2008-12-31

Wishing you the best in 2009!

Wishing you and yours all the very best in 2009!

2008_12_31_peace_on_earth

The code for this doodle and other doodles you can use on your blog can be found at Doodles.


2008-12-29

Links for Dec 29


2008-12-26

2008 doodles in review

Readers' choice


Brick wall day
[Originally published 2008-9-11]

2008_09_11_brick_wall




The plan vs reality - Murphy's Law edition
[Originally published 2008-10-11]
2008_10_11_plan_vs_reality_murphy



Out of sync
[Originally published 2008-2-4]
2008_02_04_out_of_sync




My faves
I surrender
[Originally published 2008-2-13]
2008_02_13_surrender


Updated: Motivation and happiness
[Originally published 2008-8-9]
2008_08_09_Motivation_and_Happiness_updated


The 80/20 rule
[Originally published 2008-9-24]

2008_09_24_the_80_20_rule


2008-12-23

Wishing you an amazing Christmas!

[Download the PDF for this Christmas Tree Maze.]

2008_12_23_christmas_tree_maze

The code for this doodle and other doodles you can use on your blog can be found at Doodles.


2008-12-20

The mom song - Everything a Mom says in a 24 hour period, set to the "William Tell Overature"

Favourite line:

If I've said it once, I've said at least a thousand times before that
You're too old to act this way
It must be your father's DNA

If you haven't yet heard The Mom Song by Anita Renfrow, you have to have a listen to either her version:



Or this Northlands version:

The Mom Song from Northland Video on Vimeo.


2008-12-19

The round-ups continue


2008-12-17

Round-up (or how did I get this far behind?)


2008-12-13

Rosettes (Wagon wheels)

Mmmmmmmm.....

2008_12_rosette

Equipment:
  • Rosette iron
  • candy thermometer
  • wide and shallow dish for holidng batter
  • paper towel (for cooked rosettes)

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 lb of shortening for frying to 365 degrees F
    (I substitute with 3"-4" of canola oil)
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1-3 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla (optional) or a drop of almond flavouring (optional)
  • optional: icing sugar for dusting finished product

Method:
  • Beat egg slightly
  • Add sugar and salt.
  • Add milk.
  • Add flour slowly, blending until smooth.
  • Optional: add vanilla or almond flavouring.

  • Heat shortening or about 3"-4" oil to 365 F (keep temperature constant -- measure with candy thermometer)
  • Heat Rosette iron in the oil for about 45 seconds.
  • Take the iron out of the oil and allow to cool for 1-2 seconds.
  • Dip the still hot iron into the batter. (No NOT let batter come over the top or the rosette will not come off of the iron easily!)
  • Immerse the batter coated iron into the hot oil and fry for 20 - 30 seconds, until light brown.
    (If the batter drops off into the oil, flip it over with tongs, to cook both sides evenly.)
  • Slip rosette off the iron and onto a paper towel. (You may need to use a wooden spoon to help the rosette off with a gentle push or tap.)
  • Allow to cool.
  • Optional: dust with icing sugar.

Makes 5 dozen.

According to this article, they can be frozen and served without thawing.

[Cross-posted at please remember these.]


2008-12-11

Links for Dec 11


2008-12-10

($ value of) technology vs time

Is it just me, or is it getting harder to feel like one is getting good value out of one's technology dollar?
2008_12_10_technology_vs_time

The code for this doodle and other doodles you can use on your blog can be found at Doodles.


2008-12-09

MLF&H: Double your shoe labels!

Double your shoe labels!Want to stretch your Mabel's Labels dollars?

  1. Cut your shoe labels in half vertically

    Double your shoe labels!

  2. Apply a "half moon" in each shoe. (Don't forget to cut the protective overlay in half too!)

    Double your shoe labels!

Pros:
  • twice as many shoe labels for the same price!
  • it helps children know when they've got the right shoe for the right foot! (When the full moon appears, they've got it right!

    Double your shoe labels!

Cons:
  • It is time consuming to cut half-sized labels and their protective covers.
  • The adorable icon is harder to see.
  • You buy fewer shoe labels which means I earn less commission! (Booooooo.)


2008-12-04

C&C: December 4

Congratulations

  • To Dani, for exceding her goal and losing 23 pounds in 15 weeks! (Click through to see a photo of 23 pounds of butter.)
  • To Andrea, for making her way in the insulin pump program!
  • To Moreena, who posted beautiful photos of post-transplant Annika and Frankie.
  • To Moxie, for realising her fantasy life post-divorce.
  • To Mel, for her published book!

Commiserations
  • Thinking of Nadine, who's struggling with a baby who isn't sleeping well.


Leave a comment to tell us about your congratulations and / or commiserations.


2008-12-01

50% off select Mabel's Labels items! (Sale ends Dec 3rd at midnight.)

Items on sale include:

Shop Now!
Because the sale ends December 3rd at midnight.

While supplies last. Check out Mabel's sale website for details.