Sunday, October 31, 2010

Snapshot Sunday: week 43

A short *week* since my last installment was just last Thursday. And surprisingly, no sign of Indio.

[day 301: "Where transportation is safe and always fun."]

[day 302: Supporting a cause by making a delicious dinner.]

[day 303: Driving home from Buffalo with my honey beside me. It was a long two weeks.]

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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Technicolour Thursday: week 42.5

[day 290: Blast from the past.]

[day 291: A ritual since I was just wee--a hot cup of tea in the afternoon.]

[day 292: My brother is one of Indy's favourite people...probably because they both love causing trouble.]

[day 293: One of the *attack pinecones* that came after Cassius.]

[day 294: Fellow Torontonians, did you vote? I did, but was dismayed by the results.]

[day 295: Exploring numeration at the Ontario Early Years Centre.]

[day 296: Children of the Corn--pink for Lisa's amazing strength.]

[day 297: Not technically my photo but a good one nonetheless...in Manhattan, sent to me from E.]

[day 298: Fido enjoying the smell of exhaust fumes.]

[day 299: Something about this photo is pure cuteness.]

[day 300: Retro-ish board book I wanted to buy for Indy.]

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Music to my ears

I'm sitting on Paula's couch alone, catching up on my blog reading, with the lo hum of Indio and his two little friends playing in the background. This newfound independence is fantastic...mine and his!

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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Mall Walking

[ready to feast on pad sew noodles]

Recently, Indy and I ventured to a mall together. [This is a big deal since Indy already abhors shopping though I think it's more the sounds and lights in the mall than the actual shopping...he's much like his papa in this respect.] We met up with Paula, who came prepared with toys and books for Indy...and she didn't even have her own kids with her! Now that's a prepared mom!

I was amazed at the number of other moms with strollers crawling the mall and kept thinking, "Why are there so many moms here in the middle of the day?" only to realize, "Duh, I'm one of them and this is the best time for us because all the other people are at work!" Only difference? My kid wanted to run amok and touch everything while all the other babes were either sleeping or watching the world go by perched in their strollers.

Though we didn't stay as long as I could have sans bébé [that whole nap schedule thing got in the way] and I didn't buy anything for myself, we had a great day and Indio was so tired that he fell asleep before we left the parking lot. [Guess it's tiring trying to outrun your mama at every clothing rack!]

[dollar store treasures that complement the current firetruck/garbage truck obsession...just hope they don't contain BPA or whatever other chemicals I should be scared of.]

Paula and I have already set our next mall date, but this time Indio already has other plans!

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Saturday, October 23, 2010

How many foliage photos can I take before you get bored?

Indy and I spent lots of time at my elementary school playground this week because we were staying at my parents' place [E is away...again!] and I was in awe of the amazing colours in the grove of trees behind the archaic slide and swingset. We jumped in piles of leaves, tried to eat berries [Indy tried, I freaked out and quickly slapped them out of this hand...I know, way to make him want to eat them more!], and of course climbed up the ladder to go down the slide which is at least 25 years old!

I played with the macro setting on my camera and loved how the depth of field looked in some of the photos, especially the *sparkly* white dots in photos #2 and #4. I also used Picnik to edit the photos, basically just playing around with their *Lomo-ish* action. It's so easy and fun!

Hope you're all having a grand weekend and spending some time outside while the weather is still nice [for those of us in temperate climate zones...for those of you in warm climates, I'm very jealous.]


You're lucky there are only four photos in this post. ;)

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Friday, October 22, 2010

It's the Great Pumpkin

Imagine carving this gargantuan squash? Just think of how many seeds you'd get to roast!

[709 lbs of Halloween goodness.]

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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

I remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel

I woke this morning to read in the Toronto Star that the iconic Hotel Chelsea is up for sale. It's been a well-known hotspot for so many famous artists and celebrities, and for me, the Chelsea holds special meaning: It was the place where E and I re-ignited our romantic relationship and where he threw my *Dirty Thirty* surprise birthday party. He even had 2 of my cousins fly in from Toronto for the shindig!

Though I didn't frequent it often, I'll always have fond memories of Hotel Chelsea.

^via

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Monday, October 18, 2010

Well Fed: Mi Casa

It's a well known fact that I don't love cooking because I can't just *whip* stuff up like most of the *chefs* in my family, and am a bit self-conscious of this. I'm becoming more comfortable in the kitchen and have recently broadened my scope beyond eggs and pancakes. E is my usual guinea pig, but Saturday night we had my parents and brother over to test out my emerging skills.

A lot easier to make than it looks or tastes!

I love me some potatoes, in almost any form!

I have to say, I was really proud of how everything turned out. I made soy sauce-molasses glazed pork tenderloin encrusted with pecans, Caesar mashed potatoes, and steamed veggies. For dessert, I made a scrumptious banana cake with cream cheese frosting. Everyone said they enjoyed dinner and Indy ate a whole lot, which always makes me happy. It definitely makes me want to cook more often!
Indy's piece was the one at the back, sans frosting, but he still enjoyed every crumb!

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Sunday, October 17, 2010

Snapshot Sunday: week 41

Eleven weeks of 2010 left? Is that possible? 80% of the year has gone by already? January seems so far away, yet it's just around the corner. Woah.

[day 285: I always crave a fish sandwich when I'm antiquing. Good thing I found this place!]

[day 286: Tasty Portuguese donut...my only complaint: the sugar gets stuck to your face!]

[day 287: Indy knows the words *ice cream*...from where, I don't know, but we gave in and let him have some, sugar cone and all...we're doomed now, aren't we?]

[day 288: Can't get enough of the foliage!]

[day 289: Baking a banana cake in my pajamas.]

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Friday, October 15, 2010

This Moment...

Inspired by Amanda Soule - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

From the mouths of babes

Driving by a Starbucks, my not-yet-2-year-old exclaims, "Mommy! Coffee!" as he points to the familiar green logo.

How does he know???

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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Technicolour Tuesday: week 40

Forget Snapshot Sunday for a minute, or even Foto Friday, it's Technicolour Tuesday and therefore, I'm not late!

[day 277: Visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World, also known as "water" to a toddler.]

[day 278: I love hotels with make-your-own waffles at the breakfast buffet!]

[day 279: Homemade sweet potato fries...yum!]

[day 280: The astroturf soccer field near us is almost done...just in time for winter.]

[day 281: Another beast from our Safari.]

[day 282: Rainbow of the season.]

[day 283: Gratuitous little boy shot...He looks so grown up!]

[day 284: Huevos Mexicanos with my honey at Grapefruit Moon.]

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Sunday, October 10, 2010

Lions and rhinos and goats, oh my!

On Friday, we decided to take an impromptu *Family Fieldtrip* to the African Lion Safari, just outside of Toronto. It was a bright and sunny day, perfect for mingling with the animals. We drove through 9km of game reserves that included animals from Africa, Asia and the Americas, but disappointingly, no elephants! Apparently, the only way to see the pachyderms is to watch their show, *Elephant Roundup.* After the hour-long tour, we didn't have the energy to stick around for it. Maybe next time.

Of course, I took a million photos. Here's a sample of a few of my favourites:

before heading on the safari, we stopped for a visit with the goats...hilarious, isn't it?

And now for some fun facts:
a giraffe's tongue is about 18 inches long!

rhinos love mudbaths but can't roll over because of their protruding spine.

did you know the ostrich's brain is smaller than its eyeball?

king of the jungle overlooking his pride...lions sleep for 15-20 hrs a day...what a life!

African Lion Safari is now closed for the season, but if you're ever in Southern Ontario, you should definitely plan a visit!

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Friday, October 8, 2010

Well Fed: Steel Cut Oatmeal

For someone who doesn't always eat breakfast, I'm a huge fan of oatmeal, usually the instant variety, because of its ease, taste and that it's good for me! I still miss the daily breakfast ritual of preparing 1-minute oats with raisins and bananas for myself and my old co-teacher.

Lately, I've grown to appreciate slow-cooked, steel cut oats. Their nutty, creamy flavour surpasses instant oatmeal every time. If you're in a hurry, make them ahead of time and refrigerate individual portions in airtight containers until you're ready to heat and eat. [I add a bit of milk before reheating in the microwave.]

Tonight, E and I weren't that hungry so we had *breakfast for dinner.* I found this recipe from Alton Brown via the Food Network and decided to give it a try since I just happened to have buttermilk in the fridge. I added raisins, though you could add almost any fruit.

It was a deliciously satisfying meal and I can't wait to eat the leftovers in the morning!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • 3 cups boiling water
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon low-fat buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar [I used honey because I didn't have brown sugar.]
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • rains [as many as you'd like...or none at all...totally optional!]

  • Directions
    In a large saucepot, melt the butter and add the oats. Stir for 2 minutes to toast. Add the boiling water and reduce heat to a simmer. Keep at a low simmer for 25 minutes, without stirring.

    Combine the milk and half of the buttermilk with the oatmeal. Stir gently to combine and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Add the cinnamon, sugar and raisins. Spoon into a serving bowl and top with remaining buttermilk. Enjoy!

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    Monday, October 4, 2010

    What I Loved in August & September

    So, along with being perpetually behind on my Project 365 photos, I realized I am also behind on my What I Loved... series. Here are some of the things that have kept me sane during August and September.

    1. I *discovered* Coconut M&M's on a recent road trip to NYC. They are they perfect blend of milk chocolate and coconut. [The last M&M discovery--pretzel M&M's--wasn't as yummy as these delicious tropical morsels.] I'm still sad that I only bought one teeny-tiny bag.

    2. Fall: the leaves seemed to start changing just as autumn began, almost as if on cue. I love fall clothing, the cozy sweaters, puffy vests and boots! [Don't get me wrong, I'm still sad to put away my sandals, but there is something about the crispness of a clear fall day that I love...how's that for cheesy?] I'm excited to subject my boys to many impromptu photo shoots in the park before the snow falls!

    3. I've been a library fan ever since I've been tall enough to see over the book checkout counter. I currently have 20 items checked out from the Toronto Public Library! These days, Indio comes along on my library jaunts and picks out a few bedtime stories for himself. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to see my own little bibliophile in the making!
      [Reading Which Way. Indio currently loves Marthe Jocelyn's words paired with Tom Slaughter's colourful paper cutout illustrations.]

    4. Sahadi's is a great little specialty grocery store in Brooklyn that I used to frequent weekly for their yummy dark chocolate raisins, Swedish fish and naturally dried papaya [I don't even like fresh papaya!] along with their huge variety of cheeses, freshly made tomato and feta phyllo pie, hummus, salads...I could go on forever. Anyway, on our last visit to NYC I got to satisfy my craving and give Indy his first taste of the unsweetened, no sulphur, but totally delicious dried papaya. I wish I had bought more to bring back to Toronto!

    5. Astro BioBest MaxImmunité Peach Mango Lassi has become a staple in our house since Indio has decided he doesn't milk as much, and I don't make mango milkshakes on a whim for him like my dad does! They are a great portable snack, though maybe not the best choice for in the car. [Yes, I speak from experience!] They come in these adorably-small bottles: just enough for a treat without too much worry about a sugar overdose.

    What are you loving these days?

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