April 30, 2012

Jamie

More and more my art supplies are making their way downstairs to the new "art nook." I wonder what it's going to be like to work down there. Will I work down there? Time will tell!

Shannon

Weekend watching! Pretty light this weekend with catching Haywire on DVD for review (it's so awesome), finishing off Season 3 of the X-Files and revving up for Hot Docs (I didn't get out to anything on the weekend - but I did my preview on the Movie Moxie Podcast!). I was hoping to have a low key-weekend, and although that's still a lot it was pretty stress-free.

Suzie

Saturday was freezing! Snow was falling and everything. Thankfully the sun came out on Sunday and it was 10C which for here, is warm. I attacked some of the dandelions and Reg mowed part of the lawn. Man, our lawn is just too damn big.

I know you both watched the video on the silver cleaning (thanks, you both rock!) but here is the post sharing the story before the utensils. I thought you might like to read about the auction and that moment Reg went up against... dum dum dum dummmm..... the antiques guy!

Rewind: April 29, 2012

Jamie

I loved coming across this picture! Jason and Erin came to visit around his birthday in 2008. Of course, Jason had to mug for the picture, LOL! We also get a real rewind of our kitchen. Wow, has it changed.

Suzie

I don't know if either of you remember a purple and kind of ochre brown batik painting I did of a butterfly? I must have done it when I was in grade 4 and I loved it. It was the only time as a kid that I felt that I had any artistic talent at all.

I totally forgot about that memory until I started working on this strawberry shirt I am batiking. I had no idea if it's actually going to work but as I was doing the outline with paraffin wax I remembered the joy I experienced making that butterfly.

I am going to dye the shirt with strawberries! Which reminded me of when we dyed grandma's clothing altogether. I totally love that memory too.

April 28, 2012

Jamie

This is one of my very favourite trends that's developing in our neighbourhood: people creating gardens on both sides of their sidewalk. Some of them are so developed that you literally feel like you're walking through a garden path. It is absolutely delightful.

Shannon

Nothing says spring like gorgeous pink of a crab apple tree; and they blossom and are over so quickly each year - just as fast as spring in Toronto comes and goes. Which means by the time this is up, it will likely feel like summer!

Suzie

Once again life intervened this week and I had to move Crafty Thursday to Friday. I didn't have much time but I did add some finishing touches to my cupcakes for my clock. Next Reg and I have to drill a hole into the back of the clock. We are not sure the bit we have will work. I hope so! I really want to put it together and have it on my kitchen wall.

April 27, 2012

Jamie

Exquisite raspberry scone from our neighbourhood pastry shop. Suzie, we'll have to try it out when you're here! Justin and I were turning into stress balls planning for our trip and when I was huddled over the computer, compiling info and confirming reservations, he showed up smiling and put this on my desk. Yep, he's even sweeter than the scone!

Shannon

Hot Docs starts this week and I'm so excited! I've been covering the festival since 2008 and I can't wait to dive in to docs this year.

Suzie

Yesterday we finally got some sunlight so I could shoot a silver-cleaning video in my kitchen.

Remember all that silverware Reg bought at the church auction? The showdown he had with the antiques guy? Well it has all been sitting in the same plastic bag for all those years. I always wondered why Reg bought that silverware but now I can use it for my foodie blog! He must be psychic.

It was weird to film me in my kitchen but I kind of liked it. You can see the video here, if you're curious.

April 26, 2012

Jamie

I love this sign that's up at my bank for a number of reasons. First, every time I see the Dutch dank u wel I can literally hear my father-in-law Chris saying it. It's so lovely. And also I think it's a great reminder of the multicultural nature of Toronto, which is one of the things I just love about it. And you know, that my bank is focused on gratitude feels pretty nice too.

Shannon

Lots of planning, spreadsheet-ing, amazon and google-looking, feet-on-pavementing and friends recommending, but now I have all 22+1* Bond Films and can now officially start the work on revealling the *real* planning my upcoming marathon.

* The 22+1 is the official 22 + Never Say Never Again which is a remake of Thunderball and not counted as an official Bond film. But I'm counting it.

Suzie

Well after our online discussion about not having time to really do what we really love Shannon, I made a big decision. I wrote to RHC to tell them I would no longer be doing cookbook reviews. They were just getting too hard to do and too expensive. It was started to depress me and when I totally screwed up Anne Burrell's homemade pasta (I have made homemade pasta before) I knew my heart wasn't in it any longer.

I think it is time to focus on what I do want to do and that's my own foodie thing. I've never been good at following rules (as you both know well) and recipes have been feeling more and more like rules. Time to go crazy, follow my instincts and lay down the cookbooks. It's time!

April 25, 2012

Jamie

Recently we've been doing a major refresh of things around the house and that included the cupboards in the studio. I thought I had made space for my crochet materials. Apparently Jinx thinks I made space for her!

Shannon

I got to have some nice chilling and organizing over coffee time with lots and lots of paper and lists, then heading out to chat film for hours with friends. Fun times, and long night!

Suzie

Yesterday I went back to the coolest little thrift store to open up in my neighbourhood WITH cash. I was there on Friday and did not have $1. Seriously. I'm such a debit person. I bought $20 of foodie items and spent $2 on what I think is a zombie shirt. Once I clean it I will put up a post and you can tell me what you think. It may be a demon, which isn't good, but hey, that's still kind of cool. Notice the skull in the bottom right hand corner of the photo? Love it!

April 24, 2012

Jamie

I love how combinations of things are like a self-portrait. Clearly I like sparkle and silver! Ages ago I saw an amazing rhinestone skull at a very chi-chi store on display with a fabulous outfit. I thought it was hilarious. Imagine my joy when I found this beauty when visiting Suzie!

Shannon

Elevator at Moms. oddly it stayed open and didn't want to go anywhere, so bonus exercise of the day was climbing the stairs! At least it's not that high and it's definitely worth it to get a chance to catch up with Mom.

Suzie

While a lot of Canada is getting late-April snow (what the heck is up with that?!) we are getting serious rain here on the east coast. And our magnolia tree is starting to bloom! We lost a lot of blossoms from the last snowfall on Easter so I am glad so many others have survived. And, I am grateful we are only getting rain (knock on wood!).

April 23, 2012

Jamie

Downtown at a currency exchange getting euros. There's some travelling learning - sometimes it can take several days to get the currency you need at the bank. Plan ahead to be sure you can exchange your money before you go. It was also cool to see that the different denominations of euros are also different sizes. Very cool.



Shannon

I spend a lot of the weekend watching films. I know, I say that every weekend, but this weekend it was literally hours on end and film after film which mean knitting galore. I got the front of the sweater I'm working on done, although I think my cat believes it's a blanket for him.

Suzie

Saturday was an amazing day in downtown Halifax with an old fried, a newish friend and a completely new friend. I got to see so much that I did not know existed. It was a great day. Sunday, was much harder. Glad it is Monday.

Rewind: April 22, 2012

Jamie

Way back when, one of the very first things I participated in online was a postcard swap. I collaged 12 postcards, of which this is one, and sent them to different people around the world. Who knew that this was going to be the beginning of something marvellous!

Suzie

Reg's mom always wants us to go into the basement and look for stuff we want to take home with us. The other weekend I was shocked to find this antique Kodak Brownie camera! It was her mom's!

Now the one I had was much newer but the chance to have an antique version of the camera that started my photo obsession... I actually said yes to. I rarely buy anything that will just sit on a shelf but this will now connect my love of photography to Reg's family. Such a gift that I will cherish.

April 21, 2012

Jamie

Shanghai noodles, TV and hanging out with Shannon. All good!

 

Shannon 

Sharing some cuddle time with the Jinxaroo. She's is such a pretty girl and has the most awesomest whiskers ever!! Love her :)

Suzie

I did a Crafty Thursday reveal video of some of my resin pendants yesterday. I tried inserting photos into the video but it didn't work great. Time to invest in an upgrade of software I think. I really love making videos and hope that it helps people.

April 20, 2012

Jamie

I'm sorry I didn't get a picture up yesterday! That's a first. I've been having an awful combo of super-crazy-to-do's and super-dozy-brain. When an email arrived announcing an awesome deal on a massage and lunch at my spa, I jumped at it! Crazy? Yes. It's just so important to me to be rested and ready for our upcoming trip to France! In this moment, I'm feeling so excited and so thankful. This is an extraordinary time and I'm savouring every minute.

Shannon

Oh my, goodies in the mail - and I'm going to be a busy bee watching all these goodies for review. I'm very curious to watch the uncut version of The Divide - I haven't seen it since Toronto After Dark and am very much looking forward to diving into it again, this time without pre-interview nervousness!

Suzie

This is not what you want resin to look like! But thanks to the Easter snowstorm that caused a power outage, the resin just did not set. It needs to warm up for the two parts to come together. I was left with a sticky horrible mess. So? I attacked it was my Dremel tool. When all else false, turn to power tools.

I used a light and delicate sanding attachment (the heavy duty one just made a mess) to give it more of a smooth texture. Then I resin-ed it again. I am happy to report that both pendants are nice, shiny and smooth/not sticky this morning. Yay! I feel much better now.

April 19, 2012

Shannon

After a really busy week last week, I made a conscious decision to relax more this week. Of course, the inadvertent companion to doing that, is it allows me time to try/see/watch/read things not already on my radar and collect more things to love - which happened last night with the Season Premiere of The Deadliest Catch. Sigh. Sometimes it's hard to love some many things!!

Suzie

I had a rough day yesterday (although Hexed was awesome Shannon). I am feeling really discouraged about crafting and with my kitchen stuff falling apart. Yesterday it was the salad spinner we have had for years and years. I am so worried about money and our future.

So when I made this loaf of bread which ended up HUGE I felt like my breadmaker was telling me at least I could rely on it. Lately it's been making really tiny little loaves but not yesterday!

When I started my foodie journey I gave up on jewellery making because I knew doing two things would be impossible. I'm wondering if I was right. I just don't seem to have time and energy for both and I am worried it's hurting me as a foodie.

April 18, 2012

Jamie

It's busy, busy, busy here as I try and get everything together before our trip. My hope is to get my business all set in the next two days and then I can turn my attention to being sure I'm ready to go. Last night I was so tired I barely remember going to bed so I'm really being sure to be as ease-full and rest-full as I can (despite the huge to-do list) so I have energy for the adventure ahead.

Shannon

I totally forgot to take any pictures today, I didn't even get a chance to listen to any podcasts on my iPod (which I had just filled up!), but I did dive further into The Bell Jar which is this months selection for The Book to Film Club, and it's a good thing because we are 1/2 way through the month but I'm nowhere near halfway through the book (yet!).

Suzie

I spent most of the afternoon trying to make petit fours with some cake decorating tools I am reviewing. I made the cake from scratch on Monday and it was still so moist, it just kept falling apart. I was in so much pain and I ended up only making six little cakes. I will never be a pastry "chef" and that is fine with me. I would much rather make food that rocks flavour-wise and I will leave the pretty food to my foodie pendants. Ugh!

April 17,. 2012

Jamie

What a truly amazing experience it was to be at Oprah's Life Class. The lessons and the energy are still sinking in, working their way into my heart and soul. Tony Robbins in particular shared some lessons that I'll keep with me, experiences that woke me up and blessed my heart. This was truly a special experience and I am so thankful to Kelly Jack Real Estate for the tickets.

Shannon

Wow. Challenging way to start the week is by walking into work and having to quickly and temporarily relocated. Tried my best to maintain order during the chaos, but I think the hardest thing was missing my morning coffee til more like lunch time! Of course I had to bring some happy colours to my new temp space, so that ... you know... people would know *Shannon's HERE!* and also so that there was somewhere for folks to find pens and post it notes to share!

Suzie

I did a little foodie investigation yesterday. My blender is officially dead (RIP Buck Rodger blender) so I was curious to look at the blenders made by the company that made the faulty coffee makers I bought. I noticed it wasn't one on display so I had to take it out of the box. The whole thing was made out of the cheapest plastic you can imagine with four tiny little blades. Reg was right, piece of crap. Darn it! I guess that's what happens with $20 blenders.

Right now I am using the hand blender Dad and Julie gave me all those years ago to make smoothies but it hurts! Any blender advice would be appreciated.

April 16, 2012

 

Jamie

Well, these are my Paris walking shoes! A comfortable pair of relatively stylish flat shoes is an almost impossible find. I hope these will end up looking okay and even more importantly supporting my tender tootsies for lots and lots and lots of walking. The woman at the store said many people choose this shoe when they're about to head out traveling. Fingers crossed they work well for me!

 

Shannon

Weekend watching, these too along with Seattle Superstorm which was ..um.. my fave of the bunch.... ah, yes will be interesting to review Shame & 7 Below which come out tomorrow.

Suzie

I have actually been busy! On Friday I went to the thrift store. Saturday morning up really early to take Reg's Mom to an appointment at the hospital and yes, they have that unusual sculpture hanging out with you. Saturday night after a lot of napping me, Reg and Jen were brave enough to go see The Cabin in the Woods thanks to Shannon's recommendation. I totally loved it! It was exactly what I needed after a stressful day.

Rewind: April 15, 2012

Jamie

Spending time with Laura's 20-year-old cat this week really made me miss our Bascha Bear so deeply. She was a special cat and this is a picture I really love of her.

Suzie

I was well known as being a Duranie at this point in my life, I think I was 13 here? With Rhona, Alix & Colleen, all of whom am friends with on Facebook which is so cool.

You know I don't remember having bunk beds in this room. I did think it was the coolest that Mom indulged my obsession with the ocean and sky by decorating my room with a beach landscape (which I think is in the show Being Human UK) and cloud wallpaper.

That green blind still scares me though!

April 14, 2012

Jamie

After the intensity of 24-hours of art-making, catching up on sleep, work and correspondence, I really appreciated having some quiet time and also some time to chat about the experience with dear friends, including Shannon!

Shannon

After a very full week of lots of awesome, it was so nice to have a relaxing Friday night at Jamie's!

April 13, 2012

Jamie

What an amazing experience to spend 24 hours making art in a big beautiful studio with this ancient cat as a confidante. Being a behind-the-scenes participant in International Soul Art Day taught me so much on so many levels. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to take part, to experience this adventure and to expand into what's next for me.

Shannon

This is a bit of a cheat as I went to Fightville on Tuesday but in a rather not-like-me behaviour I have been sans-camera for 2 days as I went to 2 advance screenings where is always that elusive threat that you can't take a camera but everyone has a phone with a camera, so no one things anything will ever happen but there is always that one occasion where it might. And I'd always rather see the movie than the possibility of getting thrown out! And re: Fightville, I enjoyed it but there were just a few tweaks it could have had to make it great, from good.

Suzie

Yesterday was Crafty Thursday! I finished the basic cupcakes for my clock, made a video tutorial on creating freezer paper stencils while Reg was at guitar class and finally, FINALLY, made clay truffles! I have been dreaming about making these. Not only that. I want to put this truffle in the tines of the flattened fork I found on the road and turn that into a pendant. I got part 1 done, not sure about part 2 because it requires a ton of hand strength. I hope I figure it out, this would be a dream pendant for me!

April 12, 2012

Jamie

On April 11th, I participated in the first ever International Soul Art Day by traveling to Laura Hollick's studio and participating in 24 hours of art-making! I'm posting this ahead of time because chances are I'll be sleeping. I'll share more details soon!

Shannon

my friendly neighbourhood squirrel

Suzie

I forgot to take my camera out to the movies with me last night darn it! Shannon, Lockout was cheesy and fun, thank you for the tickets! Totally a fun night out.

So the photo I am sharing is of the skull buttons I have created for my future chef's jacket which I am having made through a fellow Etsy friend. I had to do the resin coating yesterday so they would be completely ready to be mailed tomorrow. You can also see a butterfly gumdrop surrounded by copper glitter there too. I even tried resin-ing a candy lime slice!