Thursday, May 31, 2012

Foodie Penpal

The Lean Green Bean

Hey guys! Have you heard about Foodie Penpals? Check it out: at The Lean Green Bean, Lindsay has organized an awesome foodie swap. You get matched up with a partner from the same country as you, and get to send them $15 worth of food treats. Someone else has your name and sends you goodies! It's a win-win!

My penpal was the lovely Katharine Christopoulos, and here's a peek at what was in the box that I received:


Yummo! Katharine sent me two types of gourmet granola - one with maple syrup and raisins, and the other with milk chocolate and hazelnut praline. So delish! I also received a yummy treat - chocolate covered potato chips. Dan and I may have ate them all... :) Katharine also wrote me the sweetest note of encouragement. It's so fun to have contact with new friends! I was paired up with a gal named Melinda, here's her post on what I sent to her.


If you'd like to learn more about the Foodie Penpal project, click here. You can sign up on that page, too! 


Now, don’t you wanna join in the fun?! Here are the Foodie Penpals details:
-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal! -The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month. -Foodie Penplas is open to US & Canadian residents.  Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. 
If you’re interested in participating for June, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions.
I can't wait to prep a package for next month!
Happy Thursday!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Multitude Monday


I've really missed my weekly multitude post after a few weeks off of regular blogging. Each week, I like to list ten things that I'm currently thankful for. It helps me to dwell on the positives, since we all have this terrible tendency to get stuck on the negatives. Negative Nelly = Unhappy Ursula. Remember that, folks.

Feel free to chime in through the comments, or on your own blog. Multitude Monday is something that I'd be glad for you to copy! The more positive energy, the better!

This week, I'm thankful for:


460 - the fact that it's ice cream cone season again. Dangerous!
461 - spending quality time outdoors with my family this weekend.
462 - the absolutely beautiful weather we've been having. So glad last spring is behind us!
463 - having a new niece or nephew on the way.
464 - that my icky sunburn finally stopped peeling!
465 - Heidi graduating from Dental Hygiene last week! YAHOO!
466 - busy days at work. Nothing worse than being bored...
467 - having the best. nap. ever. yesterday afternoon.
468 - eating my first batch of lobsters for the season. Yummo!
469 - Dad being home for the rest of this week. I miss that fella when he's away working!

What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear!

Hey! Like to read my blog? Hit Follow in the left-hand column of the blog to get my posts in your Google reader or reading list. Thanks!

Happy Monday!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Ironic.

Want to know the funniest thing (sorry to be morbid!) that we spotted on our weekend road trip?

A dead chicken... that had tried to cross the road.

Guess the joke was on him.

Bad-dum-bum-chish! 
(That a drumroll, sillys!)

Seriously, though. A dead domestic chicken in the middle of the highway. Wierdsville.

Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The Road Trip Chronicles


 Taa-daa! I've got a new blog series up my sleeve:

The Road Trip Chronicles

Dan and I plan to maximize our days off together this summer and fill our time with road trips and fun. No lalligagging and wishing and hoping - the summer of 2012 is going to be the best yet! Since it's Victoria Day weekend here in Canada, we were both off of work on Monday - and a paid day off, to boot! We packed our car up, slipped on some shades, and grabbed a map at the tourist bureau and were off.

We decided to take a scenic route that was brand new to us. It's so fun to explore your own province through tourists' eyes! Unfortunately, there weren't any tourist traps along the way, but we had a blast. After about five hours in the car, we landed at a beautiful beach that is the province's surfer destination. We got out and stretched our legs for a good long break.

My darling and I
We enjoyed the chilly wind after being cooped up under the heat of the sun in the car. Dan and I had fun watching the surfers, windsurfers, and beach bums enjoy one of the nicest days of the year. Everyone and their dogs (literally!) were there, soaking up the natural beauty of Lawrencetown.


I found an adorable heart shaped rock that may or may not have come home with me.


We hiked up to the top of the crest and watched the windsurfers for a while. The view is absolutely incredible! I love living in Nova Scotia... we're surrounded by so much natural beauty.


It was the perfect day for spending time outdoors! The wind was strong enough to keep the bugs at bay.


We found a little rock tower that someone had left behind. It's no inukshuk, but it did the trick :)



After we left the beach, we had supper at a barbecue joint and headed for home. No shopping, quality time only this trip. I can't wait to spend a summer full of days like yesterday! It's going to be one memorable summer!

Question: How about you? How did you spend your extra weekend day? Do share!

Happy Tuesday!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Weekend Re-cap. Two Weekends Later.


Look at us! I fooled you (and the unsuspecting girl in the background) into thinking that I have a cool phone with an even cooler photo app. Nope, that's not it! (Still rocking our six year old flip phone, whaddup!) I used my as-of-ten-minutes-ago Picnik (RIP!) replacement, BeFunky. It will be your new favourite, too. You're welcome.

I had a grrrreat weekend with Kelsie and Adam an couple of weekends ago. Not going to lie, I unpacked last night. Yup, things have been that busy. I'll share a few shots that I took on the trip, though - freshly edited with my new best-website.


The new alternate title for the post:
How Many Different Photo Edits Can Be Squeezed Into One Post.

We checked out the Halifax Crafters show. Beautiful, as per uge* (aka usual), but I left relatively empty handed. I grabbed a couple of postcards and a cardamom chocolate. Speaking of chocolate...


I introduced Kels and Adam to Sweet Hereafter... where I treated myself to a slice of chocolate peanut butter cheesecake. Paired with an iced green tea, oooh, spot on.

We had other adventures involving arcade winnings, trophies, jukeboxes, and sidewalk conquering, but I'll share those with you another time. For now, I'll leave you with this:

I'm BACK!

Happy Monday!

Friday, May 4, 2012

Friday Finds

I'm dropping in this morning to share a little link love with you. Check out these cool things in your spare time over the weekend!

Me want-y this rug from Urban Outfitters. 

Rachel Denbow has a pretty new dining room tour. So envious of her combination of new and vintage pieces! I'm itching to do a little rearranging around our home. Sometimes you just get tired of the same. old. things.

How fun are these Blowfish sandals? I've been loving a multi-coloured look lately, and these shoes would be great with cuffed skinny jeans or a maxi skirt. So great!

I loved Design Sponge's peek at Shanna Murray's latest decals. She's got the knack - I think I may have to dish out some coins pretty soon and splurge. 

Oh, Ruche! You do it right, every time. I want this dress so bad - I'm dying to get some more coral and mint in my closet. The dress would be perfect dressed up or down, with a jean jacket or cardigan. Love it.

I hope you have the loveliest of weekends! Do you have anything planned? Do share!

Happy Friday!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Oh, you big pansy.

My busy work week is finally winding down. The garden centre and flower shop are officially opening for the season next Wednesday, so my days have been a little hectic. I've been ordering supplies and merchandise, contacting local artists regarding consignment, designing ads for our local paper, and creating our latest edition of the company newsletter - not to mention the fact that we rearranged the entire shop. Whew!

I did manage to snap some pretty pansy photos in the greenhouse yesterday, after I discovered our little visitor. There are so many varieties - who knew pansies could be cool?! Maybe these blooms will put a little spring in your step:











We just finished a yummy supper - mmm, barbecue! I'm about to haul my suitcase out of the basement to pack for a weekend getaway. I'll be leaving after work tomorrow to spend some much needed quality time with Kelsie - I'm so excited! The sound of a five hour bus ride isn't too appealing, but the darlings that I'll get to see make it totally worth it.

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Little Things


I went out to the one of the greenhouses at work this morning, and look who was waiting for me! 

I've been stuck in front of a computer for at least six hours a shift for the past couple of weeks. It makes the day so long - the last two days I've come home from work with a killer headache. Every time that I get the chance to go outside, it's so incredibly refreshing! The air is so fresh and my body just soaks up the few minutes of sun. Seriously - the air quality alone is enough to bring a smile to my face... (Wait, what is it that plants do to the air again? Maybe it's more than just good clean air haha) The flowers are slowly blooming, and you can totally see daily changes in all of the plants. 

I went out this morning to take photos of all of the different pansy colours (hopefully I can share them with you soon!) and I noticed something move out of the corner of my eye. I stopped and watched and noticed a huge butterfly! I waited until he chose another flower and he let me get closer to take a snapshot. It seriously made my day - the highlight of my morning.

Sometimes it's the little things.

Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Salmon Croquettes


Do you remember the company-worthy meal I mentioned yesterday? I bet you didn't think that I would really share the recipe, did you? But guess what... I'm sharing it today! 

These salmon cakes are perfect for spring! They'd pair nicely with a fresh spinach salad, a bowl of minestrone soup, or a grilled veggie sandwich. Actually... they would taste great with just about anything! If you made mini ones, they would be a lovely appetizer, too. Take a look:

Salmon Croquettes

2 large cans salmon (or sub fresh salmon, if you have it!)
1 egg
1/4 c greek yogurt
1/2 c panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
1 small onion, minced
Lg handful cilantro, chopped fine
garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste

Mash salmon with a fork and add remaining ingredients. Don't over mix. Shape into patties with your hands, making sure to have an even thickness throughout. Heat a pan over medium and drizzle with olive oil. Sauté patties until evenly browned on both sides. (Or, if you have the time, bake them at 350 degrees in a greased pan for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.) Enjoy!

I topped my croquettes with a spoonful of local cranberry cardamom chutney (I can't say that work without thinking of Schmidt from New Girl every time!) from the farmers' market and a sprig of cilantro. It was delish! If you aren't a big cilantro fan, you're crazy you can replace it in the recipe with parsley for a similar vibe, no biggie.


I paired the salmon cakes with turnip and baby carrots. I must say... I enjoyed it for supper, and for leftovers at lunch the next day. So good. It would be a great recipe to have up your sleeve - you can keep all of the ingredients on hand, except the cilantro. If you're all out of fresh herbs, sub green onions for the regular onion, or add finely minced celery to the mix. Whatever you have that will add a bit of freshness... you won't regret it.

Let me know if you try out the recipe! I'd love to hear if you liked it!

Happy Tuesday! 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...