Tarts and Tattoos

Terrible Blogger

2011-11-29T20:24:00.000-08:00

Argghh... it's been months. I'm a terrible blogger. Shame on me. Well, let's see what I've been doing...

Went to a wedding, in a church, didn't combust.

And yes, I made the cupcakes

I like to eat most things wrapped in a nori sheet. It's good.

I got cock- blocked by Pillsbury. Mister wanted them. I have no words.

Lentil soup for a week, because I felt like it.

Test driving nail polish

Pinkie: Sparitual (some blue)

Ring: OPI- Yodel me on my cell

Middle: Essie- Torquoise and Caicos (my favourite)

Index: OPI- Mermaid's Tears

Quesadillas and rice (vegan of course)

RAW Carrot Cake with Healthy Top Whipping Cream

Veggie Burger with PB and Grilled Onions

I adore animals...

2011-09-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

But lately in yoga I have not liked a few animals. I'm not a fan of Rabbits, Camels or Turtles. And if you've practiced Bikram you know what I mean. No one said it better than The Dancing J in this very fine blog post
News Flash: It's hot in here! Most days are fine, and really it's a mental state, but for some reason those fucking turtles...

It was a feast

2011-09-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

These veggies, became this...

Salsa

Raw crackers (yes, crackers)

The table- where do you start?

Lady J holding a raw taco

We each ate two plates of this... we are not ashamed.

And this is how we finished... twice. Raw Cashew Dream Cake. If cheesecake and ice cream cake had an extremely healthy baby made of nuts and fruit, then did a dance in a raspberry bush at dawn with the fresh dew still twinking upon the berries, this would be the spawn.

The raw tacos, flax seed crackers and raw cashew dream cake can all be found on Sarah B's My New Roots. We love her blog, we adore how she believes in food in it's most simple state and we thank her for sharing with us her vast knowledge and delicious recipes. Kisses

I'm going back

2011-08-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

To Hot Yoga that is. I should have never taken a vacation from it. I'll keep you posted on my first few weeks of suffering, cause after that it's bliss.

Update: September 9, 2011

I've gone back. It's been so great. It's been hard. It has whipped my ass. Why did I stop? You should come with, it's fun.

Food post coming tomorrow. Happy night y'all.

Not a tart, so it must be...

2011-08-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

A Tattoo

And two weeks later, still healing, still dry and there's a deep scab in the crease of my wrist (you know that's what happens when they heal right?). All self inflicted so I don't whine.

Pride Parade 2011- Victoria, B.C.

2011-07-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood...

2011-07-03T22:19:00.000-07:00

Today, myself and these two fine young men decided to get on our bicycles and ride the Galloping Goose Trail out to Sidney, BC. From our starting point (we drove a bit so Junior wouldn't suffer his first long ride) our round trip was 32.5 kms. Not bad for a Sunday afternoon.

Needless to say, boys... they were trying to pull some wheelies. Unsuccessful.

This hay was being cut as we went past. The smell was heavenly. Fresh and outdoorsy and like summer. Amazing.

This is where we all should live.

We saw these bathing beauties on route. We smelled them before we saw them.

They reminded me of the chihuahuas. That's all I can say about that.

Oh my word.

These horses were precious. They were grooming each other's manes. So sweet.

The town of Sidney is small and quaint and just the kind of place to spend a Sunday. They have all kinds of these fabulous statues around the main 'drag'. I love this one. Just a man and his dog.

Hope your Sunday was pretty spectacular as well.

Last note: Junior made it just fine. At the end he said "That was it?" When you're doing something fun with people you love that really is it.

Eatmore Protein Bars

2011-06-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

A healthier, way less processed version of that bizarre candy bar we all ate as kids. This recipe is from Amy Layne's Paradigm Blog, passed on by Lady J.

Merci Poupettes.

2 Cups of dry roasted peanuts

3 TBSP of peanut butter

1 Cup of dates (I chopped, then measured)

1/4 Cup ground flax

3 Scoops of protein powder (it didn't specify and I had vanilla in the pantry)

2 TBSP cocoa powder

1/2 Cup unsweetened coconut

1/4 Cup or more of water

1. Add peanuts, flax, protein powder, cocoa and coconut to food processor.

2. Pulse until peanuts are in small pieces

3. Add dates, peanut butter and start blending. Add water slowly and as needed. If you need more use more, but a little at a time. I used 1/2 cup in total.

4. Blend until dough like but not so much you don't see any texture.

5. Remove dough.

I put mine in a glass rectangular baking dish to spread it out. I had a little roller and rolled until the pan was covered and the bars were about 1/2 or so thick.

Into the fridge to set a bit. I took them out after half an hour and used a dough scrapper to just cut into it.

The pan I used created 20 bars out of this recipe. About 2" x 2" in size.

Individually wrap the bars and keep in the fridge for a grab and go. They can keep up to a week.

I froze half the batch, cut and wrapped.

I've also made a strawberry/ rhubarb cobbler this morning but am about to watch a movie and just too darn done with the laptop to stare at it any longer.

Happy Sunday You

12

2011-06-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

As I was taking this picture he was asking if he would catch head lice from wearing the horns. I said probably.

For the past 7 years Junior has always asked for a 'theme' cake. A character. An object. A cake that looks like "you know, that thing..." Thankfully a few months ago he declared he just wanted a homemade ice cream cake. Whew.

Sparklers still smell like they did when we were kids.

Canuck Fever at City Hall

2011-06-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

Mayor Fortin and Sir John A. MacDonald in the spirit

Date/ Protein Spheres

2011-06-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

A very simple grab and go snack so you always have something at the ready.

All you need is a food processor and some simple, easily substituted options. In the batch I made I put:

2 cups of dates

1 cup of prunes

1 cup of cashews

1 cup of sunflower seeds

1 cup of coconut

1/4 cup of ground flax

2 scoops of Vegan protein powder

1 scoop of Greens+ powder

I processed until it was sticky and had to add a scant 1/4 cup of water until it stuck together.

You can make them whatever size you like. I used a 1 tablespoon ice cream scoop.

Roll the balls in whatever you like. I used sesame seeds, Lady J used coconut on her's. I think ground nuts would be pretty good too.

Store them in a container in the fridge. Or individually wrap them for the road.

Enjoy

Oh M.A. you silly.

Keeping it real in MessyTown

2011-05-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

First you start out with a mess of flour everywhere (and if you were too lazy to sweep the floor, you realize the next day it has to be done).

But then you have your little gems stuffed with squash and seasonings, you heat a pan with a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs and you know a bit of flour on the floor is no big dea.

Just a wee note: making your own pasta is very easy with or without a pasta machine of any sort. I have two kinds of machines and still like making it by hand. Of course if you're just going to roll out pile upon pile of long noodles... use the machine!

On a lighter note

2011-05-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Junior and I have found a new favourite. Surprisingly, He has a more open mind about eating Vegan than Mister does. And that I appreciate. We're trying yummy things as we find them. This almond milk was a real treat.

Twinkies

2011-05-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Cute right? I know!! All you need to do is buy the Canoe Creme Pan (weird name right? It's just me that thinks so? Hmmphhh...). I bought mine offline from a company in Washington State. Can I remember the name? Negative. But I do remember it was less than $30 with shipping. And it's a good, sturdy, non stick CANOE CREME PAN. Oh, and it comes with the icing injector too.

And I'm not giving you the recipe either. Why? Because I want you to go out and buy the cookbook. Here's info on the book http://www.veganizethis.org/
and it's lovely author.

If you like to buy online at Amazon here you go. If you like Chapters (like me), here it is too. This book is worth the less than $20 you're going to pay for it. All of your past favourites can now be your new favourites.

Now go kiss a Chihuhua.

Tie Dyed for SD61's 70's Day

2011-05-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

How did I do that you ask? I'll never tell... of course I'll tell!! I'm a baking blabbermouth.

Instead of colouring the icing I painted the inside of a disposable icing bag with gel food colouring (Wilton is the brand I used). A red stripe, blue stripe, yellow stripe, green stripe... then put the icing in and start piping. The first dozen or so will be vibrant, but then as the colour is used up it will get more muted. One coloured bag, filled twice piped 36 cupcakes. Promise you, it works.

I'm making Vegan Twinkies tomorrow from the book Veganize This!. Prepare to be amazed.

You know you love me
XOXO

I'll say it again... not a rough life

2011-05-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

Black Bean Tacos at Hernande'z

2011-05-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

Heaven

Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free Peanut Butter/Oat cookies Oh MY!!

2011-05-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

Here you go... no wheat, no soy, no animal. Just a bit of guilt if you eat 6.

1 Cup of your favourite butter substitute (I use Earth Balance)
1 Cup of Brown Sugar
1 Cup of White Sugar

Cream all of this in a bowl/ mixer (god forbid I hope you're using a mixer)

Add 1.5 Cups of your favourite peanut butter (I found all naturals don't work well, atleast for me)

Cream some more.

Add 3 Flax Eggs

Cream.

Add 2 Teaspoons of Vanilla.

Mix together 1 cup of barley oats and 1.5 cups of RICE flour. Add 1 teaspoon of baking SODA.

Add the flour/ oat mixture a bit at a time. Mix mix mix... mix mix mix. Scrape scrape scrape.

You can add chocolate if you want. I do half the mix plain, half with the chocolate (for me :)

Make into balls and put on cookie sheet. They spread but not so much you'll have one big cookie.

Bake for about 13-15 minutes (for a big cookie) at 350 degrees. You know your oven so bake accordingly. I know you're not a rookie.

Have with a big cold glass of coconut milk.

Trouble

2011-04-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

It all starts with an innocent punch to the face

A little dance and some smack talk...

Another sucker punch by the short, squat one

Out of nowhere Squatty gives up

She heard the warden trundling through. Peace is restored. For now.

Something about her seems shady

2011-04-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

Decisions, Decisions... plain or not

2011-04-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Vegan, gluten free peanut butter/ chocolate cookies

Heat oven to 350.

In whatever you use to bake with, cream 1 cup of your favourite butter substitute with 1 cup of dark brown sugar and 1 cup of white.

Add 2 flax eggs (2 TB ground flax and 6 TB water)

Add 1 teaspoon vanilla

Scrape the bowl a few times.

Add 1.5 cups of your favourite peanut butter.

Scrape bowl a few times.

In a separate bowl add 2 cups of rice flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix or sift it up.

A scoop at a time add to the PB mix. Combine, scrape... over and over until you have a stiff dough. Depending on your location, elevation and humidity you might not use all the flour, or you might need a tad more. You judge. (I judge everything and need my energy for that).

If you are putting chocolate in yours (DARK- read labels), now is the time.

Make balls (heehee) the size you like and lay them on a cookie sheet. These spread a bit so don't be worried they'll take over the pan, they won't.

I baked mine for 14 minutes. You know your oven so I'll also let you judge the exact baking time.

Let them rest out of the oven, but try a warm one before OTHER PEOPLE in your house get a whiff and start walking their zombie asses out of their caves.

Happy Day Bitches

Nana Louise's Stove Top Rice Pudding- Veganized

2011-04-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

Tastes like another bowl needed.

Gaye and I were ~~jonesing for~~ discussing rice pudding the other night (text counts as discussion). She texted me her Nana Louise's stoptop recipe. I nearly got up at 10pm and made it (I had raisin toast instead). This was so good. I can't even tell you how good, you just have to take the mere minutes it takes and do it yourself. I veganized my version but you can do it whatever way you want and it will work. I really doubt you can fu*k this. You can double, triple, quadruple or PMS size this. Just remember to increase everything accordingly (actually I'm a big fucking liar cause I just eyeballed everything and turned the pot on).
Ignore me.

Nana's Rice Pudding

1 1/2 Cups of cooked rice (the starchiness of white is best but use whatever you like. I'm trying it with Quinoa!)

1 Cup of Coconut milk (This is what I used, use what you like)

1/4 Cup of Custard flavoured tofu (the original calls for 2 egg yolks, but you know that ain't happening here...)

3 TBS Sugar

A Dash of salt

Vanilla for flavour (if you use the custard tofu you can really skip this, up to you)

A fluff of cinnamon or nutmeg (A fluff is a poof. Figure it out)

Things you like to put on top. I used chopped prunes (god help me) and raw sunflower seeds. Next time I'm gonna do like Nana said and use raisins, golden.

Put the rice, tofu (it will melt up without much effort on your part), milk and sugar in the pot. On med-high heat start stirring. The rice will thicken and bubble and be flipping hot. Turn off the heat and keep stirring for a couple more minutes.

Add the vanilla now if you're using it. Add the cinnamon if you want it fully incorporated. I like a sprinkle on top.

Get the big bowl that you only use when no one is around to see you eat. The one on the top shelf and you need the steppy stool to stand on to get... Is that just at my house?
Fill it. Sprinkle your add ons and prepare yourself for comfort.

Hope you made enough for later tonight, you are gonna want it. Enjoy!

PS: Sorry if your ass widens because of the carbs. So Sorry.

Vegan Decadence

2011-04-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

Chocolate, a lot of chocolate

Vanilla Salted Caramel

I tried a new chocolate recipe tonight, I think everyone should use it. Vegan or not. It's rich and chocolatey and moist and no animals have gone into it.

The vanilla recipe is the same old with the normal tweaks. Earth Balance Buttery Sticks instead of butter, SoDelicious Coconut Milk in place of milk and Bob's Mill Egg Replacer instead of eggs. The icing is also the old standard. Icing sugar, Earth Balance, Coconut milk and vanilla. The Caramel I made. Sugar in pan patiently on med-low heat until it's melted and turned brown, then a smidge of Earth Balance. Don't rush this. Be patient otherwise you'll never get the burned sugar smell out of the house for a couple of days, I speak from experience.

Here's the Chocolate recipe. Give it a go.

Preheat the hot box to 375 degrees, get your cupcake liners in the tin (will make 12) or spray/ butter a 9 x 13 pan.

1 1/2 Cups of unbleached flour

1/3 Cup Cocoa

1 tsp baking SODA

1/2 tsp salt

1 Cup sugar

1/2 Cup vegetable/ canola oil

1 Cup water

2 tsp Vanilla

2 TB White Vinegar (yes, vinegar. The window cleaning kind)

Mix all the dry into your main mixing bowl (I use a KitchenAid mixer, everyone does right?). Mix all the wet into another bowl or a large measuring cup.

Combine and beat the hell out of it for a few minutes, scrape the bowl and mix a bit more. Scoop (you use a standard ice cream scoop, I know you do...) the mix into each cup. The batter will create 12 perfectly peaked beauties.

Bake for 22 minutes. Check at 20, maybe your oven is an over achiever.

Take out and let sit in the pan to cool for 10 minutes, take out of pan and let cool completely on a wire rack before you ice. COMPLETELY.

For the icing I used:

1/2 cup Earth Balance, melted

1/3 cup Cocoa

3 cups of icing sugar

a pinch of instant coffee power

Put it all in the mixer AFTER YOU'VE CLEANED IT, and beat it for about 5 minutes. Scrape, Beat, Ice.

This is a crazy easy recipe and I hope it becomes your standby, it's officially mine.

Luv u

The Blog- she's a changing...

2011-03-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Because You're not blind I know you see this. I'll still be making pretty, yummy things. I just won't be using animal anything to do it with. I won't get into the whys of it all with you but let's just say morals and ethics got the better of me. And after a year of contemplating I finally watched Earthlings . There's a reason it's called "The Vegan Maker". Maybe just watch the trailer if you're curious. And if you really want to see where meat comes from and what happens to animals at the hands of henious humans for other reasons, watch the full length movie. Have tissue handy, and maybe a barf bag. And definately don't be eating. Or be eating... a steak.

Vegan Miso Cleaning out the Fridge Soup

2011-03-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

Make your favourite Miso base.

YUMMY!!

Vegan Basil Vinaigrette

2011-03-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

2 Cups of EVO, 1/2 Cup red wine vinegar, 3 TBS Dijon, 3 TBS Balsamic, 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup, 2 Cups Packed Fresh Basil and Salt and Pepper. Pop it all into a blender or process. Blend or process.

Makes about 4 cups, enough for sharing with someone you like. Or keeping all to yourself and eating with your finger.

FREAK!!

2011-03-03T21:59:00.000-08:00

The cat was watching me in the kitchen yesterday so I thought I'd get a picture of her cute face. Until she CHARGED at me!! This is what was in the frame when I looked at it.

Olive

Vanilla Bean Paste

2011-03-03T21:55:00.000-08:00

I finally found this in a store locally. I know I could have ordered it online but it just wasn't THAT important.

Until of course I tried it. Love it. Will spend the $20 for the bottle until I find something better. This is thick and rich and a little goes a long way. If you feel a splurge coming on or have something special to make give this a whirl.

School District 61

2011-03-03T21:43:00.000-08:00

... is getting these tomorrow for a fund raiser. I hope they make the grade (get it? School... grade... never mind. I'm tired :)

Salted Caramel

Vanilla Bean

Chocolate Ganache

Lord Love a Duck!

2011-03-01T20:13:00.000-08:00

Three months is way too long to be away from here! Where has the time gone? I'll tell you, Christmas sucked the life right out of me and I needed 3 months to recover!! Then my office decided to move and who was tasked with that? That's correct- Moi. And I was just tired and needed lounging. Apparently a lot of lounging.

I'm back. I'm blogging. I'll do something this weekend, I promise. Something pretty and St. Patrick's Day like. And ass friendly because I'm also doing Weight Watchers (which frigging works by the way), or not ass friendly and I'll get everyone around me to eat it and I'll just laugh and laugh and laugh...

Not me, but not far from what I've been doing.

Peek a Boo

2010-12-07T18:41:00.000-08:00

Those crazy Chihuahuas

A cold day, a hot lunch

2010-12-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

Merci Bon Rouge Merci

I made cheese- seriously...

2010-12-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

Crazy huh? I thought so. But so good. Rich and creamy, I'll never buy Ricotta again. You should try this- super easy. And you can double, triple or quadruple the recipe.

2 litres of whole milk (If you want to be extra decadent use cream or whipping cream- swooon!)

1 teaspoon of salt

2 large lemons OR 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar

Pour the milk into a large non- reactive pot. Set to medium heat. Heat until small bubbles form on the top- do not scald. Turn off the heat and add the salt and juice of the lemons or the vinegar. Stir constantly for a few minutes- you will see the curds form instantly.

Take a large strainer and line it with cheesecloth, heavy paper towels or a cloth. Put the strainer over a large bowl and pour the milk/cheese mixture in. Let it drain. Pour out the 'water' every now and again. Eventually you will have a ball of cheese! This takes about 20-30 minutes. That's it. I KNOW!!

Give the ball a final squeeze, then put your cheese into a jar. Eat it right away or store it in your fridge. Or eat it with a spoon like I did. Whatever you do with it you are going to be so amazed that you made cheese, really, really good cheese.

Baked Donuts

2010-10-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing baked donuts showing up more and more in posts. So, I tried.Put away the deep fryers! If you like a cake donut and can do without the double deep fry (there are days when you'll want that double deep fry- you go for it when you need to!) this might be your new temptation. The only thing with this particular recipe (I found it on allrecipes.com) is that I would just skip the baking soda altogether. I can really taste it and I hate it, thus making me add more glaze :) You know the drill, wet to dry. Mix. I used a disposable piping bag to put the batter into the cups. I was able to get about 3 dozen donuts out of the mix. And if you don't like those spices skip em too. I like a regular tasting donut so next time I'm skipping them, I doubt it's going to hurt the outcome. Bake these at 350 for 10 minutes. A couple of minutes longer if you want a firmer, dunking donut.

I have no idea where I got these 'donut pans' but I have seen them in specialty bakery stores.

The end

Boo!

2010-10-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

Zombie Walk 2010- Victoria, BC

2010-10-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Excuse me Ma'am, You have a monkey on your back.

2010-10-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

A recently installed statue of Emily Carr and her ever faithful companions. There is a plaque in the background with information on it, but alas, it is covered because of a typo! That's how laid back we are on the West Coast... even pounding something in bronze we just let it ride.

An afternoon at Merridale Cider

2010-08-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Merridale Cider

Your one stop shop for cider tastings, lunch and a self guided tour. The orchards are huge and the Fairie Villages small and cute.

We had Red Pepper Hummous, Pulled Pork Pizzas, Apple and Parsnip Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Apple Pie and Maple Pie. (Everything on the menu had apple of some sort in it. I would expect nothing less of a bistro in the midst of the largest apple orchard in the Province.)

And of course cider. A lot of cider... that we happened to top off with a pitcher of Sangria.

Pickle in a Pouch

2010-08-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

Have you seen these? Ha! I got this one at the Vancouver Airport. How could I pass by and not get one?! There were rows of them. In a cooler of course. It's a pickle in a pouch. To go. On a plane? I've not seen anyone crack one open while I've been on a plane, but the clerk told me they're very popular in the International Terminal. Pickles en-route to Paris. Jealous.

Maisie

2010-08-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

...I think she ate a mushroom out of the yard. The look on her face tells me they were magical.

Eggs... My new obsession

2010-08-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

I have a bit of a new obsession as of late. Eggs. Not from the grocery but from the local farmers market that meets every Thursday and Friday in our downtown square.

I wasn't that crazy about them at first, after all, they were just eggs. Until I started getting the eggs from the fancy chickens! Hues of blues and greens and oblong and huge and extra tiny. And without fail one double yolk per carton! So now every week I march down there for 2 dozen and can't wait to get home to haul them out of their cartons and stare at them. For a long time...

Lucy was very interested and eventually got shooed away. I'm sure she was looking for a small enough one to take away and examine further. Not a habit I'll promote.

It's tough being you isn't it?

2010-07-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

The Perfect Soft Cooked Egg... in my opinion

2010-07-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

Those crazy Chihuahuas

2010-07-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

Maisie doing her best funny lips, her "I am Vampire" and her very "I'm not kidding I am very, very serious right now" faces.

Lucy waiting for her cue, it came! She's rounding one, skipped 2 altogether, rounding 3rd to home... oh,oh... the big one shut her out.

Cute? I think so...

2010-07-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

I love coffee

2010-07-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

Which has nothing to do with this post. I'm having some right now and just had to say it...

Handmade pizzas.

Gather your ingredients and preheat the oven to 425. I have no set pattern for pizza toppings, I just clean out the fridge. I pre-made the individual dough and had them in the freezer. Easy to pull out a few hours before and they're ready to go. Roll out the dough and start layering. I, of course realized after I had put it in the oven that I forgot the basil so I just opened the oven and flicked it on. Some hit, some didn't. Those pieces that missed are charred on the oven floor. Super easy and fast. Enjoy.

A blue surprise in my egg carton

2010-07-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

So pretty! I marveled at these all afternoon. I doubt I will ever be able to crack them open.

The Gnome...

2010-07-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

With the spider living in his ear!!

Happy 143rd Canada

2010-07-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

Salted Caramel with Cream Cheese Frosting

2010-05-24T20:17:00.000-07:00

Fruit and Yogurt Pops

2010-05-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Apparently running on the beach does this to a chihuahua...

2010-05-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

Breakfast on the go

2010-05-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

I have a girl crush... her name is Jessica

2010-05-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Novice Chef

Novice Chef my ass. But I officially love her.

Like Jesus on Toast

2010-05-06T18:50:00.001-07:00

You know how some people claim to have seen Jesus on their toast or the pee stains on their beds or on a Frito Lay? Well, this is what I saw this morning after I peeled my pillow case off of the side of my neck. The side I just got tattooed that afternoon. Disgusting I realize, but I think I'm putting it on Ebay. Dibs?

I'll post some better photos of it once it stops hurting and starts healing. She also needs a makeup application but that will happen next session... so close but yet so far.

If you're looking for some laughs, pain and suffering and a just gonna kick your ass great tattoo, I suggest you go see Chris or Jamer at Government Street Tattoo. Their link is to the side. They also like snacks.

French Toast with Caramel, Pecans and Apples

2010-05-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

Since I'm horrid at remembering to take photos along the way I leave you with- the beginning and the end.

Peanut Butter Cookies- A visual

2010-05-06T18:13:00.001-07:00

Someone told me the one they had was dry, to which I said "Didn't stop you from having another one did it fatty?".

So be it...

2010-04-21T16:32:00.001-07:00

I am bingeing today and it is not attractive. Shoving popcorn in and chasing it with a Twix. Hand flat against face so not to lose a kernal. I'm also preplanning tonight's snacks. It will get uglier before it gets pretty.

Had to share.

Molasses Cookies

2010-04-19T20:02:00.001-07:00

I think I forgot how to do this! Took me half an hour to load the photos! Let's see...

Gather the ingredients:

3.5 cups of AP Flour
1 cup o' butter
1 tsp each of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg
2 tsp baking soda (NOT the magical kind)
2 eggs
2 cups of white sugar
1 cup of molasses
Sugar for sprinkling- it's an option, not a rule

Sift your flour and spices and soda. You could use salt but since I use salted butter I don't.

Cream the butter and sugar

Keep creaming... you want the gritty feel to be gone. Doesn't take long (1 scene and a commercial of your show)

Get your eggs ready

One at a time add to butter and sugar

I said "ONE AT A TIME!"

See. Creamy ,very creamy

Molasses at the ready- Mr. Gingerbread Man approved and blessed by Our Lady

Slowly eyeball a cup, or measure if you have bad eyes

Add your flour/ spice mix a bit at a time- trust me. Have you seen the Kraft commercial where the kid dumps the flour into the stand mixer in one shot? You want to avoid that scene.

The dough is very soft but it should look something like this

I like to pop it into the freezer while I clean up. When you open the freezer maybe you will see what I saw... This is what you get when the Mister says "I got some groceries" Behind the DQ you will notice fish sticks. Groceries.

Plop dough a small scoop at a time onto a lined sheet. You will bake for 8- 10 minutes and not a speck longer.
To be honest I got tired of making all these small cookies- which most would consider normal and started using a regular sized ice cream scoop. Of which you can stagger 3 plops of dough onto one sheet. The larger bake for 11 minutes. Not a speck longer.

The end. Missed you.

Can you believe it?!

2010-04-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

I'm posting today! Really, I'm baking right now, camera in hand. It's kind of tricky but I think I can do it!

Don't be offended but...

2010-03-08T06:39:00.001-08:00

I'm ignoring everyone/ everything lately. Call it a mid-life crisis. I'll be back next week.

Chicken Pot Pie

2010-02-17T21:13:00.000-08:00

Preheat the oven to 350

Chop about 3 small onions and a carrot into your dutch oven, add copious amounts of butter.

Cook until the onions are soft

Cube however many potatoes you want, add to the pot, add salt and pepper... the aroma is starting to fill the kitchen

Toss in 2 Chihuahuas (they are pouting because they smell the bacon and don't see any coming their way)

Cut and sear 2 chicken breasts, add chopped bacon just because you are an adult and you can do whatever you want. Add chopped sage to the mix. Fried sage is amazing, in case you were wondering...

Add the chicken to the pot, add a litre (4 cups) of milk (I used non fat tonight 'cause that's what I had)

Make your favourite biscuit recipe and add a bit more than required milk to it, place it over top of the 'pie' mixture

Bake for about 30 minutes. And if you can make more of a mess than this I'll clean your oven. Thank God for self cleaning ranges

Royanne and I are just going to split this right down the middle tomorrow.

Welcome Home Lucy

2010-02-03T12:17:00.001-08:00

My life pretty much works like this... phone rings ...

"Hey"
"What's up"
"I know of a little girl chi that needs a new home, can you take her?"
"details..."
"stupid owner, neglectful, dog 14 months old, well socialized, scared since being bumped around"
"K bring her over"
"What time are you home?"
"6ish"
"See you then, thanks so much"
"Better not be a 3 legged pitt bull, Bye"

In walks Lucy... plump and cute and in bad need of a pedi. And very short compared to what I'm use to- which is supermodel tall Maisie. The dogs smell and walk around each other, the cats are just idiots. Come bed time Lucy is chill and under the covers passed out. Didn't wake up until I pulled her out at 7am, where she promptly went to the back door and barked, out, did her business, in... to the treat cupboard. I'm sure she'll fit in just fine.

Apple Pie

2010-02-01T20:20:00.001-08:00

First you should gather what you need otherwise you'll be like me asking "Where is the friggin' lemon reamer!?"

5 lbs of apples
1 lemon
2 pie crusts (I buy, I don't make... shhhhoosh!)
cold butter (go all Paula Dean if you want to, I don't judge)
2 cups of sugar
1 tablespoon on cinnamon
dash o' salt
whatever egg wash version you like

Get your apples and lemon

Peel the apples

Cut and cube the apples roughly and add to a bowl of cold water with the lemon. They won't turn brown if you do this. If you like brown apples skip this (weirdo).

Get your pie crusts ready. I don't make a great crust and they're time consuming so I buy them. I like these ones and they roll out much bigger than they look. Use what you like, use grahame crackers for all I care.

Drain the apples well. Sometimes I forget to pick out the lemon seeds. Be thankful I'm making a pie, I could be watching re-runs of the Biggest Loser.
Toss the apples (and seeds) with the cinnamon, salt and sugar.

Fill the crusted pie plate- over fill it!
Cut the butter and place it all over the top.

Get an egg wash going... and brush the pie crust.

Get fancy

Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 40 minutes. My rule is until the bottom of the crust is... crusty.

Not impressed the cut outs disappeared in the baking.

Regardless. Apple Pie.

Forgot to take a picture of the cut pie...and now it's too late as there is no pie to take a photo of.

Challenge: Done. Tattoos: New

2010-01-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

Yeah... here are my excuses: Sore knee (just under actually), tired, and now sick... so poopy. Another time another challenge. I'll be back...

Jules and I did a seminar with Ida Ripley last Saturday- OMG so good. Made me so aware of a lot of things. Like the shit I was doing incorrectly that no one really ever called me on!! Bad! I loved her nonchalent, not taking your shitty excuses of short arms (no penguins in the room fyi) and bad hips. Her motto is "If you think you can, you can" Google her, she's a sweetie and we're very lucky to have her based in our studio.

Oh and I got new tattoos...

My hands are seriously looking old, its the first sign of old age I say! I'll get another shot of the fingers so you can see once I make a fist the words line up straight. You tattooed people understand.

Challenge: Day 14

2010-01-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

I have a sore knee, am not sure why... and why blog the day anyway, I'll never come up with anything better than "FUCK TURTLES"

http://keepitlocking.blogspot.com/2010/01/news-flash-its-hot-in-there.html

Love you

Challenge: Days 8 and 9

2010-01-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

Day 8... I can't remember. The End.

Day 9- today... I remember. I went for the 730am since it is a free weekend at the studio and you know how full those are! At 7:05am there were upwards of 30 mats in the room (me upfront in the mirror, no one sticking their mats in front of me today!). I'm impressed that people are showing up at that time for a freebie. Niecia was teaching and for the first time ever she made us suffer!! I went down a couple of times (couldn't manage getting my feet in my hands for Bow and Camel rode me today so I layed out Rabbit), and thankfully so did others. 4 people LEFT prior to us hitting the floor, if only they waited 5 more minutes... She did turn the fans on in FINAL SAVASANA! I hope she gets fat on the cupcakes I brought for the instructors today. Doubtful though, she's a bird.

Tonight I'm going to meditate myself into having a big ballsy practice tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. This afternoon I'm hiding away with this season's Dexter episodes. Oh, and Maisie of course. And a Diet Coke or 3 (has water in it) and probably some chips... mmmm chips...

Here are the cupcakes I made hoping to put all the instructors into sugar comas. Those Perky Petes!

Happy Saturday

T&T

Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache Icing topped with Handmade Marshmallows
AND
Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Icing topped with Salted Caramel

Challenge: Day 7

2010-01-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

ONE WEEK DONE! I know this is paultry (not poultry) compared to 60 and 100 day challengers (100 days... Lordy) but there's something very satisfying about being one week down and not wanting to move to deep Africa where there are no Bikram Studios... probably is but in my mind, no.

Did the 5:45pm with Jules and 2 Bikram Hot Yoga Virgin friends of hers, Jenn and Shelley. I got there early and set them up on the far back coolest area (ha... as if there really is a 'cool' area), I put Jules and I front row corner (my new 'hood'). It was hot, not the hottest but humid already. Neicia kept the fans on low the entire time which really helped with the temperature and just before the floor series put the suckers on. I could actually feel the room drop a couple of degrees. You know 108 is MUCH cooler than 110. No? Well you will if you're working out in it for 55 minutes and then it changes. Anyhoo... these gals were champs and came out of the class smiling. I think they were actually delirious and suffered heat stroke. I came out of my first class on the verge of passing out and pale white. Ask Jules, its true. She practically shoved the Emerg-C down my throat.

These past few days have been 'fast' classes. For whatever reason they're zinging past. Mentally I had this challenge a far greater beast than it actually is. I think we underestimate ourselves too much.

So stop it. If you can think it you can do it (unless it involves getting your forehead to your knee with your giant boobs in the way, that is going to take some time.)

Challenge: Days 5 and 6

2010-01-06T20:22:00.000-08:00

The first week high. You know when you think "yeah, piece of cake..." till day 15. So far so good I say!

Laid my mat front row, full corner today- not one person in front of me. Go figure. A gal did put her mat exactly behind me though, with lots of space left. Lots. I'm not sure why, but I didn't move this time.

Both these past two practices have gone by rather quickly. I know 90 minutes is 90 minutes no matter how you cut it but both Jules and I thought things progressed quite fast. I'm ok with that.

The Studio is having another all free weekend this weekend. I'm sure my postings will get far more exciting.

Fingers crossed.

Challenge: Day 4

2010-01-04T17:14:00.000-08:00

Namaste Twat.

Yeah, you heard me... If nothing drives me nuts it's being the only one (literally only one!) in the room and someone walks in and plops her mat down right in front of me, so much so I disappeared in the mirror. Why? Are people really that arrogant and self absorbed? I guess so.

Anyhooo... I moved a bit and said what I said. The end. Stupid, rude asshat. Next time it happens I'm going to move about 2 inches on either side of the person. And I'm not against making someone cry.

I breathed a little bit and got on with the practice. Which I am proud to say didn't suffer at all. And the temperature... oh heaven. There were about 1/4 the folks of the last few days and the humidity just never got up. My skin was actually sticky not slick. Made for great grabbing and further depths.

It seemed to go by rather quickly, which is always nice. I got up, threw on my hoodie and headed to the car... then I noticed it. The steam coming off of my body.

Guess I am hot after all :)

Challenge: Day 3

2010-01-03T21:44:00.000-08:00

Totally lied... today was hottest most full class ever. Didn't help there was a grunter beside me that tried to discreetly do crunches every time he had a chance- FYI dude... totally enjoyed hitting you on the head in Full Lotus.

Figured out since there are only 4 classes a day on the weekends they get packed. Was chatting to Denise- you probably don't know her but she's cute... and she said doesn't matter the time on the weekends, they all look like this.

Anyhooo... regardless of the grunter/ workout man I still had a mean practice. Thankfully Peter threw the fans on low ASAP and TWICE held the doors open. 20 seconds feels like heaven sometimes.

Oh my other distraction? Totally wondering if its time to wax... for sure time to colour the hair. There was a screaming glint of platinum staring back at me all class. Nearly killed me to not tuck it back into my bun. 'Bun'?... only old ladies call it a 'bun'. Welcome to Old LadyVille.

Challenge: Day 2

2010-01-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

Wooooeeee... that room was hot! And packed. 4 rows and mat ends to mat ends. Owl lead and as always she's sooo sweet. Her name is "Owl" for the love of God how mean could she be? She's tiny like a bird too...

My face was already red during the 1st breathing exercise, by Triangle I was on a constant sweat drip off of my finger tips, and I could hear it. I looked around and thankfully it was the same for everyone- except the 1st timers. I can remember the pain. Kneeling there thinking will it ever get better? How do these people do this? Everyone here is clearly nuts. But with time, only about a week you start to crave the room and the torture. And then one day you bend over to pick something off the floor and realize you are fully extended and can actually put your wrists to the back of your heels without effort! And as much as we don't normally have to bend over that far, its still fun to do. Just a week newbies, just an honest week...

Michelle "Hey Yoga, did you see me rock out that Camel?"

Yoga "Sure did. You rode that camel like you were in the Sahara and an Oasis was on the horizon."

Michelle "Aware"

Starting the New Year... With a 30 Day Challenge

2010-01-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

Day one... done! On a bit of sleep (not from partying, believe me. New books...) I started the new year with a 9:30am lead by Ida Ripley. Ida was soothing and encouraging. I was able to go through the entire class without missing a beat and without making a face. You know what I mean, you've made them. But the sweating... holy hell. Thankfully the humidity was in check since it was the first class of the day, the room was hot but not humid. I think it helped alot. I didn't even notice the fans weren't on until final Savasana. My yoga resolution is to not half ass it ever! I'm going to pull and stretch to my limits. Nothing unreasonable just to be true to the practice and to myself.

Now if you'll excuse me I have a day of muumuus and movies ahead of me. Chihuahua is already on my lap and my latte is hot.

Happy New Year, health and happiness.

A True Story

2009-12-30T09:31:00.000-08:00

Michelle "Oh hello Yoga, long time no see"

Yoga "Mhhmmm..."

Michelle "I'm in no mood for formalities so let's dance Yoga" Michelle grabs Yoga and spins Yoga around and Yoga has no idea what just hit.

Yoga "Yikes..."

Michelle "That's right Yoga, I'm back on the floor and I'm leading. Hold on to your dress"

My favourite things on my Christmas tree

2009-12-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

Above: (cause I just can't get the words on top!)... An ice cream cone

Coffee and a cupcake

Layer cake

Eggs and Sausage

Gingerbread Man

Latte

Technically not on the tree, but Elvis and Prisilla are cute.

Burger and a Cupcake

You can never have too many disco balls

The Christmas Pickle

Every tree needs a fat chick

Santa

Hark the Herald Angels Sing...

What the hell is going on here?

2009-12-12T09:21:00.001-08:00

Breakfast for the Kids

2009-12-12T09:02:00.001-08:00

Add one egg and one cup of the nog to the Bisquick mix

Heat a frying pan to whatever you heat it to- I just wing it. Add butter (always, this should be an unspoken rule- butter to everything)

When the edges start to bubble add your peanut buttercups. Flip- forgot that photo (I can't remember everything!)

Take the bacon out of the oven (again, should be included in every meal)

Start the eggs. Crack 2 eggs for every small person, 3 for every large person. Add some cream and salt. Whisk. Add butter to the hot pan and pour in the eggs.

You must continually move the eggs around so they don't get too dry.
Dry scrambled eggs suck.

When they look like this they're done.

Put it all together on one plate and yell 6 times that breakfast is ready. Or until someone opens a door and says "What?"

The End

Vancouver 2009 Part II

2009-12-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

Oopsy, I forgot the meat. We went to Memphis Blues and had the Feast. Behold. Every form of BBQ known to man, with a side of beans, slaw, potato salad, fries, cornbread and more sauce. Just order the Feast. This is how it comes.
Enough for 4- 6 people or just you and a friend.

Vancouver 2009

2009-12-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

Cupcakes on Denman

Store pretty- cupcakes dry (Everytime I have ever tried them)

Giraffes everywhere

These look like giraffes- they're actually the things that lift containers off of cargo ships. And did you know that only about 2% of all containers are checked by customs? Good odds if you want to smuggle in some giraffes.

December on the West Coast

Oh, how did this end up here? Macaroons from Meinhardt's

Mister

The Sails at Canada Place

Clouds- soon to be gone

Gastown bakery

The Water St. Cafe- where the cast and crew of the Twilight filmings were nightly

The Famous Gastown Steam Clock

That weird building in Gastown

Michelle's, on top of a soon to be Starbucks

Lunch at
Salt Tasting Room

Cambozola Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Mister- hold the cream while I take the picture

Breakfast at the greasiest of Greasy Diners

I enjoy Me a Fat Burger

Sunset at English Bay- I love the tree on top of this building. Someone should light it up for Christmas.

As we were leaving Mister noticed this little pumpkin sitting on a trash can. I didn't touch it, just took the shot. Cute.

HUGE Laughing Sculpture

Must be a guy thing...

That's all. Hang loose.

A brisk morning walk

2009-12-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

A pile o' leaves- her favourite

An empty park

Heading home

Safety fence

I went to Prince George... and I ate.

2009-11-24T21:07:00.000-08:00

Bottom right corner- Deep Fried Dynamite Roll. O M G

Shhh... the martinis were made with fruit- so it's eating!

Seafood Chowder with a Caesar
AKA: The Usual at Earl's

Gaye's salad- Pffttt and dynamite rolls (NOT deep fried)

Dinner at home: Grilled chicken, roasted garlic, squash, potatoes

Gaye made this eggs benny while I was showering. Now that is fucking service. Better than Demi Tasse's here in Victoria and that is saying a lot. If you stay at Gaye's order this.

Pork loin. This is 1/3 of the 'hunk' we bought. Gaye had to carry it like she was cradling a baby. To quote the lady that had a bit of sympathy "Oh Dear, there is just no gracious way to hold that thing"

Scalloped potatoes- here's the recipe, try it...
Slice as many potatoes as you want, slice one medium onion, toss in a bowl with salt, pepper, 3 cups of whipping cream (heavy cream... very very heavy) and 1 cup of cheese (whatever you want). In a 350 oven put a lid on this baby and let it bake for an hour. Take it out, add another cup or more of cheese, put on broil and watch it brown. DO NOT go watch tv, you have to watch it for 2 minutes. Take it out, let it sit for 10- 15 minutes. Careful, it's hot.
Don't blame me if your ass widens...

Peas and asparagus- about to meet Mr. Hollandaise...

Homemade beets and apple sauce finish it up. When Gaye gets the beet recipe I'll pass it on- the best I've had. Thanks Tom's Mom!

Mister bought a treadmill while I was away... You think it's a hint? :) I'm eating mini tootsie rolls as I type this. I hope the treadmill works.

This is what I've been doing...

2009-11-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

So full...

Hot Cupcakes

2009-10-25T12:47:00.001-07:00

Knit Wit

2009-10-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

This was the perfect timing. On my Knit Wit calendar this was Thursday's entry. On Thursday I went to the yarn shop to pick up sock yarn. I'm determined to make myself a pair. I picked up a recipe (pattern) and sat at home reading it... I'm still reading it. I'll start the first part but am going to need some intervention when I get to the heel. I'll keep ya posted.

Pumpkin Patch 2009

2009-10-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

This way everybody!

Hair looks good...

Albino Pumpkin Graveyard

Pumpkin Vagina

Gourds

The perfect pumpkin bum

Decisions decisions

Exhausted

You know you have too many when Farmer Brown brings the wheel barrow.

New Hallowe'en Mug

2009-10-25T12:04:00.001-07:00

I love how you think its filigree but its bugs and rats!

Days 27, 28, 29 and 30!! The End

2009-10-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well I can't remember any of the other days but today. And man alive am I glad it is done. No, I'm not heading over and doing the 60. Maybe next time? Maybe.

Kaitlin ended our 30 day challenge with a chorus of Happy Birthday to Wendy and applause all around for the finishers.

The class just flowed and it wasn't even really that hot, hot yes, sweaty yes but not that gross humid hot it has been.

All I could think about was the lunch Jules and I are having... in less than an hour. We're heading to Pagliacci's and having Roman Holidays. We don't even have to look at the menu.

Bravo to all and I'll see you bitches on Saturday. Yes...that's right, I'm taking 2 days off (bet I bitch the whole time:)

Hmmm... I really don't have much to say. I miss my baking and will be all over that the next couple of days. 100 cupcakes for our end of 30 day challenge potluck at the studio on Friday. Will for sure post them- and a very lovely photo of Jules this morning at 6am, about to enter her last class for the Challenge. Ha.

Day 24, 25 and 26 (Day, Classes...interchangeable)

2009-10-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

So close but yet so far... I'm exhausted! Well obviously not clinically exhausted but am looking forward to a guilt free day off. A day where I'll bitch to Jules that I feel stiff and my back is tight and my legs are heavy to carry and my skin isn't glowing, and then I'll feel guilty. What the hell is that?! The studio probably pumps 'guilt serum' into the rooms.

I have to make this 'snappy' (for you Gaye :). I have carpets to clean, I have to go to Michael's craft store for fondant and probably a load of stuff I don't need, groceries, laundry and Maisie needs an hour at the beach and I still have to fit a class in.

Thursday I missed a class due to dog drama. Not my dog- god forbid! My friend's 2 pound Chihuahua got out on them and didn't come home all night! JHC! The next day she told me and another friend and I got on the internet posting ads (Rox Rocks) and within 20 minutes- dog found. Thanks again to the sweet lady that saw her and took her in for the night.
I left work to pick up this sad little dog- who went apeshit when she saw me and brought her back. Everyone was happy blahblahblah... I'd do the same for your pet too. Your kid is on their own.

Friday Jules and I hit the 6am and honestly there was nothing exciting to tell you. I think I was mentally counting minutes in my head for the end. I need (after the Challenge) to start doing some later classes, just to shock my body. Sure I can get up and go through the motions (I do give it... most times) but it might be nice to be fully awake occassionally. And don't you think those lights are brutal at 6am?

Saturday morning I had to do a double, atleast I think I did but then I did those other doubles so I'm probably caught up and confused. Like usual. Sweet Mother of Baby Jesus it was humid! Niecia lead both classes and her mama raised her right- she doesn't like to see people suffering. Though she kept the fans on fully, the sucker turned on, there was nothing she could do with the humidity. It was raining so hard out (for a couple of days- this is winter for us) and I guess that's all it takes.

Both of my classes were good. A couple of classes ago we got precise instructions on a few poses and I've been concentrating on pulling them off. My Standing Bow has improved drastically in one day because of it. Fixed Firm is still a bit of an issue. My foot is still cut over the top but its much better. Thank you Polysporin. Camel = Woot!
Going into the 2nd class (sopping wet and looking like I was outside for an hour) it was a sweat fest. Literally dripping off of my elbows, dripdripdrip sound as it hit the towel. And this was in the 1st breathing exercise.

Did I tell you I really don't enjoy the warm up? I'll get over it one day, hate something else for a while. I just wish I could sit it.

Wonder why (again, for you Gaye)... the 2nd class seems to zing by? It was suffering humid and there was a noise maker in class but yet I didn't notice much of anything. Just doodddeeeddooodeeedooo... I was in my own world just pulling out the poses and voila!

Finis.

Like this post.

Day... 23?

2009-10-14T17:11:00.001-07:00

Lord love a duck I'm tired. It's not the amount of classes, its the fact I like to get up at 5:15am to get to the 6am class. And by like I mean- I have to get it over with or I might pass out once I get home and then get nothing done!

Here's my class drama. Peter teaching, great... no drama there. Temperature- ditto. Humidity- zero. Top of foot so dry it split open as soon as I touched it in Half Moon. That's the drama. What the hell!!? I moisturize- a lot! I've been putting Polysporin on it for a week now... and today... one inch gash across top. So not attractive. And it actually hurt enough I had to lay out Fixed Firm and Rabbit. Just laid there mentally picking my ass thinking "doodeedoodeee... oh good... next" I am not a wimp and don't like minor things like this putting me out. But really- its a pretty good tear and as you're aware the skin on the top of the foot is not too thick. And of course I think "And now I'm going to have to get my tattoo redone! GAWD!!"Ever have the top of your foot tattooed? Think knife left in fire pit, point dragging on flesh. Ribs are worse, but they're not cracked open. Oh and not bleeding cause it's too dry. BAH I say.
I thought I could put a bandage on it for tomorrow but Jules reminded me of my sweat fest and said doubtful it would stick :( Am just going to gob on the ointment and shoot for the best.

Wish me luck. And Hey! We're nearly done. And I'm definately sleeping in.

Day 21 (Class 19)

2009-10-12T15:57:00.000-07:00

I'm behind!! I'm throwing some doubles in this week, I'll be back in the loop in no time. I hit the 9:30am class today (being Thanksgiving there were only 3 classes to choose from) and it was packed! Shuffling and shifting and peeking around people was the object of the day. I know... pulling is the object of stretching, but today peeking was the object of seeing. Peter was instructing and it was a combo of mellow and auctioneer. It was very much his style. At one point he actually said "Woot Woot" You know, that disco woot woot! Ha. Things like this make the class lighter on your mind when you think you might not make it. Was probably nice for the 1st timers to see its not all grind.

I had an overall really good day. First time ever in Standing Bow that my body was fully level with the floor... and then I fell out. But I got back in and now I just have to get over my glee and just hold it. I was also sooo close to getting my forehead to my knee in Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee, and then my boob moved. Bah!! Boob Blocked.

Hitting the floor after the standing series is always such a treat. You just think "Thank god I don't have to hold my body up anymore" I'm learning the fine art of Savasana. The itchiest itch isn't bothering me anymore, with that said I could easily fall asleep. I need to learn to walk the fine line of awake meditation and nighty night. Though how great would it be if you could just come in and find a corner spot and nap for 90 minutes in the warmth while outside is rainy and cold?! Someone should organize a day like that. Fans left on low, everyone napping.

I'll see what I can do.

Turkey needs a basting. 15 pound bird for 4 people. What was I thinking?

Day 19

2009-10-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Whew...I'm back. I had migraines:( Thank god I had those two doubles and am doing another tomorrow and then another on Tuesday (Jules got ahead of me one day). I missed two days in a row and man alive I felt some guilt- and was getting stiff! Today I had a really good practice. But oh boy, Valley Girl was leading and it was suffering hot. Hmmm... not hot- humid. Combine that with VG's constant droning voice and today was a practice of mental stamina. Fight! Not flight!

I'm making this a quick one. I bought new yarn today and am dying to get my granny square afghan started. Of course I'll post pictures!!

Back at it Yoginis. That room needs us! TTYT

Day 15 (Class 17)- Half Way

2009-10-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

Or 1/4 of the way to 60 :) Found out today that the 30 day challenge will roll up into a 60 day challenge should we choose to go that route. I think we might. Jules and I both have plans for mid to the end of November but with our double classes we're pretty sure we can do 60 classes straight in the allotted time. Woot! But for now I will suffer through the next couple of days until Mother Nature leaves to go wherever she goes. Probably back to Hell.

I had such a tough time in any pose that required stretching my hips open or laying on my stomach. I just breathed and moved in and out and laid out as needed. I wasn't really feeling the heat today so much as my own frustrations. I'll get over it.

Tomorrow is another day and mentally I feel better. Another day, another chance. And I repeat over and over "Bikram never said it would be easy, he just said it would be worth it". I know.

I ate 3 mini Mars bars while typing this. I see the wrappers but don't remember the action. Oops.

Day 14 (Class 16)

2009-10-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature is a whore and she's fucking with my yoga! Stabbing pains in Triangle, laying out or half assing anything on my stomach and a sit up? Not likely. And on a day when the room wasn't too hot, the fans were on and I was barely sweating (well, barely compared to the usual). I had such great hope for the class at the beginning and then poof... gone. Tomorrow is another day, another chance right? RIGHT?!!?

Day 13 (Class 15)

2009-10-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Whew that was a hot room! Not so much temperature but when there are a lot of people practicing the humidity creeps up. Thankfully the instructor kept the fans on, turned on the sucker and occassionally opened a door to let in some air. Now that is a good first impression for the first timers. Who wouldn't want to come back to that?! Just wait... it's not all empathy and good times, no sirreeee...

I was sweating even before standing up for the first breathing exercise. Sweat rolling down my chin sweating. I was a hot mess trying to pull off Eagle Pose. Tilting this way, leaning that way, wobbling everyway. I was able to get it back together for the rest of the class. My hips were actually down in Balancing Stick but I have yet to touch forehead to knee in Standing Head to Knee...which I'm guessing is the point? One day I will. Not for lack of trying as I've said before, but because of the dual obstructions I carry. Bah!

Mother Nature arrived this morning so trying to get into a good Bow Pose was near impossible. Wicked cramps shot through me and I came out early and did a few wicked curses in my head and then picked it up second set. I also noticed "she" bothered me in the sit ups too. Damn her! When does she go away? 55? 60? So I have nearly another 15-20 years of this? GAWD.

I had a bit of a giggle fit today in Savasana. I got it under control fast but OMG did it hit me all of a sudden. Something the Mister said last night when he got into bed and the kitten sat his little ass directly on Mister's eye... LOLOL still making me laugh out loud.

Tomorrow is the half way mark of the 30 day challenge. It has yet to break us, not even one bit.

Good luck trying.

Latte Cupcakes

2009-10-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

Most times I forget to start taking photos from the start. Like today! But if you like coffee you should try these. Not too sweet cake with a creamy whipped Buttercream.

Preheat the oven to 35o.

Cream 1 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of butter (works with any substitute)

When the butter/ sugar is fluffy and no longer gritty add one egg. Mix well, scrape down the bowl. Add another egg. Mix. Scrape.

I used a vanilla bean, if you do too add it now. Otherwise add vanilla of your choice. Mix. Scrape

In another bowl combine 1.5 cups of flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder (the magic kind), 1 tablespoon of instant coffee (I used Starbucks VIA in Italian Roast) and one tablespoon of fresh ground beans. If you used unsalted butter add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Use a whisk and blend the dry ingredients.

Have 3/4 cup of milk ready.

Alternate adding the flour mix and the milk. Try and end with the flour mix. Scrape the bowl as you go to ensure everything is where it should be.

Using an ice cream scoop (uniformity is your friend) divide the batter among 12 large cupcake liners.

Pop into the oven for 20 minutes. 18 if your oven runs hot.

Should come out looking like this...

Let them cool on a rack before icing.

Buttercream icing:

1/2 cup of butter

1/3 cup of whipping cream

4 cups of icing sugar

Cream the butter and start adding the icing sugar a bit at a time. Add the cream a bit at a time. Alternate until everything is in the bowl. Give it a scrape. Turn your beaters on high and whip the mix until the icing turns white (that's the air).

Ice your cupcakes however you want. I topped mine with an organic coffee bean from Oso Negro Roastery in Nelson, BC. (Oso Negro means Black Bear in case you didn't know. We have plenty of those in this province).

Day 12 (Class 14)

2009-10-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

I like doing my classes 1st thing (I try most days) in the day. Not just to have them behind me and done but so that I feel alive and awake. My day really whips by when I practice at 6am. Some days I feel a bit tired, but normally it passes after a breakfast, snack, snack, 2nd breakfast and a snack. Jules will agree this is pretty much how we eat at the office. MSN pops up "Hungry" "Always" "K, making snack will let you know when it's ready" "K"
Followed by another MSN of "is there coffee?" "Yes" "good" "K" "You know who is an asshole!" "I'm aware"

I did the 9:30am today and right now I feel like I need to stretch!! What the hell is that?! I'll tell you. I had a shittles of a practice. Right from walking into the hot room to walking out (actually out wasn't so bad, I could see thru the air). It was so humid, no sucker, no fans on, no rest for the wicked. I started feeling myself losing the mind over matter battle at Master Pose. So I let it win. I laid down and just counted my breaths. I needed to shake this old bag that was telling me to give up. I got back up during Tree Pose. The floor series wasn't too bad, I laid out Rabbit, cause contrary to the instructors words, I really did need that water. And a bit of circulating air wouldn't have hurt at this point either. I hope the people on their first day realize that not all classes or instructors are suffering. Most are understanding and remember when they were laying in a very humid room praying for relief and wondering if they too were about to die.

Regardless of my ick day, Jules and I are planning another back to back. Monday or Tuesday morning. We're waiting to see the instructor combo.

We're weird like that.

Friday, Day 11 (Class 13)

2009-10-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

As weird as Thursday's class was for me, today was amazing! I honestly don't think I've ever had such an amazing practice.

I was "working" from home (I DID WORK!) and decided to hit the 11:30 class. There was a good mix of students, some experienced and some brand new. I got my favourite spot and away we went. Everything just seemed to flow effortlessly. No wobbly legs, no cursing, breaths coming and going as they should and all of a sudden- the end!! What!? Already? Did I Savasana for too long and no one told me?! 90 minutes. Every class is 90 minutes. I think this one was only half an hour. I'm sure of it.

I think the only people that didn't feel the same way were the 1st class people. I always marvel when I new person does the entire class without once taking a knee or a nap. Impressive.

I love having that "I did great!" feeling all day long. I had it right until 10pm when there I was going to bed on a Friday night, two cats, one chihuahua. I have officially reached nesterhood.

I think my next post of Latte Cupcakes will be more exciting for you than this one.

Day 10 (Class 12) Like, feeeeerrr Surrrrrrreeeee

2009-10-01T11:42:00.001-07:00

My 6am class today was lead by a Valley Girl crossed with Charlie Brown's teacher.

Ever have one of those instructors that just does the dialogue and nothing else? Nothing at all!? Not a correction, not a hint, nothing but the exact dialogue.

It's interesting... I've had this instructor many times and really never noticed until today that she is very focused on one thing- getting the words out.

I was a bit of a shit show today. In Bow Pose I was doing Cobra, in Full Lotus I was doing Bow Pose. Did she correct me? Not one time. Me and the gals got a laugh out of it later, but there I was just doing my own thing, mind wandering to wherever it was.

I eventually got back on track but a little direction earlier might have helped.

My practice was sort of like today's weather. Gray and dismal. I know we all have off days, but I like all of my days to be gold stars with sparkles. And it really probably wasn't as bad as I'm making it out to be I'm just a bit tired, thus hard on myself.

My legs are sore too... after I pulled on my Frye boots today I thought "I have to carry 5 pounds of leather around all day long..." Still have them on, too lazy to change them.

I'm sore because I'm giving it full force. The pulling, the stretching, the breaths.

This is my practice and you can't have it.

Day 9 (Class 11) Feelin' Good

2009-09-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

It was sooo cold this morning, in the house and outside. I put on my gear and headed to class (hair in same hot mess it was from yesterday's 3:45pm class, I did shower though).

Heaven walking into the hot room (for about 30 seconds). The perfect temperature was sitting in the lobby, with my hoodie on. Perfecto! I could have laid down and slept another 2 hours. But alas, I'm not there to sleep. Practice now, live better, sleep when I'm dead.

Peter was teaching this morning. Thankfully not the animated, auctioneer Peter. He must have been tired.

I may be tooting my horn here but I think I am really rockin' this Challenge. Which means I'm rockin' my practice. Peter gave me some good corrections today and it got me really locked into focus. My arms are actually sore from the pulling. Pulling is the object of stretching. I do have a "sore" lower back, but Jules and I were discussing and we're both convinced it's how high our legs are going up in Cobra. Yayyyyy Us! I actually lifted my legs fully off the floor today. Nothing touching. My own idiocy had me lay out Rabbit. After camel (the new love of my life) I chugged half a bottle of water. OHOH.

On the water topic. I'm going to start skipping the Emerg-C in my bottle. Today I had a weird taste in the back of my throat from it. I just wanted plain old water. Thankfully I had a bottle of that... and hence the chug a lug. I might be using the Emerg-C as a crutch now when I really don't need it. I feel great after class with or without it. If I need it I'll use it, but I'm sure I'll be fine.

Oh, I just noticed my uncomfy pants are comfy again. My bra is fitting better and my (ahhemm...) extra chin is less! Woot.

7 years ago the first Bikram Studio opened up in the city. I regret not starting then. My am thankful I'm committed now.

Viva La Hot Room!!

Baklava

2009-09-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Grab your gear! One box of phyllo (or make it if you're super motivated), 1 pound of nuts (whatever you want), half a cup of butter and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix the cinnamon with the nuts.Turn your oven on- 350.

Start layering... so freaking boring... phyllo, butter, nuts, phyllo, butter, nuts... wash, rinse, repeat. Did I mention you should butter the pan? Cut the baklava before baking- trust me here.

While this is baking (usually 30-35 minutes in my oven) boil together one cup of water, half a cup of sugar and half a cup of honey. Or if you want to sub the honey, use maple syrup (Aunt Jemima is not maple syrup). Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Cool. When the baklava comes out of the oven, let it rest for about half an hour and then pour the syrup all over, every bit, every piece. Let it cool down at room temp. Do not cover or put in the fridge. DO NOT. It will get far too sticky.

The pan is gone. They were good.