via SimplyTweet
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Swans, ducks, and gulls on Hamilton Harbour on a very cold December afternoon. Honk honk! Apart from the Swans' chatter, it's a peaceful setting.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Memories of Mom
Mom in England at the age of 20, and in North Bay with her young family. Good memories.
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Purity Cookbook. Canada's tradition, and our family's tradition. We didn't realize how deep the connection until we looked into it the other day.
Family member, A.S., just completed this article for a University project.
I thought I'd share it...
EatinWell.
The Purity Cook Book
With a chef-trained father and sister in the family, as well as the wonderful home-cooking of my Norwegian mother, the Purity Cook Book does not seem an obvious choice for a gastronomically ‘cultured’ family. But the tattered, dog-eared appearance of this cookbook betrays its generous use over decades by each of my seven family members, including myself. More often than not, I was only a bystander to the cooking; but the spiral-bound, coverless and spattered Purity Cook Book was “the” cookbook of our family kitchen as I grew up, the one I pored over with my Mother or sister as I stood on a chair to reach the floured counter. Not being one of the natural “chefs” of the family, I sought the advice of my family members via email for a favourite cookbook, and immediately received a response from my Mother, followed by several enthusiastic confirmations of the unanimous choice: the Purity Cook Book.
A bit of research has revealed that the Purity Cook Book, published by Purity Flour, is considered to be the root of Canadian gastronomy, its first published recipes stretching as far back as 1917. Following a long absence on the book market since 1967, the “All-New Purity Cookbook” was revised and published in 2001. Older versions of the cookbook are now considered retro collector’s items.[1]
Truly, it is the ultimate confirmation of simple-is-best recipes, “a great cookbook for a young family starting out,” as my Mother described it.[2] It is the practical go-to-guide for both first cooks and more seasoned householders to perfect the ‘standards’ of the Western kitchen: pancakes, sauces, muffins, gravies, roasts…with the occasional Yorkshire Pudding or Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.
From a family heritage of Viennese and Norwegian cooking, it initially struck me as strange that our “family tradition”[3] became so largely based on what is considered Canadian gastronomy. Of course, countless recipes have been added to the repertoire: stuffing based on Austrian bread dumplings, Scandinavian meatballs from my Grandmother. But perhaps a comparison of these cuisines shows that they aren’t so different after all. The basics, delicious and hearty, remain the core of our kitchens.
[1] Whittaker, Ted. “The All New Purity Cook Book.” 2008. Amazon. http://www.amazon.ca/All-New-Purity-Cook-Book/dp/1552851834/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF...
[2] Mom. “Re: Cookbook Ideas.” Email to A.S. 17 October 2011.
[3] Dad. “Re: Cookbook Ideas.” Email to A.S. 17 October 2011.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Goulasch soup, artist's reception, then beer & wine at Addy's
Monday, September 26, 2011
Be careful! RT @vidalblonde: ..rough men running down the street w hammers & toothless druggies in car across str...
Be careful! RT @vidalblonde: ..rough men running down the street w hammers & toothless druggies in car across street. Other than that it's great day!
via SimplyTweet
Fresh fruit & veggies from Plekans market...
via SimplyTweet
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Watched the movie Love Me Tonight (1932), Maurice Chevalier. A cute little movie that maintains consistency with ...
Watched the movie Love Me Tonight (1932), Maurice Chevalier. A cute little movie that maintains consistency with other early 30s movies in its quirkness. A high point is the opening scene that follows Chevalier from his Parisian apartment, into the streets, and down a couple of blocks, singing and interacting with many many people along the way. Of course, he gets the girl eventually.
via SimplyTweet
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Did you know you can grow hops on your own backyard?
Friday, September 09, 2011
Detroit Red Wings pick Nutrilite as their official supplement... http://nutritioninfullcolour.com/health_advocate.htm
How cool. The iconic NHL team goes with Nutrilite. Team members are already hard at work coming up with ideas on how to share the partnership. It might be in product packaging. It will be online and via social media. It may be a la Nutrilite's global partnership with the AC Milan soccer team, where Nutrilite works with the trainer and players to make subtle changes to diet and supplement practices in an effort to maximize performance. The players will certainly notice the difference plant-based supplements make!
Thursday, September 08, 2011
How To Think Big By Michael Hyatt I picked up The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz, Ph.D. This book was o...
How To Think Big
By Michael HyattI picked up The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz, Ph.D. This book was originally published in 1959. I read it for the first time in the late 80s. It forever changed my approach to life and work.Since that time, I have become convinced that thinking big is not a gift, but a skill—one that anyone can develop. It starts by understanding the process and then consistently practicing it.Here are seven steps to thinking big:Imagine the possibilities. Give yourself permission to dream. I remember doing this when I was writing my first book. I imagined what it would be like to be a bestselling author. I thought about what it would be like to see my book on the New York Times best sellers list.
Write down your dream. This is the act that transforms a dream into a goal. Amazing things happen when you commit something to writing. I don’t fully understand how it works, but I have experienced it first-hand again and again. The phenomenon is explained in a very compelling book by Henriette Klauser called Write It Down, Make It Happen.
Connect with what is at stake. This is your rationale. Unfortunately, it is a crucial step that people often omit. Before you can find your way, you must discover your why. Why is this goal important to you? What will achieving it make possible? What is at stake if you don’t? What will you lose? Your rationale provides the intellectual and emotional power to keep going when the path becomes difficult (which it will).
Outline what would have to be true. Rather than merely asking how to get from where you are to where you want to go (strategy), I like asking what would have to be true for my dream to become a reality. For example, when I set a goal of hitting the best sellers list, I realized that I would have to write a compelling book, become its chief spokesperson, get major media exposure, etc. I started with the dream and worked backwards.
Decide what you can do to affect the outcome. This is where you transition from the big picture to daily actions. This is where people often get derailed. They can’t see all the steps that will take them to their goal. So rather than doing something, they do nothing. You will never see the full path. The important thing is to do the next right thing. What can you do today to move you toward your dream?
Determine when this will happen. Someone once said that a goal is simply a dream with a deadline. A deadline is one way to make the dream more concrete—which is exactly what thinking big is about. A deadline also creates a sense of urgency that will motivate you to take action. Force yourself to assign a “why when” date to every goal. (If you get stuck, ask yourself, What’s the worst that can happen if I don’t hit this?)
Review your goals daily. When I was writing my first book, I reviewed my goals daily. I prayed over them. I determined what I needed to do today to make them a reality. It gave me a laser focus, especially when the dream looked impossible—when the publisher called to cancel the contract, when my publicist told me no one was interested in the book, when the publisher ran out of inventory right after the book hit the best sellers list.
Don’t listen to that mocking little voice that tells you to be more realistic. Ignore it. You can either accept reality as it is or create it as you wish it to be. This is the essence of dreaming—and thinking big.http://michaelhyatt.com/how-to-become-a-big-thinker.html
By Michael HyattI picked up The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz, Ph.D. This book was originally published in 1959. I read it for the first time in the late 80s. It forever changed my approach to life and work.Since that time, I have become convinced that thinking big is not a gift, but a skill—one that anyone can develop. It starts by understanding the process and then consistently practicing it.Here are seven steps to thinking big:Imagine the possibilities. Give yourself permission to dream. I remember doing this when I was writing my first book. I imagined what it would be like to be a bestselling author. I thought about what it would be like to see my book on the New York Times best sellers list.
Write down your dream. This is the act that transforms a dream into a goal. Amazing things happen when you commit something to writing. I don’t fully understand how it works, but I have experienced it first-hand again and again. The phenomenon is explained in a very compelling book by Henriette Klauser called Write It Down, Make It Happen.
Connect with what is at stake. This is your rationale. Unfortunately, it is a crucial step that people often omit. Before you can find your way, you must discover your why. Why is this goal important to you? What will achieving it make possible? What is at stake if you don’t? What will you lose? Your rationale provides the intellectual and emotional power to keep going when the path becomes difficult (which it will).
Outline what would have to be true. Rather than merely asking how to get from where you are to where you want to go (strategy), I like asking what would have to be true for my dream to become a reality. For example, when I set a goal of hitting the best sellers list, I realized that I would have to write a compelling book, become its chief spokesperson, get major media exposure, etc. I started with the dream and worked backwards.
Decide what you can do to affect the outcome. This is where you transition from the big picture to daily actions. This is where people often get derailed. They can’t see all the steps that will take them to their goal. So rather than doing something, they do nothing. You will never see the full path. The important thing is to do the next right thing. What can you do today to move you toward your dream?
Determine when this will happen. Someone once said that a goal is simply a dream with a deadline. A deadline is one way to make the dream more concrete—which is exactly what thinking big is about. A deadline also creates a sense of urgency that will motivate you to take action. Force yourself to assign a “why when” date to every goal. (If you get stuck, ask yourself, What’s the worst that can happen if I don’t hit this?)
Review your goals daily. When I was writing my first book, I reviewed my goals daily. I prayed over them. I determined what I needed to do today to make them a reality. It gave me a laser focus, especially when the dream looked impossible—when the publisher called to cancel the contract, when my publicist told me no one was interested in the book, when the publisher ran out of inventory right after the book hit the best sellers list.
Don’t listen to that mocking little voice that tells you to be more realistic. Ignore it. You can either accept reality as it is or create it as you wish it to be. This is the essence of dreaming—and thinking big.http://michaelhyatt.com/how-to-become-a-big-thinker.html
via SimplyTweet
6 Practical Success Steps by Napoleon Hill
Every human being who reaches the age of understanding of
the purpose of money, wishes for it.
Wishing will not bring the purpose of money, wishes for it.
riches. But desiring riches with a state of mind that becomes
an obsession, then planning definite ways and means to
acquire riches, and backing those plans with persistence
which does not recognize failure, will bring riches.
six definite, practical steps, as follow:
1.
Fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire. It is not sufficient merely to say “I want plenty of money.” Be definite as to the amount. (There is a psychological reason for definiteness which will be described in a subsequent chapter).2.Determine exactly what you intend to give in return for the money you desire. There is no such reality as “something for nothing.
3.Establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money you desire.
4. Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin at once, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan intoaction.
5.Write out a clear, concise statement of the amount of money you intend to acquire, name the time limit for its arrival, what you intend to give in return for the money, and describe clearly the plan through which you intend to accumulate it.
6.
Read your written statement aloud, twice daily, once just before retiring at night, and once after arising in the morning.AS YOU READ—SEE AND FEEL AND BELIEVE YOURSELF ALREADY IN POSSESSION OF THE MONEY.
It is important that you follow the instructions described in these six steps. It is especially important that you observe, and follow the instructions in the sixth paragraph. You may complain that it is impossible for you to “see yourself in possession of money” before you actually have it. Here is where a BURNING DESIRE will come to your aid.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
We all have a self-concept of how much we can earn. To break out of this we must upgrade our self-concept. We ha...
We all have a self-concept of how much we can earn. To break out of this we must upgrade our self-concept.We have to see, think, and talk about ourselves & plan and set goals for ourselves that start us to think more successfully. Achieve it in our minds before we can expect to achieve it in reality. from Brian Tracy's "The Psychology of Selling" Track 1.
via SimplyTweet
Monday, August 29, 2011
Seafood & beer celebration at Trafalgar Ales & Meades. We're throwing fresh hops into the beer, and cooking our own lobster. Fun times!
via SimplyTweet
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Nice view while dining at "Shuswap on the Nipissing" resort. Several nice cottages directly on the water. Gorgeous!
Shuswap resort is on the West bay of Lake Nipissing, near the French River. This is paradise. The main house with dining room is surrounded by several modern cottages hand finished by owners Heinz and Gerda Loewenberg. Wood beams and cozy touches. This is where to unwind and enjoy nature. You can relax on your cottage deck just a metre or two from the water, go boating through the pristine waters and islands, or walk around the garden-like grounds.
Location: http://g.co/maps/e33j
Shuswap website... www.shuswapcamp.com
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Nice view while dining at Shuswap. Cottages on the water. Gorgeous!
via SimplyTweet
Monday, August 22, 2011
Helpin Ash get back in the groove at U of T. Victoria Clg at left. Goin to secure her apt next...
via SimplyTweet
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Viewpointe Big Bluff 06. Delightfully approachable blend of 40% Merlot, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Petit Verdot. This value wine will be ...
Will be out this fall in multiple sizes. Medium dark, with notes of plums, cherries, raspberries & soft, firm tannins. Loves to be decanted. Shows well. Will be available only at the winery and in a select few restaurants.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Cozy dining & spirits at Port Albert Inn on Lake Huron. Rooms & cottages here also. Beaches here are fantabulous.
via SimplyTweet
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Just packin up Farmers' Market in prettiest town in Canada. What's it called?
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
See it, Say it and Savor Your Success! by Robin L. Silverman
"When your mental images are in line with what your soul considers life-enhancing, you are full of energy. (... But) When you think worried, angry or frustrated thoughts, you're more likely to feel achy, stiff or tired.
From an article by Robin L. Silverman
Healthy gourmet recipe that doesn't break the bank. Puréed spinach, white asparagus & new potatoes...
Healthy Gourmet Recipe, by Paul Singer (EatinWell)
Created expressly for http://www.alwayssavemoney.ca/ as follow up to the Skype interview for her blog.
Visit her site or follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/AlwaysSaveMoney
- Fill a 2 quart pot FULL of organic baby spinach, steam for about 2 minutes in 1/4 cup of water, only until it wilts
- Purée spinach & 1/2 clove of garlic in a blender, adding the water from the pot so it becomes like a paste
- In a sauté pan, melt a bit of butter with flour to make a light gold roux, add the blended spinach, and mix evenly on medium heat very briefly
- This will be the central part of the meal. Pour the puree onto the plate as the central element of the meal.
2. STEAMED POTATOES (SKIN ON)- Steam or boil until they feel tender all the way through with a fork
3. WHITE ASPARAGUS
- Steam or boil until tender
4. STEWED PEARS (for Dessert)
- Peel and core several pears
- Boil in a bit of water, add a cinamon stick or two, adding honey and/or maple syrup to sweeten slightly
- Cool in fridge and serve as a cold compote
Seasonings: light sea salt and pepper only
(when ingredients purchased from farmers' market or ethnic discount grocer)
Monday, August 01, 2011
7 keys to high energy living, by Brian Tracy
From: Brian Tracy <newsletter@briantracyintl.com>;
Subject: 7 keys to high energy living
Sent: Sun, Jul 31, 2011 1:44:54 PM
| |||||||||||||
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Fr Think & Grow Rich: 6 Steps To Riches... definite, practical steps, as follows:
PRACTICAL STEPS TO FINANCIAL SUCCESS
1. Fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire. It is not sufficient merely to say “I want plenty of money.” Be definite as to the amount. (There is a psychological reason for definiteness which will be described in a subsequent chapter).
2.Determine exactly what you intend to give in return for the money you desire. There is no such reality as “something for nothing.
3.Establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money you desire.
4. Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin at once, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action.
5.Write out a clear, concise statement of the amount of money you intend to acquire, name the time limit for its acquisition, state what you intend to give in return for the money, and describe clearly the plan through which you intend to accumulate it.
6.Read your written statement aloud, twice daily, once just before retiring at night, and once after arising in the morning.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
At PJ's, 1/2 way to the North Pole. Off to Cabot Head lighthouse nxt.
via SimplyTweet
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Sure. My gal & I on right, 2 winemakers on left. We love wine! RT @AlwaysSaveMoney: @eatinwell tweet a photo!
via SimplyTweet
Friday, June 17, 2011
Picking up organic eggs on the way home...
via SimplyTweet
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Thursday, June 09, 2011
13 Mountain Street Dining in Grimsby.
Monday, June 06, 2011
Kayaking in Burlington Bay yesterday. Pleasant relaxing experience, and a super way to keep in shape.
Bri and Lid enjoyed a good long paddling session, then Addy and I went out. Good times. The weather was perfect. 26 degrees C, and winds of about 10 km/h.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Are you an A.C. Milan soccer fan? What's one secret to their success? #acmilan #soccer
No other team has dominated the sport of soccer like A.C. Milan. Not surprisingly, behind the world titles are the finest players and trainers on earth. You will also find something else—the finest nutrition on earth. Since 2008, NUTRILITE™ supplements have provided the enhanced nutrition that helps these athletes perform at world-class levels. NUTRILITE is the Official Nutrition Supplement Provider for A.C. Milan. A.C. Milan is the most successful team in soccer; the NUTRILITE brand is the most respected name in nutrition.
More info: http://www.nutritioninfullcolour.com/index2.htm
Saturday, June 04, 2011
RT @NutriliteHealth: Which of @kurt13warner @MensHealthMag Top 10 Plays for living healthier do you find easiest ...
RT @NutriliteHealth: Which of @kurt13warner @MensHealthMag Top 10 Plays for living healthier do you find easiest or hardest to live by? http://cot.ag/mIQffN
via SimplyTweet
The Lady & I dine out tonight in the most authentic of Italian Canadian restaurants...
Hers: Linguini w seas scallops, tiger shrimp, local fresh asparagus, sherry cream sauce drizzled with white truffel oil. Baroness says "best she's ever had."
His: Chicken penne with snow peas at the Whistle Stop. Clara, Steve & Mamma delight us with a delicious meal & engaging conversation. Viewpointe Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with both.
We started off with Viewpointe Syrah (Reserve) 2007 before the meal.
Friday, June 03, 2011
Ca' De Riva Valpolicella Ripasso 2007. A mature tasting wine that seems it should be more costly; a dark beauty that shows off a robust bouquet & flavours of black cherry, spices, vanilla, dark chocolate & dried fruit. Additional nuances of smoke, leather
via SimplyTweet
You're blessed, Cindy! RT @CindyDroog: New words added 2 Oxford dictionary -Social graph, bridezilla, dumpee: htt...
You're blessed, Cindy! RT @CindyDroog: New words added 2 Oxford dictionary -Social graph, bridezilla, dumpee: http://bit.ly/k1akaj [Glad only 1 of 3 currently applies 2 me.]
via SimplyTweet
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Straight from the farmers' market into the pantry
Chateau Desmirail, Margaux. Excellent value for great Bordeaux.
Both the Viewpointe 2005 Cabernet Merlot and the '05 Cabernet Franc are amazing. Down to the last few cases. Now's the time to get them.
Grimsby farmer's market every Thursday. Nice eve for Michelle of Joy of not cooking...
Straight from the farmers' market into the pantry
RT @CindyDroog: RT @teamddm: "Leadership isn't communicating what you need, leadership is communicating what you ...
RT @CindyDroog: RT @teamddm: "Leadership isn't communicating what you need, leadership is communicating what you can contribute." ~ @simonsinek [I like it!]
via SimplyTweet
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Agreed! Affordable & tasty. Excellent wines. - RT @aldentebrant: Check out our new wines. 3 Pinot Grigio's head t...
Agreed! Affordable & tasty. Excellent wines. - RT @aldentebrant: Check out our new wines. 3 Pinot Grigio's head to head & a fab selection of reds. Enjoy exciting new wines paired with affordable tasty fare
via SimplyTweet
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The occassional sweets allowed. Directly from Vienna...
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
How did these corks get this way?
via SimplyTweet
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Chateau Siran 1999, gorgeous Margaux with incredible heritage...
The Chateau is located a few kilometres north of the city of Bordeaux, on the famous Medoc peninsula in the heart of the legendary Margaux appellation.
Its 25 hectares of vines are grown on a terroir of gravel and pebbles. The vines are stressed to find nutrients and moisture here, producing wines of outstanding character.
Chateau Siran’s proportion of varietals:
46 % Merlot
Providing elegant roundness.
41% Cabernet Sauvignon
For body and robustness.
11% Petit Verdot
One of the highest proportions of Petit Verdot in the area, giving the wine deep colour and length on the palate.
2 % Cabernet Franc for softness.
A lovely Bodeaux. Serve with New York Sirloin strip or Roast Beef!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Monday, May 09, 2011
Yay!!! Feel free to post the link to pix if u like... RT @afarmdaughter: @eatinwell @vidalblonde Thanks so much f...
Yay!!! Feel free to post the link to pix if u like... RT @afarmdaughter: @eatinwell @vidalblonde Thanks so much for coming out!! you guys are AWESOME!! I got your email of the pics, thank you!!
via SimplyTweet
Sunday, May 08, 2011
So excited. The girls & I going to visit Vibrant Farms this evening:
Starts TODAY! RT @eatinwell: Next week is National Women’s Health Week. 2011 theme is "It's Your Time” - empoweri...
Starts TODAY! RT @eatinwell: Next week is National Women’s Health Week. 2011 theme is "It's Your Time” - empowering women 2 make their health ... http://post.ly/20Z97
via SimplyTweet
Next week is National Women’s Health Week. 2011 theme is "It's Your Time” - empowering women 2 make their health ...
Next week is National Women’s Health Week. 2011 theme is "It's Your Time” - empowering women 2 make their health a top priority. What will you do to promote women’s health?National Women's Health Week May 8-14, 2011
Source: social.amway.com
Source: social.amway.com
via SimplyTweet
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Auxerrois. A sibling of chardonnay, this white wine offers very interesting alternatives in flavour to other white wines...
The Viewpointe 2008 offers a spicy, grapefruit nose and a hint of creaminess. Flavours of grapefruit rind, honeycomb and a whisper of vanilla. Very easy to enjoy. Balanced. Almost reminiscent of a well-crafted Grüner Veltliner. Long finish. Pairs well with fowl. Available from the winery boutique. (519) 738-0690
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Just saw the movie Fast Five. Very entertaining...
Saw at the theater tonight to celebrate daughter's 30th birthday. I liked it a lot. It's very entertaining, with relentless doses of powerful action. There must have been 3 or 4 dozen cars demolished in this movie! Great car chases. The dialog is weak here and there, but it comes across very well overall.
Having a Black Creek Pale Ale right now. Very satisfying. Brewed in the traditional style...
Monday, May 02, 2011
Volunteer. It’s been proven that volunteering has a meaningful, positive impact on your physical and mental well-being...
The cause you're working for will be enriched. Stay energized with XS Energy Drinks.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Niagara Escarpment. Trees ready to bust out, dainty flowers in bloom. A world away, yet look down, and there's the city.
I took a little walk up to the Escarpment, just 3 minutes from my doorstep. Lovely outing. I enjoy living in Grimsby, Ontario. Our town is located in the Niagara Peninsula, a protected Biosphere site. It's nature at your doorstep. Close to Lake Ontario, wineries, and two great cities: Toronto and Buffalo. It was a beautiful sunny day here, with fresh crisp air. Relaxing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)