Confessions behind the chair

So on the weekend I was part of eight -year-old birthday party.
I'm not sure how my girlfriend talked me into doing this but I actually
had a great time I showed up at the house and Bridget ( the birthday girl)
and I decorated the birthday cake and the cupcakes. Then as promised Michelle poured
me a glass of wine and we waited for the party to begin.

Screamimg and giggling seemed to a big part of the evening because the girls do that.
They would whisper if they saw one of the older boys in the house.
They would even , "Evan, Evan, Evan." Bridget's older brother name
Frankly I think he will be having nightmares about that for years to come.
14 little girls, with pink dresses or white tops, glitter everywhere and giggle, giggle giggle.

 I found really interesting was there seems to be no age difference when getting you hair done.
What do I mean by that? Well 8 year old's have troubles too!
My career is one of the few that allows me to touch and be close to someone,
even if I do not know them that well. With that comes all sorts of things,
confessions, troubles at home,  hating their work, leaving their husband,
health issues and the list goes on and on.
Over the years I have had to shake off what some people
tell me because those words really can weigh me down.

So the evening wore on with girls getting their hair done and
nails painted. I did all 14 girls hair. Some wanted braids,
some wanted curls but all were talking.

What cracked me up was a

play by play of this one particular girl and her family.

She is the youngest in her family but not the youngest of all the cousins (she knows her place)

She finds the 2 year old cousin to be annoying because he breaks things.

She hates her brother (who is 14) and she hates him.

Wow, hate is a strong word!

I found this all out in under 5 minutes of doing her hair.

Over the years I have found that I am a Master colourist, great at cutting hair

but most importantly...

                                          Good at listening.

Funny stories from the Chair

I have been thinking about some of the stories told by my clients over the years.
 This particular story is one of my favorites.

I had a client  booked for a colour and a haircut and she was
20 minutes late. Lets say her name is Ruth for privacy sake.
Ruth was never late so I knew that there was a good reason for
why she was not on time.As a Lawyer she had a great way of telling
me about her daily happenings in her home. Ruth's family was interesting
because her husband coming from a Jewish background and she
came from a United Church background. This particular day her
husband ( let's call him Joe) had been sent out to get some
groceries for the week.

Joe was strolling along in the store when he came across a Ham that was on sale.
He thought that Ruth and his girls would love (who were not Jewish) 
a ham for supper so he placed it into his cart.  Being Jewish, Joe would
not in public admit to eating pork but in the comfort of his home with his non- Jewish wife and family they would enjoy the Ham.So he rounds the corner and who does he see?
The Rabbi from his synagogue. In a panicked moment Joe grabs what
was the closest to cover the ham. Bananas and lots of them.
With his arm he scooped them from their place on the fruit
stand and covers the evil ham. The Rabbi see him , waves and comes rushing over.

How is you Mother? ( this all said with a Jewish accent)
How is your wife and daughters?
Good to see you
Say hello to your Mother
Say hello to your wife...

OK, so the Rabbi moves on as panic sets in. Joe wonders if the Rabbi
saw the ham and if his Mother would find out. The fear of Mom
was still there even after being married for 15 years, having children
and running a successful Law firm. A cold sweat broke out on his brow.
Looking down into his shopping cart he could not see the ham but there
was at least 20  large bunches of bananas.
Now what does he do? Priority was getting what he needed, get rid
of the large amount to bananas and get the heck out of the store with
out anyone seeing the stupid ham. As he rounds the corner to place
the bananas back on the stand Joe see his Mother's best friend.

Pinching his cheek like he was 10 years old she questions him about his life.
Now his palms are sweating. Joe answered all the questions but his
mind was on the ham. Goodbyes were said and he wonders away from the banana stand.
Now he remembers his wife saying something about an appointment.
What did she say about that again?
"I have to get rid of these bananas, " he says muttering to himself.
"Is the whole Jewish community out shopping today?", he wondered ,while
he waves with a forced smile to another family from the synagogue.
Rounding around the corner again towards the Banana stand again.
Now he is starting to feel dizzy because of going in circles and the
fruit and vegetable guy is looking at him strangely.

Ruth is stuck at home because the 2nd car is in the shop.She had told
Joe that she needed to be at the salon at a certain time and he had
assured her that he would be home long before she had to leave.
Joe had been gone to the grocery store for almost 2 hours.
Ruth's mind started to spin and she started to worry
He must have been in an accident, something is wrong.
Worrisome time rolls by and then she hears the garage door open.
Her husband walks in with 2 large bags of bananas, leaves to return
with 2 more bag, then 2 more. A total of 9 grocery bags filled with
bunches of bananas, plus the groceries that were needed for the week.
Oh, and the ham

Joe explained that every time he went to remove the large amount of
bananas from the grocery cart every Jewish person that he knew seemed
to be around the banana stand." What the heck are we going to do with 
9 bags of bananas?" she yelled at him.
" My mom has a good banana bread recipe."

Shaking her head she grabbed the keys and rushed over to the salon.
As I applied her colour, Ruth  shared why she was so late for her appointment.
I ended up crying because I laughed so hard about this story.

Ruth, Joe and their daughters did enjoy a great supper of ham that night
with scalloped potatoes and banana bread for dessert.

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Chicken Pierre, I love you.

There is nothing better than making a meal that your family loves.
I got this from a good friend who loves trying new recipes.
It was not hard to make, maybe a little messy to prepare.
Its worth it.

Chicken Pierre
You need 4-6 chicken breast
Crackers with 1 tsp salt and1 tsp pepper
Butter

Sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp  brown sugar
2 Tbsp vinegar
2 Tbsp Worcester sauce
1 tsp salt
2 tsp chili powder
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce

Pound out the chicken breast
Have a plate with egg wash and one for pounded out crackers
Season the crackers with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper

Fry the chicken with butter on Medium making sure the chicken
is browned on both sides.
Add sauce and simmer on low for 20 minutes.
Make sure that the chicken is covered the the sauce by turning the
chicken breast over while simmering.

I served the chicken with
 Healthy fries
 Peel and cut large potatoes  into a fry shape.
Parr boil the fries in boiling water for 10 minutes.
Drain and place on a cookies sheet
Olive oil is drizzled on the fries, season with salt
Fresh Rosemary is placed to season
375 *C in the oven for 20 minutes.

Serve with you favorite Veggies and you are good to go.
They will lick their plate its so good!
Enjoy

UPDATE
Gluten Free Chicken Pierre
My sister-in-law who is an authority on Gluten free recipes gave
me the update:

Chicken Pierre Gluten Free

You need 4-6 chicken breast
Rice bread crumbs with 1 tsp salt and1 tsp pepper
Olive Oil
Sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp Stevia
2 Tbsp vinegar
2 Tbsp Worcester sauce
1 tsp salt
2 tsp chili powder
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce

Too cold for Fashion

Well its March and we are in lock down mode with cold weather.
What is cold weather for Saskatchewan people, you may ask?
-25 degrees C with a wind chill of -35 degrees C
Darn cold is all that I can say. March for some in other areas means flowers blooming
and tulips popping out of the ground. Here we are trapped in our homes
hoping it does not snow again. Please God, no more snow.(I say whining)

My 9 year old asked me the other morning if he could look on
 The Weather Channel to see what the weather was like.
 My answer,"It's damn cold. That is all you need to know."
He threw me a strange look and happily put on his warm clothes to
walk to school.That right, I make my kids walk 3 blocks to their school.
If I walked to school they can walk to school.
Right?

What is the difference with the young and old when it comes to
 fashion in the Winter time?
oh, and the older is me. I have enough counseling that I can say that now.
The Young will walk outside with their jacket undone and no hat on,
 we will wear what is need to have our ears not freeze,
and the jacket must be large enough to fit a small kid in it.
Running shoes are worn  when its -45 degrees C while the older
and wiser will wear the ugliest of boots just to stay warm.
Mitts? Who needs mitts? Gloves won't do for the over 40
 (yes I am now in that age category), the mitts need to
have triple protection with an option to add hand warmers if needed.

The best thing I ever did for myself was to buy a down jacket.
Helly Hansen is the make of the jacket, Its Puffy, Puffy and Puffy.
Its so puffy that I can NOT shoulder check while driving. I actually have to
reach behind me and punch the hood of the jacket while turning.
Not really a safe thing to do now that I am writing about this action
It was over $300 last Winter but by Spring I was happily buying it for
$99.00 dollars.

Here is my youngest wearing my jacket for a joke.
The joke is on me. I have spent my whole
lifetime trying to look fashionable and trendy
when really I am freezing to death. I do not
say this lightly. At -45 degrees C  exposed
skin will freeze in under 10 minutes.
Puffy, warm, feathers, wool, these were all
words that I avoided when I was a child.
 A stupid child
My parents took my sisters and I while we were teenagers to Bridger Bowl in Montana for a Downhill skiing trip.
It was so cold there but do you think I wore ski pants
or a Hat of any kind?
Stupidity and stubborn are words that come to mind.





The point is I am NO LONGER trying to look fashionable while
going outside in the dead of Winter.If it is that its minus a billion out,
to heck with it, I am going with warmth
NOT Fashion.

Stay warm

 Knitwear is the next big thing!

The following information is from StyleBob
http://www.stylebop.com/
These looks you can buy right from the website
                 BUT
You can also go through your closet and
go to your favorite store and add to you
exsiting wardrobe.
 Chunky knitted capes, cardigans and sweaters
are the stars this spring. So say goodbye to
in-between-season jackets and hello to the new knits!
 Hot tip: Go for casual styling with slim jeans,
a plain top and flat boots to get this Cameron Diaz' on-trend look!









Pure White Basic Long Tank-Top By Malene Birger
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Stylish long top in white cotton, soft and comfortable quality.
 A classic combination basic, can be worn as tank top underneath
 or solo, with moderate broad straps, feminine crew neck in slim
and figure hugging cut, waist fitted, mini dress length. Pair with tube jeans,
leather leggings, pencil skirts.

Price $75.00



Dark Blue Skinny Zip Jeans Bamboo By Notify
http://www.stylebop.com/product_details.php?menu1=topfive&menu2=mon&id=159251



Dark Blue Skinny Zip Jeans Bamboo in Stretch-Denim

Cut: Low Rise; Skinny Leg; opening at legside 5"

Wash: Dark Blue Denim

Inseam: 30"

Rise Front: 8,5" Back: 13"

Fit: Tight

Zip fly with button closure

Details: Stitching detail at the back

Wash instructions: Wash cold

Use: Wear at any occassion, not at the office

Fit note: Fit true to size

Price $230.00
Burnt Brown Shannon Vent Boots By Belstaff
 http://www.stylebop.com/product_details.php?menu1=topfive&menu2=mon&id=149361







Luxurious boots in cognac-colored antique leather, hip biker meets ridingboot look. Round toe, wide knee-high shaft, slim straps, typical Belstaff, flat heel.Comfortable, robust, stylish, ideal with tube jeans, jeans mini, shift dresses, tunic dresses.

Our Price $725.00



Golden Coral Heart Limited Edition Necklace By Juicy Couture
http://www.stylebop.com/product_details.php?menu1=topfive&menu2=mon&id=162251




Gold necklace with coral heart pendants from the desired
 limited edition by Juicy Couture. Pendant with rhinestones
and bow, small logo tags and robust closure.

Girlish costume jewelry, works with blouses,
V-neck sweaters and shirts, adjustable length.

Price $65.00

Oatmeal and Raisin Cookies with Chocolate Chips , yes they are fashionable too!

Ok sometime being Fashionable in this house is Baking.
Baking important things like cookies. I even have a child that will
not ever eat  at other homes but when I have my cookies out
when he comes over he will eat till I say stop.
I just made these with my son, Ethan

The base recipe comes frome the Cookbook
Sugar by Anna Olson

I have changed it to suit our needs

2/3 cup butter please don't use anything else
1 cup of dark brown sugar packed
1 egg
1 Tbsp Vanilla
1 Tbsp Molasses
1 cup of Whole wheat Flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 cups of oats
2 cups of raisins
2 cups of chocolate chip  we use Chipits



Preheat oven to 375* F
Cream together butter and sugar until smooth
Add egg, when blended add the vanilla and
Mollasses. Add dry ingrediants together, add slowly
to the suagr mixture with the raisins and chocolate chips.
Use a ice cream scoop
 (it stops fights about who gets the bigger cookie)
place dough on Parchment lined cookies sheets and bake 7-9 minutes
until the cookies starts to brown and the edges loose their shine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf6a4J9VNwI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Best cookie you will ever have!!!