Yeah! It’s finally here. My CatCanCook store has been posted tonight! I am WAY excited about this new addition to my web-site. Now, not only do I have somewhere to showcase and sell my designs, I have more of a reason to continue something I truly, truly love…beading! Check it out, and tell me what you think! Come back and visit often. New designs will be appearing all the time…I have so much more to photograph and post, but we’re doing things bit-by-bit so please check back soon to see what’s new!

Oh, and in case you didn’t notice, just stare at the cat logo up in the corner for a few seconds…notice anything new?

Yup, that’s right, we’re almost there! The CatCanCook Store is almost ready! As some of you already know, I am going to be posting a few of my jewelry-making kits, and some of my hand-made creations this week on my web-site. I am often asked where I get my jewelry, and when I answer “I made it!” the response is usually “well, you should sell your work…it’s very good!” Ah, if only I had the time to craft and play beads all day! It really is a passion of mine and friends and family say it shows in my designs!

Anyhow, the new store is almost “in store” for you! Please check it out next time you visit CatCanCook!

These past few days have seemed cooler, almost autumn-like (although I haven’t even left the house to really know for sure!) At any rate, I have been inspired to think about tummy-warming recipes that are delicious and low fat. Healthy and good-tasting, these baked beans are a family-pleasing , easy meal. This recipe makes a HUGE batch that freezes nicely, and can be added to chilis and soups too

Grampa’s Baked Beans

Soak 3 Cups of dry Navy Beans overnight in enough water to cover them with about 2 inches extra water. Next morning, cook the beans on the stove-top on low heat to soften (this takes several hours!) Once softened, add in with them:

1 Medium Onion chopped

1 Cup Ketchup

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1 Cup Water

2 tsp. Dry Mustard Powder

1/2 Cup Molasses

1 TBSP. Salt

1/4 Pound Chopped Bacon (I use Turkey Bacon)

Mix Well. Bake in a large casserole (or several) in a 325 oven for several hours more until soft. Serve with salad, or better yet, fresh homemade bread! MMMmm!

Various discussions of a rather embarassing nature have recently take place at my house. We are in the midst of potty training, and this has brought about much interest in the wonders of the human body, or at least, the grosser things about it! Tonight for example, I had to enlighten Liam as to all of the different types of animals that pee and poop, and where they do this. I was asked a lot about fish, and if they poop in the water, and if crocodiles do this as well. These are the discussions I somehow never invisioned myself having, yet they seem perfectly normal at this stage of my life.

Last week’s antics and conversations were even more amusing when we had to discuss all the people we know and whether or not they have a penis. It took a long while of explaining before Liam grasped the concept that ladies do not have penis’s. I am still not sure he completely understands all of that…

Funny? Yes, and slightly embarassing perhaps. I’m just glad these discussions took place at home, and not while waiting at the Doctor’s office or better yet, at the train table in Chapters!

Well, I am in the home-stretch now folks! For those of you who don’t know, or know me personally, or don’t have to endure hours of endless chatter about the merits of the wonderful program called Weight Watchers, I would like to tell you that I am almost at goal! I have (since the birth of my daughter) lost almost 50 pounds, and I feel great! For the first time in years, I am within a healthy weight range for my height, I feel terrific, and my clothes fit nicely again I must admit, I am quite proud of me!

To celebrate my achievement, I first thought of doing something radical, like getting a tattoo, but since that really isn’t me anymore (I used to be into piercings and gave that up a loooooong time ago!) I have decided for the slightly less impressive, but way more sensible promise of a pedicure, and posting of regular weight-loss recipes right here on the ol’ blog-a-roo! Maybe I’ll get a couple new pairs of jeans or something as well! But mostly, I would like to devote more of my time writing about food, to writing about healthy food! There are so many wonderful and healthy recipes being shared all over the place, and my promise to is track em’ down, and post em’ right here!

10 pounds to go before I am at my final goal weight! Yeah! I have made a promise to myself, and to my family that I will not gain back the weight I have lost. I intend to keep it off for life. What a wonderful empowering feeling!

This little butterfly/moth (whatever it is) was recently observed at the Guelph Arboretum where our family enjoys walking and watching nature as often as we can.

In a previous post, I wrote about my unusual fear of butterflies and moths (Mottephobia) At least there is a name for this fear so I know I am not the only one out there!

I was brave and got close enough to take this photo, but lemme tell you, I made a mad dash out of there as soon as I had taken the shot! Butterflies are indeed a beautiful wonder of nature, but I like to enjoy them at a distance, or better yet, in photographs!

Last weekend we did it all! We vetured to the town of St. Thomas, Ontario where we spent a day with Thomas the Tank Engine! Liam loved it! It was a grand adventure, a fun day and actually, we all had a very nice time.

We decided to make it into a family holiday, and stay overnight in London. On our way home the next day, we took back roads, and saw the shores of Lake Erie. It really is quite lovely down that way, and we saw places we had never seen before!

I was very impressed with the alternate-energy wind farm near Port Burwell, which had more wind mills than I have ever seen in one place before…there had to be at least 50!

This latest adventure has really made us aware of how important it is to just get away with family! We plan to do another mini-holiday again before the end of summer!

To warm weather, and the roads that lie ahead of us!

There are probably better and more creative ways to photograph Bubble Tea, but when it comes to me, I’d rather be drinking it than photographing it! I’ve enjoyed Bubble Tea for years,  but when a friend recently took me to her favorite Bubble Tea shop in Waterloo, I could instantly see why she loves this place! WOW! They can make some serious Bubble Tea over there! The shop is small, and you’d miss it if you didn’t know it was there. It’s called “Sweet Dreams Tea Shop”…ah, if only I had one of those beauties right now!  There is really something quite remarkable about them, and personally, I find them quite addictive!

I have bought some Bubble Tea mix from our local Asian Market in an attempt to replicate this amazing beverage at home. I’ll let you now how it works out (dare I say if it works?) In the mean time, a great excuse to take a scenic drive through Mennonite country. I wonder if the Mennonites have discovered this tasty treat!?!

If you’re still a Bubble tea virgin, I suggest you try one, and fast! This is one addictive habit! Let’s raise a glass “to Bubble Tea!”

Well, I finally took the plunge and re-joined Weight Watchers! I am a firm believer in this successful program, and have lost a lot of weight following it in the past. I decided a few weeks ago to kick my own ass back into gear, to lose the remainder of my baby weight (well, actually I am already back to my pre-pregnancy size, but want to do a bit better and get closer to my highschool weight!) Anyhow, part of the program is just eating sensibly, so I will devote a lot of my attention in future recipe posts to healthy eating…like this easy and delicious recipe for simple chicken and veggie shish-kabobs! They are extremely low in points/calories/fat, the whole deal! Not to mention so simple! Healthy summer eating at it’s best! Serve with fresh salad greens! Yum!

Chicken Shish-Kabobs

2 - 3 Chicken Breasts cut into bite size pieces

Your favorite vegetables (zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, onions)

2 TBSP Light Italian Salad Dressing

*You can also throw on some fresh pineapple or other grillable fruit*

Alternate chicken pieces and veggies on skewers, brush with dressing and grill on low heat barbeque (top rack works well) for about 10-12 minutes. Easy, healthy, good!