tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14809841140216370962024-02-07T16:37:20.656-08:00A Couple Shades of GreenDawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-23291448634309169512014-11-29T20:57:00.000-08:002014-11-29T20:57:28.433-08:00Tales of the Washi Tape ProjectHi Everyone,<br />
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Since the wedding I have not spent much time on Pinterest. <i> </i>I have been afraid I would see something that 'I should have done' for the wedding. Today, I went back on and was inspired...<br />
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Before I get into it, here are some facts:<br />
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<li>I am NOT crafty or creative</li>
<li>I have had a blank canvas in my house for more than a year</li>
<li>I have a long list of projects I would love to do but will likely never get around to</li>
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All in all, that meant today "I am going to do a project." Next came a Pinterest binge and before I knew it I was out buying WASHI TAPE (Side note - I used to read a blog where this woman did every project in her house with some form of washi tape and it drove me crazy). </div>
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The outcome:</div>
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Yes... Washi Tape happened and I had fun. </div>
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I am going to need your help though, if you see if a single other blog entry with washi tape projects... please make me stop! </div>
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And as always, stay green,</div>
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Dawn</div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-89734833995488145372014-10-31T07:38:00.003-07:002014-10-31T07:38:30.509-07:00Happy Halloween!Hi Everyone,<br />
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I just wanted to say a big Happy Halloween from our family to yours.<br />
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Don't forget to use those pumpkins too. There are so many recipes out there, pumpkin doesn't just come in a can!<br />
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Check some out <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/meltdown/pumpkin-recipes/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Have a great day,<br />
Dawn<br />
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<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-35386696968293655212014-10-04T06:19:00.002-07:002014-10-04T06:19:46.675-07:00We Day 2014<div dir="ltr">
Hi Everyone,</div>
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Empowerment. Change is in your hands. Be the generation of greatness. Equality is freedom. </div>
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These were some of the amazing messages directed to the youth at We Day Toronto this week. Mike and I volunteered for the event and what a powerful room. 4.6 billion hours were volunteered in making it to We Day today as all the kids had to be nominated or apply to be in the audience. Each of them supports a local and a global cause for change. </div>
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We Day is Free the Children's way of saying a big THANK YOU to the youth, parents and teachers that help Free the Children carry out the great work they do both nationally and globally for children and communities big and small. </div>
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Mike and I had the pleasure of going to Kenya this past summer with the organization to help out and see what they are accomplishing there. I must say after that trip, I am officially a Free the Children Ambassador. They aren't just going into these communities, building schools and leaving. They have adopted the village and put programs in place to help the community become self sustaining. What this means, in 10, 20, 30 years, the children of today will be living happy, healthy lifestyles without having to rely on 'handouts' from charitable organizations. </div>
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I will give you one of the simplest examples of what this means:<br /></div>
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Teaching families to tie up their livestock (usually goats and dairy cows) so that children can have the time to go to school instead of herding livestock during the day. Some of the lessons they are teaching these communities are things we take for granted but they are the little things that can make such a difference in the community. </div>
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Another quick example is teaching them to use a clothes line or fence to dry their clothes on rather than laying them on the ground in the sun. This prevents bugs from getting into their clothing and irritating their skin causing more trips to the clinic. </div>
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These are just two small examples of what Free the Children has done in the Massai Mara community of Kenya, there are just too many for words. </div>
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Here is a small sample of the pictures from our trip.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt7CQ-o7GD6tHdFZER5SsZCiq1FnxGx8HX-0MIhYCiypjoR0F9oWOXL4ITTebrtDemMcpxVvYRKuj482vlaVTk4eBLWEO9QoN1BYGfWrXJu1BXKpDZfpE6NG4EriCHDwAHbOI1A5Mr-4/s1600/DSC_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt7CQ-o7GD6tHdFZER5SsZCiq1FnxGx8HX-0MIhYCiypjoR0F9oWOXL4ITTebrtDemMcpxVvYRKuj482vlaVTk4eBLWEO9QoN1BYGfWrXJu1BXKpDZfpE6NG4EriCHDwAHbOI1A5Mr-4/s1600/DSC_0799.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mike is journaling our trip in more detail so I will share a link once he has had a chance to finish that... I will start bugging him soon, progress has slowed in recent weeks on that project! </div>
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To be continued...</div>
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Have a great day,<br />
Dawn </div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-56878652480795612872014-08-09T08:19:00.000-07:002014-08-09T08:19:17.856-07:00Big Change<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hi Friends! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes I am back. I know, I know.. I feel guilty enough already that my last blog post was Valentine’s Day but I am back in a big way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have recently made some changes in my lifestyle in an attempt to really reduce my eco footprint. You may remember my <a href="http://www.acoupleshadesofgreen.blogspot.ca/2012/09/how-green-are-you.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> from September, 2012 where I assessed my ecological footprint and was quite disappointed in my number! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My new number:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am happy to report that is up from the 46 I calculated 2 years ago with room for improvement. What was my big change?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s right… I bought an electric car! The Chevrolet Volt to be exact. I have had it for one week officially now and I am in LOVE. Sorry Mike </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. After one week, I drove to work at our St. Catharines office and back home for 4 days this week without using any gas. Driving to our Hamilton office was a bit more of a challenge. Luckily however, Hamilton is leading the ‘charge’ for its downtown core and I found a parking garage a 10 minute walk away from the office with a charging station. In addition to being able to fully charge my car while at work, the lot was only $6 for the day. Trust me, in downtown Hamilton that is a steal. Now I get to save money in two ways. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is funny though the questions you get when you buy an electric car. I think people really forget what era we live in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How long does one charge last? Approx. 69 KMs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do you do once the charge runs out? Are you just stranded? No, there is a gas generator that will continue to run the electric motor for over 400km with a full tank of gas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is it like driving a golf cart? You would be surprised how many times that one is asked. It is actually a very smooth ride with a lot of power. The car has an instant torque of 273 RPMs which is well above the other mid-sized vehicles in its class.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 17pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the battery dies your car is dead right? How much is it to replace the battery when it dies? This question is a little harder to answer. For one, the volt batteries are single cell batteries so if one cell fails they can easily replace that one cell instead of the whole battery. With that being said, the battery is actually warrantied for 8 years so it would be no cost. If after 8 years the battery dies and needs to be replaced, General Motors buys back the old batteries and you can replace it for an estimated cost of about $3,000. Now, you can’t really believe that completely because it hasn’t been put into practice just yet but let’s just say I am not worried about my car becoming an expensive piece of useless metal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 17pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 17.0pt; text-indent: -17pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t believe you would buy an electric car, how much was it? Not cheap! MSRP starts at $34,170 but you get an $8,231 credit from the Canadian government for buying an electric car; compared to the rebate of $5,000 available to Toyota Prius owners. The maximum government credit is $8,500, meaning the Volt meets almost all of the specifications required. The fact that it has the option to run on gas puts it below the Tesla models that receive the full $8,500 credit. Now that does not mean the price drops to $26,000 because after some model upgrades and warranties, in the end you are paying the MSRP plus taxes and other fees.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now for you, do you have any questions? Ask away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And as always, keep thinking green.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dawn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-27223230922113193662014-02-14T19:40:00.000-08:002014-02-14T19:40:17.982-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Cards, Flowers, Boxes of Chocolates, etc.. All are very common gifts you get on Valentine's Day. What did my husband do? A card and flowers, but more than that he put some thought into it. </span></div>
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Check out the personalized e-card I received today:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxBHaBiX4vNIGNi_-HCU9xckZjUZk2WYTiou6WThzSc6SJUagKU1s2_ttzqlPzqN15Dp7upIuHe0679Ufzpj4jLaqvbFQ230GY3VKTMgs5d5dE6hTNyCFbCuQG73yvQuBNO733TbshIU/s1600/valentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxBHaBiX4vNIGNi_-HCU9xckZjUZk2WYTiou6WThzSc6SJUagKU1s2_ttzqlPzqN15Dp7upIuHe0679Ufzpj4jLaqvbFQ230GY3VKTMgs5d5dE6hTNyCFbCuQG73yvQuBNO733TbshIU/s1600/valentines.jpg" height="348" width="640" /></a></div>
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A little thought goes a long way! </div>
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Happy Valentine's Day from Captain Planet herself,</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Dawn </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">XOX</span></div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-86192996265577280532014-02-06T17:17:00.000-08:002014-02-06T17:17:02.627-08:00Challenge: Water BottlesHow many times when you are at someone's house do you ask for a glass of water and they hand you a water bottle? Why? Convenience.<br />
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What is so hard about pulling a jug of water out of the fridge and pouring a glass of water?</div>
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I know New Year's resolutions are behind us, but why not take the time to succeed a different mini challenges throughout the year (this way we aren't disappointed when we don't achieve our Resolution!).<br />
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<b>I challenge you to not use a single water bottle in the next week.</b> </div>
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In our household, we do not buy water bottles; we use a Brita and tap water. If a guest needs to take a bottle with them we use one of those plastic promo bottles I get at every race I run. Most of the time I get it back but I don't expect to get it back nor do I need 30+ plastic water bottles with different company logos on them.<br />
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Good luck with the challenge. Let me know what you thought of it. Was it easy or difficult to achieve?Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-74162611786148200632014-02-05T18:19:00.001-08:002014-02-05T18:19:43.782-08:00Green MemoriesWith all this cold winter weather we have been having, Mike and I have been taking full advantage of our Netflix membership. Which made me start thinking about movies I haven't seen in a long time.<br />
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One of my favourites as a kid... FernGully.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLri7bBGDmtwBD4LEC3Kqr6xjZ6ZIF9FtQlfwfa_nbu_oUu1PZO2YoFoZufmaNQYZny1y4wT6TKWytXaoooqb7yW3X2Yl9XRyorhaz6p6tD_jMYeJsn3QMUFYIjXYeTxoGByah_-gAjWk/s1600/download+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLri7bBGDmtwBD4LEC3Kqr6xjZ6ZIF9FtQlfwfa_nbu_oUu1PZO2YoFoZufmaNQYZny1y4wT6TKWytXaoooqb7yW3X2Yl9XRyorhaz6p6tD_jMYeJsn3QMUFYIjXYeTxoGByah_-gAjWk/s1600/download+(1).jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></div>
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If you haven't seen this movie, you should definitely look it up. The movie is about a group of magical forest creatures working together to protect their home from the destructive Hexxus. The main plot also includes stories of friendship and love. Not to mention, it has to be a movie with the most direct message around the toxins and direct effects of clear cutting forests. It is a child-friendly cartoon with adult humor undertones especially from 'Batty' a witty bat that has seen the effects of human product testing voiced by Robin Williams.<br />
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This weekend if you need to cozy up on the couch and stay warm, consider FernGully as your movie of choice, it is already on my list. Have you seen it? What did you think?<br />
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-4194673618718838262014-02-04T15:57:00.000-08:002014-02-04T15:57:00.682-08:00Today's Green TipFridge temperatures. Have you ever looked at the temperature dial in your refrigerator? Ours looks similar to this one:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbblyxufjPOz7__PUAEN-t5CXnBGWikiWURjX2RmILfGeNClGRh9x80cwF9kaccLGY08hnpm1EO9gXABST1s-oOPakoRw6FhWqrP0vuUj8okEWUDnAnfOXBFPQxOUs6nHsoTihIP0Mns/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbblyxufjPOz7__PUAEN-t5CXnBGWikiWURjX2RmILfGeNClGRh9x80cwF9kaccLGY08hnpm1EO9gXABST1s-oOPakoRw6FhWqrP0vuUj8okEWUDnAnfOXBFPQxOUs6nHsoTihIP0Mns/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>(Picture taken from Google images)</i></div>
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Of course, your first instinct is to switch it to normal without a second look. Instead, I decided to put a thermometer in the fridge to measure what the 'normal' temperature is. Is it the ideal temperature or just half way from warmer to colder?<br />
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In the end, the 'normal' temperature is too cold. So we kept moving the dial warmer until the thermometer continuously read between zero and four degrees Celsius.<br />
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In doing so, we will be able to save money on our electricity bill by not pumping unnecessary cold air into our refrigerator. All you need to do is go out and buy a thermometer and ensure the temperature is between zero and four degrees. Warmer than this, you run the risk of spoiling food and if it's colder you could spoil food by freezing it. We have repeated these steps for our freezer as well.Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-76457673582070288012014-02-02T15:30:00.002-08:002014-02-02T15:30:25.852-08:00Sunday Food PrepOn a snowy winter weekend, I tried to find everything possible to stay indoors. We settled for catching up on the DVR, starting some DIY projects with the materials we have on hand, and jumping into the kitchen.<br />
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I follow a tonne of blogs and most of them include some Sunday food preparation techniques. Over the last few weekends, Mike and I have been working on a routine for our food preparation.<br />
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Today I think we finally got the right routine down pat. We started with our meal plan for the week:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenUOYqt2mWTiaNeklmizdcslnkfxFkDxLZQNQ_KMQrefr-_H37iNPR-UkVy-aFoBaG5oY-Prg1Bu_hMTTrEweRHxiG6A1gF9Fvjc349OrpPzMowRtFzgb6x5bL4sPGexVvjXoXAuBYKE/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenUOYqt2mWTiaNeklmizdcslnkfxFkDxLZQNQ_KMQrefr-_H37iNPR-UkVy-aFoBaG5oY-Prg1Bu_hMTTrEweRHxiG6A1gF9Fvjc349OrpPzMowRtFzgb6x5bL4sPGexVvjXoXAuBYKE/s1600/Capture.JPG" height="281" width="640" /></a></div>
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The meal plan led to our grocery list and off we went with Starbucks in hand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhGfyLaO5A0L5zJCx9yBs58ZFNhAsulmLwB7rko9cepeKtu9MFgNUs1O_4MsbxuQU0fnLIHz54PmCrHQbbYUTHTvtJfNr515fdhG-hEmJ87izeQveXZfIXzBfOXlgIGVefVB08VIQrEM/s1600/Food+prep1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhGfyLaO5A0L5zJCx9yBs58ZFNhAsulmLwB7rko9cepeKtu9MFgNUs1O_4MsbxuQU0fnLIHz54PmCrHQbbYUTHTvtJfNr515fdhG-hEmJ87izeQveXZfIXzBfOXlgIGVefVB08VIQrEM/s1600/Food+prep1.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Once we got home, we started on bread for our sandwiches for the week. A bread maker makes the job really easy. It starts with water and yeast to do a little work, add the rest of the ingredients and 3 hours later you have bread.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEkwSfXJFbxO4TukJgnPHhGn6_y6rJTrBpFk6hsNRHxFZydJl4iqvCn_93VER6oMOnDQuFQ1VCTOY97Mve3Iww_blxeqBaOdogTINxXtjNHXyFX14OZ4mA-J12EyV2Gx0TeAJXOTh5X0/s1600/Food+prep2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyZdObJ-4BEMoFeGagCezMPgdR5dRDePGksdquKSOiXul1ykHssUwpQQWpIXFjd0U0gbFdKIsWmdaCQXB84Id3TPYR1SGzs8_LPcOj0vHreUyat63CdYGrneu0kPDGt3WMzGW5SyQYic/s1600/Food+prep4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyZdObJ-4BEMoFeGagCezMPgdR5dRDePGksdquKSOiXul1ykHssUwpQQWpIXFjd0U0gbFdKIsWmdaCQXB84Id3TPYR1SGzs8_LPcOj0vHreUyat63CdYGrneu0kPDGt3WMzGW5SyQYic/s1600/Food+prep4.jpg" height="200" width="111" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEkwSfXJFbxO4TukJgnPHhGn6_y6rJTrBpFk6hsNRHxFZydJl4iqvCn_93VER6oMOnDQuFQ1VCTOY97Mve3Iww_blxeqBaOdogTINxXtjNHXyFX14OZ4mA-J12EyV2Gx0TeAJXOTh5X0/s1600/Food+prep2.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></div>
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After we got the bread maker running, I put some eggs in a pot to be hard boiled, started another pot for oatmeal, cut up vegetables and cheese.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_AlNip6Qb88UGE9FioG3UKD3itXLNywtMSUT0mB-1zk6QNf2tt2rXoabQoZnRmB4cY5cAj7UlSta9ERH9mrTfGE9XjGQOWzV5yqiL6RsNhRgaaPV7JZCIlks_UzqonEaNi7YsHYJWSs/s1600/Food+prep3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_AlNip6Qb88UGE9FioG3UKD3itXLNywtMSUT0mB-1zk6QNf2tt2rXoabQoZnRmB4cY5cAj7UlSta9ERH9mrTfGE9XjGQOWzV5yqiL6RsNhRgaaPV7JZCIlks_UzqonEaNi7YsHYJWSs/s1600/Food+prep3.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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The end result is a fridge full of prepared foods, all ready to eat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VBzfvPBnA3Cq8Zct8BtL9bZ4_KIMw_8SqGKDa93cyu1K1ml57rKVnkdLPebzpNVfvinC9KY7Tzov53al58adE7p49eGwVNTdszKVz8fKSPBf6vCFn_MM7DDiJX3ezFMyA-JvvtX4QE8/s1600/Food+prep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VBzfvPBnA3Cq8Zct8BtL9bZ4_KIMw_8SqGKDa93cyu1K1ml57rKVnkdLPebzpNVfvinC9KY7Tzov53al58adE7p49eGwVNTdszKVz8fKSPBf6vCFn_MM7DDiJX3ezFMyA-JvvtX4QE8/s1600/Food+prep.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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It makes for a great week of healthy food to eat without having to spend a lot of preparation time during the week. It doesn't even eat up your whole day. We started creating out menu and grocery list at 2 pm and by 5:30 pm all the of the preparation including dinner for the evening was ready.<br />
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Do you have any food preparation tips?<br />
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<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-13312411299484593302014-01-12T06:29:00.000-08:002014-01-12T06:29:04.225-08:00Today's Green TipUsing the oven? Use the light to look through the window rather than opening the door to check on something. Every time you open the door you lose 10-15 degrees of heat. It likely won't disrupt the cooking cycle of your meal, however your oven will continually have to work to increase the oven back to temperature. <div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-26127867409409380362014-01-08T17:52:00.000-08:002014-01-08T17:52:31.845-08:00Making the Most of ItFor those of you that live in Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, or a northern state, you can probably still feel your bones defrosting from these frigid temperatures. With the -40 degree temperatures we have had the last couple of days, all of the precipitation we have been getting just keeps turning to ice.<br />
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That all being said, sidewalks are like ice rinks right now, but the dog still needs to be walked! So instead of getting frustrated and maybe not taking the dog out.. we decided to have some fun! Mike and I got all bundled up and instead of our planned walk we took a bit of a 'skate' through the neighbourhood. Rocco was leading us every step of the way.<br />
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I felt like that little boy in the Christmas story all bundled up in my snow suit and just had some fun like I was a kid again. It really does help alleviate the stresses of life to just let loose and have some fun. A study in the Psychological Science suggests that holding a smile on one's face during periods of stress may help the heart and just genuinely makes you feel better!<br />
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Have you had a kid moment recently?<br />
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-41283102073917618462014-01-02T20:24:00.001-08:002014-01-02T20:24:46.051-08:00Today's Green TipTake a look around your office, are their stacks of papers everywhere cluttering everything?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBd8MJrLx92pqBTf25jwsgMdQ1qMqPP0H2IbfVs_suDXkvtl6Y3Jyo0xHIr2dBw9xvIKRIJuhV8mWSe6zonp3sO7oNwLrChmKtOQiAYWX8pJI0ymrshjkyuLqoAjHOQ_iX2rX2cRWvm2o/s1600/unorganized-mess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBd8MJrLx92pqBTf25jwsgMdQ1qMqPP0H2IbfVs_suDXkvtl6Y3Jyo0xHIr2dBw9xvIKRIJuhV8mWSe6zonp3sO7oNwLrChmKtOQiAYWX8pJI0ymrshjkyuLqoAjHOQ_iX2rX2cRWvm2o/s320/unorganized-mess.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know... you will get around to filing it one day! One solution is to stop those stacks of paper from even coming in the door. You can sign up for an <a href="https://www.epost.ca/service/landingPageEn.a" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">e-post mail box</span></a>. All of your bills will come to one place so you only have to worry about one login and password instead of remembering those 30 passwords. Be mindful that not every supplier is available but they are adding new companies every day.<br />
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Just hoping to make those 'Get Organized' resolutions a little easier this year. Best of Luck.<br />
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-16937513986495048702014-01-01T21:08:00.000-08:002014-01-08T18:03:50.013-08:00What a Year!Hi Everyone,<br />
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I was looking back at my blog posts today reminiscing on where this year has gone. I know my last post was quite some time ago so I realize there is a lot of catching up to do. Where do I begin...</div>
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<b>January 1st, 2013</b></div>
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Ringing in the New Year at my place. Great friends, great drinks and some awesome games.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNakfdJkIaaLGEPQCviNFD5kzS4hoysZkDtnQyJYRHtCijwY2vBCH4vc2ULGp2FSoYwQFGgE7_i57CmSJGKQFmIJCgipe4xeQtYdkcLlOEAKCMDleGnpsJpJCy-imH-sjYBawBWro8GKQ/s1600/Happy+New+Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNakfdJkIaaLGEPQCviNFD5kzS4hoysZkDtnQyJYRHtCijwY2vBCH4vc2ULGp2FSoYwQFGgE7_i57CmSJGKQFmIJCgipe4xeQtYdkcLlOEAKCMDleGnpsJpJCy-imH-sjYBawBWro8GKQ/s320/Happy+New+Year.jpg" height="167" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>February 23-24, 2013</b><br />
I went on a ski trip to a ski resort just outside of Collingwood, Ontario. Don't be fooled, that does not mean I know how to ski! I went on a little ski lesson and a few bunny hills. I am happy to report there were no broken bones and the hot tub was perfect.<br />
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<b>March 30, 2013</b><br />
Helped my friend move into her new apartment in Burlington! Yay Dana.<br />
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<b>April 30, 2013</b><br />
There isn't much to say between January 1st and April 30th but that I survived tax season once again to make it out to a celebration with co-workers and friends... welcoming me back into society!<br />
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<b>May 18, 2013</b><br />
Mike and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. It is funny how time flies, it felt like just yesterday we met at a friend's party playing foosball. We celebrated by attending my cousin's wedding. It felt a bit reminiscent of our upcoming wedding and a reminder of all the wedding planning we still had to do of course! <br />
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<b>May 25, 2013</b><br />
Celebrated an epic bachelorette party for a friend of mine. Sorry I can't say anymore.. what happens in ....well enough said!<br />
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<b>June 15-24, 2014</b><br />
Another girl's trip to Sarasota, Florida. We got to just relax and enjoy the beautiful weather and sandy beaches.<br />
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<b>July 21, 2013</b><br />
My mom, aunts and fantastic wedding party threw me a fantastic wedding shower. I couldn't have been more thankful for all those who attended and the amazing gifts we received. I could really feel the love in the room that day.<br />
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<b>July 27, 2013</b><br />
Our epic adventures in completing the one and only Tough Mudder Buffalo 2013. It was quite the race and really puts it into perspective on how much preparation you really need to do before jumping into it! Look forward to some posts about our 2014 preparation, we are looking at one in August, 2014.<br />
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<b>July 28, 2013</b><br />
The teenager in me was ecstatic today! My cousin and I were lucky enough to get tickets to the epic come back tour...<br />
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Boys II Men</div>
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98 Degrees</div>
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New Kids on the Block </div>
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<b>Summer 2013</b></div>
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I am sure the rest of my summer was filled with all sorts of events but it was a bit of a whirlwind filled with all sorts of WEDDING PLANNING. The big day was fast approaching with very little checked off of my list to this point. I want to say a big thank you to the wedding party, my mom, aunt, and to everyone who lended a helping hand during this stressful time!</div>
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<b>September 7, 2013</b></div>
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Mike and I got to celebrate our Stag and Doe with all of our friends and family. I can't say to much about the night because lets just say there were a lot of people flowing drinks in and out of my hand. We had a fantastic night with tonnes of games and prizes, despite all of the rain.. it's goodluck right?</div>
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<b>Fall 2013</b></div>
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Filled with the last of all of our meetings and projects to get us through the last stretch to the big day. It was a crazy stressful time.. sorry everyone! Oh and yet another bachelorette party.. but this one was mine. It was an amazing night.</div>
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<b>November 14, 2013</b></div>
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Rob Ford said WHAT?!</div>
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<b>November 16, 2013</b></div>
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Our Big Day finally arrived. I can honestly say that everything went off without a hitch. We had no problems the day of and all of our suppliers did such an amazing job of getting what was in my head to our beautiful day... which wasn't always easy. </div>
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We could really feel the love in the room that day and want to thank all of our friends and family for their support. It was a long time coming and a very long adventure to get there, but I was so happy to be able to marry my best friend.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am now officially Mrs. Dawn Lagesten</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Saying goodbye to 2013</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We ended 2013 with our first Christmas as Mr. & Mrs Lagesten. I ate alot of food and enjoyed alot of laughs, it could not have been any better. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>December 31, 2013</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another evening with family and friends to ring in the New Year.</div>
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<br />
Happy New Year from all of us in the Lagesten household (even Rocco).<br />
<br />
I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2014 full of love, laughter and all of your friends and family around you.<br />
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<br />
And to end the blog with a little outlook on what I have to expect from 2014, here is what my horoscope as to say:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
Life
is full of situations that support and challenge you. This year brings plenty
of both! Work, home and love are all in the spotlight. Some things will be out
of your control, but how you respond is up to you. Start a new business venture
in June. Dare to move out of your safety zone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Your
most romantic month</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
January,
a time to connect more deeply with yourself and others. In April, take a step
back and reevaluate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Love
tips</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
You
are going through profound changes. And what happens with your love life can
teach you valuable life lessons. When you see yourself reflected in someone
else, you gain more clarity about who you are and what you want to achieve. Yes,
it’s possible to fall madly and deeply in love, and it is this soul type
connection of the heart that can lead to a lasting union. To move forward with
a clean slate, be prepared to deal with the past — and leave it behind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Business
and finance</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
This
year is very much about walking a fine line between visualizing your grand plan
and being patient enough to put in the hours of work and strategy to make it
happen. You can have it all, Cancer, although at times it will feel turbulent
and you will wonder when the spinning will stop. Get out of your own way and
let life take its course.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Angel’s
advice</b><o:p></o:p></div>
Don’t
get caught up in the details. Let life unfold without too much attachment.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-81512690887565847102013-09-21T11:53:00.002-07:002013-09-21T11:53:24.974-07:00Junk Mail ReinventedHi Everyone,<br />
<br />
I am back! Sorry I was on a bit of a hiatus, who ever thought wedding planning would be so much work! Mike and I took on a new project so I thought I would share.<br />
<br />
In any given week, we have a minimum of 11 pieces of mail that we don't open. On average, each audit receives 41 pounds of junk mail each year, 44% of which goes straight into the landfill unopened.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is a whopping 100 million trees. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So Mike and I set out to stop the trend. First, we contacted our banks, utility providers, etc and moved to a paperless billing system. We set up a separate home email address to house all of the bills in so we weren't mucking up our personal emails and off we went. <a href="http://epost.ca/">Epost.ca</a> also offers a paperless billing system in which you can even make payments online as well. We however chose to set up a separate email address because we already have online banking payments set up for all of our utilities payments, it didn't make sense to set up new accounts all over again. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But that wasn't enough.. we were still getting those coupon books and value packs, life insurance advertisements, etc! So I set out to find a solution.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I found an organization called <a href="http://41pounds.org/">41pounds.org</a>. "Saving the earth, 41 pounds at a time." You sign up on their website and list the organizations and companies that are sending you unwanted mail and they contact them on your behalf to remove you from their mailing list. The cost is $35 per household and that covers each person in your household for 5 years. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We are going to sign up, we are just taking a month's worth of junk mail and gathering it up so we get every organization we no longer want to receive junk mail from off our list. We want to be as thorough as possible. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Will you be signing up? Let me know what you think. </div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-43292318765808376832013-08-08T18:09:00.002-07:002013-08-08T18:09:12.600-07:00Everyone's favourite...<div style="text-align: center;">
Breakfast for dinner! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Today felt like the longest day, do you ever feel like that? I think I spent half my day texting Mike because every hour felt like time was slowing. Anyway, so I got through the day, finally... and had very little desire to cook, but I definitely didn't want take out. So, I figured since I feel like the weekend will never come, I wanted my mind to wander to Sunday morning breakfast. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A few weeks ago, my sister, dad and I went to Cora's for breakfast. Have you been? I will try to sum it up... it is a more healthy version of your home town diner. They serve giant portions of fruit with almost everything on the menu and the decor fits the bill. Everywhere you look they have baskets of fresh fruit and sunbursts. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyway, my menu item of choice was the 10-star skillet. I will admit, it probably isn't their healthiest item on the menu but it just tastes like comfort! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Remembering off the top of my head, the skillet had potatoes, bacon, ham, sausage, Frankfurters, bologna, green onion, red and green peppers, Cheddar, served with an egg on top. </div>
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With my day needing a little Sunday morning comfort, I set out to make my copy-cat version of the 10-star skillet with whatever I had in the house. Here goes:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb7KPn7P7XCQSwcJs4HEwqew25CDLpBJsbKQzFBAdAaZoqUr7dqOYj6SdJiBxOR9CTKxDWQ7ZRIFDS5dToEty7FWIdUPjzn3Dn5t8xz5gbnzMrrk7FuhHeRuaHh6LUOsSXqER9ZomuL4/s1600/skillet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb7KPn7P7XCQSwcJs4HEwqew25CDLpBJsbKQzFBAdAaZoqUr7dqOYj6SdJiBxOR9CTKxDWQ7ZRIFDS5dToEty7FWIdUPjzn3Dn5t8xz5gbnzMrrk7FuhHeRuaHh6LUOsSXqER9ZomuL4/s320/skillet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 white potato</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 red pepper, chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 stalk of celery, chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup of red onion, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 green onion, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 pre-cooked sausage (I used a smokey cheddar sausage), chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tablespoon of butter or margarine</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup of shredded cheddar</div>
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<br /></div>
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Directions:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Melt a little less than the full tablespoon of butter into a pan, leaving some extra to fry your egg. Once melted. add the potato, celery, red pepper and red onion with some pepper to taste. Let that cook, you will need the potato to soften up. Just when you think you need to add more butter, toss in the sausage. Continue cooking until the potatoes are tender and add the green onion. Remove from heat and split the mixture into two dishes. Top with shredded cheddar. Next you will need to cook your eggs. You can do it however you like it, over-easy, sunny-side up, poached, etc and top your dish. </div>
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Done!</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Do you have any go-to comfort food dishes?</div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-65177437551666743722013-08-06T06:07:00.002-07:002013-08-06T06:07:32.007-07:00Running ShoesHi Everyone,<br />
<br />
I hope you had a great weekend, I had a very relaxing weekend which is not usually the case for me, especially during these very busy summer months. Anyway, I got out for a couple runs this weekend and I think I finally got a little budget surprise.<br />
<br />
If you recall, I participated in Tough Mudder last weekend. Well this is what my running shoes looked like afterwards:<br />
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<br />
And since Tough Mudder cleans up the shoes and donates them to those in need, I knew it was time. I did a mud run last year and cleaning my shoes after that was frustrating, I saw this as a great opportunity to take clean up duties off my shoulders.<br />
<br />
Only because of all that, I found myself going for a run with a very old pair of running shoes. I usually only use these old runners for dog walks but thought, I paid almost $200 for them less than a year ago, they can't be that bad right?...<br />
<br />
Wrong!<br />
<br />
I couldn't figure out why after all of my Tough Mudder training going out for a light jog was so difficult. I couldn't keep a pace for more than 2 minutes at a time before my calves were on fire. I am pretty sure a guy walking even passed me at one point!<br />
<br />
Well it turns out, that depending on how you land on your feet while running, a running shoe can wear down faster. Not to mention, those shoes saw me through my first half marathon race and the training leading up to it.<br />
<br />
So I guess this runner needs to buy a new pair of shoes. Those old sneakers are good for dog walking but definitely not an afternoon jog. Just remember, don't blame yourself for poor running performance (it is easy to do) because sometimes it can be as simple as not having the right shoe.<br />
<br />
A lot of companies do professional assessments of your running style to fit you in the right shoe, paying the couple extra dollars for the best shoe for you is important to keep your training on track and it will help the shoe last longer during your training so you don't have to keep going out and buying new shoes.<br />
<br />
Have a good week!Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-63440365248447209342013-07-29T18:26:00.002-07:002013-07-29T18:26:38.044-07:00One Tough MudderWhen people ask "How was Tough Mudder?", I can honestly say, I am not even sure how to answer it. The easiest way to describe it is....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was TOUGH and MUDDY</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although I am not sure TOUGH does it justice, INSANE might be a better word</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From my last <a href="http://acoupleshadesofgreen.blogspot.ca/2013/07/today-is-day.html" target="_blank">post</a>, you can imagine how my day began. I was so nervous I could not contain myself, Mike and I were up at 6:50am and all we could think about was food. What did we eat the day of our big race? Honestly, there was no exact science to it. The hotel had a complimentary hot breakfast, so french toast and sausage it was! I know, I know.. there is so much research out there on what you need to eat the day of a big sporting event, but honestly it came down to what is going to keep me full for as long as possible and please no more bananas! I find bananas give me gas so I don't usually like to eat that before running 18 miles. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 hours later, we were finally on route to Andover, New York. When we got there, I couldn't jump out of the car faster and it was back in the bathroom. Next step was to walk a mile to the registration tables, I guess they wanted to get us loosened up before the big event. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once there, we were instructed to write our bib number on our foreheads and arms. It didn't take long to figure out why... it is an alternative way to I.D. your body! Okay I am kidding. Official photographers are all over the course and the photos get sorted by bib number. If they can't see your bib (perhaps when it is covered in mud) there is the chance one of your other numbers are visible. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOmZiHKY-ZnQ6YszdoZS_b4oHV3k-zaeisoyS4gXwRLC_s9yVQDi-z_O8JEaZOtvxtkqaH1oOjn48GpjJn4kcltY52abTh8P-FbXO7ebxWhs4mM84-wXQzk5WZ5qBIIAsg02GykSRpyU/s1600/IMG_2425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOmZiHKY-ZnQ6YszdoZS_b4oHV3k-zaeisoyS4gXwRLC_s9yVQDi-z_O8JEaZOtvxtkqaH1oOjn48GpjJn4kcltY52abTh8P-FbXO7ebxWhs4mM84-wXQzk5WZ5qBIIAsg02GykSRpyU/s400/IMG_2425.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEvNKCLgi18LqyChdDKxhyePqwDRTvZrA28x5tVSfH-IgZ8Ho2fxtC47gp3Dx1Zx_GQ-J7IwicU2MOJbdD7V0y-iPSkAJ7vN05gjWEWiNfS8BEsD6rblkiqwWnEwxMY1lWZLQGjKKST0/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEvNKCLgi18LqyChdDKxhyePqwDRTvZrA28x5tVSfH-IgZ8Ho2fxtC47gp3Dx1Zx_GQ-J7IwicU2MOJbdD7V0y-iPSkAJ7vN05gjWEWiNfS8BEsD6rblkiqwWnEwxMY1lWZLQGjKKST0/s400/IMG_2426.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once that was done, our team was all set to head to the start line. I mean start wall.... before you can even get to the start line, you need to get over a 6-7 foot wall. That was definitely our wake up call! Just when you finally calm yourself down enough to say, "I am ready for this," they throw a wall into the mix. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5w4JnWeBSxTN4wQPwlXwg2ebTHKp9kqcWv0xSfeDVzJEgbAG4DEMav3tk_Dlo4j7ZoSKNmrMKs-3jcJovYB5G2SHbAlth-07O2ji_x-Awq5dg8gwC3KUDLeoR1D7HHm8cAg6I2gdJEps/s1600/IMG_2434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5w4JnWeBSxTN4wQPwlXwg2ebTHKp9kqcWv0xSfeDVzJEgbAG4DEMav3tk_Dlo4j7ZoSKNmrMKs-3jcJovYB5G2SHbAlth-07O2ji_x-Awq5dg8gwC3KUDLeoR1D7HHm8cAg6I2gdJEps/s640/IMG_2434.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It all began at 11:40 am... finishing a gruelling 4 hours later... here is a little taste of what we went through to get to the finish line.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2_AKJk3VurkUaHd9mKgfHWmxrs_GHW2jRV2kBQmdCu-HgpQJhtDZajxR-jHSzU16D7J3Mj0aVukDkVmYkk3fuPXA6HCdN6OdSADKugdzNm60P8WHpqm0Xr2C4T_Z5FNJIKSJUpD8WWA/s1600/Tough+Mudder+course+map+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2_AKJk3VurkUaHd9mKgfHWmxrs_GHW2jRV2kBQmdCu-HgpQJhtDZajxR-jHSzU16D7J3Mj0aVukDkVmYkk3fuPXA6HCdN6OdSADKugdzNm60P8WHpqm0Xr2C4T_Z5FNJIKSJUpD8WWA/s1600/Tough+Mudder+course+map+2013.JPG" /></a></div>
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And all that ended with this... the only thing that got us through those last 4 miles was picturing...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXWOQqCYYKy567IAnjuWdFYizmwLJOrHBtB_rGzsGCp1t-YvfY-6Yxfur-S76BrV9tPsTsieXC_uwPi6s88zgXoGsJNuNVuv4Bt8OG-fdzUHSzofinX2MkDgIzV8RMMXywx1nrBQnVbk/s1600/IMG_2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXWOQqCYYKy567IAnjuWdFYizmwLJOrHBtB_rGzsGCp1t-YvfY-6Yxfur-S76BrV9tPsTsieXC_uwPi6s88zgXoGsJNuNVuv4Bt8OG-fdzUHSzofinX2MkDgIzV8RMMXywx1nrBQnVbk/s640/IMG_2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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An ice cold beer and the one and only orange head band!</div>
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I am happy to say I am a tough mudder after completing each one of the obstacles.. including the absolutely terrifying Electric Eel and Electroshock Therapy! Some things you read out there say 'it isn't as bad as they make it sound.' I can now say from experience... they are absolutely wrong! It was everything they say and it is and more. I thought, oh the running won't be an issue at all, besides I have run a half marathon and that is 3KMs longer... what I didn't take into consideration was the terrain and elevations. </div>
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That all being said, the team work involved to get to the end and just how much fun everyone is having (deep down inside under the tired muscles and growls of pain) is contagious. </div>
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You drink that ice cold beer and all of a sudden.. it's over. Just like that! I built it up so much and when it was done it was like this amazing feeling. Today however, that amazing feeling becomes achy muscles and pain, EVERYWHERE! Getting out of bed this morning was an accomplishment in itself. It is almost time for me to sign off and get in a bath of Epsom salts in the hopes for a little relief. </div>
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I don't want this blog to be discouraging, because honestly if I could turn back the time I would still do the race, no doubt about it. I might rethink the moments I decided "Ya, lets run through these live electric wires, no problem", but all in all it was a once in a lifetime experience with a fantastic group of people. This mudder has one more in her for next year to join a few other friends who have been inspired to start their training! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_XoHkxvNBnuY6zPFDRbl9HlLyJo3aSDtBuWiZ1_U5s_qivR7j4l90DCVGE5fSAH6MYb-fU0s7R5l64ko-S6sz7WXDUncmLdAsyBBwK6fCDQDz0xiDLBULaOJ1xTldUDW8fV_FPmR-og/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_XoHkxvNBnuY6zPFDRbl9HlLyJo3aSDtBuWiZ1_U5s_qivR7j4l90DCVGE5fSAH6MYb-fU0s7R5l64ko-S6sz7WXDUncmLdAsyBBwK6fCDQDz0xiDLBULaOJ1xTldUDW8fV_FPmR-og/s640/IMG_2534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Zg_5htOwCkgovxnTai5FX8_sL-jK6GSe9zmlkU5iuTsP5p1vOEFFbpMkANxq-pbAygPHNB6ipzIdvhJWRllsZriCyD7uVFlfxoHT8g3-Bp3zFVx6GF24gR8KpHCLVpCpAixQJqzyB-0/s1600/IMG_2539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Zg_5htOwCkgovxnTai5FX8_sL-jK6GSe9zmlkU5iuTsP5p1vOEFFbpMkANxq-pbAygPHNB6ipzIdvhJWRllsZriCyD7uVFlfxoHT8g3-Bp3zFVx6GF24gR8KpHCLVpCpAixQJqzyB-0/s640/IMG_2539.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you want to know more, leave me a comment and I will be sure to share some more muddy stories! </div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-8982942666079705552013-07-27T05:28:00.001-07:002013-07-27T05:28:21.206-07:00Today is the Day!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Hi
Everyone,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Today is
the day, it is finally time for <a href="http://acoupleshadesofgreen.blogspot.ca/2013/05/training-week-1.html" target="_blank">Tough Mudder</a>. I remember just 90 days ago
thinking, “that’s a great idea, let’s go
run 18km while doing a dozen army style obstacles.” I am glad I got excited
about it early because right now, I could easily talk myself out of it! BUT, we
are here now so there is no turning back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">With my
stomach being so nervous the last couple of days, I did a little research.
Folks, let’s put those rumours to rest… nervous pooping is really a thing! Well
the more scientific term is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but nervous pooping
sounds so much better. It happens all the time, when your nerves and stress
levels are ramped up in preparation for a big race, an exam, an important
meeting at work, and everything in between. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Can you
guess, I am definitely experiencing all of the symptoms of ‘nervous pooping.’
Next time you are experiencing symptoms, here are some tips on how to calm your
bowels:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA">Take
some slow deep breaths<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA">Listen
to soothing music and stretch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA">Avoid
foods that contain high amounts of natural sugars that usually promote bowel
movement<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA">And
most importantly, stay distracted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Writing my
blog was my way to stay distracted, turns out all I had on my mind was nervous
pooping!! Wish us luck, I will be back with some photos tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-50690490155617684232013-07-18T18:32:00.000-07:002013-07-18T18:32:43.688-07:00These hot days of summer...Hi Everyone!<br />
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I first want to send out my apologies for my little blog hiatus I have been on the last few weeks. This is turning out to be one crazy busy year, complete with a new job and event after event to plan for our wedding in November.<br />
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121 days to go...</div>
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I hope everyone is keeping cool in these last few heat wave days, but I wanted to share some tips with you to keep cool while staying green this summer:</div>
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1. Whether you have an air conditioner or not, try and keep your blinds and curtains closed during those peak sun hours of the day. As the sun shines in through the windows it is making your air conditioners and fans work double time to keep your house cool. This will help with energy consumption in these vital times when the power grid is working extra hard risking wide spread outages. </div>
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2. Try and stay indoors wherever possible, but if you have to go outside keep hydrated. Water is your best friend on heat waves like this. A new study has found that if you keep your palms cool it will help your body from over heating meanwhile delaying fatigue and improving performance during strenuous activities. What I always try and do is have a nice cold ice filled water bottle with me, that way I am carrying in my palms to keep my body cool and I have cold water at my fingertips to stay hydrated. </div>
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3. For those of you that don't like to drink a lot of water, how about a refreshing alternative to keep you cool. With my training well under way for <a href="http://acoupleshadesofgreen.blogspot.ca/2013/05/training-week-1.html" target="_blank">Tough Mudder</a> in a couple weeks, I am trying to keep those unnecessary sugars out of my diet without losing flavour. This is so easily done by just flavouring water and no I don't mean using a powdered drink mix. Try reading the ingredients list on one of those and see if you recognize anything. </div>
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I was thinking the more natural way. So here is the recipe for our latest creation:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLtOwdXwyoKZyHTy8B7l1SmSVm38FVnmCNSha4f16qVxJjF1iiILioccLmSddGV1-pGX7GluK7owVyZrz3HjQL1Js0IRfKdEhue2lZhxzldX6BoRzK7M7XfKfY6qCb9izyeYhyphenhyphenGiJmr4/s1600/water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLtOwdXwyoKZyHTy8B7l1SmSVm38FVnmCNSha4f16qVxJjF1iiILioccLmSddGV1-pGX7GluK7owVyZrz3HjQL1Js0IRfKdEhue2lZhxzldX6BoRzK7M7XfKfY6qCb9izyeYhyphenhyphenGiJmr4/s320/water.jpg" width="240" /></a>Ingredients:</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
1-2 tablespoons of fresh basil chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup of lemon juice or juice of one lemon</div>
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6-10 slices of cucumber</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup of blueberries or raspberries</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Directions: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Combine all ingredients in a one litre container with cold water. If you need some sugar to sweeten it, add agave nectar. </div>
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Stay cool this summer! </div>
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-16920665922157222142013-07-04T05:31:00.001-07:002013-07-04T05:31:44.218-07:00Today's Green TipSmoking - It's bad for your health. You see images like this one all the time, but have you ever stopped to think about some of the environmental effects of smoking?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjShdpZMDaNQXGJJmwpZge8uXmUTLo8WsiaDpd8uHp5tr3wI1-HV4kZuiWU-6D4CzG4lGJ6szjjMYJGqKfarEgt1usZtjcu2nSYVitZk22VJ0Ayq79VICv15pBpguPrZa3Dagx9ooxhk/s584/Smoking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjShdpZMDaNQXGJJmwpZge8uXmUTLo8WsiaDpd8uHp5tr3wI1-HV4kZuiWU-6D4CzG4lGJ6szjjMYJGqKfarEgt1usZtjcu2nSYVitZk22VJ0Ayq79VICv15pBpguPrZa3Dagx9ooxhk/s400/Smoking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Over 600 million trees are used each year as fuel to dry tobacco. Also, tobacco plants use more nutrients than many other crops so they degrade the soil for future crop use.Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-59473851112030040702013-07-02T06:49:00.001-07:002013-07-02T06:49:48.780-07:00Happy Pride 2013It's funny how we can take things for granted. In Canada, we are afforded the luxuries of free health care, safe drinking water, the right to vote, among many other luxuries. In other countries around the world, the same cannot be said.<br />
<br />
One of the easiest ways to look at it is,<br />
<br />
In Canada, we have had the right to vote since 1920 and the 2011 voter turnout rate was just 61.1%, although up from 2008, this is a mere showing from the 75% we saw decades earlier. In other countries, they are not even given the chance to vote. Do you think if they were given that chance they would show up with just 60% of the eligible voters. We take our right for granted...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KF0ny3UmoyAgNRJPylIDrMLHTIWkyyX9d9Zs9NcioFx7uYumS4A6_Js47GCEub6vnm8KjeUeBQ26cfd6vr-9Os8dBbHTNRQUYHtulR0iadbhZd1yOM-maaleSJhly7QDxWK5k1gSGb4/s1600/IMG_2307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KF0ny3UmoyAgNRJPylIDrMLHTIWkyyX9d9Zs9NcioFx7uYumS4A6_Js47GCEub6vnm8KjeUeBQ26cfd6vr-9Os8dBbHTNRQUYHtulR0iadbhZd1yOM-maaleSJhly7QDxWK5k1gSGb4/s400/IMG_2307.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yesterday, some family members and I went to Toronto to celebrate the 2013 Gay Pride Parade; we were there supporting a family member who was attending his first gay pride parade as an openly gay man. I realized while I was there, that I take for granted that I can marry the person I love, hold their hand in the street, and do all of this without ridicule or judgement. That is what is amazing about Pride week, it increases the awareness of the LGBT community.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPuV9GO2CXi5eUw0B_X1_I7SSnedGIjabkJ5p9dA9RN5v0bEW82SVmNK9rlwShGSjVQ9QHGAIoYC75pYnxxpQPfltY8YKoLEAN4M155Fv_i-ZpGpal-WhCJmy8TJVFW2bNsEU83sri7g/s1600/IMG_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPuV9GO2CXi5eUw0B_X1_I7SSnedGIjabkJ5p9dA9RN5v0bEW82SVmNK9rlwShGSjVQ9QHGAIoYC75pYnxxpQPfltY8YKoLEAN4M155Fv_i-ZpGpal-WhCJmy8TJVFW2bNsEU83sri7g/s320/IMG_2391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Pride parade was a one of a kind experience. It was such a happy environment, you could just feel the love and support everyone was there to give. So from me to you, Happy Pride Everyone! I hope you can join me next year as Toronto gets the honour of hosting <a href="http://www.wp14to.com/" target="_blank">World Pride 2014</a>.<br />
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-71835375107701965482013-06-22T15:32:00.002-07:002013-06-22T15:32:22.256-07:00A New Trend for the Rich and FamousHi Everyone,<br />
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Today we went on a sight seeing cruise along the Florida keys, between Siesta Key and Longboat Key. We saw some of the most beautiful beach front properties, different species of birds and a family of dolphins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnl5mTB7f1zosb2LgLBWZoyEUOOYsKq28Mp4cUcE1N13reTTDzvSDPm9pyt7ycLyrMmeATt1e-jQzXtuLtQlrCYg8lEZ-nWRL3zY-isyIWwRutFyaLePVlSKqSPuVncY1TEajKSpEpzs/s1600/IMG_2099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnl5mTB7f1zosb2LgLBWZoyEUOOYsKq28Mp4cUcE1N13reTTDzvSDPm9pyt7ycLyrMmeATt1e-jQzXtuLtQlrCYg8lEZ-nWRL3zY-isyIWwRutFyaLePVlSKqSPuVncY1TEajKSpEpzs/s320/IMG_2099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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According to our tour guide, only 3% of the people living in these beautiful homes, all of which are 10 times bigger than mine, are living there full time. The other 97% are just vacation homes for the winter months. Another fun fact I was amazed to hear was that there is a trend in new homes being built on the coast. The rich and famous are finally thinking about their environment when building these homes and adding solar panels to the roof. These are the two of the hundreds of homes we saw:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3T-1ksYn92LtEHBhZkAZem1MunMQ30QrvUnIIiUFO-4XX9csDtL-IyxUH09PF234Vca8rGgyb3pfQXYAybXfhor-I_Xy019_pqXyyKNQP97OgLjJ651-0qvCsCS-pTMR5F8U0sh6BKc/s1600/IMG_2175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3T-1ksYn92LtEHBhZkAZem1MunMQ30QrvUnIIiUFO-4XX9csDtL-IyxUH09PF234Vca8rGgyb3pfQXYAybXfhor-I_Xy019_pqXyyKNQP97OgLjJ651-0qvCsCS-pTMR5F8U0sh6BKc/s400/IMG_2175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the heat of the summer, there is almost 15 hours of sun in a day. They can generate enough electricity to power their home appliances each day. I am hoping that next time I come up here there will be even more homes adopting this eco power. </div>
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Are there any neighborhoods you travel to annually and are starting to see more environmentally friendly changes taking place?</div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-3558295801672773902013-06-18T06:25:00.003-07:002013-06-18T06:25:44.830-07:00Beach Fashion Change UpHello from Florida!<br />
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We have had nothing but beautiful sunny days here, sorry to rub it in! On the downside, I am starting to resemble a lobster. You really underestimate the strength of the sun... Trust me I have been slathering on the sunscreen.<br />
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Today is the start to a new feature of the blog. It was inspired by those days when you look into your full closet and say "I don't have anything to wear." <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I read a lot of magazines and browse pinterest quite often, only to feel like my closet is inadequate. Keeping up on all of these fashion trends is not budget friendly. So I have set out to try and make my closet the closet of my dreams with minimal purchases. It’s all about looking at what is in your closet in a different way and buying the right multi-use items.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I started with a $15 Walmart dress, shown below (<a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Gahaya-Links-for-Full-Circle-Exchange-Women-s-Tiered-Convertible-Dress/21095049" target="_blank">similar here</a>):</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElkuAPJ0JWNaFkC7hecKCddakTu2jb5F3r-0WW2RHXCSGRpqOb7NlAKR5rBloSJ2-DE20QJe1SY-WBpsiyqI2PXPyf0LD_eLHUK2nJD7_rtOwaVk_NIsdinM1ZzeBwYrGLN1ElPLkCo0/s1600/IMG_1933+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElkuAPJ0JWNaFkC7hecKCddakTu2jb5F3r-0WW2RHXCSGRpqOb7NlAKR5rBloSJ2-DE20QJe1SY-WBpsiyqI2PXPyf0LD_eLHUK2nJD7_rtOwaVk_NIsdinM1ZzeBwYrGLN1ElPLkCo0/s400/IMG_1933+copy.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Make sure the dress is an elastic top so you can make it a skirt, as show below. This way, when you don't have a lot of time to change, or want to pack a little lighter on vacation, you just need a couple of accessories to change it up and you have this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZUwQGzmf4IDlZEXI97eeyQLqPrp2vKagvZ9NVSrmtTpvCqn2zPZX6PrOPYezzLycF5Okx3sFaazFk4JT26deMVMuxZvc7in08H-2hzt-IR7E87GKT4Yb2cCSv-zquNeM7x6eEGmysHA/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZUwQGzmf4IDlZEXI97eeyQLqPrp2vKagvZ9NVSrmtTpvCqn2zPZX6PrOPYezzLycF5Okx3sFaazFk4JT26deMVMuxZvc7in08H-2hzt-IR7E87GKT4Yb2cCSv-zquNeM7x6eEGmysHA/s400/IMG_1915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I added a white tank top and a belt around the top of the skirt. This way I got two outfits out of three items (dress, belt, tank top), and it looks like a whole new outfit. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">In the coming months, I will also add some photos of cheaper designer outfits from items that are probably in your closet. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Do you have any items that are dual purpose? Send me a picture and we can share the inspiration. </span></span>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-35414841219707822482013-06-15T13:15:00.000-07:002013-06-15T15:59:36.035-07:00Fun in the Sun!<div class="MsoNormal">
Hi Everyone! I am writing from Long Boat Key, Florida today.
I am on vacation for the next 10 days with some ladies for some much needed
rest and relaxation.. I know it’s back to reality all too soon so I will be
enjoying everything Florida has to offer while I am here.</div>
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So far the travel has been good. We had a 40 minute layover
in New York City so Becky and I went on a little walk through the JetBlue
terminal. What did we find? A 7-foot NBA player.. at least we know he was
famous because there was people taking pictures of him. If you were in the
airport around 7AM this morning and you saw a 7-foot guy in red basketball
shorts, a white t-shirt and basketball shoes.. maybe you can let us know who it
was! </div>
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Oh, and I also managed to find an office supply store. I
know.. sometimes I think Staples is my candy store. It was a cute little store
called ‘Muji to Go.’ They had a lot of travel accessories but the other side of
the store was full of pens, brief cases, report covers, note pads and so much
more. Yes, that was the highlight of our short visit to the JFK airport. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gE299xGysNEeBsgW1YXQv9VFOpLdYgBd8v5sLFTwO3Fzt-v_8CMOwQtEQJOzaAl-8_L11gFdLEE1DqGY9pZ8sl4h0DxUFDqpXODVQsZmPAS6S7FV_05jd93IiqoasH8yZshdnbTmfsw/s1600/IMG-20130615-00345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gE299xGysNEeBsgW1YXQv9VFOpLdYgBd8v5sLFTwO3Fzt-v_8CMOwQtEQJOzaAl-8_L11gFdLEE1DqGY9pZ8sl4h0DxUFDqpXODVQsZmPAS6S7FV_05jd93IiqoasH8yZshdnbTmfsw/s320/IMG-20130615-00345.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That all being said, I figured while I am in Florida, it
would be a good time to start another ‘shade of green’ on the blog which I am
hoping will be a monthly feature. Sorry gentleman.. it is all about fashion! <br />
<br /></div>
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I read a lot of magazines and browse pinterest quite often,
only to feel like my closet is inadequate. Keeping up on all of these fashion
trends is not budget friendly. So I have set out to try and make my closet the
closet of my dreams with minimal purchases. It’s all about looking at what is
in your closet in a different way and buying the right multi-use items. </div>
<br />
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I am a little tired from our 5am airport adventures this
morning so look for tomorrow’s finance friendly fashion ideas. </div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480984114021637096.post-17441983518971296482013-05-29T09:28:00.002-07:002013-05-29T09:28:44.026-07:00Dinner for OneLast night, I got home from a long day at work and remembered Mike was working so he wouldn't be around for dinner. I must say, getting motivated to cook for one is not easy!<br />
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So I opened the fridge, freezer and pantry.. I was about to say that dreaded phrase "We have nothing to eat." And then I saw a glimpse of the fish in the freezer. I then remembered we had some ingredients left from Taco night on Sunday. Fish tacos it is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP-sPeDNNkAiv9U0WVYFlL8P38ZSBBZJ1XcZCuo0nOAvRSD0aeFHUp35N5JFYPw63-AparJ_3lqp8e5rqq1j-BED7mRhTpA5vX7G7JLUVMAhbDRCmNATrCsjtpoCF8GsaN6aH0acDDuk/s1600/Fish+tacos3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP-sPeDNNkAiv9U0WVYFlL8P38ZSBBZJ1XcZCuo0nOAvRSD0aeFHUp35N5JFYPw63-AparJ_3lqp8e5rqq1j-BED7mRhTpA5vX7G7JLUVMAhbDRCmNATrCsjtpoCF8GsaN6aH0acDDuk/s320/Fish+tacos3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have some normal go-to ingredients when Mike is working - fish and/or mushrooms. Mike doesn't like them so I sneak then in when he isn't home (sometimes I sneak mushrooms into meals, but Shh... don't tell Mike!).<br />
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<b>Tuesday Fish Tacos</b></div>
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<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8mMP1AD0rmam0lM4toPRUQtZrAC2l1bBRKvHgri7tL7OgAs7Oskpk6iAardxIgzZ2Q8WDctnPK0TY9qwfnvX18DPw3BB_S6nR40I6KVPIsxNpwHOU03QbzG3gL1GGH0J0Xebfk9Aspg/s1600/Fish+tacos2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8mMP1AD0rmam0lM4toPRUQtZrAC2l1bBRKvHgri7tL7OgAs7Oskpk6iAardxIgzZ2Q8WDctnPK0TY9qwfnvX18DPw3BB_S6nR40I6KVPIsxNpwHOU03QbzG3gL1GGH0J0Xebfk9Aspg/s320/Fish+tacos2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Refried beans<br />
Greek yogurt (as a replacement for sour cream)<br />
Red onion, chopped<br />
Lettuce, I used romaine<br />
Avocado, sliced<br />
Fish, chopped (whatever is in the freezer, I used an herb crusted tilapia)<br />
Salsa<br />
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And as easy as it is to chop up all the ingredients, add it to your small whole wheat tortilla shells and enjoy. I put refried beans on because I wanted a little extra protein but I probably wouldn't put them on next time around, it was just a texture thing that didn't work with all the other fresh ingredients.<br />
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Let me know what you think.<br />
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Side thought - Do you ever feel like the pictures you take are just horrible and someone (namely Mike) with the same camera in their hand can do a much better job. Sorry for the pictures... I need to work on that! My accountant brain is fighting the creativity side sometimes I think.<br />
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10504197287831328324noreply@blogger.com0