Day 198 - February 28, 2010

Hebrews 11:1

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Day 197 - February 27, 2010

With only 2 days left in February, I wanted to celebrate love this weekend with some Organic Chocolate Sugar Cookies. It gave me a great excuse to use those discounted cookie cutters I bought. We've been snacking on cookies all afternoon as we finish up Season 2 of LOST. It is so flippin' intense! Seriously folks, you've gotta go watch it!

Day 196 - February 26, 2010

I've been sitting here all day thinking about what I should post and I'm drawing a blank. I just don't know what to say.

Day 195 - February 25, 2010

Remember that post on improvising? Well, this morning was another one of those moments where I was forced to think quickly. It’s a big day for Greg and I wanted him to look great so when he put on his new dress shirt and stepped out of the closet with deep crease lines across his chest, I knew something had to be done. We have a beautiful iron (yes, irons can be beautiful just like washing machines and refrigerators) packed away in a basement in Canada, but no iron here in California. Hmmmm, I thought. If some people use irons to straighten their hair, why not use a flat iron to iron clothes? It’s quite brilliant, if you ask me. So I plugged in the old flat iron (which doesn’t get much use these days as I spend most of my time on the couch in front of the computer or in the gym) and went to work.

The fold lines disappeared with very little effort and my husband was quite impressed with my ingenuity.

So what is so big about this day for my hubby? Well, today he has the honour and privilege of being one of few people to go to the Disney vault! If your mind works anything like mine, you’re probably picturing that silver vault with Mickey Mouse’s head on it. You know, the one you see on the commercials; the one that houses all the old Disney movies. I have no clue what’s really in this vault and I probably wouldn’t be able to share it even if I did since only Disney employees and the occasional extremely wealthy celebrity are ever allowed in. There are even strict rules about this place like no revealing the address of the facility to anyone and no photos of the exterior or interior of the building. When I heard this, I imagined Greg being searched, blindfolded, and shoved into a cargo van so that he would never know the top-secret location. Pretty intense, huh?

Day 194 - February 24, 2010

Wordless Wednesday...

Day 193 - February 23, 2010

It can often be a struggle photographing these two little munchkins, but the end result is worth every effort.

Sweet brotherly love!

Day 192 - February 22, 2010

Lately, my husband and I have become a little more than obsesses with LOST! I know, we're jumping on the bandwagon a few years late, but boy, are we glad we finally took the leap. Like every other fan out there, we are addicted to the non-stop drama, suspenseful twists, and thrilling cliffhangers. We started Season 1 on Friday night and watched all 24 episodes this weekend. By the time we went to bed last night, we were already 4 episodes into Season 2. We'll be caught up before you know it. I better get my butt off this couch and into the real world before my husband returns from work and we spend another evening planted in front of the TV.

Day 191 - February 21, 2010

Joel 2:12

"Even now, " declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love...

Day 190 - February 20, 2010

I just love a trip to Target! Who doesn't love the dollar spot and even better, the clearance section? You never know what you might find. Today, I hit up the seasonal clearance aisle in search of reduced Valentine's swag and found an adorable set of cookie cutters for 75% off!! At less than $0.25 a piece, they were a steal! I stood in the aisle dreaming of the day I would roll out cookie dough for my children and let them cut out little hearts and x's and o's. My husband thinks I'm crazy for buying cookie cutters for our unborn children, but I know he'll be thanking me when the same set of cookie cutters is $10-$20 before Valentine's day next year!

Day 189 - February 19, 2010

Time for an update. I took Claire's advice and painted the $9.99 Goodwill find with some white spray paint I had left over from another project. What a difference! So glad I didn't listen to my hubby this time. I have yet to hang the mirror and still need to find the right accessories for the fireplace mantle but for now, here's a little sneak peak. What do you think?


If you've forgotten what it looked like before, click here.

Day 188 - February 18, 2010

Life just got a little bit sweeter!

It was typical day in sunny California. I spent the morning doing laundry, cleaning the kitchen, and catching up on the latest episode of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” (one of my many guilty pleasures). As I lay down on the couch after much hard work, I was startled by a loud knock on the door. When you live in a state where you can count the number of people you know on one hand, you don’t expect to hear that sound. I just assumed it must be the neighbour returning the pencil she borrowed from us a few days ago. I opened the door and saw no one. Some kids must be playing “Nicky, Nicky, Nine Door,” I thought. But before I could get upset or start hunting for the hooligans who interrupted my episode of “Teen Mom” (another ridiculously guilty pleasure I’m surprised I’m even admitting I watch), I noticed a package on the ground. I tore it open as fast as I could and quickly realized that the man or woman who left this for me could come knocking on my door any day! Check out what I received!

I won a Vitalicious super sampler pack from a recent blog giveaway and I can’t wait to try out the assortment of delicious brownies and muffin tops from Double Chocolate Dream and Fudgy Peanut Butter Chip to Apple Berry and Banana Nut! And the best part about these treats is that they are all only 100 calories! I don’t have to feel guilty about this little pleasure!

Day 187 - February 17, 2010

Wordless Wednesday...

Day 186 - February 16, 2010

As I stand in the kitchen waiting to flip another fluffy pancake, I know I am not alone. It is Pancake Tuesday, after all. Today, may be better known to some of you as Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras but in this household, we like to call it pancake Tuesday and as the name suggests, enjoy pancakes for dinner!

I just love Pancake Tuesday and it’s not just because of those delicious pancakes. This day is a reminder that spring is just around the corner. It marks the beginning of the season of Lent and prompts us to begin reflecting on the Easter story and what Jesus’ death and resurrection means for each of us.

Tonight, I’ve decided to spice up the holiday a little bit by making Cinnamon Bun Pancakes (click for recipe) with an icing drizzle instead of our usual crepes. I found the recipe on Tasty Kitchen. If you haven’t heard of or seen this site, you must check it out. There are some incredible recipes and meal ideas on there that you must try.

The Cinnamon Bun Pancakes were a success and so simple to make. Don’t wait until next year to make them. I think Pancake Wednesday sounds just as good!

Day 185 - February 15, 2010

What better way to spend Canadian "Family Day" than with family at Disneyland!


Our day was full and our feet are tired. We're looking forward to relaxing on the couch and watching some Olympics. Let's go for a second gold medal Canada!

Day 184 - February 14, 2010

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a and 13

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails....And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Day 183 - February 13, 2010

An early "Happy Valentine's Day!" to all of you! Celebrate the ones you love today and always!

Day 182 - February 12, 2010

The 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games are finally here!!

Go Canada!!

Day 181 - February 11, 2010

It’s my birthday and I’ll blog if I want to…

Have you ever tried one of those “Guess your age” carnival games? You know, the one where the game operator must guess your age within 2 years or you win a prize? I haven’t, but I’m beginning to think I should.

In my early twenties, I was told that I didn’t look a day over 16. Not what you want to hear when you enter adulthood. Last March, I attended a taping of “Jeopardy” and as I handed my ticket to the concierge, he did a double take and asked, “Are you over 18?” I am still asked to show my ID each and every time I buy a bottle of wine. When guessing my age, I find that people are usually off by about 5 or 6 years. I guess it’s really not so bad. On the bright side, when I hit 30 or 40, I’ll be thrilled to be mistaken for a real youngin’, fresh out of university!

I’m looking forward to a relaxing afternoon in the California sunshine, a dinner out with my husband and mother (who travelled all the way from Canada to be with me on my birthday), and a dessert that I’ve heard is just to-die-for!

Day 180 - February 10, 2010

Wordless Wednesday...

Day 179 - February 9, 2010

There are so many ways to enjoy pomegranates.

With delightfully scented soaps,

And plump and juicy pomegranate seeds,

Isn’t life delicious?

Day 178 - February 8, 2010

Day 177 - February 7, 2010

Psalm 97:11-12

"Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."

Day 176 - February 6, 2010

I'm a sucker for sweet potato fries! I would eat them for every meal if my conscience would let me. Earlier this year, I made a goal for myself that I would perfect the sweet potato fry. If restaurants can do it, then so can I.

Some claim that the secret to crispy sweet potato fries is to soak/blanch them in warm water for 10 minutes before seasoning and baking them. I decided to give it a try. Some of the fries came out crispier than others and while they were still delicious, I’m not sure how much of a difference blanching them made. So I’m back to the drawing board. If anyone out there has an idea, leave me a comment and I’ll be sure to give it a try.

Slice

Soak

Season

Serve

Day 175 - February 5, 2010

Funny Boy, Funny Faces!

Day 174 - February 4, 2010

Meet Blayne.


I like to think of Blayne as my new blog friend, although she doesn’t know that yet. You see, Blayne and I have never met, nor have we spoken on the phone. We’re about as close as two people can be who have only communicated through a few emails and blog comments. I know that doesn’t sound like much of a friendship, but blogs give you a glimpse into other people’s lives and make you feel like you’re a part of their story.

Blayne is an architectural photographer and blogger for This Photographer’s Life. I am inspired by her photos in each and every post and often feel the overwhelming desire to have my house torn down and rebuilt to look just like the extraordinary mansions she features on her blog.

A couple of days ago, I noticed that Blayne had added my blog to her side bar under the heading “Inspirations.” I was in shock when I saw this because I think of my blog as anything but inspirational. After all, she is the one who inspires me to be a better photographer. I am completely honored to sit up there with some really talented people and incredible blogs!


Blayne just recently opened her own Etsy store, which features her beautiful fine art photography. Just last week, I received a signed print from her store and I am in love!

Autumn Dance – Blayne Beacham

Isn’t she pretty? My photo definitely doesn’t do it justice. I am still on the look out for the perfect frame to hold this beautiful piece of art. I love how soft the colours are and can’t wait to hang it in my little girl’s nursery some day. Thank you, Blayne!

Now on to my dilemma. Earlier this week, I headed over to the local Goodwill in search of an end table/night stand to replace the oversized Tupperware bins beside our bed. I was disappointed to find that the store I visited didn’t carry furniture but was pleasantly surprised to find a large mirror for only $9.99! I got it home and now I’m stumped. Initially, I figured I would paint the frame and lean it up on top of the fireplace mantle. The fireplace could really use some height and I though this would be the perfect solution.


My husband, on the other hand, thinks that I would loose all the details in the frame if I were to paint it, so he suggests I leave it as is. (Not sure whether I care about the frame's detail.) The mirror’s frame is in brown tones and the fireplace, TV, and TV stand are all black so I think it kind of looks out of place.


The other option would be to hang it on this wall near the entrance of our apartment. I think that if it was hung here I could leave it as is since our dining room set and comforter are both chocolate brown.


I could really use your help. I’ll make it easy for you.

What would you do?

a) Leave the mirror as is above the fireplace.
b) Leave the mirror as is and hang near the entrance.
c) Paint the frame white/black/other and hang above the fireplace.
d) Donate it back to Goodwill! (Before you answer d), remember this post.)

If you’ve never commented on my blog or any blog before, now’s your chance. Just click on the word “comments” below this post (beside the little pencil). Give me your opinion in the white box, hit “post comment,” and you’re done! Simple, isn’t it? Can’t wait to hear from you!

Day 173 - February 3, 2010

Wordless Wednesday...

Day 172 - February 2, 2010

It’s amazing what you can find just outside your front door. This weekend, we took the opportunity to explore our new neighbourhood. We are surrounded by some pretty big studios. From NBC and ABC to Disney and The WB! Now I'll just need to keep my eyes out for a celebrity!

Day 171 - February 1, 2010

February may be my favourite month of the year. Notice I said “may be.” I really can’t commit to declaring it my hands-down favourite month of the year because then April comes along with Easter and spring and I love it. But hold on, how could I not love July. It means warm summer days and celebrating the birthdays of 2 of my nephews. And then December rolls around and I can’t get enough of the Christmas carols and softly falling snow. But for today, let’s forget about all of that. February is my favourite month of the year!

It may be because February is home to Valentine’s Day and also the month of my birthday. From February 1st through the 14th, I remember all the amazing Valentine’s Day’s I have shared with Greg and anticipate what he might have up his sleeve this year. Then for the remainder of the month, I think about what a special day we shared together and admire the beautiful bouquet of flowers on the dining room table. No pressure, Greg!

I think the reason I like February so much is because I just LOVE love! I love the way it makes me feel! Call me a hopeless romantic, but I just can’t get enough of it. In the month of February, I believe fairytales do come true and that our happily ever after is just around the corner. Some of you are probably thinking, “Get real!” But I think that we are all entitled to believe whatever we want, however unrealistic it may be, at least one month out of the year. So, excuse me while I put on my rose coloured glasses, sing Elvis Presley’s, Can’t Help Falling In Love, and daydream about heart-shaped candies and a few dozen red roses.