[redhandedphotography: CONTEST!]

Ok ... you need to stop what you're doing (oh wait - you've already done that and come here ...) and head over to my RedHanded Photography blog.

There's a 24hr contest happening.

Winner will be announced TOMORROW (how's that for quick??).

There's a NEW prize that will be awarded to one lucky person, randomly chosen.

You need to follow the rules, and leave a COMMENT at the bottom of the RedHanded Photography blogpost.

You can do that all HERE.

Please ... I need your help.  SO ... go on.

Thanks so very, very much!!

Have a great one!

[redhandedphotography: Who Wants to Win?]

CONTEST.  CONTEST.  CONTEST.

Ok friends ... I have something VERY cool brewing over at my RedHanded Photography Blog.  A contest with a cool prize, no matter WHERE you live *grin*.

Interested??  Oh, I hope you are!!  It's taken a whack-load of time to get it up and running ...

So, here's the link:  Redhanded Photography Blog: contest: Who Wants to Win?

Follow the directions, and YOU could win!!

Have a great one!

[digiscrap: Hack Hack.]

*hack hack cough cough*

Yup.  Sick.

BUT - the best thing about being sick this year??  MEDICINE.  Oh, you may laugh - but this is the first time in SIX years that I've been able to take cough medicine!!  Whoo hooo!!  Having babies, can make winter time really, really horrible ... but not this year.  This year - I shall NeoCitron myself and Buckleys myself and Tylenol Sinus myself if I need to.

Ahhh.  What freedom *grin*.

... on another note, the WINNER from my "Loony Shoots" contest over on my RedHanded Photography blog has been revealed.  Click HERE to check out the winning "ghastly" photo.  Made.  Me.   Laugh.

And ... more pages.

I have done close to 60 pages in the last two weeks, and that's felt so great.  Those photos and memories are no longer hanging over me ... Pics from last year, pics from this year - it's all a mix-mash.  BUT - they are all printed and in their rightful book now ... feels good.

Ok ... that's about it for now *hack hack* ... oh, and no working out for me *sigh*.  It's been almost a week and I feel like a bloated heifer.  But my lungs won't let my heart rate go up, so, instead I'm drinking ginger green tea and am thankful there isn't any more Halloween candy in the house for me to gorge on.

I'm not weighing myself.  *cough*.  The scale can wait until next week.  

Yes.  I am in denial.

Alrightee ... enough already.

Have a great one *grin*!

(click images to enlarge)

[contest: Prizes Revealed!]

PHEWF!!

Ok - so I didn't realize how much work it was going to take to complete all the Christmas cards I promised - especially with a deadline ... and there were problems with photos and such ...

But they're all finished - and I'm really happy with them. Each one is different. Here's how they turned out:
click image to enlarge

So to those who participated in my little blog contest - thanks for playing. To those of you who "won" - I hope you liked your Christmas Cards. And to all of you - have a good one *grin*!

[redhandedphotography: Family Photoshoot]

Last week I had two photoshoots on the same day. But the "bug" bit me and I was SICK SICK SICK. I tried to be brave with the first shoot, but ended up cancelling the second - which was a huge disappointment for me ...

Wanna see the pics from the first photoshoot? Check them out here ...

And as for the family that I had to cancel? Well - I was able to have a session with them yesterday - so I'm onto editing those photos this weekend. God was SURE on their side yesteday - the weather was just beautiful. Today? Not so much ...

What else? Well, for all of you who entered my blog contest and submitted your photos by the deadline, almost ALL of you should have your completed Christmas card in your email box. I have ONE more to do (yes, you RB!!) then I'm done! I hope you all liked what I did ... and I'll be posting the cards next week on my blog so you can all see what I've been working on this week ...

Must run ... off to Boot Camp. That's right - BOOT CAMP. Hmmm ... am I insane? Nope. Just serious about fitting into my pants by Christmas!!

Have a great one!

[contest: The RESULTS!!!]

Hello hello ... (this is my last year's Christmas card ... just an example of what I can do ...)

WELLL - the first official "Homemakin' Girl" contest is over ... and I wonder where all of you went to *grin*?? I only had a few responses in my email box - maybe because some of you felt you were late getting your answers in?

Whatever the case ... here are the answers:

1. The name of the cruise ship? The Liberty Of the Seas

2. The NZ treats? ANZAC cookies

3. The treats that Winnie the Pooh's friend would like? Tiger Butter (Tigger is a tiger, no?)

4. The countries my dad was visiting? Russia & Poland

5. The famous person I saw in Aldo? Tori Spelling

And did you notice I put up a "search" link on my site to help you?? I was trying to make the last question super hard ... then thought, it would be too hard to find. But if you had searched "famous" - the answer was right there. I wonder how many of you used that *grin*?

So - you wanna know the winner?? *drumroll*

I put the post up at 9:48AM ... all five correct answers came into my mailbox at 9:54am. SOMEONE was with it this morning *grin* ... Mr. Jason P. You are the winner. Your wife will be happy ... she submitted her answers at 10:12am - and they were all correct too!

But here's the REAL surprise. I'm going to extend my "gift" to all those who took the time to send me their answers *GRIN* ... ("YOU get a card, YOU get a card ... YOOOOU GET A CARD!!" - I'm having an Oprah moment *laughing*)

Here's the list:

Jason & Kristin P.

Mary K.

Steve P.

Rosalia C.

Oxana K.

Vanessa L.

Rosalee B.

Shelley M.

Here's what to do to "claim" your prize. Send me up to 3 photos (via tawnsblog@hotmail.com), your colour preference, greeting (merry christmas, joy to the world .. whatever you'd like ...), the closing "with love, the whoevers..." and whether you'd like it contemporary or more "scrapbook" like (traditional). Also - I am able to black-n-white photos if desired. Be sure to let me know ....

That's it!!
The sooner you have them in, the sooner I can do it :-). If you do NOT submit your information by November 5, you will NOT receive your free card.

Once it's complete - I'll email it to you and you can upload it. PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO CHANGES made once I have completed and delivered the created card as I'm already going to have my hands full by doing so many *grin* - so be specific in your instructions.

Hope this put a smile on some of your faces!!

Have a good one!

[digiscrap: ON a ROOLLLL & Final Contest Clue]

I have been on a ROLLLLL with my digiscrapping!! Maybe that's because Katia doesn't go to sleep until midnight ... so I have a good few hours in the evening to get some stuff done.

I'm desperately trying to catch up with the "small" pages ... putting the photos on disk, doing the pages, printing them, removing them from my harddrive. I have a couple of BIG projects that I really want to get on to ... one being my NZ / Auz trip. I haven't even STARTED editing those pics. I guess it seems too daunting ... takes too long to feel like I've "done' something. That's why I'm doing so many little pages ...

But once I get going on it, it shouldn't take me too terribly long. I know my Mom is anxious to have it done - as I'm giving a copy to her and my dad as a "thank you". *hi mom!!* ... she reads these posts *grin*.

I've had some inquiries about the food plan my hubby's been doing ... he's lost over 20lbs in 4 weeks. I'll post that on Monday ...

So here are my new pages ... scroll down for the FINAL CLUE ...

double click images to enlarge

"Name the famous person I saw in the downtown Aldo store."

NOW ... quick - send your FIVE answers to tawnsblog@hotmail.com . First one with ALL FIVE correct answers, wins!! GOOD LUCK!!

[lunchbox: Ideas #2 - Trail Mix Bars & Contest Clue #4]

I'm still pretty new at this - and having my son in kindergarten two days a week, REALLY isn't that difficult for lunches. But still ... it is.

Our school is a "nut free" school, which makes things a little more tricky. Actually - what it REALLY means, is that most things are homemade that go in his lunchbox - just to make sure. It's surprising how many pre-packaged food items say, "may contain traces of nuts".

Well - because there's recess and lunch, I try and give Tias good choices for both. Although, his recess snack has to be quick and simple. Here's something that I've just tried ... maybe you'll like to as well.

Trail Mix Bars

4 tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

3 tbsp honey

1 1/3 cups quick cooking oats

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

3/4 cup cheerios

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup chocolate chips

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325F. Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease.

Put butter and honey in a small saucepan. Heat gently until butter is melted. Set aside to cool.

Place remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Stir to combine. And the cooled butter mixture and mix well. Transfer to the prepared pan and press down firmly with a potato masher. Bake for 30 minutes or until the center is just firm to the touch.

Allow to cool for 15 minutes, then mark into eight bars using a sharp knife. Allow to cool completely before lifting from the pan. Store in an airtight container.

Now ... for today's question ... "My dad was on a missions trip when Katia was born. Name the two countries he visited." If you've missed the previous questions, or contest information, click "contest" on the sidebar and read up on what's going on 'round here.

Have a good one!

[be challenged: This Is Gonna Hurt & Contest Clue #3]

About 3 years ago, new neighbours moved in across the street. I brought them a loaf of "welcome-to-the-neighbourhood-banana-bread" and we've been friends ever since. And they're good friends to have ... both husband and wife are RCMP officers.

We have a few "couple" RCMP officers in the neighbourhood ... a good thing for certain.

ANYway - I'll call her "Jill" - she's my Ninja neighbour. She's worked on helicopters, catching bad-guys. She and her hubby came to one of my HH12 Groups and taught "self defence". Super cool ... and she had her baby 3 weeks after Katia was born.

She showed up at my door, with her adorable wee one in a snuggly, and asked if I was interested in a "Mom & Tot Bootcamp".

UM. YESSSSS?? (Is that the right answer??)

So, it starts the first week of November, and runs for 8 classes. I'm a weeeeee bit nervous. Carrying 30lbs, not enough sleep ... I'm expecting to vomit the first class *grin*. But - I'm thankful that she asked, and it'll be great to have someone to do it with. It'll make my Wii workout seem a little lame ... which in itself is a scary thing. I'm still sore from Sunday's 20min workout *blush*.

I SHALL BE FIT. I SHALL. (Can you see my victorious hand in the air????) You with me?? One pound at a time, one inch at a time ... I shall fit into those pants by ... um, 2010??

Ok. ENOUGH already. Want the question for today? Here it is: "Winnie the Pooh's friend might like these treats."

Good luck ... only a couple more to go!!

[contest: Random Babbling & Contest Clue #2]

Grey grey grey.

And I realized yesterday, that we usually make our way to Phoenix during the fall months - just to break up the monotony of BLAH. With my folks having a condo down there, it makes going there inexpensive and like we're going "home away from home". But not this year ... I was too afraid to book anything until Katia had gotten through some of her vaccinations and the flu season. I'm such a wimp.

So, Katia has been giving me up to 4hrs of sleep in a row. It's funny how that's all I dreamed of, and now - it doesn't quite cut it. I'm now hoping for 5. Or 6. Or what the heck - 8!!! I find my patience level decreases with every minute of sleep lost ...

I'm semi-comatose even while I write this ... and I forgot to "pre post" on Sunday night - SOOOOO - instead of having some "theme" to write about, I'm going to just say that I could use a night's sleep.

Today? Well, Tias is off to school, Siah just finished breakfast, and Katia JUST starting fussing in her monitor (it's 8am as I write this ...). I'm finishing up yesterday's laundry, and starting up today's. I intend on doing SOMETHING fun with Siah - not sure what. And plan supper - which is tricky since my hubby is on this wicked food plan and he doesn't eat with us (he's lost 19.5lbs in 3 weeks. I'm so jealous).

Then, after lunch, I'll make sure that Katia's "topped up" and then leave to pick up Tias - around 2pm. We'll come home, do Tias' piano practice, finish up making dinner ... by then my hubby should be home. Then dinner, playtime - maybe a family date to SBucks - bath and bed. Then, I'll do the Wii Fit for 30 min while my hubby watches Katia ... we'll watch "The Biggest Loser" together and then my hubby's usually off to bed at around 10:30pm. I don't get to bed until around midnight ... Katia loves the evenings to be WIDE awake. We're working on that ...

Ok. Totally boring post. I apologise. I just don't seem to have a creative bone in my body today ... Hmmm. I'd better get Katia ...

Today's question: "These cookies are an NZ specialty."

Good luck - and thanks for letting me know that you're a part of this :-). Remember, EVERYONE is welcome to participate. Have a good one!

[biggest loser: Weigh In and Contest Clue #1

Weighing in is such a nightmare.

And - if you know me - you know that rainy weather just makes me ... blue. So - the beginning of the week was icky, which means ... comfort food. Laziness. Sleep ... who am I kidding. I haven't slept since May ... ALTHOOOOOUGH, Katia took a soother this weekend - for the first time!! It meant that I could persuade a longer time between feedings, and she went from 11:30pm - 4:45am. WHOO HOO ... that was a big deal for me!!

Sorry for the commercial *grin* - back to TBL ... After a few days of "blue", I got on a bit of roll. I've started doing the Wii Fit "Boxing" and am now super SORE. That's a good thing, I guess ... working those muscles that are hiding.

Here's today's weigh in: 155.8lbs waist: 35 inches hips: 39 inches

That means I'm down ALMOST another pound (again, a bit of a disappointment), but I'm down 1/2 an inch off my waist and a whole inch off of my hips.

My goal for next week? 154lbs, 34.5 inch waist and 38.5 inch hips. As long as the numbers keep getting smaller, I'm feeling alright about it. I know that this is a good way to go - losing weight slowly means that I'm not going to jeopardize my nursing.

Ok. Let's forget about that for now ...

Who's interested in the CONTEST??? Remember - DO NOT post your answer in the comments ...rather, write it down - or save it in an email draft. I'll be sending you the email address to send your answers to on Thursday. All answers are SOMEWHERE in my blog ... you'll just have to hunt a little bit, if you can't remember the answer. The first person with all FIVE answers (one for each day), and delivered first into my contest's email box will win a PERSONALIZED CHRISTMAS CARD, designed by me ...

Ready? Here's the first question. "What was the name of the cruise ship my husband and I went on for our 10th Anniversary?"

Good luck!!

And hey - if you don't mind posting a comment - just so I know that there's someone out there doing this :-) ... thanks!!

[lunchbox: Ideas #1]

WOW!!! I got a ton of responses yesterday, between comments, emails and FB. So - I'll be going ahead with the CONTEST. Here's a couple of hints ... it's going to START on MONDAY. And you'll be HUNTING around for five days. Each day will have an "answer". On the final day, you'll give me all five answers. The first one, with all five correct answers, will send me an email (I'll be posting that info on day four) ... and voila - we'll have a WINNER!

Sound like fun? Hope so!!

Ok - enough of that for now. Here's today's question: do you struggle with lunchbox ideas?? I sure do. And that was one thing I was worried about with Mattias heading off to kindergarten 2-3 full days a week.

For me, nothing says "I love you" more than a well prepared meal. So - I'm starting to come up with a repertoire for lunches, and I thought I'd post some ideas each week to inspire you beyond the sandwich. *grin*.

First off - I bought a great little book called "Lunch Boxes and Snacks". It has over 120 healthy recipes - from delicious sandwiches and salads, to hot soups and sweet treats. At least, that's what it says on the cover *grin*.

Here's today's idea: thermos noodles

"Mummy's Ramen Noodles" (makes 2 portions)

6oz fine Chinese-style egg noodles

1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp dark soy sauce

1/3 cup frozen peas

1/2 cup canned/frozen corn

2/3 cup shredded chicken

1 scallion, thinly slices (optional)

1 tsp cornstarch

Directions: Cook the noodles according to the package (or use precooked noodles). Drain and set aside. Put the broth, soy sauce, peas, corn and chicken in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in scallion (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tsp cold water and add to the contents in the pan. Cook, stirring for 1 minute - or until liquid thickens slightly. Add the noodles and reheat briefly - stirring. Transfer to bowl to serve, or prepare into thermoses.

Truth is, you could put any variety of veggies or meat in this ...

Enjoy!! And have a great one!

[digiscrap: Love Doin' Pages]

There's something about the fall that makes me feel like digiscrapping. Maybe it's because it's too cold and dark to be out after 5pm *grin*. So, when the kiddies are in bed, I try to do some pages at least one night a week ... If I'm organized, I can get about 4 two-page layouts done in an evening ...

I'm still tweaking my thoughts on the "CONTEST" I'm going to be having. Stay tuned for updates on that, and be sure to come by and visit to make sure you don't miss out. Remember - the prize will be your own personalized Christmas Cards, digitally designed my moi. Kinda like how I digiscrap - only in a 5x7 with YOUR photos and greeting. Ok - so it's not a weekend away, but still ... Are you interested??? I'm curious as to how many would actually participate ... trust me, it's not anything that makes you look stupid, or is massively time consuming ... So - let me know if hosting a CONTEST is even worth it???

Here are some of my recent pages ... Enjoy - and hey ... have a good one *wink*.

double click images to view

[talk: Getting Pregnant When Already Pregnant??]

Sunday nights are my "blogging" nights. After the kids are in bed, my hubby and I watch a couple of shows and I have my laptop ready for posting. During the previous week, I usually have a few ideas about the different posts I'd like to do - then, on the Sunday night, I prepare them all. When the drafts are finished - I schedule them to post on different days. I find it a great way to blog, and if I really want to change something, or add/take away, I can easily do it.

Well - today's post will be next week's because I just read this on MSN.

A women, who was already pregnant, got pregnant AGAIN. She's due in December AND in January!!!! Can you even IMAGINE???? Delivering one baby (oooh, the pain), only to have to do it AGAIN a few weeks later?

So - that is my post. Because I am now ruined for the day - being haunted by the sheer craziness that this is even possible ... Be careful, my pregnant friends *wink*!!

Next week, I'll be posting the details of the CONTEST I'll be having. Be sure to stop by and check that out. And for all my Canadian readers, here's to a fantastic Thanksgiving Weekend!

And remember - there will still be the BIGGEST LOSER WEIGH-IN on Monday morning. Aren't you glad that's BEFORE Thanksgiving dinner???

Mmmmmmm ... turkey. *grin*

[renovation 09: The Family Room & CONTEST INFO]

OOPS!! Sorry everyone ... had this posted under the wrong date - so you weren't able to find it. But here it is ...

Well - you've seen the fireplace, and seen the railings ... but I thought I'd show you the whole room. This is what it looked like "before" ...

And this is the room that started the whole project. See, with my hubby laying on the couch for those 3weeks after his leg injury - he realized that our carpets were embarrassingly stained. 12 year old, cream, builders carpet. YUCK.

So - we started planning on changing the carpet ... which lead to changing all of the flooring on the mainfloor. Which lead to changing the baseboards, then adding the crown ... the paint colour needed to match, so it was changed too. Then the railings, some changes in lighting, and blinds were added instead of the brown curtains ... oh. And the fireplace.

See?? Renovations can realllllly get the better of you. But last night, I had photography clients come over while the kids were in bed, and my hubby at the hockey game, and the house felt - lovely. I am so pleased with it ... it feels calm and clean.

Here's the reveal ... (drumroll please ...)

Stay tuned for a CONTEST I having for my blog readers. The prize? I will design your CHRISTMAS CARDS! Confused? WELL - I will digitally design a card with up to 3 family photos, you'll pick the colour scheme and the "greeting", and I'll do the rest. You'll be able to upload and print them out, say, at Costco - for about 12 CENTS each. Seriously - it's the ONLY way to do Christmas cards ...

Stay tuned!! And hey - have a good one!