74. Give Blood

 We can thank my Dad for this one! I had told him with plenty of reservation that I would go with him next time he gave blood, little did I know that was only a few days away. So yesterday at 4:30 he came into my office and asked if I was ready to go give blood.. Tanya, I said to myself, get going, this is important and it's on the list!

So off we went to the High School Gym, my Dad being the ever eager donor had an appointment and was taken in right away. No problem.. I would meet him inside, after a registration, a quick run down of what was going to happen, and I first timer sticker, I was in.

My Dad with his extensive knowledge told me what would happen next and once that was done, answer the questions as quick as possible to "jump ahead" not an easy task for a first-timer. I got up to the first station, to check my iron and register on the computer system and sign a form. The set up is incredibly efficient.. props to the Winnipeg Blood Donor Clinic! We did however, had a mix up with my birth date, once that was sorted out.. it was the finger prick, my iron was too low... now I'm thinking am I going to be refused, no worries, they'll just try again... good to go!

Off to the next station... questionaire, right.. mark fast to jump ahead, I tried I really did, I may have jumped over one person, more likely I was probably jumped over, but as I'm sitting there waiting for the next station (the personal questions station), I realize I was in such a hurry to jump over donors, I hadn't read the instructions properly, I was suppose to colour in the boxes not check mark them, so here's my dilemma, I could go back and fill them in, but the lady already has my card in slot waiting for my turn. I'm up, into the personal questions station.. easy peasy, blood pressure a wee bit high, but I was nervous and for a first timer.. she said it was pretty normal.

Off to the chair, phew.. starting to sweat. They get me set up -- tipped back further than most, because I'm a first timer, with things taped to my arm and a girl comes over with a dozen of those blood bags, now being a first timer, I had to ask... "Am I suppose to fill ALL those bags?" NO no.. just one. Phew, pulse regulating. So, as the RN is finding my vein, she's telling me to make a fist, ok, the tubes are wrapped around my thumb, so it wasn't very tight, she goes and gets a stress ball, we sort out the tubes and I start pulsing the stress ball.. perfect, veins are out in full force! So, it's time, she pulls out the needle and I'm thinking.. that has to go in my arm? Holy crow! Again a tight fist.

So in goes the needle, now they kept telling me if I feel any change in how I feel I should let them know, now between you and me, I had my fist squeezed so tight, it fell asleep. As they're taking the vials of blood to test, I'm thinking is this normal.. maybe I should ask, of course I did not, and my hand finally came around. "So, how long does this usually take, I mean how long before I've filled a bag?" Nurse says.. "Well anywhere from five to 15 minutes, but probably, closer to 15 since you're a first timer". Ok, relax Tanya, I'm thinking.. this will take a while. The vials are full, and she leaves for a few minutes and comes back tells me I'm done...

Conversation that ensues
Nurse 1: "Ok, wow you're done"
Me: "Pardon? I'm finished already"
Nurse 1: "Yes, four minutes, 20 seconds. That's incredible. Are you feeling ok?"
Me: "Yup"
Nurse 2: "You're done already, are you feeling ok?"
Me: "Yup"
Nurse 2: "You better stick around for a bit longer"
Me: "ok"
Nurse 3: "You're finished, wow, that was fast, are you feeling ok?"
Me: "Yup"
Nurse 3: "Ok, please make sure you eat and drink, you sure you're not feeling light-headed or dizzy?"
Me: "Nope, I'm good, thanks"

Now my only explanation for the championship blood, is nerves. That blood was definitely coursing through my veins last night, I was nervous! It really wasn't nearly as traumatic as I thought it would be, and we should all do our part and give a pint! I'll be doing it again for sure! My goal is to beat my record!

As a little side note.. I beat my Dad's pint of blood by two minutes!
I wouldn't have done it without him, he's very convincing! Thanks Dad, I'm glad I went!

78. Cook my way through an entire magazine/cookbook

Makeover Rosemary Muffins
January edition of Healthy Cooking Magazine.

 

Oooh, I've been waiting for that one recipe that I want to devour from this magazine. Healthy always ins't the tastiest choice, but these muffins are by far the BEST recipe so far.

I gave some of these savoury little morsels away to the family and I can say there is a chance the next time I make these, I will be keeping these to myself. They are delicious!

The recipe is below

Makeover Rosemary Muffins

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) reduced-fat plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped Greek olives
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In another bowl, combine the eggs, yogurt, milk, oil and mustard. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the cheese, olives and rosemary.
• Coat muffin cups with cooking spray; fill three-fourths full with batter. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in muffin comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm. Yield: 1 dozen.

29. Cook for my Grandmas monthly for a year

Tuesday,  March 29 (Yes, I know.. cutting it close!) Grandma Del and I headed over to Grandma Peg's home for our monthly dinner.

I was going to test out a  brand spankin' new recipe, I searched and searched, and had a few chosen, but decided last minute to go with a tried and true recipe... it doesn't have a name or let's call it Beef Tomato Casserole, I've made it a bunch of times and always love it. We added some brocolli and corn to round out our dinner.

I forgot my camera so I couldn't take a picture of our dinner, but I did catch a pic of the leftover casserole. I always leave some leftovers for my Grandmas, but they insisted I take some too.

I love these dinners, I've learned so many things about my family that I had no idea about prior to this. This is probably the best item on my list, the memories that we are making are priceless and I wouldn't trade this "task" for anything.

April's dinner... Grandma Del's with Shore Lunch Chicken Noodle Soup, It's already decided!

Beef Tomato Casserole
1lb. Ground Beef
1.5 cups instant rice
1.5 cups water
2 Medium Tomatoes chopped
1 package onion soup mix
1 tomato, sliced
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Brown ground beef in a skillet, add next four ingredients, mix and bring just to a boil. Remove and cover tightly with foil, bake in 350º oven for 25 - 30 minutes, until water is absorbed. Remove foil top with sliced tomatoes and sprinkle with cheese, bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted, serve.

11. Read 50 Books

The Spellmans Strike Again
by Lisa Lutz

summary

Izzy has finally agreed to take over Spellman Inc., not without strict contracts and stipulations. Her first order of business take down the competition, not without a few deceptions on, said competitions part. A missing-person case at the home of an aging millionaire, adds to the mix, enter Izzy's friend Len, who infiltrates the mansion as an undercover butler, Len practices his method acting and will not break character for anything, driving his partner Christopher to the brink.

Blackmail further complicates Izzy's life -- date 2 professionals per month to keep her Mother at bay, not something that her current boyfriend finds too amusing. Add to this, calls from the edge, Rae's unrelenting pro-bono work, missing fixtures and daily rules at the Spellman office and you've got  the funniest book in the series.

I absolutely recommend this series, I still couldn't put them down!

SPOILER ALERT!

I  had to include this in my blog, I had a fit of giggles reading this... too funny. Now it could be because I have read the entire series that I find this hilarious.. but I'll risk it anyways.

A bit of background for you...

Len:  San Francisco born and bred, actor, Black and gorgeous (as if you could question this.. hehe), Christopher:  British, partner to Len, Black and gorgeous (again.. as if you could question this!)

Izzy from time to time hires her friends Len and Christopher to help with cases, mostly her jobs include stereotypical work as thugs. Not this time, Len, between acting gigs, is hired to play the role of butler to an aging millionaire, a role Len takes a little too seriously, driving Christopher to his breaking point. Christopher asks Izzy to take Len off the case or serious consequences will ensue. You see Len will not break character, to make his role more believable he adopts a british accent. Christopher, Len's brithish boyfriend strugglin with both this unending role and his new accent, asks Izzy for advice.. her advice... a dose of his own medicine

Here is a tidbit from the book... A dose of his own medicine...

   That evening, Christopher phoned me and said that he had collected some fingerprint samples from Mason's room. I decided to drop by their loft and see how my Method actor and his partner were doing. I'm afraid I have to report that things had taken a turn for the worse.
   Just a quick refresher: Christopher is British; Len (AKA mr. Lenonard) is San Francisco born and bred.
   This is how Christopher answered the door: "Yo, Izz, where ya been?"
   While his accent wasn't perfect, it resembled Baltimore slang a la HBO's The Wire, Len and Christopher's favourite show. However, if I missed the point with the accent, Christopher's puff jacket, saggy jeans and do-rag cleared it up for me.
   "Uh-oh," I said.
   "Yo, make yourself comfortable."
   "Where's Len?" I asked nervously.
   "The mother f*cker's makin' tea or something. You feelin' thirst?"
   "No, I'm fine," I replied, finding a seat on the couch, bracing myself for what might happen next.
   When Len entered the room, the contrast reached the point of absurdity. Len was still in his three-piece work attire and he was, as his companion had said so eloquently, making tea.
   "Isabel, what a pleasant surprise," Len said. Yes, still in his valet character.
   "Yo, I told you she'd be dropping by for the shit."
   "Oh yes, must have slipped my mind," Len said with excessive sarcasm.
   Then he turned to me as if I'd be his ally. "Can you believe the vulgarity I have to contend with here?"
   "Oh my god, what have I done?" I said.
   "You want the English shit or a forty instead?" Christopher asked while popping his own can of malt liquor.
   "This is what I want. I want the fingerprints and I want both of you to break character and talk like reasonable people about what's going on here."
   "I'll get you your shit," Christopher said, heading into the other room
   Len approached and sat down on the couch right next to me, leaning in conspiratorially.
   "He won't stop. No matter what I do, I simply cannot get him to stop. I'm absolutely at my wit's end."
   "You stop first," I said.
   "I'm merely doing my job; what's he doing?"
   "Heads up." Christopher said, tossing a paper bag in my direction.
   I caught the bag in midair and made a beeline for the door.
   "I'll be in touch," I said.
   "Isabel, I beg you don't go," said Mr. Leonard.
   "I have a date," I replied.
   "Bitch you lie," Christopher said, following me to the door.
   "This is dreadful," I said.
   "Holler if ya need more investigative materials," said Christopher, and finally breaking character he mumbled, "I want this case closed."
   "Fo shizzle:, I replied.

From the novel ~ The Spellmans Strike again by Lisa Lutz

11. Read 50 Books

Revenge of the Spellmans
by Lisa Lutz

summary

After a short career in mixology, Izzy,  is pressured back into her calling by her Boss Milo, who's "friend" is suspicious of his wife's friendships.with a curious case of surveillance on her work load, Izzy is back to work. With court-ordered therapy, Izzy is trying to sort out her own personal issues, which include but are not limited to; sleepless nights,  a housing crisis, a car that continually disappears in the night, and interpreting her own romantic feelings about the new Irish Bartender or Det. Stone.







Adding to the fold are David's (Izzy's brother) unusually new laid back ways and her sister Rae's PSAT scandal. Add in blackmail by her folks, Izzy has her hands full!

I still highly recommend this series, I couldn't put them down!

11. Read 50 Books

The Curse of the Spellmans
by Lisa Lutz

summary

I have to say this is my new favourite series, well to be fair, I think it's the only series I've ever read.. and I LOVE it. I think everyone should read these novels. They are the funniest books I've read in a very long time. I read the last three books a few weeks ago, but I haven't had the chance to blog about them yet.

This book starts with Izzy's fourth arrest in three months, two of which she denies the validity of. Over lunch with Mort, her 80+ lawyer, she recounts her past few months.

John Brown, with his suspiciously common name becomes "subject" number 1; garbage duty, lock picking, and a two-story fall ensues. Not only has John Brown made her list, her whole family has made this list, each with their own suspicious behaviour reports. On top of this Izzy is busy trying to track the culprit(s) that are recreating her highly creative juvenile pranks, of which she swears she knows nothing about.

I highly recommend this series, I couldn't put them down!

78. Cook my way through an entire magazine/cookbook

Crab Macaroni Casserole
January edition of Healthy Cooking Magazine.

 

I gave this a whirl last week, it looks really good in the magazine, I mean really really good, this helping of creamy gooey goodness... it was a bit deceiving. My Dad makes the best macaroni in the world, loaded with cheese, onions and bacon really I should've known any "light" version of macaroni really would not measure up, but as per my requirements.. I still needed to cook my way through a magazine. So, I whipped up this quick concoction.

It needs some sort of spice... I've tested a few servings using different spices.. nothing really added that "something" it needed, but the sriracha added the most taste.. maybe cause it really just covered up everything with that HOT taste. It made quite a bit- so for a group that likes bland food, this probably will satisfy, but not my favourite, that's for sure!

11. Read 50 Books

Room
by Emma Donoghue

I found this hard to get into, it took a while to get use to Jack's voice, but once I got over that, I couldn't put it down. It was a bit draining, but I was happy I'd read it in the end.

Here's a summary
Room

11. Read 50 Books

The Spellman Files
 by Lisa Lutz

The Summary

Halfway through this book, I ran back to the library and got the other three books in the series. I finished the first book today at lunch, it is awesome! I can't wait to start the next book.

The Spellman files is about a family of Private Investigators who seem to investigate each other more than those in their cases. The character dialogues, mixed with the high-speed chases, broken headlights, 14 yr old's ginger-ale binges at the local bar and the lost weekends, made for one hilarious story.

Tonight... The Curse of the Spellman's, the next book in the series.

13. Cook 50 Ethnic Dishes

ok.. this doesn't look very appealing, but apprently looks can be deceiving. Graham, Ashley and the kids all approved! I think it was the caraway seeds.. Yum!

Here's the recipe
Heidelberg Meatloaf
1 1/2 Pounds Lean Ground Beef
3 Slices Rye Bread, Torn Up
1 Cup Beer Or Bouillon - Any Brand
1 Large Egg
1/4 Cup Chopped Onion
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Caraway Seed (optional)
1/2 Teaspoon Celery Seed
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
preheat Oven To 350 Degrees F.
Mix all the ingredients together. Spread the mixture into an ungreased 9 X 5-inch loaf pan. Bake uncovered for 1 To 1.25 hours. Let stand for 5 To 10 minutes before slicing.

13. Cook 50 Ethnic Dishes

Robin's Forgotten Jambalaya
Wow.. this was as easy as it was delicious.

Everyone loved it, kids included. It is very filling, but no one wanted to stop eating it.

We served it over rice, but a bowl of this just by itself would be dinner in itself.  YUM!

29. Cook for my Grandmas once a month for an entire year

Noon on Saturday, Grandma Peg, Grandma Del, Grace, Chloe, Adrian and myself gathered around the dinner table to enjoy a feast of tacos. Both of my grandma's had never tried tacos, or don't recall anyways.

Grace led the way showing the ladies how it's done. The kids were thrilled with their tacos, Chloe tried a "tortilliaaaaaa" as Edith had taught her to say on Friday evening.

 Lunch was very easy and I felt a bit guilty about not going "all out" for my grandmas, but was thrilled when I was told they'd never had them... i think they're both heading out to the grocery store to buy a taco kit to try themselves.

We had two desserts, an Angel lush and chocolate cake for Grandma Del, I forgot about her not being able to eat cool whip, next time, I'll make it with real whip cream, ~ real is always better anyways!

11. Read 50 Books

The Happiness Project 
 by Gretchen Rubin

a link to the summary

I think this is a must read for everyone. It was such a good book. A sort of how-to-book on becoming a happier, lighter person. I didn't agree with everything she said, but I do catch myself thinking of ways to make myself happier, when I'm starting to feel annoyed, I take a step back and remind myself to find a better way to deal with it.

This is one book that I will definitely put on my buy list oh and one that I think I should read once a year just to remind myself how important happiness truly is.

Thanks to the book club for the suggestion! Fantastic read.

13. Cook 50 Ethnic Dishes

Jamaican Jerk Pork

Last thursday, I cooked up Jamaican jerk pork for my family. It was delicious. The flavours are awesome. 

I absolutely love flavourful recipes and this one is definitely packed with flavour!

Here's the link if anyone wants to give it a go.

Jamaican Jerk Pork

Oh next time I might try chicken.. that would be delicious!

78. Cook my way through an entire magazine/cookbook

Cinnamon Bagels with crunchy topping
January edition of Healthy Cooking Magazine.

Chloe and Adrian helped cook up these little delights. They had fun mixing and kneading the dough, but that was about all they wanted to help with.. no problem. I shaped them and boiled them for a the required time covered them in the cinnamon sugar topping and baked them.

The kids loved them, I'm not a huge bagel fan but these were pretty dessert-like and really who doesn't like dessert. I would use the topping on buttered toast.. that would be delicious. The link is up top if you want.

31. Take up jogging

ok... I'm finding week four a bit of a struggle, so I think I'm going to repeat it before I get to week 5.. in week 5 we jump to 8 minutes and that's a pretty big leap for me. LOL. So a repeat of week 4 is the best plan for myself. I also was busy this weekend and didn't get my 3 run in... so an extra few days on week 4 is only fair, well in my thinking anyways!

31. Take up jogging

Week 4
Well, I made it, not without hiccups though. This weeks runs consist of a warm up, followed by a three minute run, a 90 seconds walk, a five minute run and two and a half minute, repeated twice. So, my calculations were off on the first three minute run, I slowed to a walk at two minutes in and realized after a few seconds that I hadn't completed my full three minutes... back up to a run. Good, not too hard, it's surprising how fast our bodies adapt! Five minutes is upon me.. phew, I was dreading this as you all know, but I did it!  I pushed myself the last two minutes of those five without stopping, and was pretty proud of myself for that. caught my breath with the two and a half minute walk and back to running the three minutes. I was onto the last five minute set, was doing pretty good and then it hit me at the three minute count, that I was OUT of breath (or so I had convinced myself), I jumped off onto the sides of the treadmill as the track went whirring between my legs, gave myself a quick pep talk and jumped back on. Now, jumping on a treadmill at a running pace is a feat in itself... I had a bit of a trip but regained my balance quicker than I had anticipated, I really did have visions of my under my treadmill. I finished out the last two minutes and a 30 second penalty I gave myself for quitting. I am feeling pretty accomplished with myself this morning and a wee bit proud! In fact, after a run, I feel downright great!

My hairdresser, Chrissy, and I discussed my couch to 5k and she had a bit of wisdom for me, so I'd like to pass it along... she told me we can all do anything for a minute, so if we break things down into minutes, we can accomplish anything!

11. Read 50 Books

Sold

by Patricia McCormick

This young adult book opens your eyes to the very sad truth of young Nepalese girls sold into the sex slave business in India.

I finished this book in two days, I couldn't put it down. It's a powerful tale about 13 year old Lakshmi, sold by her step-father into sex slavery. You follow Lakshmi from Nepal to India and into her new life, the friends and discoveries she makes along the way.

I really liked the way the book was written. It's a reminder to be thankful for our good fortunes.

Here's a link to the summary

Sold

13. Cook 50 Ethnic Dishes

Kwesi's Ghanaian Fried Rice
We had a semi-retirement party for my Grandma Saturday. It was an around-the-world potluck. Everyone chose a country and cooked a dish from their country. I was given Ghana. My boyfriend is Ghanaian so, I had a decent idea of how to make his fried rice.

Some of the dishes we tasted were Croquettes from Netherlands, a Green Curry from Thailand, Sushi from Japan, West Indian Dressing from the Carribbean, Swedish Rye Bread and so much more. We even started the dinner off with Irish Bar food and Bruschetta. It was a great party, phenomenal food and incredible company. Cheers to all the chefs... delicious!

11. Read 50 books

The Sugar Queen 

by Sarah Addison Allen

I love stories like this, light summer reading, in the middle of winter. A really cute, magical little tale.

Here's a link to the book's summary

The Sugar Queen

I've read another of her novels (Garden Spells). It was super cute too. I definitely like her style, it's sort of whimsical magic meets happy love story.

31. Take up jogging

Week 3

Ok we are into week 3. I did my first run from week three yesterday. My feelings... not bad at all. I feel pretty comfortable with week three. Could I be getting a build up of endurance? Oh let me tell you.. I am excited about this new found enthusiasm.

Dreaded week four is upon me next week. I don't know how to go from 3 minutes and 90 second bits to 3 and 5 minute running intervals.. phew! If there's no post next monday, I've fallen off the treadmill and I'm stuck underneath it.. send help!

93. Do 5 things to reduce, reuse, recycle

Ok, this may just be reduce and not so much reuse and recycle, cause I am pretty diligent with recycling.

Gabe (my thrift coach) reminded me – things that are are plugged in, but not turned on still suck energy. So last night, I went around the house and unburdened my outlets! There was a lot that was just eating up electricity, electronics that barely gets used.

I also set the timer on my infrared heater and had a very peaceful night, no constant humming from the spare room.

With all the planning I've been doing, and my pro-active approach. I'm feeling great!

Thanks Gabe... you're the BEST!

36. Make a budget and stick to it

Speaking to Gabe yesterday, I've decided to get serious about my finances. It'll take a bit of work, and some sacrifices on my part, but I can do this.

So with Gabe's help I've made a realistic budget to follow. It'll be tight for a few months, but once I get use to the "jar system" I should be good to go.

This month (no fun February) my fun jar is empty, but that's okay. I have a Times party this month and a jewellery party in my home, so that'll be fun without costing more than part of my allotted grocery money!

38. Read a newspaper front to back

So I did it! I read the newspaper from front to back. 

I've not followed any weekly columns so I was a little in left field on some of the references, but I read every story, glanced at each ad and even skimmed yesterdays flyers!

I do feel more informed this week with what is happening in our neck of the woods. I think, I'll add staying informed on my second edition list! Maybe it'll be read one newspaper per week, that may just be a bulletin, but really a newspaper is a newspaper regardless of size, right?

Here's what I've learned...

• President Obama has been invited to our annual international tug-of-war. (pretty exciting stuff)
• Ten cows from Cornell Farms have been shipped to Kazakhstan to help regenerate their herds.
• Snow removal cost a fortune, seriously a small fortune!
• A 100 Things Challenge exists. A minimalistic challenge...Get rid of everything but 100 things... I don't think I couldn't even attempt this.
• Snowshoeing is a hilarious tale told through the eyes of Beth Caldwell. She is one funny, funny lady.
• Kwesi being in Ghana means we'll miss out on romeo and juliet, cupid's arrow, and shrimp in love all served as part of La Flambée's valentine's menu.
• Salt water fishing is something I definitely want to take part in. (Second edition list)
• We love our hockey.
• And maybe the best news of all... Cold snap nears end. Woot woot!

31. Take up jogging

Week two
Ok I'd really like to Bold this and make it extra large font, but that would throw off the whole vibe of this neat little blog.. but PHEW!

Ok now, I'm definitely not an athletic woman (yet), I've been working really hard at getting healthy and becoming more active, but wow, sweat after like 90 seconds of running.. what is that? I've got a long ways to go, but I do feel more empowered, not sure that's the right word, but I do feel this overwhelming sense of confidence at the end of a workout. I can totally understand how this could (will) become addictive.

We'll see how I feel after next week... and dreaded week four is upon us. Eek!

11. Read 50 books

I forgot to blog the last two books I read so here they are.

Sugar

by Bernice L. McFadden

This book was a definitely not a sugar-coated, happily-ever-after fairytale. It was nice to read a book that doesn't end how you necessarily want it to. 

After I finished the book, I sat there with a sigh "hmpf"... not quite sure what to make of it at first; however,  the more I think about it, I did enjoy this book. It was nice to see two people come together despite stereotypes. It's a reminder that we can't judge a book by its cover so to speak.

Here's a link to the summary

Sugar

Heart of the Matter

by Emily Giffin

Book club read. I'm a dummie and forgot to get Nicole's skype address to join in on the discussion of the book tonight.

I'm on the fence about this book.

I read it, but I couldn't help but be reminded of real life situations and so I was not fond of the husband or his love interest. 

Emily Giffin is an incredible writter and does write in a way that your heart goes out to each character, even when your head doesn't want it to.

I'm definitely excited to see next month book pick!

Here's a link to the summary

Heart of the Matter

69. Take a nap in the spare room

I know, it sounds silly, but really how many people actually sleep in their spare rooms? We think it's good enough for our guests so it ought to be good enough for us too, right?

I challenge everyone to test out their spare rooms and really why not? We want the best for our company. Now, if you have a guest that has worn out his or her welcome....um, renovate!

Here's the evidence I napped, sure I could've just ruffled the sheets and tossed a pillow here and there, but trust me my spare room - super cozy!

There's nothing like a good nap in a comfy bed.

I'd be a guest in my home, heck ya.

78. Cook my way through an entire magazine/cookbook

Crunchy Vanilla Walnuts

January edition of Healthy Cooking Magazine.

I cooked these from the magazine. They looked better than they tasted, or maybe it's me and I'm just not a huge fan of walnuts. In brownies – YES, but by themselves not so exciting.

52. Compile a book of my favourite recipes

At our Times Christmas party, Shannon was telling me about this website that you could use to create your own cookbook. You can fill the cookbook full of your own favourite recipe, add any number of recipes you like and include your own photos and descriptions. I checked it out today and it's awesome. If anyone wants to compile their very own recipe book check out the website at www.tastebook.com. I've started my cookbook today and I'm really impressed with how easy and professional it looks! Very cool!

31. Take up jogging

Week One

Couch to 5K has begun.

I started my tast 31. Sunday night, first run, fairly easy, another tonight and then one more Thursday or Friday.

Next week the running time increases and so forth. By week nine we'll see how I've faired, If I'm couch to 5K. I'll keep you posted!

78. Cook my way through an entire magazine/cookbook

Baked Mostaccioli

January edition of Healthy Cooking Magazine.

I couldn't find mostaccioli, so I used penne, they're probably the same thing or at least very close, I also used ground turkey with italian seasoning. Super easy to make with a lasagna feel to it. Couldn't stop eating it. (Next time – mind over stomach.. right Nicole!) 

I'd like to point out how "healthy" doesn't really work when you go back for seconds or thirds! 

I'd definitely make this again! YUM!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked mostaccioli
• 1/2 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Hunt’s® Original Diced Tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups (16 ounces) fat-free cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

• Cook mostaccioli according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook turkey and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain if necessary.
• Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese and marjoram; set aside. Drain mostaccioli.
• Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce into an 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with half of the mostaccioli, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Top with cottage cheese mixture. Layer with remaining mostaccioli, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (dish will be full).
• Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly and heated through. Yield: 6 servings.

78. Cook my way through an entire magazine/cookbook

Butternut Squash & Pear Soup
January edition of Healthy Cooking Magazine.

This was super easy to make and smelled fantastic while cooking.  I really like the taste, but it is quite a bit of curry.  If you're not a curry lover... this isn't for you.

Those who love curry.. mmmmmm.
Add the balsamic vinegar... really nice.

Very good! And cheap on calories!

1. Get to a healthy weight

So it starts...

I'm officially on the bandwagon! Healthy it is!

I hopped on the scale this morning, down 3lbs!

Woot woot!!

Anyone with good healthy recipes, please pass them on!

35. Buy a pair of cute winter boots

I have to accredit this task completion to my Mom! Thanks Mom!!!

Yesterday, My Mom, Graham, Ashley and myself took a quick trip into Virginia to do some shopping. While there, we walked past these lil cuties, I tried them on, did the "do you really REALLY need these, Tanya? The budget kicked in... well momentarily... we'll have to start the budget again, argh! Anyways, I talked myself out of them only to have my very cool Mom buy them for me as a gift. 

Thanks Mom... my super chic feet and me thank you very VERY much!

78. Cook my way through an entire magazine/cookbook

Caribbean Pot Roast

January edition of Healthy Cooking Magazine.

Very good! I made this at lunch so it would be ready when I got home. It smells fantastic, and tastes delicious. It makes a fair bit though, good for a family dinner.

Old-Fashioned Biscuits
January edition of Healthy Cooking Magazine. 

I gave these biscuits a try too. These were incredibly simple to make and very very good with the Pot Roast. A good cozy winter meal.

78. Cook my way through an entire magazine/cookbook

Candy Bar Cupcakes

January edition of Healthy Cooking Magazine.

I made these cupcakes last night, I think they would be pretty good, if I hadn't overcooked them (yes, a nice way to say burnt), well to be fair just the bottoms got it, but they're a lil bit dry and I have to work on my icing skills, but all in all I think they have the potential to be delicious! And they're relatively healthy for a dessert!

I blame the overcooking to the he-man tastebud drama going on at the same time.

13. Ghanaian Jollof Rice

Last night I cooked my first of fifty ethnic dishes needed to finish no. 13. My first attempt ~ Jollof Rice, I didn't really have a recipe to follow, but Godfred had given me a good idea.

I used rice, canola oil, canned tomatoes, red pepper, onion, tomato paste,  curry and nutmeg powders, a maggi cube, and habanero pepper...

So, I pureed the sauce, as I'm doing this my he-man tastebuds kick in.. one habanero pepper Tanya? Really, that can't be enough! (No lies.. I'm sweating just writing this) So in goes another. WOW those mothers are HOT!

I'd love to say this tastes great, but to be honest, I can't get past the hot. I'll definitely try it again, with maybe half of the first pepper! One down ... 49 to go!

34. One of five hikes complete!

Friday night, we (Edith, Madalynn, Thatcher and myself) headed out in the snowy, wet weather to Voyageurs National Park, late, but hell-bent on conquering our first wintery hike. Geared up with ski-pants, boots, jackets, scarves, tuques, mitts and undeniable excitement! We got our snowshoes and headed out. Madalynn with her desire to "entertain", thought it was much funnier to goof off and twist the snowshoes around and around her little feet so that before the hike began between Ede and I we had "fixed" her boots half a dozen times..."She can go without snowshoes – If she sinks, she sinks, she'll figure it out"

And we were off, Madalynn and myself leading our little troop, Thatcher and Ede following behind. We made it to the fire pit where we had to stop for instructions, After our talk, Madalynn and I started up the trail, me on snowshoes, her in her boots and falling every other step, we pulled off to let the others pass and get her back on track while waiting for Thatch and Ede to show up. "WAIT, what? they're not coming"

Ok Madalynn it's you and me, so off we go.. two steps forward, Mads falls in the snow, two steps forward, Mads falls in the snow, two steps forward.. you get the idea. To Madalynn's sheer delight a very tall hiker offered to carry her on his shoulders, she was thrilled and secretly so was I... (two steps forward, Mads falls in the snow...) There was a few close calls, one or two "ahhhh, Um, I'm tangled in a tree"...but we made it to the turn-around, thanked the man and Madalynn and I headed back.

Madalynn struggled a bit, but was a complete trooper, even singing Enrique Iglesias to boost our spirits, We hiked all the way back singing "Baby I like it", probably to the chagrin of other hikers. However loud and annoying it may have been...it worked, We MADE it, Madalynn walking the whole way back by herself!  First hike done! Next time, no boots, and less layers, whoever thought we needed all those layers, has obviously never done this before!

78. Cook my way through an entire magazine/cookbook

OK, I've decided that cooking my way through the food Network magazine is probably NOT the best idea since I am trying to lose some weight! So, I've decided to use a healthy cooking magazine instead.

This is the magazine I'm switching to, it has less recipes to cook, but they're all healthy recipes. YAY!

Here's some of the recipes I'll be testing out

Crispy Caribbean Veggie Wraps

Butternut Squash & Pear Soup 

Crab Macaroni Casserole

Terrific Teriyaki Burgers

Candy Bar Cupcakes

 I'll post pictures of each recipe... I promise!!

29. Dinner for my Grandmas

Tonight was our first dinner. It was fantastic! Wonderful company, and good food!

I made my Dad's recipe for ham, yum, a green salad with sunflowers and cranberries and sweet potato casserole with Tres Leches Cake with Mango for dessert! It was a great start to a monthly dinner date!

ps. Tres Leches Cake...covers no. 78 (cook my way through a magazine)!

34. Hike planned!

Super excited! I just found out about a one-mile snowshoe hike next friday at Voyageurs National Park. No fees and snowshoes provided!! That'll be my 34. & Ede's 50. Oooo Weeeee!

51. Create a new playlist

Done! Here it is...  

It might not make everyone move, but I'll get my groove on! hehe

1. Say Hey - Michael Franti & Spearhead
2. Liv Tonight - Nelly ft. Keri Hilson
3. Get Me Bodied - Beyonce
4. Cupid Shuffle - Cupid ft. Pitbull & Baby Bash
5. Low - Flo Rida ft. T-Pain
6. Hotel Room Service - Pitbull
7. SOS - Rihanna
8. Marry You - Bruno Mars
9. In My Head - Jason Derulo
10. Tik Tok - Ke$ha
11. You Make the Rain Fall - Kevin Rudolf ft. Flo Rida
12. Break Ya Back - Jay Sean
13. Single Ladies - Beyonce
14. I Bet - Flo Rida ft. T-Pain
15. Temperature - Sean Paul
16. Bumpy Ride - Mohombi
17. I Know You Want Me - Pitbull
18. Dynamite - Taio Cruz
19. Let it Rock - Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne
20. Pick it Up and Drop it - Sean Paul
21. Shut it Down - Pitbull ft. Akon

76. Organize My Office

Before

After

78. Cook my way through an entire magazine/cookbook

This is the magazine I've decided to cook my way through. I'm no Bobby Flay, but ambitious I am! Ok, maybe not ambitious... I'm not tackling the Julie & Julia bit, but it's a start. The food looks delicious!

Some of the recipes include:

Double-Decker Truffled Grilled Cheese 

Pineapple-Chili Margaritas

Jalapeno-Cornmeal Pancakes

Curried Salmon Cakes

Fried Pickles

Tres Leches Cake with Mango

I'll let you know how it goes!

Oh and a cake using the oils of rose geranium leaves.. if that's not ambitious and Julia-esque... I give up!

11. Read one book/month (1/33)

I just finished The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga.

It was good! A bit dark, but comical! I choked at one point I laughed so hard, wasn't expecting what I read.

To read the summary:  The White Tiger

72. Partially Complete!

So, I've got the calendar finished! Now just to write up the cards to mail out!

Half way there!

My List

The CODE
to be done   |   in progress   |   completed

1. Get to a healthy weight and maintain it (ok maybe this should be a bit more specific, so let's say lose 60lbs and maintain it!)
2. Take a trip to Ghana
3. Visit Gabe and Jonah  
4. Learn to cook a turkey to perfection 
5. Pay off Visa
6. Plant an herb garden
7. Kayak around Rebecca Island
8. Visit Kwesi in London
9. While in London take a ride on the London Eye
10. Stick to a chore schedule for 12 weeks (0/12)
11. Read 1 book/month (0/33)
12. Feed a wild bear
13. Cook 50 ethnic dishes (0/50)
14. Ride a horse
15. Take a self-defense class
16. Paint the kitchen
17. Learn 5 new card games (0/5)
18. Get a massage
19. Master Zumba
20. Spend 1 week without tv
21. Go sliding with the kids
22. Ride my bike to Sha Sha
23. Relearn to drive the boat to the cabin
24. Take a dance class
25. Organize the closets
26. Take Nash for a walk 4 days a week for a month (0/16)
27. Teach Nash to fetch
28. Eat fruits and veggies each day
29. Cook for my grandma's once a month (0/33)
30. Watch 5 classic black and white movies (0/5)
31. Take up jogging (Couch to 5K running plan)
32. Plan a game night
33. Learn to hand toss pizza crust
34. Go on 5 hikes (0/5)
35. Buy a pair of cute winter boots
36. Make a budget and stick to it
37. See a broadway musical
38. Read a newspaper front to back
39. Move in together
40. Go to Folklorama at the forks
41. Visit a museum 
42. Climb the new lookout tower
43. Learn to speak Twi
44. Buy a little black dress
45. Make a list of 30 things that make me happy
46. Scrapbook that happy list
47. Plan 5 summer BBQs (0/5)
48. Go Sailing
49. Spend the day at the beach with Ede and kids
50. Have a picnic
51. Create a dance playlist.. and DANCE
52. Compile a book of my favourite recipes
53. Plant a flower garden
54. Plant a vegetable garden
55. Refinish the dresser in the spare room
56. Fix up hallway
57. Learn photoshop and illustrator
58. Take a road trip
59. Spend a weekend with Mom and Ashley
60. Knit a sweater
61. Go to a live sports event
62. Go to the flea market
63. Learn to make jam
64. Go to a dinner theatre
65. Put $5 in a jar for each completed task and donate $20 for each task not finished
66. Have a garage sale
67. Do my nails for a month and see if it turns into a hobby (0/30)
68. Do yoga 4 times a week for a month (0/16)
69. Take a nap in the spare room
70. Go white water rafting
71. Plan a date day for Kwesi and I
72. Update my birthday calendar and send out cards/emails for everyone's birthday
73. Learn to locate all the African countries on a map
74. Give blood
75. Build a snowman
76. Organize my work office
77. Flambe a dessert
78. Cook my way through an entire magazine/cookbook
79. Take a multi-vitamin everyday for 2 weeks (0/14) 
80. Teach a kid how to skip rocks 
81. Learn how to whistle like Ede
82. Post a secret to PostSecret
83. No red meat or poultry for one week (0/7)
84. Go to an art gallery
85. Finish the photo books on iphoto for Mom and Kell
86. Participate in 100 snapshots
87. Write a will
88. Take a ride in a hot air balloon
89. Replace the curtains in the living room
90. Add a proper deck railing to the deck
91. Buy new cushions for the lawn furniture
92. Set up a clothesline
93. Do 5 things to reduce, reuse, recycle (0/5)
94. Quilt a baby blanket
95. Learn to curl my hair like a professional 
96. Do something nice for a neighbour
97. Spend at least one holiday together
98. Brush Nash everyday for 2 weeks (0/14)
99. Buy a new to me vehicle
100. Buy myself a bouquet of flowers
101. Make a new list of 101 things