Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Mp3 player cozy

Today landed on me like an h-bomb, which is a total exaggeration, I mean it was unexpected. I initially was supposed to go to the movies with my mother and step brother but due to some miscommunication, I am the bad guy, and so unfortunately that didn't happen.

My friend came over during the day to do a bit of dress alterations for a New Years Eve wedding, using my sewing machine and requiring my help every so and so. During a few hair-pull moments, my little cousin was in our midst causing havoc, but we dealt with it because... hmm, why did we deal with it again?

Anyhow, my plans were canceled due my not being able to disapparate from one scene to another on command, or on threat I should say, and I ended up watching two films with my aforementioned little cousin. We made organic brownies (from a mix) and I crocheted him a cozy for his mp3 player. He was very specific on its requirements and exclaimed "Perfect!" when it was done.



I have some really good news that I really wish to share, but I don't want to jinx it! I need to do quite a bit of preparation and field testing before I can confidently assert myself in the matter. Hopefully it will be a success and I can be blissfully happy for as long as possible and make my dreams come true!!

London in 35mm

Got my film back!
















However brief, hellish and tumultuous, I wouldn't trade the experience for the world. Life is already short as it is, live it without regrets and accumulate priceless memories by the heartful!

xmas food


Family usually also means food, and boy did we have plenty of everything you're supposed to eat in a week, it was wonderfully devious. Hip hip hurrah for amazing food and conversation!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Secret Santa!

Let me start off by saying this: "I EFFING LOVE SECRET SANTA!!!!". Buying xmas gifts for every single person I know, that I'm not so crazy about (because as soon as you give one person a gift you sort of feel obliged to do so for everyone else and then your list gets HUGE). My issue with the holidays is how you are expected to buy, buy, buy and that spending $ = how much you love your friends and family. Don't get me wrong, my favourite thing in the world is giving the right gift! But usually what ends up happening is everyone has so many people to buy for that they pinch pennies and buy useless gifts that have little to no meaning or purpose.

As for me, I tend to avoid the whole searching for gifts thing until the very last minute and I realize oh hell, I should just find a little something something for such and such or so and so. But then my issue is money! More so the lack of, and I find myself eyeing the obvious/cheap stuff to buy.

I think all gift buying (for adults) should be done via secret santa. The beauty behind this idea is that each person has to buy one gift and so they can focus solely on the needs, likes and dislikes of their secret santa, and spend a little more if it's possible. In the end, everyone gets a present! Sure, getting 4 (or more) gifts seems better, but the key is quality over quantity. My secret santa gifts have always been more meaningful than the random gifts I've gotten (not to sound like I get tons!)

What comes out in Secret santa, is thoughtfulness, which buying in bulk lacks. Also, we consume less this way and cherish our gifts more. Again, this depends on the gift giver! For instance, when I look for a secret santa gift or a gift for someone on my list, whether I intend to spend more or less I make sure I am thinking about the receiver and what I think they will appreciate.

And without further ado, here is my amazing secret santa gift!!


Thoughtfulness OVERLOAD!!


Poofy leopard fabric rose earrings. I actually saw earrings similar to these (in gray) while I was in London but didn't buy them when I had the chance! My secret santa had no idea about this.

Anis orange drop candies.This brand is my favourite, I buy it as often as I can find it. My secret santa didn't know this either!

Hazelnut chocolate on a stick, to stir in warm milk thus turning it into delicious hot chocolate. Hazelnut chocolate is my favourite kind of chocolate. I've never actually expressed this to my secret santa! At least I don't think so, hmm.

Flower seeds to plant, grow and eat! An example of something I had no idea I would love, but love so much.

Tazo chamomile and rose petal tea. Again, my secret santa had no idea that chamomille tea has been on my mind lately but I always forget to remind myself to buy some! *edit, my secret santa was observantly aware!

There you have it! A fantastic example of a successful Secret Santa. I received these gifts from a very close friend of mine whom I have known for 3 years and because she could focus on what I might like as opposed to having to think about pleasing "everyone" from our Fantastic (wink) group of friends, she was on the money maker and it was gooood.

That's just my theory, I would have to experience this "receiving more than 3 gifts" occurrence to contradict my statement.

On a final note, we ate some amazing Ethiopian food at Le Nil Bleu, which consisted of a large platter with four different dishes off which we ate with rolled up pancakes! No cutlery! It was delicious.

Deck the.. whatever.

The book orders are still coming in! I can't believe it! And I am so excited.







One dream fulfilled, 5 others conjured up.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Plush

"I am King of the WOOOOOOooooorld!"



My very first plush boy :) He is a lizard and I was able to make him thanks to a book I bought from my most favourite craft books collection ever. I do not doubt Marabout d'ficelle, I just know I will love it and find it incredibly useful, ALWAYS.

His description inside the book is as follows:

"Lizard is very curious, and so, every day he explores his surroundings. Everything surprises him and echants him. Lizard is a very funny little guy!"

Friday, December 17, 2010

Alas the holidays are here

Outside:





Inside:


My quick and easy Tofu and Vegetable soup!



Some good news, good sushi and a lovely haircut, it's nice not being sick!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Diet

Since yesterday things have gotten a bit better but I am still struggling digestively and have some seriously bothersome nausea.

The best way I know how to take hold of this sudden "sickness" is to change my diet and so I have gone back to being precautious. While at the grocery store I noticed how little organic fruits and vegetables there were, despite having a pretty hearty organic section. I didn't spend as much as I had expected to but was still able to eat some delicious home made and crap free meals yesterday and today:)

First I made curried lentils, which was actually awesome and more delicious than I expected and involved very little work.

Today vegetable soup was on the menu and I was impressed with myself! I modified the ingredients list and turned it into a tofu and vegetable soup.

Here is my modified recipe!

Quick and Easy Tofu and Vegetable Soup

• 1 3/4 cups of organic vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 package of firm Tofu
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 2 organic carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks organic celery, diced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 bay leaves and a sprinkle of oregano

Directions

1. In a large stock pot, combine broth, water, onion, potato, carrots, celery and undrained chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Add bay leaves and a sprinkle of oregano. Bring to a boil and simmer for 40 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.

Didn't take any pictures but the next time I make these (and more) I'll be sure to!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Relocated


Ever since the end of my trip in London (I am counting from when my flight left without me and I had to wait 24hours at the airport), it has not been an easy ride.

First, there was the longest wait at an airport, ever. Then it was just about the worst cold+flu I've ever had in my life, where I literally felt like I was battling demons. Which is obviously perfect timing for renovating my room. Not like he would know that I'd get sick, but upon my return I found all of my belongings in the living room and my bedroom covered in sawdust.

Yesternight was the first night I was back in my room, in my bed but not without another problem. My demonic cold+flu has subsided (nevertheless leaving me with horrible mucus coughs), but now I am having really uncomfortable and painful digestive issues. With a bit of research and self-diagnosis via the world wide web, I've found that it most likely has something to do with my liver and is not to be taken lightly.. this only adds to my frustrations.

Did I mention the horrible weather??? It is -15c and -20c with wind-chill, which has not been helping any of what has been going on since I got back. I just hope nothing actually serious is in my near future and this discomfort can be resolved... and I can get back to enjoying my life!

p.s: I'm getting my 7 rolls of 35mm film back on Tuesday!! Something to look forward to!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Smart Design Mart

I had a field day last Sunday. Despite being horribly sick, I forced myself to attend this yearly montreal designers event, and I am so glad I did!

Fantastic work by the smart design mart team.

I got these amazing goodies for myself:


This Ilk earrings on the left and pin pals earrings on the right, LOVE THEM SO MUCH.

I bought more but I can't share as they are xmas gifts and cannot be seen by the wrong eyes!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

London calling

I'm back from London! It was a very short stay of about 6 days and 5 nights. I flew out on the 24th of November and was supposed to fly back the 30th but because arriving 40 minutes before the flight is considered missing it (train confusions), I had to wait 24 hours at the airport for the same flight the next day, which cost a pretty penny too. Then that flight was delayed and didn't take off until over an hour after it was supposed to. On top of that, since coming back I've been fighting this devil's cold and flu, the absolute worst I've ever had!

Despite the horrible aftermath, I don't regret a minute of it! I am proud to have been able to pay the ticket myself and am greatful to everyone who bought books from me as support. It was my first time travelling alone entirely and remaining alone for the whole trip, it was a fresh experience and neat adventure but I prefer to travel in pairs or groups! I hope to soon return to London and see and smell and taste everything I didn't have a chance to this first time around.

Incredible memories.






Our plates are on the far right!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...