#FlashFotoFriday - My Point of View

Well my point of view right now is rather limited..Orangie and I both quite sick.
A horrid headcold for me, and nasty cough for her :(

*cough* *sneeze* *sniffle*

Giveaway: 4 Fun Family Films on Blu-ray for Easter

FOUR MODERN FAMILY CLASSICS DEBUT

ON BLU-RAY JUST IN TIME FOR EASTER!

Enjoy Epic Adventures for All Ages On Blu-ray for the First Time March 6

Experience the excitement of four unforgettable family films, FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST, AQUAMARINE, THUMBELINA and THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER on Blu-ray for the first time March 6 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Featuring talented casts and moving stories, these Blu-ray titles make great Easter gifts for the whole family to enjoy.

In these new to Blu-ray releases, all of the main characters find themselves in the middle of an adventure, whether it’s saving a rainforest in Ferngully or escaping from a giant toad in Thumbelina. 

Here, we have created a guide of activities you and your family can enjoy together this spring!

Plant a Garden
As the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers" - so why not take advantage of the perfect weather and get started on cultivating some flowers of your own? Put on some clothes that are comfy, grab some gloves, and get down and dirty in the soil! Some of the flowers that grow the most quickly around this time of year include sunflowers, which can grow up to 3 inches in a month, along with lettuce, radishes, and snow peas, all of which will aid in making a delicious spring salad for the whole family to enjoy.

Play in the Sprinklers
It may not be quite hot enough to take a dip in the pool yet, but that doesn't mean that water activities are entirely off the table! Playing in the sprinklers is one of the most fun ways to cool off while getting some exercise as well. Put on your bathing suit and gather your friends around to play a fun game of Marco Polo or tag while you enjoy the spring weather.

Bake Something
Spring is the time when some of the most colorful fruit is becoming ripe, so why not take advantage of some of nature's sweetest candy and bake some delicious strawberry shortcake?! Then, once your cooking is done, you can pack your dessert up in a basket and bring it to your favorite park and enjoy it outside while you have a lovely spring picnic.

Go Exploring in Your Neighborhood
You don't have to live near the Rocky Mountains or the Sahara Desert to have an adventure - there are perfectly good journeys to be had right in your own neighborhood! Hop on your bike, your skateboard, or just use your feet, and get a move on, as you explore some nooks and crannies in your own backyard. You can even bring a camera to document your expedition and save the photos for a scrapbook so you can remember your own fun spring quest.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

Winner will receive the 4 movies listed above!

(open to Can/US, no PO boxes sorry, ends Apr 06th at 11:59 pm)

I'm sick, so sharing a song.

It's a sick day for me :(
Managed to get a headcold(my poor ears/nose/throat!!)
Where i got it from, i have no idea :(

So i just wanted to share an amazing music video. I absolutely LOVE LOVE this song...but with 80 MILLION views, maybe you've already seen it?



Actually, i've come back in a few minutes after posting this post..this other cover of theirs is literally haunting me..i know this song, and i just can't figure out from where..i'm not sure if it's just because my grama always said 'ticky-tack' or what..or maybe she would sing the song..because i KNOW the song..who knows..but it's absolutely BRILLIANT!

Wordless Wednesday - Day of Hunger Games!

Today i took a ME day. I vegged and read The Hunger Games book today, and then when the mr got home from work we headed off to the drive-in to see the movie!

( and here's where i admit that someone wise told me 'no no just go see the movie, don't read the book first'...she was totally right. I loved the movie, don't get me wrong, but wow they left a bunch of stuff out of the movie that i considered 'important' or really interesting in regards to the movie...le sigh. )

OH! and incase you're like 'wait, what's up with the pickle?!'..it's a chilly dilly! :)

Celebrate Easter with Nickelodeon DVD's - giveaway

Can you believe that Easter is less than 2 weeks away?! We haven't even brought up the box of Easter decorations yet, and it'll be here before we know it! I love the various dinners and egg hunts and family time! I also love sitting down with the girls and watching seasonal videos together!

Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution want to get friends and family hopping with excitement for Easter with these familiar DVD titles, all available at retailers now!

Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Enchanted Forest Adventures
Discover unicorns, gnomes and fairies in three fantastical Dora episodes.  Dora and Boots must defend the kingdom of the Enchanted Forest, travel to Atlantis and save King Unicornio in this epic three-part adventure, which includes a special double-length feature! (SRP $19.99)

Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Egg Hunt
From going on an egg hunt adventure, to searching for the perfect way to say “Happy Mother’s Day,” Springtime Holidays take the cake with Dora the Explorer!  Join her for Easter, Mother’s Day, and two musical adventures!  (SRP $14.99)

Max & Ruby: Easter with Max & RubySpring into the Easter season with two very funny Easter bunnies – Max and Ruby! From Ruby’s Easter bonnet to Max’s Easter bunny, and an Easter Parade too, you’ll be celebrating the season bunny-style! Join the seasonal play dates with Max and Ruby! (SRP $14.99)

Max & Ruby: Springtime for Max & Ruby
Hop into Spring with Max and Ruby! Help them search for Easter eggs and a chocolate chicken, and play other outdoor games in the sunny, springy weather too! It’s always a great day to play the Max and Ruby way! (SRP$16.99)

Nickelodeon Jr Favorites: Celebrates Spring!

Celebrate the spring season with Dora the Explorer; Blue’s Clues; Max & Ruby and Little Bill.  In addition, enjoy a bonus episode from Rugrats.(SRP $14.98)

GIVEAWAY TIME!!  One lucky Home of OHM reader will win a copy of  Max & Ruby: Easter with Max & Ruby!

(open to Can/US, ends Apr 02 at 11:59pm EST)

Visiting The SugarBush - Fort Rose Maple Company

It's been a yearly trip for at least 6 years now. I can remember a photo where Orangie and her cousin were just bundled up little toddlers...
Fort Rose, only a half-hour drive outside London near Parkhill, is definitely our sugar bush of choice. We 'tried' to go to a different one last year, but pulled up and looked around(didn't like it's tourist trap feel) and then turned around to drive to Fort Rose instead. There is a warm family feel there that makes everywhere else we've looked at absolutely pale in comparison. We love the trip out into the bush, we love the animals, and we especially love the big yummy breakfast! Oh! and the maple lollipops for the ride back home!

* Fort Rose Maple Company is a family owned and operated business.

* Syrup making has been a family tradition that started by our Grandfather in the mid 1940's. McLachlan Brothers Nelson, Colin and Lawrence revived the family tradtion of making syrup about 1980 by tapping a small number of road side trees. By 1990 the small operation had turned into a commercial operation. In 1992, a name change from McLachlan Brothers to Fort Rose Maple Company accompanied by the new Sugar House and Pancake House to better server our growing business. The operation has grown into a 4400 plus tap operation. We use both pails and pipe line for collecting sap.

* Complementing the maple operation is a Pancake House with a buffet style setting. Brunch includes pancakes, sausage, maple baked beans, coleslaw, muffins, fruit salad and pure maple syrup.

* i was not compensated in any way for this review, i just wanted to share a place that i love *

#FlashFotoFriday - Spring!

Oh what a gorgeous beginning to spring we've had here in SW Ontario! Temps have been crazy above normal, record-breaking even! Here are some recent shots that just scream Spring to me! :)

1) Chippy is back! woot! (he lives under out cement porch, so he's well insulated in winter!)
2) the girls at the park yesterday! it was absolutely sweltering..we lasted about 10 mins.
3) buds are really growing on the little plant that lost it's taggie :(
4) buds on the lilac or the maple..i forgot what i took a pic of..oops!
5) the clematis is growing!
6) the rhubarb has started..and wow i really need to clean up my garden!

* there was supposed to be a pic of a nest, but it fell out of the bush and must have blown away :(

You can join the FlashFotoFriday linkup HERE!

Mmm...i love tea lemonade!

Thanks so much Starbucks. You got me hooked! Hero had bought a Passion Tea Lemonade one day because her friend had ordered one and it looked cool..tween girls..lol. So i tried Hero's and well that's where it all started..

I have now run out of Tazo Passion Tea(i only had a few bags)..so i moved on to Tetley Wild Berries or Mojito or Mango Passionfruit Acai green tea or Strawberry Orange Pekoe or or ...well you get the point!

Best summer drink ever! We love to experiment with different flavours..and the kids love it too!

1) Mmmm. for this one we chose Mango Passion Acai green tea( i put 2 tea bags in about 6 cups of water? maybe. I'm sorry i don't measure..i go mainly by taste)

2) Tea has steeped for maybe a good 1/2 hr...lemonade was made but using 3 cans of water instead of the 4.

3) Mixa Mixa! (not really visable, but there is a big puddle on my counter from where the bodum didn't want to pour, and then i kinda overfilled the jug! lol)

4) Refridgerate till nice and cold, or if you're impatient like me throw in some ice and enjoy! Mmm!!

*my cute straw is glass! you can find it at Glass Dharma*

The Adventures of Tin Tin - review

Based on One of the World’s Most Beloved Characters, Critically-Acclaimed Adaptation Debuts on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™ and DVD March 13, 2012

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – The incomparable team of Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson brings the world-renowned stories of Hergé to life in the rollicking and wildly imaginative THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN, bursting onto Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD (all with UltraViolet™), On Demand and for Digital Download on March 13, 2012 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. Winner of the 2012 Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film, THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN has been called “a grand thrill ride of a treasure hunt” (New York Post) and the “most delightful dose of pure entertainment since Raiders of the Lost Ark” (Minneapolis Star Tribune). Featuring groundbreaking and visually-stunning motion capture animation, an outstanding cast of voice talent headed by Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis and Daniel Craig, and a thrilling story filled with non-stop action, THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN is a must-own film that the entire family will enjoy watching again and again.

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN three-disc Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo pack include over 90 minutes of special features that take viewers behind-the-scenes with Spielberg and Jackson to discover how the filmmakers brought the characters to life, learn about Tintin’s origins, delve into the design and animation processes, explore the creation of Tintin’s faithful dog, Snowy, and much more. The film will also be available as a single-disc DVD. All Blu-ray and DVD releases available for purchase will be enabled with UltraViolet, a new way to collect, access and enjoy movies. With UltraViolet, consumers can add movies to their digital collection in the cloud, and then stream or download them – reliably and securely – to a variety of devices.


OHM Thoughts:
We sat down for a family movie night to watch this one together. None of us were really familiar with the books, so we sat down just hoping for a good movie. The girls are big fans of adventure and dogs, so they were pretty excited..and the little viewing kit that we got (globe, magnifying glass, compass, TY tintin dog, chocolate gold coins) got them even more hyped up!
Orangie had a bit of trouble understanding some of the speaking (French accented English) so therefore lost interest a couple times. But the rest of us had a good time and very much enjoyed it! The mr even brought it up the next day..out of the blue, he just said to me 'you know, i really liked that movie last night'..he never does that! The only issue we had was not reading the warning label hard enough, we knew about the drunkenness and smoking, but didn't see the violence part. When the guns and swords came out(though no blood was shown) the mr quickly turned to me and asked 'What is this rated?!'..but the girls didn't have any issues with the violence, it was appropriate for the time/setting/etc we just weren't expecting it! All in all, a fantastic movie!

The guinea pigs are here!!

I know, i know...another post about the piggies. But really it's pretty much what my day consisted of! Going to get them on the other side of town, bringing them home with all their gear, getting them moved in, cleaning up their cage etc, having to go out to Petsmart to buy them a new water bottle/chewy logs and some vitamin c drops, and then just observing/petting/feeding them!
And i'm glad that i spent so much time observing them, as i realized that Princess wasn't easily able to get to the upper level to get food..she seemed almost afraid..or maybe she's just really too fat to get up there..she's REALLY fat in the midsection. So I gave her a ceramic dish of food in the lower level and man did she go to town on it!! So i made sure to put some special treats on the upper lever just for Cocoa, as she seems to be the timid shy girl who's last to the food.
* Oh and sidenote: when you bring home a new guinea pig put it straight into the cage, and DON'T let it play out in their playpen...lets just say i had to clean up 2 pee accidents!! *

Anywho..here's some more pics!

I promise i'll write about something different tomorrow! :)

Wordless Wednesday - we're adopting guinea pigs!

Yup, call me absolutely crazy, but i'm about to take the plunge and get a pair of guinea pigs. We haven't had much luck with pets in the past bit, but we will make this work! Aren't they the sweetest?!
We're going to go pickup Princess and Cocoa tomorrow, as their family can't take care of them any longer :(

** helpful hints, tips, advice is always welcomed! **

Burt's Bees Sensitive - #ImABzzagent

Burt's Bees has been creating the best in natural personal care products for over 25 years!

 

As a part of BzzAgent, I recently had the opportunity to try out Burt's Bees Sensitive Solutions.

 

I was excited to try it out because I've heard AMAZING things about the Burt's Bees company, and because recently i've had some redness on my cheeks, and some dry spots..I'm aging! eek!

 

I was sent:

* 1- fullsize sensitive skin facial cleanser, 1- fullsize sensitive skin daily moisturizer, samples of the daily moisturizer, and my bzzkit. *

 

 

This soap-free cream cleanser is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin while gently cleansing away dirt, oil and make-up without over drying or causing redness. Distinctly formulated with softening Cotton Extract to help skin replenish its outer layer and minimize the effects of potential irritants such as harsh soaps or cleansers, it also moisturizes with Rice Extract and soothes with Aloe. Naturally gentle and skin-friendly for daily use, it’s what every sensitive product should be.

(approx retail $12.99cad)

 

 

Clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin all day without causing redness or irritation, this nourishing day cream is formulated with softening Cotton Extract to help skin replenish its outer layer and minimize the effects of potential irritants such as harsh soaps or cleansers. All while Rice Extract moisturizes and Aloe soothes your skin. Naturally gentle for daily use, it’s what your sensitive skin has been waiting for.

(approx. retail $24.99cad)

 

 

My Thoughts:

I've been using the products for about 2 weeks now. I love the softness of my skin after use. The scent is very soft and natural.  I love that I can feel confident letting my tween daughter use them because they're 99% natural! It's absolutely a fantastic product, but personally i need their anti-blemish line instead! Why must i still get acne at 32?!

 

 

For more information be sure to check out Burts Bees online at www.burtsbees.com (US) or www.burtsbees.ca (CAN), and on Twitter, and on Facebook!

 

 

Disclosure: I am a BzzAgent. I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. These opinions are 100% mine, you may or may not feel the same.

#NationalOatmealCookieDay - we baked some!

You didn't think i could let something as wonderful as National Oatmeal Cookie Day slide by without baking did you?

Tonight Orangie and I got to work making some yummy oatmeal cookies! You can find the recipe we used HERE. This is our go to recipe for Oatmeal Chip cookies. Instead of using chocolate chips though, we used PC mini fudge melts(they look like teeny tiny little peanutbutter cups only have fudge in the middle). OMG...divine!

Did you celebrate National Oatmeal Cookie Day?

knitting: Lacy Baktus for Bella

Yay! I finally finished it! This is the first project where i was working so hard on it one night i had to give up because my hand was cramping!! lol.

I'm really loving the Lacy Baktus pattern right now. I love the way it knits up. The pattern is getting much easier to follow now, i can ALMOST do it without the page in front of me! And i absolutely LOVE the way that it wears!

This one was knit out of Viola Merino Wool in Cosmic Dust on 4.5mm needles.
The pattern can be found HERE.

I hope that Bella loves it as much as I now do!

( Here's a link to the last baktus i made..it's my FAVE!)

St Patty's Day Cupcakes and a Pinterest #FAIL

Yup, i did it again...I wanted to make something off Pinterest and ended up with a #FAIL..though it was a TASTY fail anyways! lol.
I guess the moral of the story is to PREPARE, get the recipe printed out before your man unhooks the internet on you(the router needed to be replaced)..
Because this gorgeous pic was what we were aiming for:

(EDIT: there used to be an awesome pic here, but it wasn't mine, and i'm afraid of a lawsuit)

But we ended up with this grey melty (tasty) #FAIL of a mess :(
(and yes i DID think that throwing green sprinkles on top might have made it look better! lol)

We failed to realize until it was too late that hot sticky marshmallow goo will melt cute little lucky charm marshmallows! duh! #FAIL

But wanna see what DID turn out??

And why yes, i DID use a boxed mix, and i will admit that i actually prefer them! :)

Tell me about your St Pattys day successes or FAILs! :)

Flash Foto Friday - Neighbourhood

Alright so this weeks Flash Foto Friday is NEIGHBOURHOOD...and well, here's a peek into our little world..

1) the trees are budding! yay!
2) sidewalk chalk hopscotch is awesome!
3) so is learning to rollerblade :)
4) happy chalk rainbow from Orangie!

The weather this March Break has been absolutely amazing! (It's 22C/70ishF and sunny today! like many other days!)

$100 CAD and $100 IronKids Giveaway!

Make sure you get in on this FANTASTIC giveaway! You could win $100 CAD (paid through paypal) and $100 worth of IronKids products!

We have the IronKids line here at the OHM house, and the girls absolutely LOVE them!

Ok, I admit it..I like them too!

"MOM! Can we have our gummies??"

No sugar coating, no aspartame, no artificial colors . . only real ingredients.

Also, nut-free and gluten-free!

 

 

Open to Can/US, ends 12:01 AM EST on March 20th

 

** Disclosure: Thank-you to IronKids and Influential Media for hosting and organizing this giveaway! **

buh bye hair!

Spring fever hit me, and yesterday i decided to march right into the hair place and get about 6 inches cut off! Yup i did! (i may be a little shocked after the fact, but i'm getting used to it! lol)

 * ha! i look a tad disheveled! *

Next up on my list? likely some highlights? and maybe a purple feather! :)

The Woodcarver dvd - review and giveaway

About the Movie:
Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church's beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.

OHM Thoughts:
The girls and I sat down to watch this together. I love to watch Christian films because I know that there won't be anything questionable in it, and there is always a great lesson. Well, Orangie (7 yr) didn't make it to far into the movie before she was off in her own little world, and then off to read a book instead. But Hero (11 yr) and I snuggled up on the couch in our blankets and quite enjoyed the movie! We thought we had the movie all figured out, but it twisted again and again. Loved the actors in this, especially the mom and Ernest. Will watch this again for sure!

GIVEAWAY TIME! One lucky OHM reader will win a copy of The Woodcarver!

(open to Can/US, ends 03/26 at 11:59 pm EST)

Wordless Wednesday - the mug collection

yes, i really do like my mugs! I think there has to be about 20 mugs total.

A lot are from Starbucks, or the thrift shops..like the one with the girl on it w the trees, i picked that one up today at Goodwill for 50cents! I absolutely adore it! The big weird one in the middle was a gift from the mr..i saw it at Pier 1 imports and drooled..and was gifted it a couple days later! :)

What do you collect? or what are you obsessed with?

Some March Break Fun!

(NOT clockwise this time! oopsie!)

1)  Sunday was sunny and 16C! woohoo! It was finally time to get outside and enjoy the sun!(just incase it goes away again!)...the girls were planning out their chalk body outlines..lol.

2)  This shot cracks me up! This is what happens when your big sister hands over the heavy dslr to you to take your pic..and you're only 7! Off with your head! lol.

3)  The camera goes back to big sister(11) who tries taking cute artistic shots...there were definitely some 'what were you thinking?' shots like this one where orangie has a hula hoop giving her a wedgie cause she's riding it around...but this one is really cute! :)

4 and 5) Perler bead fun! I really don't think perler beads will ever get 'old'.

6)  Orangie up on a lifeguard platform in Grand Bend. It was a GORGEOUS day for it, sunny and warm and not that windy...and for it still technically being winter it was rather busy! Lots of us had the same idea!
**sidenote: we had originally driven to Goderich first..we absolutely LOVE Goderich in the summer. It's one of our favourite places to go! When we got there we were heartbroken to find that there is still so much needing to be fixed after the tornado last summer. It was unbelievable. Buildings still boarded up. Construction everywhere in the main circle. Houses still being repaired...**

7)  Hero checking out the water. It was still really cold..duh!

8)  The girls got some new runners this morning...I was really concerned about how much Hero's were going to end up costing me..she's rather picky and has almost the same size feet as me..BUT i was soooo incredibly thankful that i managed to get both girls shoes and the bill was under $95. There may have been tears of joy. (sidenote: being poor sucks! praying i will have a job soon!)

9) And last but not least...Chuck E Cheese. I am a generally a big fan of the rat. It becomes a day trip because it's just over an hour away...and for about $35 we get lunch, drinks, and a BUNCH of tokens for playtime!(yay for coupons!!) Each game is only 1 token, so for us, it's a great deal!


Are you on March Break right now? If you are, what are you up to? Are you nearby? What do you think of this amazing weather??

Knitting and Gnomes!

Today was an awesome day! Mama got a brand new gnome! and i got to roadtrip to meet up with some friends for knit night! Woot!

1) i was wearing my pretty baktus today! such a colourful scarf! LOVE!
2) Gnomey got all knitted up at the knit night! :)
3) the new baktus that i'm working on..not sure about the wool..it's called 'cosmic dust'..
4) Gnomey all buckled up for safety! :)
5) I got a new mug!..i very much am Little Miss Scatterbrain..I need to embrace my horrible memory!
6) Gnomey has great taste in beverages! :)

Flash Foto Friday - Cookies!

If you follow me on twitter, you'll know that today was awesome! I was feeling the dreary weather and decided 'you know what?! screw this weather i'm going to the kitchen to bake!'...and so i gathered a great recipe (Robbi's M&M cookies) and just as i was going to the kitchen, the mr walked through the front door bringing me a tea from Tim Hortons! Such a sweetie!
So i told him my plans, and we went to the kitchen, where he gathered all the ingredients...and then started preparing the dough...and then the next thing i knew they were in the oven baking! All while i was standing there drinking my tea chattering away with him!

and really, what is better than baking cookies? but having someone bake them for you! :)

(note: we made the cookies with butter, NOT shortening, and we added a bit extra flour as per some of the reviews...they were delish!)

Went to the John Carter advance screening...

and it was an interesting but awesome night!

First we left our house about 3 hrs before it was to start, which for an approx hr and a half trip was quite generous...but between highway closures/re-opening, and crazy busy in-town traffic, we got there with FIVE mins to spare. OMG. I for sure thought we were too late, but phew we got our tickets.

At the door, there was a heavy security presence...REALLY?! They took our phones, checked bags, scanned us with metal detectors!! I was shocked. Is this normal? or a Disney thing?!

Next up was this was the first 3D movie the mr and I had been to...VERY FRICKIN COOL! (yes, we live under rocks! lol)

And as for the movie..it was BRILLIANT..i absolutely LOVED it, and Taylor Kitsch is one FINE-looking Canadian! (eye-candy!!) I can't wait for it to come out because i know that Hero(11 yr DD) will LOVE it too. It's rather science-fiction/fantasy, with some strong female characters(yay!!), and that is right up her alley. I also found out after the movie that it was a series of books from a long time ago..I have a feeling i will be looking those up for her to get from the library so she can read before watching..

Here's the trailer:



All in all, it was a fun adventure, and a really great date night!
What do you think? Have you been to a movie screening like that? and will you be seeing John Carter?

Kelloggs Canada - National Breakfast Day - #Kelloggers

Thursday March 8th is National Breakfast Day and Kellogg’s has partnered with Breakfast Clubs of Canada and Breakfast for Learning to launch the Share Your Breakfast program to encourage Canadians to help children who might otherwise go without.

Here are some facts and information on the Kellogg’s Share Your Breakfast movement!

Did you know?

·        Studies show that breakfast can help kids boost their academic performance – improving behavior, reducing absences and tardiness and increasing focus and physical performance

·        In Canada - 1 in 10 children live in poverty and are at risk of starting their day on an empty stomach


As part of this movement, Canadians are invited to celebrate National Breakfast Day with us on Thursday, March 8.  Throughout the day and across the country we'll be surprising Canadians with free mini-packs of Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal to raise awareness about our country's hungry children. In return, we're donating to our National Breakfast Day charity partners.  In essence, a bowl for you will equal a bowl for a hungry child. 

  There are a number of easy ways to get involved:

a.     Visit Kellogg’s website (www.kelloggs.ca/SYB) to view the breakfast video and share this important message with friends and family via social media.

b.     Pick-up a specially marked box of Kellogg's cereal in-store for a unique pin code to redeem for a free breakfast item and;

c.      In return, Kellogg’s will make a donation to Breakfast Clubs of Canada and Breakfast for Learning

d.     Or visit the breakfast charities directly to make your own donation and find out more about the great work they're doing to fight hunger in Canada.
                   www.breakfastclubscanada.org or www.breakfastforlearning.ca
          
e.  Tweet your support using the hashtag #shareyourbreakfast

Wordless Wednesday - a great day!

It started with a trip to Starbucks to knit with a friend! She fixed my mangled ball of wool and made it all pretty! :)

While I was there I added to my wonderfully insane mug collection! (thank you starbucks gift card from the mr!) -- i love this mug because it's spring-ish and 'matches' the black and white mug i have with the goddess on it! yay!

For dinner, my man is bbq'ing me up some steak! (he's out there as i write!)-- and yes our bbq is cheap and falling apart! lol.

and later tonight, an awesome friend is coming over for movie night! Catchin' up on Harry Potter!

Quaker Cranberry Orange Bread

It was a great day to do some baking..the sun was streaming in the kitchen window this afternoon!
So i decided to do a recipe that i saw on facebook this past week for Quaker Cranberry Orange Bread(Quaker because it's from the oats company)

You can find the recipe HERE.

I was eager to try this one because he seems rather healthy! woohoo!
and i guess i should really emphasize the word 'EAGER' because i totally messed up with the recipe and forgot the 1/4 c of oil! *forehead smack*
BUT, it still turned out yummy in my opinion, and now it's even healthier!
( I also slap-chopped the heck out of the cranberries, because i like little bits in every bite and not a mouthful of squishy tart cranberry, and ended up using about 1 c instead of 3/4 c. )

* Here's the dough, with it's slap-chopped cranberry bits! *

* and the final product! Yum! *

( ps - yes, i was taking pics with my Blackberry again..sigh..bad OHM! )

Hugo - on dvd 02/28 - review

Critically-Acclaimed, Enchanting Film Debuts on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™ and DVD February 28, 2012

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Renowned director Martin Scorsese’s groundbreaking and original adventure HUGO makes its highly-anticipated debut on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD, all with UltraViolet™, On Demand and for Digital Download on February 28, 2012 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. Recipient of more Academy Award nominations than any other film, HUGO was honored with 11 total—including Best Picture and Best Director—and has already won Martin Scorsese the Golden Globe for Best Director, was named the best film of 2011 by the National Board of Review, and was cited by more than 150 critics as one of the top 10 films of the year including writers for Associated Press, New York Times,Rolling Stone, Time, Entertainment Weekly, New Yorker, New York Daily News andThe Hollywood Reporter, among others. Called “magical and enchanting” (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times) and “one of the wonders of the world you need to see” (David Edelstein, New York Magazine), HUGO is bursting with dynamic action, sumptuous imagery and a heartwarming and magical story that audiences of all ages can enjoy.

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HUGO will be available in a three-disc Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, as well as a two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, each of which boast nearly an hour of behind-the-scenes special features including an illuminating making-of featurette, a retrospective on the extraordinary genius of filmmaker Georges Méliès, a look at the mechanical man at the heart of HUGO, plus interviews with the cast and crew and more. The film will also be available as a single-disc DVD. All Blu-ray and DVD releases available for purchase will be enabled with UltraViolet, a new way to collect, access and enjoy movies. With UltraViolet, consumers can add movies to their digital collection in the cloud, and then stream or download them – reliably and securely – to a variety of devices.
( OHM sidenote: the fineprint says US only for UltraViolet )

OHM Thoughts:

We all sat down for a family movie night last night to check this one out. Hero (11yr dd) was VERY eager to watch this one, as this genre is all her! She even had the big movie companion book she got from the library snuggled up in the chair with her! How she was able to watch the movie and yet spew out tidbits of knowledge about the movie at us is beyond me! lol.

I was under the impression before watching that this was a children's movie, but realized that it really isn't..it's more of a children's movie for adults. It's literary, and Orangie(7 yr dd) spent more time asking question and clarifying then i think she spent watching the movie!

But regardless, we very much enjoyed all 2 hours of it. It was very unique, mysterious, almost magical even. The characters were brilliant, and so well played. This movie is very much a welcome addition to our movie collection!

(interesting sidenote: so Johnny Depp is a producer on this movie, and there are a couple scenes where there is a band playing music and instantly we're like 'oh my gosh! very cool cameo by Depp!'...only to find out after watching and google'ing that it seems that it's NOT Depp doing a cameo but a look-alike actor, Emil Lager, or is it? lol )

* I received the above product for free, for review purposes. As always, you got my honest opinion. Your opinion may differ. *



knitting: I finished my baktus!

..and i'm in LOVE!
I love the colours! I love the design! and i think *think* i finally understand the pattern now! There will be no rip-outs on the next one!

** hey look! i used my 'real' camera! not my blackberry! lol. and no i refused to take off the non-matching hoodie for the shot. my lower bathroom is a freeze-zone! **

** and here she is wrapped around the spring flowers i bought yesterday, they also don't match the baktus! lol **

If you knit and like the pattern, you can find it HERE!

( for mine, i used a mary maxim sock yarn, and sz 4.5 mm needles)

Puss in Boots - on dvd 02/24

DREAMWORKS ANIMATION’S CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED WORLDWIDE SMASH HIT DEBUTS IN SPEC-CAT-ULAR DOUBLE DVD AND BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACKS
ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH

HOLLYWOOD, CA – Nominated for the 2012 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: DWA) fur-ociously funny and globally renowned PUSS IN BOOTS makes a triumphant debut on DVD and Blu-ray on Friday, February 24, 2012. Hailed by critics and audiences alike, the film has been lauded as “hilariously funny” (Associated Press), “charming [and] brilliant” (Wall Street Journal) and praised for its spectacular visuals and glorious 3D animation. Filled with hilarious action and adventure, the true tail—er, tale—of how Puss became a hero long before he met Shrek delighted audiences of all ages with its non-stop laughs, daring deeds and original story. Featuring the extraordinary Antonio Banderas as the voice of the irresistible and legendary cat, PUSS IN BOOTS boasts a sensational cast of voice talent, including Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris.

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The PUSS IN BOOTS Double DVD and Blu-ray Combo Packs include the exclusive debut of an all-new adventure called Puss In Boots: The Three Diablos. Antonio Banderas returns to voice the title tabby as Puss plunges head first into a brand new adventure, picking up right where the movie left off. Tasked with recovering a princess’ stolen ruby and facing off against three mischievious foes, Puss embraces his destiny and once again proves why he is the stuff of legend. All of the Combo Packs also include loads of fun and surprises not seen in theaters, and the Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy Pack features both PUSS IN BOOTS and Puss In Boots: The Three Diablos in eye-popping, high definition 3D for the ultimate home viewing experience.

Our Thoughts:
My daughters had already seen the movie, but I was still very much dying to see it! I absolutely fell in love with Puss' character in the Shrek movies! So i declared Thursday night 'Movie Night' and we all settled in to watch. I was lucky enough to snag a 'viewing kit' with the review copy, so it was an all-out fancy movie night! LOVE IT! We had milk in a glass bottle, popcorn, and magic beans(green jellybeans) and golden eggs(chocolates). It gave us a sense of 'connect' with the movie! So cool!
What can i say? The movie was amazing! It didn't disappoint! And I loved the Kitty Softpaws character!! Girl power! lol.
My only wish is that the 'Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos' video was longer. Eleven minutes just left me wanting more! It was such a great story!!

* I received the above product for free, for review purposes. As always, you got my honest opinion. Your opinion may differ. *

Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole

Yuppers! Another 'foodie' post from me! You might need to get used to it! I have to really work at making meals ok for me to eat now!
So tonight was supposed to be homemade pizza night, but well..we forgot to read the label on the dough...and didn't realize it needed to rise for TWO hours..oops!

So quickly turned to the Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole recipe that I've been wanting to try!
Here is the original recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cabbage-roll-casserole-2/detail.aspx

I ended up using 1 lb of ground beef instead of 2, and used one lg can of diced tomatoes(do not drain!) and 3/4 of a can of pasta sauce(wanted it more tomato-y, less sauce-ish, also some reviews said it needed more liquid), I also used 2 cups of uncooked rice(forgot to measure the after cooking amount), and left out the bacon(because my nitrate-free bacon was frozen!).
I also boiled the cabbage, to soften because some of the reviews mentioned the cabbage not being fully cooked..and i was also trying to cut down the baking time...

Anywho, here's Orangie's dished up casserole:

* yes, i know, work on the photography! stop using the darn blackberry! lol *

So the end result was that EVERYONE loved it! woohoo! Will definitely be making this again!



Kale Chips rock!

I decided that today was the day! 'Everyone' is always raving on about kale chips and how awesome they are etc etc. They've been on the 'to-do' list for quite a while. So this morning the mr mama-napped me and said 'we're going for coffee!' and then i did what i always do..changed the plans! lol. I said 'no problem! let's grab coffee's! BUT can we take them to Remark?' (Remark is kinda like a SMALL scale Whole Foods) And he agreed, because he knew i needed to find yummy healthy msg and nitrate free foods!

So one of the yummy foods i bought was a big ol' bunch of kale! it was gorgeous and only $1.49.

Here's the recipe i found on allrecipes for Kale Chips.

* Kale on pan, ready to go in oven! *

Basically break up your kale leaves into smaller pieces(i did half my big bunch), throw in a salad spinner to wash and 'dry', then i tossed mine onto a parchment lined pan(will likely try pizzapan next time), then since i don't have a misto for my olive oil(yet!) i brushed a bit of oil over the kale and then sprinkled seasalt and pepper on...baked in a 325F oven for about 17-ish minutes. The point is for it to look dark green and crispy, (if it's turning brown, you've burnt it!)(i had no idea..i just knew to aim for 'crispy', some of mine started to turn slighly brown...oopsie!)

And my little dish of kale chips:

I think i seriously ate about 3-4 of these little dishes full today! I was shocked at how yummy and addictive these little healthy 'chips' are!! AND for the awesome news...the kids and the mr all loved them too! WOOHOOO!

Kale chips? I LOVE YOU!

Have you tried them? How do you make them?

Miami Vineyard Live - review and giveaway

About Miami Vineyard LIVE:

What happens when a group of 20+ musicians and 10+ songwriters steeped deep in their own musical traditions of Black Gospel, Latin, Caribbean, and Anglo come together to create a new tradition and sound? What happens when the fusion of Black, Anglo, Latino, Caribbean, and Cuban voices unite together to worship in one voice? Among the 2000 people that attend the Miami Vineyard Community Church, there are over a hundred singers, instrumentalists and songwriters that make up its eclectic worship ministry. For one night, these musicians joined together in worship and invited the church to document the sound that is uniquely MIAMI VINEYARD LIVE.

This distinctive bi-lingual liturgy is filled with many flavors, from Latino claves to gospel two-step to funk and soul to delay-laden rock guitars of modern worship, yet they all work together seamlessly to create a new sound and voice that is authentic and refreshing. From anthems of praise and proclamation to songs of intimacy and adoration, there is a common thread running deep throughout this recording and that is true worship of the Living God as an expression of His Kingdom breaking in on the streets and beaches of Miami, FL.

My Thoughts:
WOW. I was concerned that i wasn't going to like this cd..something about taking worship music i love and 'jazzing it up'... and so i kept putting it off. Well that was a dumb assumption on my part!! This is an awesome cd! The second it started, i realized that i was WAY off. The beats are amazing! I found myself dancing in my seat. I felt energized. I actually found myself thinking of a friend and how much i really think that her and her hubby will LOVE this cd.
It's so vibrant and uplifting that i think it would be the perfect cd to get you going in the morning! I see dancing in the kitchen to an awesome latin beat while packing lunches! :)
I highly recommend this cd!


Miami Live from Vineyard Resources on Vimeo.

Miami Vineyard LIVE (released 10/18)
Website: http://www.vineyardmusic.com/vm/miami-live
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/miamivineyardLIVE
Purchase: http://www.vineyardresources.com/equip/content/miami-vineyard-live-cd

GIVEAWAY TIME!....ONE lucky Home of OHM reader will win a Miami Vineyard Live cd!

(open to Can/US, ends 03/16 at 11:59 pm EST)

knitting fail is FIXED, and msg update

Phew! Thanks to a fab knitting friend, my knitting #fail has been fixed! I had done an extra row, therefore getting myself all turned around. Unfortunately 6-8 inches had to be pulled out, but it was truly a learning experience! Oddly enough, i actually feel better!
(you can view the knitting #FAIL here, if you missed it)

Now as for the rest of the day...it was a total bust! i had a wee bit of a headache this morning when i awoke, but it continually got worse...i took an advil, and when that didn't work I realized it wasn't a headache I must have ingested msg yesterday...so i went home and started going through what i had eaten yesterday...and it disgusted me because 90% of what i ate had msg or one of it's other forms in it! Even the damn salad!! So i looked through my cupboards and realized how truly bad the situation is...i ended up having a pb sandwich for lunch because i was in tears over the lack of food i could eat. I realized that the only way i could stay 'safe' was to literally not eat packaged/processed foods...which you may be rolling your eyes at me here but come on I cannot spend ALL my frickin time in the kitchen cooking full-out meals. I am starting to realize just how many foods are affecting me, and how there is disgustingly msg(or aka msg) in so soooooo much of the foods i've been eating!!  I am literally lost right now and don't know what to do. I wish the specialist/allergist would call!!

What it was in yesterday:
* cream has carageenan in it..so need to switch to milk in my coffee(which is good because i was so worried it was the coffee making my head hurt!)
* my chicken soup from lunch
* processed cheese from my yummy grilled cheese..yup carageenan again.
* my casesar salad dressing, so full of parmesan...yes, parmesan...can't remember the story with it..naturally occuring maybe?
* chicken wings...yeast extract is aka msg and it was in the hot sauce on my wings.

Fun stuff huh? Not so much :(