Monday, January 17, 2011

NOT TOO SHABBY

After my recent post about my new ROSES piece of art, many of you inquired about the boutique I purchased it from.  I've decided to do this little feature.

I now have the pleasure of introducing you to this delightful store,
located right here in the heart of downtown Brampton.


WELCOME TO NOT TOO SHABBY!
It's important for us to support and promote our local small businesses.
Let's take a wee inside tour, shall we?

The big box stores are always lurking in the background, waiting to chew 'em up and spit 'em out!

This type of boutique is borne from one's passion!

There is a dream that is to be fulfilled.
You won't find these items in a chain store at the local mall. 
These are all unique, one-of-a-kind treasures!

The proprietor is a young woman who clearly has talent and vision.
This is apparent as soon as you enter her store.
You'll be greeted with a cheerful "Hello" accompanied by a sunny smile.



The perfect place to shop if you're looking for a beautiful Shabby Chic
piece for your home or a unique gift for yourself or a special someone!
NOT TOO SHABBY
46 Main Street North
Brampton, Ontario
L6V 1N6
(289) 752-7911
or
Check out the website here.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BREAD

Yup ... I did a lot of baking over the Christmas Holidays!  I enjoyed it so much that I'm now on a roll.  This was recently added to my arsenal which probably contributed to my success in the kitchen.

She's a real beauty and makes the entire process of creating divine treats a pleasure.  Hubs was surprised last night when I started assembling all my baking supplies, on a week night, to bake something.  Well that is no way to treat Betty Crocker ~ and I feel somewhat under-appreciated because I know many who never get the opportunity to ingest home-baked goodness.

What's on the menu you ask?  Peanut Butter Banana Bread!  A quick and easy recipe with a twist on the usual banana bread ... the addition of Chunky Peanut Butter.


First I creamed my butter, peanut butter & sugar.


This is easy with a KitchenAid!


Then I added my eggs, one at a time.

Can't have Banana Bread without the main ingredient!


I mixed my dry ingredients.

BAM!!!
That's right ladies...this is the year of living dangerously!  I'm throwing caution to the wind.
I added Chocolate Chips!
Why, you may ask?  Because who doesn't like chocolate!
One of the brilliant features of the KitchenAid is the ease of clean-up!

All done!

Mmmmm, delicious!


Enjoy!

Cheers - Lisa

Monday, January 10, 2011

RIP MRS. 'B' (The Gift)

Bebee, Elizabeth (Bess)

Passed away suddenly at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at the age of 70. Bess Bebee (nee Garrison) wife of the late Roy Bebee. Loving mother of Laura (Kevin) Engelsman, Angela (Doug) Wright and Audrey Bebee and her companion Jeremiah Knight. Dear grandmother of Raymond Engelsman and his girlfriend Natasha Handley. Sister-in-law of Mickey Garrison and predeceased by her brother Reg Garrison and survived by her sister Flo Hawkey. At the request of Bess Bebee no funeral service was held. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to the Port Perry Hospital Foundation. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Low and Low Funeral Home, Port Perry (905) 985-7331.

This is my best friend's Mother.  Mrs. "B" resided with Laura and her family
on their 98 acre farm.


We became friends many years ago as children, growing up on the same street where my parents still live.  There was a group of us that all hung around together.  Typical of a group of kids, especially consisting of mostly girls, there were disputes and disagreements.  As a result, I always believed Mrs. "B" did not really like me as I regularly butted heads with her middle daughter, Audrey.


Regardless, my friendship with Laura has stood the test of time and distance and we remain best friends.  Hubs and I visit the farm regularly.  Mrs. "B" would always host a lovely dinner while we visited and then we would awake to a huge country breakfast, always with a pot of coffee on and a cheerful smile!  Laura and I would occasionally discuss the fact that I always believed her Mother did not like me but Laura would assure me, that was well in the past.



The night before Mrs. "B" passed, the family enjoyed an evening out together at a local pub. She suffered a massive stroke sometime during the night so sadly, nobody had time to say goodbye.

Upon reading her Will, there was a paragraph that stated Mrs. "B" had left instructions, in handwriting, on various items and possessions around the house, indicating who they were to go to.  As the family started going through all of her possessions they would examine each item closely, looking for any notations left by Mrs. "B"., but found nothing.  Months passed.

Laura & Kevin came to spend the weekend with us just before the holidays.  This was a rare occurrence as they can't normally get away from the farm and their chores.  When they walked in the house they had a very large box in their hands.  Laura placed it on my dining room table and said this was something for me from her Mother.  What did she mean?  I was surprised & confused.  Open it, I was told.


  In the box was a large crock, one that was kept in Mrs. "B"'s office.  I have a small collection of crocks but still didn't understand how this was coming into my possession.  Laura turned the crock over to show me her Mom's handwritten message on the bottom. 
Lisa & Glenn!  That's us!  The crock was intended for us and it is the only item in the farmhouse, so far, that has been designated specifically for somebody.

I guess I was wrong ... Mrs."B" really did like me and now I'll forever have her special gift to remember her by, forever!

R.I.P.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

OH ... THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!
And so it would seem our Canadian Winter is finally upon us!

This is what I woke up to on Saturday morning!


My 'Snow Dog', Strider, LOVES this weather!
One of my dear Blogging Buddies sent this along to me over the holidays!

How adorable, and appropriate, is this delightful
vintage-inspired snowman box!
Here he can sit all winter long ...

Amongst some other 'snow people' ...
Waiting for the first signs of SPRING!

Thank you for the lovely gift!

Cheers - Lisa

Linking up to Seasonal Sunday

Friday, January 7, 2011

CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR ME

The weekend just before Christmas I finally had the opportunity to visit a new store in town called "Not Too Shabby".  It was filled with beautiful treasures & trinkets and this was my purchase ... my Christmas gift to myself!


Having a blended family with 6 kids, Hubs and I have never made it a habit to put anything under the tree for each other.  The kids have always come first but if we see something we like during that time of year, we'll buy it and say it's for Christmas.

I could have filled my shopping cart at this store but I took my time and was very selective.  After all, my house & garage are stuffed with items that are waiting to be displayed in the perfect location.

Thanks Hubs for helping me find the perfect location!


My self-gifted Christmas present is Not Too Shabby!

I'm linking this post to Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage.  Please take a moment to visit the other participants.

Cheers - Lisa