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Creepy!
2007-12-20 18:48:00
This isn't a holiday post or a Throwback Thursday post. I haven't gotten around to scanning old photos from my mom's house yet. She's got all of the family photo albums and our scanner's not working. I'll get my act together one of these days. I just wanted to tell you about something truly bizarre that happened to me recently. It is really creepy!The weirdest thing happened to me the other night. It was pretty late and I fell asleep in Hubby's La-Z-Boy while watching Casino Royale. Hubby was already fast asleep in our bedroom. The kittens were curled up on my lap, keeping me warm and I had dozed off. All of a sudden, I was awakened by the most frightening sound ever! I just heard this strange whisper, "Chrissy...." in my ear! I opened my eyes and saw no one. The kittens were still sleeping and the TV was still on. A sudden wave of fright washed over me. I got really cold and had goosebumps! I shut the TV off, turned out the lights and ran upstairs to bed. I woke Hubby up to...
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32
2007-12-18 06:19:00
I remember when I was in my teens and early twenties, thirty seemed ancient. Thirty seemed like this age that I'd never get to because it was so far away.Today I turn 32.I don't really feel old. I don't exactly feel young either. I catch myself thinking about my youth and the "good 'ol days" quite often though. I miss those carefree days. This said, I am really happy and feel like my thirties are full of adventure, excitement and new lessons.In honour of my 32nd birthday, here are 32 things about me:1. I am a family person. Nobody messes with my family!2. I have been married to my wonderful Hubby for a year and a half now!3. When I was a teenager, I always thought I'd get married at 24 and have my first baby at 26. Things didn't exactly go as planned! Career and stability before all else for me!4. Hubby and I want to have three or four children.5. I picked out our future children's names already (Haha! I picked them out a long time ago)!6. I don't like pop/soda/cola...whatev...

5 Random Things
2007-12-16 16:56:00
It's been a busy week, so I'll leave you with a few thoughts.1) This is our cute, unique, little Christmas tree. Our nieces call it my "Charlie Brown Tree" because they think it looks so pitiful. I think it looks cute.2) I have no idea why, but this week I have just been craving carbs...and lots of them! I'm usually very good in feeding Hubby and myself a healthy, balanced diet with lots of veggies and nothing fried. We don't even drink have pop or junk food in the house unless we're entertaining friends. This week, however, I have had the incredible urge to have some latkes! I loooooove latkes like you wouldn't believe! They're just so delicious! My friend, Gavie's Gal's Dad makes the best latkes I have ever had. I've been craving them! Luckily for me, gal pal, Fancy Pantsy posted a latke recipe a few days ago! Thank you, Fancy Pantsy! Your recipe was excellent! The latkes were perfect! Whenever I think of the golden, crispy, perfect yummy goodness, I get hungry again! ...
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Christmas Faves
2007-12-13 07:14:00
Okay, I realize my last post was somewhat depressing, so I decided to leave you with something a bit more uplifting. One of my favourite things about the holidays is catching some classic Christmas tales on TV. Every year, for as long as I can remember, we'd watch the Christmas specials. Even though I'm 31 (Argh...okay, 32 in 5 days!), I still watch my favourite Christmas classics. I suppose it just reminds me of my childhood...or as my brothers, cousins and I call it, "The Golden Days" (the 'Nothing Gold Can Stay' days, the age of innocence, or whatever else you'd like to call it).How the Grinch Stole Christmas has got to be one of my all time favourites. I can't believe the cartoon was released in 1966! Most people are familiar with the Grinch who tried to ruin Christmas for the Whos in Whoville. As a kid, I always felt so sorry for Max! That Grinch was so mean. Of course, the message in this story is simple. Family and community are far more important than material thin...
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Throwback Thursday #21
2007-12-13 06:15:00
Christmas in our family has always been a special time to get together, enjoy each other's company, eat lots and lots of delicious food, attend church services, and to stay up and wait for Santa Claus to bring our presents. I remember when we were young, there were so many presents for us under the tree. Some years, there were so many presents that we couldn't even see the tree! Those were the 80's. We were still young. Neatly wrapped were our coveted Transformers, WWF wrestling figures, and Coleco Vision game sets with game cartridges (The Smurfs' Adventure, Donkey Kong Jr., and Zaxxon, to name a few). We all received clothes. They were all matching too. Imagine having to wear the exact same thing as all your cousins? Some may think it's cute to dress your kids all the same, but back then, I thought it was just horrible. I suppose that to be fair, the adults always decided it best to give the kids the same things to avoid jealousy.Somewhere mangled up in all the Christmas gif...
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Monday's Treats
2007-12-11 05:33:00
If you're looking for some more amazing and creative gift ideas, I've got some really neat ones for you!One of my friends from Island Singers made this present for me. She took two pairs of my Hubby's old jeans and turned them into this amazing tote! She is one amazing lady. Let me tell you, I have a miserable time using the sewing machine, so I could never do anything like this! Don't tell anyone this, but in my high school Home Economics class, I had one of the football guys thread my sewing machine for me all the time! I can cook and bake, but I cannot sew! I wish I could! I think that football guy even sewed most of my apron for me and I remember getting 84% on that project! This tote is great! I can put a lot of things in it and it has an inner pocket made from one of Hubby's jean pockets. I've stopped using plastic grocery bags, so having lots of sturdy bags like these really comes in handy.This is the inside of the bag. It's lined with lots of colourful material. Fun!A...
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Tonight is the Night!!!
2007-12-09 22:25:00
Come listen to the Island Singers tonight in Little Current. You know you want to! :) If you miss tonight's concert, you can always make it to tomorrow's concert in Mindemoya! Here's a clip I found on YouTube. We'll be singing Deck The Nutcracker Hall too. This version is a little different from ours. Ours is less staccato than this one. Enjoy the video!
More About: Night , Tonight

The Greening of their Litter Box
2007-12-08 18:54:00
Recently, I have been giving much thought to finding ways to improve our kittens' litter box problems. Actually, we don't really have any problems with the litter boxes...with the exception of the fact that they stink! Spike and Trouble each have their own litter box. Both boxes are cleaned regularly and they both have the dome that goes over the pan with a little entrance for the kittens to climb in and out. They domes each have a filter that can be replaced. The kittens usually do their business at the same time. It's sort of like "tandem pooping".I've been thinking of how to get that stinky smell to be not so stinky. The other day, I was in the midst of cleaning the litter boxes, when the stench was so bad that I started dry heaving, then gagging, and eventually vomiting into one of the litter boxes. Hubby came running downstairs to see if I was alright. When he realized what had happened, he started laughing uncontrollably.Me: Oh, I see. It amuses you to see your wife throwi...
More About: The G , Greening

More things to do on the Island
2007-12-07 17:57:00
Last Christmas, my wonderful sister-in-law got us pottery lessons at McQuay Click & Clay. Almost a year later, my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and I have finally been able to get our schedules sorted! We had our first pottery lesson on Tuesday night. Let me tell you, working on the wheel is a lot harder than it looks! Jan, our truly amazing (and patient) pottery instructor makes everything look so easy!If you are on the Island and are looking for some neat presents or souvenirs, check out McQuay Click & Clay. You can buy some of Jan's lovely pottery, but I think pottery lessons would also make a great gift for anyone on your list!FYI: McQuay Click & Clay is not limited to pottery alone. You can also find creative Island gifts with photos taken by Jan McQuay. She sells calendars, coasters, puzzles, cards, magnets, placemats, sweatshirts, cloth tote bags and even postage stamps with Island scenes on them.************************************ ********************************...
More About: Things

Another Promo
2007-12-06 20:51:00
Everyone knows how much I love sharing cool new finds with my friends and family. I also love promoting friends who have small businesses. I especially love promoting local products. Once again, here's another plug for one of my favourite Island products.The Manitoulin Soap Factory has a wide variety of soaps, bath salts, bath bombs, shampoos, conditioners, body butters, lotions, and brown sugar scrubs. The mother and daughter duo who own and operate the Manitoulin Soap Factory also make candles and sell lots of other neat gifts in their store.They've been really busy with making baskets for the Holiday Season. I picked up this wonderful basket for a special person on my list. I got some bath salts, soap, body butter and a candle all in the Oatmeal,Milk & Honey scent (my absolute favourite)!D'rae, you will be receiving a candle and soap (also in Oatmeal, Milk & Honey) as your prize for deciphering the code from yesterday's post. I hope you like it as much as I do! The s...
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Throwback Thursday #20
2007-12-06 19:37:00
First off, I'd like to say CONGRATULATIONS to Audrey and her Hubby over at Pinks and Blues. They're expecting their fourth child in June! Exciting news!!! I haven't been very diligent with my Throwback Thursday posts, while the Pinks and Blues Girls always have the greatest photos and stories on their blog. Here is my latest installment:Since it's almost Christmas, I'll try to find old Christmas photos to post. I actually stole this one from my youngest cousin's Facebook photo album! Here we are being goofy on Christmas. I remember when Christmas was filled with wonder and magic for us kids. We'd all get together at my aunt's house and have this HUGE Christmas dinner and then sing carols. We'd go to Midnight Mass and we'd return to my aunt's house where we'd wait for Santa to arrive with all our presents. We'd all sleep over in one house. Imagine 30+ people sleeping in the same house? All of us kids would sleep on the floor in our sleeping bags and we'd have so much fu...

Not So Miserable Anymore...
2007-12-05 20:38:00
because...WE HAVE INTERNET SERVICE AGAIN!!!I cannot tell you how horrible it has been to have no internet at home for six days! I know it sounds silly to be miserable just because I couldn't get online for almost a week, but I was seriously suffering withdrawal! I know that in the past, people have survived without the internet in their daily lives. However, much of my work requires the computer. I need to check e-mail from students (and potential students) in the morning and in the evening, and I often have to do research for the curriculum and do all sorts of interesting ESL things.Okay, I did miss blogging and checking out my Facebook. Thank you to some of you really sweet friends who were worried about me not posting or getting in touch for nearly a week! Tee hee! I am fine and the only reason I didn't answer any messages was because we had no internet at home.Oh, and if anything good can come out of not having internet at home, it's this:I got a whole bunch of Christmas or...

Just under the wire
2007-11-30 23:09:00
I almost missed NaBloPoMo again (and so close to the end of November)! I have a legit excuse though! Our Internet has been down for two days, so I've had to rush over to my parents' house just so I can post! It's almost December and almost my birthday! Soon I won't have to worry about posting every day for NaBloBlahBlah! :) Just kidding! It's been fun. It's been a challenge, but it's been fun!Well, I'm off to be an angel for Journey to Bethlehem tonight! Those of you on the Island who aren't going to see Journey to Bethlehem tonight can see it tomorrow night! The Snowflake Fair is also tomorrow in Mindemoya. Don't miss it :)
More About: Wire , The Wire

Throwback Thursday #19
2007-11-30 02:42:00
I almost missed NaBloPoMo today! We said goodbye to my student today. I can't believe two and a half months just flew by so quickly! Hubby and I did some Christmas shopping. Yay! We finally get new windows for the house! I got home in time for my library meeting and just have enough time to post for NaBloPoMo.Middle Bro has always loved Baby Bro so much. I was 11 and Middle Bro was 9 when Baby Bro was born. MB and I used to always fight over who got to feed BB. In the photo below, MB, BB and Dad were sleeping while we snapped this shot. Too cute! Our 3 men!Like a good brother, MB taught BB how to play hockey. Check out the blue Converse shoes MB is sporting int his pic! I can't believe that my friend's daughter paid $60 for a pair of Converse just last week. I don't remember them being that expensive! We wouldn't have been able to get a pair (and we had quite a few pairs!) if they were that expensive! My parents didn't really buy us name brand anything when we were kids!This i...
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A Meme for Hubby
2007-11-28 17:05:00
He's the sweetest, kindest, most compassionate man I've ever met.He is fantastic with our nieces and with my students.He loves our little nephew.He's super hardworking (and makes amazing maple syrup)!For a farm boy, he cleans up pretty well!He even entertains me by going along with all my wacky ideas.He'll do anything for our family members...including wearing his bunker gear and playing baseball left-handed against the kids (in the middle of WINTER)!No wonder I love him so much!!!I borrowed this meme from Karen at A Day in the Life.It was just too cute to resist. Plus, we're nearing the end of NaBloPoMo and I am running out of things to post!1. Who is your man?"J", Hubby, The Hubster, Honey, Daddy (to the felines and the canine)2. How long have you been together?Since 2005.3. How long did you date?We dated for 13 months and 2 days before we got married. It was a whirlwind romance, but when you've found the right person, you just know it! :)4. How old is your man?6 years older...
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A Touchy Topic
2007-11-27 06:09:00
I caught a bit of an interview on CTV's The Verdict last night about the proposal of segregated schools. Some parents and educators believe that by having African-Canadian centered schools, the drop out rate among young African-Canadian students would be less. The students would be taught by "black teachers and role models".Others believe that this approach is nothing but detrimental to students' development and educational success. It's like taking a thousand steps back in time. For decades, people have been fighting for equal rights and have tried to abolish racism. By segregating students, does this help them to become engaged and interested in their studies or does it only exacerbate the existing challenges?I can see the pros and cons for each argument. True, by having schools that are specifically tailored for the needs of the students, it can be beneficial for learners if they are in an environment that is conducive to their learning styles. If this were the case, then, wou...
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One Hour Photo
2007-11-26 16:52:00
A few years ago, I watched One Hour Photo with my brother and his wife. The movie was on TV last night and I just had to watch it again. I was really surprised by Robin Williams' performance in a such a serious role. Prior to this movie, all the roles I've seen Williams play were all funny (ex: Mrs. Doubtfire, Jack, Mork & Mindy). After seeing One Hour Photo, I saw another movie where Williams played a serious/dark character. This movie was Insomnia.In One Hour Photo, Sy Parrish (Robin Williams), a long time photo developer at a department store. He is a sad and lonely person and he becomes obsessed with a young family, whose pictures he has been developing for years. He has copies of their family photos and he spies on them. Sy wants what the Yorkin family has. He wants their perfect life.When Sy gets fired from his job at the store's photo lab, he snaps. He finds out that Mr. Yorkin is having an affair with a co-worker and he becomes enraged that someone who has everything ...

Yay!!!
2007-11-26 02:29:00
A special shout out goes to RenRen and Sharmander today, as they have just announced their engagement! We were at a party and when I checked our messages, what a wonderful surprise awaited on our machine! Ren and Sharmander are one of our favourite couples in the world. They're both smart, fun, funny, responsible (yet crazy), sweet and just plain wonderful. Sharmander, you've been with our family for quite a few years already, so you're already part of the familia. Thank you for coming into Ren's life and for making him so happy. We love you guys! Congrats again! xo

It's like American Pie
2007-11-25 07:18:00
...only a million times raunchier!I guess that would mean that it's not like American Pie at all.On Friday night, we had some friends over for supper, a game of The Da Vinci Code: The Quest for Truth, and a movie. Quite a few people have told me that Knocked Up is a really funny movie and worth renting. I remember seeing the trailers for the movie and thinking that it looked silly but cute. I'm a sucker for romantic comedies. This movie was totally not what I was expecting.Katherine Heigl plays Alison Scott, a bright and responsible young woman who works for E! Television. She and her sister go out to a bar one night, to celebrate Alison's promotion. She meets Ben (Seth Rogen) at the bar and they both get extremely intoxicated and have a one night stand. The two have very little in common. Alison is a successful TV personality with a rising career and Ben is a chronic pot smoking slacker/party animal. He and his friends plan to launch a website that lists famous actresses and all...
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Looking for Ideas
2007-11-24 17:37:00
I purchased a pre-lit Christmas tree the other week and friends keep asking me why I haven't decorated it. I just have plain white lights and a star on top. That's it. That's all.I want to make a new Christmas tree ornament for every year Hubby and I are married. Right now, since we've only been married a year and a half, our tree looks very simple.I was surfing the net for Christmas ornament ideas that Hubby and I can do together. I have no idea if Hubby will actually sit down with me and make ornaments, but it's worth a try! While perusing the Internet, I found this site. Not only does this site have creative tree ornaments, but it also has fun and easy cookie recipes you can try with your kids.I found some cute ideas, but haven't found "the perfect" ornament idea yet. If any of you make your own ornaments, do you have any ideas you can pass along?Cheers! xoAll photos and recipes have been borrowed from www.fabulousfoods.com
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NaBloPoMo
2007-11-23 17:20:00
It's hard to believe that these guys were...this tiny five months ago.Can you tell I've come to a little road block for today's NaBloPoMo? I needed something to post? CK, Annie, J, Cherry, Beachmama, Karen, and anyone else doing NaBloPoMo, are you finding it easy to post every single day? How do you come up with your material? What inspires you?I don't think it's too difficult to come up with things to write about. It's just the finding time in the day to post that has become a problem. Only seven more days of NaBloPoMo!

Throwback Thursday #18
2007-11-22 21:59:00
The girls at Pinks and Blues always post the most heartwarming Throwback Thursday s. I've been rather delinquent in my TT postings, but hopefully I'll get back in the swing of things soon.This week's set of photos are of my little cousin, Jey and yours truly. I grew up in a very tight-knit family, where all my cousins were like siblings to me. For the longest time, I was the princess, as I was the only girl in the family. Fast forward to when I turned ten, and a new little princess was born.Jey was the little sister I never had. We all looked out for her (we still do) and are very protective when it comes to her. Here are some pics of my 'baby sister'. She was the cutest little girl. She had the biggest eyes and her hair stood up and made her look like a little porcupine!I'm in the second photo. Here, we're with Jey's cousins from her dad's side (Jey's mom is my mom's youngest sister). I'm the one in the white outfit with the pink suspenders! Hahaha! Don't ask. I have ab...

Freaky because it's true!!!
2007-11-21 06:04:00
The lovely Ms. Mamma inspired this NaBloPoMo post. The other day, she posted this blog entry and it prompted me to write about some freaky true stories of mine.When I was a child, one of the houses we lived in was owned by an elderly couple. The husband passed away, so his widow wanted to sell the house to a nice young family. It was a nice house, but I never felt comfortable in that house. There was always this strange feeling...a cold presence, if you will. Strange things would happen in this house. I don't know why, but my mom decided to have a playroom for us (Middle Bro and me, since this was all pre-Baby Bro) in the basement. In the basement?!?! Why on earth would anyone make a playroom for their kids in the basement?? Needless to say, the basement freaked us out and even though ALL of our favourite toys were in the playroom, Middle Bro and I refused to go down there!Now, there was a door in the basement that led to the side of the garage. Mom would always make sure the door ...
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My Precious
2007-11-20 06:35:00
I'd like to think that I'm not a materialistic person. I don't think I'm they type of person who tries to "keep up with the Joneses". However, if my house were ever on fire, apart from trying to save our beloved babies (the felines and our canine), I'd try to save some of my photographs and books. I know this may sound silly, but those are the only things I would really want to save. My photographs carry with them so many memories of my childhood. My books are also a large part of who I am.I've gotten attached to the works of Shakespeare, Dickinson, The Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, Dickens, Orwell, Chekhov and other greats. I know books are material, but they are so much more than just that to me. As a child, I'd lose myself in literature. I love movies, but I have always preferred books to movies.It amazes me how literature can move you, open your mind, and just take you away to another time and place. Literature can draw out emotions. One minute you're laughing and the...
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Sooooooooo GOOD!!!!
2007-11-19 06:50:00
You've got to try this!!!While at the Christmas Market and MSS Shopping Spree, I searched for ideas for what to get family members who have it all.I did find some amazing items on the weekend. I bought lots of stocking stuffers, handmade by the amazing Dylon Whyte (or "The Chainmail God", according to Ms.Mamma).I also picked up this as part of a present for one of the people on my list. I ended up picking one up for myself because it was just soooooo good! It's Watkins' Lemon Cream Shea Butter. Can I tell you how delicious this stuff smells??? It smells soooooo yummy! You'd swear it was almost edible! It's very creamy and non-greasy. It moisturizes my skin and I've got really dry skin (especially my hands) in the winter. Imagine having perfectly soft and silky skin and smelling like lemon meringue pie? Tell me that's not awesome!
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Yet Another Addiction!
2007-11-18 16:50:00
The Da Vinci Code Board Game: The Quest For TruthIf you've read the book or have seen the movie, some of you may either love The Da Vinci Code or hate it. There doesn't seem to be any in between when it comes to The Da Vinci Code. I was telling my student how games like Scrabble are really good for improving her English skills. We were out Christmas shopping last week, and my student saw the Da Vinci Code board game. Not knowing what it was about or what the level of difficulty was, she bought it. It looked interesting enough!I am a board game addict. I love games, challenges, and competition. Scrabble, Monopoly, Balderdash, Cranium, Trivial Pursuit...You name it, I love playing it. I'm such a geek that way.We tried it out a few nights ago, and were really confused. It's not the easiest game to play, but it sure is challenging. The object of the game is to solve the mysteries. The mysteries are hidden everywhere, but the answers are in plain view...If you know how to crack the c...
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Perfect!!!
2007-11-17 20:45:00
Whoever said there is nothing to do on the Island is sorely mistaken! In the summer, it's "busy season" with all the tourists visiting the Island. In the winter, we've got so many teas and bazaars, fundraisers, luncheons, and community events. It's almost impossible to be anything but busy! I was told years ago, that I would never survive living on the Island and that winters were very long and harsh up here.Personally, I think boredom is just a state of mind and it's up to the individual to make their own fun and entertainment. I'm never bored here and I am always busy! In fact, my life is busier here than it was in the city. It's a different busy though. Now, I'm busy doing things that I love to do and not things that I have to do out of obligation. As for the cold...Well, I spent twenty three years living in Montreal, and the winters there were much colder and harsher than they are here!Coasting along the winding highway with the crisp air and blue sky just made me smile. ...
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Another Cool Thing from Pinks and Blues
2007-11-16 15:41:00
The lovely ladies at Pinks and Blues have very informative posts. These girls are resourceful, helpful, funny and they do their research for all your cool, trendy, hip family needs. From work, love, marriage, children, friendship, to anything else you may want to know about...These girls have it! They also have the cutest Throwback Thursdays, the funniest posts, and the most amazing contests. If you post this button on your sidebar, you will be entered in the contest for their Dooney & Burke giveaway.Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
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Feel the love
2007-11-15 15:35:00
Scene: Enter C with a big box from the post office. C sets the box on the dining room table. She excitedly opens the box to reveal a colourful assortment of Japanese snacks and Filipino spices/mixes, as well as a card, soap and a CD.Hubby: So where is this one from?C: From Canine in _________! OMG! She's awesome! Look at all this cool stuff! Look at all the Pocky! Men's Pocky, Strawberry Pocky...almost EVERY kind of Pocky conceivable! I'm in Pocky heaven!!!Hello Panda chocolate-filled cookies. "New Sports Printing"Oh, and notice the Collon in the background? Gotta love it!Kasugai's Gummy has the taste of orange juice and comes in an attractive small bag. I don't know where the name "Black Black" came from.Everybody needs to have a Crunky Walking Bar!!! Do you think crunky is a little bit like "crunchy"??? Do we eat these chocolate bars when we go walking or do these bars actually walk?Thursdays are usually inspired by Sharon, Audrey and Jane's Throwback Thursdays. This week, I...
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OH, FUDGE!!!!
2007-11-14 06:09:00
I'm not really a dessert or sweets person, but I do enjoy cooking, baking, and experimenting with new recipes. I just love creating things. There's a certain sense of accomplishment when one is able to take on a challenge and create something of their very own. This is one of the reasons I enjoy cooking for loved ones. I also really, really enjoy feeding people...especially those who are way skinnier than I am!On special occasions, I like to make my famous cheesecakes. There's nothing that makes me feel better than watching people savour every last morsel of my rich and decadent concoctions. I know, I am horrible.With the holidays fast approaching, I have been experimenting with new recipes. I'm ready for tons of baking next month! Aside from the holiday cookies, I want to try a few new things. Since I'm in the country now, and fudge seems to be popular here, I have decided to try my hand at making it. Heck, I will never eat the stuff. Just thinking of fudge gives me a toothach...