Isn't That Pinteresting - Moving Edition

Now that we're moving I've been looking to Pinterest for ideas on furniture ideas.  We have an extra room that we can use as a media room and a small dining area we can put out table, but that leaves a large hole in the kitchen. 

Of course you get quite sidetracked while looking for things on Pinterest, but here are some ideas I like for our new place



mason jar toothbrush holder
easy to clean

crate coffee table

storage from bookcases
We have a space for this,
but I think it'd be better in a kitchen

Picture Wall
Love this!

Pallet Sofa
Love, but it would take up too much room

Laundry Room
The shelf and rods are great

Night Stand
Put a power bar in the drawer
Declutters the top

Ruler Growth Chart
I WANT this

Shelves for cars
Love the idea but it could cause fights with the kids
I might just do one for Lynden's Cars cars

Toy Storage
So clean and crisp looking

Hanging Shelves
Would be perfect for a little girl
who is all about her babies

Closet Ideas
The kids have smaller rooms
so we have to plan better for storage

Outdoor Race Track
PERFECT for Lynden

 My ALL time favourite and I am making Danny makes this for me, just a bit shorter to go in our kitchen.  This way the kids can play playdoh, paint, crafts, etc.  And when we do our holiday dinners we have extra seating for the kids or to put food on. 




Play Table
LOVE everything about this

So many ideas and I'm super anxious to move in to see how much room we actually have to do some of these things. 

Different Thoughts All In One Post

I've been a bad blogger and I'm going to continue to be for the next bit.  We're moving at the end of next month so we're getting ready to start packing (I need my lists don't you know).  However, there have been things I've wanted to blog about, just not enough time (or energy).  I'm going to give you the cole's notes version instead

**We've enrolled Lynden in karate.  Danny got on this band wagon a few weeks ago and after watching a class and meeting with the sensei twice Lynden officially starts on Thursday.  He's pretty excited and it's nice to see him excited about starting something new. 

**Speaking of starting something new, Danny and I have been back-and-forth and then back-and-forth again on Kindergarten.  English or French Immersion?  We cannot decide.  Every time I think I've decided on one I get swayed the other way again.  It's not like I'm waiting until the last minute or anything (French Immersion enrollment is Monday at 7:30).  What did you decide?  Why?  I need all the help I can get.

**Alyssa's vocabulary continues to astound me.  Every day she's picking up more and more.  My current favourite is she calls Lynden "nee-nee" and Alyssa "aha", and when you tell Lynden to say sorry she says "sorry nee nee".  Even Lynden's started to tell her she's not the one who needs to say sorry, but it's still adorable. 

**Alyssa is getting closer and closer to starting potty training.  The only things stopping me from doing it now is her fear of sitting on the potty and the move next month.  We've decided to start in April. 

**We went and saw Cirque Du Solei's Amaluna last week.  We had Fantastic seats and the show was incredible.  It's amazing how talented the performers are.  The swimmer was unbelievable, the tight rope walkers are crazy (I can barely walk on solid ground with heels on, forget on a tight rope), the leaping men we're spectacular, and that was the most intense stick braiding.  Ever.  Seriously.  If you get a chance to go, go!

**Lynden's been practicing his letters lately.  That kid astounds me; we hadn't worked on them since before Christmas and he's just about mastered them.  We just need to work on his patience (we had a small meltdown over them not being perfect.  I never thought I'd see a kid so upset about having to take a break from writing)

** My orchid bloomed.  I was quite relieved to see a flower and not some egg sack hatch. 
Seriously though, does anyone know what I should be doing with it?

**Danny and I went to school with a guy, Kurtis, who has 2 kids, around our kids ages.  He's an incredibly talented artist and he's recently started a Tumblr page about the funny things his kids say.  If you want a good chuckle, check outs Kids, Eh?.  It's so nice to see it's not just my kids (my favourite has to be punching the poop out - Lynden tells us it's eating, which is why it takes so long).

Other than that, I've got nothing.  It's been pretty laid back, which is nice because at some point I am going to have to start going through things, purging, packing, and cleaning.  So, please forgive me while I post sporadically over the next 5-6 weeks. 

Wordless Wednesday: Bowling Shoes

Lynden had his monthly field trip with his preschool.  This month was bowling.

Tuesday Topics: 8 Shows

As I was reading through some blogs I found this great link up for Tuesday Topics.  This week's is 8 shows and, being a TV addict, I had to share my 8 favourite shows that I'm currently watching.

 

1. Sons of Anarchy

If you have not seen it yet, what are you waiting for?  It's Brilliant!!  Danny asked me if I wanted to try an episode about a year ago and I agreed, not knowing anything about it.  I was hooked before the opening credits. 

It's well written, well acted, and intense.  All around brilliant.  You need to watch SOA. 

 

2. Fringe

 

 

We've been on a big Fringe kick lately, mainly because it's ending this coming Friday (I am not ready for it to end).  I started watching half way through Season 1 and it's right up my alley - if you were a Lostie you'll like Fringe. 

 

3. Big Bang Theory

 

 

It's probably one of my favourite comedies right now.  Although, am I the only one predicting a drinking problem in Penny's future?  There's hardly a scene without her drinking in it. 

 

4. Criminal Minds

 

 

I've watched it from the beginning, which says a lot because after all the drama a few years ago with some of the actors it really did take a toll on the show.  I adore the characters and find the whole idea of the BAU so intriguing.  I am really looking forward to the big bad guy they're leading up to, especially since the last 2 repeat bad guys were incredible story lines (Doyle and The Reaper).

 

5. Grey's Anatomy

 

 

Yes, I watch Grey's.  It's another show I've watched from early on, but I do feel like it's dropped a lot in the last few years.  But every time we get close to a season end and I think that'll be it for me the season finale gets me, every time.  They really know how to do some great finales. 

 

6. Once Upon A Time

 

 

Another J.J Abrams show (to be honest I give most of his stuff a try since I liked Alias and Loved Lost) with quite a few Lost actors.  It's intriguing and like most of his shows you really have no idea who's good or bad, where the story is going to go, or how you got to where you are. 

 

7. Storage Wars (original and Texas)

 

 

Am I the only one who thinks what they do is pretty cool?  Where else can you "score a lick" as good as what Darryl did a few weeks ago (over $300,000 in one locker)?  It took me awhile to get into the Texas episodes, but this season I like the competition between Jenny and Mary.  Besides, it's fun saying "Yuuuuup"

 

8. Supernatural

 

 

Let's face it, the only reason I watch this show is because of Jensen Ackles.  Hell-o!  I keep hoping I'm going to run into him on the way to Lynden's preschool since a) there's been a lof of filming in the main court and b) the show is filmed in Vancouver. 

Dear Orchid

Dear Orchid,

You poor thing.  You didn't really stand a chance.  Here you were, sitting in a store a little over a year ago thinking "wow, this good looking guy is buying me to take home to his loving wife for her birthday.  What a lucky gal.  I'm going to be so happy." 

Oh, you poor thing.

You didn't know what you were getting yourself into or else you would have hid.  I am sorry I don't have a green thumb... or anything that could be mistaken for any gardening talent. 

You see, I was once given an African Violet from that same good looking guy and when he brought it home I said "thank you, I'm going to kill it" and lived up to that promise.  In less than 2 weeks.  I don't even know how that happens.

I was then given a small rose bush from a friend of mine about a month later.  Again I said "thank you, I'm going to kill it", but after feeling so bad about the previous plant I was determined to try a lot harder. 

Oh, I miss that rose bush.  We were both determined.  It survived being dumped numerous times by my cat (it eventually had 1/3 of the dirt it came with), who also enjoyed munching on it when she could.  When it became warmer out I put it on the deck to get more sun (and save it from that pesky cat - it's a good thing she was cute).  With the sun also came wind, lots of wind.  That poor plant fought with everything it had to survive having even less dirt.  After about 6 months it finally gave up, and I could not blame it. 

I've tried growing herbs and small vegetables, all with no luck.  (I've been told I under water, I've been I over water, I'm just lost)

After that I told people no more plants.  Flowers, fine (they die anyways) but no more plants.  I tried to protect all future living plants from entering my world of doom. 

So, I was surprised when you, my orchid, were gifted to me.  I was told you were chosen because I only had to water you about once a month. 

I read the little info sheet you came with and tried to keep you alive. 

It took about 10 weeks for you to lose all your flowers.  I googled (and pinned) articles on how to grow your flowers back and followed those instructions with no luck. 

There you have sat, on my window sill, doing nothing, for almost a year.  Then, about 3 months ago I noticed some new grown under the leaves (which is impressive since I hadn't watered you in way too long.  I won't say how long in fear of having you taken by an orchid protection society). 

Then, the week before last I noticed this

Someone's 2!

It seems like just yesterday I was holding my sweet daughter for this first time

 And today she is 2!! 


Stylin' in her pretty party dress

My, how time flies. 

And I have to say she's too darn tootin' smart.  Her vocabulary has improved greatly over the last 2 months.  It seems every day she's saying something new, or singing a new song.  She's figuring out more and more things.  And, my favourite part, her imagination is developing. 

I loved watching Lynden's come to light (he was older) and I still love it - they're both developing it more and more, and to their own personalities. 

There is something truly wonderful about being able to witness someone's personality develop. 

But I digress. 

Happy 2nd Birthday my sweet and beautiful girl!

Pinteresting Recipes #5: Dinners

Here are some more reviews on recipes I've pinned. 

Roasted Butternut Squash and Bacon Pasta

Another not great recipe (Lynden hated the squash).  I think it's way too much squash, not enough bacon, and don't use it as a topping; mix it in.  The flavours were overpowered by the squash (hence the too much squash) so you lost the pasta amongst it.  I doubt we'll try this one again. 





Baked sweet and sour chicken

I was looking forward to trying this since Lynden is all about Chinese Food these days.  It was pretty good.  The kids and Danny enjoyed it.  I felt it was missing pineapple and Danny thought it was too sweet (it does call for a lot of sugar).  I think this one could end up a keeper if I can tweak it to satisfy everyone. 

I made the fried rice at the end of the recipe to go with it and it was a HIT. 



Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Apple BBQ Chicken

I wasn't thrilled with it, which is shocking since it's a Six Sisters recipe.  If you haven't checked out their blog you are missing out.  95% of the time I see someone wonderful on Pinterest (food related) it's from them. 

Back to the recipe: wasn't thrilled.  The bacon wasn't crispy (I prefer crispy bacon, not that I say no to bacon...ever!) and I think it would have been better if it had been.  The BBQ and apple combo was nice but not strong enough for a slow cooker meal. 

I will say this, it comes out looking Exactly like the picture, which was a nice change.  If we try this one again I think I am going to do it in the oven instead. 


Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

Again, wasn't thrilled with it.  But... I didn't make it in the slow cooker, and I am not sure how it would do in a slow cooker since it only calls for 3 hours on low.  If I started it before I left for work it would have been on warm for twice as long as it cooked. 

I also did not have pizza pepperoni - I don't know if it affected the flavour or not.  It wasn't enough tomato paste; I think pizza sauce would have been better.  I don't think this will get a second shot. 


Honey Apple Pork Roast

Made this on a Sunday, which are my go-to-slow-cooker-days (since Danny and I both work until 6) and it was pretty good.  I liked that the roast didn't just fall apart once it was cooked (that's the only thing I don't like about slow cooker roasts, I want slices of roast not a pile of shredded meat) and the apples were a nice compliment to it. 

Next time I'm going to add some potatoes and carrots to the pot to make it a true one dish meal. 




Chicken with Black Beans and Rice

This was good (another one that comes out looking like the picture).  Good flavour and an easy one dish meal.  It was a bit small for us, so next time I might serve with some additional veggies or salad.  You can always change up the seasoning. 





Caribbean Dump Chicken

I am really liking the dump chicken recipes, but this one wasn't as nice as the last one. Every now and again you'd get a great bite it would be followed up by a plain one. I don't think it's so much the recipe but the fact that I didn't let it marinade. If you try any recipe from this site and don't freeze it I recommend prepping it the night before and letting it soak in the flavours.



Garlic Lemon Pork Chops with Mushrooms and Onions

This recipe gets points for being something different than the every day pork chops and it took no time to make.  However, both Danny and I felt it was too much lemon.  If we make it again I'll leave out some of the lemon and see if it makes it better. 







No sweet recipes this time around.  With the holidays I stuck to my go to recipes (not that they worked well for me).  I've got a few I've got my eye on to try over the next bit. 

{On another note: I'll be getting back to posting new stuff next week}

Wordless Wednesday: Alyssa

In time for Alyssa's second birthday on Monday here are some of my favourite pictures from the last year