me like shrimpi

Hello my prittis,

So, I have this "everything but the kitchen sink" way of cooking sometimes, but this time my impromptu shrimp marinade has become famous without me trying.

I decided then, I must share this with everyone and "publish" the recipe instead of texting it to my friends all the time.

Here goes:
P.S. Don't get carried away with portions, just trust your instincts!

Curry Shrimp- Great for appetizers at party's! (P.S. This is not my picture, I have borrowed it from the net!)

1. Use fresh or frozen (with shell) shrimps. Doesn't really matter what type or size. This recipe is good for a standard bag you buy in the grocery store. I like to use the #20-30.
2. Remove the shells from the shrimp. If your shrimp are frozen, just pour hot water on them (not to cook them, but to melt them). 
3. Place the shrimp in a bowl and start your marinade, adjust it to your taste!
• 2 table spoons of olive oil (to wet the shrimp)
• 2 garlic cloves crushed, add more if you like your garlic!
• 2 table spoons of curry powder, mild or hot
• a sprinkle of red hot peppers (crushed or flakes)
• Salt and pepper
• chopped tarragon or any fresh earthy herb you have (thyme, rosemary, oregano...
4. Let the shrimp marinade in the fridge for 1-3 hours.
5. To cook- use a hot pan with a bit of butter or frying oil and grill until pink. DON'T OVER COOK YOUR SHRIMP!! It will get too chewy.
6. Another option is to BBQ them on bamboo skewers. Make sure you soak the bamboo sticks in water for a few hours before stabbing the shrimp on them, so they don't burn on the BBQ!

It's time for makeup, candy and all things scary!

Halloween is probably everyone's most favourite time of the year, next is their birthdays then maybe Christmas.

Here are my top reasons why:

1. Candy, chocolate, and more candy. Most of the time it's FREE!!
2. Experiment with lots of makeup without feeling judged.
3. It's FALL! The leaves are beautifully coloured. 
4. The crisp cool sweater and boots weather is here!
5. All things scary- decorations and movies!!
6. It's gourd time- this means pumpkin muffins, squash soup and lots of delicious food!
7. Most pressure to be original... creative costume ideas are difficult yet rewarding!

If you like Halloween for the other reasons below. I can not be your friend:

1. An excuse to be a slutty ____ (insert profession here). This is a lame costume idea.
2. When people get into character... too much and all night. That creeps me out.
3. When peoples costume makeup is everywhere but on their face. Please don't touch me.
4. The cost of making your own costume can be as expensive as buying one.
5. The costumes in a bag... so hideous and lame (hippie, witch, cop... you know what I am talking about).
6. People who don't dress up at all.
7. When you google "original halloween costume ideas"... I am sure you will find a one of a kind idea! hahaha

HAPPY HALLOWEEN MY PRITTIS!!!

Me and my husband's costume in 2010

the grass is greener on my side!

It's that time of the year to get your green thumb out, and get it dirty!

I love this time of the year, planning the garden layout, growing my seeds and deciding what plants we will be growing this year.

To make it easier for people who are scared to get started, it's important to note that the best way to garden is with a purpose! Do what you like and what fits your lifestyle. In the spirit of all of this excitement, I decided to create a top 10 gardening trends for 2011:

1. Edible gardens- food gardening is practical, gives you a return on your investment and it's delicious! Fresh food at your finger tips! Enjoy the fruits of your labour... literally!
2. Versatile gardens- if you like certain plants that require sun and warmth all year, put it in a large pot and bring it inside for the winter.
3. Container gardens- great for people living in apartments or condos!
4. Lifestyle gardens- low to high maintenance gardens should depend on your commitment to taking care of it.
5. Lawn less gardens- for those who have a small lawn or for those who think grass is for suckers. Grass does look silly in a small patch.
6. Outdoor living room gardens- decorate your yard as you would your den.
7. Water features- adds a calming view and soothing sounds.
8. Zone friendly garden- Plants will thrive better in their respective zones. Don't mess with nature, you are not fooling anyone. Ontario plant zones can range from 8 to 0. That's a huge range!!
9. Native plant gardens- Choose plants that are native to Canada.
10. Germinated gardens- start your plants early from seed. Now that's hard work!

I will keep you posted on my garden this year. So far we have about 22 berry plants started: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, boysenberry, current, gooseberry, loganberry, tayberry, mulberry... Can't wait to make jams and pies!!!

The 4 corners of my living room

Hello my prittis,

As you all know, I am obsessed with antiques and decorating my house with unique and affordable stuff!

Well, this Saturday I attended the annual Spring Antique Show! (see theovalley.blogspot.com post)

And low and behold, I found a great cabinet that was missing in my living room. You know to store cook books, CDs, blankets, table cloths... all that good stuff!

I was missing something on one of the walls in my living room, but now it's complete... well kind of... I now need to save up for an area rug, and maybe slap on a coat of paint!

I set it up yesterday, as soon as I brought it in the house. I'm so proud of it because it's technically my first true antique! It's from the 1800's and it hasn't been repainted, just sanded down a bit on the edges to give it the stressed look. It's also from North America, which means it's not imported from Europe, which I guess gives it more value. That's what the salesman said anyway!

Without further ado.... here is my cabinet!

Do you have a favourite piece of furniture in your house? Do you have a favourite room or corner of your house that you are proud of? Please share!

this is about me

Hi my prittis,

So, I know that I have neglected you for a long time know, but what can you do!

I wanted to share a post from HelloOttawa that features my bio and what Ottawa means to me! So far the responses and comments have been great :)

It's a bit humbling to see what people's reactions are towards you. Some people think I'm such a busy person, meanwhile I spend most of my time streaming my favorite shows on my laptop!

This interview and photo shoot was allot of fun, and I definitely recommend working with Anne if you want your Ottawa voice to be heard.

Thanks for the love,

C