music to my ears

It's been a musical kind of week so far.
It all started when I was on hold with jcrew the other night ordering these.
The dollar's almost on par again- yay!
Anyhow, instead of bad muzak playing too loud in my ear- as per usual while on hold with anyone-it was David Bowie and The Smiths- How Soon Is Now.
For the first time ever, I was happy to be on hold for so long.
In fact, when the perky and uber polite "Jennifer" from jcrew came back on the phone I was a little disappointed.
Hey I don't mind being on hold a little longer...maybe for one more song?
Anyhow I love music- and all genres.
From the moment I get up in the morning until I go to bed- there is usually music playing.
First thing in the a.m. it's usually Classical-or on rainy days who can resist a little Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday?
I love Indie music and singer song writers like Ryan Adams, Paolo Nutini, Adele, Trespassers William, Tindersticks, Sterolab, Regina Spektor, Fleet Foxes, M.Craft, Joshua Radin, Jose Gonzalaz, Midlake, Horsefeathers, Iron & Wine oh the list goes on- there are so many amazing new talented young artists out there.
I love listening to jazz- especially while eating dinner & drinking a good glass of wine.
Some of my favourites these days are Sophie Milman, Madeleine Peyroux, June Christy, Melody Gardot and Shirley Horn.
I'm on a bit of a female jazz kick these days I guess.
I love listening to folk a.k.a. roots as well- Devendra Banhart, Simon & Garfunkel, William Fitzsimmons, Ron Sexsmith, The Be Good Tanyas, Neil Young, Sibylle Baire and The Sea & Cake just to name a few.
I'm even enjoying Country music, which is a close cousin to folk in my opinion.
Artists like Emmylou Harris, Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson always make me feel warm & fuzzy inside, and also make me want to drink Bourbon. (even though I don't really drink bourbon)
I enjoy a bit of hip hop from time to time as well- especially while working out.
K-OS always makes me sweat- in a good way.
Speaking of sweat...gotta love Madonna, Everything But The Girl- remixes, Gaelle- "rain" and the entire Queer as Folk soundtrack, Radiohead- specifically Reckoner, and Coldplay (more to cool down and stretch)
Love working out to that stuff- it's the closest I get to being at a club-not that I was ever really into dance clubs- but still...
Can't forget Electronic music-Hot Chip, Imogen Heap, Moby or Royksopp, very funky stuff and great driving music.
Even Lulu has a few favourites- Danielle Sansone and Frances England always gets her grooving on the kitchen floor.
I love oldies- from the 20ies big band era and yes even some stuff from the nineties.
Hard to believe that's considered oldies now.
But the seventies always makes me happy.
Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, Simon & Garfunkel, Foreigner, James Taylor, America, The Eagles, Journey, Paul Mc Cartney- Band on the Run and Listen to what the man said (my fav songs) Supertramp, and even Jim Croce- such an amazing time for music and totally reminds me of my childhood.
My dad used to DJ on the weekends when I was young so a lot of that music totally brings me back.
My point is that I love love love music.
I only wish I could play an instrument.
I guess it's never too late.
But due to the lack of free personal time these days, I guess I'll just have to add- learn to play guitar or piano- to my life list of things to do before I die.
But in the mean time Lulu has expressed interest in taking music lessons.
Her request was my command.
So I did my research and found a private music teacher that came highly recommended and took Lulu there yesterday for her first music lesson.
Without sounding like a bragging mother- okay- definitely sounding like a bragging mother....
the teacher said she was a total natural and that most kids her age (4) don't pick up notes the ways she did and that he was really impressed.
I was overjoyed.
So I bee-lined it to the closest music store and decided to buy her a keyboard.
Maybe I was jumping the gun a bit- it was only her first lesson- but it's not like I went out and bought a Steinway or anything.
Plus my budding musician needs to practice on something aside from her Melissa & Doug toy piano- right?
Anyhow long story short...
A very nice young guy helped me at the music store and even helped put everything in my car.
He was super cute, in an interesting looking kind of way and he was very polite and really nice about answering all my dumbass questions and had no attitude whatsoever- which you would expect most young hot musicians to have towards some mom coming in to buy her kindergartner her first piano.
He just kind of made an impression on me.
Maybe it was the eyes, or the fact that he reminded me of Elija Wood.....
But I digress...
I asked him if he was in a band- in my most non- cougarish way possible- and he kind of quietly said something about being more of a singer songwriter.
I asked him if he played anywhere in particular.
He then sheepishly mentions something about being on Canadian Idol.
Then stupid me says "oh I never watch that show- but my parents are huge fans."
I didn't mention that I used to chastise my folks for watching it- calling it lame and not half as good as the American version.
I couldn't be more wrong....especially if I had known this guy was on it.
anyhow I happen to notice his name tag and when I got home like the good stalker that I am, I googled his name.
This is what I came up with.
Oh my.
this guy is talented- no wonder he was in the top four!
and why hasn't he been signed by anyone yet?
Talented, good looking, humble, nice and professional.
crazy.
I hope he does get discovered- that way I can tell Lulu that I bought her first "piano" from a famous musician.
Plus I would love to download some of his music and be able to listen to his songs.

Now would it be creepy if I went back tomorrow to buy a set of drums?...

eh, what's up doc?

While on the farm this weekend- Lulu fell in love with a family of bunny rabbits.
It was so cute watching her squeal with delight every-time they took a blade of grass from her.
Coincidentally I was at the butcher earlier in the day and almost picked up a whole rabbit for dinner.
I saw these recipes and felt inspired...but at the last minute decided against the bunny.
Something tells me Lulu would have been traumatized.

So chicken it was...

apple of my eye

Being 5'1 never in my wildest dreams did I ever remotely imagine myself to be a "model"- little lone a "cover model"
Not to mention my severe aversion to being in front of a camera instead of behind one, where I'm most comfortable.
There are so few images of me that I wonder if Lulu will one day wonder if I was ever present for any of the many many family photos we have.
Funny that Big daddy's really the main lensman in the house-at least by profession- yet when it comes to taking candid shots I'm always the one with my camera in hand.
But somehow I was convinced that some "quasi-talented photographer" ; that I know could maybe take a decent shot of Lulu & I and make me look half decent.
I had no doubt about Lulu's photogenic capabilities- me on the other hand.....
anyhow long story short...
I'm just glad that I finally have a nice photo of Lulu & I together.
But the best part of the shoot was what an amazing day we had on that farm.
It was one of the highlights of the year for us.


“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.”
Dorothea Lange

oh and speaking of apples....
Shana Tova..

without a hitch

I'm happy to report that Lulu is absolutely loving Junior Kindergarten so far.
She loves her teacher (as do I) and is feeling right at home in her new class.
Which I might add is the nicest classroom in the school- with huge bay windows and lots of extra space it's the perfect kindergarten class.
It's all about the right ambiance right?
Lucky girl.
I thought I might be a little emotional on her first day- but surprisingly stayed pretty dry eyed.
She lined up, gave her teacher a daisy that she picked on her way to school, gave me a shy smile and a tiny wave and she was off on her new scholastic adventure.
Okay now that I think about it..I am getting a bit misty...
but I'm so happy that she likes going to school so much.
Let's just hope that enthusiasm continues for the next 13 + years.

farewell

The summer wouldn't have felt complete without at least one backyard campfire and BBQ.
So last weekend we had some good friends over for a little good-bye summer celebration.
Not that I want to say good-bye quite yet...
So we started with some Peach Juleps.
Yum- who knew peach, mint, fresh peaches and bourbon would be such a a great combo?
Even better served with 2 hour slow cooked ribs with hickory smoker wood chips, homemade coleslaw, fresh peaches & cream Ontario corn and fresh baked corn bread muffins.
De-lish.
Our back-yard smelled amazing with all that wood burning- and so did (does) our house as I forgot and left all the windows open.
Ah well, nothing like your pillow smelling like a campfire to remind you of summer.
And it wouldn't really be summer without S'mores or a version of....

S'mores oatmeal cookies.
Yum.
Plus we had to roast a few on the fire to make things really feel official.
So fun and I'm sad it's come to an end.
Butternut squash soup anyone?

where's Madge when I need her most?

Dear Dishwasher,
I'm so sorry I took you for granted all these years.
I shouldn't complain about having to empty you all the time and just say thank-you for a job well done instead.
I'm also sorry for abusing you and forcing you to attempt macerating dozens of olive pits & tooth picks.
So unfair of me to have such unrealistic expectations of you.
I swear the guy at Sears said you were capable of that.
Honest.
Blame it on five years worth of martinis I guess...or blame it on Big daddy- that's what I usually do.
Regardless, once you come back to us- I promise to treat you better.
I swear.
Because living without you these past three weeks is no fun.
I am counting the days, hours, minutes until you are restored to your brilliant splendor.
I miss you.
Please come back to us soon.
Love PG.

full dance card

Hello September.
Can't believe you are here already.
So many things happening all within a 30 span.
Of course the biggie being Lulu starting kindergarten for the first time.
Very exciting- and okay I'll admit I'm a wee bit nervous for her.
My baby's going to big kid school!
I'm sure she'll be fine and I'm confident that she'll adjust to her new schedule quite well.
And quite frankly I'm looking forward to the "freedom".
In addition to school every afternoon I have her signed up for a few other programs- dance, swimming and possibly drama.
Like my drama queen needs any further instruction.....
Aside from chauffeuring Lulu around to her various social engagements, I possibly have a few freelance things lined up as well.
Looking forward to some creative projects that don't involve glitter glue or play dough for a change.
Between weddings, birthday parties, wedding showers, a going away party, relatives visiting, Rosh Hashannah, a few more get togethers with friends before summer is officially over-it's sure to fly by.
Squeeze in my favourite kick boxing classes, and the many many fun things going on around town and it makes for one busy time.
Oh and for some crazy reason I waited until now to start some projects around the house- like painting and reupholstering furniture.
it never rains- it pours.
and for a change it's not actually raining so I'm trying so soak up as much outdoor time as possible while it lasts.
Speaking of which...
time to hang with all the wasps- and no I'm not talking about my neighbours- holy bee infestation this year!
Anyone else experiencing the wrath of the little predatory, stinging, annoying critters?
Is it my imagination or is it worse this year than last?

peel me a grape

August has been a pretty low key month so far.
Not exactly what I would consider "the dog days of summer" as there really hasn't been too many super hot days this year.
Which in some ways is fine by me, as I'm not a big hot & humid weather lover.
Usually by this point in the season I'm feeling ready for fall to arrive- tired of the hot, sticky, smoggy weather, I'm usually pretty excited that autumn is around the corner.
With the exception of THIS year.
I feel like summer has just begun.
I almost cried the other day when I saw potted mums at the grocery store.
There's so many things I still want to do before it gets chilly outside.
I'm finally getting organized when it comes to remembering what to pack each time we go to the park.
It only took me 3 months...
I also just started feeling somewhat comfortable in a bathing suit.
That only took me 3 months....
oh who am I kidding?
I don't think I'll ever feel comfortable in a bathing suit, but I guess I'm caring less and less- and instead just having fun swimming with Lulu.
Like anyone's looking at my sorry white butt anyhow..
In reality, it really hasn't been warm enough this summer for a bathing suit- but for the past couple of weeks I've finally been able to wear sleeveless tops and linen without freezing my (as previously mentioned-very white) ass off.
I find that I'm trying to squeeze in as many summer park play-dates and BBQ's as possible before school starts in a couple of weeks.
Also trying to cherish as much time as possible with Lulu before she officially starts "big school".
Gulp.
So no, I'm so not ready for September.

Oh and what exactly does that image have to do with this lame-o post?
Nothing really- except that's what's been a staple in our house this summer.
Frozen grapes on a cocktail stick.
Lulu loves them and thinks of them as a fancy treat.
I also love my grapes-nicely chilled and served in a Riedel glass for my daily treat.

making lemonade

What an interestingly spontaneous week.
First of all, big daddy had an entire week of work cancelled last minute.
Which usually is not something to be too happy about- but seeing as we didn't book any time off all summer and he's been swamped up until now, we were kind of relieved and a bit excited to be forced to take a week "off".
Ah the joys of being self employed.
Also with all the rain we seem to be having each weekend, a few days off mid week to enjoy some time on the water sounded ideal.
First stop Center Island.
Now that the strike is over Lulu couldn't wait to hit a few rides at the park.
But en route, big daddy aka the skipper-suspected some engine trouble.
Yikes.
Add in some super strong winds, large waves (one of which completely soaked me which has never happened before) and barely any other boats on the water, and I was one anxious momma.
A three hour tour.....
I had images of the professor & Maryanne flashing before my eyes.
Damn I should have packed those coconuts and my trusty tool box- come to think about it, I should have worn a sequined gown.
That Ginger really thought ahead.
Anyhow we decided to head to Ontario Place instead as we were closer, and just as we docked -the engine died.
Great.
So much for a brand new-hassle free boat.
Glad we got the extended 5 year warranty.


anyhoo- we decided to take Lulu on some rides at Ontario Place seeing as we were kind of stranded there- and the lovely staff at the marina didn't even charge us the $60 admission fee.
Plus they towed our boat for free to the nearest slip.
I have to say though that the park is pretty lame for 4 year olds-(and 38 year olds for that matter)
There were only a few rides that Lulu was tall enough to go on- which was a bit disappointing.
Then again it could have just been our state of mind- either way, after a few rides we cabbed it back to our marina and called it a day.


Unfortunately the boat is now out of the water and having an entire engine overhaul.
It could be a few weeks before it's back in the water.
In the meantime what do we do?
how do we salvage our "summer holiday"?
So we decide to call here and as luck should have it-we got the very last room that they had available.
Bonus it happens to be a lake front room with a spectacular view.
Things are looking up!
So we jump in the car and book it up north for a last minute get away.




And can I just say how happy I was to get away?
it was so great.
relaxing, fun and nice to just have a change of scenery.



I already mentioned fun right?



Oh and best of all is that I had a vacation from being the usual galley slave.
No cooking, no cleaning- I could get used to this.



Lunch- accompanied by a few very cold coronas.


Dinner- accompanied by a very delicious Merlot.



hmmm...I say screw the boat, let's just go to resorts every summer....

But seriously, sometimes things don't always work out the way you planned but like big daddy kept saying all weekend- when life gives you a lemon- you gotta make lemonade.
That we did.

not quite Belguim- but almost.

I'm not a big gadget person when it comes to the kitchen.
Not that I wouldn't want to be- but space is at a premium so I've always kept it simple.
Global knives.
good pots, pans and baking sheets.
several cutting boards- bamboo, wooden with groove for meat, plastic for fruit & veg.
a couple of vegetable peelers. a certain someone insists on peeled apples and cucumbers.
mixing bowls with lids.
good graters & zester.
mandolin for my shaved fennel salad- among other things.
mortar & pestle- a la Jamie Oliver- gotta love a good bash up.
extra timer for when there is more than two things on the go at one time.
lots of tongs.
good toaster.
Bialetti espresso maker.
Laguiole wine opener- very essential.
blender- my morning smoothie must.
mini and regular sized Cuisinart.
panini press.
and now...a waffle maker.

It's small and easy to store and best of all has a timer that goes off when the waffle is perfectly cooked.
and I mean perfectly.
If you want the recipe you can find it here.
I topped it with some mascarpone, yogurt & vanilla topping just for fun.
Plus I had some extra kicking around that I want to use up.
Yum. Yum.
Best breakfast I've had in a while.
If you're in the market for a waffle maker you can find the one I used here.

How about you, what can't you live without in your kitchen?