Perogies..oh my!

Happy weekend everyone! Allen is away fishing this weekend, so its been just Emma and I. Friday night I went and saw Bridesmaids with A. It was hilarious..I cried I laughed so hard. Some of the jokes were pretty disgusting, but it kind of just made things even funnier. There were woman 30 years older than me there killing themselves laughing.. I even think guys would enjoy it. Its a bit of a chick flick, but still as funny as The Hangover. I am going to convince Allen to see it and when Courtney gets home from Bali we are going to have to go see it again as she just got married!!

In other news... I am kind of excited. I got an iPhone on Friday. My blackberry (which I havent had for that long) has been driving me nuts. The girl at telus seems to think I might have gotten moisture inside it (you can get this from talking on your phone while it is drizzling outside, or if you leave your phone in the bathroom while you shower). Every time I talk on the phone it makes a horrible sound..very mechanical and scratchy. So anyways I got me an iPhone. It was on for $0, I just had to pay some serivicing fees and renew my plan which is a-okay by me. Anyways I am loving it so far. I just don't full understand how to work it. Waiting in line with A to see the movie on Friday, my phone started to play music and I couldn't figure out how to make it stop. A little embarassing when my technology confuses me!!

Yesterday turned out to be a nice day. Emma loved the sunshine. She was outside for a good chunk of time, laying in the grass.

Doesn't she look happy?

Last night I went to Allen's moms for a perogie dinner. She is ukranian so her perogies are amazing! His step sister is an amazing cook and baker and she brought two delicious desserts, a banana coconut cake and a raspberry jello amazing dessert thing. YUM!

This morning I had a good sleep-in and woke up to sunshine!! I ate my breakfast outside on the patio.

My breakfast: yogurt with a couple strawberries and half a banana cut up on top. Then a sprinkling of Kashi cereal and bran buds. I seriously eat this almost every morning.

While I was sitting on the patio, I checked out my plants. I am going to be planting this cute plant outside in our front yard soon!

I love sunny days. We have seriously been lacking in the sunny weather, so I am hoping the weather starts to improve. Anyways I am off to get ready for my massage! I cannot wait!!! ECK!!
Have a good rest of the weekend!
B

Lucky Girl

It was Allen and I's anniversary yesterday. We made a really easy dinner as I worked both jobs...then we went to Pirates III after I got off work. When we came home from the movie there was a card hiding under my pillow. I was slightly confused as I had already received a card earlier in the day. Well Allen was sweet and bought me another card..and wrote that he had decided to give me a spa day as a gift.

 It was incredibly sweet! It was exactly what I needed, but the last thing I expected!!! I booked my first appointment today! I am getting an one hour relaxation massage at The KingFisher Resort this Sunday.... I am saving the other part of the spa gift (manicure or pedicure for another day).

I definately got spoiled. It was very unexpected but so appreciated it! What a lucky gal I am! I got myself a pretty good "wolf pack"!

B

Summer Reading List

I feel like I have been reading my book With the Kama Sutra Under my Arm forever now. I am hoping to finish it soon, but its just dragging on and on... I don't want to give up without finishing it. I have so many other books that I want to start reading. Here is my summer reading list:

1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I need to get going with this one as I just watched the movie trailer for it! I have to read the book before I watch the movie and it looks so good.

2. A Million Little Pieces by James Fry
I still havent read this book and I just watched Oprah reinterview in. It sounds like a good read.
3. Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton
I have been avoiding buying this book as its hardcover and not cheap, but I cannot wait any longer for it to come in at the library. I may pick it up as a summer treat.
4. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo...
I have had this book for awhile now but I need to retry reading. I couldn't get into it last time I tried.
5. Catch 22
A classic that is on my bucket list to read!

What is your summer reading list?
B

One Bowl Muffins

I haven't posted any baking recipes in awhile so I thought I would post this delicious muffin recipe. I can't remember where I found this recipe but its great for two reasons. You just throw all the ingredients into one bowl and mix (less dishes is always a plus) and second, you can throw whatever add ins you want!

Basic All Bran Muffins:

2 cups all bran flakes (I used bran buds)

2 eggs

1/4 cup olive oil

1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup milk

Plus any add-ins

Combine all ingredients into one bowl and mix until just combined.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until just golden brown and cooked through.

Possible add ins:

1/2 cup chopped nuts of your choice

1/4 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds

1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries

1 cup mashed banana (usually 2 or 3 bananas)

1 cup grated carrots

This is my second time making these muffins. First time I just used raisins...this time I just did 1 banana and 1 cup grated carrots. Love these muffins with the banana and carrots!

Hope you get a chance to make these. I am off to go get ready for work... TOCing again today!

B

Wedding Weekend

This past weekend I got to celebrate the union of two amazing people..Court and Ash. I was so priviledged to be Court's maid of honor and to be a part of this amazing wedding. They did an amazing job on their wedding.

The fabulous wedding party.

The wedding was such a blast. I got to visit with some friends that I haven't seen enough... I missed many of my girls...especially Miss Anthem...Morgs :). They both looked stunning...along with my beautiful bestie, Court. My dear friend the bride looked gorgeous, hey? Her hubby looked very handsome too.

My handsome boyfriend and I

Love these girls!

I love weddings! Excuse to get dressed up all fancy and celebrate/visit with amazing friends!!!! :)

B



Summer Grilling

Things have been super busy so please excuse the delay in new posts... I will be posting some photos of my best friend, C's, wedding very soon, but first I wanted to post some other recent photos.


Last night I tried grilling asparagus on the bbq. SOO GOOD. I will try to grill my asparagus from now on. So much flavour and so easy.

All I did was drizzle some olive oil on the asparagus and sprinkle some S&P, then placed them on tin foil..and popped them on the bbq for 2 to 3 minutes. Super easy, hey?!


Allen and I got up veryyyyyy early this morning. We left the house at 3:45 am and headed to the west coast to take the trailer up there. The weather turned out to be gorgeous. We had a picnic with hot dogs, potato salad, fruit, chips and veggies with hummus. So delicious! After our guests (Allens mom, step dad and grandma) left...Allen, Emma and I had one amazing nap. We always love a good west coast nap. Then we cleaned up and drove home..too much driving in one day!

Emma was digging again!

Tiny little dream

If I could come back in another life...one of my dreams would be to become a professional dancer. I would love to be a dancer and because of it I have a huge weakness for any tv shows or movies that are dance related.. even those cheesy dance movies that have the same plot...I love 'em. Once the music comes on and the dancers start moving.. I am hooked.

I just discovered a new tv show...major guilty pleasure.. Dance Scene with Laurieann Gibson.. and Kherington from So You Think You Can Dance!



Oh the life of a dancer!

In other news, Allen is home tonight! I am heading down to pick him up from the seaplan terminal...tonight...really late...I am going to be tired tomorrow, but gonna be sooooo worth it! He is coming home a day earlier as his job site got shut down because of the forest fires near Slave Lake. So exciting news that he is home tonight!!!! :)

B

Simple throw together dinner..

I am getting pretty good at this cooking for one thing.. tonight I made some quinoa...chicken...and asparagus...stirfried it all together with some teriyaki sauce.. It was delicious!

Today was a pretty good day for the most part...did an hour of yard work...went for a hour walk with my friend A..

then my car died...AGAIN! Seriously...I wish it would catch on fire or get stolen.... I am taking it in on Thursday to get an overhaul...

Wish me luck!

On a side note...here is what I am reading currently..

Its a mix between Eat, Pray, Love...and a travel novel like one of Bill Bryson's...

The book isn't spectacular, but its still readable. There is a bit too much history of India for my liking...but the other parts are entertaining.

I recently..reset a goal of reading all the books in my bookshelves to try and weed out some crappy books..to make room for new ones..

Happy Reading!

B

Yes to patio furniture..

My mom came up this weekend. We were having a girls weekend to celebrate her birthday. Yesterday we went out for a yummy lunch and then went shopping. Its funny some days you have great luck with shopping..then some days nothing. I bought a couple bras..and another dorky teacher mug. My mom bought a nice shirt from Winners. We did some grocery shopping, took the pooch for a stroll...then we went and picked...up....my...patio...furniture!!! Yes thats right I have patio furniture now. This set is sitting on our patio as we speak....now we just need it to stop raining.

Today we got up a had a fruit/yogurt breaky then took Emma for another nice walk. We also stopped and did some more shopping. While shopping my mom and I split a gooey, delicious cinnamon bun to celebrate her birthday.
After our shopping, we went home and got to work in the pouring rain. Allen has been sitting in his little room up in Fort Mac dying to come home and do some work around the house..and he needed his trailer washed. Next Monday Allen and I are hauling his trailer up to his property on the west coast..and before it goes up there Allen wanted the nasty green slime washed off. My mom and I put our rubber boots and rain coats on and scrubbed that trailer clean!! One job done!

It was so nice to have my mom visit for the weekend. We see each other fairly often but its not always quality time...so this weekend was a real treat!!

Hope you all had a great weekend! I know I did..rain or shine!
B

Must haves in my closest..

I have seen alot of bloggers showing their closets or must have pieces so I thought I'd give it a try!

1. One must have is my sunglasses...I ABSOLUTELY LOVE these glasses. They are huge but I love them. I bought them while I was in Australia...I bought them from a convience store! :) I am always afraid something is going to happen to them...I have been wearing them for 2 years now!

2. My black rose earrings...I love these earrings...I feel funky in these earrings :)

3. My watch...I wear it pretty much wear it every day and I have gotten tons of compliments on it and the best part was that I got it for $20 at Winners!!

4. My skinny jeans..I swear I wear these jeans all the time, but they are the best fitting jeans ever...I will be sad the day something happens to them.. and they are another Winners find

5. Along with my skinny jeans... I can't live without my skinny Gap dress pants. I have two pairs..and I LOVE THEM.. My friend A introduced them to me and we are both in love with them.
6. Scarves/Pachmenas...I have tons...too many really, but I couldn't live without them.

7. Hoodies...I have a few too many, but I love them...I like certain fits and colors at certain times...I think you can never have too many hoodies... here are some of my faves..

8. My infamous spicy moccasins...I heart them...they are so nasty but I LOVE THEM!

Thats all for now..I could go on...but thats all I need to show you for now... next time I am thinking about showing you whats in my makeup bag... I thought I would leave you with a picture of the pooch sunning herself on our lovely patio.. I cannot wait for summer!

B

Most amazing chicken EVER

I've been waiting patiently to post my newest entry. Blogger has been down since yesterday so I have been checking it constantly to see if it was back up...

I made this recipe from Crepes of Wrath..Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken.. my mom tried it the other night too and said it was amazing..my brother even went back for seconds.

I can't remember which blog I originally found this recipe off, but it linked to Crepes of Wrath.. Such an amazing recipe. I didn't have any brocoli or good greens to incorporate into this recipe, but I think next time I will either use frozen peas, brocoli or even asparagus to add some veggies into the mix. I just served it over rice. Seriously though...MOST AMAZING CHICKEN EVER and such an easy weeknight recipe... I am pretty excited for Allen to try it...I think he might fall in love with me all over again ;)

In other news, its been a busy week. I TOC'd at my moms school 3 day this week. Been busy but good. They have such a great school community..the staff and students are amazing. Its been nice getting to know all the students and having them recognize me in the hallways and saying hi to me! Since I have been subbing more lately I have decided to post my TOC must haves..Here are the things that currently I couldnt live without....the things that have saved my butt a few times..

1. A good whistle for the gym.. A MUST HAVE! I hate having to use my voice to get students attention while balls are bouncing or kids are running around screaming..

2. Brain Quest cards.. I have grade 2, 3, 4 and the Canadian Version..these are such great time fillers..when you have 5 minutes here and there they are great!

3. Spark story prompts.. My dear friend A bought me these cards. They are great for writing prompts for students, but yesterday I used them just as discussion with the grade 6/7 class I was in. It was hilarious to hear what some of the students said. One question asked if they could stay any age forever what age would it be...most said 21 so they could be a legal adult....can't say I would want to be 21 forever...

4. Easy, premade games with cards or dice. I made some addition game that uses a game board that I keep with me..dice and felts..easiest time filler...but its educational and its awesome to see students playing and learning!

5. Wayside Stories...picture books...most classes become quiet and calm during story time.. :)

Little Emma..only a few months old

Anyways...Emma is at doggy daycare today...she needed to burn off some steam with other pooches...I am going on a cleaning frenzy today...tomorrow my mom COMES FOR THE WEEKEND! I am soooooo excited. Every time we saw each other at school this week we kept saying...SATURDAY SATURDAY!! haha AND ALLEN IS HOME ON WEDNESDAY! WoooohooooOOOO! AND THEN ITS THE WEDDING WEEKEND!!!!! Cannot wait!

B

Something to think about...

"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us..."

Anonymous

9 days?!?!

I'm counting down the days till the boyfriend comes home! Emma and I miss him like crazy! We are lucky to have facebook and skype as we can still see each other while he's gone! I'm pretty sure that he is home in 9 days..we think..we still aren't 100% sure what day he is getting home, but I am excited for him to come home to his "wolf pack"! ~B

Patio season

Here are some of the things I'm daydreaming about right now..

Yes patio furniture..I cannot wait to buy a gorgeous patio set..for now I would be happy with a table as we do have some "okay" chairs right now...

I would also LOVE a hammock for our backyard.. a place for me to layout and read...or the boyfriend and I can just hang out and relax in the backyard while swinging away together...

And flower/patio boxes..I'm actually going to be working on my patio boxes this coming weekend with my mom..cannot wait! I love spring and summer..I think summer is my favourite season..I can't wait for long nights sitting outside on the patio!
B

Slippers Sunday

I have had a good Sunday. I got up and went for pancake breakfast with A..it was pretty good then we went for a walk. A showed me another great trail that I can take Emma on. It was so nice out and it was good to go get some exercise with Miss L. :)

After our lovely stroll..I got really lazy. I put my feet up on the couch and didn't really do much for a couple of hours. I'm embarassed to say I watched "Cheaper by the Dozen II", then I snoozed, watched some "Friends" reruns. It was pretty lazy but really enjoyable. I also made some banana bread...then I got my butt in gear, picked up some groceries for the week...lots of veggies and fruit :) and then made dinner..

I attempted to eat this lovely meal outside..and since we don't have a patio table yet, I ate it on my lap all the while Emma mooched and licked the air..dying to get some of my dinner.. After dinner..

I did some more reading...  I am not sure what I will do for the rest of the evening. I am thinking I will color my hair as my dear friend C keeps pointing and pulling out my grey hairs..probably have a bath..clean the kitchen..talk to the bf..a whole lot of relaxing. It has been a very enjoyable Sunday!
B

Happy Momma's Day

Happy Mothers Day everyone!

I don't get to see my mom today, but yesterday I dropped off a gift for her from my brother and I. We got her an amazing gift of LUSH stuff...any excuse to buy LUSH..I love it and she seemed to love it as well. I'm even more excited and lucky, because she is coming up next weekend to spend Saturday and Sunday with me. Its her birthday weekend...I cannot wait. We are going to go to some small local shops...thrift stores...go for some good walks...have some lovely meals..and do some gardening. I could honestly go on.

I love having uninterrupted, unrushed time with my mom. We see each other fairly frequent but its usually when we have a short time frame.

Anyways I hope you all are celebrating with your moms!!! Since I'm not celebrating with my mom today, I am celebrating with my friend A by going to a pancake breakfast at the firehall! Pretty excited!

B

Another addition of 'new music for your weekend'..

Its been awhile since I did a new music update so here are some new tunes I'm listening to...(they may not be new..just new to me):

David Guetta- Where Dem Girls At? feat. Nicki Minaj and Flo Rida
Florence and the Machines- Cosmic Love *this song gives me chills* and Drumming Song

Enrique Iglesias and Ludacris- Tonight (I'm lovin' you)
Kelly Rowland- Motivation
Eric Solomon- I Found Love
Mumford and Sons- The Cave

Any good tunes I've missed? I love hearing about new good music!
B

Field Trip

Today I went on my first field trip as a teacher. We went to a Track and Field Meet. I had so much fun! Along with another teacher, we were in charge of the softball throw..pretty easy event! It felt so good to be there interacting with all the students and staff. I'm really enjoying getting to know all the staff and students at the school. I love it when students remember my name and say hi to me in the hallways. I cannot wait to get into a classroom so I can see the same staff and students everyday and really feel a part of a community!

I just had a great dinner. One of my faves..spaghetti squash! I love spaghetti, but I am trying my hardest to cut down on the carbs...aka PASTA PASTA PASTA! So spaghetti squash has been a good substitution! I swear everytime I make it though I almost set off the smoke detector! The oil and high temperature...SIZZLE..

Anyways..my feet are up now..I'm ready to sit and do nothing tonight. Here's my list  for the evening...watch CSI: NY, talk to the boyfriend hopefully (he is still in Fort Mac)..have a bath..read my book.. Sarah's Key.. mhm and thats about it...  Sounds like a fantastic night...

OH WAIT WAIT WAIT...I totally forgot to mention... I am going to KINGS OF LEON!!! WOOHOO! Its on my bucket list to see them...well my dream is to see them in an open air venue like the Gorge..but an arena will do just fine! I cannot wait..4 days before my birthday..the boyfriend got them for us..what a nice boyfriend hey!!! CANNOT WAIT!!!!!
Have a good Friday!
B

Essential Ingredients

I just finished the book, The School of Essential Ingredients. It wasn't the most amazing read; however something I did love about this book was the authors descriptions of cooking different things. She did such an amazing job of writing about the romance of cooking... as a budding cook, I fell in love with some of her words.. She writes about how cooking influences different characters in the story... oh I love reading about cooking!

The book inspired me to list off my favourite things about cooking..so here goes:

1. I love the way different colors come together to make something beautiful. I love the colors of greek salad...the colors of my mexican salad..avocado, black beans, red onion, tomato..love how the colors come together!

2. The smell of cinnamon..

3. The way cheese turns brown and bubbly while my lasgana bakes

4. The feeling of feta cheese when I crumble it over a salad

5. Browning things in a dutch oven or a stove pot..

6. Deglazing a pot.. something so satisfying about watching the bottom of a pot become clean and knowing that those delicious flavours are only enhancing the rest of the dish

7. Watching other people cook... I could sit and watch people cook all day

8. The smell of spaghetti, especially when I have added the right amount of spices and flavours..

9. The smell of fresh baked goods..

10. The smell of bbq...anything cooking on a bbq is just fantastic

11. Taking a spaghetti squash out of the oven, then taking my fork to the insides of it. I love watching it become "spaghetti"

12. The crutch of garlic bread

13. I love trying a new recipe and it turns out absolutely amazing!

What are some of your fave things that go along with cooking?

B

"When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste."

Laiko Bahrs

Catching up...

Things have been fairly busy lately... the stagette was great fun.. the following day that I got back from the lovely weekend away I got a call for TOC work..so I drove the hour to work yesterday...then today I worked again here in town.

AND Friday...this Friday I am TOCing again...but its a field trip day. I haven't been on a field trip since I was an actual student. I am pretty nervous but excited at the same time. It is track and field day for the school my mom works at so I will be driving back down to take part in this field trip... Should be interesting...a HUGE learning experience. Please keep your fingers crossed for me though...its supposed to rain.. we (staff, students...) could use sunshine!

So tomorrow...I've got a list of things to do..its my catch up day. First and most important...I need to get my car fixed...my poor car is dead. It has been dead since Friday. My brother thinks it may just be the battery, but I need a jump to see first.. cross your fingers I just need a new battery. Here is the rest of my list:

1. FIX CAR
2. Clean kitchen
3. Take Emma for a LONG LONG walk
4. Laundry
5. Get moving...I am hoping and wishing that its nice tomorrow (I am more motivated to exercise when its nice)
6. Get my stuff together for field trip day :)
7. CLEAN MY ROOM...change sheets..clean ensuite..hang clothing...
8. Color my hair..apparently I have lots of roots..
9. Return a shirt to WINNERS that I bought on a whim..wasn't the best clothing choice for me...
10. READ READ READ...Ive seriously behind on my reading!

Hope you all have a good Thursday!
B

Successful stagette

I had a great weekend celebrating my dear friend Court. It was her stagette this past weekend and we got soo lucky with the weather. It was gorgeous!!!

We had a good turn out of ladies. We spent the time playing wedding games, EATING, drinking, hot tubin'..RELAXING. We shared memories, stories and lots of laughs..even a few tears were shed, but they were from people laughing so hard they were crying!

On the final night of the stagette we had a hotdog roast on the beach while finishing off a large bucket of mojitos...so yummy..definately felt it the next day though.. :)

Here are some more of the photos from the weekend..