My Little Corner of the World

It's been an insane week with running back and forth to hospital appointments every single day but Monday. (Monday I worked 14 1/2 hours straight at the bi-election.) This meant I had little time for creating in the studio, but surprisingly, I DO have something to show for what scant time I did have.

Tomorrow is the 9th anniversary of our ATC group and Penn gave everyone a template to make paper cake pieces. Everyone is making as many slices as they want and creating something handmade to go inside, as the prize.

I cut 10 slices from the template using cardstock and scored the folds. Then I covered the slices with anaglypta using matte medium to adhere it. I let them dry overnight and then ran my red staz-on ink pad over the anaglypta to colour the "icing". I finished each slice with a "cherry" on top.

It's a secret what's inside, but it's something pretty and practical and once the exchange is over I will show you what I made.

I have also been busy playing Suzi Homemaker. I don't know what it is about the fall, but it makes me want to spend more time in my kitchen cooking. My guys are partial to PB cookies, so I made 3 dozen to last the week.

My trick to ensure they don't gobble them down the same day is to put 1 doz. in the cookie jar and the other 2 doz. in ziplocs in the freezer. Out of sight, out of mind and it means I actually get a cookie or two!

My in-laws heard I wanted a bread machine and gave us one they weren't using anymore. I have been baking up a storm. I can make about 3 loaves per day if I am taking the dough out and baking the bread in the oven. I am trying to get a few loaves ahead in the freezer.

I decided I wanted a bread machine because I was paying $5/loaf and buying about 3-4 loaves per week. $20/wk on bread! That's insane! I discovered that I had everything I needed in the cupboard to begin making bread and so far only bought a bag of brown flour. I am not buying store made bread anymore! And besides which, the bread I make is not full of sugars and preservatives-I know exactly what we're eating!

Once you know how to make bread dough, you can make all kinds of yummy things with it. I made some cinnamon buns for us and then Lisa heard about it so I made some for her for her birthday. YUM!!

Shifting gears just a little, the latest in Olympic news is that last week I attended my Events Host training. I think I mentioned that they gave us an "Annie in a box" CPR learning kit. I finally got around to taking a pic of it. They were generously donated by the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation.

I also received my games time schedule this week and I got fantastic hours. It means I won't have to get up super early or commute during peak periods, which makes me very happy. I start on February 8th as my venue opens early to allow for Opening Ceremonies rehearsals. It's just over 2 1/2 months away!! I can't wait!

And what's a blog post without a pic of my sweet boy, Indy. He likes to hang out with me in the studio and has been glued to me the second I get home lately because I've been out so much. (And yes, he really is that shiny. He has a beautiful coat.) He's lying here right now waiting for me to be finished on the computer so I can play fetch with him. I'd better get a move on!