Movember

Have you heard of Movember?

'Movember (the month formerly known as November) is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men's health.' Here is the Canada website. Well, I know it's the end of the month, but I just found out about it!

M went to a Grey Cup (Canadian Football) party last night. A friend of his has one every year (just the boys kind of thing) and he finally had the time to attend this year.

The Amazing Race is down to the last 3 contestants, with the exciting season finale next week. L had a seasonal gingerbread latte from Starbucks with non-fat milk, only 140 calories, she said it was delicious. It does have added sugar though.

One of my nephews turns 18 today, whew!

News

Low fertility means Canada getting older: StatsCan

Masai Figurines

M and I went to a Christmas Craft Sale at the church yesterday morning. We bought these 3 hand-carved wooden Masai figurines from a Kenya mission. The money goes toward their school in Kenya. The figurines are only about 3 or 4 inches tall so they don't take up a lot of room and we thought M's mother would like them as a Christmas present. So, if she doesn't like that bird with spiky legs that I already found for her, we've improved our chances of success! M also got a delicious assortment of cookies from the large bake sale.

Afterwards, we had a lovely brunch with another family. The couple is interesting and lively, so we had a great time. It helps that they also have 3 teenage girls, so our kids were kept entertained.

There is an interesting article below concerning Roma immigrants to Canada and how they are challenging local educators. It's worth a read.

News

Roma children perplex local educators

10 Gift Suggestion Sites for Hapless Holiday Shoppers

Eating well boosts immune system

Spelt Flour

We're meeting another family for brunch this morning. I hope to stop in on the church Christmas craft sale, just to have a look. The kids have tennis lessons, then L is attending another party in the evening. She tries to keep Sundays free for just homework. It's a good idea for K as well.

At our restaurant dinner last night, I had a 'spelt linguine primavera' (pasta with vegetables). I had never heard of spelt flour before. It tastes a bit like whole wheat, and is considered slightly more nutritious, with more protein and a bit less calories than whole wheat flour. It has been cultivated for hundreds of years.

News

It's not where you go, but how you get there that matters most

Want to Buy a Dual-Screen Laptop?

Staring at computer screens may be causing chronic eye ailments

Yummy

I made a pork roast yesterday and also roasted a butternut squash flavoured with cinnamon and brown sugar. Then I forced myself to dust and clean, thinking that I will be setting up the Christmas decorations soon. I packed most of the fall decorations away and even got some of the Christmas ones out. I decided which box of cards I will mail out this year. L wants a new, salon quality hair straightener for Christmas, but I am unsure which are the best brands.

My friend sent me this peanut butter and shortbread recipe that she tasted at a friend's house. She declared them 'yummy'!

We're meeting friends for dinner tonight. L is going to a friend's party. I've started wrapping some gifts. It's a stressful season because your regular routine things still have to get done, right?

News

Zhu Zhu race off shelves as hit holiday toy

Happy AmericanThanksgiving

It's a big holiday in the U.S. today, best wishes to all for a safe and happy holiday. We have to wait until Christmas before we start over-eating again! Maybe I should bake some squash today to help with the celebrations!

Yesterday, I went to see my blood pressure specialist for a checkup and I've been given the all clear and she doesn't need to see me anymore unless things change. This is a good thing.

Adam Lambert is all over the news and I'm having trouble keeping up with all his TV and radio appearances after his controversial AMA performance. He did a wonderful show on the CBS Early Show after ABC's Good Morning America cancelled his appearance as they were concerned about viewer complaints. His official website crashed about 20 minutes after he announced that his new music video was online. My sister thinks the real reason was that the moderators could not handle the volume of comments as people fight back and forth. This whole thing is unbelievable. I hope he survives this and safely. His new CD is doing really well.

Check out the genius marketing strategy video below. I think it means that if you don't have a Facebook account yet, you need to get with the times, as it has moved into the business world.

News

IKEA Facebook Showroom (video)- genius marketing strategy

Getting the friendly facts about fats

Flu Mask

I heard that if your cellphone, ipod or whatever, is accidentally immersed in water, you can put it in the middle of a bag of rice and it will remove the moisture from the insides and repair your device. That sounds worth a try. And now, for the joke of the day:

In case we run out of masks

during the flu H1N1 season,
here is a ‘homemade’ mask you

can make yourself. It is even

compatible with the wearing of glasses.

News

The world's first Twitter lottery -To enter, all you have to do is follow twterlotto on Twitter. There is no cost or risk to enter.

5 habits you thought weren't healthy but are

Are nail polish removers bad for your health?

7 spices that heal

Beef Stir Fry with Chili Garlic Sauce

I had luck with a quick beef stir fry yesterday and thought I'd share the recipe. I had a 2 pound beef sirloin tip roast and decided to cut it into small strips for stir frying. It was a tender cut of beef, which may be part of the secret. I'll call this:

Beef stir fry with chili garlic sauce

2 lbs beef sirloin tip, cut into thin strips
1 inch of fresh ginger, sliced into thin strips
2 tbs soy sauce (or to taste)
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tbs oyster sauce
2 tsp chili garlic sauce (or to taste)
1 tsp corn starch
2-4 tbs canola oil

Mix all the ingredients together except the canola oil.

Heat half the oil in a large saucepan on medium high heat. Add half the beef mixture and stir fry constantly for about 5 minutes. I've learned it's not good to overcrowd the pan. Neither is it good to overcook the beef. Empty the now saucy contents into a serving dish. Heat the other half of the oil in the saucepan. Now stir fry the rest of the beef mixture for about 5 minutes. Empty into the serving dish. You're done!

We had it with steamed white rice and some mixed vegetables.

I think the chili garlic sauce sounds hotter than it is, and brings a lot of flavour to the dish.



News

Soccer Goalie Scores on Own Team (video)

Face-off with a deadly predator (video)

Inner growth

M and I were at the drugstore yesterday morning taking advantage of the 'Sunday/Monday' specials. We don't often get around to doing that, but the 'Quality Street' chocolates were on sale, so we got a bunch for his mom and one for us. They're great to hand out at the doctor's offices too. We ran into my friend S and as the weather was so sunny and warm, we decided to go for a walk while M headed off to the gym. S ran into some friends of hers at the drugstore. It turns out they have a child in a wheelchair, and S told me that mom's biceps are so developed from hauling the wheelchair around. It occurred to me that people who live with such a disability in the family must have developed a lot of real inner strength and would have grown in many ways.

News

There, I fixed it

Politically correct children's toys hitting holiday gift guides

Getting meaningful things done using "fixed-schedule productivity"

Still Balmy

I took another nice, balmy walk yesterday evening, it makes you worry about global warming, much as I enjoyed it. But M did say we may even get snow by the end of the week. There is a lot of traffic about town on Saturday evenings, not to mention that a lot of dogs need walking.

Our dinner plans for this past Friday got cancelled as there is a problem with everyone not being available at the same time. It was the teenage girls' schedules that seemed to be the problem, so we've left it up to them to co-ordinate a future, suitable time. It was just as well because K had tons of homework that we are still struggling through for most of this weekend. He got a good mark on the latest Science quiz but the challenge is to keep the standard up. He seems more interested in perfecting the latest dance move (the C-walk) and in the finer points of editing it onto youtube. L said she saw him and his group members walk into their tennis lesson in a 'V' formation line, all cool. The teacher had to laugh.

Tonight we have to tape the Amazing Race because we want to watch the American Music Awards on TV. What a dilemma. But Adam Lambert is apparently closing the show with his new single. My sister and I are still avid fans.

News

Popcorn, soda at the movies pack the caloric punch of three burgers: study - this is disheartening, as I LOVE buttered popcorn at the movies.

Best & Worst Ice Cream in America

Christmas Prices

K and I stopped by the mall after school yesterday to buy him some new clothes and the prices literally went up overnight. I know because I had been at the mall the day before and brought him back to try some stuff on. So, unless you really need something that's not a gift, it's better to wait until after Christmas. Well, we still got him a few outfits, but it hurt.

M heard on the news last night that Santa is now asking kids to hand sanitize before sitting with him! I found a similar news story below.

News

Visit with Santa includes hand sanitizer

New Website Lets You Buy Gift Cards At Discount Prices

Are you a sucker for maple and bacon lollipops?

Lifelong learning key to great jobs

The Kids are Alright

Mind of a Mom gave me a 'heads up' on this website where you can send a free 'thank you' postcard to U.S Military personnel.

Well, I went for my usual haircut yesterday. It turns out my hairdresser of 25 years had been ill recently and went for an angioplasty. He said he was in hospital for about a week and worked shorter days for a few more weeks after that, but he said he's fine now. He had to quit smoking and takes about 5 medicines a day now. He's close to 60 years old, I think. The other thing was that he cut into my cheek by accident with a snip of his sharp scissors and was most apologetic, but I'm wondering if it will soon be time to find a new hairdresser! M doesn't think this is a major incident and K found it a bit hilarious, it not being his cheek. L is totally horrified and advised me to put polysporin every hour until it heals to prevent scarring and that furthermore I should stop going there. Hmm. It's not that he's that great, it's just a comfortable habit I developed.

Here's a funny email I received:

The Kids Are Alright, Part 1...

Below, are examples of sixth grade research projects. Enjoy...

1. Ancient Egypt was inhabited by mummies and they all wrote in hydraulics. They lived in the Sarah Dessert. the climate of the Sarah is such that the inhabitants have to live elsewhere.

2. Moses led the Hebrew slaves to the Red Sea where they made unleavened bread which is bread made without any ingredients. Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten commandments. He died before he ever reached Canada.

3. Solomon had three hundred wives and seven porcupines.

4. The Greeks were a highly sculptured people and without them we wouldn't have history. The Greeks also had myths. A myth is a female moth.

5. Socrates was a famous Greek teacher who went around giving people advice. They killed him. Socrates died from an overdose of wedlock. After his death, his career suffered a dramatic decline.

6. In the Olympic games, Greeks ran races, jumped, hurled biscuits, and threw the java.

7. Julius Caesar extinquished himself on the battlefields of Gaul. The Ides of March murdered him because they thought he was going to be made king. Dying, he gasped out Tee hee, Brutus.

8. Joan of Arc was burnt to a steak and was canonized by Bernard Shaw.


News

Webby Awards name top 10 Internet moments of the decade

Stressed out with papers and exams? Just say 'om'

Sitting all day can be hazardous to your health, and exercise doesn't help

Canadians falling short in all food groups, nutritionist says

Coffee Mocha

Kay at Musings said she has her coffee with 1/3 chocolate milk (mocha), so I decided to try it yesterday and it was delicious, thanks for the tip, Kay.

They have now started giving H1N1 shots to the general public, so I was one of the first in line yesterday morning. I got to the clinic about 20 minutes before it opened at 10am and I was given number 61. I left the building at about 10.30 am, so I was happily there less than an hour.

News

High income translates into longer life: Study

More Canadians to give gift cards this Christmas: Study

World's Top 5 germiest attractions

CN Tower casts a shadow on a low cloud layer (photo)

Charter for Compassion

This is a moving 2 minute viral video that is very inspirational:

Charter for Compassion

News

Don't blame fast food: Mummies had heart disease

Stressful Jobs That Pay Badly

Create Tuesday 12

Here's my entry for Lissa's Create Tuesday 12.
Click on the link in the sidebar for more details if you would like to participate.

This week's theme is:

Procrastination





I just found out about this new website called Evernote:
'Welcome to your notable world. Use Evernote to save your ideas, things you see, and things you like. Then find them all on any computer or device you use. For free.'

It sounds perfect for someone like me, I'm always saving clippings and all sorts of things to remember and now I could possibly reduce clutter and have it online and readily accessible. It's such a new world out there.

News

'Unfriend' selected as Oxford dictionary's word of the year

2 year old touched by Michael Jackson's music (video)

Vitamin D deficiency linked to strokes, heart disease: Study

Canadians Plan To Curb Spending This Holiday Season

Beware 90# on your telephone

I got this in an email from my sister, and it sounds legitimate in North America, anyway:

BEWARE!!!!!!!!!
90# on your telephone

I dialed '0', to check this out, asked the operator, who confirmed that this was correct
so please pass it on . . . (l also checked out Snopes.com . This is true, and also applies to cell phones!)

PASS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW

I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service Technician (could also be Telus) who was conducting a test on the telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine(9), zero(0), the pound sign (#), and then hang up. Luckily, I was suspicious and refused.

Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home phone number.

I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many local jails/prisons DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE.

After checking with Verizon they also said it was true, so do not dial 90# for anyone!!!!! PLEASE HIT THAT FORWARD BUTTON AND PASS THIS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!!


To continue with the rest of this post, I went for a late evening walk yesterday, just before dusk. It was lovely, the air was balmy and fresh. It was strange to see the houses all lit up as I'm usually out earlier in the day. It 'warmed up' the atmosphere. M and K went to get a Festive Special at Swiss Chalet Restaurant for our dinner. Roast Chicken, stuffing, cranberry sauce, Lindor chocolate truffles, what's not to love? (-: I think everyone's tired of my cooking, including me, so takeout was in order.

For those of you living in Canada, McDonald's is giving out free small coffees around breakfast time for the next 2 weeks. They had a similar promotion last year.


In the News:

Just Thinking of a Loved One Can Reduce Physical Pain

Kids aware of racism by age 9, study finds

Rescue of a teenage boy trapped on an ice floe in Nunavut

Indian Summer

We're having the most gorgeous 'Indian Summer' weather, where it's unseasonably warm. It just spoils us for the cold to come. We've had a few frosty mornings, but then it gets warmer in the days. We seem to have dinner plans for next weekend and maybe 2 engagements for the week after. And it's not even December yet. They are already playing Christmas music in the stores. L went to a tennis banquet and won a lovely tennis racquet bag. She can't make it to the dinner next weekend, as one of her good friends is having a birthday party.

At church yesterday, I noticed there was no 'handshake of peace' during mass. They also did that during the SARS outbreak. It gets really dark by 6pm now, so it was a bit tricky walking home.

We bought a carpet steamer that will even do upholstery, like couches. I hope we use it, it will be a good thing. We got a new food processor a few months back and I still haven't used it! I don't think I'm machine oriented.


News

Canada has more H1N1 vaccine than most countries

Conrad Black on teaching fellow inmates - interesting article by a former Canadian newspaper magnate serving time in prison. Read the comments too.

Bird Cloud (video)

My Life is Average

L was telling me about this website called 'My Life is Average', it's actually quite funny once you start reading the entries a few times. This is how it describes itself:

'About MyLifeIsAverage

MyLifeIsAverage is a place to share your everyday mediocrity. It is a place to post the mundane things in your life, and read about what makes life normal for other people.

We believe that for every fail story, or good story, there are about a million normal stories. So tell the world what makes your life average. Anyone can submit a story, because everyone's lives are unexciting and insignificant at some time or another.'

News

The best window on overall health? Your mouth

Go beyond plain ol' porridge: It's a piece of cake

Advertisers shifting their dollars to digital

8 fat fighting foods

Humans Still Evolving as Our Brains Shrink

Tooth Whitening

I did the laundry after 9 p.m. last night. This is to take advantage of the 'time of use' on our electricity bill. The charge is 4 cents per kilowatt hour at low peak periods and 9 cents at high peak. In the spring, I would have to do the laundry after 10pm to get these prices. It's also helping the environment.

Yesterday, at the gym, there was a lady selling a tooth whitening procedure. She basically bleaches your teeth with some kind of peroxide that keeps them sparkly white for about a year. She was right beside my elliptical machine, so I was curious about what she was setting up. She said she usually charges $300 at the dentist's office but here, she was doing it for $120. I did see a girl come in for an appointment.

I also watched a bit of the FoodTV channel as I did my workout. Ricardo was on, a French Canadian chef. He was doing a special on Asian pears. Surprisingly, the trees can grow in Canada and they are very resistant to disease as the insects find the pears too crispy to bite into. I also did not know that these pears can be stored for up to 6 months in your refrigerator which is a good thing. Then he proceeded to cook the pears in carmelized sugar and make a delicious, healthier dessert.

News

Chocolate Reduces Stress, Study Finds

Facebook status update saves teen from jail

Where does the time go?

I bought a few Christmas gifts a couple of days ago. I got an ice wine vodka in a pretty bottle for one of our good friends. Costco is selling a 3-pack of Starbucks mugs filled with chocolates, so I picked up a pack, thinking it would be perfect for a bunch of L's favourite teachers/mentors. Costco sells all kinds of great gifts, I saw spa certificates, movie certificates, restaurant certificates. Something for everyone, really.

K told me he wants the 2010 Wrestling Video Game for I forget which gaming system, so that will be easy. My mother-in-law seems to like wild animal figurines, so last month or so I got her this bird that stands on its skinny legs and for some reason L says it scares her. Well, hopefully my mother-in-law won't think the same thing!

L is about to get even busier as rehearsals are starting up for the school Drama production, and she got a big part with lots of lines. She is also starting to do her university applications. She told us she will be out of town on a school field trip on her 18th birthday (next April). It's sad to think she's turning into an adult really fast. Where does the time go?


What's interesting to me today:

Dubai Fountain (video)

Therapy Dogs Get Their Due

8 Perfect Stay-Young Foods -
'If it’s dessert you want, go with regular yogurt; but if it’s protein, go Greek. What sets the two apart? Greek yogurt is separated from the watery whey that sits on top of regular yogurt, and the process removes excessive sugars, such as lactose, and increases the concentration of protein by as much as three times. That means it fills your belly more like a meal than a snack. Plus a single cup has about a quarter of your day’s calcium, and studies show that dieters on calcium-rich diets have an easier time losing body fat.'

Real French women really do get fat: Study


Faster eating may be leading to bigger waistlines: Study

The Garbage Truck Wisdom

Let's pause for two minutes at 11 a.m. today Remembrance Day to honour our country’s fallen soldiers.

I got the following in an email and thought it would be worth sharing:

Garbage Truck

'One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car drove out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital! This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, So....Love the people who treat you right. Ignore the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a marvelous, garbage-free day! The seeds you plant today, determine the harvest you reap tomorrow.'


What's Interesting Today:

10 Things You Should Have in Your Closet

Rainwater is safe for your health: Study

New online store sells designer duds at bargain prices

What a Treat

Let's pause for two minutes at 11 a.m. tomorrow on Remembrance Day to honour our country’s fallen soldiers.

Look what Lissa mailed to me yesterday. It's a prize for participating in her 'Create Tuesday' art meme. It was such a treat just receiving a mystery package. There are 2 lovely books in, along with 2 nice journals and some good watercolour pencils. It came in a pretty fabric bag. Thanks again Lissa!





What's Interesting Today:

Why retirement is bad for you

"I've got nothing " - Chartjackers Music Video

Secret knock detecting lock (video)

Guy dancing like Michael Jackson at a bus stop (video)

Funny 'Fail' Photo

I thought this was a beautiful staircase in a downtown Toronto skyscraper. The steps are marble on the other side.




L sent me this funny 'fail' photo, you have to look at it here!

We're under a warm spell for yet another day, t-shirt weather really. They are predicting a high of 19C (70F) today! The confectionery on Main Street has been as busy as on summer days. A lot of people are wearing their Remembrance Day poppies.

I have an overdue library book for what may be the first time in my life. I meant to renew it last week, but I got busy and it slipped my mind even though it was on my 'todo' list. The pain of it is that you can't seem to renew electronically once the book has passed the due date, and L still needs it for schoolwork. So I'll have to sort that out today.

Check out the story below, about this blogger who makes $40,000 per month from blogging. Here's his blog, it's a rather busy looking one, but I sense a true entrepreneur here. I decided to add him to my blogroll, he's interesting. I watched his homepage video and liked what he had to say.

News

Blogging, tweeting his way to riches

What Canadians are thinking about

New 'smart' electrical meters raise privacy issues

Blog Tea Party

K got his H1N1 shot at the pediatrician's yesterday. It was very busy there and in fact, his name was not on the waitlist that had been started up at the first clinic earlier in the week. Fortunately, he somehow got squeezed in as we showed up early enough in the day. So now, it's just me that has to wait until the clinics start giving the shots to non-priority people, or hopefully my doctor will get some in.

And have you ever been to a blog tea party? That's what Mmm at Hot Toast and Jam is hosting December 1st! See my sidebar for details. It'll be a great way to get into the seasonal spirit. It will be 'held' in scenic, upscale Aspen. Think minced pies and hot cocoa.

It's a gorgeous weekend, a good chance to do some yard cleanup or go walking. Yesterday, it was about 15C (60'sF) and a lucky bride and groom were out on Main Street having wedding pictures taken. You do take your chances on the weather in November.

News

How to eat a chicken wing (viral video)

Google allows users to view, delete personal information

Study links high blood pressure to memory trouble

The proven power of flowers

Happy Hour - Jungle Fruit Alcohol

READ BEFORE WATCHING THE VIDEO!!

This is a real video from a French documentary about Africa. There are trees that grow in Africa which, once a year, produce very Juicy fruits that contain a large percentage of alcohol.

Because there Is a shortage of water, as soon as the fruits are ripe, animals come there to help protect themselves from the heat. What happens next, you can watch for yourselves.





News

New gene therapy halts 2 boys' rare brain disease

Why we should all just say no to sit-ups

Japan's NEC offers eyewear translator

New Japanese glasses bring tears to the eyes

How to cut back on sugar

Homemade Facial Mask

L drove to school yesterday as I had to go downtown with M on some errands and didn't need my car. I can see where this taste of independence will only heighten the longing for one's own car. It's a good thing for the most part, I guess (as is 'growing up'). Some of her friends already have their own cars in Grade 12. L says her friend's mom gets upset every time the friend mentions the word 'university'. This girl is the baby of the family and her mom is having separation anxiety. This girl will go to a Toronto university so that she can stay home and this girl is ok with that. I think that whatever works for each family is a good thing. Some friends can't wait to leave their parents' home.

If anyone is interested in homemade facial treatments, my sister just sent this to 'recipe' to us out of the blue. I know L was asking me what to do to get rid of bags under her eyes, but I couldn't really get interested in her problem! Maybe my sister would know.


Acne/Oily Skin Facial Mask

2 tsp aloe vera gel - fresh from plant
1 tsp lemon juice
1 egg white
1/4 tsp honey

Beat egg white and add all other ingredients. Apply to skin preferably with a small brush and allow to dry. Reapply and leave mask on for 10 minutes, rinse and moisturise.

News

Danish firm launches vitamin-rich gum for 3rd world kids

Does your baby cry in French or German?

Brighter Mornings

Yesterday I went for my annual eye checkup at the opthalmologist (eye surgeon). I developed a small cataract in my right eye many years ago. I had been fighting a recurring eye inflammation with a powerful steroid (prednisone) which was the only thing that kept it in check. It's funny when I quit my stressful job nearly 10 years ago, my inflammation went away. But I was left with this small cataract which is 'stable' according to the wonderful doctor, meaning no need for any surgery. It was cold, so I popped into the gym afterward for a quick workout. My eyes were still dilated!

L says there are an amazing amount of kids sick at her school from a variety of illnesses. So much so that they have cancelled a school dance planned for Friday. The principal thought it wasn't a good idea at this time. I've never heard of this happening before.

It's a lot brighter in the mornings when we wake up, since the switch to Daylight Savings Time. But it also gets darker more quickly in the evenings now.


News

Teanne Harris, bride jilted at altar, turns Halloween-themed wedding into party for senior citizens

'Metrotextual' men increasingly signing off messages with 'kisses'

Fabulous at 50: Fashion and beauty tips

14 Who-Knew? Uses for Your Microwave

Grams to Cups

It's 'Take our kids to work day' here in Ontario. Grade 9 kids get to spend the day at work with their parents. M's office has planned a special day for the kids, so K hopefully it will make a good impression on K.

A few nights ago, I found this simple (about 4 ingredients) pound cake recipe from 'Christine's Recipes: Asian and Western Cooking'. M said he would make it, and whipped it up in no time. The interesting thing about it is that the recipe is given in grams. So when I went to google to do the conversions I was surprised to learn that it's not a straight 'grams to cups' conversion. You are converting 'weight' in grams (or ounces) to 'volume' in cups (or teaspoons and tablespoons).

Wikianswers has a great explanation:

'Depending on the density of the material you are going to have in the cup, the weight in grams of the material will vary. For example, if you fill the cup with lead, the cup will weigh much more than if you fill with feathers. This is why the cup is considered an unnecessary value of measurement, created by America to make things simpler for people who cook by an average, rather than precision.'

Anyway, it's a great, light-tasting cake and we made it without the walnuts to satisfy all palates.

Here are my conversions if you would like to try it using the cup measurements:

Butter Pound Cake

1 cup self-rising flour
2 eggs
1/3 cup melted butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar

Pre-heat oven to 350F
cream meted butter, sugar
whisk eggs in
sift flour into the egg mixture
bake in a loaf-size pan lined with parchment paper for 35 - 40 minutes.



News

Proper poppy etiquette: When's the right time to start wearing one?

Scared of flying? Press the fear iButton

Ho Hos no laughing matter

Inflatable player entertains people

Create Tuesday 11

Here's my entry for Lissa's Create Tuesday 11.
Click on the link in the sidebar for more details if you would like to participate.

There isn't a specific theme this week, except to say it's a found object, in my case 'Pennies':









I was inspired by actually finding a copper penny on a red-coloured jogging track a few weeks ago, although I've enhanced the 'reds' a bit. Hope you like it.


News

Bad moods may be good for memory: study

Man-eating lions consumed 35 people in 1898

It's Time to Rake the Leaves

It was overcast, but mild weather on my walk yesterday morning. I saw quite a few seniors gathering leaves (do the younger people sleep in? or maybe they don't rake). The mulchers, leaf blowers and rakes were out. Welcome to November. We're now on Daylight Savings Time, having gained an hour over the weekend. It's funny how it always seems so much harder to adjust to losing an hour in the spring.

My sister that lives nearby thinks her kids got the H1N1 flu last week. They missed 3 days of school but were better in time for Halloween. My niece in California also got it, and seems to have recovered quickly. A lot of kids at L's school have been away from school with illness, but she now thinks it's more due to strep throat.

I found some VHS tapes from Amazon.ca, so I ordered a bunch. Soon they won't be selling them anywhere as technology is changing faster than we are.

I tried to set up a dinner for December 20th and wouldn't you know, one of the families already has plans for that timeframe. Here I am thinking I'm planning ahead for once! Sometimes last minute plans can work just as well.

Recycled Glass Countertops

It was a very windy, but nice evening for Halloween. We had quite a few kids this year, some years we have close to none. I went for a walk on Main Street in the afternoon and saw a few little ones out trick or treating with their parents. One little baby was dressed as a silver Hershey Kiss, so cute. People were outside their houses putting the finishing touches to their pumpkin displays.

The kids had fun at their parties last night and now we have even more candy.

I decided to do a prime rib roast and baked a squash with maple syrup and brown sugar to go with it. That has to be one of my favourite types of meal. Of course I've been eating the odd Mars and O'Henry bars for the past few days in honour of the season, plus they're sitting in the kitchen.

L and K already have a Christmas party lined up in early December, rolling right along. I do have a few dinner obligations that I should probably start lining up.


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Recycled glass countertops - 'The latest entry into this category, Elements by Durcon, is creating quite a buzz as it's a "green" countertop surface that also offers unmatched durability, cleanliness and aesthetic qualities.'