tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62670812646629008132024-02-19T08:54:06.734-05:00Happily Ever Affiefollow me to my happily ever afterUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-55572772573899156672011-10-17T09:31:00.000-04:002011-10-17T09:35:10.003-04:00The Lonely Wife<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345521307/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gr8dzinfore04-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0345521307" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHwcYe7oFDQDKf6hf_iamkfmBk7j6ImufW4mXzbo4Dqd3uSYZI4VwLVdBHF3GWvOeHY0l1Ym4bAONNmCwsNwewVFsnuWPUYrVbbLRnVZuSDivGO6Kl7B1DNaF2gLaq0cuD_F04OMSwZ8/s320/the+paris+wife+cover.jpg" width="209" /></a>I just finished reading "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345521307/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gr8dzinfore04-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0345521307">The Paris Wife</a>" By Paula McLain. I just happened to grab it on my way out of the library because it looked interesting. It is a fictional book about the non-fictional Ernest Hemingway, but written in the voice of his wife, Hadley. It's set mostly in the Jazz-age of Paris in the roaring 20's, when the city was essentially made into what we know it as today.<br />
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<a href="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/merch/rh/a/Paris-Wife-4_320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/merch/rh/a/Paris-Wife-4_320.jpg" width="232" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Beware lovestruck, pining women everywhere. This book is truly heartbreaking at the end, telling the real story of how the Hemingway's marriage was ruined by the Parisian society, Ernest's desire for success, and another woman. It seems that it was the thing to have a mistress in Paris, even in the 20's, and perhaps even today. It made me sick to my stomach to read Hadley's thoughts on her husband as she knew he was carrying on with another woman, especially when it was her best friend, and sometimes in the next room. She graciously granted him a divorce so he could pursue the other relationship. He did, however, offer Hadley all of the royalties from his book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743297334/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gr8dzinfore04-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0743297334">The Sun Also Rises</a>", which he wrote while married to her. Ernest later wrote, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I wish I had died before I loved anyone but her." After his fourth marriage, Ernest Hemingway eventually took his own life. It may be one of the best modern true-life love stories.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Probably not the best book to read while my beloved is at sea, thousands of miles away, with rich women all around him. But definitely a great read, especially for someone who is dreaming of Paris.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-77507197375782135172011-10-02T14:36:00.001-04:002011-10-02T14:38:07.040-04:00ScroungersI love to scrounge. I love digging around shops for things that nobody else has. I know so many people who hate that (like my friend who refuses to enter H&M because she can't bring herself to actually search for her size amongst the piles or clothing). That's probably why I love Etsy and handmade so much. I can search and search all day if you let me. I don't want things that everyone else has. I'll dig to the bottom of piles and reach to the highest of shelves to get what I'm looking for. <br />
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My sister and I visited the <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=queensville+antique+market&ll=44.135021,-79.423578&spn=0.009363,0.026157&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=queensville+antique+market&hnear=0x882ae7cdd1e6098b:0x97e4c7d33762e797,New+Tecumseth,+ON&cid=0,0,2175321119392729440&t=m&z=16&vpsrc=0&iwloc=A">Queensville Antique Mall</a> yesterday to have a scrounge. It is one of the biggest places I've ever been for vintage and antique stuffs. I had been there once before with my Nana, where she spent the entire time commenting how "she owned one of those" or "she could have sold her collection of that". I love their slogan: "If you want it, we can find it, if we can't find it, you don't want it!". I'm always on the hunt for milk glass, an obsession I have, and there were plenty of pieces there. <br />
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So, if you're in the North Toronto area and have a spare hour or two, check out the Queensville Antique Mall. It's the perfect day trip for the hoarder and scrounger in you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htwKjmDuP3g/Toip58X3vDI/AAAAAAAAALo/vMlpP8REZ6s/s1600/queensville.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htwKjmDuP3g/Toip58X3vDI/AAAAAAAAALo/vMlpP8REZ6s/s1600/queensville.png" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-18516812522502107822011-09-24T11:00:00.000-04:002011-09-25T20:04:44.750-04:00Roasted ChickpeasLet me start off by saying that my mother was never very adventurous when it came to cooking. Our veggies would consist of carrots, corn, and peas (which I always hid under my potatoes). When I moved out, it was like heaven where I could try anything and everything that I always wanted. I'm still on the road to discovery and yesterday was the first time I tried Chickpeas. I know. It's ridiculous. <br />
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I opened the can of chickpeas and had a sniff. It didn't really smell like anything. I've never been a fan of peas and they suspiciously looked like them, but in a cute disguise. I headed to <a href="http://foodgawker.com/">Foodgawker</a> to see what I could find to dress them up a bit. I came across a whole load of recipes for roasted chickpeas. I love anything roasted, so sounded good to me. I took a whole bunch of recipes and turned it into something that I thought would work...and it did! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVCGUKDDRvU/TnyzO4NVMYI/AAAAAAAAALI/OL5bAjhyd6A/s1600/chick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVCGUKDDRvU/TnyzO4NVMYI/AAAAAAAAALI/OL5bAjhyd6A/s400/chick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Roasted Chickpeas</span></b><br />
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<b>1 Can (540mL) Chickpeas</b><br />
<b>1 Tbsp Olive Oil</b><br />
<b>1/8 Tsp Cumin</b><br />
<b>1/8 Tsp Cinnamon</b><br />
<b>1/8 Tsp Ginger</b><br />
<b>1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder</b><br />
<b>1/2 Tsp Sea Salt</b><br />
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<b>1. Preheat oven to 400F.</b><br />
<b>2. Drain Chickpeas then let soak in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes. Strain in a colander and run more water over to remove as much sodium as you can. Pat dry and set aside.</b><br />
<b>3. Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl then add the olive oil to create the coating. Add chickpeas and stir with a wooden spool until all chickpeas are coated. (I like to remove all the skins that come off so it looks pretty!)</b><br />
<b>4. Spread chickpeas over a baking sheet (with a lip) and bake for 40 minutes or until crispy. After about 15 minutes, shake the baking sheet so that the chickpeas come loose. </b><br />
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And there you have it! You can eat the chickpeas either warm or cooled. They're really crunchy and a great alternative to chips. Chickpeas are really high in protein and good carbs, and they're perfect to take on the go. Better yet, when they're roasted they don't taste like peas. Hooraw!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-26523086381368589142011-09-23T11:57:00.000-04:002011-09-23T11:58:35.592-04:00In Pursuit of Ultra MetabolismI'm on a health kick. I thought I'd get a head start before a) hubby arrives and b) new years when I usually make empty promises to myself. I've already lost 20 lbs since moving home to Canada, but I'm stuck. My body just won't lose any more weight. My mum keeps telling me (in that motherly nagging tone), "Afton Marie, you'll have to change what you're doing because it's not working anymore". <br />
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I've been really inspired by this book I took out at the library (don't get me started about how much I love the library again). It's called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IDZJC2/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gr8dzinfore04-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B001IDZJC2">Ultrametabolism</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=gr8dzinfore04-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001IDZJC2&camp=217145&creative=399369" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. It's not a diet plan, but instead a plan for healthy living. It talks about all the good things and bad things we do to our bodies. Here are some things that I'm looking to change:<br />
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1. <b>Cut down on dairy.</b> I always had this idea in my mind that they only way to get calcium was through dairy. Infact, we don't really need dairy past the age of 4 or so. There are loads of other ways to get calcium, like leafy greens for example.<br />
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2. <b>Carbs are not the enemy</b>, unless they're refined carbs, which is mostly what I was eating. I really love these <a href="http://www.stonemillbakehouse.com/English/030~our_products/">Stonemill</a> breads, which have a low glycemic index and 0g of sugar! We can eat carbs - in fact we MUST eat carbs - but we just have to choose the right ones.<br />
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3. <b>Learning the difference between good fats and bad fats</b> is really important as well. Knowing the good fats, like monounsaturated fats, is really great because most of them are so yummy. Examples are nuts and seeds, avocado, and olive oil. They can actually help you lose weight!<br />
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4. <b>Understanding the bulls*%t that companies spew to make you buy their products.</b> You know that old saying "no added sugar"? Well guess what, sure they don't add sugar, but they certainly add a whole lot of sweetener. I'm not going to get into it, because of the controversy, but there are a whole bunch of health problems associated to sweeteners. There are so many foods that they want us to believe are a healthy alternative, but really they're just more chemicals with fewer calories.<br />
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5. <b>The best way to go...don't eat anything with a label on it.</b> I know it's difficult, but I'm going to try and eat as much fresh food as I can, including hormone free lean meat. I learned a lot from living in Romania, where they grow everything without pesticides, organically, and straight to the table. Sure, sometimes it didn't look pretty, but it was healthy nonetheless.<br />
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So there we have it. I would really recommend picking up the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IDZJC2/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gr8dzinfore04-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B001IDZJC2">Ultrametabolism</a>. There's also an accompanying <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416549595/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gr8dzinfore04-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=1416549595">cookbook</a>. And maybe you could also go to the library, because you never know what you're find...it could change your life!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-9304739310628680802011-09-12T19:25:00.000-04:002011-09-12T19:25:18.185-04:00Pinterest Pick #4: 50 Rules for Dads and DaughtersWARNING: Mothers, have some tissues handy. Check out this list of rules for all the dads out there on <a href="http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/">www.fromdatestodiapers.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/189422668/">Pinterest</a>. Maybe I'm being oversensitive because the baby hasn't seen her Daddy for 5 months, but this list really made me tear up. I really think that every father should do everything on this list. <br />
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My favorite on the list: #14 Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won't always want to wear matching shoes with her old man. <br />
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We have that one covered, although baby's are pink. We don't want Daddy to wear pink Chucks. That's just taking it too far. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-82725374993074709502011-09-07T08:09:00.000-04:002011-09-07T08:13:26.848-04:00Glossybox in Canada, please?The lovely ladies of the UK have a major advantage over us North American ladies, and that is <a href="http://www.glossybox.co.uk/">Glossybox</a>. Upon signing up and paying £10 (about $15) per month, each subscriber will receive a beautiful Glossybox in the mail which contains 5 luxury beauty products. Your box is sent directly to your door. Past boxes have included amazing products like the <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/color/multiuse/illuminator.html">Nars Orgasm Illuminator</a> and the below <a href="http://www.ciate.co.uk/">Ciate Nail Enamel</a><br />
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<a href="http://glossybox.co.uk/media/img/2011-07/ciate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://glossybox.co.uk/media/img/2011-07/ciate.jpg" /></a></div>
So why am I telling you all this? Because I want Glossybox to come to Canada! If we show enough interest, they'll consider coming to our great land! Just go to their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GlossyBox.co.uk">Facebook page</a> and post to let them know that you want Glossybox in Canada!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-56831507159557994892011-08-31T22:45:00.001-04:002011-08-31T22:46:28.674-04:00Come Back to Me<br />
One of my greatest time-fillers online is browsing through Tumblr, which is really funny considering I don't even have an account. Why don't I have an account? There comes a time when a n3rd like me has to say "I have enough online accounts and I'm sick of doing password recoveries". So I browse and pin. <br />
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My all time favourite tumblr blog is <a href="http://thestorycanresume.tumblr.com/">ComeBackToMe</a>. So romantic. So sad. So inspiring. The music, if I listen to it long enough, makes me ball my eyes out, longing for my love. It's ridiculous. But I think that we have to be a little ridiculous sometimes because it reminds us of reality and who we really are. Unfortunately we can't live in the movies or solely through our blogs. <br />
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This image from <a href="http://thestorycanresume.tumblr.com/">ComeBackToMe</a> is now displayed on my desktop. It reminds me of my love and that everything we're doing to be together isn't in vain. One day, my love will come back to me...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-roR9rwFQVb0/Tl7x9AX0FiI/AAAAAAAAAHE/hrqOeDvJpuc/s1600/love.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-roR9rwFQVb0/Tl7x9AX0FiI/AAAAAAAAAHE/hrqOeDvJpuc/s400/love.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-24525043241265217902011-08-29T15:39:00.001-04:002011-08-29T15:40:19.347-04:00Badass BacheloretteFor Miss Anita Cane, I knew that the normal bachelorette party just wouldn't do. I'm not fond of making the bride look like a twit, adorning her with penis shaped objects, ugly boas and the like. She's too fabulously glam for that. So, we decided to have a civilized night out - avec booze and games.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PT4x_gLQ8SE/TlveqQF9qZI/AAAAAAAAAF8/jdvavjLayes/s1600/DSCN0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PT4x_gLQ8SE/TlveqQF9qZI/AAAAAAAAAF8/jdvavjLayes/s400/DSCN0987.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Miss Cane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I asked Anita the week before "what do YOU want to do for your night out?" to which she replied "I want a penis shaped cake and watch you eat it slowly." She asked, I delivered. Behold, the <a href="http://craftybirdcreations.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/dscn098021.jpg">penis cake</a> which I slaved over for a whole 45 minutes!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGaMcGe6V6E/TlvekJiF_rI/AAAAAAAAAF4/NXjGUEi-WLo/s1600/DSCN0979+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGaMcGe6V6E/TlvekJiF_rI/AAAAAAAAAF4/NXjGUEi-WLo/s400/DSCN0979+copy.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Next up, the badass bachelorette survival kit, which was custom made for the evening. It had everything we needed and things we might have needed if things got out of hand. You can download the list of items <a href="http://craftybirdcreations.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/survival-kit.pdf">here</a>. Then to spice up the evening, a scavenger hunt for the bride-to-be to collect before the evening was through. Our favorite - "put lipstick on your teeth and strike up a conversation with a cute guy". But oh lordy, did Miss Cane go to town! Forget a little smudge, she basically looked like she had lipstick for dinner! And you can also download that list <a href="http://craftybirdcreations.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/bachelorette_game.pdf">here</a>. <br />
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Anywhoo, I won't bore you (or frighten you) with any more details than that. Just let it be known that it was a bachelorette that no one will forget. Now bring on the wedding!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-47470212611289147142011-08-25T16:14:00.000-04:002011-08-25T16:14:07.675-04:00Storms A-Brewin'It always seems like there's something brewing in the big city of Toronto, from riots and politics to earthquakes and tornado's. It's very different from the life I knew, nestled into the small village of <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Ospitaletto+BS,+Italia&hl=en&sll=43.653524,-79.383907&sspn=0.641869,0.556183&vpsrc=0&z=9">Ospitaletto</a> in the north of Italy for the past 2 years. Nothing exciting ever happens in Italy. I like the excitement of the big city, but I also love the peace and security of the country. I guess I'm just a suburban girl at heart, stuck smack dab in between.<br />
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Here's a great video of last night's storm, very well edited, showing our beautiful city:<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-5125284311009638162011-08-21T19:56:00.000-04:002011-08-21T19:56:40.116-04:00Important differences between llamas and alpacasCompletely random and utterly ridiculous post, but I've come into contact with quite a lot of llamas and alpacas lately. May I begin by saying how much I love these animals. They're so cute and friendly and full of character. I would love to own one someday. I don't quite know what I would DO with a llama or alpaca, but I want one nonetheless. So, I wanted to share my new found knowledge by explaining the differences between the two. Here are two pictures that I took recently...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZwFggCpLu4/TlGAlxC4VGI/AAAAAAAAAFs/BT1bAK1wMWw/s1600/DSCN0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZwFggCpLu4/TlGAlxC4VGI/AAAAAAAAAFs/BT1bAK1wMWw/s400/DSCN0861.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Llama</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHUgIkVOeR8/TlGAoPgTwLI/AAAAAAAAAFw/oN567MChuug/s1600/DSCN0970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHUgIkVOeR8/TlGAoPgTwLI/AAAAAAAAAFw/oN567MChuug/s400/DSCN0970.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpaca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The main differences (just in case you're in an emergency where you need to differentiate between the two) is an alpaca is shorter, has smaller ears, and softer fur. Their similarities are that they both have 3 stomachs, live for up to 29 years and call to their young by humming. They also spit at each other to signal displeasure....which I think is awesome. The two could also be interbred. Neat, huh? <br />
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And now for something even more ridiculous than this post...llamas with hats...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kZUPCB9533Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-61329170670619978292011-08-18T11:08:00.000-04:002011-08-18T11:08:07.962-04:00New Greeting Cards / Mini Prints!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79534265/never-talk-to-wolves-card-mini-print"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4ms-5Xfnf4/Tk0h4--cBiI/AAAAAAAAAFo/MOxW4qZnvNc/s400/never+talk+to+wolves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Good morning, happy chappies! Today will be a day of ticking off my to-do list while the offspring is at daycare (also known as the asylum where she can bounce off the walls). I'm taking the opportunity to get on with things and start coming up with new bits and bobs. Check out my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/happilyeveraffie?section_id=10274844">new cards</a>, which can also be used as mini prints!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-88610749955980992522011-08-17T17:26:00.000-04:002011-08-17T17:26:29.273-04:00Goodbye, sweet summerI'm sorry that I've been lacking in my blog posting. I feel like such a neglectful blogger and the guilt is overwhelming! No, but really, I'd rather be taking advantage of the sunshine and snowless streets instead of being cooped up inside writing about all the things I should have done. And I want you to all be outside as well, instead of reading about all the things I should have done! So, here's what I've been up to so far this summer...<br />
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Much to the despair of my good friend, <a href="http://anitacane.com/">Anita Cane</a>, I had an amazing time at her wedding shower! It was unfortunate that it took place on the very first day of our summer heatwave, but it was a smash nonetheless. The house was filled with European mums, aunts, and cousins, all excited for the long time coming (after what...8 years?) bride to be. The food was amazing, the decor was fabulous, and the family was so happy and loving. I can't wait for the wedding (in which I'm a bridesmaid) which takes place September 3rd. Look how pretty my friend is! And just wait 'til you see how hawt the wedding party will be!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JU8QhY2FUXA/TkwtZ46KUwI/AAAAAAAAAFg/1aCuZX3_OTU/s1600/DSCN0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JU8QhY2FUXA/TkwtZ46KUwI/AAAAAAAAAFg/1aCuZX3_OTU/s400/DSCN0531.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Abri baby and I have been on the move, schmoozing and the like. There have been many playdates and parties. Many days have been spent at the park, the splash pad, and biking riding around our little town. And of course we loved our day at <a href="http://www.pucksfarm.com/">Puck's Farm</a>, where Abri met her very first Llama (one of many, I'm sure). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZVPLZatGRk/TkwsDUweB9I/AAAAAAAAAFY/s0bB-abt59I/s1600/DSCN0863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZVPLZatGRk/TkwsDUweB9I/AAAAAAAAAFY/s0bB-abt59I/s400/DSCN0863.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Another thrilling highlight of this summer - seeing Serena Williams play in the Rogers Cup! Actually, this was the very first time I watched a tennis match live. I would have loved for it to have been Wimbledon, but I'll take what I can get! Our seats were really really far, but luckily the stadium was really really small. It was everything I hoped it would be! Have I ever shared my ambition for my daughter to be a tennis star, thus resulting in me being a glamorous tennis mom? Yes, this is my dream. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6brbYR8u80E/TkwsGiLsBvI/AAAAAAAAAFc/hOlxwD_ARnY/s1600/DSCN0811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6brbYR8u80E/TkwsGiLsBvI/AAAAAAAAAFc/hOlxwD_ARnY/s640/DSCN0811.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Oh, there were just too many highlights to mention. But although the summer is winding down and the weather is becoming cooler, there are many more events to come. So if you don't see me, I'm out enjoying the last days of sandal weather - and you should be, too! Enjoy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-90447833765148030072011-08-09T20:06:00.000-04:002011-08-09T20:06:42.088-04:00NEW! 2012 Ninja Cat Calendar Set<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79449659/2012-ninja-cat-calendar-set"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-781Vdlxv4ps/TkHK1SJNJQI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/RN20pFC4Z_w/s1600/Calendars%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Hello, sweet peas! I've been a little M.I.A. lately (hey, it's summer!). But I'm back and working away for the coming holiday season. My latest and greatest? Check out the all new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79449659/2012-ninja-cat-calendar-set">2012 Ninja Cat Calendar Set</a>! I'm hoping to bring all of my characters to calendar form so that you can be inspired by their wisdom each and every day!<br />
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More to come soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-68032298772820470352011-08-02T13:55:00.000-04:002011-08-02T13:55:59.611-04:00Ninja Cat Illustrated Print Giveaway Winner!Congrats to Megan Coffie - she's the winner of a Ninja Cat Illustrated Print from Happily Ever Affie! Megan says this about her happily ever after<br />
<blockquote>"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">M<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">y happily ever after would be to become a sociologist and be successful.(: and have a nice house in the country, or in the big city. Either extreme would be good!"</span></span></blockquote>Do you want more Ninja Cat swank? Have a look at our latest <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78669203/ninja-cat-pendant-with-18-snake-chain">listing</a>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78669203/ninja-cat-pendant-with-18-snake-chain"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJZHiwTfzak/Tjg5z49cl-I/AAAAAAAAAFM/SnQpPpHG4vI/s400/ninjacat_necklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-38348799275117783272011-07-08T21:30:00.001-04:002011-07-08T21:31:37.592-04:00Baking Pornography<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="338" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/24243147?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="601"></iframe></div><br />
Who knew baking a beet cake could be so seductive? Check out this video by Tiger in a Jar, which is so beautifully shot and combined with the most romantic music. This really puts me in the mood...for baking that is!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-47358868286724862062011-06-27T11:00:00.002-04:002011-06-27T11:05:53.044-04:00Ninja Cat Illustrated Print Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.252196302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.252196302.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To celebrate the opening of my shop and the return of the Canada Post workers who have been on strike for the past couple of weeks (woohoo!), I'm giving away my favourite print - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/happilyeveraffie">Ninja Cat</a>! He's on an 8"x10" 80lb bright white card stock, ready made to slip into a standard sized frame or to tack on your wall! The print will be signed and dated by me on the back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How to Enter:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mandatory Entry: Follow my blog, then leave a comment below (don't forget to leave your email address so that I can contact the winner!) letting me know what would be your perfect happily ever after.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Extra Ways to Enter:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/affie">Follow me on twitter</a> AND tweet a link to this contest page (people will love you for it!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.happilyeveraffie.etsy.com/">Heart my shop</a> (then come back here and let me know your Etsy name!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.happilyeveraffie.etsy.com/">Heart an item in my shop</a> (don't forget to come back here and let me know your name again!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/?ref=fp_nav_treasury">Create an Etsy Treasury</a>, featuring Ninja Cat! (and other Ninja-esque goodies!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mention my shop on your blog! (and leave your blog address below!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Easy, right? Do Ninja Cat proud and complete as many tasks as possible! MARRREWWW! :D</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Contest Rules:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 Winner only</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Open to worldwide entrants</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ends July 31, 2011 at 11:59pm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Reproduction rights are not transferred with the winning of this print</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-75658018754283972772011-06-26T11:42:00.000-04:002011-06-26T11:42:49.070-04:00Franklin the Turtle!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuf5pjHvcUU/TgdQI_wB8CI/AAAAAAAAAFA/fSxShMe_SOc/s1600/Franklin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuf5pjHvcUU/TgdQI_wB8CI/AAAAAAAAAFA/fSxShMe_SOc/s640/Franklin.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><br />
It was a very rainy Saturday yesterday, so thankfully we had an indoor event to take part in - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Franklin%20the%20Turtle&tag=gr8dzinfore04-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Franklin the Turtle</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=gr8dzinfore04-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> at Chapters! I knew I was asking for trouble when I dragged Abri out BEFORE her nap. She didn't take much notice of the story-time or Franklin himself, but she DID take notice of the train play set and abundance of books to get her hands on.<br />
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This is one thing that will keep my little one quiet for more than 5 minutes. Books. Sometimes when she's playing in her room, it can become quiet very quickly. This means one of two things: a) she's doing something that she shouldn't be, like opening up the air ducts and throwing small objects down them or b) she's reading a book! I'll peak in to see her with her chubby little hands, ever-so-gently turning the pages of her little board books. <br />
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Do you see why the world needs bookstores? To keep mothers like me sane!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-2498400555350257012011-06-24T15:52:00.000-04:002011-06-24T15:52:34.176-04:00Pinterest Pick #3: Vowing to Read the Printed Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/19763591_KT6IstKa_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/19763591_KT6IstKa_c.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
A little while ago while sitting with my sister, she looked at my side table and said, "What are you DOING with all of those books?", to which I repled, "Reading them...?" See the above image from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/19763591/">Pinterest</a>? That, my friends, is my dream. It's always been my fantasy to have a library with books as far as the eye can see. Maybe I'll read some of them, maybe I won't, or maybe I'll forget that I've read them and I'll read them all over again. This is my <i>heaven</i>. <br />
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When I was a student living in Glasgow, there was one place we would always meet - Borders Bookstore in the city centre. When the store closed in 2009 (whether it was due to the economy or invention of eBooks - or both), it was the end of an era. When reading about the closure, I came across <a href="http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/borders-glasgow-2">this comment</a> which summed it up pretty well:<br />
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<blockquote><i>"I'm well aware that in just a few weeks my review will have the CLOSED tag attached to it, but I feel it's time for me to give a poignant last hurrah to what is the best shop in Glasgow, whose demise will leave a gaping hole in the city centre."</i></blockquote><br />
In this age of Kindles and iPads, where books are simply a dusty fixture on most coffee tables, this beloved pastime is fading away and leaving a hole in our past. Yes, I vow to buy, borrow, and read the printed word to keep my dream of owning my never ending library alive (in all it's dusty glory). Books are such an important part of who we were and who we are as a society. The pleasure most people get from opening a brand new book, creasing it's perfect pages, smelling that gorgeous paper, and immersing yourself in a good read for hours...there really isn't anything quite like it. <br />
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If you vow to read the printed word, let me know below! And if you have a blog, <a href="http://readtheprintedword.org/">take the pledge</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-88119788521648649272011-06-23T23:04:00.000-04:002011-06-23T23:04:11.764-04:00Shiny Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4t2Qu0vT2Ng/TgP-hBcnYbI/AAAAAAAAAE8/jN1YGAmwrAI/s1600/Me+Again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4t2Qu0vT2Ng/TgP-hBcnYbI/AAAAAAAAAE8/jN1YGAmwrAI/s400/Me+Again.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted to show you a couple of shiny new things that I have. First, my new haircut. I'm very particular about how my hair is cut. I know how my hair is, from my annoying cow-lick on my right side to my flat lifeless bangs that seem to grow at ultrasonic speeds. Yes, to all those hairdressers out there, I'm the annoying customer who won't leave until I get what I want. I'm not one to sit back and say "hmmm, yes, I like it", only to go home and wash, cut and restyle the heck out of my new 'do. Why pay for something that you don't like? If you went to get your teeth whitened and they only did half your mouth, would you be happy to go home and scrub your pearlies with baking soda until the cows come home? Nope! So why let someone ruin your hair, which is the most prominent thing on your body??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My second new thing - a new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004M8SVGQ/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gr8dzinfore04-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B004M8SVGQ">Nikon COOLPIX L120</a> which I bought myself for my birthday. Let me just say, I've been REALLYREALLYREALLY wanting a new camera for a very long time. Oh, the guilt when I bought it! I mean, it's not an expensive DSLR camera, but it's still more than I should be spending right now. I do really love it, though. The video it takes is amazing and it's super easy to use while maintaining all the options. How I justified my purchase - I want to be able to capture every moment, every step, every crazy shenanigan that Bubba throws my way. Plus, I forgot my charger in Italy for my old digital camera. Yep. Keep in mind if or when you buy a new camera, make sure it takes AA batteries. It's so much easier that way. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-30761924799727078872011-06-17T21:00:00.000-04:002011-06-17T21:00:59.965-04:00PUTT PUTT PUTTING AWAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/S-y6vYRyeRE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
I've been meaning to post this video of the bub's taking her first real steps. I'm both excited and scared! Watch out world...and puppies and kitties everywhere! She'll be putting her way around the world soon, just like her daddy.<br />
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Every milestone in a baby's life is so thrilling for a parent. I remember her first smile (which I first assumed was gas), her first tooth breaking through, her first real word, and now her first steps. When you reach one of these milestones it reminds a mama why she's endured the pain, sleepless nights and temper tantrums for all the months prior. It's a good thing to be a mama, trust me. <br />
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We hope that Daddy is able to see this video, wherever he is in the world.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-86423313876389824792011-06-13T07:50:00.000-04:002011-06-13T07:50:44.580-04:00Pinterest Pick #2: Wisdomness<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/36572194/" target="_blank"><img 285'="" border="0" height="640" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/36572194_6KgU2k01_c.jpg" width="392" /></a></div></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76838b; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">I have a whole lot of Pinterest boards now. It started with the generic "Products I love" "Places I want to go", but soon morphed into things I actually wanted to remember. I now have 14 boards with over 1,000 pins (and still counting!). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of my boards is called Wisdomness (yeah, that's not even a word - but they all end in -ness). I know it's a bit cheesy, but I really like to collect inspirational quotes. You know the ones; they make you go "ahaa" or "yes, that's totally true" or you're sure that someone somewhere has seen into your soul at that exact moment and passed this illuminating fact specifically along to you. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My beloved and I are going through an extremely difficult time. This is his first contract on board the ship, and he'll be away from us for 4 months at a time or more. There are so many emotions involved with this situation from sadness to loneliness to acceptance. Sometimes it gets the better of me and I tend to nit-pick everything that we're trying to do. The thing I love the most about my husband - his undying love and patience for me. He knows that when I'm upset, there really is something else going on (which is a trait that many men don't have). He doesn't give in, get upset, or walk out the door. He stands his ground, nods, and gives me the affection that I need at the right time. <br />
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When I saw the above quote, it made me think of my beloved, because when I least deserve it, he always loves me when I need it. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-38749167225718343632011-06-10T11:00:00.004-04:002011-06-10T13:11:01.267-04:00CHILD FOR SALE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srMOiPW86-k/TfIu7aRBR8I/AAAAAAAAAEw/MPGoKqizFD4/s1600/bubba_kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srMOiPW86-k/TfIu7aRBR8I/AAAAAAAAAEw/MPGoKqizFD4/s640/bubba_kitchen.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who, me?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
CHILD FOR SALE: One child, approximately 1 year old, likes bananas and puppies, hates computers and may rip keys off computer keyboards. PICKUP ONLY.<br />
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Seriously, can the terrible 2's start this early? Or maybe I just have a short fuse lately. Is it bad when your child gives you hockey puck sized bruises (that's a good Canadian comparison!) and destroys your brand new laptop in one fowl swoop? Because, to me, those are good reasons to pull my hair out. Actually, now that I'm on the subject of hair...why is my hair falling out so much? I know that it's normal to lose 100 strands a day, but mine seems to be more than that. Is it the beautifully clean and clear water of Canada instead of the chloridized sludge from Italy that is doing it? Could it be the incredible stress levels of coming home to Canada, being apart from my beloved, and training full-time for a new job all at the same time? Hmmm...it probably is just the child. Mummy needs a break.<br />
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UPDATE: After writing this post only a few short hours ago, Abri managed to throw her shoe out the back of the bike trailer (it's now gone forever) and pry a part of the deck up and chew on it (while I was taking a sip of my drink - yes, that's how fast).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-15661094924663930112011-06-08T21:51:00.001-04:002011-06-08T21:52:10.407-04:00TIME FLIES - OUT THE WINDOW THAT IS<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_381828362"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_sA_AQ9lTI/TfAlqYVMCkI/AAAAAAAAAEs/aJtnOw1WG7g/s400/ohdeercloseup.jpg" width="265" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75651627/8-x-10-oh-deer-print">Oh Deer 8 x 10 Print</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Really, where does my time go? I'm a very good timekeeper, appointment setter, and even list checker, but lately my time seems to disappear (just like Abri's sockies). I remember one of my lecturers in college used to say "People who say 'there aren't enough hours in the day' just aren't using their days efficiently". This guy obviously wasn't a mother to a 1 year old. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm pleased to say that in between my playdate, postal run, bathing Abri twice in one day, cleaning and doing laundry, I was able to come up with my latest illustration "<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75651627/8-x-10-oh-deer-print">Oh Deer</a>"! Some days I have these oh dear moments when I just throw my hands up and surrender, too. I hope you like her.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-80066143325028569362011-06-08T13:08:00.000-04:002011-06-08T13:08:33.511-04:00PREMIER PLAYDATE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VnTrw5FhHPo/Te-pj9lwKtI/AAAAAAAAAEo/BmZ1mLbYKCs/s1600/playdate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VnTrw5FhHPo/Te-pj9lwKtI/AAAAAAAAAEo/BmZ1mLbYKCs/s640/playdate.jpg" width="532" /></a></div><br />
Batten down the hatches! It's playdate time! This morning we hosted our very first playdate event out in the sunshine. Thanks so much to Mel and Sophie for bringing the little ones up all the way to Beeton! <br />
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Today was the first day that I really clued into the fact that I can no longer have an adult conversation with children nearby. The morning was spent picking blueberries out of every orphus of Abri's body and keeping all parties happy and satisfied that the toy/food/sippy cup that they were holding was sufficient. To be a mother you really need to have a good and steady train of thought, because as soon as disaster strikes, your train just might derail and you'll be sitting clueless, trying to remember what important point you were going to make.<br />
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The blueberry muffins, strawberries and heart-shaped watermelon were a hit though (as they seemed to hit every surface in the backyard)! Just a tip for anyone who is hosting a playdate - backyards are the perfect place to host them. After everyone left, I took the hose to deck and in one easy swooooosh, everything was clean! Success!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6267081264662900813.post-65469339943348057732011-06-06T20:07:00.000-04:002011-06-06T20:07:31.726-04:00I'M UP AND RUNNING!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7-JlAzm8-Q/Te1reAJ10BI/AAAAAAAAAEk/0695YGeeFsw/s1600/ninjacatcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7-JlAzm8-Q/Te1reAJ10BI/AAAAAAAAAEk/0695YGeeFsw/s320/ninjacatcloseup.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ninja Cat 8"x10" Illustrated Print</td></tr>
</tbody></table>YAY! I did it! I finally have my <a href="http://happilyeveraffie.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a> up and running! WOOHOO! And within the first few minutes, I had my first sale! DOUBLE YAY! It's quite daunting, actually. To put your heart and soul into a project and then wait to see if it will be accepted by the masses. To sell your creativity is kind of like walking down the street naked. So, here's hoping that nobody will stop, point and snicker at me!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0