Updated 101 in 1001

This is my second version of 101 in 1001. I finished most of the things on my original list sooner then I had expected and so I decided to make another list.

Not familiar with the 101 Things in 1001 Days project? Check out this website.
The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (i.e. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable, or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (i.e. represent some amount of effort on your part).

Start Date: November 14, 2011
End Date: August 10, 2014

Marriage & Family
1. “Date night” with Hubs once a month (21/33)
2. Have a baby
3. Celebrate 2nd Anniversary
4. Talk to home every weekend (43/132)
5. Visit Halifax for my brother's grad (Completed June 2012)
6. Buy a 2nd house
7. Get pregnant
8. Celebrate our 1st Christmas in our New House (Completed Dec 25, 2011)
9. Go on a vacation with family

Mind, Body & Soul
10. Lose 10 lbs (Hope to do so by June)
11. Learn to cook a new healthy meal
12. Complete some form of exercise at least 3 times per week (Completed Jan 2012)
13. Read at least one book per month (15/33)
14. Give up soda for a week (Completed May 2012)
15. Learn a new recipe and cook it at least once a month (9/33)
16. Get a hobby (Does going to the gym count??)
17. Have a bubble bath (Completed Dec 21, 2011)
18. Get a library card
19. Spend a day at the ocean (Completed May 2012)
20. Declutter (Completed Jan 2012)

21. Go on another trip (Completed May 2012)
22. Do something for myself at least once a month (20/33)
23. No dessert or cookies at work for 2 weeks
24. For one week, go to bed at 9:00 p.m. just to read
25. After baby, get back to pre-pregnancy weight
26. Go for a walk with Hubby every night for a week
27. No eating after 8:00 p.m. for a month

Home Is Where the Heart Is

28. Get spare rooms organized (Completed April 2012)
29. Buy a dresser for spare room
30. Hang wedding pictures
31. Cook our first turkey (Completed December 24, 2011)
32. Get a new dresser set
33. Reno the main bathroom (Completed March 2012)
34. Empty entire fridge, clean it, then put everything back in (Completed Jan 2012)
35. Reorganize kitchen cabinets
36. Defrost freezer twice a year (2/6)
37. Repaint shed
38. Buy blinds for the house

All Work, No Play
39. Get a new fridge
40. Get a new dishwasher
41. Stay on top of the house cleaning (27/33)
42. Start a wedding planning business
43. Help Hubs achieve his work goals

44. Get a new job, closer to home or clerical
45. Take another course at work
46. Learn to speak Spanish

Hit the Open Road
47. Take a spontaneous road trip
48. Travel to Hawaii
49. Visit Newfoundland
50. Visit friends in Winnipeg
51. Go camping at least once each summer (2/3)
52. Have a picnic in the park we got married
53. Visit the Buchart gardens in the winter
54. Visit Hubbs friends in Alberta

I ♥ Food
55. Update my recipe book with new recipes (At least once a month (18/33)
56. Try a new restaurant (Completed December 19, 2011)
57. Try making a new cultural food (Completed Feb 2012, Made Vietnamese Pho Soup)
58. Don't eat out for an entire month
59. Make homemade pasta
60. Put new recipe's on the blog (3/3)
61. Make tapas

Friends Are Forever
62. Email/text my best friend once a week (8/146)
63. Send Christmas cards each Christmas (2/3)
64. E-mail friends at least once per month (3/33)
65. Catch up with an old friend
66. Have a party or dinner party
67. Send birthday cards to all friends/family in 2012

Pinching Pennies
68. Save for another house
69. Set up retirement savings

Cha-Ching
70. Make a budget
71. Put more money on the house
72. Put more money on the car payment
73. Save for a rainy day

Pay It Forward
74. Donate to charity
75. Volunteer for a good cause
76. Buy something from a thrift store that supports a charity
77. Donate money to a children's charity (5/6)

Just for Fun
78. Go skiing
79. Go to a hockey game
80. Go to the fall fair
81. Buy a pumpkin from a pumpkin patch and carve it
82. Rent a hotel room for a night to get away
83. Take more pictures
84. Have a Christmas cookie exchange (1/3)
85. Buy a new Christmas tree and decorations

Hobbies & Skills
86. Blog once a week at least (24/33)
87. Learn to cook more things
88. Get some family tradition recipes
89. Make a scrapbook
90. Read a book a month (15/33)

Capture the Memories
91. Get wedding album (Completed May 2, 2011)
92. Print photoes of each year's events and put in photo album
93. Get photos printed to hang in home
94. Take more pictures
95. Complete 101 in 1001
96. Send more pictures to family

No More Procrastinating
97. Lose some weight
98. Deweed garden
99. Start an excercise routine (Completed Jan 2012 with gym membership)

101 in 1001
100. Start a new 101 Things in 1001 Days list once this one is completed
101. Get friends in on this project

Congratulations

Today we are attending the wedding of one of Hubss close friends. Congratulations Kyle and Sandra on your wedding. May the years to come be blessed with many memories and joys.

Flan Recipe

Original Recipe Yields 1 - 9 inch round

Prep Time: 20 Min               Cook Time: 1 hr        Ready in: 1hr 20min

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt sugar until liquefied and golden in color. Carefully pour hot syrup into a 9 inch round glass baking dish, turning the dish to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs. Beat in condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla until smooth. Pour egg mixture into baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
4. Bake in preheated oven 60 minutes. Let cool completely.
5. To serve, carefully invert on serving plate with edges when completely cool.   

            
Recipe taken from http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spanish-flan/. I haven't tried it yet but it sounds too easy not to try. I'll be making this in the next little bit.

Random Post

First off, Happy May long weekend everyone. I hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend. Unfortunately here, the weather is supposed to be rainy Sunday and Monday. I'm praying for sunny weather on Sunday as we are attending a wedding.

Secondly, I want to wish my mom and grandmother a belated Happy Mother's Day. We were in Mexico on Mother's day so I wasn't able to call my mom, but I did send a card before I left on vacation.

-My mom's treatments are going ok. She finished radiation and is now doing 6 months of chemo. The chemo is having more of an affect on her then the radiation but overall she is doing well.
-Our bathroom still isn't finished yet, we are getting there I promise. We did buy new towels and a shower curtain before we went away. I can't wait to update our bathroom with new towels. Our old towels were bought when we first moved in together (chocolate brown and ice blue) and now have ink stains (oops for putting a pen in the dryer) and I'm getting a little tired of the ice blue. Our new towels are a neutral shade of brown and a charcoal grey.
-We finally decided to cut off our cable for the summer. We talked about it for a while and finally made the phone call the other night. We're just tired of paying for reruns and a summer of no new shows. We'll connect the cable again in the fall. Besides, with summer approaching we'll be busy with the gym and enjoying being outside.
-We have some summer plans for the outside of the house, we'd like to repaint our deck, get the garden in better shape and possibly redo our deck.
-I'm flying home to Halifax in just over a month for my brother's graduation. It's been almost a year since I've been home and it will be nice to be back and see everyone.
-I want to try and make a flan this summer.
-Hubs and I will be celebrating our 2nd wedding anniversary in July
-My birthday is coming up in just over a month

Back From Mexico

Hubs and I just got back yesterday from our amazing 2 week trip to Mexico. We stayed at the Catalonia Yucatan Beach Resort and Spa. We had such an amazing time, the Riviera Maya was gorgeous as always and hot hot hot! The average temp was 32oC and we didn't have any rain in the 2 weeks we were there.

We only did 1 excursion this time, as we have seen the ruins already and have done a few other excursions in prior trips to Mexico. We decided this would be more of an R & R trip. The one excursion we did do, was the Atlantis Submarine in Cozumel. The submarine ride itself was 45min and went to a depth of over 120ft. We seen a wide variety of fish, a shark, reefs, coral, etc. With this excursion we were also able to do some shopping on Cozumel, we had lunch at the smallest Hard Rock Cafe in the world, and had a boat ride (to get to the submarine). The trip also included the ferry ride to Cozumel and some shopping in Playa Del Carmen.

I actually got a tan on this vacation! Its so hard for me to tan, so I'm glad I actually got some color, as well as a sun burn on my shoulders. The food was amazing, the drinks were great and plentiful and the beach was relaxing. We were able to get in a Catamaran ride and a bunch of snorkeling. As well, we took in the nightly shows.

One funny story I have to share is while Hubs and I were snorkeling. I found a couple of small fish and was able to get up quite close to them. I called Hubs over and said they seemed friendly. It wasn't long until one of the fish was swimming under Hubs. We didn't think anything of it, and just after I popped up from under the water, Hubs jumped out of the water saying the fish bit his nipple. I didn't really believe him at first until I looked and said the fish drew blood. We both started to laugh as it was quite funny since when does a small fish get that close to a human. Luckily Hubs was ok and didnt get an infection from the bite.

The service and staff were amazing as always at the Catalonia. We had a welcome drink upon arrival and were upgraded since it was our second stay. This meant we had free use of the sauna and hot tub in the spa, a room upgrade, free Wifi and a few other things.

As for safety, we felt completely safe in Mexico from the time of our arrival until we left. We even walked around Puerto Adventuras in the dark alone, and were fine.

It was definitly a well deserved and needed vacation. I'd recommend this resort to anyone.

Microwave Potatoe Chips

I haven't tried this recipe yet, but thought I would post it as it sounds easy and delicious. Chatelaine magazine posted it online here.
Directions:
1. Slice a russet potato, skin on, into the thinnest slices possible. If you have a mandolin, that is ideal. Toss the potato slices with 1 tsp vegetable oil and 1/2 tsp sea salt.

2. Lightly oil a microwave-safe plate, and place potato slices in a single layer on the plate, they can be very close but shouldn't touch. Microwave the slices on high for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, until they begin to turn golden.

3. Using tongs, flip the slices over and then continue cooking on high for about 2 minutes, until the slices are golden. Keep a close eye, if the slices begin to darken too much they will scorch.

4. Transfer slices to a separate plate and sprinkle lightly with sea salt to desired saltiness. Add more oil to the microwave plate and repeat with remaining slices.

So, how did they turn out?

According to Chatelaine they were fantastic! Surprisingly crispy, and really delicious. What's better? They actually get crispier as they cool! You are able to make them as salty (or not) as you want, and they can be flavoured. The slices that are a little thicker put you in mind of a buffalo chip - with the slightest chewyness that doesn't at all take away from them. You can store them for about two days in a sealed container. The only drawback of these chips is that they are a bit tedious to make - one potato took three rounds in the microwave, therefore about 15 minutes, plus the time to slice. However, all in all, these are really fun, and really rewarding to make. Highly recommended.  

 Tips:
The thinner the slices, the better the chip.
Keep a close eye, different slices will cook at different rates so remove the chips as they brown and continue cooking the rest.
Keep the plate well oiled, the slices have a tendency to stick.
Use tongs...they come out HOT!

Updated 101 in 1001

This is my second version of 101 in 1001. I finished most of the things on my original list sooner then I had expected and so I decided to make another list.

Not familiar with the 101 Things in 1001 Days project? Check out this website.
The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (i.e. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable, or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (i.e. represent some amount of effort on your part).

Start Date: November 14, 2011
End Date: August 10, 2014

Marriage & Family
1. “Date night” with Hubs once a month (19/33)
2. Have a baby
3. Celebrate 2nd Anniversary
4. Talk to home every weekend (41/132)
5. Visit Halifax for my brother's grad (Completed June 2012)
6. Buy a 2nd house
7. Get pregnant
8. Celebrate our 1st Christmas in our New House (Completed Dec 25, 2011)
9. Go on a vacation with family

Mind, Body & Soul
10. Lose 10 lbs (Hope to do so by May)
11. Learn to cook a new healthy meal
12. Complete some form of exercise at least 3 times per week (Completed Jan 2012)
13. Read at least one book per month (13/33)
14. Give up soda for a week
15. Learn a new recipe and cook it at least once a month (9/33)
16. Get a hobby (Does going to the gym count??)
17. Have a bubble bath (Completed Dec 21, 2011)
18. Get a library card
19. Spend a day at the ocean  (Completed May 2012)
20. Declutter (Completed Jan 2012)

21. Go on another trip (Completed May 2012)
22. Do something for myself at least once a month (19/33)
23. No dessert or cookies at work for 2 weeks
24. For one week, go to bed at 9:00 p.m. just to read
25. After baby, get back to pre-pregnancy weight
26. Go for a walk with Hubby every night for a week
27. No eating after 8:00 p.m. for a month

Home Is Where the Heart Is

28. Get spare rooms organized (Completed April 2012)
29. Buy a dresser for spare room
30. Hang wedding pictures
31. Cook our first turkey (Completed December 24, 2011)
32. Get a new dresser set
33. Reno the main bathroom (Completed March 2012)
34. Empty entire fridge, clean it, then put everything back in (Completed Jan 2012)
35. Reorganize kitchen cabinets
36. Defrost freezer twice a year (2/6)
37. Repaint shed
38. Buy blinds for the house

All Work, No Play
39. Get a new fridge
40. Get a new dishwasher
41. Stay on top of the house cleaning (25/33)
42. Start a wedding planning business
43. Help Hubs achieve his work goals

44. Get a new job, closer to home or clerical
45. Take another course at work
46. Learn to speak Spanish

Hit the Open Road
47. Take a spontaneous road trip
48. Travel to Hawaii
49. Visit Newfoundland
50. Visit friends in Winnipeg
51. Go camping at least once each summer (2/3)
52. Have a picnic in the park we got married
53. Visit the Buchart gardens in the winter
54. Visit Hubbs friends in Alberta

I ♥ Food
55. Update my recipe book with new recipes (At least once a month (18/33)
56. Try a new restaurant (Completed December 19, 2011)
57. Try making a new cultural food (Completed Feb 2012, Make Vietnamese Pho Soup)
58. Don't eat out for an entire month
59. Make homemade pasta
60. Put new recipe's on the blog (3/3)
61. Make tapas

Friends Are Forever
62. Email/text my best friend once a week (8/146)
63. Send Christmas cards each Christmas (2/3)
64. E-mail friends at least once per month (3/33)
65. Catch up with an old friend
66. Have a party or dinner party
67. Send birthday cards to all friends/family in 2012

Pinching Pennies
68. Save for another house
69. Set up retirement savings

Cha-Ching
70. Make a budget
71. Put more money on the house
72. Put more money on the car payment
73. Save for a rainy day

Pay It Forward
74. Donate to charity
75. Volunteer for a good cause
76. Buy something from a thrift store that supports a charity
77. Donate money to a children's charity (4/6)

Just for Fun
78. Go skiing
79. Go to a hockey game
80. Go to the fall fair
81. Buy a pumpkin from a pumpkin patch and carve it
82. Rent a hotel room for a night to get away
83. Take more pictures
84. Have a Christmas cookie exchange (1/3)
85. Buy a new Christmas tree and decorations

Hobbies & Skills
86. Blog once a week at least (2333)
87. Learn to cook more things
88. Get some family tradition recipes
89. Make a scrapbook
90. Read a book a month (13/33)

Capture the Memories
91. Get wedding album (Completed May 2, 2011)
92. Print photoes of each year's events and put in photo album
93. Get photos printed to hang in home
94. Take more pictures
95. Complete 101 in 1001
96. Send more pictures to family

No More Procrastinating
97. Lose some weight
98. Deweed garden
99. Start an excercise routine (Completed Jan 2012 with gym membership)

101 in 1001
100. Start a new 101 Things in 1001 Days list once this one is completed
101. Get friends in on this project

Bridesmaids Attire

I knew because I was having a July wedding, the girls dresses needed to be short and airy. I also knew that since 2 of the bridesmaids were flying in from out of town and usually the dresses are never worn again, I wanted the dresses to be inexpensive. I also wanted the dresses to be aqua, since chocolate brown felt a little heavy and dark for a summer wedding. I did a few searches in the bridal salons and right away knew that the girls wouldnt be buying dresses that route. They were just way to expensive (starting at $120 for an ok dress).

I looked in every store I walked by and nothing in the color I needed. The dress also needed to be bought by each girl in their own province for sizing and fitting reasons. One day I happened to be browsing the sears websitesears.ca and came across the Oasis Strapless Chiffon Dress. It was absolutely perfect! The color, the style and the price I wanted for the girls. The only issue was that it was so popular, a couple girls had to wait for the dress to become available again.

The girls dresses

Closeup of the top of the girls dresses

Homemade Baby Tutu

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Easy No-Sew Tutu Tutorial

 

I came across this tutorial on Just We moms and had to share it. 

All you need is: 6" wide tulle (2 or 3 rolls) and some No-Roll wide elastic. That's it!!

You can make these tutu's as long as you would like but this one is the average shorter tutu. Cut a bunch of strips of tulle using a 2 foot measuring stick. Each piece will be folded in half later so if you want your tutu to be all the way to the ground you will need to cut extra long pieces. I use about 50 yards of tulle for one tutu. Sometimes more but at least that much. Cutting more strips makes the tutus look fuller.

Make sure you buy the "No-Roll" elastic. This is very important. You can decide how wide you would like for the elastic to be but the wider the better.

1. You will need to measure your child's waist and subtract that number by 3. That is how long your elastic needs to be. Then you can zig-zag stitch your elastic together.

2. Tie knots with your tulle all around the elastic so it's easier just to put the elastic around your leg so that it stays in place.

3. Take one piece of tulle and fold it in half. Make sure the folded end is at the bottom and place it under the elastic like the picture above.

4. Now, here is how you are going to tie the knot. It's a little hard to explain but I hope the pictures will help. Take the two ends of the tulle that are at the top and loop them down and under where the hole is from the folded tulle.

5. Continue pulling the tulle down and use your thumb on the other hand to place the knot and tighten as you pull.

Hopefully this picture shows it a little better.

6. When you have pulled it all the way through your know should look like this on your thumb. You can adjust it as needed to make sure its tight.

7. Your first knot is complete!

8. Now you just need to make a bunch more!

9. Continue all the way around until it's as full as you would like for it to be. When you stretch the elastic you might see empty spaces to fill in.

10. Let them play their hearts out!!