Clever&Lovely

Kincardine Home for Sale

2012-01-23T13:46:00.001-05:00

Lovely Detached 1100 sq.f ( plus approx 900 sq f finished basement) Bungalow with wood burning fireplace, fully fenced backyard FOR SALE $269 000, in the Lakeside town of KINCARDINE ONTARIO

Selling a sweet all brick home in WillowWest Kincardine. This house has been lovingly renovated.

The list is as follows:
A New Ikea kitchen, new counter tops, gorgeous stainless hood,reconfigured the layout.
Price includes all appliances, GE propane stove, LG fridge, Washer and Dryer
Added a door to the outside and added a 12X16 foot deck out the side for alfresco dining and lounging.
Finished basement, t.v. and playroom area, home office, guestroom and flex room. There is a full bathroom roughed in and framed in basement.
The dining, kitchen and powder room 12X24 inch slate grey tiles.
The powder room also got a new vanity, mirror and lights.
There is a two car garage with entrance into the house and side path, plus a window.

This house is in a great location. Only a few blocks to the gorgeous beach, a nice walk to downtown and is really close to schools. It's also on the Bruce Power Bus Route. There is a lovely park across the street and the house is a few steps to some really beautiful trails if you like to hike, bike and even sled in. There is a lot of children and teens (great for babysitting) as well as a few retirees (just to balance things out).
This home makes a wonderful family home or a great home for single/couple (perhaps even rent out the basement?) and if you are thinking of downsizing, take a look at this beauty. Or maybe you just want to be walking distance to the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. Can't you just see yourself living here?

Fresh Crisp Kitchen

Please contact Dave Patterson at RemaxLandExchange for further details and to make arrangements to come see your future home.

If you could be so kind as to pass this on to as many people as you can, well, that would be lovely.

Bye for now

Marcia

Please excuse the jumbled blog layout

2011-09-13T22:48:00.000-04:00

Thought I would try a new layout and I have been on this for way to long and cannot figure out how to fix it. So until I have the time to fix this bugger please ignore the obvious.

Thanks
Marcia

It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's...Super Sassy!

2011-08-27T16:23:00.000-04:00

What a fun summertime picture to do. Draw a city scape on the road have child lay sideways a la super hero flying and voila really sweet picture. I found this fun idea on Pinterest. When I started on Pinterest a few weeks ago I vowed to myself I wasn't just going to "PIN" ideas and never do them. So...so far I've done this art with Sass, my niece and a couple of neighbourhood girlies and it was a lot of fun, I've done 4 recipes that I "Pinned" and I ordered 2 really great lunchboxes for the kids that I "Pinned". Safe to say I am a "Pinspert" (Pinning expert) now. If you have trouble with any type of addiction I strongly suggest you stay away. It is that good. Every "hit" of Pintesest is just as potent as the first. You know what? It is just good clean fun. When my hubby is on Night shift it is a nice way to spend a couple of hours. It has everything from Homeschooling ideas, to travel, to tattoos, wardrobe...it has EVERYTHING all rolled up into one great site. I love it. So check it woulda already. Follow me and I will follow you.

Have a Pinteresting Weekend,

Love

Marcia

Home for Sale

2011-08-03T12:51:00.000-04:00

Lovely Detached Bungalow FOR SALE $282 000, in the Lakeside town of KINCARDINE ONTARIO

Selling a sweet all brick home in WillowWest Kincardine. This house has been lovingly renovated. The list is as follows: an extremely dated kitchen, reconfigured the layout, added a door to the outside and added a 12X16 foot deck out the side for alfresco dining and lounging. Finished basement, t.v. and playroom area, home office, guestroom and flex room. There is a full bathroom roughed in and framed in basement. The dining, kitchen and powder room got new 12X24 inch slate grey tiles. The powder room also got a new vanity, mirror and lights. There is a two car garage with entrance into the house and side path, plus a window.
This house is in a great location. Only a few blocks to the gorgeous beach, a nice walk to downtown and is really close to schools. It's also on the Bruce Power Bus Route. There is a lovely park across the street and the house is a few steps to some really beautiful trails if you like to hike, bike and even sled in. There is a lot of children and teens (great for babysitting) as well as a few retirees (just to balance things out).
This home makes a wonderful family home or a great home for single/couple (perhaps even rent out the basement?) and if you are thinking of downsizing, take a look at this beauty. Or maybe you just want to be walking distance to the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. Can't you just see yourself living here?

New Kitchen with Stainless Steal Hood. Breakfast Penninsula. No slam doors and cupboards.

Powder Room off Kitchen

Foyer

Livingroom with cozy woodburing fireplace

Master Bedroom

Bedroom 3, could also be used for nursery, office or extra guestroom

Bedroom 2, faces back of house.

Updated main bathroom with cheater suite door from Master bedroom.

Diningroom with 12X24 tiles.

Livingroom with other furniture arrangement

Home Office/Craft Room in basement.

T.V. and Play room in basement. Lots of room.

Guestroom/darkroom great for Shift workers

We would love to here from you so send us an email. Or comment on this post. Or contact David Patterson at Remax Landexhange Kincardine (519) 396-8444

Thanks for your interest
Marcia and Dalton

The Lone Ranger Rides Again

2011-07-24T12:40:00.000-04:00

Our lovable American Bulldog Trixie thinks she is super stealth, as soon as someone leaves the livingroomshe slithers up on the sofa and curls up in a ball. Well the other day she did it again. I was in the kitchen baking and Sasha wandered into the livingroom and exclaimed "Moooooom Trixies on the sofa again", Me "Can you get her off please?"

S - "Trixie get off the sofa"
No movement
S - Hands on hips, louder voice, very firm. "Trixie...GET of the sofa."
Nothing
S - She looks over at me "I know what will get her off the sofa"
Sasha leaves the room. Saunters back to the livingroom. Positions herself firmly, shoulders back and lifts her right arm slowly and points a Lone Ranger Gun at Trixie and very calmly says "Trixie get off the sofa", as she starts pulling the trigger in a flurry of shots. Whaaaaat!!!! Now that is clever and funny as hell.
Trixie was unharmed but I killed myself laughing. Sasha looks over at me wondering what is so funny. I cleaned my hands off from my baking and got Trixie off the sofa. Seriously one of the funniest kid moments ever.
Don't you wish you had a video camera going at all times just to capture the hilarity that kids and parents experience on a daily basis'. It is impossible to remember all the funny, smart, dramatic, shit that goes on. I would give anything to capture my kids spontaneous characters and songs that are sung and the lyrics are so good but there is no documentation. I try to jot down moments when I can. (Notice I left out the tantrums, yelling and crying. Those things are just fine to forget and do not need to be filmed. Those are the character building moments for kids and parents that are done in private.)
I hope you are having as good as summer as us. We are so gifted as to where we live (seconds from a sandy beach), We have good health, Are spirits are in check, Creativity is flowing, Grandparents down the street, visits from friends and family, Auntie has a new pool, the weather has been stellar, a damn good husband/father that makes our life triumphant. Life is freakin' good.

Trixie

One funny little girl

The Lone Ranger Gun

Have a lovely hot day
Marcia

Hello My Name is Marcia and...

2011-07-09T15:52:00.000-04:00

...I am addicted to MLS and HOUZZ. I cannot look away. It is starting to feel really dirty with every click drawing me in more and more, oh just one more image of kitchen tiles, click, click, that floor is stunning, click, click,click, I wonder if Dalton could make that, click, click...oh my word it's 2:00 a.m.

marseeya's ideas

Houzz- Kitchen Remodels, Bathroom Remodels and More»

Browse Furniture on Houzz- For Example:

Rocking Chairs · Chairs · Sofas · Ottomans And Cubes · Side Tables And Accent Tables · Benches · Armchairs · Love Seats ·

Click on the tiny dots to see the kitchen porn I've bean jonesing after.

Have a great day,
Love
Marcia

Today you are youer than you.

2011-05-11T15:53:00.000-04:00

My littlest love in my life Sasha turned 6 on Mother's Day. She was born on Mother's Day too and truly was the best gift ever.

Today you:

*Love to suck your thumb when you are tired or need a calming moment, you do this while tapping the dirtiest, oldest, softest blankies on your forehead or arms.

*You draw and doodle on anything you can get your hands on, I'll look in my agenda and there is always a special little drawing.
*Little Pet Shops and Small animal figures are your "go to" toys.
*You love to use the words boobie, bum, bumbum, poo, booty a lot, and try to fit them into every sentence you use. (We are looking forward to this phase being over)
*You adore your brother and always want to play with him
*Except when you don't and you call him an "Idiot"
*You are really into hugs and kisses and love to give me and Daddy big juicy smooches
*You have a really lovely bond with Trixie, I'll often watch you sitting and snuggling with her and you are almost always whispering something to her.
*You LOVE Mango's. When you eat them they drip down your arms, you get juice on your face, you take no notice and you always have a smile on your face.
*You make up really silly accents.
*You can do up a good crazy face that always makes me laugh.
*You love to be "spooned" and tuck your feet between my knees.
*You gulp a tonne of water before bed.
*You have a stutter, especially when you have a lot to say.
*Sometimes it sounds like you have a "New York" accent with certain words.
*You love to dress-up in animal costumes.
*You cry really loud when a sad song is on or there is a sad part in a movie or book.
*You like to play "Big Plant" and "Loco Coco" on your purple PSP.
*Getting dirty and messy is part of you, you never seem to notice or be bothered by dirt.
*You are a major bug collector.
*You have a purple Norco two wheeler that you are still getting used to.
*You can run really fast. But when you are not running you can be very sloth like.
*You are a homebody.
*You don't like being cold.
*You love to tell jokes.
*You prefer to where skinny jeans and tee shirts.
*You get really angry if I don't use the right brush.
*You are long and lean, pants never fit you in the waist.
*You love fruit and candy.
*You are the messiest eater I know.
*You have a kind heart.
*You are loved.

Have a lovely day,
Marcia

I feel I have a "Morrel" obligation to report about my dinner....

2011-05-10T21:38:00.000-04:00

See what I did there? Clever huh?
While out for a walk with my devastingly handsome husband and curious dog we stumble across a treasure trove of Morrels! Actually, it was Trixie that found them. We were walking along a trail, Trixie was eagerly sniffing and tasting anything is sight, she had this black little lump in her mouth and we thought is was poo, as Dalton leaned over to shew it out of her mouth with a stick he was relieved to annouce it was a Morrel, we looked down the trail and there they were popped up everywhere. We gathered 19 in total. We dropped a few off for Head Chef and Owner of Harbour St. Braissiere, Derek. :Sidenote: If you live in Kincardine OR ever in Kincardine make it a point to eat at Harbour St. Derek and his lovely wife Diane set the atmosphere and the food to pitch perfection, and serve a full menu of local food. Delightful. :Sidenote over: Derek showed me how to clean them properly and how to cook them, so nice, thank you Derek. And we shared a couple with a friend who was curious about the taste. The rest we kept for ourselves and thought they would go lovely with our roast chicken we were having tonight. Hope you enjoy the picture extravanganza of....fancy mushrooms....and our dinner.

Dirty Morrels

Sliced in half to clean out the bugs. ewww.

Water bath to clear out dirt and bugs

Drying only to discover tiny wormie bugs! eww and eww.

Back in the bath you go Dirty Morrels.

Type of Broth I used to simmer. No garlic and butter fry for these tender morsels.

Simmering to perfection. (and finalizing any bug killing. ha ha ha)

The finished product delicate little bites of mushrooms.

The roast chicken prep. Okay we all know how easy roast chicken is, right? Well this is even easier than easy and it is a no fail "recipe" preheat oven to 400, cut using kitchen scissors down the back of the chicken. Spread that bird open and press her down in the roasting pan. Throw the bird some butter, season if you wish and put her in the oven till the skin is super crispy. It's easier than easy because it cooks faster because we flattened the cheekon.

Sweat Potatoes with grated ginger and cayanne baby. So yummy.

Sweet Potatoes

The grand finally that is now in its final resting place, my belly!

Now I am on the hunt for wild leeks and perhaps some more morrels.
Have a lovely day,
Marcia

Mama got a new 'Do

2011-03-27T17:58:00.000-04:00

My new blond pixie cut. It's fun, it's versitile and it is a refreshing change.

Revamping the ol' fridgerator

2011-03-27T17:48:00.000-04:00

After a few months of not a great appetite it's returned. When I do want or crave something it happens to be starchy and white or something citrus...so before this turns into a bad habit I thought I better get busy and revamp our pantry and fridge with our By Design foods, that means, fruits and veggies, nuts and seeds, meat and eggs, oils, coconuts and coconut products. (If possible Organic and local, next best provincial, next best Canadian, next best USA etc. you get the picture) So yesterday I did a big grocery shop and this what I got. (plus a stack of meat that is in the fridge and freezer)

Then this is what I did next...

Prepared some protein for the week. Ground beef (for taco dinner) hard boiled eggs for snacks and a turkey breast for salads. Plus today I am cooking a pork tenderloin for dinner (left overs used in salads or for snacking), tomorrow I will roast a whole organic chicken, to be for dinner and salads.
If I take the time and prep a few things for the week, it truly makes life easier and way more healthier. The alternative to not taking that little bit of time is wasting even more time during the week wondering what to make, going to the grocery store a few more times, or waiting at a restaurant or for pizza take-out. Also, the kids lunches are so much faster and more fun to pack when I have healthy options for 'grab n'go'.

Now cutting out dairy and grains may sound difficult maybe even scary, I assure you it isn't, although it may take some time to adjust, old habits die hard, when I have eaten mostly "By Design" my skin clears up, eczema completely disappears, zero bloating and no other tummy issues, plus my hormone freak outs almost disappear and I have more energy and less brain fog.

My most favorite websites to keep me motivated and inspired:
http://www.primaleatingmoderntable.com/

http://www.cafeoflifelondon.com/index.html

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/

http://nourishedkitchen.com/

http://cookingupastory.com/nicolette-hahn-niman-champions-seismic-change-of-our-industrial-food-system?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CookingUpAStory+%28Cooking+Up+A+Story%29

http://hbfser.wordpress.com/

http://thisprimallife.com/

http://www.godairyfree.org/

I love all of these sites and find them very informative. I assure you I am not perfect and fo'shizzle eat none Design foods from time to time (celebrations or a friends house for dinner) and I do find it a challenge sometimes to pack the kids lunches with only By Design foods, not so much with Sass, but my Rolie is more of a "selective eater" and I have had to go "Deceptively Delicious" on him for many foods. I have noticed that as he gets older (he just turned 8) he is more open to trying foods, for example he ate 2 peas the other night at dinner. Next time he said he'll eat 3. All I can do is encourage and offer the foods. I will not make or force foods on my kids, food is to be enjoyed, I keep it light and positive and with a health attitude towards food and I know it will pay off.

Have a lovely foodie week,

Marcia

Day Dreaming

2011-01-27T16:06:00.000-05:00

Just a few short months my fellow Kincardinites until our glorious beach is ready for us to soak up the sun, sand and wind.

ommmmmm,

Bathing Suit Season?

2011-01-26T11:58:00.000-05:00

Normally I would NEVER think about buying a new swimsuit in January, you know right after the gorging of Christmas and New Years, however, if I'm going to look on the bright side of being ill for almost 2 months, no gorging or drinking booze has taken place. And therefore, a great sale and Limericki swimsuit buying enshoed. I love these tankinis for their style and modesty. These suits are wonderful for ladies who have just had babies or any mother that may have not got back to that teenie waistline before kids (that you happened to think was ponchy back than and now you realize how delusional you were and would give your first born to have that tummy back...jeesh what a mouthful) Also, wonderful for actually playing at the beach or waterpark with your kids and not worry about your 'love handles' being exposed. These are the 2 suits I purchased. How freakin' chic are they.

Have a lovely day

I am not a handy person...and that's okay.

2011-01-25T15:00:00.000-05:00

Our main bathroom...is ugly. We have done a couple of things to make her feel pretty but when I go in there is just no covering up the ugly. One of her biggest flaws is the bath tiles. No matter how much I clean them the grout is still nasty looking and really warn down. So me being the brainiack I am thought I would re grout the "mutha ucker". Well holy hell I did a terrible job. Luckily I only did one wall before my hubby got home and the look of pity said it all. He felt so bad for me, wasting 2 hours on it when now I have to spend even more time scraping the grout off. He then shows me and "voila" easy, neat, tidy, no mess. This is one of those moments when you learn from your mistakes...I guess. But now I totally don't feel like doing the rest. ugh. These delicate hands were not made for grouting.

******************************************************************************

On a completely off topic note. The board is talking about CLOSING our over populated Elgin Market Public School and busing ALL our Children to KTTPS. There will be a meeting of concerned parents/guardians January 26th at 7pm, in the multi media room at Huron Heights, in collaboration with the Home & School.

We will be working together to make a proposal to present to ARC on March 3rd (it needs to be well researched and will not be ready by the 7th, March 3rd is the ONLY other date they are taking ideas).

We need everyone's input!!
See you then, bring a friend.

Bye for now
Marcia

Happy New Year...First Day of The Rest of Your Life. Rejoice!

2011-01-24T11:53:00.000-05:00

My first entry into the new year. Why the wait? Well the end of 2010 was a bit glum and I really wanted to start out this fresh new year on a bright, cheery and healthy note and while I feel like I am moving forward and on the mend, today seemed a good day to write...I'M Still Here! woopie! yahoo! Life is GOOD.

I will ever so quickly touch on the subject of the glum. I got really ill with menegitis and was hospitalized for a week before Christmas. A few of those days I was in hospital I thought they may have been my last on earth. (hence the glum part) But through the power of love, family, friends, prayers, meditations, nurses and Doctors. I have pulled through. And let me tell you this "Reset button" in my life has not been lost on me. I am grateful for the many 'gifts' I recieved through this time. So much love to the people around me.

I have had a lot of time to sit with my thoughts and my dreams these past few weeks and I have some fun plans for my blog and my life in the next few weeks so please check back at your leisure or even a little sooner than that. One thing that came up is my son has asked that I not share anymore stories to do with him, especially when they are about behaviour stuff. I must respect his wishes and have decided to switch up the content a little. Both of my kids are a bit older now and I do not want there privacy disturbed so if anything is posted about them I will ask there permission.

My true passion is anything to do with home design, home decorating, home staging, furniture, wallpaper, colours, repurposing. Walking through the doors of Homesense and likes of gives me such a sense of peace it can only be discribed as home to me. I can stay up until the wee hours going through my design magazines, tearing and making notes and drawing. I lay awake in bed coming up with house plans big and small...mostly small to medium homes. I drive by homes and think up curb appeal changes for the homes I drive by, I love going on mls.ca and dream about going into the homes for sale and staging and rephotographing them for the agents. (come on people take the knicknacks down off the shelves, and would it kill you to strip the 1980's boarders off your walls or have someone do it for you. Many buyers cannot see past the decor)

Don't worry i'll still be writing about a bunch of other stuff I love and purhaps you do too, like food, health, kids, family etc.

I'm just so happy my heart was ready to start writing again and my fingers were thrilled too.

See you soon,
Marcia
xoxoxo

Fresh

2010-11-15T09:25:00.000-05:00

Wow, so October proved to be a bit of a dark month for me. I had found a new lump while doing a breast exam late September...had my Dr. appointment October 9th...Dr. said "This is a cause for concern, and I found 4 other lumps" and wanted to get me in for a Mamo and ultra sound as soon as possible, which ended up being November 8th. So as positive as I tried to be my thoughts often took me down a darker path and often thought of what every ones life would be like without me and I am overjoyed to report we don't have to find out for a really long time!!!! Seriously imagine a world without me...how dull. *wink* During my dark month I ate way to much Halloween Candy and started baking bread...my thoughts were "Well, I may as well plump myself up because who knows what the next few months will look like." Bad move. Now I have to detox...ugh. Back on track as the saying goes.

I have a few "Clever & Lovely" things I would like to report on. I purchased a King Sized Brunelli Duvet from 'Harbour Rose' downtown Kincardine and it is DIVINE. The weight of it is perfect, it has the little doohickies to tie into the duvet cover so it doesn't slide down. (major peeve of mine)I love the sound of it when I move around, it is so cozy I may have a nap under it today. You seriously need one for this winter, it's going to be a cold one, I can just feel it.

If you have not eaten at "The Bruce" in a while it is high time you rediscover this lakeview restaurant and please do yourself a favor and order The Bruce Burger (Jr.), it is so tasty and the homemade buns really adds to the yummyness. Another added bonus about "The Bruce" is they are serving Organic beef. I find their food actually tastes fresh and good in comparison to other roadhouse type restaurants. (Which by the way an employee at a highway restaurant told me all there food comes from a "box in the freezer".) Think 'local' not 'corporate' the next time you are picking a restaurant.

My new favorite place to hang out is "Bean's Bistro", another lovely lake view setting. This is the former "Books and Beans". It has undergone a makeover inside and out, and I believe new management, she is delightful and efficient and is most definitely a welcoming face. Nice moves on the new hires so far. Oh and for all you mommies and daddies out there....da da da da...they have a change table in the bathroom...how novel. And they are getting in high chairs. It is about time someone taps into "Work at Home parents" and "Moms on Mat leave" gang. We like coffee, we like getting out of the house, we like businesses to cater to us...cause guess what? We'll come back again and again and again. Oh another point to mention about "Beans Bistro", you will not find anyone, patrons or employees smoking out front or side. wooo hooo. That was always a little "off putting". And I betcha didn't know this, they serve hot breakfast, bacon, eggs, toast, fruit and potatoes and a cup of their great coffee for only $5.75.

Well great, now I'm hungry!

Peace, love and joy to you and yours
Marcia

psst...if you enjoy my little blog, pass it on, share it on your FB, join my little "follower" thingy on the side. Thanks for reading.

So Tired.

2010-10-27T12:28:00.000-04:00

I have been feeling a little glum lately. I'm working on changing that, positive thoughts, smile more etc. but I just can't seem to shake it sometimes. Last night I stayed up until 1 cuddling my snoring dog and smelling her corn chip paws. Then finally dragged my bum to bed. Sadly this morning I was just soooo tired. I got up and served my kids an atrocious breakfast....freakin' fruit loops (Grrrrr Dalton) and OJ and kiwis (so not too bad). Made yummy lunches for the kiddos, got them on the bus, let the dog out for a pee. Trixie curled back up in her bed and I devilishly said "Good Night Again" and I curled back up in my pok-a-dot sheeted bed for 2 extra glorious hours of much needed sleep. The house was so peaceful and warm while the winds were howling and branches banging outside. I felt at peace, I felt thankful, I felt....more rested.

The kids will be home soon, early dismissal day. We are going to snuggle on the couch and eat popcorn and watch Marley and Me.

Rolie and I have a date tonight with some other mothers and their oldest. We are going to see Craig Kielburger founder of Free The Children
Really looking forward to it.

Hope you are having a lovely day
Marcia

Puppy Update

2010-10-25T22:28:00.000-04:00

Trixie Vans is 5 months old!

Our girl is growing up. We are in love. Trixie is a lovely little dog that is soon to be big. Her muscles are really starting to show and she is quickly growing into her skin. Her under bite is the cutest thing ever. Her brindle markings are starting to lighten. She is a happy dog and loved very much. Our American Bulldog rocks.

Woof.

Lady Weekend

2010-10-18T10:37:00.000-04:00

I have never been alone in my house for a whole weekend. No husband, no kids. For the first time in 7 years...7 years! I watched as Dalton and the Kids loaded up the Jeep and headed for London to spend time with Big Grandad and Auntie Anne.
Is it wrong I was a little giddy about it? Even if I was going to clean the house for a couple of hours. I got to clean it...and no one was there to drop a toy and leave it, mess up my newly mopped floors, dishevel their beds, leave Canadian Tire flyer's on my counter. It was glorious.
My dear friend Lisa arrived late Friday night, we drank wine, ate nibbles, and girl talked to late at night. Saturday we slept until 9 am, got the house ready for a wonderful workshop I hosted at the house. "Calm Mum", created and facilitated by Carol Peat and I implore you to check out her company Babies Naturally, yes even if your kids are 5 and 7. We can all use some guidance ie. "hand holding" and personal growth as parents education, and Carol is the person to do it, from preconception to teens. The workshop took place with 6 other women and I believe we all left better mothers (and daughters for that matter). In a perfect world Carol Peats workshop would be mandatory for all parents and grandparents, much like getting a drivers licence before you can drive. I feel refreshed as a Calm Mum, I'm going to trust my instincts and my children more, they know what they want and need and if we are patient, present and aware they let us know. I am going to try my best to not worry about what other people think of me and my parenting simply because "Their judgement/opinion of me and my parenting is none of my business." Don't you just love that? Lets write it again "Other peoples opinion of me is none of my business." Freeing...isn't it? and Breath.

So later that day Lisa and I took Trixie for a big walk at the lagoons, it was a lovely walk, crunching on leaves, sunshine and chatting. Oh and Trixie ate shit. How gross is that? I said "So that's what getting shit faced really is?" I can seriously crack myself up. I'm my own personal stand-up comedian.

Then...Lisa and I got gussied up and went out for a delightful dinner and wine at Tramontos then Guinness time at Hawg's Breath. Such fun with a dear friend.

On Sunday I slept till 11:00, hot damn that was nice. Then the kids and Dalton got back in the afternoon and I was soooooo happy to see them and smooch their spectacular little faces.

Have a lovely day,
Marcia
xoxox

Our new baby

2010-08-25T00:38:00.000-04:00

Trixie Vans Spencer

Our family has been blessed with a new addition. Her name is Trixie. She is an American Bulldog. She is so lovely and has a great personality.
Sasha now has a kindred in the house.

Nighty night
Marcia

Answering The Call

2010-08-21T15:48:00.000-04:00

I need to write this post as a "shout out" to a friend who "Answered The Call". This call happened to be "The Call of a Mom needing a time out from children". She was "picking up what I was laying down" on a facebook status this past week. And I just want to say how grateful I am for her. Rolie had a great day and I had some much needed quiet time with Sasha. So thank-you Ashley, your kindness was so appriciated.

Have a lovely Saturday evening,
Marcia
xoxoxoxo

Buisness up front...Party in the Back

2010-07-25T23:23:00.000-04:00

This photo is the "Pre-Mullet" stage. I'll post the new do when he gets it.
My boy in jonesing for Mullet. Rolie has been watching RAD the movie and loves the guys hair. So Dalton told him he could get it...maybe even get a RAT TAIL!!!!! For the love of Justin Beiber someone throw me a life line. Apparently fauxhawks and brush cuts and even The Beibs hair just won't do. Rolie says "Mom, it's okay, I just want a mullet, and I want to bring back the '80's, old school style". So from this moment on Roland is officially no longer allowed to hang out with his Dad, ever again, no more long bike rides and all the chatting and reminiscing because it is affecting the way I want to style my son. (Of coarse I kid, he can totally hang out with his Dad & as if Rolie ever let me style him in the first place.) My main thing is for Dalton to not be the one to cut his hair, this is a job for a professional.

On another note: I got gussied-up this past week, on Wednesday in fact, to go out to dinner and see Sting at the JLC in London. I went with my lovely seestor Amy and Mom and Dad, the folks just celebrated their 42nd Wedding Anniversary so we did it up right, no hubbies and no kids! ha ha ha. Actually, the hubbies and kids would have LOVED the concert. It was a nice treat to hang out, just the 4 of us. Love them. So I love talking about food and our dinner was delightful, we ate at Waldo's On King I had ceasar salad, so fresh and crisp with a pancetta medallion and Parmesan round, steak and frites, green beans, 3 glasses of red wine, and homemade lemon sorbet and blueberry tea (Grand Marnier and Tea (My friend Kayli introduced me to that yummy goodness)
Can I just put it out there that Sting is Sexy. He is 58 years old and just has that certain something, he was even wearing kind of a ridiculous outfit though,really tight black skinny jeans and a white pirate blouse. Now if my hubby were to wear that out I'd be laughing at him all night, not with him...totally at him.
So anyway, Roland and Sass love it when I get dressed up. They walk around in my heals, smooth my freshly shaved legs, ask to have some lipstick on, wonder what I can fit in that little purse. Roland asked if he could take my picture. Of coarse I said "yes"...here it is....

ya sooooo, he's more of a handbag, shoes, legs kinda guy, jeesh, I thought I was worthy of a full body shot but apparently not.
Busy week ahead, summer is full, fun and got us on the run, with some lazy dayz of summer sprinkled in,
Love
Marcia

This is me Happy

2010-07-12T23:20:00.000-04:00

Under a red Kitty Cat Umbrella ella ella hey hey!

I feel joyful and happy. Nothing in particular, no massive event, no gifts on my door step. Just a feeling of happiness. Plain and simple...joy. Every now and then I like to "take stock" of what is going on in my life and really feel thankful for it. Yes, I still have a few things that stress me out but all and all a wonderful, fulfilling life.
Things I am thankful for in this moment:
a)A husband to love and loves me right back, something fierce comes over me when he walks in the house.
b)Two beautiful, healthy, energetic children so bursting with smarts, creativity and wildly funny personalities.
c)Getting to be with my children for the summer, beaching it,pipebanding, exploring and daytripping our way through the warm weather.
d)A roof over our heads, food in our bellies, a car to take us from A to B in AC.
e)A sister like no other, to share our hopes, dreams, laughs, triumphs and tribulations with.
f)My parents who live on the same street as me. Getting to "pop in" for a nice hot "cuppa" and a chat.
g)My girlish figure, witty personality and devilish thoughts.

There is a smile on my face and warm thoughts in my heart for you on this summer evening,
smmmmmmmoooooch,
Marcia

Holding Hands - Heartwarming

2010-07-09T10:59:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!! This moment - 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.

Have a lovely weekend,
Marcia

Summer Lovin'

2010-06-24T11:31:00.000-04:00

SASHA & ROLAND my little Summer Lovers.

This is why we live here in the blistering 8 months worth of Winter/cold/wind/snow/rain. For this. We take what we get, 4 months worth of pure bliss.

Love
Marcia

SLOW Summer

2010-06-24T11:03:00.000-04:00

With the last days of school nearly behind us I am excited to have my little chickens home with me for the summer. I have declared this our good old fashioned slow summer. A summer with no major agendas, no major organized sports. The plan is to enjoy the summer and enjoy each other, literally take time to smell the roses.
Now with saying that there is no agenda does not mean we have no plans, on the contrary, we have assembled a list of activities we would like to do this summer and we have a few activities that we have booked but in general it's pretty loose.

* Explore the Bruce We are going to Explore our community and surrounding area maybe once a week or every two. Fun.
* BEACH BUMS We are sooooo fortunate to live so close to beautiful beaches, a 10 minute walk from our house. (half an hour with kids in tow) The sunsets are breath taking. The water is warm and clear, the beaches are sandy. This will be our main playground for the summer. And with not having evening planned up we can stay as long as we want. woo hoo.
* WaterPark in Goderich for a change of scenery.
* Parks and Pic-Nics in Kincardine. We have has lovely spots for pic-nics and play time, Tiny Tot park, right by the lake, Lions Park @ Davidson Centre (this one is a favorite, lots of shade, pic-nic tables and of course the coveted Skate/Bike Park. Geddes Park is another lovely spot along the river.
* Library time, I have a feeling we may need some quiet afternoons or rainy days. We love going to the libary (and as always *FREE*)
* Port Elgin Skate Park. Our second home. Again *FREE* Pack some food, plenty of water, and bikes and skateboards. FUN. (Lawn chair for yourself)
* We are setting up an art studio at home, we have all the supplies bought and ready to go for some exciting creations.

Project Driveway

2010-06-17T16:57:00.000-04:00

I am so mad at myself...I just finished writing a post about an hour ago and for some reason I erased it. Bugger, shit, damn, darnit, cuss, blinking, flip. I won't do that again, I'm still stewing from it...and...now...I'm done.

Remember Me?....

Ya? No? Well I'm the dining room set that has been in the family for 30 odd years, that Marcia absolutely loves and was in the middle of redoing when....
VOILA! This curvy legged, sturdy, comfy seats dining set entered the picture. What ever happened to me? I'm sanded, repaired (by Rick) cleaned and ready for a fresh coat. Maybe one day she'll love me again.

I'm thinking of painting the hutch a glossy white...what do you think?

It's true Dalton and I fell in love with this new set, how could we resist. She was 50% off and we really liked her. We were so seduced by the "Business closing 50% off" But when we saw her we knew we had to have her.

Lovely Peonies in celebration of our 8th Anniversary. Merci Mama et Papa, they are gorgeous and smell delightful. They will always remind me of my Wedding Day.

I am smitten and have been bitten with inspiration from Holly at White Berry in Western Canada. I have never been into Shabby Chic, but her take on it is so lovely I am going to incorporate it into my Contemporary Glamorous Minimalist style. So I believe that would read "Shabby Glam with a side of Contemporary Minimalism" Yes, that is my style and I like it. If you like something make it work. So the other day I found this beauty on kijiji, I swooped down and bought it, today I sanded, cleaned and primed it, tomorrow I paint it. Oh and I bought lovely new pewter drawer pulls I think will work just nice.

Finished project updates soon.

A family picture gallery I have been wanting to do FOREVER but have not gotten around to it because of my Major disease...Procrastination. Don't worry it is not contagious but it is terminal and I live everyday with it, it's who I am and I'm not going to fight it anymore. Some days are better than others, those would be the days I actually get stuff done and most people wouldn't even know I have it.
Anyway, I really like the way it turned out, I love seeing these pictures everyday, each one of them brings a smile to my face.

So, what have you been working on lately. I'd love to know. Don't be a strange and drop me a line.

All my love
Marcia

2010-06-17T15:03:00.000-04:00

Remember me?....

Ya, I'm the dining room set Marcia was going to refinish because she LOVED me so much. Well, apparently not enough cause...
Voila, I've been replaced by this curvy number. She liked the curvy legs and the sturdy comfy seats. Nice. She even got me all taken apart, sanded and repaired (by Rick) She is so flighty.

It's true. I was in the middle of redoing the dining room set when Dalton and I walked into a furniture store going out of business and we saw this set for 50% off and absolutely love it. It is the first dining set we have bought...ever...we are officially grown ups buying dining room sets. What next...driving a mini van. (not that there's anything wrong with that)

This lovely bouquet of Peonies in celebration of mine and Daltons 8th Anniversary. Merci Mama et Papa. They are gorgeous, and always remind me of my wedding day.

New project, I bought this solid wood, Canadian made (in Quebec) dresser and Mirror off of Kijiji. I love it. As soon as I saw it I knew it would be the perfect first piece to redo. I have been officially inspired up one side and down the other by this lovely lady Holly from White Berry out in Western Canada. I was never into Shabby Chic but I have been bitten by this bug and I love her take on it, and I think I can incorporate it with my contemporary/Glam/minimalist style. So that would read "Shabby Glam Contemporary Mini". I like it. That's my style fo'shizzle.

Sanded, cleaned, now primed. I bought lovely new pewter drawer pulls. And I will be painting a very light grey/white.

finished project to follow shortly.
Family picture wall. It only took 3 years of wanting to get organized and up on the wall.

I really like the way it turned out.

What are you working on these days?

Have a lovely day
Marcia

Rainy Wednesday

2010-06-09T09:31:00.000-04:00

Sass with her lined up racing hotwheels.

No car today. Dalton had to use it for work today. I don't mind though, it gives me a chance to slow down and just "be" at home with Sasha. (Don't get me wrong I love going to Wednesday morning playgroup aka coffee talk with friends, while our kids play)
We are still in our jammies, well, I am, the more responsible of the two of use got dressed. Sasha and I had a lovely breakfast, then I put the kettle on for tea and biscuits while we read books. Sass did some drawings. One of me and her, she is walking a dog, and her and I are holding hands, I have a circle around one eye. I said to Sasha "oops you forgot the other half to mommy's glasses." She said "you're not wearing your glasses, its a black eye, you walked into the corner of a wall because you were not watching where you were going." Me "I should have had my glasses on."
I think while I am secluded to our house I will actually make all the beds, actually empty the 3 baskets of folded laundry and actually play on the floor with Sasha.
We aren't totally trapped though. I am going treasure hunting at the Dumps Re-Use it section with a friend today. I am after really large gaudy frames and what ever else catches my eye.
Enjoy your rainy day too
Marcia

Me and My Beau

2010-06-06T12:36:00.001-04:00

Big "D" and Me.

This is us all ready to go out for dinner with my parents, Auntie Judy and Uncle Bob, and another lovely couple (not sure if they would like there names on here). In honor of Mama's B-day. Happy Birthday Lanny!

I love going out with Dalton on my arm. He is a lovely husband, best friend, wonderful provider and support, oh ya and a great dad. Plus he's not to bad to look at.

Here's to date nights with your beau!

Love
Marcia
xoxoxoxo

Boys

2010-06-03T10:01:00.000-04:00

(nice hair Dalt)

As the poem goes "Little boys are made of...Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails". First of all how gross. Second of all I disagree, at least mine aren't. My boys are made of "Two wheels, bike chains and Fox wear".
I often write my posts on food, decor,communty, Sasha,family and the childrens behaviours etc. This post will mostly be about my little boy and my big boy. Rolie and Big "D" if you will.
You'll also notice there has been a big lag in my writing. For good reason, the weather has been absolutely scrumptious. We have done more summer activities in the last month then we did all last summer. I have barely been at my computer, but that's not to say my brain has slowed down with writing ideas, my poor brain is back logged so sorry in advance if this post gets a little jumbled.
As promised "MY Boys". It has taken me awhile but for all the little things Rolie does that drives me bananas most times I am finally in the position to let most of it go and accept him for who he is and not for this weird idea of who I sometimes want him to be. For instance, he LOVES his skinny jeans, with holes and all and that he will wear them every day (if I do not kidnap them for the laundry) when he would wear these jeans to school or out it made me feel really anxious and feel like everyone would see this as a direct reflection of my poor parenting. I imagined teachers, friends, parents (anyone really) would think I don't care about my son, or that we can't afford to cloth him in sensible pants etc. I know this to be so untrue,I couldn't care about him or love him more and he has a closet full of sensible, fashionable clothing. But he chooses to express himself through his cloths. He has been this way since he was 3, it has been 4 years of clothing battles and I am waving the white flag. For all you parents out there that can just lay out an outfit and your child will wear it and wear it all day with no wardrobe changes, bravo, good for you, that works for you and your child, no offence, but it's not just because you "trained" him that way, it's because he just doesn't care what he wears, it's just not his thing right now (and this is a good thing)Rolie, just happens to be a Diva in holey jeans. *sigh*. Even though it may not look like it, A LOT of thought has gone into each outfit he wears, every outfit takes him on a journey, or event, be it real or imaginary and I for one think it is pretty neat. Sure my Grandad would not accept this "behaviour", but times have changed, so must our thoughts and expectations of our creative little ones.

My two boys Rolie and Big "D" love them some bikes. BMX, Mountain, Motor anything with two wheels, they will ride it, modify it, fix it, dream about it, race it, talk about it, pray to it. Not kidding, biking is their church, it is where they get great joy, peace, solitude, community and time to meditation. They are always more clear minded when done biking, not to mention more tired and very hungry too. I am almost dreading the winter already, where will they ride, they need an indoor track.

I have a confession. I am not a morning person. By golly I wish I was though, I completely love the feeling of early morning, the fresh crispness of that time of day, but for petes sake I cannot get my butt out of bed that early. I sleep to 7:30-8:00 most mornings but I day dream about sleeping until 9:00. Anyway, wow long story to get to this short one. The other morning as I lay in bed I hear some action going on in the kitchen. A few minutes later Rolie comes into the room and says "Girls get up, time for breakie, I made breakfast for you guys." We get up and Rolie has my favorite cups at each of our spots, orange juice poured, bowls with spoons, napkins, 3 types of cereal out, Almond milk, and fruit all set up neatly on the table. Double *sigh*. Isn't he the sweetest. He has a flare for presentation and he really loved the praise from preparing such a lovely treat. He will make a good husband someday.

Big "D" is the bike master. If he cannot have his two wheels, I don't know who he would be. And that's the truth. Before we even started dating I would see this crazy looking tall guy, wearing a lime green bike jacket, tight black riding pants, long dreadlocks hanging out the back of a bike helmet going like 9o down Richmond Row in London with his pitbull running beside him. I remember thinking "what a nut", who new I would marry that nut. Anyway, he has passed the bike bug onto our Rolie and it is a match made in heaven. It has been a wonderful way for these two men to bond and I believe it is a gift of a lifetime passion.

In other bike news. Sasha is riding two wheels now too. The run bike was a huge success. She never needed training wheels. She simply got on two wheels, Dalton held the back for like 5 seconds and she was gone. Within 2 weeks she has also started standing and riding and riding "one hander".

My little family is growing up.

Bike on friend, bike on,
Marcia
Me and Big "D"

Smile on my face

2010-05-11T23:42:00.000-04:00

We were all at the dinner table the other night and when finished Sasha got up and cleared her plate to the sink. Came back, got out her markers and paper. While we were all still eating and talking she was drawing, which she can be found doing 80% of her awake time. Love it. Then she gets up and goes to the kitchen drawer to get the tape. We are all still eating and chatting, she is busy finishing and taping her picture to the seat of her chair. She sits down on her chair and declares "A Genius sits here", me being her mother agrees whole heartily. "No really mom a Genius sits here" she gets up off her seat to show us the picture she has drawn. It is a self portrait with swirly eyes and a finger in the air. She is standing there staring at me with her finger in the air and a giant smile on her face. I'm not really sure if she knows what the word Genius means. I think she is pretty darn genius at being funny, cute, smart and artistic all rolled into one perfect little human.

Hey, ever notice the day after your kids birthday they actually seem a whole year older just by the words they use and the tone of their voice?

Love
Marcia

Today was Awkward

2010-05-10T20:09:00.000-04:00

WARNING: This blog post is a tad self loathing...
I had an interview today. One I was very excited about and a job that is perfect for me and I really, really want it. It will be mine oh yes it will be mine.
So my day started out lovely, Roland and I had a leisurely breakie and conversation before school. After he left I had a nice hot shower and got ready for my interview, what to wear? Ran downstairs and picked out my favorite pale grey trousers and a white eyelet blouse, perfect, throw on my pink bead and I've got myself a cute interview outfit. However, I put on my lovely grey trousers and lo and behold my rear end looked like to much sausage was shoved in the casing. What a sight when I got a good rear view look, not only were they tight as hell, it flattened my butt and all you could see was the giant V of my underwear line. Damn it. Peeled them off, found my reliable black ankle pants, quick wink in the mirror, (no time to wallow over my extra large derriere) and off to my interview.
Well the written part of the interview went 'wellish' but my actual interview...hmmmm...I don't think I came across as very skilled...I was a complete bundle of nerves, I know this stuff, I can talk to anyone about any of the questions they asked me with such ease on confidence,but put me in front of 3 interviewees and I am a babbling fool. I did present a Professional Portfolio and left them a copy of some ideas I had, hopefully that helps ease the nasty verbal interview. Fingers crossed, please pray for me. :) At least there was chocolate at the end of the interview.

Sorry no picture with this post. I'm afraid it would have been to scaring for you, Funny, yes, but scaring.

Have a lovely day
Marcia

May Flowers (ugh...predictable title)

2010-05-09T15:28:00.000-04:00

Pre party nap
Tissue puffs are Martha Stewart Kit. Super cute eh?

May is my most favorite month. It is the month I decide to grace the world with my presence. You're very welcome world, I am pretty lovely. (wink wink nudge nudge) The month my daughter was born, the month I became a mother for the second time, it is the month I celebrate my mother and her mother and my dads mother,my husbands mother and my nieces and nephews mothers. May is the month gardens bloom, I marvel every year at fresh buds and so pleased that the plants made it through another winter. May seems to be the month when it just seems brighter out. May is the month we start heading to the beach on a more regular basis. May marks fresh beginnings, it is hopeful and friendly. When it rains in may, it is not a bother or a nuisance, it is needed and welcomed.
May you are freakin alright in my books, I hate it when you end, but look forward to the next one.

Have a Mothers Day,
Love
Marcia

Sasha's custom Birthday Cake made by Tartan Toad Devine Baked Goods.

Poor little Birthday Girl, not feeling so great on her big day...The party must go on.

Party Flag Banner. Made by me using Amy Butler paper.

Rambling Rose

2010-05-04T10:11:00.000-04:00

So at about 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning we were awoken to "I NEED A BUCKET!!!!" Really really loud. Dalton got up and ran to Rolie's room were Rolie proceeded to vomit all over his bed and Dalton, and then proceeded to vomit about 3 times every hour until 8:00 p.m. We left Roland with my mom and dad around 10 am thinking he would be okay, while we took Sasha to Toronto to see a Jays game. When we got back at 8:00 to get Roland we realized we were sooooo wrong. The poor little guy was sick all day. Called Telehealth, gave them the 'dets', expressed his extreme lethargie. "Any medications or illnesss?" she asks "He has AVS (Aortic Valvular Stenosis). "I'm recommending we call an Ambulance right away" Me "I can drive him up" "No no I'm calling the ambulance right now they are on the way". Me, heart racing, me, thinking worst case senerio, me, thankful that we live in Canada.

When we finally got home and got to tuck Rolie into bed, I felt peace again. He slept solid the whole night. And the next day he was good as new.

Monday turned out to be a lovely day. I spent the morning hanging with Sasha and getting ready for an interview (for the EA supply list with BWDSB). Had my usual issues with pre interview stomach upset. Had a great drive to Chesely, tunes cranked, green tea and my GPS (cause I get lost...hard) The interview went great (I think) in fact I could have done 4 more interviews that day, I was just in one of those moods. After my interview they gave me a chocolate ( I like their style) I hopped back in my car and headed to Paisly for a 'me time' afternoon. I checked out a new shop "Daydream Believers" and bought Sassy a Cupcake Trinket box for her birthday. Next stop "Back Eddies" for lunch. Oh my word so delicious. I had a spinach and feta whole wheat phylo wrap and a huge salad with trail mix and hemp buds and lots of veggies, all for $7.95. And a coffee to go go for my drive home. After lunch (ENTER CREEPY EXPERIENCE HERE) I popped into the Elora soap shop. It was really quiet in there, no one around, then this big guy with long curly hair and half closed eyes (simular to those of someone smoking alot of pot) came out and said "hello" mumbled a bunch of other stuff to me then followed me around the whole store while in my personal space (within 18 inches of my body) and mumbled about every single product. He was so close I actually thought "I am so glad I have this really hot coffee in my hand cause I can toss it on him if he gets any closer". I was going to buy some soap when I initially went in, instead I finally got back to the front door and high tailed it out of there. Note to Elora Soap Company, keep dude making the soap, hire a new sales person.

After dinner we took the kids to the beach. They wore their swim suits down. They swam for about 20 minutes! It was so fun watching them in the water. I'll join them in July when the lake is actually warm. After the swim we got them changed and walked the board walk and enjoyed all the gardens, then got to the park and the kids had a good play. This town rocks. Lake, boardwalk, beautiful gardens, park, sunsets, what more could you ask for.

Have a lovely day,
Marcia

Photo montage: Check out the 'mad skills' of Sasha, sucking her thumb and using binoculars.

Tuesday.

2010-04-27T23:00:00.000-04:00

A few things I am grateful for today.
* "Ladies Who Lunch" only we eat breakfast.
* Popping over to my neighbours for a sec. and having a giggle over our matching uniforms: Messy hair, sweat pants and cozy top (ie track suits)
* Finding all my ECE documents, workshop, project stuff all within five minutes of looking.
* Finding my "Sweet 16" ring I lost about 10 years ago.
* Rolands version of the Russian YouTube singer. Totally made my morning. Still laughing about it.
* Sasha wanting to play Mama and Baby Pig. "Your the Big Mama Pig and I am the baby pig and I'm going to drink milk from you, but not really mom, I'll just pretend over your cloths".
* Dalton's curly hair looked awesome tonight. Super handsome. Not so 'Vinnie Bobarino'.
* Sally our pet chipmunk, sitting on the chair looking at me inside. I almost let her in.
* My yummy dinner of Scrambled Eggs&Sliced Avocado (seriously yummy combo, sounds gross but for some reason it works) tomatoes, Sesame seed cookies, lemonade.
* Tea with my Dear Friend K. Always a pleasure.
* The lake looked breathtaking today, bright blue towards shore, almost purple blue in the horizon, SUNSET spectacular.

A couple of things I'm a little bummed about tonight:
* Really felt like watching T.V. tonight...we cut our cable.
* My new glasses still are not ready.
* The laundry is never done.

Good night, and have a pleasant tomorrow,
Marcia

My New M.A.C. Spring/Summer Lipstick

2010-04-21T23:16:00.000-04:00

Me and my girl wearing "See Sheer" Lustre M.A.C. lipstick.

I love M.A.C. make-up. I love the smell of it, the application, the packaging, the quality, it's Canadian and I love the creative spirit it was created from and still is. I was first introduced to this line in 1989, during my "trying to make it as a model days". I wore "Pecan" lipstick in matte finish for the rest of high school. (side note: holy crap that was 20 years ago!!!) We were in London this past weekend and I picked out new Spectacles and thought I should get a new lipstick to go with. What a nice treat. Fresh, smelling good, sheer lipstick. The simple things make me so happy.

Next time you are in the city, go to the mall, seek out the M.A.C. counter and treat yourself to a new lipstick. It really does brighten your day.

Smmmmmmooooch,
Marcia

New Subject: "ManPacking". So recently (pretty much throughout the winter) there has been some pretty funny banter back and forth between friends about the dreaded "ManCold". Well, for all you ladies out there that know what I am talking about I have a new "Man Peeve". It's called "ManPacking". So, Dalton signed up about 2 months ago to go away for a 4 day ATV trip. Lovely, have fun Dalton. Two months he has know about this trip. Night before he leaves, "Mar, have you seen my rain boots?" "Mar, do you know where my back pack is?" "Mar, what tooth paste should I bring". He searched for rain boots for about 2 hours. Backpack, lifted a shirt, there it was. Toothpaste, decide to take the one that is almost finished, about enough to last 4 days. He took hardly any cloths with him. Not sure if P.J.s even made it in. I hope he is having fun. And can't wait to see him on Saturday.

By Design Dinner Recipe

2010-04-20T21:59:00.000-04:00

So we all know I am a big fan of The Life By Design concept. I feel great when I Eat By Design. I do find it a wee bit challenging sometimes making full meals 100% completely By Design but I am getting better. Tonight's meal was soooooo yummy, tasty, nutritious and 100% Eat By Design. (Just a side note: Eat By Design is Gluten, Wheat and Dairy Free)

First: Saute Extra Lean Ground Beef (or Chicken or turkey) preferably Organic. Drain set aside. Oh by the way, Your Welcome for not posting a picture of sizzling meat. (blarf)
Second: Saute Shallots, Garlic, Tomatoes, Broccoli. While this is Sauteing boil Cauliflower in another pot.

Third: Add the beef to the veggies. Add pesto (I used jarred) Mix it up.
Forth: Place baby spinach on top, put on lid to let it steam about 2 minutes. Take lid off and mix together.

Fifth: Drain cauliflower, add a bit of olive oil or olivina marg, S&P, and a dash of nutmeg. Blend with a hand blender until fluffy. Looks like mashed potatoes

Sixth: Dollop Cauliflower Mash on plate, Spoon the Pesto Veggie Beef mixture. Top with Walnuts. And Enjoy.

Honestly sometimes I amaze even myself. Not only was this dinner esthetically pleasing to my eye, it was delicious and my belly has been full for hours.

Wow big day for my blog, two posts in one day. Sometimes I'm inspired sometimes I draw a blank.
Have a lovely night
Marcia

New Project: Eating/Socializing Room

2010-04-20T15:06:00.000-04:00

A miracle has happened, my 4 foot by 4 foot monster picture finally got framed after 5 years of leaning, warping, and falling off the buffet. I am so happy it is on the wall. Job well done "Photo shop" downtown Kincardine. For those that may be curious the picture is of my wedding bouquet, my friend Jill took it with her wicked awesome camera. Full of my favorite flowers, Giant Pink Peony's, White and red roses, white freesia, and different shades of pink Gerbera daisies. It smelt heavenly.

The red dining room set is getting a makeover. In these pictures it actually doesn't look to bad. Let me tell you, in person...it has seen better days. The set was manufacture by Maskinonge Furniture Inc. in Maskinonge Quebec in 1968. My parents bought it second hand from their friends in the 70's sometime and was in my parents dining room up until they gave it to us in 2005. It went from Good Condition to near Scrapyard Condition in 10 seconds flat. Since we've had it 2 babies/toddlers/children have eaten, crafted, banged the shit out of it. Since we've had it we've used it for every single meal, since we've had it, it has hosted and served us well on many celebrations. Since we've had it, it has lost it's sheen and now has water marks, the sun has faded the once very vibrant red, the chair cushions are so flat your bum gets pins and needles after awhile, plus they are so stained from food and juice. We have loved this set and have many wonderful memories with it in the back ground. I still really like the style of it and the buffet is so handy, I'd hate to see it go. I feel like I just need to jazz up the joint again, while we're at it lets give it an new title, "Modern Mid century Glamorously Casual Dining Set", It is getting painted out Onyx black with satin finish, the chairs are getting covered in black with white pokadots, the table may get replaced (not sure yet) with the old one getting repurposed as shelves etc. The banister is getting painted out glossy black and the trim going downstairs is getting painted white. I would also like to get 2 dining armchairs from Ikea and recovered with some gorgeous fabric for the ends (for me and Dalton), we do love to linger at the table and chat so a nice comfy chair would be lovely don't ya think?

Oh and I found the "Little Sister" chandelier at Brushwood that I may just have to purchase while Dalton is on his ATV trip this week. I'll move the "Little Sister" to the living room and put the "Big Sister" over the table. Okay seriously I want all this done by yesterday.

Are you working on anything right now? Care to share?

Have a great day
Marcia

Happy Birthday Lucy Lu Lu!!!

2010-04-16T00:56:00.000-04:00

My adorable little niece Lucy Eileen turns 4 today!!! This little monkey is full of sunshine and giggles (along with a little piss and vinegar too) She has THE best facial expressions I've ever seen. Lucy is so much fun and always ready with tall tale or two to tell. And she can often be found wearing a bodysuit and showing of her dance moves. Lucy is a Daddy's girl with her Mommy's spunk&spirit, it is a wonderful combination. I love Lucy more than "Kids Love Cake!" Have a great birthday Lucy.

Love Auntie Mar Mar
xOxOxOxO

Pink Shoes...Nuff Said!

2010-04-13T22:23:00.000-04:00

It's no secret I love Pink!

And apparently I love Pink Shoes too. Mental note, stop buying Pink Shoes. (fully aware I need to toss the pink flip flops in the bottom. Um Nasty) Days just seem brighter when my tootsies are covered in pink.

Tuesdays Munchable

Love my Laptop Lunch Boxes, a must have for a litterless lunch.
Rolands Lunch: Dried Fruit Bits, Organic Skim Mozzarella, an Apple slice (which Roland said he had a teeny tiny nibble of to try)Chirizo,Flax Crackers (Bulkbarn), Half a bagel with non-dairy cream cheese, Roasted Garlic Hummus.
Sashas Lunch: Yogurt covered raisins&dried fruit bits,Apples, Celery, Cucumber, Blackberries, Flax Chips, Chirizo, Hummus and Organic Skim Mozzarella

Wildly successful lunch with Sassy, Roland not so thrilled about the piece of apple but all and all an enjoyable lunch.

I had a munchie kinda day today. Feed 1: Breakie at Sutton Park, 2 cups of coffee, 2 poached Eggs, 2 pieces of dry Rye and 4 slices of tomatoes.
Feed 2: Banana, 2 Brazil nuts, 6 walnuts and 6 cashews, green tea Feed 3: Homemade Gluten and Dairy Free Energy Bars (Nut free too so the kids can have them for school) Green tea Feed 4: Hamburger on really flat whole grain buns, topped with baby spinach, fresh tomatoes, Org. Ketchup, Mustard, veganaise, a handful of Snapea Crisps (Run don't walk to the Bulkbarn to get these little babies), Pickles and Artichoke Hearts, water and a big sip of Daltons Beer. Apres dinner coffee. (hence me not sleeping right now) Feed 5: Another Homemade Energy Bar. So not too bad, a couple of off track "Eat By Design" items, I know it and I can feel it. I did miss a proper lunch. I will do better tomorrow :) Must kick my coffee habit, the cream is killing me, and I am not fond of it black, plus the caffeine is a bugger. Hmmmmm do they make coffee scented candles?

Good Night and have a pleasant tomorrow,
Marcia

Darling Buds of April

2010-04-12T16:22:00.000-04:00

My Flowering Almond is flowering. The little tiny dark pink buds are so very lovely, I can hardly wait for the show stopping flowers to bloom. But I'm in no rush, every spring I marvel at the wonders of nature and all the beauty season changes bring us. Don't you feel so lucky to live here? What are you going to do to celebrate Earth Day this year? I think the Spencers will get dirty. April 22nd, seems like a great day to break ground on our Square Foot Garden. Enjoy the sunshine.

Sasha is turning into a daddy's girl and it is so sweet. The first two and a half years of her life Dalton lived in Kincardine, while we were still in London. Don't get me wrong they were always loving together and had lots of fun, but Sass is a Mama's Girl and was breastfeed for a year, plus I welcomed any entertaining of Rolie I could get back then. He worked lots of crazy shifts and we would only get to see him one or two days a week, so I think that's why it took her a little longer to really get how great a daddy she has and how easy it is for little girls to get their Daddy wrapped around their tiny finger. Sasha has discovered this. Well done little lady.

Friday night was Pizza night. I could not stomach the pizza Dalton was craving so, I ordered him his double cheese and pepperoni and made my own. It was soooooo delicious, I didn't get a picture of the finished product because it went right in my belly!!! It was a mostly Eat By Design pizza. The crust was a whole grain Italian Flatbread, and I did use my dreaded cheese (Organic, skim mozzarella), Then all the good stuff, pesto, spinach, artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, grilled chicken (left over from a previous dinner) Oh my goodness my mouth is watering. I do need to find a) a good gluten free pizza dough and b) dairy free cheese that doesn't taste like ass. (just a side note I have never actually tasted ass, I'm just guess it taste awful)

Well that was Monday for you,
Have a lovely Tuesday,
Marcia

You are grounded!

2010-04-08T14:44:00.000-04:00

Mr. Grounded himself

Roland is grounded after school today. Yup, he deserves it the little bugger. And it isn't even for his recent use of the newly discovered word "Fuck". (I tell that story at the end). Roland happens to have a pretty awesome dad. And we have come to the conclusion he doesn't know how good he has it, so we are hoping a night in his room, without hanging out with his dad (or Me and Sass) will help teach this lesson. Now before you get all up in arms about "Grounding" a 7 year, please know this, we use positive reinforcement, positive redirection, talking with said child about the behavior and the feelings behind it, we've done "Time Outs" and "Time Ins" and we will continue to use these with the children but sometimes you just gotta try something "harsh". I'm going to lay down the situation in question. I went out for an hour walk with my mom last night (down on the board walk, it was so lovely) when I got home the house was strangely quiet, papers from the fridge were all over the floor, Sass came running out to give me a hug, then Dalton turned the corner and looked pissed. I was like "whats going on", Dalton "That kid, man, he knows how to ruin a night, I took the kids, plus a neighbours kid for a bike ride and we stopped at the lot and made mud ramps for the kids to ride up (see what I mean, awesomeness) having a great time, gave the kids the warning we have to leave and get ready for bed, on the way home Roland asks if we can go for a ride on his dirt bike. I said no we'll do it another night, and then all Hell breaks loose, he's yelling at me and throwing a fit, being just plain miserable he even said "I hate you Dad, you're the worst Dad in the world". I just don't know what to do, cause what we do does not work." My poor hubby was defeated, deflated, frustrated. So, "I grounded him, Sorry Mar but you are going to have to deal with him after school, but I told him he is in his room for tomorrow night, no matter what, even when he comes out of his room all charming and apologetic, he stays in his room, K?" "Of coarse Dalt." In about 30 minutes or so our first grounding is about to happen, wish me luck.

The "Fuck" story.
The kids got off the bus the other day and were walking up the driveway, I met them at the door, Rolie was first, all smiles, gives me a big hug, asks for a snack, tells me a school story, all in about 30 seconds, then my eyes look at Sasha walking up the driveway looking all forlorn, shoulders slumped, puppy dog eyes. I say "Hi Honey, how ya doing?" She then says "Well mommy some girl took my lunch kit and I don't have it anymore." Roland standing in the doorway listen says "What the fuck, Sass, who was it". I have a terrible habit when children swear and use it in a sentence properly and when children fall, I giggle, it is a horrible twitch to have but I laugh and it is really bad in both instances. Anyhoo I say to him while trying not to smile "Seriously Rolie, that is a terrible word, not to be used again, it especially doesn't sound good coming from a kid." K, Mom sorry. But the guys in Daddy's hockey change room say "Fuck" all the time, "Fuck this" "Fuck That". Me - "Roland stop saying it, be done, or you don't get to go to hockey with Daddy anymore, Or you need to wear earmuffs". Awwww kids, they really do say the darnest things.

Have a fucking lovely day,
Marcia

A Reflection Of Parenting: An Easter Story

2010-04-05T22:18:00.000-04:00

This past weekend good friends of ours organized an Easter Egg Hunt out the back of their house. Their house backs on to the Kincardine Trails and is a perfect spot for such a fun Easter tradition. Our friends not only hide these eggs in great spots along the trails they loving filled over 70 eggs with special treats for the 10 kids in attendance. All the children arrived with baskets in hands and the parents armed with cameras and smiles to experience and capture the event mentioned. Our Easter adventure was cut short. While we began our hop down the bunny trail we passed a mother walking two dogs and an older child, I smiled and said “hello” and was not met with the same response, instead it seemed like she was high tailing it out of the trails, seconds later two little kids were following with bags and arms overflowing with Easter Eggs. To make matters worse the kids were also eating the candy then throwing the plastic eggs down the ravine!!! Yes, littering on our public trails. A friend stops the little girls and asked them if they found these on the trails, the answer was “Yes”. My friend then says to the mother, these eggs were hid for a family organized Easter Egg Hunt. The ‘Deliquent Mom’ responds with “They’re just kids and this is a public trail”. ‘Awesome mom’ then says “They are for our hunt and we’d like them back please.” ‘Deliquent Mom’ says, “If you want them back ask for them yourselves, I’m not making them give them back”. ‘Awesome Mom’ replies “Great Parenting”, and waits for something to happen. The little kids with the eggs give them back to our party. The kids! Not the mother! First of all, we totally feel bad for the little kids and we so would have let them have a couple of eggs. Second, this mother could have had a slew of amazing teachable moments here and she missed EVERY ONE of them. Let me break it down for her.
#1 – Upon seeing the eggs on the trail and the excitement in her kids’ eyes. A great teachable moment would have been: “Oh kids it looks like someone is having an Easter Egg Hunt make sure you don’t touch them because they are not for us. We’ll have an Easter Egg Hunt tomorrow, and it will be so much fun.” NOT here’s the dogs plastic poo bags fill up as much as you can.
#2 – Letting the kids eat the candy. (My goodness is she for real) That mother does not know who put that candy there. We teach our children to not take/eat candy from strangers and here she is letting them eat stranger candy, she had no idea what could have been laced in the candy or waiting for them at the end of the trail. She is darn lucky it was just us and not some pedophile.
#3 – Taking something that does not belong to you is STEALING, it does not matter if it is on public or private property, and she taught her kids it is okay to be thieves. It’s like if you go to the park and ride your bikes there, run off and go play on the climbers and you happen to not be sitting on your bikes, in her eyes those bikes are up for grabs, “They’re just kids and its public property, you ask them to give them back, I’m not going to”.

Shame on you ‘Deliquent Mom’ let this be a life lesson for you and remember karma has a way of working things out. However you still have time to be an Awesome Mom.

There I feel better now!
Marcia

P.S. I have sent a version of this note to the Editors of Kincardine News and Kincardine Independant.

Sexy Robins

2010-03-30T13:19:00.000-04:00

For the last 2 days a male Robin has been sexing my dinning room window and the side of my car. He sees his reflection and the trees and cannot leave the windows alone. Grab a brain buddy, there are plenty of eligible lady Robins in the back and front yard and they may be a little more receptive. Ahhhh Spring.

On another springish note, my closet is done, yipee, and most of our room, we still need to hang the mirror and hang some pictures/art as well.

Sasha and I decorated the fireplace for spring and Easter. It is bit garish, even over the top, but we love it. Note the fancy daisies my mom bought me yesterday as a "Happy Spring Day" gift. So fun and fresh. Thanks Mama.

Getting the house prepped for a festive Easter. It all starts tomorrow with baking sugar cookies, dying eggs, birdwatching hikes, My sister and her family coming to visit, lamb dinner, dinner at mom&dads, Saturday morning Easter Egg Hunt at Victoria park (9:30- 11:00 a.m.)oh I am so eggcited!

Have a lovely time welcoming the Spring,

Marcia

The Spring Purge/Organize Marathon That Never Ends

2010-03-24T23:11:00.000-04:00

The following images may offend some viewers, viewer discretion is advised. It is of a few snapshots of the contents of mine and Dalton's pee-u-nee! closet. The contents actually filled (and by filled I mean currently still fills)our room. Because when you give a mom an idea to organize the closets she's gonna want to clear it out, and once a mom clears it out she's gonna want to freshen' the walls and give it a new paint job, and when the mom sees how nice the new paint job is, she's gonna want to add shelving and more rods...you see how this could keep going. So I am working on my piles to "give", "consign", "garbage". The pile of man clothes are a Dalton's work clothes that he no longer wears, awesome, take up more space will ya! They are getting binned and banished to the cold cellar, muuuuwahaaaa! Take that crisp coveralls and dickies t-shirts. So as I was painting this afternoon in the closet, Sasha came in and asked if she could help paint, I was like "No honey this painting is for grown-ups yada yada yada" and she was like, shoulders slumped over "awww mama I really want to paint with you", me - heartstrings officially tugged, "why don't you go get your paints and bring them in the room and you can work on a painting while I paint." Sass - no words gone like a flash back with her paints and said "where do I start" with a gob of paint already on her brush. So I thought; well this is a closet, and 'Canadian House&Home' are not coming to photo shoot my closet, so I said "How about over here?". This little chick could not have been happier, or more proud of her contribution to the closet make-over.

This picture was taken 2 weeks ago, down by Tiny Tot Park. How gorgeous is this lake. I live here. This is my personal meditation room. and.......
BREATH...

Now I must sign off and head into the room of clothes,shoes and handbags,
Night, night,
Marcia

Passion: 300 Words or Less

2010-03-10T16:27:00.000-05:00

Mabels Labels BlogHer'10 Contest
I’ve lived a life of searching for passions but knowing my truths, and now the two have collided because now I could not have one without the other. I once filled out a Dr.Seuss book and one of the questions was “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I filled it out at age 7 and my answer was “A Mother”. I filled it out again at age 11 and scratched that answer out and put “A Millionaire Mother”. So far so good on becoming a Mother. I am passionate about my husband, we don’t even have to work hard at our marriage, it just is, the ebbs and flows of our relationship makes married life exciting. Because of my husband and kids I have explored being an entrepreneur and have owned 2 business’. My true passion is finding what works for my family as a whole. My business’ while an adventure was not my truth. I am now a good old fashion housewife. Except for I don’t spend my days cleaning the house and mending socks and making sure my husband has a martini and a newspaper when he gets home. I am the housewife, who plays with my kids, has just as much paint in my nails as they do, I’m the housewife down at the beach collecting rocks and driftwood, I’m the housewife biking with the kids Saturday morning to collect our local fruits and veggies, goat cheese and meat for the week. My passion is now in my day to day living, I’m learning how to slow parent and be there, I mean really, really there. And when the kids are asleep and all is quiet I’ll sit on my front porch with my husband and cheers with a martini. A life shaken not stirred.

A Clever and Lovely way to live
Marcia

Something has made me go hmmmmmm

2010-03-09T15:09:00.000-05:00

Remember when you used to go to the drug store for drugs, toiletries, make-up, diapers for baby and a pack of gum. While you wait for your medication you take advantage and do a little shopping or window shopping downtown while you wait. Now imagine you have a shop downtown and the drug store just down the road starts selling some of your lines and not only some of your lines some of the other shops lines. hmmmmmm. Wouldn't you be a little disheartened. You do all kinds of research on the products you carry, are careful to not carry the same lines as another shop, because you want to compliment one another not be in direct competition. In the grand scheme you want the downtown to be a lovely destination to shop and visit. A place you can recommend to your friends, family and guest to make sure they get to our downtown for a coffee at Books and Beans and be sure to check out the great clothing stores and Kitchen and Gift Boutiques. You don't see our great boutiques carrying packs of gum and tampons...do you? Drug Store please stick to your original purpose. You are a great drug store, very friendly service, knowledgeable staff, wonderful, supportive pharmacists, we think you are an essential part of our downtown, we love the small town Pharmacy, just please will you lay off the boutique stuff and leave it for our boutiques, it's just poor manners.

Bye for now
Marcia

Follow me...

2010-03-09T14:45:00.000-05:00

no really, please follow me. Just on the right side of this page it says "follow me", please click on it and do so.
Love and peace to you and yours on this oh so lovely day,
Marcia

Birthday Boy and No Cable Update

2010-03-08T23:02:00.000-05:00

My 1st Born Turned 7 in February. Happy Birthday Master Spencer. Rolands dessert request was chocolate pudding, custard and real whipped cream parfaits. Yum.

Pure, Raw, Boy Energy!

Isn't he a little young for facial hair? This is what happens when you live by a Nuclear Plant ;)

I'm lookin' for the man who shot my Pa.

The no more cable thing has been going amazing. This morning I woke -up to Roland painting at the dining table. He had water colours out, a glass of water and a tea towel for dabbing his paint brush. The kids have not mentioned once about the T.V. Saturday night Dalton and the kids watched a dvd. Cat in the Hat.
Sunday morning the kids came into our room at the ungodly hour of 7:12!!!nut jobs for sure. They were in there snowsuits and needed help tucking pants in boots so they could go outside because it is sunny out. Precious right? Yes. but I could not send them out this early...what would the neighbours think? And we for sure would have fallen back to sleep and totally forgot they were out there...oh and the coyotes...what if a coyote took them. We negotiated for a couple of minutes, coaxed them out of there snowsuits and we bargained an extra hour of sleep then they could go out. Dalton got up in that hour, threw them some breakie (no time for egg and bacon) put the coffee on and headed outside. We spent all morning sitting and playing and talking in the SUN!!! Amazing. We all got face tans that day. It was lovely. Keep it up Mr. Sun we love ya.

Until we meet again
Marcia
xo

Simple

2010-03-03T13:21:00.000-05:00

I'm am trekking forward on my quest for a simpler life. So far things are going pretty well. Part of this quest was getting my mind, body and spirit in check, so I started going to the gym about a month ago, and I really like it, the endorphins are what keeps me motivated to go, I just love the way I feel after a workout. The muffin top is still there but is turning into a mini muffin top. Slowly but surely. I eat a mostly "By Design" diet, fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, nuts and seeds, herbal teas, my Non by Design that I am working on cutting down, coffee (I now only use Organic Meadow Coffee Cream, where the only ingredient is...wait for it...wait for it...organic cream! (check out www.twwly.com to get the skinny on your mainstream dairy...barf and yuk all rolled into one) I have a wheat and dairy sensitivity so I have mostly cut these from my diet too. I still eat them just not everyday or every meal. For instance last night my post gym workout snack was bananas, walnuts, 2 brazil nuts with almond milk and Cinnamon with a cuppa chamomile tea, then today after lunch I had 2 Vivapuffs (I cannot keep this shit in my house or I will eat it and feed it to my kids...damn Sasha and her puppy dog eyes!)
Another thing I am doing to simplify my (our) lives is I called the cable company and cut our cable. That's right...as of this Thursday The Spencers no longer have cable. Not only does this save us $50.00 a month, it will get my late night ass into bed at a descent hour thus in return the family has a well rested mother and a well rested mother is a happier mother! This will also get me tackling my list of projects I've been meaning to get started but have been sucked in to the tube night after night watching garbage that has no relevance to my life. T.V. was not filling my sole...it was sucking it dry.

A time to ponder the simple life:

My Top 10 Simple things I love,
1. Sitting on the edge of my kids beds before I head to sleep and watching their peaceful slumber.
2. Fresh flowers in a clear vase on my dinner table.
3. All the laundry folded and put away.
4. Watching Dalton sit on the Sofa and story telling with the kids.
5. A glass of red wine.
6. The smell of spring in the air.
7. The five seconds of complete silence after getting the kids buckled into the car, then shutting the door, then getting into the car myself...yes that five seconds of peace helps when there is going to be 2 hours of constant conversation (which I also love)
8. Hot cuppa tea, sitting in my living room reading and watching the birds at the feeder.
9. The smell of Oatmeal cookies baking.
10. Sitting with my kids at the dinner table drawing.

I hope you too can take some time today and stop to smell the spring in the air.

Have a lovely day,
Marcia

I love Women!!!

2010-03-01T15:41:00.000-05:00

Especially the kind of Women who organize indoor shopping malls to raise money for Haiti. Women who already have one million things to do but still find time to spend a day at a trade show table with their product or service to sell and promote but then turn around and give proceeds to a good cause. I love the women who show up to support these women and buy their product or service and listen to new ventures or old business'. Whoever said it was love that makes the world go round was only partially right, I believe it is WOMEN who make the world go round.
My friend Chrystal was their promoting her company Ideal Organics, I can contest first hand these fruits and veggies are fresh and yummy and so lovely to get them throughout the fall and winter. Next I got 3 bars of soap from "Soaps By Selina" we opened the Lavender and Oatmeal one first and it smells divine. Next stop Skowling Owl I love her paintings and put a bid on one in the Silent Auction and I got it. It is soooo lovely, the title says "Perfect Pink Morning". I think I will hang it in my living room. Next a pair of black with red cherry barrettes for Sassy Cats hair by Sare n'Lore Clip Ease I must say these clips can hold their own with the "Big Girls" and they are half the price. (I think they could get more for them but I am happy with a good bargain ;) Oh oh, then I bought cute little mitten clips for Sass' new winter coats, they are from Coova Clips major handy and you know me I love Canadian Made stuff! But I have to say my most favorite discovery was a new company by a new Kincardinite and a new neighbour (our backyards meet) called The Tartan Toad . OH MY WORD...dangerous! Little mini truffle cupcakes, hot chocolate on a stick and soft caramel chews, these are just things we tried and we likey we likey a lot! She has lovely edibles for showers and weddings and birthdays...you simply must check her out! Now for the picture montage of the day:

My 2 year old niece Molly enjoying her hot chocolate on a stick. Isn't she a dolly?

I cannot get the websites linked to the companies so here is a list of the websites from the companies I have mentioned:
www.thetartantoad.com
www.idealorganics.ca
www.sarenlore.ca
www.etsy.com/shop.j9eliza
www.etsy.com/shop/scowlingowl

Bravo Ladies, a job well done, I do believe they raised around $18oo that day.

Have a lovely day
Marcia

I'd like to thank my 1st grade teacher...and to all those who believed in me from the beginning...

2010-02-22T10:56:00.000-05:00

Oh oh I am so excited...I have won an award!
My friend Lisa at www.thimbleberrykitchen.blogspot.com
honored me a few weeks back with an Honest Scrap award. For this I say "Merci Bonne Fille". Honest Scrap is blogger pat on the back by a peer or quite possibly it is the “friendship cake” of the blogosphere. Now, I need to share with you ten things you may not know about me, and nominate some other bloggers who I enjoy. I am a 'late bloomer' to the blogging world and have finally seen first hand what all the fuss has been about for the past 8 years or so. Two of the bloggers I would pass this award onto have already received this award but they are still my 2 main blogs I check out www.twwly.com and www.thimberrykitchen.blogspot.com but a third you may not have touched on yet goes to http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/. She is not a friend of mine and she live in Utah, but this mother of 4 is a true beauty inside and out, inspiration in its most pure form. With this award it is also my goodness given duty to reveal 10 little to unknown tidbits about me, so here it goes.

1. When I met my husband for the first time (a few years before we got together and he was with another girlfriend) He had long curly hair and was wearing tight bike shorts, I thought he looked like the lead singer from Haywire.

2. When I met my husband for the second time, I thought he was kinda cute but not my type.

3. Third time I met my husband. I fell in love and have never looked back. Moral of the story to all the single ladies, you have probably already met your future husband. *wink* *wink*

4. I like my kitchen all to myself. But I also like to bake with the kids. Basically I really don't like tripping over people while I am in the zone.

5. I was the "Face of '89". (Laughing right now at myself for posting this) I won a modeling contest in Ottawa held by BarrettPalmer Modeling Agency. I won $500, a free photo shoot, a house boat weekend on the Big Rideau, modeling classes, and signed on with BarretPalmer. One of the judges was Elmer Olsen from Toronto. It was fun. Look at me now world!

6. I moved to Kincardine for the summer,fall and winter of 1995 to work at TommyJohn's Bar and grill when it first opened. I even helped during the construction phase and my initials are engraved in the cement between the wood slates in the front entrance. After being in Kincardine for the winter I swore I would never live here again. Little did I know at the time it is one of my most favorite places or that I actually would live here again.

7. I love to sing. I have a whole set planned out and have for years that if I ever got the chance or nerve to go on stage it is what I would sing. The sad thing is I am one of those people you see on American Idol that you say "Didn't her parents or friends tell her she can't sing, oh this is horrible, the poor thing", except my parents have told me ;)

8. I LOVE Eagle Brand condenced milk on cornflakes. Try it. Delish and not so nutrish!

9. My Auntie Yvonne passed away with Cancer when I was 18. There is hardly a day she doesn't cross my mind.

10. I like big butts and I cannot lie. Seriously I love rude crude songs about butts, ie. Wiggle it just a little bit.

Please check out the blogs I awarded, you may have to put them in your search for I have trouble making the linkie ma bobbers work.

Thank you Lisa...I'm back
Marcia

I hope you missed me

2010-02-22T10:41:00.000-05:00

My computers been down, I've been working a little and just busy with family life. I have a few minutes befor I need to get off the computer to clean and do laundry. Once a again the maid never showed up while I was sleeping.

So I thought I would give you a little update on how my resolutions are going:

The Resolution 2010 List

1. Make my bed almost every day. - About 80% of the days
2. Plant a veggie garden - In the planning stages
3. Get a compost and cone for the backyard - Asking for this for Mothers Day
4. Play with the kids more - Most definitly but must brush up on my Starwars Characters.
5. Work on my patience - Yes
6. Think before I react - Getting better
7. Yell less - Yes
8. Breath more - Trying
9. Work at being completely dairy, wheat and sugar free - Another getting there
10. Get back into Yoga and walking/running - Joined the gym at the beginning of Feb.
11. Not make my lists so long - They are getting more managable
12. Get a job - Got one! I am working as an Educational Assistent (Supply List B-days only) with the Bluewater District School Board and I LOVE IT!
13. Get rid of my debit cards, cash only as much as I can - Not yet
14. Continue shopping locally for as much as we need - So easy
15. Travel somewhere...anywhere...with Dalton and the kids - no plans yet
16. Wear more dresses - Have a few I have my eye on...look out spring!

Must sign off. We have my cousin Karen and her two little kiddies Lucas and Quinn arriving tomorrow night, must go get the house presentable for company.

Keep Clever and Lovely
Marcia

p.s. Sasha is singing her heart out that she is "just so happy to be a doggggg"
She told us yesterday that her brain is half human and half dog. (I totally believe her)

This chick cracks me up

2010-01-27T13:41:00.000-05:00

This is my Sasha's last night have Gymnastics classes. I thought I better get the photos as evidence I had her in an activity. I love these 2 photos especially, the one on the balance beam makes me smile when I see how long and lean she is, reminds me that I am doing a good job keeping my kids healthy and full of vitality. The photo on the trampoline just makes me giggle, I was so worried she was going to bite her tongue off. Every activity she does she has her tongue out. What a girl.
Just a quick note today, must get the house ready and lists of activities for when my nieces arrive later today. Amy and Joe are leaving for Costa Rica and we (My Parents and Us) are going to get their 2 little lovelies, Lucy Lu Lu and Good Golly Miss Molly,for 1 week. Should be fun.
Have a lovely day
Marcia

Eating Right

2010-01-26T13:40:00.001-05:00

I am always reading about food, whether it is recipe books or magazines or books about food for kids, and more recently through the world wide web. I have been thrilled I can still keep in touch online with my beloved Chiropractors from London; Dr.'s Jamie and Joel Richards Me and my 'fam' had a year and a half of care from them until we moved to Kincardine. If I get a chance when I am in London I will pop in for an adjustment. What I truly loved about their Chiropractic Care was the education and support we received every single visit. Now this dynamic duo have come up with the best lifestyle healthy living program that just makes the best sense to me. The program is called "Life By Design". I am wishing I could take part in their seminars but for now I will have to practice on my own. One of the easier ways to get started is "Eating By Design". There is an easy grocery list for reference and recipe ideas. "Eating By Design" is seriously for everyone, there are a lot of old habits that need to be broken and for me a whole deprogramming of foods that I crave. The following pictures are of a lunch Sasha and I enjoyed the other day. (notice no dairy or grains) It was so yummy and we were super full. The other picture is of the kids lunches packed in their Laptop Lunch Boxes. It is of mostly "By Design" foods. And that is what I am trying to achieve a "Mostly By Design" Life style. Every now and then you need eggs, bacon, toast and coffee.
Nexts stop, joining the gym.

I've come up with a new theme song

2010-01-25T23:14:00.000-05:00

Sung to the tune of "Love the One Your with"

"If you can't be in the house you love, love the home you have" well really it is not a full song yet, I have only "written" the chorus' tune, and I hum it while looking through Canadian House and Home, Canadian Style At Home, Martha Stewart, Blueprint (older issues because they are no longer, grrr), Domino and Ikea.
When we decided to finally move to Kincardine we started looking right away, we even put money down on a gorgeous lot, picked a plan and everything then our home in London was not selling, we panicked, pulled out of our new build, then the house sold 3 weeks before we were to move to Kincardine, we toured through this Brick Bungalow just down the street from my parents, walked in, was totally not impressed, but I saw a challenge, I had vision and in the grand scheme of things we would all be together again and we will eventually build again when things are a little more settled. Now that could be 2, 4, even 6 years from now, sigh. However, I have a new feeling about my home (not house, it is definitely a home)
Our home is tiny. I have decided that "Tiny Home" is the new "Extreme Home" Our home provides us with the exact amount of room that we could possibly need. How ECO CHIC of us too. Having a tiny home also produces a closeness that you may not otherwise get from Big Home, it is not easy to hide in a tiny home so you may as well hang out with one another. Making every space useful has been a fun challenge. While I long for a mudroom, I've had to come up with a system that will work for us so our front entrance doesn't always look like the dump. (although I am fully aware it sometimes does during the winter)Trial and error. My Winter/Spring projects: *adding closet organizers to all the bedroom closets
*Sasha a daybed with drawers
*Rolie a loft bed to free up some floor space
*Finish Kitchen - Install Stainless Steel Hood - tile back splash - repaint kitchen - Wallpaper wall with door - paint "info" wall hot pink (why not?)
*Paint banister glossy black and stair trim white. hot damn

My look 'Casually Glamorous with a dash of Modern - Minimalism' Wish me luck. It's a tall order but I just love the home I have.

The Chandelier

2010-01-25T22:58:00.000-05:00

BEFORE (With previous owners furniture)

AFTER

It is taking me awhile but my home is coming along nicely. With 3 chandeliers and counting...we have the hot pink chandelier from the boutique coming home, I'm thinking our bedroom, we really can't go wrong.

Old Mother Hubbard Went to her Cupboard...

2010-01-12T15:58:00.000-05:00

and I am certain it was not as cute as mine.

You will note: *The very cute green glasses (that my mom has all of a sudden taken a shine too again...after 20 odd years of not using them and keeping them in a shoe box in the basement, to this I say "You snooze you lose Mama!")
*A White Melamine sugar dish that used to be my Nanny's (It was made in Canada...crazy)
*A simply lovely Cream and Sugar set that was a wedding favor from my fabulous friends Lisa and John's big day.
*A ceramic white sugar dish that I grew up using.
*On the middle shelf which I call my Harbour Rose Boutique shelf, I have beautiful serving dishes, and very funky boiled egg cups. I just love pokadots!
*Top shelf my red and white toile tea set my mom got me years ago from Crabtree and Evelyn, Tea canister and hidden behind that is to containers full of sour keys. Pucker up baby.

On a completely other note.
My lovely little boutique rolz&Sassy Baby is officially closed. I locked the doors symbolically for the last time on Saturday at 5:00. Then proceed to get nice and tipsy for the rest of the evening with some delightfully charming dames I am proud to call my friends. The evening would have been perfect if only my sista Amy were in attendance. None the less I am always free to have another night of celebratory vino if she so feels the need.
I already feel a shift in my spirts and closing the store has truly solidified the fact that I am following my heart. I followed my heart starting it and knowing I needed to close it. (if you ever feel the need/passion/drive to open a business don't hesitate to get in touch with me...I'll steer you straight...just kidding I would be happy to chat with you on the pros and cons in an open and honest way that reflects my experience)
I must also take this opportunity to express my complete and utter gratitude for my lovely husband Dalton and my Parents. They seriously rock out with their socks out! Having a family member that owns a business, especially when it is not working out the way they expected, is tough, it is emotionally, spiritually and financially draining for everyone. It was a roller coaster ride my friends. And I am off. Don't get me wrong there were many high points. I'm just saying.

Well it is hockey night and I must get my little chickens fed before we head out. I seriously could write for hours right now, I just have so much on my mind. Lucky for you I'm gonna sign off now,

Good Evening,
Mar

The Resolution 2010 List

2010-01-08T12:34:00.000-05:00

1. Make my bed almost every day.
2. Plant a veggie garden
3. Get a compost and cone for the backyard
4. Play with the kids more
5. Work on my patience
6. Think before I react
7. Yell less
8. Breath more
9. Work at being completely dairy, wheat and sugar free
10. Get back into Yoga and walking/running
11. Not make my lists so long
12. Get a job
13. Get rid of my debit cards, cash only as much as I can
14. Continue shopping locally for as much as we need
15. Travel somewhere...anywhere...with Dalton and the kids
16. Wear more dresses

Extra Pictures from the last post

2010-01-01T23:23:00.000-05:00

Happy Horse riding Mama's, Mrs. Spencer and Mrs.Pitre

The lovely horses

Me and my husband on Christmas Eve, photo by Rolie

The House is soooo Quiet...

2010-01-01T22:24:00.000-05:00

Butter, Onions, Celery and Cranberries for the Dressing

Rolie made Dalton the necklace and gave him chocolates...very proud.

Sasha and my old Cabbage Patch "Nickolas Albert" she got as a gift.

Sasha and her Santa gift

Roland and his Santa gift (I love his face in this picture)

The new year is here and I am starting fresh. My business is closing on the 9th and with that brings, excitement, freedom, peace. Among many other emotions but I am focusing on only the positives from this closing. Wish me luck.

Christmas was delightful. Christmas Eve brought about the true spirit of the Season for me. Friendships, Family, Magical Christmas Energy from the children, and frankly the pure joy I felt in my heart felt great! I want more. Christmas Eve we went to our dear friend Kayli and Gareths for their Open House Tradition, Great food, drinks, lots of people and excited little kids. Next, Jack and his family from Jalna Farms showed up at our house at 6:00 p.m. with 2 lovely horses and a wagon all lit up with Christmas lights. We were lucky to share our fun activity with mom and dad, our friends The Pitre and Zettle Families. We got a one hour ride all throughout our neighbourhoods, we sang Christmas Carols and waved to other Christmas Eve revelers. My heart soared and you could not wipe the smile off my face. What a great time. I am blessed.

Christmas morning was so much fun. Santa was able to bring Roland and Sasha exactly what they have been asking for since the summer. Roland got his Red BMX Trick Bike and Sasha got the Play Mobile Doll House. After gifts were opened we headed down the street to mom and dads for a Delicious breakfast, mom and dad made French Toast Rafael, Fruit Salad and Bacon, coffee and juice. The French Toast Rafael was the true star of the meal, reminded me of bread pudding, only yummier, with Cream Cheese baked in and real maple syrup. Just typing about it has made my mouth water. I feel so lucky to have my mom and day right down the street. Loves them.
Then more gifts, mom and dad got us a gorgeous black onyx chandelier I've had my eye on for the living room. It's bold, it's sassy, it's probably too big for our living room but I don't care, I love it, plus I'm an adult and it's my house so why not. I'll post pictures once it is installed. Back to our house so the kids could play for the rest of the day. Then I made Christmas dinner. Fairly standard food, although I did get a little crazy with the dressing. I always follow my Nanny's traditional dressing recipe but I changed it up this year. While the onions were sauteing in the massive amount of butter I added celery, apples and cranberries. It was nice but I will go back to her straight-up recipe...don't mess with perfection. Thank You Nanny. You and Auntie Yvonne are always thought of a lot this time of year, we had a glass of Sherry in your honors, we miss you both terribly. GRYS. We are blessed.

Boxing Day! The day Rolie was soooo excited about. He truly thought we woke up that morning and boxed each other. Man I wish we had gloves. If we showed up in his room in the morning with boxing gloves on he would have thought he'd died and gone to heaven. His eyes would have bugged out of his head with excitement.
My sister Amy, Joe, Lucy Lu Lu and Miss Molly arrived today. Lu and Molly are two little balls of red headed goodness that I could eat with a spoon, and I was soooo happy to see them. I made the girls silhouettes for there playroom and Padraig Slippers. Fun. Lucy was less then thrilled,poor thing, she is so getting toys next Christmas. Molly was loving her slippers "Slippers on, slippers on". KEY -U-t-NES!
So nice just to hang out with my sister and Joe. We are blessed.

So Christmas is over...the house is so quiet...until next year.

When something makes you laugh out loud...

2009-12-17T23:58:00.000-05:00

...at the expense of an others misfortune, you simply must grab the camera to capture it so you can laugh later...minutes, hours, days, even years later. To me this picture is one to revisit. I was at the dining table with Roland when I here a little whimper than a very dramatic "ohhh nooo mommy, mommy, I don't know what happened". I going running (not really, just moved slightly faster than I normally would walking to Sasha's room, because...well...Sasha cries a lot, so you never know when it is serious or not, they sound the same) As soon as I saw her I laughed out loud and not a "lol" (totally overused and annoying, and I just don't always believe the person actually "Laughed out Loud", some people even attach it to the end of every sentence as if it were a period, HOWEVER with that said there are many times when it is appropriate and the person really did laugh, I have even used it myself a time or two) kinda laugh, it was a giggle then a deeper in the throat laugh. Anyway...(my, my that was a bit long winded, sorry)
I told her to stand still, grabbed my camera cause she looked to darn cute. What was she taping you might ask? Her teacher gave her a book for Christmas and she thought it would look nice taped to her wall. I gotta hand it to her for creative displaying.
Have a lovely day
Mar

Shopping in my Parents Basement

2009-12-16T20:34:00.000-05:00

Popped by my mom and dads after work/kids school day for a cuppa Joe and a chat. While dad and I were chatting I had mentioned I wanted to give Sasha one of my Cabbage Patch dolls for Christmas and would he mind digging "Nicholas Albert Adams" out of one of our many boxes of dolls and stuffies. No problem. Then I remembered seeing these funky green glasses ages ago on their "Garage Sale" (btw the "Garage Sale Table has been around for about 12 years...my parents are not garage sale people so looks like I will have my own personal Eco shop for a while)table that I thought I would like. So I ended up having a wee shop. I have been wanting some good solid mixing bowls as well and lo and behold there was a perfectly good set in hues of avocado green. Fun. I remember loathing this colour as a child, possibly because it was the colour of everything in the 70s/early 80's, tub, toilet, sink, home decor, glasses, clothing...but now...I LOVE it, it just feels so retro yet earthy and goes great with pink or red. Next we found the glasses I had spotted, and there ended up being 2 types of glasses in 2 shades of green. Wow wow wee wow! Now I think the stubby glasses would be great for 'egg de nog' with fresh grated nutmeg and the mini wine glass shaped ones would be great for sherry and for the kids drinks at Christmas dinner, lovely for 'cheerzing'. oh oh then I found a box marked "Barbies". I opened the box and saw all these wonderful dolls and a flood of childhood memories went through my head. I saw my Brook Shields doll, with her luscious brown locks cropped to her head, a couple of other Barbies with their hair cut too, a couple with brown marker coloured on their crotch and underarm area...nice. (that one was compliments of my cousin Karen) All these beautiful gowns that I remember so vividly, the funky green and pink furniture, oh and the Cindy doll with the huge head, she was always the "bad" one. The ken dolls were wearing knitted outfits my Grandma from B.C. would make and send us. We closed up the box before I ended up tearing the whole box.
Me - "I can't believe you still have these."
Dad - "We have everything, the box is clearly marked "Barbies"
Me - "I know you have everything I just assumed these got lost"
Dad - "You and your sister need to come and take a day and go through all this stuff, I keep telling you guys"
Me - "I know"

My parents are not pack rats per say. They are the neatest, cleanest most organized people EVER. But I know why they keep everything...memories. You would never know they had a treasure trove of knickknacks, home decor, lamps, clothing, all of our toys and a mountain of high school and college stuff. And with a bunch of this stuff my sister and I have reused, re purposed for our homes and our kids. Watching Roland, Sasha, Lucy and Molly playing with our Strawberry Short Cakes, and Fischer Price Record players, ovens and little people is so much fun. Getting to relive our Childhoods through our kids...absolutely priceless. So this I say "Thank you" to my mom and dad. Just know it is truly appreciated that you have kept these treasures and one day soon Amy and I will help go through it all, and as you mentioned today "You're going to have to do it one day or another" I think it will be great fun, I can already hear the laughter and tears.

Coming to an end...& Shop Local Please

2009-12-10T12:52:00.000-05:00

Well it is official. I announced my Boutique is closing. I had already told my family and friends but it still did not feel like the end, until yesterday. Have to say I can feel the weight starting to lift off my shoulders, so much so I even took the time to apply red lipstick today. I'm feeling flouncy and excited for the future. The kids are looking forward to me being more present. And I know as my stress from the Boutique starts to fade, my happiness will transfer to my family. I started this venture of opening the Boutique as a need and a want to serve the community of Kincardine.

Here are two things I have discovered, my loyal customers were loyal and really and truly lovely, a pleasure to serve. (I simply needed 10 more people for every one on them to last) The second thing I learned is this is a tough town to break into, sometimes you are not even given a first chance and a lot of times there is no second chance.

Now for the rant section:
I am always amazed when I hear a comment from a local when they say "I never even knew about this great shop" (this is in reference Harbour Rose when they were on Harbour St). In my head this is what I am thinking "Seriously in FOUR years you have not walked or driven down Harbour St., you have not watched the KCTV ads, you do not listen to our radio station or read our papers...REALLY, it never occurred to you to go downtown to get your friends/mother any ones gifts...REALLY." Harbour Rose is now on Queen St. It is a true jem in our downtown core, in fact, I have purchased many lovely things for my home and kitchen, wedding and shower gifts and I was just in there yesterday purchasing gifts for 5 people on my list, it was easy, to pick out things. Gabby, is so helpful and has such a love and passion for her shop, it makes me want to support her so we never lose her. (don't worry she's not going anywhere, just bare with my little rant). Here is my other PEEVE...when I here "Westshore is expensive"...grrrr...really, have you every been to any comparable shops in Toronto, London or Kitchener??? They are on par with them and sometimes cheaper than the city and very often have a great sale going on. Not only do you get great products you get honest suggestions you get a personal stylist when you go in to buy something. When you go to the states for a shopping weekend and get all those great bargain they come at a cost too, hotels, food, gas. So really not a huge savings, if its a girls weekend you are after go to a resort or spa or the city. Stop helping the American Economy and help jump start ours. People like Gabby and Tonya are the heart and sole of our downtown, it is not an easy job, perhaps a "Thank You" would be nice the next time you are shopping downtown. With all that said, I know we are all watching our pennies a little more closely but my message here I guess is, if you have a job be it Bruce Power, Municipality, Banks, Restaurant, School Board whatever, start spending your hard earned money in town and if a shop happens to not have exactly what you want perhaps you really don't need it. Just a thought.

Warmest regards from an almost free woman
Marcia

1940's Cookie Press

2009-12-07T21:08:00.000-05:00

Many moons ago I bought this cute cookie press for $12 at a flea market with the intentions of using it All the time. I really liked the graphics on the box and that every piece was still intact and in perfect condition. Well after X amount of years I finally used it tonight. Me and Sassy Cat baked Vanilla Cookies from the little recipe book that came with the press.
The Cookie press is sooooo easy to use and cookies are a perfect size for little hands. And the recipe said it makes 4 dozen and guess what?...It made 4 dozen. That has never happened to me before. Long live the 1940's and their tiny portions.

"New" Fireplace

2009-12-07T20:57:00.000-05:00

After 2 years of living in our 17 year old house I finally painted our UGLY brick fireplace. I have nothing against brick fireplaces "per-say" just mine and its horrid pinkish/taupe/cinnamon colour brick (yes the same colour as my whole entire house outside) that you cannot match with anything (and why would you want to). So, day one removed everything then scrubbed the brick down with soap and water. Day 2 taped it and painted 3 coats. Done. I LOVE the new look. It changed everything. Then I needed a new mirror, blinds, an assortment of pillows and a lovely throw blanket to drape ever so non-shalantly over my leather club chair. My complete vision for my pocket sized living room is not finished yet. I will post when new things, arrangements take place.
Getting one thing done at a time and at a snails pace.
Lovely living room,

Marcia

Oh my Goodness!!! LOVE!

2009-12-03T11:16:00.000-05:00

I am absolutely in LOVE with this company. www.loveheadmistress.com This one is going on my Christmas wish list. (note to self, introduce Dalton to my blog) How fun is this headpiece? I look forward to wearing one gallivanting around at the Lions Park or Tiny Tot, what a statement.

Headmistress is my lovely contribution for the day.

Over and Out
Mar
xo

Beginning of December...please snow soon.

2009-12-02T11:08:00.000-05:00

December has started off with a bang. Got to see Lady Gaga on her second night of her concert tour. I LOVED it. She may not be for everyone but I sure do love me some dramatic, creative, funny, talented, women. I was actually surprised at how engaging she was with the audience and how funny she was (think Miss Piggy funny). And a little side note for any Gaga haters...her voice is lovely and she is not a cookie cutter pop star, she is 23 and doing her own thing and she wants to provoke and entertain, I'd like to see you play the piano with an art instillation circling your body! She is fantastic! Okay I'm done going gaga for the Lady.

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When Roland was a wee baby I took him to Walmart to get some photos, the photographer sucked and had a crap personality, next we tried Sears, they were a little better, just really boring. Then I discovered...wait for it...wait for it...professional photographers. My love of them started when I got pregnancy/family photos when I was preggers with Sasha. Julie from Dream Catcher Photography www.dcpcanada.com in London was friendly and energetic and great with Rolie, . Next I tried the Great Canadian Superstore for photos, while my sister has great luck with these guys...sadly I do not...at all. Then came Lisa Stead www.photosbylisa.ca, fabulous, she was able to do a wonderful shoot with the kids at 1 1/2 and 3 years old at their bedtime (bewitching hour)and I absolutely treasure the pictures she took. Next came Shandra at Exquisite Exposure in Kincardine, www.exquisiteexposure.ca, we did family photos at the beach then later a photo shoot with just Sasha. Shandra has a great eye for detail, the photos are fun and fresh, plus she is excellent with the little ones. My most resent success was with Kathleen from Wink Photography, www.winkphotos.ca. I love these photos, to me they are clean, crisp, funky with a side of "album cover creativity".

(If you are trying to check out the websites you man have to copy them on to a new page, not sure how to do the hyperlink properly.)

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Lovely Things so far in December
Pink Christmas Trees
Butter Pecan Cupcakes
Watching my little lady sneak tastes of the cupcake batter
Listening to Roland read...in french! (so clever)
Extra large Christmas tree in our tiny living room
White Christmas Trees on top of my mantel (Harbour Rose Boutique)
Dancing in the Boutique with Sasha
All the awesome sales downtown Kincardine (plus all the shops gift wrap...for FREE)
Santa gifts already to go
New job in the works
Kitchen ready for all the baking

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Have a lovely day...I know I am
Marcia

Really...Hail...Really

2009-11-03T11:23:00.000-05:00

I am sitting in my boutique pondering my future when all of a sudden I here mass tinkling. Look out my storefront and low and behold...HAIL. Now some might get angry, scoff even. I on the other hand, think of my cozy little living room, with it's freshly painted fire place, putting some dried wood and pine needles on the fire, a hot cup of tea, a crisp new to me book and a lush blanket for my legs. Delightful.

Before all this can happen spotaniously Mama needs to sell the biz. I am so grateful to have been giving the chance to live my dream of owning my own business' and also just as grateful for coming to the realization this particular buisness is just not for me. I am someone who grabs life by the "balls" or is that "horns", hmmm. I have always wanted to live life with no regrets and so far so good. When I get an idea I usually go for it, this means the good the bad and the ugly sometimes. Anyhoo.

Mar

My Boy

2009-08-25T22:04:00.001-04:00

My boy Roland. He wakes me with a kiss and a request to put the "cream coloured arms of the Indian Jones lego guy onto the lego guy wearing the black suit because I want it to look like they are wearing vests". One thing is for sure my Rolie knows what he likes and what he wants, especially when it comes to his clothes. I am learning to go with the flow of his many wardrobe changes in a day, because his choice goes with the particular imaginary game he is in or the sport he is doing or an event that is taking place. Each piece of clothing is chosen with a great deal of thought and care (even though it may not always look that way(....breath...and letting go.) I do LOVE his amazing imagination. He talks from sun up to sun down, whether anyone is there or not. If he is in the backyard playing I will sometimes hide out in his room with the window open and just listen to the wonderful adventure he is on. He still plays with his 3 imaginary friends he has had since he was 2, "Gader". "Cookie Eyes" and "Phil". I do write down some of his story ideas and they are most interesting and usually very funny. Perhaps I have a budding author on my hands, or perhaps a stage actor or it is more likely "The World Famous BMX Trick Bike racer" he prefers to be called. But my most favorite thing to call him is MY SON.

Lovely Little Hands

2009-08-24T16:40:00.000-04:00

I woke up today in one of my most favorite ways. As I lay on my side in full dreamland mode I felt a smoothness tickle my forehead then smoothed all the way around my face. I remember thinking "Am I dreaming", then I felt my eyelashes being smoothed then a soft warm little hand rested on my cheek. I'm not sure how long it was there for but when I opened my eyes the most beautiful smiling little face was staring at me about 2 inches from my face. I actually felt my heart 'heat up' just as it did the first time I ever saw her. We stared and smiled at each other for a few seconds until I scooped her up and we spooned until we absolutely had to get out of bed. I am so thankful for this lovely little creature, she is a true little kindred I will cherish forever. Sasha Yvonne you are one lovely little girl.

Sadness

2009-08-23T21:40:00.000-04:00

On Friday morning I logged into my facebook account. As I was reading my "news feed" I noticed an old classmate/friends (from Ottawa) status he had posted about 10 minutes earlier. It appeared to be a suicide note. I quickly sent him an email. I was hopeful. I kept checking his page...his friends and family were pleading for him to call them, words of love and friendship, the feelings were intense, but panic was in there words. Those that lived close would have been searching for him, so afraid of what they may find...I got word the next morning...they found him. Dead. He has 3 little kids, he posted "Butterfly Kisses" for his daughter and "Father and Son" (Cat Stevens) for his 2 sons, and "Tears in Heaven" as well. I have been over come with sadness for him, his children, his wife and his family and close friends. I have had a lump in my throat all weekend and have shed many tears. I have not seen him since college age, but it still feels a little raw. Being an adult is tougher than we think it is going to be as teenagers. We were all in such a hurry to be adults. The pressure and responsibilities can be a little overwhelming at times. Challenges that come up during a marriage really test the ol' wedding vows. Some make it and some don't but we can all learn from absolutely every event that happens to us. And we can all learn from other peoples lessons too. I wish he would have paused at his computer for a few more minutes, and he would have seen he is not alone. His friends and family were there to prop him up and give him the support and love he needed during his darkest times. This man seamed to have it all, smart, beautiful children, family and friends galore, just days before he even posted pictures of all his family at the cottage. I believe he and his wife were separating at this time. Here is the life lesson for us all...we are all fragile at times, when a friend or family member is going through major life changing events, such as divorce, death of a child, spouse, friend, family, illness, be extra aware of comments, body language, odd behaviour. Love them, talk to them, check in with them. Get them help if needed. The dark hole of depression is deep, you may have to reach. But, it may be the "First day of the rest of their life".

Signing off with a heavy heart tonight,
Marcia

It's True, You really do learn something new everyday...

2009-08-19T10:54:00.000-04:00

...about yourself.

For instance, I have recently discovered that I want to be a "Homemaker" for a while. I feel like at this time in my life my children and Dalton need me home to take care of them and the home. AND, I want to do this. I for sure will be dabbling in other "projects" along the way but it is important for me to get back to basics. Wish me luck.

It's not all gurgles and coos the first couple of months with a baby.

2009-08-18T14:38:00.000-04:00

First of all let me just say having babies has been THE Loveliest event that has ever happened to me. Amongst all the wonderfulness that goes along with having your new baby their is a few 'bits and bobs' that are not always mentioned. Here are just a few of the unpleasantries that may happen to you.
Just a few tidbits I did not know or "get" before I had them...here it goes...(this may not happen to you but it is worth knowing) * At some point you will become so exhausted you will feel like a crazy lady. I call it "Crazy Exhausted" clever eh? I was so exhausted when I came up with that one. * You will get hormone 'surges' for a while. Similar to PMS only you can't go sulk in your room for hours, you have a baby to take care. Enter the wee "pity party" for yourself, know one will join you on this one. * Your relationship with your hubby literally changes forever. Not always in a bad way, it will just be different from your "couple time" * Men are NOT mind readers, tell them what you want and need from them (especially the first couple of months, because they do feel a bit like a fish out of water), tell them, make a list etc. * When friends and family offer to help, say "YES PLEASE" and tell them exactly what you want. ie. dinner would be nice, help fold laundry, watch the baby so you can have an extra long shower, paint your toes, bring you a Starbucks (you get the picture) * If you are nursing, your nipples may bleed and the baby may drink it, they will not die. (I called 911 on this one) * If the baby sleeps a little longer than you expect between feedings...again... they will not die, they are just tired from all the massive growing and learning they are doing. If you need to wake them up, undress him and latch him on. * You may get "baby blues" I never fully got post partum depression but when Rolie was around 6 weeks old, I cried a bit. You are so happy to finally have this little baby and everything is trucking along just fine, sure you're a wee bit tired, and you smell like spit up, then some says to you "how are you doing?" and you just lose it. Cry factory. It's okay, it does pass. (unless it is post-partum Depression and it does last please see your naturalpathic Dr.) Anyway, I could go on. So if you have any questions (strange or otherwise, feel free to drop me a line) And with all that said, having my kids is still the best thing (other than marrying the love of my life) that has ever happened to me and I would not trade it for all the cake in the world. And if none of this applies to you...awesome, you go girl!

This lovely lady melts my heart

2009-07-21T12:53:00.000-04:00

I know a girlShe puts the color inside of my worldShe's just like a mazeWhere all of the walls all continually changeAnd I've done all I canTo stand on her steps with my heart in my handsNow I'm starting to seeMaybe it's got nothing to do with meFathers be good to your daughtersDaughters will love like you doGirls become lovers who turn into mothersSo mothers be good to your daughters tooOh, you see that skin?It's the same she's been standing inSince the day she saw him walking awayNow she's leftCleaning up the mess he madeFathers be good to your daughtersDaughters will love like you doGirls become lovers who turn into mothersSo mothers be good to your daughters tooBoys, you can breakYou'll find out how much they can takeBoys will be strongAnd boys soldier onBut boys would be gone without warmth from A woman's good, good heartOn behalf of every manLooking out for every girlYou are the god and the weight of her worldSo fathers be good to your daughtersDaughters will love like you doGirls become lovers who turn into mothersSo mothers be good to your daughters, tooSo mothers be good to your daughters, tooSo mothers be good to your daughters, too By John Mayor

Baby Boys...so lovely

2009-07-16T11:27:00.000-04:00

In the wee hours of the morning a baby boy was born. Welcome to the world Oliver Pitre. You will be surrounded by love and friendship for the rest of your life. Nothing is sweeter than a fresh new baby. Congratulations to Sam and Dan, Gabriel and Desmond. Lots of love, The Spencers xoxo

Lovely, Lovely Chevre

2009-07-14T22:36:00.000-04:00

Okay, I'm not supposed to eat dairy. I LOVE CHEESE and this no dairy thing is sometimes a bigger challenge than I'd like. I do feel better when dairy is completely eliminated. A nice alternative is Chevre (Goat Cheese) Can you just tell me how much better life is now that a friend of mine actually makes the best Chevre I have tried. Ashley Duncan has some sweet little Nanny Goats in her backyard and this very lovely lady has taught herself how to make goat cheese...how clever of her. Her Goat Cheese companies name is "Rennet Rebels Artisan Cheese". It is so smooth, creamy and mild. The cheese in the picture is the Chevre with Organic Chocolate. The Cherries and The Early Garlic, Cheese and Jam can all be found at the Saturday morning market at Caunaught Park in Kincardine.

2009-07-14T17:09:00.000-04:00

This is the loveliest lakes I know, Lake Huron, the lake that me, Dalton and the kids have named "Our Lake". This is Roland and Sasha trying to surf the waves as the sun goes down. We moved here almost 2 years ago and having the lake so close (10 minute walk from our house) was one of the biggest 'pros' to moving here. Before I had kids and would come to Kincardine to visit I always made a point of going to the lake on my own and just sit, and be and think...meditate. Then when I was on "Mat" leave with Rolie I would walk down to the lake everyday of my visit and meditate. Since actually moving here I have done this a small handful of times. Crazyness. Wouldn't it be clever of me to make some time and start this again? Nothing makes me feel more at peace than meditating at the lake. My lovely, lovely, lake. As the saying goes "If you are lucky enough to live by the lake, you are lucky enough." ommmmm.

Ladies Night In Kincardine

2009-07-14T16:57:00.000-04:00

One of my first things I need to do is create more "Me" time, time to nurture just myself, what better way than a night out with some very lovely ladies; Amy, Kayli, Mom, Auntie Wendy, Jen Mac.

Down town Kincardine it is Ladies Night at the Bluewater Theatre. For a mere $30 a ticket you get to see "Sexy Laundry", have dessert, get a gift bag and your name entred in for a prize. How freakin' lovely is that!