Multiple Sclerosis: Together, we can beat this!

The day I lost who I was, was the day I found who I am.

Multiple Sclerosis has brought out strength in me that was hiding and determination I never knew I had.

It could be your mother, father, sister, brother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, friend, friend of a friend, teacher, caregiver, driver, delivery person, the person sitting next to you on the bus -- even if you aren't currently aware, someone you know has Multiple Sclerosis.

Yesterday's curse is today's blessing. For me, having MS has brought out the fighter in me. It has taught me to not let things get in my way, to stay strong and not look back. I'm not sure who said it first but as the saying goes I may have MS but MS doesn't have me.

If I can keep going, so can you!

Together, we can beat this. Together, we can change the face of Multiple Sclerosis and be the voice it needs. Together, we can make it happen!

Rockin' Out

I feel like I've been running around in a million directions lately. School is in full swing, the kids activities have started, they seem to have outgrow all of their clothes so I've been clothes shopping like crazy, Christmas is coming -- way too much to think about and not enough energy to get it done in a timely manner. I know it will get done, it's just a bit overwhelming especially when I start writing out my To Do lists. Atleast the lists help keep my mind organized.

Steve's parents came over on Sunday. The kids decided to put on a Michael Jackson concert -- a much needed treat to push all the chaos aside for a moment.

Fave Rave: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and Scone

A friend and I went to Starbucks the other night for some good ol' girl chat. Instead of getting my usual Vanilla Caramel Latte, I decided to be adventurous and try the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I'm glad I did. It was super yummy! My other favourite at Starbucks lately has been their Pumpkin Scones. They are simply delicious! Fantabulous Fall treats to ring in the new season!

I am...

lying on the couch downstairs as I listen to the laughter of Steve and the kids playing upstairs.

I wish I had the energy to join in.

My feet and ankles are tingling. My back is burning. My body is tired yet restless.

MS is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.

Monkey Bread

I've been going through my countless photos trying to organize what pictures to put in this year's Blurb book. I came across a picture of the Monkey Bread I made just after Christmas last year. It is so ooey gooey good and really easy to make! The recipe doesn't call for it but I sprinkle on some chopped candied cherries and chopped pecans before putting it in the oven.

1 package Pillsbury Country Biscuits
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup butter
2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or 1/6 cup)

Take the package of biscuits (10 per roll) and cut each biscuit into 6 pieces. In a dish, mix together cinnamon and sugar. Roll biscuit pieces into the mixture to coat. Drop sugar-coated pieces into a well buttered loaf pan (don't squish roll pieces when placing them in the pan).

Put 1/6 cup (or 2 tbsp and 2 tsp) of the left-over sugar/cinnamon mix and the packed brown sugar and 1/3 cup of butter into a small saucepan. Bring this mixture just to a boil; remove from heat immediately. Carefully drizzle over the roll pieces.

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Cool slightly in an upright position, then tip pan over onto a plate to remove monkey pull-apart bread.

Enjoy!

Sam Tsui and Kurt Schneider

I was watching The Bonnie Hunt Show yesterday morning and was completely blown away by the unique talent of Sam Tsui and Kurt Schneider. I seriously fell for it. For a minute I thought there were five of them!

Enjoy your weekend!

On The Bonnie Hunt Show


Michael Jackson Tribute

Desk Makeover

In the upstairs hallway sits a wonderful desk and mirror that once belong to my grandmother along with many other pieces that are scattered throughout our house. I adored her furniture growing up. The dark wood, the timeless lines -- that little something you can only find in an old piece. I was very happy to inherit these beautiful pieces. The desk is a bit worn in spots and the mirror is aged which makes me love them even more. Every time I walk past the desk and mirror or our bedroom furniture or the dining room table, or the letter desk in the front room or any of the other pieces here and there, fond memories come back of when we used to visit her in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

The desk has been sitting naked, looking sad and dreary, since we moved in to this house four years ago. That is, until my eye caught this lamp in HomeSense (my favourite store that I've only mentioned, oh, a few times...here, here and here).



I'm a big fan of finding affordable ways to make things look great so I found a few things I already had around the house to add to the arrangement.

The lamp cost $60 and the package of wicker balls cost $8.

What was once a dark, dreary desk...

Before



is now shining with life...

After

Blurb Book

With Christmas not that far off, my mind has been on creating my next Blurb book. They have been great gifts for the grandparents and a wonderful keepsake.

Last year's book contained over 500 pictures and 120 pages.

Here are some of the pages from last year's book....

Beaded Bracelet

Most days you'll find me in cotton tops and simple bottoms. I dress fairly casual on a regular basis. T shirts, jeans and capris are all kid friendly and comfy. Running up and down the stairs after the kids in a tight skirt and stilettos doesn't sound like fun to me.

That doesn't mean you can't add some sparkle!

A few years ago my mom got into beading. Great for me! I have never owned so much jewelry -- like this piece. It's a pink and white clear beaded bracelet my mom made for me last year and I just adore it!

Top: Jacob
Capris: Jacob Connexion
Shoes: Sketchers

Gimme That $500

Young House Love is having a $500 giveaway for Lowe's!

I've been shopping around for some window coverings. I wonder if Lowe's could add a little something to these windows? The window seat is looking quite sad too.

The room could definitely use a little decorating TLC!