A second opinion

I found a dress, I tried it on...I put it back...then, I couldn't stop thinking about it. It had sleeves, I love dresses with sleeves....I went back, tried it on again, in two different sizes, had to take a picture and ask a second opinion, have you ever done this? It was my first time! (the navy dress hanging behind me was SO nice, but upon trying it on, I realized it was an extra small, on a medium hanger! Tricky!!!!!! It went in the absolutely not pile!

The consensus was yes so I bought it, I figured for $24.99 I wasn't breaking the bank. Winners is a great spot to find a last minute "something new" to wear!! I slapped on some black opaque tights and my boots, and I was ready to go!

K

We thought we were Wilson Philips.....

We would sing our hearts out in the car, on the long drive to Saskatoon in the summer...the three of us, sisters, convinced we were good enough to crack a record deal I'm sure...as I write this I am singing "Release Me", I cry, a lot, while singing...it's not necessarily the lyrics, just the song, knowing the words, whatever they are, and belting them out, from the heart. It feels so good to sing, loudly. I want my kids to know the joy of music, how powerful it is. I want them to sing from their hearts. I hope certain artists remind them of us, like Van Morrison and Bob Dylan always remind me of my mom and dad. Sometimes songs make me feel so sad, I can feel it in every crevice of my body, and others, so frickin' happy, I think my face will crack from the smile thats spreading across it! It really is hard to put into words how I feel about music...I came across this on Pinterest, it sums it all up..

Its as simple as this, "Music Is What Feeling Sounds Like"....it places me in different times of my life, occasions, sorrows...music is truly amazing. I can remember just how much my heart swells when I hear the twang of Eric Clapton's guitar when "Wonderful Tonight" starts....and how sore my feet were on December 9th 2006, dancing with my new husband...the first time I danced with my Dad, to Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World"...or the summer of Grade 8, driving in a friends car listening to "Return of the Mack" by Mark Morrison. The grief of my grandma's passing, "Smile" by Nat King Cole and "I Wish I Was The Moon" by Neko Case...I could go on. I hope you all feel the music, good music, real music. Music that is felt in your heart, through your veins, your soul.....music makes everything better.

K

Lovely Ladybugs...

A little Ladybug I know is turning 1, and I am helping decorate! I LOVE a themed party!!

K

Terrific Turkey Meatballs

Here is another recipe from the October 2011 issue of Canadian Family Magazine, Turkey Meatballs. I made my own tomato sauce instead of store bought, so that made it a little longer, but they were still simple to make.....

Turkey Meatballs

by Susie Cover from The Supper Club

6 cups tomato sauce

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1/3 cup whole milk (I used 2%)

2 lb ground turkey

2 large eggs beaten

1 cup parmesan cheese

2 tbsp oregano

2 tsp kosher salt (I don't see why you can't use regular salt?)

1 tsp ground pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

1. In a large pot heat your tomato sauce, remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

2. Put the panko crumbs in a large bowl, add the milk and let the crumbs soak it up, add the turkey, eggs, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and oregano. Using your hands, or rubber spatula, combine. Do not over mix, this will make the turkey tough.

3. Roll the turkey into 1" balls, and place on a rimmed cookie sheet. Put in the fridge to set, about 10 minutes.

4. In a large non-stick fry pan, heat the olive oil on medium heat, cook the meatballs, turning as necessary, until golden, about 8 minutes.

5. Transfer meatballs to the pot of tomato sauce and place on low heat, simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

Serve over spaghetti or linguine, with a nice big salad and garlic toast!

Tonight, I am trying the Mac and Cheese Cupcakes...I think they will be a hit!! I know I am looking forward to them!!!

Enjoy the rain!!

K

Chicken Curry with Apples and Peas

This recipe was delicious! Chicken Curry with Apples and Peas..in fact I am having left overs for breakfast! Quick and easy, a bit spicy, so I am glad I toned down the curry paste, in fact, you could probably omit the curry paste all together if you want to serve it to your kiddies....here you go!

1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breast (I used 2 breasts)

1 tbsp vegetable oil

2 medium onions, peeled and chopped

1 tbsp minced garlic (I used 3 cloves)

1 tbsp minced ginger

3 tbsp mild curry paste (I used 2 tbsp green curry paste)

1 cup chicken stock

1 can coconut milk

1 large granny smith apple cored peeled and cut in chunks

1 cup frozen peas

Heat oil in pan, saute onion, garlic and ginger for about 2 minutes. Add the curry paste, and cook, stirring until fragrant, add the chicken pieces and stir to coat chicken with spices.

Add the stock and coconut milk, simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken (mine didn't get very thick). Add apple chunks and peas, and cook for another 5 minutes or so.

Serve with basmati rice and naan bread. The best naan is the Presidents Choice brand from Superstore, $2.99 for two large pieces.

Stay tuned for more recipes from the October 2011 issue of Candian Family Magazine..next week I am trying a whole bunch of new things!!

Enjoy your weekend!

K

Canadian Family Magazine

I subscribed to Canadian Family last year through the preschool, a suggestion from an aunt of mine. I have really enjoyed it! Great articles and delicious recipes!!! Here are a few from the October 2011 issue that I am going to try, some on my menu this week!!

Sauteed Pork Medallions with Warm Cabbage and Apple Slaw

Cranberry and Soy Glazed Chicken

Tex Mex Chicken and Rice Bake

Confetti Corn Bread Cupcakes

Meat Loaf and Mashed Potato Cupcakes

Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes

Hardy Minestrone Soup

Easy Stove-Top Lasagna

Sweet and Sticky Pork with Vegetable Fried Rice

Chicken Apple Curry

Turkey Meatballs

www.canadianfamily.ca

I will be sure to let you know how they are!! Tonight we are having the pork medallions, and Friday is the Chicken Apple Curry with Naan....mmm mmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmm!

K

it is what it is....

A friend first referred to this statement after suffering a devastating loss of her own...there is no way to put this pain into words. The only comfort is knowing that "it is what it is" and there is no changing it. I lost my grandfather early this morning. I was lucky enough to talk to him only a few hours before, on a cordless phone, as he lay in the emergency ward in Saskatoon...surprised at myself for even phoning, I do not deal with these things well, I will forever cherish his voice, and being able to tell him I loved him, something that is never said enough, and being able to say good-bye.

What blows my mind, is just like that, things can change. Just like that a little boy returns home, just like that, a family member is lost.....and just like that, it's over. I keep replaying in my mind, seeing him sitting in his rocking chair. With his elbows on the golden wood arms, his slippered feet crossed, leaning a bit forward, to get in on the conversation. My heart aches for my grandmother, who for so many years, sat across from him in her own chair, sharing years and years together, where will her chair go now?? I cannot help but put myself in the same situation, the devastation and sadness that over powers me is too much....

My intention of this post is not to make people cry, or reply with their condolences, just simply to write it down....please hug someone today, and don't be embarrassed to tell someone you love them. I will forever be grateful I worked up the courage to tell my grandpa, even with the circumstances.

Grandpa, I hope they are right when they tell you that you are re-united with those you lost. I hope you find her....

K

xoxo

(no comments please)

70 minutes

Holy, its been a week since my last post.....I can't tell you how happy I am to get back into a routine. Not saying that I won't be ready for a break when Christmas rolls around, but for now, I am happy to have somewhere to be, and even though its only 70 minutes, it's my 70 minutes, 70 minutes of doing something for myself, and others, instead of my own family. Does that sound bad? Sorry...but it's true, the gratification I get from doing a good job makes me feel good. Then I can come home, and do an even better job with my husband and kids, because I am in a better mood!

I couldn't believe, while walking around the school grounds, that Noah will be in public school next year. My heart skipped a beat when I thought about him being out there alone, with his buddies, hopefully lots of buddies....I wondered what kind of friend he will be, will he cause trouble, will he remember his manners..........one of those things you just hope you have taught them at home......and hope for the best!

Sometimes I think its a measly 70 minutes of work........but then I come home to my real job......and I thank god that it's only 70 minutes!!! And I thank my lucky stars for a great position that gives me a bit of sanity.

K