READ BEFORE WATCHING THE VIDEO!!
This is a real video from a French documentary about Africa. There are trees that grow in Africa which, once a year, produce very Juicy fruits that contain a large percentage of alcohol.
Because there Is a shortage of water, as soon as the fruits are ripe, animals come there to help protect themselves from the heat. What happens next, you can watch for yourselves.
News
New gene therapy halts 2 boys' rare brain disease
Why we should all just say no to sit-ups
Japan's NEC offers eyewear translator
New Japanese glasses bring tears to the eyes
How to cut back on sugar
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Homemade Facial Mask
L drove to school yesterday as I had to go downtown with M on some errands and didn't need my car. I can see where this taste of independence will only heighten the longing for one's own car. It's a good thing for the most part, I guess (as is 'growing up'). Some of her friends already have their own cars in Grade 12. L says her friend's mom gets upset every time the friend mentions the word 'university'. This girl is the baby of the family and her mom is having separation anxiety. This girl will go to a Toronto university so that she can stay home and this girl is ok with that. I think that whatever works for each family is a good thing. Some friends can't wait to leave their parents' home.
If anyone is interested in homemade facial treatments, my sister just sent this to 'recipe' to us out of the blue. I know L was asking me what to do to get rid of bags under her eyes, but I couldn't really get interested in her problem! Maybe my sister would know.
Acne/Oily Skin Facial Mask
2 tsp aloe vera gel - fresh from plant
1 tsp lemon juice
1 egg white
1/4 tsp honey
Beat egg white and add all other ingredients. Apply to skin preferably with a small brush and allow to dry. Reapply and leave mask on for 10 minutes, rinse and moisturise.
News
Danish firm launches vitamin-rich gum for 3rd world kids
Does your baby cry in French or German?
If anyone is interested in homemade facial treatments, my sister just sent this to 'recipe' to us out of the blue. I know L was asking me what to do to get rid of bags under her eyes, but I couldn't really get interested in her problem! Maybe my sister would know.
Acne/Oily Skin Facial Mask
2 tsp aloe vera gel - fresh from plant
1 tsp lemon juice
1 egg white
1/4 tsp honey
Beat egg white and add all other ingredients. Apply to skin preferably with a small brush and allow to dry. Reapply and leave mask on for 10 minutes, rinse and moisturise.
News
Danish firm launches vitamin-rich gum for 3rd world kids
Does your baby cry in French or German?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Brighter Mornings
Yesterday I went for my annual eye checkup at the opthalmologist (eye surgeon). I developed a small cataract in my right eye many years ago. I had been fighting a recurring eye inflammation with a powerful steroid (prednisone) which was the only thing that kept it in check. It's funny when I quit my stressful job nearly 10 years ago, my inflammation went away. But I was left with this small cataract which is 'stable' according to the wonderful doctor, meaning no need for any surgery. It was cold, so I popped into the gym afterward for a quick workout. My eyes were still dilated!
L says there are an amazing amount of kids sick at her school from a variety of illnesses. So much so that they have cancelled a school dance planned for Friday. The principal thought it wasn't a good idea at this time. I've never heard of this happening before.
It's a lot brighter in the mornings when we wake up, since the switch to Daylight Savings Time. But it also gets darker more quickly in the evenings now.
News
Teanne Harris, bride jilted at altar, turns Halloween-themed wedding into party for senior citizens
'Metrotextual' men increasingly signing off messages with 'kisses'
Fabulous at 50: Fashion and beauty tips
14 Who-Knew? Uses for Your Microwave
L says there are an amazing amount of kids sick at her school from a variety of illnesses. So much so that they have cancelled a school dance planned for Friday. The principal thought it wasn't a good idea at this time. I've never heard of this happening before.
It's a lot brighter in the mornings when we wake up, since the switch to Daylight Savings Time. But it also gets darker more quickly in the evenings now.
News
Teanne Harris, bride jilted at altar, turns Halloween-themed wedding into party for senior citizens
'Metrotextual' men increasingly signing off messages with 'kisses'
Fabulous at 50: Fashion and beauty tips
14 Who-Knew? Uses for Your Microwave
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Grams to Cups
It's 'Take our kids to work day' here in Ontario. Grade 9 kids get to spend the day at work with their parents. M's office has planned a special day for the kids, so K hopefully it will make a good impression on K.
A few nights ago, I found this simple (about 4 ingredients) pound cake recipe from 'Christine's Recipes: Asian and Western Cooking'. M said he would make it, and whipped it up in no time. The interesting thing about it is that the recipe is given in grams. So when I went to google to do the conversions I was surprised to learn that it's not a straight 'grams to cups' conversion. You are converting 'weight' in grams (or ounces) to 'volume' in cups (or teaspoons and tablespoons).
Wikianswers has a great explanation:
'Depending on the density of the material you are going to have in the cup, the weight in grams of the material will vary. For example, if you fill the cup with lead, the cup will weigh much more than if you fill with feathers. This is why the cup is considered an unnecessary value of measurement, created by America to make things simpler for people who cook by an average, rather than precision.'
Anyway, it's a great, light-tasting cake and we made it without the walnuts to satisfy all palates.
Here are my conversions if you would like to try it using the cup measurements:
Butter Pound Cake
1 cup self-rising flour
2 eggs
1/3 cup melted butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
Pre-heat oven to 350F
cream meted butter, sugar
whisk eggs in
sift flour into the egg mixture
bake in a loaf-size pan lined with parchment paper for 35 - 40 minutes.
News
Proper poppy etiquette: When's the right time to start wearing one?
Scared of flying? Press the fear iButton
Ho Hos no laughing matter
Inflatable player entertains people
A few nights ago, I found this simple (about 4 ingredients) pound cake recipe from 'Christine's Recipes: Asian and Western Cooking'. M said he would make it, and whipped it up in no time. The interesting thing about it is that the recipe is given in grams. So when I went to google to do the conversions I was surprised to learn that it's not a straight 'grams to cups' conversion. You are converting 'weight' in grams (or ounces) to 'volume' in cups (or teaspoons and tablespoons).
Wikianswers has a great explanation:
'Depending on the density of the material you are going to have in the cup, the weight in grams of the material will vary. For example, if you fill the cup with lead, the cup will weigh much more than if you fill with feathers. This is why the cup is considered an unnecessary value of measurement, created by America to make things simpler for people who cook by an average, rather than precision.'
Anyway, it's a great, light-tasting cake and we made it without the walnuts to satisfy all palates.
Here are my conversions if you would like to try it using the cup measurements:
Butter Pound Cake
1 cup self-rising flour
2 eggs
1/3 cup melted butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
Pre-heat oven to 350F
cream meted butter, sugar
whisk eggs in
sift flour into the egg mixture
bake in a loaf-size pan lined with parchment paper for 35 - 40 minutes.
News
Proper poppy etiquette: When's the right time to start wearing one?
Scared of flying? Press the fear iButton
Ho Hos no laughing matter
Inflatable player entertains people
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Create Tuesday 11
Here's my entry for Lissa's Create Tuesday 11.
Click on the link in the sidebar for more details if you would like to participate.
There isn't a specific theme this week, except to say it's a found object, in my case 'Pennies':
I was inspired by actually finding a copper penny on a red-coloured jogging track a few weeks ago, although I've enhanced the 'reds' a bit. Hope you like it.
News
Bad moods may be good for memory: study
Man-eating lions consumed 35 people in 1898
Click on the link in the sidebar for more details if you would like to participate.
There isn't a specific theme this week, except to say it's a found object, in my case 'Pennies':
I was inspired by actually finding a copper penny on a red-coloured jogging track a few weeks ago, although I've enhanced the 'reds' a bit. Hope you like it.
News
Bad moods may be good for memory: study
Man-eating lions consumed 35 people in 1898
Monday, November 2, 2009
It's Time to Rake the Leaves
It was overcast, but mild weather on my walk yesterday morning. I saw quite a few seniors gathering leaves (do the younger people sleep in? or maybe they don't rake). The mulchers, leaf blowers and rakes were out. Welcome to November. We're now on Daylight Savings Time, having gained an hour over the weekend. It's funny how it always seems so much harder to adjust to losing an hour in the spring.
My sister that lives nearby thinks her kids got the H1N1 flu last week. They missed 3 days of school but were better in time for Halloween. My niece in California also got it, and seems to have recovered quickly. A lot of kids at L's school have been away from school with illness, but she now thinks it's more due to strep throat.
I found some VHS tapes from Amazon.ca, so I ordered a bunch. Soon they won't be selling them anywhere as technology is changing faster than we are.
I tried to set up a dinner for December 20th and wouldn't you know, one of the families already has plans for that timeframe. Here I am thinking I'm planning ahead for once! Sometimes last minute plans can work just as well.
My sister that lives nearby thinks her kids got the H1N1 flu last week. They missed 3 days of school but were better in time for Halloween. My niece in California also got it, and seems to have recovered quickly. A lot of kids at L's school have been away from school with illness, but she now thinks it's more due to strep throat.
I found some VHS tapes from Amazon.ca, so I ordered a bunch. Soon they won't be selling them anywhere as technology is changing faster than we are.
I tried to set up a dinner for December 20th and wouldn't you know, one of the families already has plans for that timeframe. Here I am thinking I'm planning ahead for once! Sometimes last minute plans can work just as well.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Recycled Glass Countertops
It was a very windy, but nice evening for Halloween. We had quite a few kids this year, some years we have close to none. I went for a walk on Main Street in the afternoon and saw a few little ones out trick or treating with their parents. One little baby was dressed as a silver Hershey Kiss, so cute. People were outside their houses putting the finishing touches to their pumpkin displays.
The kids had fun at their parties last night and now we have even more candy.
I decided to do a prime rib roast and baked a squash with maple syrup and brown sugar to go with it. That has to be one of my favourite types of meal. Of course I've been eating the odd Mars and O'Henry bars for the past few days in honour of the season, plus they're sitting in the kitchen.
L and K already have a Christmas party lined up in early December, rolling right along. I do have a few dinner obligations that I should probably start lining up.
News
When Clocks Change, Body May Need Time to Adjust
Halloween Great For Retailers This Year
Recycled glass countertops - 'The latest entry into this category, Elements by Durcon, is creating quite a buzz as it's a "green" countertop surface that also offers unmatched durability, cleanliness and aesthetic qualities.'
The kids had fun at their parties last night and now we have even more candy.
I decided to do a prime rib roast and baked a squash with maple syrup and brown sugar to go with it. That has to be one of my favourite types of meal. Of course I've been eating the odd Mars and O'Henry bars for the past few days in honour of the season, plus they're sitting in the kitchen.
L and K already have a Christmas party lined up in early December, rolling right along. I do have a few dinner obligations that I should probably start lining up.
News
When Clocks Change, Body May Need Time to Adjust
Halloween Great For Retailers This Year
Recycled glass countertops - 'The latest entry into this category, Elements by Durcon, is creating quite a buzz as it's a "green" countertop surface that also offers unmatched durability, cleanliness and aesthetic qualities.'
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)