Dream Halloween Costume

THIS is my dream costume for halloween:

I'm such a ham.

Halloween Costumes for Two

You can go with the traditional Sonny and Cher, Antony and Cleopatra, Sid and Nancy, Plug and Socket (this list goes on and on), but if you are a part of a twosome this Hallow’s Eve, why not go for something quirky and different? Here are ten great ideas to ensure you have couples everywhere slapping their heads in the proverbial “why didn’t I think of that” gesture.

1. Jay-Z and Pregnant Beyonce – Pick your favorite looks from the reigning King and Queen of music. Double points if you add the baby bump and wear anything from House of Dereon.

2. Boris and Natasha – From Rocky and Bullwinkle!

3. Go as each other – This idea only works when you attend a party with mutual friends who get the joke, but it just requires switching wardrobes and adopting your significant others’ charming mannerisms.

4. A pair of blue jeans - You both just need all blue attire and name tags that say “Gene” and “Jean” respectively. Inexpensive, clever and perfect for the guy who isn’t into costumes.

5. Lady Gaga and Jo Calderone - Great for the girl who wanted to do this look solo, great for the guy who just wants to dress like Danny Zuko.

6. Jake Ryan and Sam Baker – 16 Candles anyone? A letterman’s jacket and an awful 80′s bridesmaid’s dress is all you need to make this throwback costume golden!

7. Quailman and Patty Mayonnaise – Everyone’s favorite cartoon duo brought back to life! Pink polka dots for her and underwear on the outside of the khakis for him. For you third wheel friend, Skeeter Valentine is a great addition. Awwww.. love the show Doug.

8. Double Rainbow – The YouTube sensation comes to life when you construct two rainbow costumes. One smaller so one person can crouch down to make the perfect photo op.

9. Carmen Sandiego and a Globe (or map) – Won’t take a gumshoe to figure out that this idea is pretty great. Or she looks pretty good with Waldo too.

10. Jack and Sally – From Tim Burton’s most successful animated film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. This one is for real Halloween enthusiasts because it involves make-up and pretty specific attire.

You can also add “Zombie” in front of any and all couple costume ideas (much like adding “in bed” at the end of any cookie fortune) and it totally works. Zombie Ken and Barbie, Zombie Romeo and Juliet, Zom-bee’s (Zombie Bee’s) are just a few of the endless possibilities.

Slow Down and Look Around

Today is Tuesday but it feels like Monday. I'm tired. Restless. A usual feeling that I get every 6 months or so. The "now what should I work on" feeling. My only goal for today is to make it through the day and drink lots of water. Also, I need to get my car insurance figured out. I called my supplier and I need to go home and check somethings over before I can get a discounted rate. So right now I have expensive rate. Very expensive rate. Oh well, it is what it is. I have a car right now and that's good. It's also insure and that's even better. I just want to drive it all the time because I feel so independent. My car. My life. Where can I go, what can I do? Who can I see.

I need something to work on. I'm winning at everything right now except for work. I've been working hard but my heart isn't in it. I've been applying for jobs but somethings just aren't what I'm looking for. I guess, I need to outline what it is that I am looking for and go with that. There was an intriguing job at a publishing company that sounds right up my alley but the thing is, I don't really like the hours. Yes, I know.. picky picky. But... it's my job and my life and it's not that interesting that I'd give up my weekends. We'll see. I might still apply for it. There is a lot of remote work that I can do, I just don't know how much "being stuck to the computer" there would be. Mind you, when I look on the website it says this:

Hours

Wednesday from noon - 4pm

Open First Thursdays from 4-9pm

other days by appointment

It's working with a well to do magazine publishing company. We will see, I will try... can't hurt, right? It's still downtown too.

I also would like a trip to plan, but I don't want to start doing that until January. It feel like there is a lot up in the air. I'm kind of waiting on this thing and that. Lots of things just slowly getting established and I don't want to disturb the balance.

I went for a run yesterday, my ankles and knees have been feeling better for a while. Today, I am sore. It feels good but bad. I feel like I worked out muscles I haven't worked out in months. In a way, I'm a little embarrassed with myself. It felt good to run and I don't know how many more running days there will be. I should be a little more disciplined and do yoga at home rather than spending the money on going to a studio. Just the studio keeps me active and motivated. When I go yoga at home I only do a half ass job and then I eat chocolate chips in between poses. Not the proper yogi way.

I hate to complain about this but I'm really dreading winter. I'm not sure why... I guess it just seems too long and dead. My life is going well, aside from work, and I'm happy. Summer was dreamy and so enjoyable. Everyone tends to hibernate in winter and I don't like that. I'm curious what I'm going to do this winter. Will I be as active as I have been in previous year? I like being around active people but it kind of feels like I'm running out of ideas. Yesterday I went to Tubby Dog and tried to play Ping ball and the game was gone. All they had was Ms. Pacman and Frogger. My skills were judged for sure. The hot dogs aren't the same there either, I'm pretty sure they'd kill me for saying this but... Ikea hot dogs are better. And cheaper.

I guess my game plan for this week is:

-clean out my closet and get rid of the stuff I don't wear

-do a little yoga

-figure out activities for the winter

-work on my resume

-Spend time with my lovelies

-figure out a game plan for the car

I've also been waking up at 3AM for a few hours and then falling back asleep. Not sure what's going on there but I'd like that to stop. I think I might also look for a black-out curtain or something. The building next to me changed their security light so it shines a bright, bright light into my bedroom. My curtains are light so it does a really good job of magnifying the light. I think I might have to use my creative brain for this one. Or just hang a blanket over it. I don't know...

I've also been mastering a huge crush this month. That's difficult. My last relationship was such a rush-into-things kind of thing that it's weird to be moving at a natural pace. We have just started peeling back the layers of our past over the last week. Little by little I am telling him who I am. He doesn't even blink. I think the thing that took him by surprise the most was telling him about my first relationship and how we were just the best of friends who held hands. 6 years of hand holding. Everything else doesn't phase him. I'm really enjoying how things are unfolding between us. Though I sometimes think I talk to much and ask too many questions.

So that's about it. Things are going well, this week. Aside from my man crush, all my favorite boys are out of town in various areas. *sigh. I am happy to have a few of my GF's to talk to. Even a few of them are away though, but they'll be coming back soon. This is my time to regroup and get things in order for the next wave of fun.

On Thursday I am jamming with the old "new band". I've learnt all my songs and am ready. I call it Peanut Butter Jam Time. It's been so long since I've made music with other people, I am stoked! I also can't wait to get my new guitar. I am sick of playing on guitar #2, the hand me down that I restrung over the summer. It sounds better than my first guitar but it's still not great. Next big purchase. I also need to get my Dad's birthday set up and also Christmas List happening.

The year is finishing off soon. Who knows what tomorrow brings!

Hug in a Cup

There isn't much that is on par with a hug...

Except maybe this.

roasted tomato soup with broiled cheddar

Becoming Ginger

Last night, I took the plung... I said farwell to summer and my lovely blonde highlights (I loved it this time, my stylist did such a good job) and hello to RED. Fire Engine RED.

what was I thinking!!

I haven't taken a decent picture of myself  but I can tell you exactly the color it turned out to be:

It's red. And I cut it so it's about this length too.

OK, that one picture, the one of me... it looks really red. haha. Ohmy!

This is a big date week as well so I will put the boys to the test! If they don't like me because I now have ginger hair then I don't like them either!

XOX

PS: Apparently it makes my eyes look REALLY green. OoOooOo...

October

October is my favorite month. Perhaps favorite it the wrong word because I don't find myself sitting around all year pining away for October to come around. I don't sing songs or dream about October and I would not name my first born child October either. Actually, the hippy in me says that might be a better name then my original idea of "Tangerine" (Tange for short)- true story. You can thank-- actually I don't really know who you can thank about that. I think I came up with that all on my own without the inspiration of anything. Anyway, not the purpose of this post.

October often seems to be the month where everything comes together. Loose strings from the summer tie them selves up into a neat little package ready for the cold winter months. Lessons learnt are harvested and stored away to be used later on. Everything just has a way of working out, in October. If I didn't know better I might almost say that there was a type of magic in the air.

Perhaps there really is a Great Pumpkin?

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

Does October hold something special for you?
Obviously aside from Halloween and Canadian Thanksgiving.

On This Harvest Moon

the moon is climing high

Last night was a Harvest Moon. Actually a super Harvest Moon. What that means is the full moon, the harvest moon of September, falls exactly on the Autumnal Equinox. It doesn't happen very often, maybe once every 15 years.

It's called a Harvest Moon because of the extra light it used to give the farmers at the time of harvest. Almost like borrowed day light. Hanging low in the sky, often expelling a warm glow. It appears to our eyes larger than life but that is all part of an illusion. It's a stunning site which just adds to the settled romance of autumn.

Come a little bit closer

Hear what I have to say

Just like children sleepin'

We could dream this night away.

But there's a full moon risin'

Let's go dancin' in the light

We know where the music's playin'

Let's go out and feel the night.

When we were strangers

I watched you from afar

When we were lovers

I loved you with all my heart.

But now it's gettin' late

And the moon is climbin' high

I want to celebrate

See it shinin' in your eye.

Because I'm still in love with you

I want to see you dance again

Because I'm still in love with you

On this harvest moon.

-Harvest Moon by Neil Young

 

The Country Fair

As the end of summer nears the harvests begin. This weekend at Heritage Park they are having their Harvest Sale which include truckloads of fresh foods at turn of the century prices. Along with that we start to see the harvest moon along the horizon looking swollen and red. Farmers markets, transient produce sellers and the country fair are bulging at the seams with all the delights. Get your turkey, chicken and all the fixin's. Corn, peaches and fresh baked pie. Tart Raspberries, wild strawberries and Saskatoon Berry Jam. Buy it all while munching on Kettle Popped Corn, Soft Pretzels, Candy Apples and Doughnuts.

Indulge in a little end-of-summer nostalgia of your own.

Candy Apples

Ingredients:

12 red-skinned apples

3 cups (750 mL) granulated sugar

½ cup (125 mL) light corn syrup

1 cup (250 mL) water

12 Popsicle sticks

Directions:

1.Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Ensure the apples are crisp and unblemished. Remove the stems, and insert a Popsicle stick into each stem spot until secure. Place apples on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2.Add the sugar, corn syrup, and water to a large saucepan set over medium heat. Set a wooden spoon, a glass of water, a pastry brush, and a candy thermometer beside the stove.

3.Use the wooden spoon to stir the mixture until it boils. Attach the candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Dip the pastry brush in the glass of water and brush down the sides of the saucepan to prevent sugar crystals from forming. Continue to cook the mixture, without stirring, over medium heat. When the mixture reaches 300°f (150°c), immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.

4.Working quickly and carefully, twirl each apple until well coated with the hot candy. Transfer to the baking sheet to cool.

5.Place on a decorative platter or individually wrap each apple in cellophane and tie with a ribbon. The apples will keep for 3 days.

Tip: Local red-skinned apples suitable for making candy apples include McIntosh, Ida Red, Cortland, Red Delicious, Empire and Gala.

Serves 12.

Soft Pretzels

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups (375 mL) water, heated to 110°f (43°c)

1 Tbsp (15 mL) granulated sugar

2 tsp (10 mL) fine sea salt

1 Tbsp (15 mL) active dry yeast

4 ½ cups (1.125 L) all-purpose flour

2 Tbsp (30 mL) unsalted butter

1 Tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil

½ cup (125 mL) baking soda

1 egg yolk

1 Tbsp (15 mL) water

¼ cup (60 mL) kosher salt

Directions:

1.Combine the warm water, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Sprinkle the yeast on top. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, until it begins to foam. Add the flour and butter. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Mix on medium for 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and comes together into a ball.

2.Grease a large, clean bowl with oil. Place the dough into the bowl, turning it to ensure it is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm spot for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

3.Preheat the oven to 425°f (220°c). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

4.Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the baking soda. While the water is heating, remove the dough from the bowl. Cut into 16 equal wedges. Roll each piece of dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) rope. Make a “U” shape with the rope. Cross the ends over each other and press together at the bottom of the “U” to form a pretzel shape. Transfer the pretzels to the baking sheet.

5.Add the pretzels, one at a time, to the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove the pretzels from the water, and return them to the baking sheet.

6.Beat together the egg yolk and water. Brush each pretzel with the egg wash. Generously sprinkle each pretzel with the kosher salt. Bake for 15 minutes or until the pretzels are dark golden brown and smell amazing.

7.Cool for 5 minutes on a rack. Serve warm with honey mustard sauce.

Serves 16.

Tip: These pretzels are at their best the day they are made.

Jam Doughnuts

Ingredients:

2 ¼ tsp (11 mL) active dry yeast

1 tsp + ¼ cup (5 mL + 60 mL) granulated sugar, divided

½ cup (125 mL) water, heated to 110°f (43°c)

½ cup (125 mL) milk

¼ cup (60 mL) unsalted butter

1 tsp (5 mL) fine sea salt

2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour

1 large egg

½ cup (125 mL) homemade fruit jam

Vegetable oil, for frying

1 cup (250 mL) icing sugar

Directions:

1.Soak the yeast and the 1 tsp (5 mL) sugar in the warm water for 10 minutes in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.

2.Heat the milk in a small saucepan until bubbles form around the edges. Remove from the heat. Add the butter, the ¼ cup (60 mL) sugar, and salt, stirring until the butter melts. Cool the mixture until it is lukewarm. Add the milk mixture to the risen yeast. Add the flour and the egg. Mix the dough for 5 minutes on medium speed.

3.Scrape the dough into a mound. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let rise 2 hours in a warm, draft-free spot.

4.Punch the dough down, attach the dough hook to the stand mixer, and knead for 5 minutes at medium speed. Roll the dough out to a ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness. Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. (The dough is very soft; this step makes the dough easier to handle.) Cut out circles with a 2½-inch (6 cm) round cutter and let stand another 5 minutes.

5.Place 1 heaping tsp (7 mL) of jam in the centre of half of the rounds. With a wet finger, moisten the edges around the jam. Top with the remaining rounds and seal the edges firmly. Let the doughnuts rise, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

6.Pour 3 inches (8 cm) of oil into a medium-large saucepan and heat to 350°f (180°c). Carefully place no more than 2 or 3 doughnuts into the oil at one time. As they rise to the top of the oil and turn dark golden brown, turn them over. Each side will take about 3 minutes. Remove the doughnuts from the oil and drain on a plate lined with paper towel. Before adding more doughnuts to the oil, make sure the oil has returned to 350°f (180°c). Continue cooking in batches.

7.After the doughnuts have been fried, let them cool for 10 minutes.

8.Using a fine sieve, dust both sides of the doughnuts with icing sugar before enjoying.

Serves 12.

Tip: We like using bumble berry jam in this recipe, but any jam will work well in these doughnuts as long as it is quite thick.

Excerpts from The Harrow Fair Cookbook by Moira Sanders, Lori Elstone and Beth Goslin Maloney. Copyright © 2010 by authors. Excerpted by permission of Whitecap Books Ltd.. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

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The Dawn Of The October Long Weekend

Wasn't it just Friday LAST WEEK? I think as a result of being a sickie my days got lost behind the medication and naps... today only feels like Tuesday to me NOT Friday and especially not a Friday before a 3 day weekend.


The leaves have started to fall and being that my parents live in an older, well treed area of the city it has become a tradition for Laura and I to rake the leaves on Thanksgiving Monday before dinner. Usually it takes all day and generates about 18 giant garbage bags (which we bring for recycle of course). We listen to music (Folk Music, Fleetwood Mac or something else that seems fitting for October) and jump in the piles before packing it in. This year however the snow has come early and my mum (being my mum) doesn't want me playing in the cold with my cooties. I told her, this being Calgary the weather might change and we still might be able to do it. My parents are getting older and a 30 year old Poplar tree generates too many leaves for people who should have retired 10 years ago. Besides, I want to rake the leaves.


If the leaves don't get raked then I have appointed myself the official veggie cooker. My mum can deal with the Turkey and the stuffing... I don't want to mess with meat but veggies I can do and I can do them all. My mum usually only has time to throw a little butter on the carrots, a bit of butter and cream in the mashed potatoes and brown some pine nuts for the green beans. I on the other hand don't have to worry about the Turkey. I can go in and spend the time to make a red wine reduction sauce, create an appetizer of baked acorn squash stuffed with brown rice and mushrooms... bake scalloped potato's in butter and cheese. Mmmm...

and then I'll do the dishes.


I love Thanksgiving, it's like Christmas but with out the pressure. It's about two of my favorite things... Family and Food.