snickerdoodles

tea for me...

   Tea lattes seem to be the new thing these days.  London Fogs have been a long time favorite of mine and now they are even on the Starbucks  menu.  It's a combo of earl Gery tea, vanilla syrup and mounds of steamy milk.  It is absolutely delicious.  Just don't order a Venti size without asking for only one teabag.  I made that mistake when I picked up two for a meeting.  By the time I arrived and we took our first sips they were terribly bitter and there was no going back with either milk, nor sugar.  Starbucks uses Tazo teabags and they are seriously concentrated. 

A rooiboos latte is also a lovely treat and rooiboos is so good for you.  It's a tummy soother, antioxidant and lots of other wonderful stuff.  When Ry was colicky I often gave him bottles of watery rooiboos to sip and my older boys love it iced with a bit of sweetness added.

I have also tried the Starbucks berry chai latte and it was thick and rich with a depth like a hot glass of mulled wine.  It was yummy...but I have yet to check how many calories go into making it so delish.

oooh just found this, it's not too bad...

 

Berry Chai Infusion Combines Chai Tea concentrate with a proprietary blend of aronia berry (tart berry similar to cranberry) and black currant (dark colored berry with a sharp, sweet taste) juice.

		Serving Size 16 fl. oz.   Amt Per Serving Calories  250 Fat Calories  0 Total Fat (g)  0 Saturated Fat (g)  0 Trans Fat (g)  0 Cholesterol (mg)  0 Sodium (mg)  5 Total Carbohydrates (g)  63 Fiber (g)  1 Sugars (g)  58 Protein (g)  1 Vitamin A  0% Vitamin C  10% Calcium  2% Iron  2% Caffeine (mg)  100

By far though, the very best tea latte I have ever, ever had t was last summer on Prince Edward Island at the Farmer's Market.  It was from Lady Baker's Tea Trolley ,  she had a tea machine that was very similar to an espresso machine but especially for tea!  It was made by Affinitea,  this machine is dreamy.

 

Imagine being able to use loose tea leaves to pump out steamy glasses of your favorite tea anytime you wanted...I'd have tea parties all the time.

Lady Baker made me a yummy mango tea variety one time, a London Fog another day and of course I also tried a green tea latte.  (the market was a frequent stop for me!)  Her high quality teas are also available on line for sale now too, just visit her site at Lady Baker's Tea Trolley.  As for the machine...I'll keep dreaming and perhaps one day the tea fairy might drop one by Birch Hill. 

Tea is not the same without scones and I have been trying to find the perfect scone recipe...tea time with scones, devonshire cream, jam and hot tea is pure bliss.  I wish everyone still did tea in the afternoons still, it was such a nice tradition.  Now it seems to be $5 coffees and chaos with a little bit of chit chat thrown in for good measure.  Definitely not the same.

Farewell for now, off to boil some water for tea and try yet another scone recipe.  I am also starting to potty train Ryan...this is day two.  You think by now I'd be good at this stuff, it is after all my third attempt!  We are doing the Nemo method, he adores Nemo and I don't have pull ups so we are using Finding Nemo swim diapers.  "Don't pee on Nemo" seems to be the phrase of the day.

Scone recipes?  Potty training tips?  Send them along...I'm ready for em!

bringing home Olympic Gold...

  Chances are our household won't be displaying any Olympic medals anytime soon.  Ryan is showing huge advances in spinning and chucking stuff, so maybe he might have a future in discus but that would be a good 15-20 years from now.  

 There is lots happening in Whistler these days with the 2010 games being less than a year away.  All the excitement presents many opportunities to get involved.  Recently an children's art contest was held in the Sea to Sky corridor.  Students were asked to submit drawings for a stained glass window to be installed in the Athlete's Village.  We were thrilled when Liam won first prize!  His landscape will be made into a 5 foot by 5 foot panel and hung at Cheakamus Crossing at the top of a view tower. 

 

-Liam's masterpiece.  The judges interpreted the red mountains as Whistler and Blackcomb but I think that was a happy accident on Liam's part because he looked a bit puzzled when they commented about it.  Obviously my kindie art lesson last year on the Horizon Line stuck a bit as he used the concept many times over!  lol

 

-The open square at the top of this tower is where his design will be installed.  All the buildings in this new area are so well done.  It will be a fabulous place to live after the 2010 Games.  The stained glass artist chose to change his browns and darker colours to some very 80's pastels but hopefully the architect will motivate her to make them more hip hues. 

Last Friday he was presented his award of $200.  When asked how he would like to spend it he simply replied:"for a cat that makes kittens".  Oh dear.  Anyways it's his money so we've been watching the shelters for his ideal kitty.  We also get a 1 foot by 1 foot version of his design in stained glass that we will hang at our new house in the bonus room window...one of the only windows that doesn't open in the whole house.

 

-Team MacLeod lept into action at the very active construction site.

-The student winners on the podium...they all did wonderful works and should be proud. 

So unless hubbie gets the long-awaited call from the Team Canada Hockey team...or I get my dream job wearing the Miga mascot costume this might be it for our addition to the next Olympic Winter Games.  Hopefully Liam's creation will hang for many years to come and one day he can bring his kiddos to Whistler and show them how he got involved in the Olympics when he was six.

Yesterday was another perfect ski day and we spent the day cruising down Blackcomb in the sunshine...rates are low right now and the snow is fabulous.  If you ever considered a trip to Whistler it's a wonderful time.  Spring Skiing in the sun is  heavenly...sorry to tell you as it's a work day but I couldn't resist, it's true. 

 Now back at it all you working folks ...and Happy Monday!

support Earth Hour...

 

Saturday March 28th at 8:30 p.m.  (your local time) turn out your lights and participate in Earth Hour.  That 60 minutes of spooky fun represents your vote is in support of action on climate change.

"This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations."  (taken from Earth Hour.org)

Read more, watch live feeds, see photos and more at the official Earth Hour web page.  Get your candles ready and spread the word to all your friends.  I plan on letting the boys stay up for a wee party as it will be a great way to teach them about how little things can make a big difference.

"When man is happy, he is in harmony with himself and his environment."

-Oscar Wilde, The Soul of Man under Socialism

words to live by...

  In the depth of winter,

I finally learned that within me there lay

an invincible summer.

-Albert Camus

   

 

If winter's getting you down and there is no sunny holiday in site, treat yourself to a little TLC.  Lying down on a nice warm bed and having a massage soothes your soul and warms your winter weary body.

Since I hurt my back a few weeks ago I have been visiting  Thailam Ayurvedic Wisdom and Wellness and I am feeling like me again.  Having a treatment not only gets all my ribs and muscles back in place, it brings me a sense of peace and well-being to keep the my outlook bright.  Colleen Fraser is a RMT and also so wise about overall wellness, essential oils and treating your doshas according the Ayruvedic traditions.  I have been friends with her for six years now and it will be hard to find another comparable healer when we move.  I love the ease of visiting her home practice in my sweats, you can book appointments via her email at cgfraser@shaw.ca.  She is also available at the Vida Spa in the Chateau Whistler for treatments.  They have a great variety of mid-week $50 de-stress treatments on sale now too.

If you live in Pemberton my favorite spot there is Pemberton Valley Wellness.  It's run by Shannon Paul, a gifted chiropractor.  Dr. Paul  has a wonderful team of massage therapists and also offers acupuncture treatments.  Just call 604.894.2009

Wherever you live you should be able to ask around to find a good local spa or therapist to rub away your winter woes and bring a little summer into your heart.

inspired to make pea soup...

   Finding the perfect lighting for Birch Hill has been my mission this week.  An in-the-know reader gave me an awesome lead on how to get the Birch Tree pendant I've been oogling in the comments section of that post.  I love it when you all share your finds with me...thanks Tanya!

I had picked out some neutral pretty island pendants at the Lighting store but now they won't be quite right with the Calvin Pendant...I was thrilled to find these on Crate & Barrel , these cuties inspired me to start a pot of green pea soup:

This is one of my all-time favorite shades of green and would be perfect!  Now I am debating whether to buy two or three for over the island.  They aren't cheap,  two would be easier on the ole VISA but three might make a stronger impact.

In case you missed the Calvin pendant from Pottery Barn  before, here is what it looked like:

   

The eating island and the dining table are side by side so the lights have to flow...I like these together.

ANOTHER option all together would be to use these lovely silk pendants over the dining table, in the hallway and over the stairs...the hit of colour might look good with the brown floors and putty walls...

 

BUT...then the green pendants wouldn't work at all, but I could go back to a simple schoolhouse style over the island.

Any thoughts????  If you want to go to lighting heaven hop on the Seascapes site where I picked the turquoise beauty out....the possibilities are endless and so chic.

 

Be still my lighting obsessed heart!  Birds, brown and white...it's all too much! 

 Hoping as my pot of pea soup simmers and bubbles lighting solutions will become clearer.   Having the opportunity of these endless choices was one of the reasons we wanted to build new...and all in all it will be these choices that will make our house become our home.  So for now I will continue on my mission with curious heart and big pot of coffee.   

layered brownies...

   It's softly snowing in Whistler and lovely.  I just finished yet another cup of tea and a chunkof brownie.  We skied again last night, a family cross country night and I felt deserving of a treat.  After three ski days in a row my calves are aching but in a good kinda way.   As much as I want it to be spring, I much prefer fresh snow to our typical rainy gray March weather here.

This layered brownie recipe was from the Beat This recipe challenge in the March issue of  Wondertime magazine.  Every month Ann Hodgman posts a recipe and challenges readers to post a yummier version...and there are prizes involved.  

I wanted to try this one right away.  It's a tad complicated as there are several steps....I made it on a Sunday morning while I plugged along at a few other chores during the cooling stages.   These aren't typical browines, they are rich like Nanaimo bars.  It's good to eat them chilled as they are something to slowly savor...a straight out of the pan feast would definitely result in a groaning belly.

Layered Brownies

makes 24

Part 1....the brownie layer:

1/2 cut unsalted butter

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate

2 cups sugar

4 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon vanilla

Heat oven to 300.  Butter a 9x13 pan and line it with buttered parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan. 

Melt the butter and chocolate on low heat.  Remove and cool.  Beat eggs with sugar and salt for 8 minutes.

Fold in the chocolate, then flour and vanilla.

Pour into the pan and bake for about 30 minutes.  Cool about and hour and a half.

Part 2....the frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter,

2 cups icing sugar (or powdered or confectioners...all the same, depends where you live)

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons vanilla

Melt the butter and keep on low heat until it turns medium brown, about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and beat in the sugar, cream and vanilla.

Frost the brownie layer while it's still a tad warm.

Let cool at least 15 minutes.

Part 3....the glaze:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate ( I used good Ghiredelli choc- yum!)

Melt the butter and chocolate in a small pan on very low heat.  Pour over the icing layer and gently spread it by moving the pan back and forth or very softly spreading with a silicone spreader.

Let the whole thing cool for about an hour then cut the brownies into squares.

Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge.  Nibble at will or share, there is tons to go around.

oxoxo

(if you are curious about the plate details are in the comments section)

meet Artie...

This little eco-conscious mango wood TV unit is what we have picked to go on either side of the hearth at Birch Hill.  We found one on clearance due to a bit of damage and are hoping to land one more that's been slightly injured before we move. 

See Artie and many more great furniture finds at the Urban Barn store or website.  There is also quite a nice sale on.

This Calvin Pendant light is also the perfect thing for over our dining table and on sale but unfortunately Pottery Barn still doesn't deliver to Canada and it's not available to us here in-store. 

 

Birch trees and on sale for $99...online shopping is pure torture at times!

peek a boo donkey...

  Yesterday was the perfect bluebird ski day in Whistler.  Fresh soft snow, sunny skies and our first full family ski day of the year...a great way to end March Break with the boys.

 Internet shopping is a girl's best friend and lately I have spent hours finalizing house picks to get all the measurements in before the upper levels get framed in.  Today I managed to redesign and order the front door, pick the last few light fixtures and order a tv credenza so we know can order the right amount of tile for the fireplace...phew.

Driving home from Vernon we hubbie spotted a funny sight, and knowing that I adore little donkeys he turned around and took me back so I could snap these...

 

Can you see the cute little white nose and perky ears?

 

Unexpected company makes donkeys quite curious.

 

Next time we'll pack a few carrots to feed our new friend.     One day I definitely want a small donkey for a pet, their sad eyes melt my heart and their little hairdoos are just to cute for words.

Back to work now...tomorrow I will share a new recipe I tried for layered brownies.  I brought it to a friend's dinner party and it was a big hit.  It's basically butter, sugar, more butter and chocolate but I should probably give you the proper amounts to use. 

Happy Monday!

birch hill...

  Our new home has been officially named "Birch Hill".  Many possibilities were pondered last Sunday during the long drive, but this was the only one that stuck.  Hubbie and I were both instantly in love with a small stand of birch trees the first time we saw the land ...hence "Birch Hill".  

 

the trees that made us spend hoardes of money...and plan a new abode

We went the way of selective voting rather than true democracy for this major decision.  Luckily all three boys were sleeping when we announced options and picked or the poor house might have been called "Bakhugan Palace" or  "Weenieside".   So when they awoke we just told them what it was called, the response was one "cool", one "why?" and one cry for "babbypop!" (lollipop).   All things deserve a name and since we are sadly now pet-less we felt quite satisfied after giving our hole in the ground a dignified title.

Speaking of our hole in the ground, it's starting to grow walls...

 

We are hoping it keeps magically growing until it looks like this...

 

and this...

  

and has a sweet house-ass like this...

 

The wee little door on the bottom level is going to be my new studio, hope you can come & play one day!   It all looks rather huge on paper but our hole in the ground looks very small, I am having a hard time picturing the actual size.   Anything is going to feel like a palace after being together here in 1300 square feet for so many years. 

Basically last week was a blur of appointments...measuring, getting quotes, signing our life away at banks, flipping through a hundred bazillion tile samples, pooping our pants at the cost of light fixtures, trying out bathtubs, obsessing over tap handles and generally being overwhelmed by choices.  It was wonderful.  Hubbie might have told you otherwise after spending five hours at Dannburg Interiors picking flooring, counter tops and tiles but the design expert Norma and I were on a mission.  I also am madly in love with the cabinet designer Celeste at Norelco and just about everything at Splashes Bath Design.

Sending out huge apologies for missing several days of posting last week.  Hopefully you understand why now.  Honestly my mind was mush by the end of the days.  I was so glad to have pre-written a couple of posts before the onslaught of wonderful/tricky choices started. Every moment from then on was consumed by images like this...

 

This is my brain on drugs   house building, it's not a very intelligible thing.  

If you have any brilliant ideas/changes  for our house plans please tell me quick, another week or so of framing and it will be too late.

It's nice to be back friends, thanks for all the wonderful comments last week.

freakishly ferny on St. Paddy's Day...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Noah has downloaded quite a bit of the Irish Rovers on to his ipod so we'll be dancing some jigs later today no doubt.   It's also a big day of picking cabinets and flooring for the new house so some green beer might be needed by supper time!

In honor of the occasion I decided to share about something quite green...

This saucy sectional is causing us huge marriage woes.  Hubbie hates this couch, hate is a strong word but he says it when I show him this sofa.  

Yet,  I adore it and think it would be perfect in our new abode.  The vintagy, fern pattern is borderline tacky but in a cool way.  It reminds me of the freshness of the forest floor and would be a happy reminder of walks in Whistler.  It also has an Irish feel about it...I'll have to try that argument as hubbie is quite devoted to his Irish Roots.  Maybe that's what I'll tell him this fabric is called: "Irish Roots"  Now there's a plan!

 

You must picture it on a dark brown floor too...it really stands out too starkly in this photograph.  BUT, if you have a sectional as such, where the heck do you put the coffee table?  That's a big problem...I need a spot for tea and stacks of magazines.

How do we decide who get's the nice chaise part to put their weary feet up...this is tricky.  Maybe we should just get five big Lazyboys in a row.  Then we most definitely would morph into those sad souls like in WaLL-E  and that would not be good either.   I love that movie...do see it if you haven't already, it has an important message to teach young and old.

See this same sofa and many more in hundreds of fabric choices on the Norwalk Furniture site.  I definitely like this better than the others I posted about here: http://snickerdoodles.typepad.com/snickerdoodle_life/2009/02/eco-furniture-picks.html

What's your favorite furniture store for sofas?   Help! 

Hope your day is "Magically Delicious!"