TRAIL OF GLITTER

WIFEY COOKS

It was my turn to make dinner. After hearing how great Farm Boy was by a number of friends, Steve agreed to check it out. ( He has huge loyalty to President's Choice land )

Surprisingly for both of us, we found some better prices on vegetables. I bought some chard because Steve had mentioned he was not sure he had tried it before and I'm a fan.

After playing around with some ideas this evening I used a recipe I found for meat & chard pie on Ohio FarmGirl's Adventure blog  (pretty cute irony right?)

I cheekily asked Steve to make me some pastry for it, which he did. It turned out to be pretty tasty and I'll be making it again. I can't wait to practice my pie shells this one made me laugh- not bad for my first time though.

I also found some fresh artichokes at Farm Boy which I will be looking for recipes to use them in this week, if you have any suggestions, do tell....

SOMEONE LIKE YOU

When I was young, (what does that even mean? ) I would have the music high and sing loud. I'm not sure when this stopped maybe when I met Steve although I do remember C and I turning up the music when we were in the car and singing our hearts out. C is the all around better singer he knows every single word- we are about words where Steve is a beat person and rarely hears the words of music.

Today I was having some quiet time with Euan before his nap and I put on Adele, just loud enough to hear the words.... I miss music! Having the free time to forge through CD's and find the perfect song for your mood. Yeah, I have the radio on through the day but it always seems to be just a background hum and doesn't truly hit my spirit.  There are so many songs that touch me but this is one of recent favourites. I loved Adele since well before she was internationally recognized. I was lucky enough to stumble  upon her first CD not long after it's release.  I will kick myself every day for missed opportunities to see her live; I know it would have been a cherished memory.

She's on my bucket list.

I am going to take more time for music in my life. I will bring more CD's into the car because right now all I have is Raffi and I've been listening to it for months. I will start today.... xx

LOVE BISCUITS

I came down stairs after bathing and putting Euan to bed to these beautiful little heart shaped biscuits Husband had made to go with our crock pot beef stew. It was very sweet of my Husband to make these for us. Here I thought I was the romantic in this family. He must be getting all practiced up for my next favourite holiday. *chuckle*

 Husband has two settings on and off and he's definitely on this week- I love it!

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

STARFISH

I had a fabulous weekend with the exception of a minor garage door issue. (to be fixed this morning) 

Saturday, Steve surprised me with date night ( sushi & ice skating ) at the rink of dreams at City Hall. I'd not been on my skates since well before having Euan and it was a lot of fun! 

I woke up to this guy outside on my deck this weekend. Steve was bored while waiting for the hot tub to fill. I was very impressed although he didn't last the weekend's warm temperatures! The snow is melting but I'm told it's not the end of it. 

Sunday was productive. Early to rise, house sorted and out to Rob & Cara's for an English Cream Tea, which was very good. Both Rob & Steve took up a love of cooking & baking while living in the UK ( a fine quality in a husband ) and one I sometimes can't imagine living without! *wink*

Later that afternoon we took Euan to his first Canadian swimming lesson - he is called a Starfish! It's not as advanced as the Water Babies program he was in in England, but that was expected with a community center lesson- he's happy just to be in the water again and looked very comfortable amongst the other starfishes. We ended our night watching the Golden Globes it was awesome to see Adele looking so well & the dresses were gorgeous; I'll admit there were a few tears during the acceptance speeches- I'm such a sap!

Happy Monday! xo

HAPPY FRIDAY

Cold and flu season is upon us so start your Friday off right with an apple or grapefruit like I did this morning! I learned Euan is quite keen on grapefruit too! The look on his sour face was priceless but he wanted more. We will be doing the usual spending time with friends, making & eating great food, working around the house, enjoying the snow and mastering Euan's stair climbing - Enjoy your weekend! xo

ETHEL

Last night I watched the movie Ethel. A documentary on Ethel Kennedy her political dynasty, her life with Robert F. Kennedy and raising her 11 children (that is a long time to be pregnant!) alone after his death in 1968.   Although I think there was much unsaid, the documentary produced by her daughter Rory told of among many things, an inspiring wife, mother and philanthropist. It was enjoyable to watch such a great matriarch-I have a belief that woman of that generation really did it all.

STOP WISHING

STOP WISHING.
START DOING.

STRIDE RITE

Guess who got his first pair of big boy shoes? My little bug! 

DIY

My basement furniture comes today!  It will be different going downstairs in the evenings instead of being in the family room, but I'm looking forward to being able to use that space. The basement was finished so nicely and there is a beautiful gas fireplace installed- it will be bliss.

We live in a fairly new home that doesn't need much work done if we were looking to have an easy resale, but I am craving DIY. A new kitchen, freshen up the bathrooms and wallpaper the headboard wall of my bedroom. I forgot how much fun going to Home Depot can be. Good thing for my husband I understand that all of this takes time. *cheeky grin*

When we lived in England we rented a house; our focus was travel.  It's exciting to have our first marital home and focus on making it ours- only 296 more mortgage payments to go!

One of the things we've been doing this week is securing the furniture to the walls for Euan's safety. After reading a few heartbreaking stories on accidental deaths of children we realized how important it was to secure furniture. Sure enough Euan has been showing us this week why it is so important. As I said a few weeks ago there could be a room full of toys and he will choose danger every time- it is reassuring to know this is pretty standard of a little explorer of his age.
I find it very impressive that more accidents didn't happen while I was growing up. Either my mom had a more watchful eye or the threat of the wooden spoon was enough to detour me.

The next thing on my list is to find some wingback chairs to fit between the music room and dining room; it is time to get rid of some of the things we've both had for many years and bring in some fresh things. I have been drooling over the many style blogs out there that have provided me with huge inspiration. I'll let you know how the progress goes.

Well it's 1 degree today and we are heading out to get some of that family exercise that was on my resolution list. Happy Tuesday! xoxo

CANADIAN WINTERS