Pinch a Penny

Penny's are no longer. Prices have been rounded up and down to the closest five cent. The production of the once copper pieces are now a part of Canadian history.

So what do we do with all those pennies now? Well, you can roll them and cash them in at the bank. Or you can do the following DIY projects I found on line:


A Penny for Your Thoughts


What do you think? I love the idea of a penny flour, I love the warm color of the copper and the durability factor.

Leave it Hanging

This is really smart and takes the thought out of deciding how to hang your pictures.

DIY Clothes Pillows

It's the new year (in case you forgot) and I am pretty sure you have been doing some kind of changing. Maybe you've been cleaning out the fridge? Emptying out the garbage in the bathroom? Going through your closet and getting rid of everything that you wore in high school but couldn't bring yourself to toss?

Well, if you are doing that STOP RIGHT NOW. Don't toss! You can make pillows!

It's THIS easy! Fact! so don't toss that old bridesmaid dress, make it into a trendy cushion and put your seat on it!

I like the concert tee's being used in the photo above.

Space for Space

I came across these rooms....

I love them all, espeically the space room. No... all of them, and the space room. 

I can't wait to have my own place one day to be creative.

Salt and Pepper 'Bots

how do we not all have these?

Salt and Pepper 'bots = awesome sauce!

Edible Place Cards: delicious and pretty

I am planning a party. I have been living in my little condo for almost 5 years and I have yet to have a party. First reason was, my roommate didn't want one. Then when he moved out, I just never got around to it.

Well, now I'm trying to get around to it. I'm looking for inspiration. I am a creative, happy to home-make kind of girl. I put lots of effort into the things I do because I want people to feel special; appreciated. As I get older and busier, I don't always have 2 months to give to planning and creating so easy is what I like. 

That is what is so special about this find for Edible Place Cards:

Remember that old Betty Crocker jingle inviting consumers to “bake someone happy”? Well, your guests are guaranteed to approach your next breakfast, brunch or lunch party with big smiles on their faces when they encounter their names emblazoned in ... dough.

To make the kind of edible place card shown here, simply insert some basic choux dough (the light pastry dough used to make profiteroles, beignets and eclairs) into a pastry bag, pipe out the names of each guest in script and bake them all on a non-stick pan for no more than 10 minutes. (Take the nameplates out of the oven when they’re golden, not brown.)

After letting them cool – you can bake them the night before – set them on each plate as you would a place holder. Guests, at the risk of spoiling their appetites, may be tempted to take a bite immediately; the pastry can also saved for dipping into après-meal coffee or espresso. 

Amazing! I love it!

Health Care in Canada

Canadians are paying into one of the world’s most expensive healthcare systems but aren’t getting full value for that investment, according to a new report from Morneau Shepell that suggests a major overhaul is needed. “The crux of the problem is that our system places too much emphasis on acute care and not enough on prevention,” says Fred Vettese, the company’s chief actuary and author of the Vision Report, Canada’s Health Care System – Time for an Intervention.

The report says Canada spends much more on its elderly than every other country except the U.S., but our elderly are no healthier than those in Europe or Japan. By 2031, the report says, nearly half of our healthcare resources will serve those aged 75 and over, even though they will represent only 1/9th of the population.

According to the report, failure to overhaul the current healthcare system and implement solutions designed to increase return on investment will result in a major increase in taxes or reduction in the quality of healthcare provided. It lists ‘possible fixes’ including:

• user-based funding, such as a $10 fee per doctor visit, to reduce the number of questionable consultations;
• health credits to make consumers price-sensitive without restricting access to services; and
• evidence-based medicine to help direct resources to the most effective treatments and improve overall efficiency.

read the full report HERE

As Canadians, what do you think about our Health Care system?

I Love My Grapefruit Knife

It's grapefruit season right now. Yum. I love grapefruit. I can remember waking up when I was about 5 with my dad and having breakfast with him. We would always share a grapefruit. One half for me the other half for him. He always used that funny little bent knife in the drawer to cut the juicy sections out and away from the dividing membrane. Then, at the end, after I was done eating it, he would take the empty cavity and squeeze the remaining juice into a glass. That was the best part.

As I got older I stopped getting up with my Dad for breakfast and we stopped eating grapefruit. It's almost as though we forgot that it existed. The funny little bent knife would sit in the drawer only used if there was nothing else left to cut with.

Then when I moved out I started buying grapefruit again. It was a childhood memory that brought me back to this zippy fruit and I would spend too long trying to cut the sections out with a paring knife and a teaspoon. So, one day, I made a point and walked into Willaims-Sonoma with only one thing in my mind. A Grapefruit knife. I found it right away, piled with all the other handy and common kitchen tools like basters, brushes, and garlic presses. It was awesome, double sided. One side had that familiar bent, double serrated knife (used to hug the curve of the fruit as you separate it from the outer edge) and the other end had short, serrated twin blades about 2mm apart (used to separate the sides of each section from the dividing membrane.). It was simple, it had a protective case and it was perfect.

It was a dream the first time I used it. Like a hot knife to butter it sliced through the rubbery sections like nothing I ever experienced. It was so amazing that I started to carry it around with me for those times when I would order grapefruit while out. That ended quickly though because I soon got sick of Grapefruit. I still loved the knife. I've used it on all citrus fruits and anything that needs to be cut away from the outer edge in order to be consumed. At the beginning of the new year I started buying grapefruits again and remember about my knife. I pulled it out from the drawer and removed it protective sleeve. The twin blades glinted in the light as I took a second to examine it. I loved this knife. With a combination of good quality and simplicity it appeals to ever aspect of what I look for in a kitchen tool. As I cut into my grapefruit last night I thought to myself that this knife has to be one of my favorite purchases ever. Seriously. It's up there with a teal dress I bought in Montreal, a journal I bought one summer while staying on one of the Gulf Islands in BC and it trumps the purchase of my new couch.

My grapefruit knife. I love it. I'll have it forever. Plus, every time I look at it, it reminds me of my Dad and those special mornings we shared over a Grapefruit.

Isn't she lovely? Though, I only cut pink or red Grapefruit with mine.  

Notes on Grapefruit borrowed from Food Purist:

• The grapefruit originates from South East Asia.

• The grapefruit gets its name because it grows in grapelike clusters in Texas, Florida, Arizona and California.

• There are two types of grapefruit: seedless & seeded. There are also two colors: white (which has more of a yellow flesh) and pink (yellow-pink to a ruby red). No matter what the variety, the grapefruit skin is yellow.

• The season for grapefruit depends on where the grapefruits are growing. In Arizona and California, the peak season is January to June, but in Florida and Texas, the season is October to June. The United States also imports grapefruits from other countries in the off-season. So, you can find grapefruit all year long.

• When choosing a grapefruit, choose one with a bright skin color, with no noticeable bruises. The grapefruit should be firm with a springy size. The heavier the grapefruit, the more juice contained within.

• Although you can store your grapefruit on the counter, the best place for the grapefruit, is in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Here the grapefruit can stay fresh up to 2 weeks!

• Grapefruits are a good source of Vitamin C, and the pink varieties have a lot of Vitamin A. They both contain Folic Acid and Calcium.Grapefruit Essential Oils are used in an alternative medicine therapy called aromatherapy. It is said that the fragrance is uplifting and the actual oil is claimed to be useful for acne, cellulite, digestion and fluid retention. For more information about essential oils, please contact your local naturopath, allopathic specialist or your holistic medicine specialist.

Adventures in Garage Sale Hosting

I have never seen a more color cordinated yard sale in my life

Today is Wednesday and I have the next 5 days off from work. Go me! I'm excited because this weekend is the garage sale I've been so diligently chaotically planning. I've know I was going to do this for months but I decided to leave it till this week to do anything about it. No big deal- being the obsessive compulsive perfectionist kind of person I am there is no doubt in my mind that things will come together in the end. Sure at the cost of a little lack of sleep but no biggie. The troops have been rounded up and so has the soon-to-be someone else's treasure. I'm just hoping that the weather participates (not to hot, not to cold and really... no rain please) but I'm not that worried about it. What will be will be and that is all I can expect. I just think it's going to be fun and whatever we don't sell will be donated so truly, it's just a really good cleanse.

The garage sale is going to be on Saturday August 21st between 9AM and 3PM in the SW area of the city (my parents place- I don't have a back yard living in a tree house in downtown Calgary). If you are interested in coming to shop our stuff (it's a multi family collection of things) then you know how to get a hold of me (Facebook, cell phone).

So, have you ever had a yard or garage sale? Was it a success or a fail? What are some of the things that you have found that work really well? What are some of the things that don't work at all?

I found this decent slideshow (where I borrowed the image from above) that gives way to lots of inspiration. Thank you Goodhouse Keeping for making life appear so effortless!

Spontaneity

sing it from the roof top

spon·ta·ne·i·ty (spŏn'tə-nē'ĭ-tē, -nā'-)

n., pl., -ties.

1. The quality or condition of being spontaneous.
2. Spontaneous behavior, impulse, or movement.

It was once I turned off the water after washing the dishes that I heard it. The sweet notes of an old familiar song came wafting through the open patio door. It wasn't a neighbours music turned up too loud or a bar down the way- it was a woman. Singing loud, strong and solo. She knew the words and her range well. I stopped and listened, enjoying the invisible show. Finding myself humming along I joined in softly at first then gradually matching her volume in a long distance duet. Within a few moments the we were joined by two other voices coming from a completely different direction down my street. Rough, male voices punched through the course each time we arrived at it grounding our sweetly feminine pitches.

When we finished there were soft applauds from scattered balconies, I peaked my head out the door to see if my street wise choir had shown themselves. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The smokers were smoking, the sock man was watering his plants and the hobos were napping in the last bit of evening sunlight.  

A moment of musical unity. Glee couldn't have done it better.

Spontaneity and Anonymity at its best.

The Natural Air Fresh Maker

In my humble, honest opinion... the people who live below me stink. Seriously. They smoke (strike #1) and they cook cabbage (strike # infinity). The worst part about the cabbage smell is it travels and once a week I catch a waft of it in this one tiny little section of my place. Gross.


I use to rebel with things like air freshener, candles, incense and a whole lot of complaining. Now I fight back with baking and cooking smells of my own. Today my weapon of choice was Banana Bread- Mmmmmmm...


Tonight my place smells just like a grandmothers house and it's comforting. My recipe usually yields 2 regular loafs but I decided that tonight would be perfect for mini loafs. I ended up with 3 loaves to give away, 1 to keep for myself and 2 of them I ate before they were fully cooled down. SO GOOD! I was a little concerned that my over ripe bananas which I keep tucked away in the freezer may have been in the freezer a bit too long (3 months) but they were perfect!

Here is the recipe:

Banana Bread a'La Blanche

I cup (250ml) of butter
2 cups (500ml) of granulated sugar
3 cups (750ml) of mashed ripe bananas (6 bananas)
4 Eggs, well beaten
2 1/2 cups (625ml) of flour
2 tsp (10ml) Baking Soda
1 tsp (5ml) of salt
1 tsp (5ml) of Nutmeg


Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add Bananas and eggs and beat until well mixed. Combine dry ingredients and blend with banana mixture, but DO NOT over mix (I usually put down the beater and take out my old wooden spoon and fold the dry ingredients in). Pour into 2 Lightly greased loaf pans or 6 mini loaf pans or a bunt pan. Bake 55 minutes (45 for the mini loafs- I usually tell by smell when they are done) to about 1 hour. Test for doneness (toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean) and cool on rack for 10 minutes before removing from pans.


Eat. Yum!



So this is my recipe for a natural and easy air freshener. Try it out for yourself!


I sometimes sprinkle things like nuts, chopped up banana chips or chocolate on top before baking to make them a little tastier and even prettier but tonight I didn't. I was just all about smell and ease.

picture borrowed from Google Images becasu I ate mine. Story of my life.

Old Fort

I come from the belief system that one is never too old to build and thoroughly enjoy a fort. When I was little I use to pull apart my family's fuzzy brown circa 1980's couch and build the best little sofa house ever! When looking to renovate I used extra cushions from the "good couch" in the living room and learnt that was a mistake though the spilt level was fun while it lasted.

Giant boxes are always a weak spot for me- I've made houses, boats (thought they do sink rather quickly despite what the guys at Mythbusters may have accomplished) and even a car that I use to take down the 2 flights of stairs, again, at my parents place. Good times were had by all- except my mum who would usually get raving mad over me either almost breaking my neck or destroying the carpet. Tisk tisk... naughty girl.

The last time I played "house" was about 6 months ago when I bought my kitchen table. It came in a giant box that was loads of fun to horse around in. Though it only lasted about 20 minutes- it was my moment of being a child again. Today, a good friend of mine sent me a link to something amazing and oh-so-grown-up.... The "Daily Shelter" by artist Ingrid Brandth

A kitchen table that converts into your fancy new "adult like" fort: "At first glance it looks like an ordinary table. But for the one who knows its secret, it can be transformed into a shelter where one can hide from scary sounds, ghosts or family members. Just like a snail feels safe in its house."

Sexy isn't it!

(thank you Calvin for the link!)

The Night Before 30

Tis the night before 30 and all through the house- don't worry, I won't get into that again. Tonight is the night before my birthday and like usual it feels just like any other day except I am REALLY tired. That could be just because I am getting old-er though. Okay, I don't believe that either but it's just a regular night of being tired.
I hung out with Laura tonight who also was very tired. She had brought her Jeep in for work and had a PT Cruiser as a courtesy car- we HAD to drive around and laugh so we went to Shoppers Drug mart. Didn't buy anything but we smelled a bunch of stuff and tried on a bunch of testers. Like usual, we were Blanche and Laura. Got home, made Grilled Cheese sandwiches and tomato soup because it's easy, we are both tired and it was getting "late".

OH YES, I totally forgot! Tonight I colored! With felt tip markers and all that good stuff. It was fun and very relaxing- I set Laura up to color while I cooked up some dinner (I really need to go grocery shopping. All I have are eggs, bread, milk, butter, soup and other odds and ends- i can make a lot with that but I need some fruit and veggies.). Little did I know until I checked myself in the mirror- i was missing an earring! My mind shot back to 20 minutes earlier when I had stuck my head out the passenger side door to check the car behind us as we parked. I heard a strange noise but I just brushed it off as slushy snow being crushed under the tire. As I stood in the kitchen thinking about my missing earring I started to think "That must have been when it fell off". Taking a Flashlight we retraced my steps back to the car parked in the street. I checked back and forth over the spot where I thought it had fallen, all I could find was snow, slush and a bit of trash. Shiny trash that looked like the foil from inside a pack of cigarettes. I look at it once and then looked at it twice- nothing. Then Laura looked at it once and twice- "that's IT!" she yelled and we laughed with delight. The piece of trash was actually my earring! it had fallen in a wrapper of some sort (I live downtown- even though everyone says Calgary is a clean city there still is a little trash here and there) and if it had not been for Laura I would have totally over looked it.

Giddy, we ran back upstairs to my place and Laura made me open my pre-birthday present. Damn her if it was a brand new guitar! Delighted, I unwrapped it and ran my hand down the body, it was smooth and had a nice, rich sound. Spoilt- that's what I felt was spoilt. And grateful.

So, with that sleepy story I am off to have a bath and read before going to sleep. Goodnight!

Testing The Dinner Party

I finally had the dinner party- well really it was more of a dinner "gathering" I had a few people over and made them dinner. It was a test to see how a full scale thing might go (ie: my birthday)- conclusion? I'm not ready...

I made this french vegetable soup that I love and that anyone can eat. I know too many people with crazy allergies to things like BUTTER (yes, you heard me right). Do you know how hard it is to cook french food with out butter or cream of any kind? It's pretty darn hard. But I do it the best that I can... I made the real stuff for me (Mmmm buttery, creamy yum for me). Served it with a nice hearty crusty bread and rich, young cheese. It was pretty good a side from my hyper critical opinion of anything I create for people. Oh and I didn't have enough bowls. I had to call my guests at the last minute and ask them to bring their own bowls (such a good hostess). If it had been any day other then New Years Day- a day when everything is shut- I would have gone out and purchased something down the street at Urban Barn.

Dessert was a last thought that actually turned out really well, I wanted to stick with the casual, rustic feel I had already created with my main. So I just chopped up a bunch of apples, threw in some Cinnamon and then sprinkled a crumble of sugar, flour and butter (no dairy spread for the allergic person) then baked it. I quickly threw together some whipping cream (I don't do Coolwhip or that junk in the can- ugh) and served it up warm from the oven.

Nothing too fussy, just some good old fashion food. it worked out well.

What I learnt though was:

• I need a bigger table
• I need bowls
• I want to replace the broken wine glass that John broke all those years ago (stupid Birks for discontinuing the pattern.)
• i need more chairs
• I also would like a little help.

I threw dinner together in an hour (including dessert) and the only reason why I think I achieved this was I am a mad woman with a knife. I guess it's scary for other people but I'm okay with it.

So yes, I would like to classify this as achieving #1 of my list (I must be kind to myself- I tried!)

Bread Winner

My friend Laura is moving and therefore is cleaning house which in turn means I get a free Bread Maker, Juicer and Food Gun (yes, a food gun! One of those things all of our Mum's had in the late 70's). I'm over joyed (except now I need to find room in my tiny little condo which is already obsessively compulsively organized)!


Yesterday I made bread for the first time in a machine. Usually it's a day long event involving gluey fingers, doughy counters, floured floors and lots of down time. I must admit that I was pretty skeptical that it would work out for me. I mean seriously folks, dump all the ingredient and press start? Since when is anything editable that easy? Or tasty? I did it though, I dumped my milk, flour, salt, sugar and yeast (I'm not going to make anything fancy on the first try) and pressed start. Peaking through the window I saw the little fin/blade thing attempting to mix everything together. I scoffed at it and went to go do something else. A little later the sound of pounding reached my ears, I rushed to the kitchen only to see the little bread machine attempting to kneed the dough. Worried it was going to kneed it's self right off the counter I pushed it back against the wall and left the room again.


I forgot about it for a good few hours. It wasn't until the smell of fresh bread met my nose did I remember that I was making bread! *BING!* went my little machine and I thought "Well, it must be ready... I wonder how bad this is going to be."


Pulling out the pan and tipping it over BOY was surprised when my machine birthed a golden, crusty perfectly PERFECT loaf of bread! Cutting it I sampled my first piece. SO GOOD! No clean up- I could not get over how easy that was! I ate the whole loaf within 6 hours. My next bread adventure will be to make some bird seed bread (as noted in my list of 30 things to do before I turn 30).

What Could Have Been

I was perusing through a site I found on line for the Calgary Heritage Society which I find rather interesting. I have a certain misplaced nostalgia for things old and full of character, though never much of a world history buff I enjoy things of local interest.



It was there that I found this picture:The source that I borrowed the photo from noted this, "Found this in an old clipping file at the downtown Library. From April 1969, a 207 suite apartment approved for a site on 14th Avenue east of 4th Street SW. Never built. "

No Kidding it wasn't built- that basically is where I live now (give or take a block and an avenue) and there isn't anything that architecturally interesting to be seen miles around. What could have been and was are always interesting to me.

Plus, I'm not sure if you can read the fine print right now but the rent for the 2 bedroom penthouse is $185 a month. That is correct, if you wanted to rent a penthouse in a new building in the area that I live in now you are starting at $3500 a month not including utilities- oh yes, and condo fees.

photo borrowed via Calgary Heritage Society

Playing House

There are nights as I wander off to bed ensuring that the lights are turned off and the doors are locked that I honestly feel as though I am lucky to have what I have. I still feel as though I am 8 years old decorating my cardboard box, making a bed for my stuffed bunny Sofia to sleep next to me.

It seems as though I am playing house.

Now though, Sofia has been put away safely in a box of her own and if it were to rain my house will not go soggy- it's that same feeling though. That same thrill of excitement of knowing that I am on my own. I like to pay my bills (truth). I like to do the dishes and make things in my slow cooker because that's what adults do. Will this ever grow old and grow up? I know I'll grow old but will I grow up?

I look forward to the day that I will live with someone again. Not a roommate (no offence Steve, you were an amazing roommate!), but a lover.

Hopefully they will share the same twinge of excitement I have for paying the electrical bill.

Oh! And they won't wear short shorts with white socks and loafers while cooking me breakfast.

Image Borrowed from Google Images

The People Across The Way

There is an apartment across the way that houses 4 cats and a young couple. I image that the cats are the woman's and the guy just became step daddy to them. They are in their mid 30's with a certain bohemian air to them. They spend lazy afternoons lofting on their west facing balcony as 3 of the 4 cats gracefully walk along the railing. I'm always so impressed by this, first because they can balance so well and second "mum" doesn't flip out. She must still believe that cats have 9 lives and always land on their feet.

This couple exudes a earthy charm with their longish hair and bare feet. They drink their beer out of the bottle and even from here I can see that they love each other very much. I like that. I'm not a gushy, mushy kind of girl... but I like affection. I like to see people walking down the street holding hand. A kiss goodbye and even a private make-out in a dim doorway along 17 ave. It doesn't have to be dirty but I just like seeing people in love. I feel good seeing other people in that glow- though I must admit people in Walmart were a bit off tonight. Numerous amounts of couples were clinging to each other in almost every aisle I went up- as though they might loose them selves amongst the strange plastic smell.

Even now- he sits outside in the sunset reading his book. I can't see her- she somewhere in the apartment I guess. It reminds me of comfortable summer times much like that, sitting in the back garden with a book in hand, listening to the noises and enjoying the moment. Hearing footsteps shuffle across the hardwood floor and knowing that there was someone in there that loves me.

There is a certain completion that comes with being loved by another. Yes, of course I love myself deeply and relish the time that I spend by myself. But being able to go home and share that with a person is vital to being human. Relating and connecting...

I don't really know what I am trying to get at here, I just walked into the living with my book to read before bed and I caught a glimpse of the guy across the way book in hand. Inspiration and yearning came forward for me and so I decided to write about it. Just as simple as that.

That and I'm really not a creep- I enjoy all the people (as long as they stay remotely quiet past midnight) in my neighbourhood. It's one of the joys of living centrally. Plus I don't even need to own a car.

Green Party (not the political kind)

This post has nothing to do with the Political Green Party of Canada and a lot to do with just plain old parities- particularly children's birthday parties (which really, my only experience with those were when I was a child.)

I was reading my way through the newspaper this morning and came across an article about something called a Green Party that a young boy in Vancouver had. Having sent out invites to 20 of his closest friends he had made one special remark "Bring money, not toys". The money was to go to the charity of the birthday boys choice.

A month before the mother had sat down with her son to talk about his birthday- she had asked him if he really did think that he needed 20 more new toys and that a Green Giving Party might be a nice alternative. He agreed and already knew the charity that he wanted to contribute too, he picked Malaria No More, a charity dedicated to providing mosquito nets to families in Africa, where a million children die each year from malaria.

Everything was outline in the invites about the purpose of a Green Party and what the charity of choice was. The birthday boy was so into it that he even asked his relatives to follow the same gift giving guidelines and ended up donating over $250 to the cause. Another bonus of the party was cleanup was a snap- rather then having piles of plastic, bows and wrapping paper all they had left at the end of it was a handful of envelopes.

The trick to making this work is first and foremost ensuring that the child is on board. That they make the choices and it's not forced on them by a parent. I think this installs a healthy sense of empathy at an early age which is vital to existing in this world. It teaches the child as well that they have enough and live in abundance just the way things are.

Tips for Having a Green Giving Party:
The Giving Party
Have the birthday child choose a social cause and ask guests to bring a donation in lieu of gifts. Half the collected amount will be donated to a cause or organization chosen by the birthday child, while the other half is for him or her to choose a meaningful gift.

Invitations
Use the Internet and e-mail sites like http://www.evite.com/ or http://www.pingg.com/. If your child is more of a traditionalist, there are wonderful handmade papers embedded with seeds that can be planted after it's been used.

Goodie Bags
Consider one "thank you" item that will be remembered and used months or years to come.
Great ideas are practical items that parents appreciate such as stainless steel water bottles, books about nature and the environment, sketch books and pencil crayons for their stories and pictures.
Link:
Green Planet Parties

Tree House Envy

Over the last few days I have read a handful of posts revolving around lovely people and their lovely "tree houses". These "tree houses" are delicious backyard/condo patios draped in lovely lines, downing in fresh flowers and surrounded by a variety of tree's. Perfect spots for reading, writing, painting, sunning and drinking Sangria with others. I'll admit- I've been indulging in a little "tree house envy"- my "tree house" is more of a cinder block with AstroTurf (it's the first time AstroTurf has actually improved something.) for birds to poop on. OK- it's not that bad but it's north facing, second floor in the middle of downtown. It's great for people watching as long as my neighbours upstairs aren't renovating because if they are I usually get sawdust all over me and my indoor/outdoor carpet.

Because I rent I can't really do too much to change the area however I think I might still get a nice little bar high bistro table with chairs and add a planter of flowers. There is a plug out there as well so I could also hook up a simple little water fountain which actually might be nice.

So though I may not be able to have my "tree house" just yet I can have my little oasis in the city. My little haven from the rat race below me and perhaps make peace with some of the spiders.