sun-dried tomatoes.

When I went to the grocery store last week, they had a sale on Roma tomatoes. So of course I assume that I should buy some. figured I would make some tomato sauce, salsa, or some type of delicious salad. Well, on Saturday evening, I decided to change it up! I made a killer salad, but it was missing something. Sun-dried tomatoes! Unfortunately, I had run out. The wheels started turning and I decided to make my own.
How you ask? Well let me tell you!


First I made a couple slits in the top part of each tomato. Boiled the tomatoes for about 20-30 seconds, just long enough to see the skin peeling off. I took them out of the boiling water and dropped them into an ice cold bath. The skin removed so quickly and nicely. I sliced them in half and scooped out all the seeds and placed each half face down on a cookie sheet.


I covered each one in olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and some thyme and rosemary (I would have used fresh, if I had any). And my secret ingredient, was sprinkling some powdered sugar on top. Who doesn't love sugar on tomatoes and caramelized sugar?! Holla!


Put them into the oven at 100 degrees and slowly cooked them. It is important not to rush these, since you are trying to dry them out. It is also important not to overcook them, otherwise you are basically making tomato powder. I read that it could take anywhere from 8-10 hours. Well, that's great, but silly on my part. I guess I shouldn't have made these at 7:00pm. That means they should be ready around 3:00am. So I set my alarm and got up. They looked perfect. I decided to turn the oven off, but leave them in there until I actually got up. 


When I got up that morning, I placed them in a zip lock bag with a little olive oil. I would have put them in a jar, but I seemed to have run out from my last batch of pickles I made. The best part about putting them in olive oil, is that once you are don with the tomatoes, you have an excellent seasoned olive oil to cook with.

Here is the final product! And can I just say, they are delicious!!

Happy Cooking!

simple sunday.

Song selections this week:

1. Sweet Thing - Change of Seasons

Doesn't the lead singer kind of look like a skinny young version of John Schneider??

2. Bill Amesbury - Virginia (Touch Me Like You Do)

Bill is now known as Barbra.

3. Emm Gryner feat. Joel Plaskett - Gold Soul of Rock n' Roll

Not the greatest version, it doesn't have Joel Plaskett, but you can find it on iTunes.

4. Auto-Tune the News - Turtle Fence

This isn't really your classic song, but I am fascinated by these guys! 

SO many other videos and songs! Check'em out!

There are my choices for this week. Take what you will! Enjoy my taste or bash it with the best of them! 

Be Well!

my vlog virginity is gone.

I have been debating about doing a video blog for a while, but kept deciding against it. After pondering a couple hours this morning, looking out at the snow and just thinking about being a kid, with no worries or cares, I decided to go for it! So here we are:

So I ask you, when was the last time you acted like a little kid and just had fun?

frantic and frazzled.

I honestly thought this week would never end. I am all for the positive thinking, but this week started off by weighing a little too heavy on the negative side. 

The whole running out of water thing was unfortunate, but manageable. It was an excellent opportunity to appreciate the fact that unlike some countries, we have fresh running water to drink and bathe daily. However, after the whole water ordeal, my pump (the one that pumps water throughout my home) decided to go wacky. So I now have to manually turn the pump on and off if I want to run water, flush the toilet, or have a shower. I can handle that, but now this could be another expense to worry about. 

I didn't get a chance to talk about it yet, but on Tuesday, I had an interview for a new job. I doubt I will get it, because my interview skills tend to be a little speedy, but I am confident in everything I said. I also had to do a test shortly after the interview, which I'm sure I aced. However, this is just another thing to have on my mind. 

My roommate has pretty much decided that as much as she loves living with me, it may be her time to move on; or rather move back home with her parents. She is back in school now and is struggling with her finances. I completely understand and respect her decisions. After all, I did move out a while back to live in the woods for a summer, and then a trailer for a year to save money for a home. Haha. Its just too bad that if I cant find someone to bunk up with or find another job, I could be at risk of losing my home. Any takers out there? No? No one? Haha

Now, even though my teeter-totter was more on the teeter side, on Thursday evening at 5:00pm, that changed. A while back I signed up with the Big Brother program in my community. It has been a lengthy process, but I must say totally worth it! I met my "Little" as they call it! Just hearing him speak, seeing him smile, and having that hope and life that kids have, completely threw away all cares and worries I was facing. Knowing that I am now a part of someone else's life and can truly help make a difference means the world to me.

I was quite frantic and frazzled on Monday, but am quite mirthful on this Friday.

life in a day.

So interesting! Ridley Scott & Kevin MacDonald worked with YouTube, do produce a documentary about all the things that happen throughout the world in one day! So unique and cool! Take a look when you get a chance! The live broadcast from Sundance happened tonight! Hopefully this link will still work tomorrow:


http://www.youtube.com/user/lifeinaday

talent.

Like I have said in previous posts, I LOVE music. Its fantastic! What I love even more, is people who are creative and completely talented. 

Enjoy these:

reviews-day tuesday.

I apparently watched quite a few movies this week:

Con Air (4.5/5)

Starring: Nick Cage, John Cusack, & John Malkovich.
I honestly enjoy this movie, as cheesy as some may think it is.
It definitely has an 80's styled soundtrack, but what's so awful about that?
One part I find interesting is when Guard Sally Bishop say: "Hey Poe, next time, take the bus!"....
Sequel Anyone?? Nick Cage and a bus? Oh wait, I think Keanu took that role on you.

The Blind Side (5/5)

Starring: Sandra Bullock & Tim McGraw.
Love my Sandy B. Definitely a tear jerker.

The Other Guys (Unknown/5)

Starring: Will Ferrell & Mark Wahlberg.
I will be honest...I may have been drunk when I watched this.
I can't really judge it. I know that I laughed A LOT, but alcohol can make that happen.

Easy A (4.9/5)

Starring: Emma Stone.
I am potentially in love with her. I have seen a few other flicks with her and everything she touches is gold.
What a great actress. This movie would have been given a 5, but there was one scene that had an excessive kiss that was a little unnecessary. Loved it still!

Up In The Air (5/5)

Starring: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, & Anna Kendrick.
I  was definitely hesitant about this one, mainly because of George Clooney.
For some reason, I have a prejudice against the guy.
I don't know why either, it's probably because my Mother is completely in love with him.
What's so special about the guy? Anyways, this movie was brilliant. See it!

You Again (3.5/5)

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver,  Kristen Bell, Odette Yustman, & Betty White.
I may or may not have downloaded this because of Betty White and Kristin Chenoweth.
It's definitely a funny movie, awesome actors and actresses, but its not one for my library.

Devil (5/5)

Starring: Chris Messina, Logan Marshall-Green,  Jenny O'Hara,
Bojana Novakovic, Bokeem Woodbine, & Geoffrey Arend.
Didn't know what to expect for this movie.
M. Night Shyamalan can have winners and losers.
This one took the cake! Thanks for the thrills!

Skyline (2.5/5)

Starring: Eric Balfour, Donald Faison, & David Zayas.
I'm not the hugest fan of Sci-Fi, but if you do, you might love this movie. This movie really did have potential, and the graphics are considerably good for a B Movie, but it still bored me more than anything. I was excited for it to end. However, the ending did get me hooked slightly. Maybe the sequel will be better.

Harold & Maude (4.9/5)

Starring: Ruth Gordon & Bud Cort.
I can't knock this movie. The only reason I bring it down a bit, is because of the timeframe.
If I was old enough to appreciate this movie in the 70's or 80's than I don't think it would lose any points.
I love the story, concept, actors, everything. I am looking forward to who may play those roles in a re-make someday. Harold should definitely be played by Cillian Murphy though.

Buried (5/5)

Starring: Ryan Reynolds.
If you are looking for a movie to completely disturb you, then check it.

127 Hours (5/5)

Starring: James Franco.
Very creative film. So intense! I can't imagine having to do that.
Make sure to tell someone where you are, when and if you go somewhere. Sheesh!

minimal monday.

Some of you may know this and some of you may not, but I have mentioned it in a previous post, that my home has cisterns in it. For those of you who don't know what cisterns are: its a type of storage container, usually for rainwater. Mine are located in a separate room in my basement. I won't lie, they are quite creepy. They are something you would see in a scary movie, like Saw.


Actually, let me show you! I will go down and take a picture right now....


I'm back! Here it is...

Creepy right? I know! Who needs a closet for skeletons when you have this!


The weather has been quite cold. In fact we have had a wind chill warning the past few days. Yesterday was about -36 degrees Celsius. Awesome. We also haven't had any rain, so that is also causing a bit of a problem for the water intake. 


Anyways, I haven't had any problems with them, but today was the first day that I could tell we would be having an issue soon. When your taps gurgle, it is no good. I need to cut down on my water usage for a while. I could always call in a water delivery, but I feel like that is unnecessary. People managed quite fine years ago, so I should be able to do the same.


Today, I popped into my cousins place to steal some water! Thanks Guys! I usually do that from time to time to fill up water jugs for drinking water. I think this time around I will make multiple trips this week to fill up and dump into the cisterns. That could work, right?


Even though I am running low on water, my outlook on this is positive. Gotta love when a valuable lesson could be just around the corner to learn.

sunday songday.

Song selections for this Sunday!

1. Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man

The whole album is incredible, but this song is potentially one of my favourites!

2. Train - Meet Virginia

This song always makes me smile. When I was younger, I thought Virginia would have made an amazing girlfriend.

3. Zac Brown Band - Sic'em on a Chicken

This is completely ridiculous, but I love the old school blue grass feel that it has going on!

4. Zac Brown Band - Whiskey's Gone

I can relate. HA!

5. Bare Naked Ladies - Pinch Me

6. Don Williams - You're My Best Friend

I think this would be a nice song for me to learn to play on the guitar to sing to my future wife

7. Michael Jackson - Man in the Mirror

Excellent message, be the change you want to see in the world.

8. Bob Seger - Night Moves

One of my favourites. This song reminds me of driving in my car on hot summer nights. Especially, when windows are down, wind is blowing, and music is turned as high as it can be, before turning into noise.

9. Five for Fighting - Slice

Have you read my blog today? I just found this one the other day and I love songs with rich memories and references to other songs. I also have a weakness for pianos.

There are my choices for this week. Take what you will! 

Enjoy my taste or bash it with the best of them! 

Be Well!

wine.

Tonight is going to be an excellent night. I am spending the evening in town with my cousin Kate. She is my wine buddy! Tonight, we made some of our own, and are planning on drinking a bottle of my homemade Valpolicella. We also purchased a bottle of Trius Merlot, Barefoot Pinot Grigio, and Wolf Bass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon.


I made a lovely dinner of homemade fish and chips for us; the healthier version of course. I also prepared a pizza hut styled pizza last night, to use as our midnight snack later on tonight, JUST in case we get a really good buzz on! Holla!


I'm sure the two of us will have an excellent Saturday night! I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday as well!


What's your favourite wine??

ALLAN!

It's been a long week! Im proud that I have exceeded my goal of one blog posting a week! Woo to me! I leave you with this. Happy Friday!





Night!

life is a puzzle...

I wrote this a few years back when my Grandmother passed away and dedicated it to some family and friends who were also going through things. Today, I dedicate it to you.

Life is a puzzle…

It all starts with one piece, then two…

sometimes you are given an idea of what its all supposed to be like…

sometimes there are easier parts then others…

sometimes you try forcing something, that never really works…

sometimes you have to start over or just move on…

sometimes you feel like you are missing something…

sometimes you need help…

sometimes when you are searching for one thing, something else comes along…

sometimes you need to look at things at a different angle…

sometimes you find the perfect fit…

Either way, you never really know what the big picture is, until it’s over…

Be well.

pardon?

Has anyone heard of this?! Have they not seen Jurassic Park? http://www.ecanadanow.com/science/2011/01/19/cloning-experts-plan-resurrection-of-extinct-mammoth/


Don't get me wrong, I enjoy science as much as the next guy...but where is the line? Next you're going to tell me I can clone my dead Grandmother.


Thoughts?

reviews-day tuesday.

Dear Friends,


I thoroughly enjoy my movies! I watch so many each week. Some are classics, but most are underdogs; which can become instant classics in my book. I've decided that Tuesday will be a day for reviews. Today's reviews are for five movies and a TV series.

Get Him To The Greek (3/5)

Starring: Jonah Hill & Russell Brand. I definitely thought the movie was funny and I always enjoy a movie that is connected to another; this one being Forgetting Sarah Marshall. However, I think my tolerance for stupid comedy might be dwindling. I thought it could have had a lot more heart to it. I am really looking forward to seeing Russell Brand in the remake of Arthur. Here's hoping for a brilliant job.

I Hate Valentines Day (2/5)

Starring: Nia Vardalos & John Corbett. What can I say....not much. It was cute for a Romantic comedy, but it was a little too much Nia Vardalos for me. I like when actors who have worked together, join up again, but this one just seemed desperate.

Happy Tears (3.5/5)

Starring: Parker Posey, Demi Moore, Rip Torn, & Ellen Barkin. The story of this is about two daughters who deal with their fathers illness. If you like a movie that has a more artistic feel to it, then you'll probably enjoy this movie. Its nice to see Parker Posey & Demi Moore. I feel like I don't see them nearly enough in movies anymore.

The Switch (4/5)

Starring: Jennifer Aniston & Jason Bateman. I try to avoid previews, because I find they give too much away or make you dislike a film, before seeing it. I happened to catch a few of the previews, but obviously did not pay much attention to them, because I wasn't really expecting everything that went on in the movie. I loved this movie and thought it was fairly realistic, considering its Hollywood.

 Mame (5/5)

Starring: Lucille Ball. Alright...here comes a bias. I grew up with this movie, so of course it's a favourite and I rank it with a 5. I love me some Lucille Ball, musicals, and drunken shenanigans. Bea Arthur is hysterical in this movie. For those of you who don't know it, it's like an eccentric version of Mary Poppins...kinda. I wonder when this will be re-made? Who do you think could/should play Mame if they re-made it?

An Idiot Abroad (4/5)

Starring: Karl Pilkington. This is a bit of a guilty pleasure! Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant are hilarious. They basically send a "moron" (a.k.a. Karl )around the world to see the seven wonders. A lot of what Karl says is complete ignorance, but you can't help but laugh at it...or him. 

the third Monday in January.

Did you know that January 17th (or the third Monday in January), is "said" to be the most depressing day of the year? How sad is that! Sheesh! Poor day! I decided that I was going to take the time to say all that I enjoyed and appreciated today.


1.  My roommates car door was frozen shut. Now I suppose a lot of people would dislike this, but  to me, it is thoroughly amusing. Watching two people in their pajamas, attempting to break into their own vehicle. Eventually, we chipped away enough ice to have her crawl through the back! Good job AC


2.  My friend Tracy came back to work! Talk about a Simcha! Along with herself, she brought me in a bag full of A-MAZ-ING Christmas gifts! I love her! Here are the goodies!




This is the bag that all the goodies were in. She knows how much I love my Yiddish.

This serves item is a multipurpose tool! Since we work in an office, you never know when you will need a spoon for chili, a fork for cake, or a serrated knife to cut a baguette. Its also an amazing tool to take on my camping trips!

I have been in a pretty intense debate with myself about purchasing the seasons of the Muppet Show for quite sometime. I'm so glad that Tracy just took care of that issue for me.

Alright, so like I said before, I love me some Yiddish and this is an amazing Yiddish parody to the kids book Dick & Jane. I cant wait to get into it! I love that the back has a glossary full of Yiddish words and phrases to learn.

And lastly, we have an Andy Warhol print straight from New York. Its so me. I love art, I love green, and I truly do think that everybody should like everybody.

Thanks for the beautiful gifts Tracy! You rock! Also, thanks for coming back! I was starting to miss our daily discussions!

3.  Going to dinner with a bunch of friends! Delicious meal and delicious conversations! I love getting together with everyone. It doesn't happen as often as I would like, due to budgets and everyone's schedules, but its always nice when we get see each other.

So there third Monday in January. Don't be down on yourself. I appreciate you! Thanks for a good day.

music is my life.

I love music. I honestly don't even know how to describe my love for it. It can bring me up, bring me down, it revitalizes my soul. I have decided that on Sundays I will make a list of songs that have been on my mind for the week. Some might make the list for multiple weeks. I can get pretty obsessive over a song. I remember one day at work I listened to Jonathan Edwards - Sunshine (Go Away Today) on repeat all day...for 8 hours...That could be sickening to some, but what can I say, music is my life. 


Enjoy!


1. This one is just a classic. I love me some Sister Act and I love seeing an underdog rise. Love this song. Sister Act II - Oh Happy Day



2. I won't lie, I'm not a huge fan of this song, BUT, when you listen to it closely, doesn't it sound like the soundtrack to a level in Super Mario 3....Maybe the level with the flying ship...No? Just me? Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Over & Over Again (lost and found)



3. Sleigh Bells - Tell 'Em



4. This one I am slightly embarrassed to admit to, but man, it's a good song to work to. My friend Melissa is probably loving her life that I admitted this one. Britney Spears - Toxic



5. This one is Amazing. The vocals are awesome, the music is great, and if George Michael and Joel Plaskett were to have a love child, this would be its voice. Temper Trap - Fader



6. Vincent Minor - Late Night Show



7. Love the beats. Plus because they say "cameras" I constantly think of my friends. Most of my friends are always taking pictures to document everything. Which is funny, because in the song they are saying they will use their eyes instead, so I shouldn't be thinking of my friends. Oh well, music will do that to you. Matt & Kim - Cameras



8. Who doesn't like a little Video killed the Radio Star? Shaun DeGraff - Everything to Me



9. I feel that Plain White T's didn't get much credit after Hey There, Delilah, but I really enjoyed them. However, I tend to be a hopeless romantic, so I guess that could be why I enjoy their music. Plain White T's - Rhythm of Love



10. Nelly - Just a Dream



11. So when I first heard this song, I was a little hesitant. I thought it was going to be an awkward cover of Billy Joel's - Just The Way You Are but after some time, I have grown to love this song. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are



12. I really like this one, but I think the singers voice is pretty. Thats right, pretty. Someone told me that Vanilla Twilight actually means something dirty. So classically,  I looked it up in www.urbandicitonary.com. Wish I didn't. Now this song sounds dirty...still love his pretty voice though. Owl City - Vanilla Twilight



13. James Blunt - Stay the Night



So thats it for this week. Take what you will! Enjoy my taste or bash it with the best of them! 


Be Well!