COOL ideas for Valentines: Number 1&2 spots for ideas will be a secret until the Swap takes place! I have a post set to be blogged at 10:30 Sunday morning =)
these blogs though, lead up to my number 1 and 2 spots....

I can't remember now if this one had Valentines ideas but it is in my folder with some cool easy things you can make ....... Make it and Love it

Fancy Flours- this is a cool baking site with loads of cool items.... forgot to check about shipping to Canada... but neat ideas none the less.

Martha.. she always has ideas... and these candy gems would be amazing in a vintage glass candy bowl! ( but no molds for these in Micheals =(

Cookie Pops... okay so I have attempted these from Bakerella's site.... but these were made with the raw cookie dough- so not sure on the "safe" factor but it is easy enough!

I loved this idea from DesignSponge... I NEED to make myself something like this.... LOVE IT

Coffee Cozy - but with a flirty corset look to it thought it would totally awesome to do, but my sewing can get a job done but, its not good enough to attempt making 19 and make it look like I know what I am doing!!

an End in SIGHT

2010-01-31T22:38:00.000-06:00

I think after working on the iPods and helping Danica with her project (4.5 hours).... I can say I only have 35 more to go! and my special SWAP project is almost done.... I just need 3 more photos... ( KAREN... that would be your reminder =P ) Today I also ventured out with Dj to take in a TAP time (not sure what it stands for but it is extra practice for baton) since we were right close ( at Tommy Douglas) we decided to head to the WALMART of all Walmarts!! and I have to say I am impressed... I can get a Tim's coffee and stroll up and down the rows of items.... and with it being so BIG I had no idea how many people were there until we went to pay...... 35 mins in line!!! but with an Extra Large Double Cream- in my system I was calm and relaxed....

88 more to go !

2010-01-26T22:31:00.000-06:00

iPods and Crayons

2010-01-25T23:40:00.001-06:00

Danica and I covered 90 Sweet heart boxes with cool iPod skins... Tomorrow I will photo copy the template for the scroll wheel and the song list for the front of the iPods.... and we need to attach the Kiss headphones! that pile of kisses is only for 50 iPods =) and the Heart crayons turned out great!!

Conversations heart Topiary

2010-01-25T17:21:00.000-06:00

if I didn't already have my Valentine swap ideas I would consider these:

they are even with the theme! instructions on Glue Guns and Spatulas site ( cute name too)

LED lights and sheep

2010-01-24T16:27:00.002-06:00

Amazing...

Rainbow Cake

2010-01-23T22:56:00.000-06:00

so here was my Rainbow Cake attempt! This was one BIG cake- six vibrant layers high. A little more icing was needed but I was not venturing out again for more Cristco.... this was a pure butter icing with cream and maybe 2 heaping TBPS of cristco ( I went through a whole big cardboard tub in December and never replaced it)

Damon and I purchased 90 boxes of heart candies ( $rama) we are making Rock Candy i-Pods for his class(30) Danica's class(30) and the grade 3 class I have, who also has 30 students..... not to mention the 20 heart shaped crayons I will be melting down for the Kindergarten class...... and the 19 Valentine Swap items I will be making for the 7th......

Cute ideas

2010-01-20T23:20:00.001-06:00

I have founds tons of cute sites full of charming ideas for Valentines...

for "crayon" Out Loud (smiles- like this play on words, but would it be too bold for me to put this on the kindergarten heart crayons I'm making them?)
and check out number 2 on the site as well... Cute little i-pods with KISSes headphones....HERE

and I so want to try this out for the kids soon.... doesn't it look amazing (Instructions)

paper lanterns- HOW TO

2010-01-18T20:56:00.000-06:00

While looking for something cool to do for the Valentines Swap..... Look what I found =) think this would be cool in Danica's room....

For complete details on this easy how to go to CraftyNest (photo care of craftynest too)

A Wonderful Place

2010-01-17T22:36:00.000-06:00

I just spent over an hour on this site The Idea Room while searching for an item to make for a Valentines Swap I am participating in with a bunch of lovely Gals. We will also be making a Valentines Necklace. Everything will be provided for this one, these 2 are amazing ** Saucy and Sassy.

The chunky Heart Crayons.... I am so making those for the kindergarten kids! and I have a bunch of crayons from doing Daycare that are just taking up space in the little playhouse - which is now an art house for Dj.
I have been saving these to melt down at sometime.

Starting off on the RIGHT foot

2010-01-16T09:49:00.000-06:00

At least I hope so.....

6am - can't sleep-- so finished uploading photo to Costco for today(since I am Scrappin' with some friends)
7:45am - BAmemories, her friend and I are on our way to SPIN CLASS at Mawson gym!
8:15am - only 15 mins into class and I figure I will not make it!!! but 5mins later I am feeling good/better-ish
8:35am - TAMMI HOW LONG IS THIS CLASS!?!?!? puff puff pant pant - okay actually gasping for air!!!
9am - Class is finished and I feel GREAT! and ready to take on the day

Now to fight my way in and out of Costco.... then off to catch up with some friends and get some scrapbooking done!

and maybe a little Karaoke tonight at this new place in town... as BAmemories guest.... I will not be singing- I can't even get above a 65 on Rockband =) Kids and I got a lot of playing time over Christmas and they always had to save me from failing!! but I know she will be up there putting the TWANG into every song ;-O

2010-01-10T21:06:00.000-06:00

I have been cleaning out each of the kids closets... WOW Damon has out grown almost half of what was stuffed in there!! we are down to 2 pairs of jeans and a pair of his Wild Cougar( hockey team) track pants !! SHOPPING TIME... and Danica is really starting to grow lately too (she has always been a short little munchkin, with a chubby face-- not anymore) my only problem with her right now is that she only wants to wear yoga pants... I am starting to get her to wear cute legging with skirts or long tops..... SHE is also in NEED of some new items.....

So what have I done with 2 BIG clear garbage bags of their clothes??? I put them on Kijiji... and with-in 15 minutes they were sold....THAT WAS EASY... so the pile of stuff I want to sell on my next garage sale will now end up on Kijiji first, maybe that will save me the headache of a garage sale!

HOT CHOCOLATE ON A STICK

2010-01-07T17:24:00.001-06:00

I found this recipe --- somehow, you know when you click and click and have no idea what might have brought you to that site---
The photos are all hers! but thought I would post this cool idea from her site!!! I spent a good chunk on time on there =) and it will be added to my side bar!

SINCE it is bone chilling cold out there... thought this could be a simple way to make some thing with Danica and Damon to enjoy in the cold!

Been looking awhile... but I think I found it

2010-01-05T18:01:00.001-06:00

thinking my tax refund (yes I plan on getting one this year!!) its my earned money- so I am entitled to it for once!!

The EZ View craft desk... you can pick your own "leg/sides" and I will be adding the extra set of drawers! I have contacted the company and shipping with broker fees/ customs and GST would be $200.00 but with how big and heavy it would be and I know the trouble at the border that we often have... this is a deal!

.....

back to work and I am exhausted! who knew Kindergarten could give you such a run for your money! SWEET & INNOCENT --- yeah that is what they would like you to think!!

playing

2010-01-01T20:20:00.000-06:00

great ?#%$^%$* I had a great background.. from this place but decided I wanted his red vintage boudoir one instead..... and well.... I lost all backgrounds and only had white!! so quickly put this background on... not what I want but, until I figure it out... back to playing around.... without the frustration- lets hope!

2010-01-01T15:11:00.002-06:00

Grab a friend who has had the same craving.... COCONUT SHRIMP.... search for a rice side dish (Pineapple and Curry) throw in a kraft pizza kit for the kids and 40 garlic and butter shrimp for the little girls.... and you have one great supper!! topped off with making 4 Winter Trains!!

First off the Trains: kids had free range to a ton of gummies, sprinkles and butter cream icing. They each created a special train

and while the kids are busy the Moms were too, preparing a feast!

Coconut Shrimp:

For the shrimp:

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup of Coconut Milk

3 large eggs

2-3 cups panko bread crumbs*

1 cup shredded coconut

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1 tsp kosher salt

1 pound peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp

Canola or peanut oil for frying

Directions

Place flour in a wide, shallow plate or baking dish. Place eggs in a medium bowl and beat them lightly. Combine panko, coconut, allspice and salt in another wide, shallow plate or baking dish.

Dip each shrimp in flour, coating both sides. Shake off any excess. Dip into egg and coconut milk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then, dip shrimp into panko/coconut mixture, patting it into the shrimp to stick.

Lay prepared shrimp on a tray or baking sheet and chill in the freezer for about 15 minutes.

While shrimp is chilling, put about 2 inches of oil in a large, deep pot. Begin heating oil to 350 degrees F.

*next time add way more shredded coconut to the mixture! and could use half the crumbs (which would be 1/2 box)

Pineapple and Curry Rice

Makes about 12( we did about half the recipe)

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons butter
2-1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon curry powder
5 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
1 (20 ounce) can unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained

In a large saucepan, sauté onion in butter until translucent. Stir in rice, garlic, and curry powder. Add broth, soy sauce and jalapeno, if desired. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Stir in green onions and pineapple chunks.

The Sauce on the plate was a mango red chilli one, it looked sweet and harmless!! but it had BITE!! went nicely with the sweet chilli sauce to tame it down =P

All in all... ONE GREAT SUPPER...

but note to self I need a thermometer to check the heat of the oil =o)

Movie Night

2009-12-29T20:13:00.000-06:00

With a couple phone calls to come in your Pj's Danica was able to get a few friends to join her for a movie night.
Playing:
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

With popcorn and your choice of topping (all-dressed, white cheddar, yellow cheddar, or Ketchup) with a generous amount of butter =P and a tall glass of Ice Tea!!

and tomorrow on our list of fun stuff to do:

Hit the GYM !
Afternoon we will be making a Winter Train... with loads of gummy goodness and icing to decorate!

and just had a brain wave!!! I have been craving coconut shrimp... and I think I may attempt to make it!! and homemade pizza for the kids........Better start a list for ingredients!!

Count Down

2009-12-23T23:58:00.000-06:00

I made this gift card for my Mom, thought I would Jazz-up this little card. I used Chipboard from the Sask Scraps and some of the new Vintage Christmas paper pack I bought there as well... some SMOOCH glitter mist(on the flowers) inked the edges and scratch on a rub-on... Easy Peasy--- so I had to make 2 more for Friends

And Speaking about friends, Tammi knows me all too well=)

we never mentioned about gifts at all....

I LOVE it... this purse is SO me, you were totally right Tammi.....

and it is reversible! check them out HERE.

hope you will get some use out of your gift as well.... Costco had a cupcake/treats storage container that will hold 36 cupcakes! (with icing, I might add) and since I knew that most out there are for 12-16 cupcakes max! I bought us both one!! *FYI: they are located right by the books

After Tammi and I exchanged gifts I headed out to finish the stocking shopping. Entering into Future Shop I managed to slip on ice and fall...oh..so..graceful ( in my big boots) GOD how embarrassing! one guy stopped to make sure I was okay. My finger stung a bit... and when I looked at it in the store I realized why.... it was bleeding really good! I was able to get a Band-aid from customer service and some Kleenex to clean up... Everyone who knows me really good also knows I'm a KLUTZ.
So now I am thinking I am finally DONE Christmas shopping!!

Snuffy

2009-12-22T21:18:00.000-06:00

I have caught another head cold.... but have managed to stay clear of Danica's stomach flu!
but with a head feeling like its full of rocks and that at any minute my eyes may pop out of my head, I do not feel much like shopping..... but it needs to be done!

so with tomorrow being my last day to really get it done.... I better fill up on meds and start feeling some JOY!

off to bed early with a cup of tea to help put me to sleep
and a sinus pill to numb everything

Best Christmas Cookie Recipe!

2009-12-21T21:59:00.000-06:00

Jose Cuervo Christmas Cookies

1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup or brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl,
check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality,
pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter
in a large fluffy bowl.

Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point
it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still ok, try another
cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup
of dried fruit.

Pick the frigging fruit off the floor.

Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry
it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.
Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who geeves a sheet.
Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.
Add one table.

Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can
find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall
over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the
Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.
Cherry Mistmas !

DIRTY oven and cupcakes a PLENTY

2009-12-18T00:41:00.001-06:00

So I thought it might be fun to add up how many cupcakes I have made since the beginning of December:

Cupcakes a PLENTY:

10 Boxes of cake mix
40 eggs
5 cups of melted butter

110 Big cupcakes and 80 mini cupcakes

7 cups of Cristco
7 cups of butter
7 teaspoons of clear vanilla
14 tablespoons of cream
28 cups of icing sugar
1 pot of red dye
.5 pot og kelly green gye
.5 pot of royal blue
a dash of black dye
2 cups of Cocoa

and for the dirty part:

I know my oven has needed a cleaning for a while now!!! and I hate to admit but.......... I am thinking that I really have only cleaned it once in.... .............11 years *muttered in a small voice with a cough or two to try to cover up the length of time*
but I really can not handle the Easy Off smell (not saying anyone else can either) When I was at Tammi's Open House Party, I noticed that Norwex had a next to nothing smelling oven cleaner...... so for those that did not spend to get a self clean oven.... I can hands down recommend this cleaner..... not only was it easy to breath in..... It also required very little elbow grease!!!
so those who peeked in and looked at my oven... the following will be no surprise ......... and those who know me and how I like to keep things clean will be SHOCKED that I had a Dirty DIRTY oven!!!.....

I was thinking the other day that maybe my oven was like the Pampered Chef Stones ( which is the only thing I use-not one baking sheet in my house!) and that the oven cooks better the darker it was

But with my new cleaner delivered to me at 9pm I was ready to clean:

this: (can't believe I will share this)

with 2 applications it looks amazing!:

penguins and polar bears!

2009-12-15T20:25:00.000-06:00

sneak peek!
grade 6 will be making these on Thursday at Damon's School =P

Damon made the polar bear:

I tried the penguin:

the snow globe version will be a NO-GO Walmart is out of the round bottles!!!

so they will make one of these and I have one for them to decorate and eat at lunch or recess!

The Wild Cougars

2009-12-13T12:23:00.000-06:00

First a look at what I am working on for my Dad for Christmas... they will all be 5x7 prints... I have used my scanner to scan the film negative into the computer so I could photoshop the image... off to Don's Photo to get prints later this afternoon--- too cold to head out but I have to start on the Christmas shopping!!!

Damon's hockey team ( The Wild Cougars) had a game last night, so decided to take a few photos... Damon had a great break away but the puck went right off the goalie's toe!!! He also had a goal but they waved it off ---not sure on the reasoning =o(

THE BREAK AWAY:

AND he got hit hard ( too bad it isn't in focus- but you can feel the pain )

Cheesecake, cupcakes and Santa

2009-12-11T20:49:00.000-06:00

This is what I have done all week.... aside from work, jazz and baton class, getting my hair re-highlighted, and a staff get together.
First I happened to check online and we only had 9 days left to write Santa!!! last year it was a quick email, but with Damon (11) and Danica (9) I was thinking I would get a feel of where they were this season ;o) and Damon got right to it putting his list together and in a hurry to get it to the Big Guy and Danica was right behind him!! This has to be the longest letters they have sent, also most expensive!! ( Damon,as I said before... Santa will not have room for a 48" LED flat Screen for your room!!!) His list topped out at 23 items! that is 2 pages carefully written in LARGE print =o) Danica was way more conservitive with her list 15 items ( her items that made me giggle were a cellphone-yeah right! a TV for her room- again keep wishing and a small camera along with almost every fur-real animal that has been made!
On Tuesday Tammi phoned me at work and we arranged a special drop off of the kids lists to Santa at the mall ( she may or may not have phoned all the malls to find out where the best free presents for seeing Santa were) So with Damon not really wanting to sit up on Santa's knee and Danica, I think following in her brothers lead, I was thinking of ways to make them cooperate. And once we were there.... and Tammi's kids went first.... and we slipped our letters in the mailbox..... I was able to get this one quick photo:

And here is what I was busy baking:

Carmel Macchiato Cheesecake

Turtle Chocolate Cheesecake:

and of course a party without cupcakes- think not!
bight turquoise butter cream icing with 1) chocolate sprinkles 2) white ball sprinkles 3) decorating sugar sprinkles:

now to make a list for a cupcake class for Damon's grade ( 30 eleven year olds) thinking 2 cupcakes each but I have in mind one of the snow globe and one of the crate of Coke or the North Pole sign...... these are all ideas from Bakerella - amazing blog - I can spend hours looking at all her ideas! ( her blog is posted on the right) I think I may have bit off too much this time... all in 3 hours of class time... hope it can be done!

I have not been able to locate any red cupcake liners... I was wanting just 30 so that the globe one looked cool :o) but we will see what Michaels has tomorrow!

now off to print a wack of coupons from the Michaels site!

Petland Party

2009-12-06T18:11:00.001-06:00

I have to say it was well worth the money... Danica was in HEAVEN =) Liam was the Petland who brought all the animals to the house....with each animal there was a presentation on where they were from and interesting facts.... It was amazing ... just like having Animal Planet in your livingroom....
I will show the party in photos:

The animals: Ferret, bulldog, kitten,bearded dragon, snake,diagos(spelling unsure of), cockatoo

If you have a child that loves animals look in to having a Petland Party...

Liam even left with a yummy cute little white cupcake!

A Birthday and Cupcakes

2009-12-06T01:04:00.000-06:00

its at this point when I think why did I take this on.... and with every chance I get I put it off until there is no time left to screw up!(it is Midnight and I still have some more to make)

I am now half done Danica's pupcakes for her Petland Party for tomorrow..... the treat bags are made and all that will be left for the morning is to run get some cash for the payment of the party and a XL 2C coffee... that may calm my nerves ( if there is a BIG snake or a HUGE spider brought to the house!)

tonight I enjoyed homemade pizza -- care of BAmemories =0) so yummy but the best was her cupcakes coffee flavor with a little sumthing sumthing in the icing I am sure she will post photos! and the girls, including Tammi, rocked out to Danica's sing it on the Wii..... Avery loves to sing-- wonder where she got that from?!?

soon as I finish up I will post photos of the lovely Pupcakes =P

Old Fashion Christmas- Baton

2009-12-03T22:51:00.001-06:00

A whole post done in photos ( its all I have time for- I'm exhausted- its past my bedtime)

Since when did she look so grown up?! - check out the little heels and they lasted all but 30mins =P then she was running around with all the other girls in her tights!

These could have used a little Saucy treatment!

Jazz Exam and Such

2009-12-01T17:46:00.003-06:00

Roughrider Cupcakes for the weekend treats =P

I also did my 2nd Christmas Charm Party.... they look super good ( as always Saucy and Sassy, awesome job organizing this)

Today was Dj's Jazz exam.... and she was so ready for it.... a few photos from her warm up before the exam.

christmas craft

2009-11-28T17:04:00.000-06:00

Parent / teacher interviews were on Thursday. Both kids did really well on their report cards =) Damon has an 84% average (in grade 6 they are given their marks for the core subjects) Danica was meeting in every subject and excelling in 5 categories.

Damon's teacher has asked if I could help out in a Christmas craft... due to Damon's big mouth- he mentioned that I was planning on doing something cool with the mini round Coke bottles from Walmart.
So on the 17th I will be teaching 28 grade 6 students this cupcake ( from Bakerella's website)

instructions HERE

I think that we will make the snow globe and the coke crate cupcake....I better test this one out before the 17th!! But I do have LOTS of fondant left from making Damon's monopoly cake!

tomorrow I will be attending Saucy's Charm Swap.... this time the bracelet will be for a gift... and since my charms have been lost in the mail... I have been busy getting some charms made

and for any of my friends who would like to come over for cheesecake and drinks... I will be having a Norwex party on Dec 9th at 7:30....

new projects

2009-11-25T22:52:00.001-06:00

Here are a few things that I have been working on since last weekend...
Charms for the Swap on Sunday =) since mine have not shown up in the mail.. I have 3 back-up plans
Staffroom duty means that I need to bring a snack... must have been a male teacher that made this up.... BUT it is all good... i love making fun themed items...
so tomorrow we will enjoy:

Meatball Cupcakes:

also I have pre booked Danica's 9th party.. with Petland.. HOW COOL for a little girl who will watch a marathon on Animal Pet Rescue.... this will include a staff member bringing 8-10 pets to the house for an hour presentation.... and the girls then will enjoy these treats:

and somewhere between a late Mad Tea Party on Saturday and marching in the Santa Parade, I picked up a cold... and I have just managed to lose my voice tonight..... How does one do this without even talking?!?!?....

Your late.... your late... your late!!!

2009-11-22T20:21:00.002-06:00

Follow me... we need to hurry!!

This way...... down the rabbit hole...

HHmmmm... what could this be...

and what is this...

Looks like we got here just in time.....

For the Mad Sask. Scrap party !

Where a set of friends giggled the day away....

Completing lots of projects....

Attending some amazing classes put on by Vicki Boutin- a super talented lady! full of fun!

Eating the best Tacos and Saskatoon Famous Cupcakes ( thanks Saucy Sprinkles)

With a fun little impromptu photo session....... the girls may have gotten a little silly...

It was as if there was a little sumthing sumthing added to our coffee?!?!?

Maybe we should start traveling to the other Canadian Scrap weekends... can you imagine.... that would be a great girls weekend... ladies maybe we should consider it?

I also had decided to not be so shy and enter a couple layouts and I managed to get third.... I was completely shocked....

Thanks Leica - you ROCK at setting up these crops and your Mom's food is amazing.... and don't get me started on the mile high, pink, fluffy icing topped with M&M's on a Saucy Sprinkles cupcake!!

We already have a couple ideas for next year!!!

and more photos will be added on my fellow Hatter's sites:

Tammi

Jenn

Karen

Going Crazy

2009-11-19T16:00:00.004-06:00

with only 24 hours left before the BIG scraps event... I still have my costume to finish sewing!! and pack and sort everything....but in the end it will all be great.... with a wonderful group of ladies to spend the weekend with and all the creativity that buzzes around the building-- the stress factor right now will be worth it =)

here is one of the photos Danica and I have back from the Photographer that was at the Lady Gala- fashion show at The Bay:

Fashion show

2009-11-14T23:47:00.000-06:00

It was fun.. but I was so nervous..... I just about fell on the slippery stage with those high heels on :-o YIKES Danica and Tammi were awesome... =)
have to add a photo of our loot tomorrow! (our gift bag for volunteering-plus I will be picking up some of the outfits we hit the stage with)

Snuggled up with Dj in bed watching Snow Buddies......
tomorrow I have to use my moms expertise to get the center piece made for our BIG scrap event-its good to have a florist in the family!
and I will need to sew up my final touches on my costume---okay I mean sew my whole costume up... this has really snuck up on me!

Girl Time Gala

2009-11-10T17:48:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I spent the main part of the day with Tammi...... picking out our outfits for the GIRLS GALA at The Bay on Saturday...
My sister-in-law is one of the managers there and was putting together the fashion show... she needed some friends/family to fill the modeling spots.... I was not going in on this alone so I managed to get Tammi to join me!! Danica was also added to the list.... she was wanting to know what you get if you win the modeling search =) guess she has watched a couple Top Model show with me =P But she is OK with it just being for fun- and she is now wondering how they want her to wear her hair--- oi

After 4 hours Tammi and I had our two outfits... complete with smoking HOT shoes, jewelery, purses and jackets!

here is a look at what we will be wearing:
Guess Sweater

Lady Dutch

I love all the clothes and shoes and jewelry ( a Guess charm bracelet=P so yummy) how to chose what I ~~want~~ NEED at a discounted price for volunteering =)
oh yeah and a super sweet yellow purse----
what's a girl to do????

Black Christmas Balls

2009-11-03T21:55:00.000-06:00

I found some very cool black balls for the tree.... 12 for $2.99 a steal =) there are satin finished. glittery and a dully finish... I think a black will look amazing with a slash of red and a hint of pearly white!
I may need to run back and purchase some more! on my lunch break tomorrow =)

The kids brought home a note from school stating that they were now at 10% of students home sick with FLU or Flu like symptoms! YIKES.... wash wash wash scrub scrub scrub

With Danica having asthma and with being anaphylactic to Motrin or Advil ( Ibuprofen) and she can not have Eppi she needs another version of adrenaline when her throat closes off....... my concern for her with all this H1N1.... I fear that if she was to get the worst case of this flu... we could end up in the hospital with her ( she was in ER many times when she was little with croup/colds/or asthma attacks.. twice nurses arranging everything for emergency tracheotomy .... the whole fever part of H1N1 scares me that she may require something stronger than Tylenol to bring it down....

What are your ideas on this H1N1 vaccination?

Trick or......... TREATS

2009-10-31T19:51:00.001-06:00

A DEAD CHEERLEADER..... now for the more serious shots-- you know more DEAD-LIKE:

A ZOMBIE ELVIS and A ZOMBIE HUNTER(thats what happens Damon when you say you want to dress up 2 hours before tricking time!) Grab your Nerf gun and get going!

they boys were back after 2 hours.. with a HUGE haul of treats! the most original- Toronto Maple Leafs mini puck gum- in a little cardboard box....

Danica just stopped by with her girl friends to unload 2 Walmart bags full and they are on their way to trick or treat all of Beerling Cres =)

Keda has decided to join in the Halloween fun..... perched on the back of the couch MEOWING at the ghosts and gobblins as they walk up the driveway... and Halo has taken a comfy spot beside me on the couch- paws covering her eyes =)

Hallow-eve

2009-10-30T21:34:00.000-06:00

The Pumpkins are carved =) Keda is in LOVE with the mouse one... everytime I set it up he picks off the mice one by one!

and apparently the hair I sported today was the in thing according here and the this blog! (check out that studded pumpkin- HELLO ugly brads- this would be perfect )

And after 2 hours of CRIMPING it was done (11:30pm) and with a few touch-ups this morning I was ready for the day in Kindergarten! as a--- well---- a girl in all black and crazy hair.

Think I may keep my hair like this for tomorrow! since it is Halloween and all... and lets face it I don't want to invest another 2 hours doing this!
Happy Treating tomorrow =)

black Vodka - Blavod

2009-10-28T16:51:00.000-06:00

the update to this from my post a few weeks ago is:
so far we have not had it in Saskatchewan for over 4 years, I was told at the LB in Erindale-Willow Grove.
... and I have a message on my machine---
get this:
for 800.00 and some they will order me a case of 12!! well we know for next year... if anyone is interested in Saskatoon!!! so keep it in mind =)
Carving pumpkins - then off to Damon's first Band Concert... Hope in a group they sound better then what I have had to listen to here.... he is getting better but the cats still run for cover when he starts to play =)