This is a bean dip that I make often to take to parties, potlucks or just to pig out on right here at home! I made up the recipe myself, and if I do say so myself it’s pretty darn good. Always a big hit with friends! But watch out, serious garlic breath may ensue… 
Cat’s Layered Bean Dip
1 Can Re-fried Beans (I use PC brand, but any type will do)
1 tsp Cumin
1 Small Tub 500 Ml. Fresh Salsa
2 Ripe Avacadoes
2 TBSP Mayonnaise
3 Cloves Garlic
1 tsp Lime Juice
1 Small Tub 500 Ml. Sour Cream
1 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Ripe Tomato (optional)
In a medium size see-through bowl, layer beans mixed with the cumin then salsa. Mash pitted avacadoes, mayo, garlic and lime juice until well blended and smooth, and spread this guacamole layer over salsa layer. Next spread sour cream, and top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped tomatoes if using. Serve with nacho chips.
*You can also use ground beef, or chicken in place of the re-fried beans if you wish.
*This also makes a great filling for wraps. Grill some sliced chicken breast, and top with dip inside of tortilla wraps.
I captured this snap shot this morning of one of our cats, Rosie, in Liam’s crib. At least it is getting used by *someone* in the household
The Ceremony
In the Garden
The Happy Couple
Some Friends at the Reception
To Love & Friendship
Our dear friends Kathryn and Stephanie were married yesterday here in Guelph! What an absolutely wonderful day! It was such a pleasure to be in a room full of friends. People so warm, and caring and so involved in the lives of these two wonderful women.
Steph and Kath, we all wish you a lifetime of happiness together. Remember to love one another through every experience life brings you. Always treasure your wonderful friendship, and grow together as a couple…We’re all so proud to call you our friends!
I realised tonight that it has been ages since I last wrote anything even remotely to do with my pregnancy. It’s funny how during your first pregnancy, you are able to focus so much more on the baby, your changing body, and your relationship with your partner. The second time around, there are literally days that I forget I am pregnant. That is until I feel little kicks, or have a hard time rolling my giant self off the bed to pee in the middle of the night!
At just about the six-months, things sure are starting to “happen.” I am getting quite a bit bigger, and a little less comfortable than I had previously been with the pregnancy nausea well behind me, and the second trimester “glow” starting to diminish. I am starting to find the everyday tasks such as bending down to pick up Liam’s toys not quite as easy as they once were. I even find getting close to the sink to do the dishes is starting to become harder.
Sleep has also taken a bit of a downward slide. Not only am I sharing my body with a somewhat active little person on the inside, but also my bed with my husband and toddler. Needless to say, some nights, sleep doesn’t come all that easily.
So, while I rant about the “joys’ of pregnancy, I guess I should stop and think about those who have difficulty, or even impossibility of becoming pregnant. I am certain that many people would happily trade places with me, knowing that the end result is such a wonderful gift. The symptoms that I am currently experiencing are nothing more than temporary annoyances that will be forgotten the instant that I see the face of the beautiful new life we have created. Such an exciting prospect. I really don’t know how I will wait until then…
Well, it may not be as famous as the painting, but I do enjoy my garden. Things really are coming along so nicely this year, so much further ahead than usual…
While we were inside for most of the day today, enjoying the comforts of central air conditioning on this hot and humid day, Liam was testing out his new train set. Inspired by the awesome train set-up at our local Chapters store, we decided to buy Liam a new toy (actually, it has been quite a while since he got a new toy) He sure is enjoying this new pass time.
Our son Liam, hanging around in a neighbours yard this morning.
This is a great and super easy fudge recipe that I found on-line and made this Christmas. It doesn’t require any skill in the art of confection making whatsoever, and no candy thermomether is needed. My serious chocolate cravings lately inspired me to post this…Enjoy!
Easy Chocolate Fudge
3 Cups White Sugar
3/4 Cup Margarine or Butter
1 Small Can Evaporated Milk
12 Squares Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate
1 Jar Marshmallow Creme (available with Ice-Cream Toppings in Grocery Stores)
1 Cup Chopped Nuts (I use Pecans)
1 tsp. Vanilla
Method:
Grease a 9X9 pan and set aside. Put sugar, butter and evaporated milk into a heavy saucepan, and bring to a full rolling boil on medium heat stirring *constantly* Boil approximately 4 minutes, but be careful not to scorch!
Add chocolate pieces and marshmallow creme and nuts, and stir to melt and blend. Add pecans and vanilla, and stir well.
Pour into greased pan, and allow to cool for at least 4 hours before cutting into bite-size squares.
We got to go out for dinner tonight to celebrate our belated anniversary (this was the first time we’ve gone out without Liam in months!) We tried the highly recommended “Delainey’s” in Guelph, and were blown away! What absolutely excellent food! If you are in the Guelph area, and are looking for a place to go that serves a great selection of food, from seafood, to pasta to international cuisine, in a nice relaxed atmosphere, this is the place to go!
An absolute 10 out of 10! I cannot say enough good things (except maybe, try the seafood platter!) Wow! We’ll be back!
We “celebrated” our anniversary today by taking Liam to get his hair cut for the first time at the stylists. Wow, do things ever change once you have kids!
I think Liam did better than me throughout the process. He didn’t cry at all (come to think of it, neither did I!) and was only slightly annoyed at having his hair sprayed with water. After the procedure was finished, all I could think was “Where is my baby? This is a little boy!” His hair is indeed a lot shorter than I had anticipated/hoped and his beautiful little curls are now absent. However, I know he will be so much cooler for the summer, and as cliche as it sounds it “will grow back.”
