Mellow Like Jello

MAYA'S JOURNAL....The 5 min Short film Entry to Dead On Film Competition

2011-08-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

My friend and neighbour Nadine's entry for a short film contest. I can't wait to see the full 30 minute version!

The Return of True Blood

2011-07-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've been holding off on watching the new season of True Blood, because I like to watch a few episodes at a time. After listening to this awesome cover by Neko and Nick, I couldn't stand it anymore (Isn't it RAD!??) I watched the first 2 episodes. So yeah, huzzah to another season of True Blood. It's so crazy bad it's good! I wonder how many watch the show for ERIC?

This song needs to be on my iPod!

Also, we went to Vancouver's 125 celebration last night for the free concerts. I finally got to see Neko Case! Isn't she GIANORMOUS?! Ha ha!

signs we saw while out walking

2011-06-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

Alien Bike Trail

Just...EW!

Arrrrr! there be trespassers!

This trial is for daredevils apparently!

Treats!

2011-06-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

I got my "congrats on quitting smoking" present from my sister in the mail today! Full of cool treats in including one of my favorites: Wasabi peas! YUM!

Vancouver Aquarium

2011-05-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Very pretty. Looked like a Jim Henson creation

A Pile O Big Frogs

Cute Little Frogs

Grumpy Fish Strongly Disapproves

Starfish LOVES you!

Lounging Luggage

View the entire set on my Flickr page!

I Quit!

2011-05-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

Day One
I'm about to chew my own arm off, and I've only been up an hour and half with no cigarette. First one of the day is the toughest to resist. I'm going to do this! Arrrrrrrrrrgh!

Sunshine in flower form

2011-05-06T02:13:00.000-07:00

from Vancouver, with Love XO

Just Do It Mkay?! Thanks!

2011-05-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

Orange Crush!

2011-04-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

Get your vote on! Monday May 2nd, 2011

Record Store Day 2011

2011-04-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

Dark Grey/White Kitty Found! Does he belong to you?

2011-04-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

This kitty has been hanging around the Vancouver General Hospital for quite some time now. He is always running up to people, asking for help. I've been bringing it food and water, and we provided a box for him, but last night I decided to take him home, and to a shelter so he is safe and warm. If this is your kitty, he will be at the Vancouver branch of the SPCA. He's very talkative, and loves to be hugged!

More Photos of Found Cat

Old Sheet Music- Duke Libraries

2011-04-05T01:27:00.000-07:00

While searching for old sheet music to download for a craft project, I happened across this marvelous link! Thousands of archived books of sheet music (Yes, VINTAGE!) on just over 200 pages! Wow; Jackpot!!!!

Here's where you can get it: Sheet music - Duke Libraries

St Pat's Parade & Celtic Fest 2011

2011-03-31T02:55:00.000-07:00

What I've learned this week so far

2011-03-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

1. A bunch of old English words, including:
fopdoodle: A stupid or insignificant fellow; a fool; a simpleton.
boondoggler: one who does trivial or unnecessary work; a shirker.

2. How to make a pair of sparkly oxfords:
SparKUHlee Shoes!

3. Cthulu icons: ~^(;,;)^~ ~^(;,;)^~ ~^(;,;)^~

4. A new recipe for bacon cheddar biscuits: Yummmy!

.....and it's only Wednesday!

Snagged

2011-03-17T14:32:00.001-07:00

I love this site, but not all docs are available to view worldwide. (this one is)
Watch more free documentaries

Shamrock Shake

2011-03-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

My sister found this recipe online. YAY! I love these minty milkshakes!

McDonald's Shamrock Shake

2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 ¼ cups 2% milk
¼ teaspoon mint extract (or use mint ice cream)
8 drops green food coloring

Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender and blend on high until smooth. Makes 2 servings.

Goodbye 2010!

2010-12-30T14:03:00.000-08:00

Mel's Top 25 with a bonus (In no particular order)

Panorama of Italy

2010-11-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

This morning as I was making my Remembrance Day posts, I remembered this poem, given to me by a family friend (Terry Godfrey) when I was a history student in the 90s.

It was written in July, 1944 by a young man (unknown) stationed in Italy. The man's family gave it to my friend to publish. With permission, I gave a copy to my history teacher, who was pretty chuffed about it.

The paper is yellowed, and the type fading, so I am sharing it with you today before it is lost. I transcribed it exactly as the author typed.

Panorama of Italy

If I were an artist with nothing to do, I'd paint a picture, a composite view,
Of historic Italy, in which I'd show, Visions of contrast, the high and the low.
There'd be towering mountains, a deep blue sea;Filthy brats yelling "choccolata" at me;
High-plumed horses & colourful carts; Two-toned tresses on hustling tarts.

I'd show Napoleanic cops, the carabinieri, Dejected old women with too much to carry,
A dignified gentleman, with Balboa beard;
Bare-assed bambinoes, with both ends smeared.

Castle & Palace, Opera House too, Hotel on a mountain, marvellous view.
Homes made of weeds, brick & mud, people covered with scabs, scurvy & scud.
Chapels & churches, great to behold, each a King's Ransom in Glittering gold.
Poverty & want, men craving for food, picking thru garbage, practically nude.

Stately cathedrals with 2-toned bells, "Bicovero" shelters with horrible smells;
Moulding catacombs, a place for the dead, noisy civilians crying for bread.
Palatial Villas with palm trees tall, stinking hovels more holes in the wall;
Tree fringed lawns swept by the breeze, kids wading in filth up to their knees.
Revealing statues, all details complete; A sensual lass with sores on her feet.
Big-breasted damsels with never a "bra", brushing against you, there should be a law!

Creeping boulevards, a spangled team, Alleys that wind like a dopefiends dream;
Flowers that bloom on the side of a hill; A sidewalk latrine, with privacy nil.
Two by four shops with shelving all bare, Gesturing merchants, arms flailing the air.
Narrow gauge sidewalks, more like a shelf, butt puffing youngster scratching himself.

Lumbering carts, hogging the road, Nondescript trucks, frequently towed;
Diminutive donkeys, loaded with "Bere", Horse-drawn taxis looking for fare.
Determined pedestrians courting disaster, Using the gutter where movement is faster.

Italian drivers all accident bound, Weaving & twisting to cover the ground.
Home made brooms, weeds tied to a stick, used in the street to clean up the brick;
Bicycles & pushcarts blocking your path, street corner politicians needing a bath.
Barbers galore, with manners quite mild; prolific women all heavy with child.
Il Duce's secret weapon, kids by the score, caused by the bonus which is no more.

Arrogant wretches picking up snipes; Miniature Fiats, various types,
Young street singer, hand-organ tune; shoe shining boys, a sidewalk saloon.
A beautiful maiden, a smile on her face, an abundance of garlic fouling the place.
Listless housewife, no shoes for her feet, Washing & cooking out in the street.

The family washing a tattle tale gray, Hangs from the balcony, blocking the way.
Native coffee! God! What a mixture; Tiled bathrooms with one extra fixture.
Families dining from one common bowl, next to the fish market, a terrible hole

Italian Zoot-suiters, flashily dressed; bare-footed beggars, looking depressed.
Mud smeared children clustered about, filling their jugs from a communal spout.
A dutiful mother with a look of despair, picking the lice from her young daughter's hair.

Capable craftsmen, skilled in their art; discrepit old shacks falling apart;
Intricate neddlework out on display, surrounded with filth, rot, & decay.
Elegant caskets, carved out by hand, Oderous factories where leather is tanned.
A shoe-makers shop, or a blackmarket store, crawling with vermin, no screen on the door.

I've tried to describe the things that I've seen,
Panorama of Italy, the brown & the green;
I've neglected the war scars, visible yet,
But these are the things we would like to forget.
I'm glad that I came, but damned anxious to go,
Give it back to the wops, I'm ready to blow.

Composed July/44, C'd'n Army Convalescent Camp, South of Pompeii, Italy. SALERNO

Marie Lousie Doll Smith

2010-10-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

May 18th, 1920 - October 10, 2010

Memorial Service: McPherson Funeral Chapel

Cranbrook, British Columbia

Saturday October 16th, 2010 11am

Officiating: Myra Farquahar

Shared Memories: Gary Doll, Justine Shulz, Laurie Johnston

Special Music: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

I will remember you

Amazing Grace

Pallbearers: Deanna Waite, Christine Lo, Michelle Bannick, Melanie Nolan, Christopher Smith, Ernie Trask

In Loving Memory of Marie Louise - My Grandma XO

If you have shared another's load
Or eased another's pain.
If you have soothed a troubled soul
Life has not been in vain.
If you have cheered another's heart
Or made a sad face smile,
If you have calmed another's fear
Your life has been worthwhile.
If you have said a tender word
Or dried another's tears,
If you have spread your share of love
Then you've been needed here.
If you have lent a helping hand
Through times of care and strife,
If you have done a little good
You've made the most of life

Track Of The Day

2010-09-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Black Prairie performing "Crooked Little Heart" on KCRW

Yum!

2010-09-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

Dhal and Roti - East is East on West Broadway

Track Of The Day

2010-09-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Marseilles - Rio (Official Video) ... Contains Hand Claps!

PNE 2010 - Free Concert

2010-09-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

John Hiatt - Have A Little Faith

PNE 2010 - Monday August 30th

2010-09-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

Celebrating 100 Years of the PNE...It was my first time :)

I had to get some Cotton candy!

Wiggle Chips

Wiggle Chips!

1st place winner Sand Sculpture

Mini donuts! A must have at the PNE

Retro Ad Of The Day

2010-08-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Track Of The Day

2010-08-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Bruce Peninsula - Steamroller (2009) MFEAE

Sky Jell-O

2010-08-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

Recipe Found Here

This is how we do the Grouse Grind

2010-08-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

...well...not really. My best friend did "The Grind" whilst we sat at the top and waited. Then we helped her celebrate with beer and food.

Track Of The Day

2010-08-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

Isobel Campbell And Mark Lanegan - Come Undone

Food Porn

2010-08-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

Mascarpone Cheesecake - The Revel Room


Blueberry Cheesecake - True Confections on Broadway/Alma

Pumpkin Pie and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Tea - True Confections on Broadway/Alma

Birthday Cupcake from Dionne - Cupcakes by Heather and Lori

Lemon Cake - True Confections on Alma and Broadway

Tuna Two Ways - Carderos in Coal Harbour

crème brulée - Carderos in Coal Harbour

White Chocolate Cheesecake - Carderos in Coal Harbour


Peanut butter cheesecake - Carderos in Coal Harbour

Links:
The Revel Room Carderos in Coal Harbour Cupcakes by heather and lori True Confections

Absolutely Crackers!

2010-08-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

One of the ladies I worked with brought a homemade treat for us that was super yummy! It was fluffy, and light and not too sweet. I made it for some friends and the reaction was pretty much "OHMYGOD!" Yep! This recipe has a secret ingredient...

1 Large Box of Premium Plus Crackers, The Unsalted Kind, 4 sleeves (Do not buy generic)
2 Large tubs of Cool Whip (Thawed)
3 (4 Serving sized) boxes of Instant Vanilla Pudding (Prepare according to package instructions)

One 9X12 Lasagne type pan with deep sides.

Start by placing a couple of tablespoons of Vanilla Pudding in the bottom of the pan to act as glue for the first layer of crackers.

Layer 1: Place a single layer of Crackers
Top with a layer of Pudding
Top with a layer of Cool Whip

Repeat Two more times. Cover and place in the fridge. You must make this dish 24 hours in advance. You can top this desert with raspberry syrup to make it sweeter.

Friendship Soup

2010-08-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Originally posted in October 2006. This re-post is for my friend Rob P. (It all started with a jar of beans dude)

This is a great gift idea, but I make it at home a lot. For gift giving, fill a jar with 1/4 cup of the following:

black eyed peas, split green peas, lima beans, red beans, great northern beans, red and or green lentils, pinto beans, navy beans. (If you can't find one of the varieties, just double up on another type.)

Tie a ribbon or raffia around the lid of the jar, (or decorate however you damn well please) and attach both a recipe card and a card with additional ingredients listed:

Additional Ingredients:
smoked ham hocks (if you can't find smoked, buy regular and add liquid smoke flavouring, but smoked is WAY better, trust me!)
1 large finely chopped onion
2 Tbsp concentrated lemon juice
Salt and Pepper to taste
28 oz can of seasoned stewed tomatoes
1 chopped red pepper
1 tsp chili powder
Optional: small can green chilies

Recipe:
Wash, then place beans in container covered with water. Add 2 TBSP salt. Cover and let soak overnight. Drain beans, and place in a soup pot with 2 litres of water and smoked ham hocks. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer. Add water only as needed.

After 2 to 2 1/2 hours, add 1 large finely chopped onion, lemon juice, salt and pepper, canned stewed tomatos, red pepper, and chili powder.

Simmer for another 30 minutes.

Yummy!

Not-So-Nutritious Salad

2010-08-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

My Grandma would make 3 salads every year at Christmas. An ambrosia salad with: mini marshmallows, cool whip, a can of fruit cocktail...and well..that's it. I found a similar recipe on my favorite recipe site below. The other 2 recipes will follow as soon as I find them. Om nom nom!

Ingredients
   •   1 (8 ounce) container frozen creamy cool whip, thawed
   •   1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
   •   2 (8 ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained
   •   1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
   •   1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
   •   3 cups miniature marshmallows
   •   1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained

Directions
   1.   In a large bowl, combine the whipped topping, coconut, fruit cocktail, pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, and cherries. Mix together well and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.
From allrecipes.com

Jello Shots

2010-08-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

Yield: 6 shooters

Ingredients: 1 package lime Jell-O powder, 6 canned or fresh lychees, 6 maraschino cherries, 6 slices of black grape

Directions: Stuff a maraschino cherry into the lychee without breaking it. Cut slice from outside of grape and place over red part of “eyeball”. Prepare lime green Jell-O according to directions. To suspend eyeball in Jell-O, pour Jell-O halfway up in a square shot glass, large enough to hold the lychee with room around the edge and let set. Place the “eyeball” on the set Jell-O and pour remaining Jell-O into shot glass. Cover and let set.

Personally, I would replace the cold water with VODKA!!!!!

Jello Braaaaaaaaaaaaainssss!

2010-08-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

I made this Jello brain platter for my neighbors as a Halloween/Wedding Anniversary gift. I was WAY too excited to present them with it!!!

I bought a clear rectangular platter at the dollar store, borrowed a brain mould from my co-worker Teresa, then shopped around for the fixings.

I picked up some gummy worms and gummy spiders from Shoppers Drug Mart. They sell them in plastic tubs. I also picked up a huge bag of Eye Gum balls.

I always have corn syrup and red food colouring in the house (never know when you are going to need to make some fake blood!)

I used 3 boxes of Lime Jello (tho I did see some recipes online for brain coloured gelatin) and only used half the recommended water so it would set very solid.