Picture Of The Day...

Remember, we all stumble, every one of us.  That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand...

~Happy~

There are days when you need someone who just wants to be your sunshine and not the air you breathe....

~Nadiya~

Soy Milk Smoothie...

A strawberry-banana smoothie by any other name would smell as sweet...

Another cool and delicious  drink to kick start your day.

Soy milk is used to make soups, sauces, yogurt, sorbets, ice creams, puddings, beverages and pastries and is a beverage made from soybeans

Soy Milk Smoothie

3 cups plain or vanilla soy milk.

1 banana, peeled and frozen

banana smoothie

(Tip: peel and cut banana into large chunks. Place in plastic freezer bag, seal and freeze at least 5 to 6 hours or overnight)

1 cup frozen strawberries or raspberries

1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract

1/2 cup Equal

Place all ingredients in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.

You can use sugar instead of sweetener.  That's what I do.  I prefer brown organic sugar.

add blueberries for an
antioxidant boost

You can add any variation to this recipe to jazz it up.  Add your favorite berries or other fruit to change the flavors around a bit.  Either way you will have a nutritious and delicious drink.   

ENJOY!

 I have more healthy cravings than my normal eating habits, like I crave fruit and cold things like smoothies....

~Nadiya~

Rainy Sunday...

The trouble with weather forecasting is that it's right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it.....

One of those days where all you want to do is stay indoors, snuggle up with a good cup of coffee, hot chocolate or someone nice and warm.  Either way, on a day like today where the skies are black, the thunder is rolling and the rain is just pouring down it is always good to be inside a nice, warm and cozy place and where better than home with the ones you love?  Some say that a rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods.  Always choices just a matter of what you like.

Another day of no Air and Sea Show, but there's no way I would go out.  Being Sunday also it's a relaxing start of the morning and hopefully the day will remain this way.  With Arvid I never know (and I love it this way)    A few phone calls to Arvid's family right now, breakfast and then we will see what else the day holds.  Have a great Sunday everyone...

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather...

~Nadiya~

Fun Weekend...

Happiness comes when you believe in what you are doing, know what you are doing, and love what you are doing...

Come the weekend and if all goes well we will be on a boat checking out the Air and Sea Show in Fort Lauderdale.  Always fun to be on a boat especially when it belongs to friends and all we do is enjoy the day, have a few drinks, food good company and some fun entertainment.  Hopefully the weather will be perfect and we will be out there in a boat...

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the inaugural Lauderdale Air 

Show , April 28-29, 2012 from Noon to

4:00 pm over the ocean on Fort Lauderdale Beach!    Some of the coolest aircraft in the U.S. military will ‘Fly Lauderdale’ including the USN F-18 Hornet Demo Team, B-1 Bomber, F-15 Eagles, F-5 Tigers and a USCG SAR Demo.  The Navy Seal Leap Frogs and 101st Airborne will also jump into the show!

Schedule

 A four hour line up of many of the nation’s premier military and civilian acts will return the thrill, inspiration and patriotism of a waterfront air show to South Florida for the first time in 5 years!

There was a time we lived not so far from all of this it was just a matter of either a short walk to the beach or to sit and enjoy the show from our balcony.   Either way it was fun and always something unexpected happened.  It's been five years since the last Air and Sea Show and I bet this year will be magnificent and something well worth seeing.  

cheers to a good weekend:)

As I said, we are invited on a boat and I am looking forward to a front row seat for this magnificent show.  Lets just hope that everything goes smoothly and no unexpected "accidents" happen.  Also, let's hope it does not rain because I really do not wish to be in a boat in the ocean rocking like crazy and being pounded by rain.   Wimpy, but what can I say?  Not too much the boat lover I guess. To those who can make it please do, you will have a great time.  If you can't  you will always be able to see highlights on TV, but whatever you do just remember have a great time...

This time, like all times, is a good time, if we but know what to do with it...

The good life, as I conceive it, is a happy life. I do not mean that if you are good you will be happy; I mean that if you are happy you will be good...

~Nadiya~

Corky..

We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee...

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted....

Known as Corky this little kitty was born with a rear deformity which almost cost him his life.  Left at the shelter Corky was about to be euthanized, but lucky for him some wonderful people fell in love with him when they were scheduled to pick up two others thus giving him a second chance in life. Corky was born with a genetic deformity called bilateral arthrogryposis of the tarsus, where his legs were backwards and overlapping.  

They took him immediately to get radiographs to see what they were dealing with and realized they needed to operate right away. Many vets refused to do the surgery, but they never gave up and finally found a vet willing to give Corky his chance to a new life.  Being a cat Corky was unaware of his condition, Corky was a “happy, healthy, engaging, fun cat who dragged his back legs around,”  That's all he knew and Corky was still a happy camper.

Corky had the surgery and it was successful.  Costing about $2500 it took about four hours to complete.  Recovery is expected to make this little kitty even a happier camper.



Corky’s rehab, which includes acupuncture and hydrotherapy, is slow and steady. An hour per day is spent on his rehabilitation. The shelter’s co-founders, his new "parents" drive 50 miles round-trip every day to visit the kitten.
It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference...
 Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again, and you will be filled with joy...
~Nadiya~

Best Mascaras Of All Time

All women should have an eyelash curler. This also applies to women who don’t wear makeup. It’s not a dangerous tool, although a lot of people are terrified of it. One pinch to the lashes can work miracles as it opens up your eyes and makes you look fresh and awake. Add some mascara, and you’re ready to go....

Just the other day I asked Arvid if I had on any mascara and he said "no", but then he realized he did not know what I was referring to so he asked back, "what is mascara?"

We all know that the eyes are as they say the mirror to the soul.  What woman does not want to make the most of her eyes thus enhancing her entire facial beauty?  I believe for sure that one of my best assets are my eyes (why be shy? I believe I have many great assets) and therefore I try to enhance them as much as possible.  The best way to bring out the life, brightness and beauty I believe is by using mascara.  Just a few strokes one goes from plain to beautiful. 

That's why when I saw this article from BAZAAR about the best mascaras of all time thought I would share with you.  No one has to agree with it, but just for the heck of it.  Many mascaras listed are priced right and I will tell you that I have tried just about most of them available here in the US.

You decide which ones work best for you.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara.

Price starts from $4

Available in drugstores and now even supermarkets.  This mascara has been around since the 70's.

I have used this and though not my favorite it sure does the job and the price can't be beat.

Diorshow Mascara

Price starts from $25.

Hollywood  makeup artists swear that this mascara lasts forever and and that it builds incredible volume.

Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara

Can be bought at the beauty counters at the malls.  This is one of my very favorite mascaras.  It separates and lenghtens without clumping.  Even after do two to three coats it stays on light and looks natural.

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara

 

Starting at $8 in drugstores this is also very nicely priced.  Have used it but not a favorite. 

Benefit They're Real! Mascara

 

Starting at $22.  Have never tried this, but will look for it next time I'm out shopping.  I love to try different and new stuff.

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Starting at $10.  I do love many of the Clinique products, but was not very impressed with the mascara.

L'Oreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara

Starting at $7 at drugstores this is one mascara I have to say really works.  No matter what brand I have at home I always keep a tube of L'Oreal Mascara as well.  It is very soft and does give dramatic lenght.

NARS Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara

Starting at $25.  I have never tried it but have heard quite a bit of good things about it. Supposedly it is enhanced with conditioning vitamin E and macadamia nut oil to lend a glossy look while the honeycomb-shaped bristles on the square wand help separate out lashes for impressive definition.

 

Shu Uemura Ultimate Natural Mascara

Starting at $28.  Don't know much about it.

Guerlain Noir G Mascara

Starting at $49 and can be purchased in the "better" department store such as Saks, Nieman and Marcus.

Long time ago I tried it, but cannot really remember much all I recall was the pretty package/tube it comes in.

Every phase of your life has beauty in it. We all want youth, but at some point we have to realize that we’re getting older and it’s not all about foundation or mascara. If you eat and live wrong, it will have an impact on your looks. You know the tricks:?Eat more vegetables, stop smoking, drink water and cut back on alcohol....

~Nadiya~

Buddies....

Things are never quite as scary when you have a best friend...

A favorite pass time of Brutus is to follow Arvid everywhere he goes and to watch him all the time.  That's when both are happiest.  Brutus calms him and Arvid protects him from everything he can.  My favorite thing is to watch these two interact.  Nothing better...

Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things....

To err is human, to purr, feline

~Nadiya~

Boat For Sale....$17,500

Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Give him a fishing lesson and he'll sit in a boat drinking beer every weekend...

2007 Triumph For Sale

115 Hp Yamaha with only 30 HOURS

Perfect condition

There are those who are boat people and those who are not.  Not sure what category we fall into.  We enjoy a boat ride just like anyone else, but when it comes to owning a boat that's a different story.  We have had 2 boats in the last few years.  In the beginning we loved it, but then it became work.  Of course we either traded for something else or we sold it.  The day we got the boat we were so happy.  The day we sold it we were happier.  Go figure, but there is no denying Arvid is always tempted to get another one.  What is it about a boat that makes a man almost purr with excitement?  Have to say I am also liking the idea a lot

Brand new stereo system

What we have discovered is that we rather go out with friends for a boat trip or rent or own boat, but the bottom line remains the same being on a boat on the beautiful canals here in Fort Lauderdale is one of the best times we have experienced.  Gorgeous views, restaurant hopping and just completely relaxing.

checking out the boat

time to test it out

perfect boat day, perfect boat for anyone

To be absolutely true there is nothing like that perfect boat trip on that perfect waterways...here in Florida everyday of the year is perfect for that....

If you boat a lot, you're known as a boating enthusiast. I like to boat, but I just don't want to ever be referred to as a 'boating enthusiast'. I hope they call me 'a guy who likes to boat....

~Nadiya~

The Fresh Market...

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like...

So many new places so many changes...today as I was going home from my doctor who is in Fort Lauderdale, I noticed quite a few new places that have popped up since we last lived there.  

New buildings, new shops, new grocery stores. Made me miss the neighborhood quite a bit and all the things going on downtown.

One of the places that really caught my attention was The Fresh Market.  It looks so similar to The Whole Foods Market a favorite of ours.  Having a few minutes to spare I decided to check it out.

As I walked in the first thing that greeted me were the aroma of fresh flowers and the fresh colorful vegetables.  So far pretty similar to the Whole Foods Market.  I did the fast tour around the store and was pretty amazed at the by their neatness, the variety of vegetables, fruits, meat, candies, fresh coffees, cooked foods.  Pretty neat setting if you ask me.  

Aside from a few things, like the candy selection(one of my favorite sections) and the varieties of coffee beans it was pretty similar to The Whole Foods Market.  As I was paying for some of the items I bought, I asked the cashier if they were related to The Whole Foods Market, the response was "no, we are better"

I still have not decided who is better or not.  We have our favorite products we have to get from The Whole Foods Market, and since this new place is now open I would also like to test out a few of their products.  Competition is good.  It keeps both parties on their toes, always striving to be better.  As a consumer that's all we can ask for.  

The Fresh Market was founded on one simple idea: to bring neighbors, family and friends products they could savor and appreciate.  Judging from what I saw today I will say they are doing a great job at it!

The store conveys the atmosphere of and old world European market, all under one roof, where you can visit an array of departments. There is an old-style butcher shop and fish market, bakery, produce and floral stands, and a delicatessen.  There is even freshly brewed coffee for you to sample as you stroll along the aisles.

Can't wait to go back there, maybe going to the doctor is going to be a pleasure rather than a boring must do chore from now on.  

Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes...

~Nadiya~

Happy Birthday...

To the world ,you may be one person.  But to me, you are the world..

  Happy Birthday to the best dada in the world...

Because you're kind, patient, loving and spend so much time taking care of me I love you.  Because you sing to me every night before going to bed I love you.  Because you walk away from your desk and go with me to eat my foodies several times during the day I love you.  Because you tell me that you love me, you pick me up and carry me around and show me there is nothing to be afraid of, I love you.

Thank you dada for loving me, I love you and will always follow you around, I will always warm you at nights when you are cold and I will always make sure you are never alone...


And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years..


~Nadiya~

Panthers Made It To The Playoffs....

In Canada, you're not a hockey player until you've lost some teeth....

Hockey's the only place where a guy can go nowadays and watch two white guys fight...

You may or may not be a hockey fan, but here in Florida we are all celebrating the fact that the Florida Panthers have made it to the playoffs.  Hard work, dedication and many lost teeth but the Panthers are on their way to hopefully becoming the next Stanley Cup Champions (yes Dan!)

Panthers ready for first playoff game since 2000

A dozen years, eight coaches and a couple hundred players later, the Panthers are finally back in the Stanley Cup playoffs. And even though the Florida franchise fortunes seem to finally be changing, maybe it's fitting that Brodeur — the NHL's winningest active playoff goalie by far — will again be the guy at the other end of the rink.

The New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers met on Panthers territory for their first playoff game against the Devils.  Unfortunately, the Panthers lost game one.  Not a good start, but look at it the way we do, still six more games to go.   Game number 2 was also played on Panthers territory...Florida.  This time the Panthers beat the New Jersey Devils.  

We were not able to make either of these 2 games because we were in Tampa for the Blues Festival.  The next two games were in New Jersey.   Game 3 the Panthers came back from zero score to beat the Devils.  Game 5 the Panthers lost miserably to the Devils.  Now the series tied 2 to 2.


 Come game 5 tonight, the Panthers play once again in Florida.  Arvid has already bought us tickets to Duffy's Sky Club for Saturday at The Bank Atlantic Center.  We have also invited 2 friends with us so tonight the Panthers will definitely have to beat the New Jersey Devils (sorry Dan).  The truth is that if the Panthers are going to advance, they will have to do what they could not in 2000, they have to find a way to beat a goalie who has hoisted the Stanley Cup three time, owns two Olympic gold medals and has just about every record imaginable at his position.

even Brutus has panthers gear:)

Sounds pretty tough, but the Panthers can do it if they want to.
Before I met Arvid Hockey was not even something I ever thought of.  It was just another game they showed on TV.  In my home the game my dad watched was and still is Cricket.  He also played it for many years and was good.  Hockey was not know to me until Arvid.  Now we spend many a Saturday or Sunday going to the games and just having a really good time.  Arvid is much more a fan than I am, but I enjoy seeing a good game and nothing better than being there on the spot to cheer our Panthers!


LET'S GO PANTHERS!!!!

Hockey is murder on ice....

Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records...

~Nadiya~

All Grown Up...

Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine...

Cats don't like change without their consent......

Just two months ago our neighbor found some newborn kitties on her door step.  There were three of them all mostly white, the smallest of the litter was at the time completely white with very blue eyes.  Connie loved them all, but had an extra soft spot for this one.  She told me that because Arvid is so white and has these beautiful blue eyes she was going to name the kitty after him.  Arvid was all smiles.

I kept checking the kitties growth and bringing them milk and food.  They were just too cute so anytime I saw Connie I would go and see how the babies were doing.  Two were adopted once they were a bigger and taken to good homes.  Connie could not bring herself to give up on tiny little Arvid, who by the way when I just saw him is all grown as you can see from the pictures below.

It just goes to show, nothing, no one stays the same.  Time waits for no one.  I look at my nieces and nephews today and they are no longer babies as I always picture them.  They are young adults with their own lives, hopes and dreams...

Have a good weekend all...

This isn't good or bad. It's just the way of things. Nothing stays the same....

Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.....

~Nadiya~