Absolutely Beautiful Things

So, as you know, I have had a rough couple of weeks.  Through all of the miracles that have come out of our tragedies, I have come to think of all the other miracles the world has to offer us.  It is incredibly inspiring to think of all the beautiful things around us, if we just stop and take a look!

Bora Bora - one of the most beautiful islands in the world

The ever so beautiful Charles Bridge in Prague. To think it was all hand made!

Mountains, one of the most powerful things in the world...not created by human.

Goodness of good food.  Made by Earth.

Babies. You don't know how good they are until you have one!

Families are like a strong foundation. Without them, you do not have a base.

Love is beautiful and makes the world go round!

Danielle's Baked Kale Chips

If you haven't tried these, you are missing out!  It is impossible to pack more goodness, nutrients, crunch and flavour into every bite.  Don't be afraid of the fact that they are a) green b) healthy and c) vegetable - you would not know this unless I told you (well, besides the green part, can't do much about that!)

Danielle's Baked Kale Chips

Kale (leafs only, seperated from spine)

Olive oil

Salt

Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven to 350C. Toss the kale in a large bowl with a couple splashes of olive oil, a couple pinches of salt and a tasteful coating of parmesan cheese.  Do not overdo it as the kale already comes packed with delicious flavours that you don't want to disguise!
Spread the kale out on a cookie sheet and pop it in the oven for approximately 10 minutes (until it gets golden brown). Be sure to keep you eyes on it so you don't burn it at the end as kale takes to heat quite fast!

Enjoy!

Stella Bella Survives Coyote Attack!!!

To all my avid readers who are anxiously awaiting this post, Stella is recovering very well from the coyote attack and it won't be long before she is back to good, old self!  This whole tragedy turned miracle has really taken us for a spin but we are so incredibly happy and lucky to have our dog back!
The vet at Cambridge Animal Hospital described her situation as the "luckiest dog in the world" as there could have been a series in moments gone wrong -- but thankfully, they didn't. (i.e. coyote could have kept running and not have dropped her, he could have killed her on the first bite which is usually the case with these animals and small prey, ironically the bite marks were just surrounding her vital organs and if they were 1mm to the right or left, things would not have turned out as miraculously as they did). If you have any questions or want more details, please email me as I don't want to paint too much negativity into this happy, positive post!

Currently, Stella is in amazing spirits, a little sore but still able to throw in a game of fetch with her sister (our daughter), Maya!  She shows no signs (so far) of recollection of the tragic event and ready and willing to eat anything available to her. She is tougher than all of us!
We are SO lucky and really feel like Stella was given a new life!  Thank you to all our caring and supportive family and friends who have helped us get through this difficult time...it will not be forgotten :) xo

http://swo.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110205/Coyote2011-02-05/20110205/?hub=SWOHome

http://www.570news.com/news/local/article/179203--coyote-attacks-dog

Stella, Our Miracle Dog xoxo

Sorry I have not posted for the past few days.  An incident occured on Friday morning where a coyote attacked my little 5 lb chihuahua x yorkie, Stella, on our front porch in daylight in less than a minute.  Thankfully, the coyote dropped Stella from its mouth when my husband saw what happened and ran after it screaming. It is an incredible tragedy and Stella is still in emergency fighting for her life. 
Through all of the tears and pain, we are so thankful and lucky that Stella has survived this long and continues to be in amazing spirits given what she has been through.  She had a tremendous amount of damage caused by the attack and The Cambridge Animal Hospital has done an incredible job helping to get her back to good health.  We were able to take her home last night (only for the night) so that she felt closer to home and comfort.  We showered her with love and kisses and sat next to her all night listening to her whimper in pain and discomfort.  Today she is at the clinic for further assessment and monitoring so we are crossing our fingers she will make it through this being the tough terrier she is. We are very hopeful.
Sadly, this is not the first coyote attack or sighting in our neighbourhood.  Coyotes are swarming this neighbourhood and I hear them almost every night and see the drops of blood from a recent kill in our driveway.  It is incredibly painful to go through this and so uncomfortable to live in fear of walking out your front door because you never know if they are lurking.
I would like to ask everyone who reads this to please, please, please take all precautions against coyotes.  Keep all your dogs with you at all times, leashed and make lots of noise when going outside.  If they came to my front porch to attack my poor puppy, I beleive that anything can happen and it is important to watch your children at all times also.
It is my hope the Ministry of Natural Resources steps up and handles this situation by relocating the coyotes to non-residential areas before more attacks occur.
I would be happy and open to any comments or advice.

Danielle xo

Entertaining Tonight?

Tickle your guests' tastebuds with this mouth watering hot spinach dip!

Spinach Dip

1 pkg. (8oz) cream cheese

2c monterey jack cheese

1 pkg frozen spinach

2 tomatoes, chopped

1c onions, chopped

1/2c cream

1 tbsp jalapeno peppers, chopped (if desired)

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Pour into a baking dish and put into oven at 400C for 20 minutes and voila!

Kitchen of the Day

 Happy Friday! 

Today I am inspired by this kitchen...it is simply amazing. 

The blend of woods add warmth and depth to the kitchen

The blue adds a country feel and character

I am in love with this cabinet work.  The old world detailed carvings are incredible!

Fluff Those Feathers...

and get them ready for 2011!  Feathers are definitely becoming an elegant, feminine and flirty accessory to well...anything! 

Lustrous locks and volumizing feathers!  Such drama - I love it!

I simply ADORE this clutch - perfect for cocktail night.

Feather jewellery?  I sense a big trend around the corner.

These feather pillows are simply beautiful.  I love how they instantly soften up the room.

Feathers add romance and flirtiness to the table!

Oh so awesome.

Peacock feather shoes....a walking conversation piece. Brilliant.

Cerise to Inspire

Today I am inspired by Cerise as an accent colour to my decor scheme.  It's amazing how colour can transform the look and feel of a room.  When used properly (as it is easy to go overboard), cerise can really throw some energy, fun and life into the room! 

Totally Tea-Riffic!

So we all know how much I love tea and its goodness!  It's jam packed with antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients and other elements to help prevent many symptoms and diseases! There is no better way to dress up water! For those with kids, its a great alternative to water/juice/(pop - gasp!)

I came across a company from Sault St. Marie, Ontario called "Totally Tea-Riffic" that sells Premium Loose Leaf Teas online and ships them right to your door. 

If you want to act fast, they have a promotion today.  You pay $8 for $20 worth of their products! (link below)

http://www.dealticker.ca/af-gateway.php?af_id=MTIyNTJfMTI4OA==

Here is a sample of their teas:



Long Island Strawberry Green Tea

Sencha Kyoto Cherry Rose Green Tea

Hawaiian Colada Rooibos Tea

Bingo Blueberry Fruit Tea

Lavendar Herb Tea




Just one more reason to have that tea party!

Danielle's Bacon & Cheese Corn Chowder

What better way to eat on a cold winter's night?  This recipe is delicious, filling and satisfies all food groups!

Bacon & Cheese Corn Chowder

4 c of frozen  (or fresh) corn

2 onions

6-8 slices of bacon, chopped

2-3 stalks of celery, chopped

Approx 3c milk

Approx 1c whip cream

Approx 1c chicken stock

Approx. 1c shredded cheddar cheese (or any kind you like!)

2 tbsp cornmeal

parsley to garnish

salt and pepper to taste

Cook the bacon in a large soup pot until golden brown.  Add the onions and celery.  Saute until golden and the veggies soften.  Add the milk, cream and stock. Cook over medium heat for approx. 10 minutes.  Add the cornmeal and stir until the soup thickens. Add the corn and cook for another 10 minutes or so.  Stir in the cheese.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve!

The Ultimate Playdough Recipe

This one is a keeper and is sure to please both mom and child as it works out everytime!

Ultimate Playdough Recipe

1 c   white flour

1/4c salt

2 tsps cream of tartar

1 tbsp oil

1 cup water

2 tsps food colouring

In a medium pot, mix together white flour, salt and cream of tartar.  Add water, oil and food colouring. Stir over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken and form into a ball.  Remove from pot onto floured surface and knead.  Store in plastic bag or airtight containers.

*If you plan to make multiple colours, I would add the food colouring after the dough is cooked and ready to knead.

This recipe makes the Ultimate Playdough that lasts weeks!!!

Natural Insect Repellent

We are planning a trip to Costa Rica soon for a wedding and are bringing my one year old daughter!  Naturally, like any mother, I am thinking of all the many things to bring for her fun and safety!  As I try to avoid the use of all chemicals in my home as much as possible, I prefer to stay away from over the counter bug repellent's as most of them contain DEET (a toxic and potent chemical).

I started researching different ways to repel mosquitos naturally and came up with the following:

1.  Layer your clothing

2.  Apply crushed lemon thyme oil to your skin

3.  Eat lots of garlic!

4.  Apply lemon eucalyptus oil to your skin

5.  Buy bug repellent spray at your local natural health food store which usually contain only natural ingredients.

Tiny Tot Breakfast Ideas

Sometimes fun is everything...especially with kids!  Here are some breakfast ideas they will be sure to love!

1. Egg Face (what kid doesn't like another friend at the table!)

2.  Fruit Skewers (you can also add yogurt to dip!)

3.  Waffle Sandwich

4.  Fruit Parfait (layer yogurt, fruit, granola)

5.  Heart Shaped Pancakes

Naturally Fragrant Sachets

Herbs like lavendar, lilac, cinnamon, rosemary and balsam can keep your clothes and shoes smelling fresh and clean!  These easy to make sachets are great for keeping in your closet, drawers and shoes and the aroma lasts quite a while.

To make the sachet, simply cut a piece of linen into a rectangle (or any shape you desire).  Sew the ends together, leaving one end open.  Stuff your favorite herbs inside and tie the sachet closed with a ribbon and voila!  I also like to decorate mine with lace, ribbons, dried flowers, sequence etc as I leave them on my closet shelf and look at them everyday :)  Alternatively for those who are not sewers, you can simply purchase organza bags at your local store and easily stuff those as well!  

Built In Cappuccino Machine

Yes, that's right all my coffee lover friends!  One of the hottest trends in kitchen design for 2011 is the built-in cappuccino machine! 

Why didn't we think of this years ago?  A clean countertop, free of all small appliances makes your kitchen look bigger and fresher.  So why not build them right into your kitchen cabinets?

Simply brilliant.

Wallpaper Trends

How can something so simple say so much?  I was thinking the same thing.  Wallpaper is relatively easy to install and instantly adds a face lift to your room.