Thursday, March 31, 2011

Do You Celebrate Your ME MONTH?

                                  

If you don't know what ME MONTH is all about, I hope you will check out this post.

If you haven't had a birthday this year already, there's still time to plan a ME MONTH!

If your birth-month has already come and gone, pick another month for this year and go for it!

 This is my 3rd year of celebrating my own ME MONTH in April.

I hope you will enjoy a ME MONTH too and share your experiences.
                                

We all deserve some "me-time" don't we?
                   

Photo courtesy of : Flickr. I wish I could soak in that tub right now!!! LOL

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Put On A Happy Face!

                         
This happy, classic tune was playing in my head the other day.

It doesn't get much better than when it's sung by the amazing Tony Bennett!


The smiling kids and happy faces in this video made me feel happy too.

                                                    
Click to sing along: Put On A Happy Face
                                                           

"spread sunshine all over the place...."

PS: Speaking of things that make me happy, I just wrote this new post over at My Real Life Reviews today that's oh so yummy! Caution: chocolate alert!!! LOL

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

A Chuckle Courtesy of Mr. Cheddar

                                            
How do they always know...

…it’s a BLACK COAT/JACKET/SWEATER etc…????
                       
I have yet to meet (or be owned) by any cat who doesn’t gravitate to black/dark clothing.
                                              
                                                             
                             DSCN1498

                                            
DSCN1499
                                
                                
“Oh Meowmie, get a life!!!”
               
                                                                       

PS: It's almost time to put away the coats, capes etc...for another year. Yipee!

Thought you might enjoy seeing/re-visiting what Mr. Ched enjoys the most when it comes to dark colors and winter clothes!

Hugs and Headbonks from me and the Ched!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Spring In Bloom!

                        
Don't you just love it!
                     




This lovely little grouping of spring flowers caught my eye as we walked past a building downtown recently.


There is beauty to behold, everywhere!

Wishing you a day filled with unexpected beauty.

Friday, March 25, 2011

My Kind of Bakery: One with Heart!



My apologies if you are hungry right about now.

Especially for a sweet treat!



Aren't these adorable?




Chocolatey good. Gluten-free is just a bonus!

 

A spring bouquet that's tasty too!

 

These are but a few of the yummy offerings from the Baking for Good website.

                                 

Not only does this company offer quality gourmet baked goods at very reasonable prices, they also donate a percentage of every sale to a charity chosen by the customer.

Their lovely and luscious website is a joy to visit/shop and the list of charitable causes benefiting from Baking for Good is extensive.

Truly a win-win for this company, it's many happy customers and the causes that they are supporting. If this is one of the trends for small business in the 21st century, keep it coming. So positive and inspiring!

 

From their website: "Sweet Mission: Baking for Good is dedicated to providing high quality, irresistible treats that are perfect for any occasion. Moreover, we’re committed to helping great causes raise money for things that matter. That’s why 15% of every purchase you make on our site goes to the cause of your choice."


Stop by soon at Baking for Good. A thoroughly enjoyable sweet browse awaits.

 I only wish they shipped to Canada!!!

A little sugar CAN go a long way!

Happy Weekend.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Finding Your Own Power Symbol

                                          
Do you have a personal power symbol?

An object or image that you focus on during times of difficulty or stress? I've been reading about this subject more and more recently, including this excellent article: Personal Power Symbol.
                                                




I kept noting hearts coming up in my life, more and more lately. In photos, the chocolate box(es!!!) left over from Valentine's Day (yes, there was more than one box!LOL) and also several recent misspellings of my last name, instead of Hart...Heart showing up on packages, emails, labels. Noting them in store windows etc.

I think it's an excellent symbol for me and I am now featuring hearts wherever I can,  to keep this positive symbol close at hand and something I can look at and focus on, even when I'm not feeling stressed at all. And lately, the stress level has really been going down for me. Due in large part to making a real effort to focus on the positive,  to "deal with and drop" the negative asap throughout the day and to show/reflect on gratitude on many levels. 

I don't think it's realistic for anyone to expect a life without cares, burdens or worries. Authors who preach this kind of message are in my opinion doing a great disservice to their readers. Also, implying that every thing that comes into our lives is the direct result of our own wishes and manifestations. Again, I think it's just so wrong and misleading. That is as if to imply that the disasters (such as now in Japan) that impact the lives of innocent, average people are their fault. No, No, NO!

Ok, I digress...back to symbols.

Do you have a personal power symbol? If you don't, perhaps you might want to give this a try. If you already have a symbol, please share it in a comment here and if you can, explain why you chose this particular symbol. I'd love to hear about your choice.

Heart photo (isn't this beautiful!) courtesy of: Flickr

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Desktop Dazzlers!




Sometimes when I go back to my computer desktop screen, I am stopped in my tracks by the beauty of a particular image. I take the time to stop and stare. That happens to me on a regular basis. Does that happen to you too?

The last traces of winter will soon be gone completely but it's memorable beauty will still linger on in photos. I really do love winter but I'm happy spring has arrived!
                                 

Here's to the wonder of every season.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

People. People who need people...

...are the luckiest people, in the world.        


                                     
And aren't we lucky to have YouTube and to be able to enjoy the amazing voice of Barbra Streisand any time of day/night?

I'm a big fan of Babs, so I loved re-visiting a clip from one of my favorite movies and this special song with it's timeless,wonderful message. 

Omar Sharif is another bonus in this clip. Hello Gorgeous!!!!

This brought a smile to my face today, I hope it does for you as well.

Barbra Streisand from the movie: Funny Girl singing: People

Babilicious indeed!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Spring Cleaning: It's Not Just for Your Home

Spring is definitely in the air.

Isn't it a wonderful feeling?

Time to enjoy the warmer days and the scent of cherry blossoms.



This time of year, I feel even more hopeful and blessed. Spring to me is a time of new beginnings and renewal. Anything seems possible. What a feeling that is!

It's also a time that many people still equate with a good old-fashioned top to bottom, stem to stern house-cleaning. Let the fresh air in, clean out the closets and garage. Wash those windows and curtains. Feel the warmth and sunshine pouring in. Savor the clean, sparkling spaces.

I think it's also a great opportunity to take stock of our own personal inner space. What kind of "clutter" have we left to accumulate over time?

 Perhaps a grudge that's gone on to long with a family member? An impossible to achieve "to do" list? Email accounts crammed to overflowing? A project that has lost it's appeal and has languished on the shelf for months?Or maybe a major change in life that you've been putting off for a long time and know that something has to change and soon?

Spring. It can be so much more than the awakening of the earth and warm, sunny days. It can also be a new beginning and awakening for all of us.

A good opportunity/reminder to take some quiet time to reflect and once again reconnect with that still, small voice inside. It never let's us down. It always there if we take the time to listen. 


Happy Spring!
                   

PS: The cherry blossoms are not out here yet (in Interior BC) so I'm sharing a file photo, one of my all-time favs. Hope you enjoy it too!

Friday, March 18, 2011

This Weekend, Take Time for A Special Breakfast

Many of us don't have the time to make a special/substantial breakfast during the week, at least not on a regular basis. It is the most important meal of the day, according to most experts.


  Breakfast = break the fast.     

                               

It's nice to have more time and plan for a treat on the weekend/or days off.
                                     
                    


I've been on a "pancake kick" lately and have been giving several "scratch" pancake recipes a try. Oh so yummy and a great way to treat yourself and those you love.

I usually stir up the dry ingredients the night before and then just add the wet ingredients in the morning. Almost as quick and easy as pre-mixed! And so much better, cheaper too. I like to add fresh blueberries (pick one add-on from the list in recipe) to these oat pancakes and they were extra yummy. Very nice flavour and texture.

A couple of changes I made to this recipe: I add 2 T. of fructose for a bit of sweetness and use a combination of 1/2 water and 1/2 cereal cream in lieu of the fat-free milk. Your choice on this. Finish off with some maple syrup or homemade jam! Yummm....


Link to: Quaker Oats Oatmeal Pancake Recipe. Photo courtesy of Quaker Oats.
                                               

Have a wonderful weekend.
If you can, take time to treat someone you love, including yourself!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

It's Your Lucky Day!


May this day bring you extra special luck and good fortune.

I've got a "bit of the Irish" in my blood so I feel especially blessed and lucky today! LOL

Happy St. Paddy's Day!
           

Photo courtesy of: Flickr

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Spring Is On My Mind

                                

It’s coming.

The quickening pace.

The earthy fragrance of the still frozen, yet warming soil.

The underground network of vines.

Forgotten seeds and  satiny bulbs….wait.

Wait for the soft touch of the sun-fairy’s magic wand.

                           
Shifts everywhere.

The horizon, the sun.

Birds return. Water rises. Animals venture out.

Earth awakens slowly. One eye open, then the other.

The promise: again renewed.

Life sustained.

As we gratefully anticipate, another spring.

  
GHH 2011
                               

                                    
A poem that I recently wrote to welcome this spring.

The emerging season, full of promise and on my mind throughout the days.

Hugs and Happy Spring!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Art Can Inspire and Nurture the Soul



Isn't this beautiful?

This "Idea Mandala" has been kindly shared by Teri at: Teri's Mandala's and Haiku.

Visit Teri's blog to read more about this unique form of art and also the meaning/inspiration for this particular mandala.

I could look at these for hours. I feel calm and peaceful enjoying each mandala. 
                                   

Art in all it's forms, can be so inspiring.

 I hope this beautiful selection brings joy to your day.
                          

PS: I also have a new product review post over at MRLR for a natural cosmetic product you might enjoy. Hope you can stop in soon!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Equal Time for the D-O-G Lovers!

Clyde: What a Cutie.

And in uniform no less!


                                                                                                           

Please note. This is not a Mr. Cheddar approved post. I guess you can't please everyone! LOL

Clyde's visit here courtesy of Sandy and Dell. Thank you for sharing this doggie-delight!

Clyde also has his own blog

Happy Day and Hugs to You and All the Pets!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Find Your Passion, Follow Your Heart!

                                  
"Live your life on your own terms.

To the beat of your own drum.

And to the rhythm of your own heart."


GHH 



Isn't that what it's all about?

What or who (or lucky to have more than one) makes life exciting,unpredictable (in a good way) and worth getting up for.

Here's to following your heart, your passion, your calling.

 Whether it's a talent, a person, a journey, a pursuit, a dream....whatever or whoever it is, it is so worth it.

It's what makes life a technicolor experience that we will invent and re-invent for ourselves, every second, minute, hour....a life well lived.

     Seize the day! 
                                                                            

Also submitted for the OSI prompt: Passionate

Friday, March 11, 2011

A "Heavenly" Joke

John had died and arrived at the gates of heaven. He was met there by his life-long also recently deceased friend Ted. He was glad to see a familiar face.
                    
 John also noted the unexpected presence of  many vehicles that were zooming around heaven. When he asked Ted about why there were cars in heaven, Ted told him that they were God's way of rewarding people there. The quality and size of each vehicle given in direct relation to how someone had conducted themselves on earth especially when it came to being faithful (or not) to their chosen wives and husbands.

Days went by and John noted many former friends and acquaintances, all driving a variety of shiny, new cars (and all white of course)! There was Sam, the grocer from his neighbourhood, smiling behind the wheel of a new Caddy. Betsy, his cousin speeding along in a sporty new MGDan, blissfully cruising the clouds in a Rolls Royce.Art his taxman with a Buick...

Ted and John lost contact with each other for several months. Then one day, Ted saw John sitting on a heavenly rock, crying his eyes out. When Ted enquired what was the matter, John looked up at him and tearfully replied:

"my wife just went by and she's on a skateboard"


Yet another example that: "cheaters NEVER prosper" LOL


Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Word for the Day:Abundance


The abundance of beauty in nature.
                          





Recently, I have felt the abundance of life flowing towards me once again after a very long "drought" of feeling a lack of it, on many levels. It is a very good feeling.

When I look back to years ago, I have had so much to be thankful for and often didn't realize or acknowledge it all, at the time. I will not make that mistake again. I truly believe that abundance comes and goes in our lives for many reasons. And not just in terms of material things although those are important too.
                                   
If you have abundance in your life in it's many forms: love, success, wealth, friendship...treasure it and never take it for granted. If  you feel the need for more abundance in your life, dwell on it, make it your mantra and believe that it is on it's way to you, in whatever ways you need it.
                                            
NEVER give up, never give in that all is lost. It will return.
                                          
Wishing you abundance in your life!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

To Truly Love...

Take some time today to think about all the people, places and things that you truly love.

One of the best ways to put life into perspective, especially on those days when things aren't going as well as you'd like them to be.


Love!


It changes everything. Transforms people. Makes all things possible.
Share some love today. Send a good thought out to someone who is going through a difficult time. Smile at someone on the street who looks sad. Share a hug. Give someone a compliment. Bring an unexpected gift to a friend. You never know what may come of your thoughtfulness. What a difference it might make. And come back to you in a positive way.
                  
Speaking of things that I love.
This beautiful poem by Rupert Brooke is one of my all-time favorites. I hope you enjoy re-reading it too.




An excerpt from:

The Great Lover


These I have loved:
                  
White plates and cups, clean-gleaming,
Ringed with blue lines; and feathery, faery dust;
Wet roofs, beneath the lamp-light; the strong crust
Of friendly bread; and many-tasting food;
Rainbows; and the blue bitter smoke of wood;
And radiant raindrops couching in cool flowers;
And flowers themselves, that sway through sunny hours,
Dreaming of moths that drink them under the moon;
Then, the cool kindliness of sheets, that soon
Smooth away trouble; and the rough male kiss
Of blankets; grainy wood; live hair that is
Shining and free; blue-massing clouds; the keen
Unpassioned beauty of a great machine;
The benison of hot water; furs to touch;
The good smell of old clothes; and other such -- -
The comfortable smell of friendly fingers,
Hair's fragrance, and the musty reek that lingers
About dead leaves and last year's ferns. . . .
Dear names,
And thousand other throng to me! Royal flames;
Sweet water's dimpling laugh from tap or spring;
Holes in the ground; and voices that do sing;
Voices in laughter, too; and body's pain,
Soon turned to peace; and the deep-panting train;
Firm sands; the little dulling edge of foam
That browns and dwindles as the wave goes home;
And washen stones, gay for an hour; the cold
Graveness of iron; moist black earthen mould;
Sleep; and high places; footprints in the dew;
And oaks; and brown horse-chestnuts, glossy-new;
And new-peeled sticks; and shining pools on grass; -- -
All these have been my loves. And these shall pass,
Whatever passes not, in the great hour,
Nor all my passion, all my prayers, have power
To hold them with me through the gate of Death.
They'll play deserter, turn with the traitor breath,
Break the high bond we made, and sell Love's trust
And sacramented covenant to the dust.
Oh, never a doubt but, somewhere, I shall wake,
And give what's left of love again, and make
New friends, now strangers. . . .
But the best I've known,
Stays here, and changes, breaks, grows old, is blown
About the winds of the world, and fades from brains
Of living men, and dies.
Nothing remains.

***
                 
PS: On a completely different topic. I also have this new post at my product review blog you might enjoy.  It's all about Happy Brushing. LOL Have a wonderful day!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

The Timeless Beauty of Snow

I LOVE snow!


It's almost gone for the year (I think) here in Interior BC. That could change of course LOL.

Here's a few of the last snow photos I took this year.

And now to wait for spring's much anticipated arrival!
                                        


Here's to celebrating the magic of every season!

                         

Mighty Pines!
                                            


Berries in the Snow

                       

A tranquil place to sit.
                       


A park cabin.Icicles soon disappearing!


                      
   Shades of white and black.



Picnic time will return soon.
                     


PS: This is actually my Monday post (in keeping with my Monday-Friday plan LOL) . Blogger preview/pre-schedule feature was acting a bit wonky for this one, so I'm publishing it manually on Sunday night. Other than this glitch, I've been really enjoying Blogger!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Chocolate ANYTHING Makes Me Smile!

All together now...YUMMMM!!!!
                                       


"Nothing says lovin'....."you know the rest. And I do agree!

Here's the link to the recipe and post from my cooking and craft blog: Veggies,Yarns and Tails.

                            
This "naked" cake (you'll understand the name when you read linked post) is luscious, moist and oh so chocolatey good!

Share it with someone you love today/tonight or this weekend.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

My Big Orange Baby/Guy!


If you haven't "met" him before, this is our beloved Mr. Cheddar!

 Isn't he a handsome boy?

Someone who always brings a smile to my day.
                                 


Here's another "pose".
                             

I wish I was that flexible!!!!



Have a wonderful day, from me and the Ched!


Sending hugs and headbonks (the ultimate feline show of affection) your way!


PS: If you have a pet(s) don't forget to hug them too! 

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Good Day and Lots of Sunshine!

Found this beautiful tribute to the Beatle's classic:


Good Day Sunshine over at YouTube.

(click to sing and dance along!)

After all these years, their music is as fresh and vibrant as ever.

And this song, one that always brings a smile to my day.

Today it even got me up from my chair for a much-needed exercise break!

Good day, sunshine!!!!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Rooftop Conference!

" Hey gang, the sky looks pretty clear.
 Maybe we should stop and rest a spell."
                       
                                   

"Daaaah gone it, wrong again!"
                         
                    
These birds seemed to be discussing the weather. 

 They waaaaaas country birds!

Hope it's clear sailing, wherever you are.
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