Showing posts with label Island living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Island living. Show all posts
Monday, July 15, 2013
North Channel General: Evocative Objects of the Most Antique and Purest Water #ManitoulinSpotlight
The shop is beautiful and quite "Zen". With no cluttered displays, they only showcase a few choice items. You're not bombarded with a million different items, but presented with a handful of carefully selected pieces and they are all so visually stunning!
No kidding! When you walk in, you immediately get a sense of "Ahhhhhhhhh". Not only are the folks at North Channel General quite possibly the loveliest people around, but the shop itself makes you feel like all your stress and worries are melted away...even if momentarily. It really does remind me of the shops I used to frequent when I worked and lived in Japan. The space is "clean" (as in uncluttered) and visually peaceful. You definitely get that feeling in this store.
Some of the items North Channel General carries are:
Stylish and classic items like this Saint James piece
Noda Horo's "Tsuki Usagi Jirushi" (Moom and Rabbit series) enamel pot
North Channel General also sells artwork from local artists like Jack Whyte and Ann Beam.
Among my favourites are the wicker bags. They're perfect for a day at the beach. The photo does not do the product any justice. My 4 year old daughter wanted to play the budding photographer and snapped this shot while we were at the beach. Bag seen in background.
North Channel General is also on Facebook. Visit the North Channel General FB page and check out all their fabulous items.
Visit their store
Location:
40 Water Street, Studio 2
Gore Bay, ON
P0P 1H0
Mon-Thurs: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fri:-Sat: 11:00 am - 7:00pm
Sun: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
website: http://www.northchannelgeneral.com/
All photos (except the photo of the bag) are courtesy of North Channel General.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Fizzy Strawberry Lemonade
She slumped back into her armchair, face glistening from the heat. Another hot, humid Summer day. There was no reprieve from the heat. With no comfort of the air-conditioning she had in her city life, she had to remind herself that A) this was the "frugal farmer" thing to do and B) no A/C was far better for the environment. Yes, it was her duty as a citizen of the Earth to not use A/C and to find other ways to keep cool in the sweltering heat.
A dip in the lake? No. Her back took a beating from the strong rays of the sun at the beach the day before.
A run through the sprinkler? To be honest, the heat was too intense. Plus, sprinklers and hoses only invited a certain four year old girl to soak her Mama and the dog.
What could possibly offer some refreshment and momentary comfort in this heat?
That was the solution! With a bumper crop of strawberries, making a cool, refreshing pitcher of strawberry lemonade would quench her family's thirst and keep them cool and refreshed. With the "special" fizzy water that everyone in the family loved so much, this was absolutely perfect.
Even the four year old was a huge fan of S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. This is not a sponsored post, by the way! We actually really love S. Pellegrino and have a few bottles on hand at all times!
Ingredients:
2 cups strawberries, washed and tops removed
1 cup lemon juice (you can use Real Lemon, but I prefer freshly squeezed lemon juice - for the lemons I get at our grocery store, 1 cup is equaled to 8-10 lemons)
1 (750 mL) bottle of San Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, chilled
Simple Syrup (1 cup sugar, 1 cup water)
Ice
Instructions:
Prepare syrup by boiling sugar and water in a pot. Once sugar is completely dissolved, remove from heat and let cool completely.
Puree the strawberries by adding strawberries and simple syrup into blender and "puree". I like a smooth drink, so I press strawberry puree through a strainer to remove the seeds and solids. Only let the strawberry juice through. You can put the strawberry pureed "pulp" into ice cube trays to use for other recipes later on.
In a pitcher, add lemon juice, strawberry juice (made from your strawberries and simple syrup), and 1 (750 mL) bottle of San Pellegrino.
Serve in a tall glass with ice. Garnish if you wish, but you're probably just going to want to drink it and forgo the garnishes because it's so tasty!
Enjoy!
A dip in the lake? No. Her back took a beating from the strong rays of the sun at the beach the day before.
A run through the sprinkler? To be honest, the heat was too intense. Plus, sprinklers and hoses only invited a certain four year old girl to soak her Mama and the dog.
What could possibly offer some refreshment and momentary comfort in this heat?
Fizzy Strawberry Lemonade!
Even the four year old was a huge fan of S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. This is not a sponsored post, by the way! We actually really love S. Pellegrino and have a few bottles on hand at all times!
2 cups strawberries, washed and tops removed
1 cup lemon juice (you can use Real Lemon, but I prefer freshly squeezed lemon juice - for the lemons I get at our grocery store, 1 cup is equaled to 8-10 lemons)
1 (750 mL) bottle of San Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, chilled
Simple Syrup (1 cup sugar, 1 cup water)
Ice
Instructions:
Prepare syrup by boiling sugar and water in a pot. Once sugar is completely dissolved, remove from heat and let cool completely.
Puree the strawberries by adding strawberries and simple syrup into blender and "puree". I like a smooth drink, so I press strawberry puree through a strainer to remove the seeds and solids. Only let the strawberry juice through. You can put the strawberry pureed "pulp" into ice cube trays to use for other recipes later on.
In a pitcher, add lemon juice, strawberry juice (made from your strawberries and simple syrup), and 1 (750 mL) bottle of San Pellegrino.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
Strawberry-licious! #WordlessWednesday w/ Linky
This Summer, our strawberries have been growing like crazy!
It's Summertime! These beauties are Strawberry-licious!
This said, I've exhausted all my recipes that call for strawberries. Strawberry jams, pies, cakes, smoothies, ice cream...all done over and over. Have you got any interesting and unique recipes that call for strawberries?
Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts here! We'd love to check them out!
Monday, July 08, 2013
Confessions of a Guilt-Ridden Mom
I have a confession. I'm a guilt-ridden mom. I know this insanity has to stop, but I can't help it. I'm conflicted. Little One started camp today and I don't know how I feel about it.
I'm excited for her. In fact, I'm super excited. She gets to spend a few weeks this Summer hanging out with her cohorts, learning new things, and having fun.
The other part of me feels guilty about not letting her have an easy, restful Summer vacation. After all, Summer vacation, as we all know is fleeting. It goes by far too quickly and kids are only little for a short time. Part of me contemplated letting Little One stay home this Summer and not having structured activities. She could play outside, play on the trampoline, and we could go to the beach after I finish work.
Yes, I work from a home office, but I put in regular working hours. The only difference is that I don't leave my house to go to my office. I know it's a new concept for many and most people who don't work from home cannot comprehend that just because your office is in your home, you can't just take off or do what you want whenever you want. To be honest, I find it's more of a juggling act to accommodate scheduling and activities. For this reason, it is so difficult for me to work when Little One is home during the day. Summer camp has been a huge blessing.
The community's Summer Recreation Program is fantastic, and so reasonably priced! $15 a week! $20 with field trip. You can't beat that!
This week, the kids have Outdoor Expedition Week. They'll be making terrariums, going on a fossil hunt on the beach, making homemade bird feeders, and even going on a field trip to Manitoulin Streams where they will be exploring habitats and creatures in the water. Manitoulin Streams will be taking the kids on a "Stream Detective" workshop where the children will be netting aquatic bugs, building a bass spawning nest, and more.
Little One is very excited about the upcoming Hands-On Science week. They'll be doing hands-on experiments, including making their own lava lamps out of an empty plastic bottle!
Despite the fact that I know Little One will have a great time, I only wish I could spend more of the Summer with her. She's only four years old. When I was four, we didn't do any organized activities during the Summer. For us, Summer meant getting to sleep late, sleep in, hang out with our friends and play all day. Summer meant freedom. It was a break from school and just a time to relax and be kids. I put Little One in Junior Kindergarten at three years of age and now Summer camp activities at four years old. I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing.
Do your kids go to camp or Summer activities? What's your take on this? Should kids just be kids and take it easy for the Summer or do you think they need organized activities?
I'm excited for her. In fact, I'm super excited. She gets to spend a few weeks this Summer hanging out with her cohorts, learning new things, and having fun.
The other part of me feels guilty about not letting her have an easy, restful Summer vacation. After all, Summer vacation, as we all know is fleeting. It goes by far too quickly and kids are only little for a short time. Part of me contemplated letting Little One stay home this Summer and not having structured activities. She could play outside, play on the trampoline, and we could go to the beach after I finish work.
Yes, I work from a home office, but I put in regular working hours. The only difference is that I don't leave my house to go to my office. I know it's a new concept for many and most people who don't work from home cannot comprehend that just because your office is in your home, you can't just take off or do what you want whenever you want. To be honest, I find it's more of a juggling act to accommodate scheduling and activities. For this reason, it is so difficult for me to work when Little One is home during the day. Summer camp has been a huge blessing.
The community's Summer Recreation Program is fantastic, and so reasonably priced! $15 a week! $20 with field trip. You can't beat that!
This week, the kids have Outdoor Expedition Week. They'll be making terrariums, going on a fossil hunt on the beach, making homemade bird feeders, and even going on a field trip to Manitoulin Streams where they will be exploring habitats and creatures in the water. Manitoulin Streams will be taking the kids on a "Stream Detective" workshop where the children will be netting aquatic bugs, building a bass spawning nest, and more.
Little One is very excited about the upcoming Hands-On Science week. They'll be doing hands-on experiments, including making their own lava lamps out of an empty plastic bottle!
Despite the fact that I know Little One will have a great time, I only wish I could spend more of the Summer with her. She's only four years old. When I was four, we didn't do any organized activities during the Summer. For us, Summer meant getting to sleep late, sleep in, hang out with our friends and play all day. Summer meant freedom. It was a break from school and just a time to relax and be kids. I put Little One in Junior Kindergarten at three years of age and now Summer camp activities at four years old. I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing.
Do your kids go to camp or Summer activities? What's your take on this? Should kids just be kids and take it easy for the Summer or do you think they need organized activities?
Sunday, July 07, 2013
Huron Island Time! Ice Cream & a Swim: Providence Bay #Manitoulin #ManitoulinSpotlight
There's nothing that screams "SUMMER'S HERE!" better than an ice cream cone enjoyed on the beach and a swim on a hot Summer day. Thankfully for Islanders and visitors alike, all of this can be found daily in Providence Bay.
Enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk, or walk along the beach and enjoy the sunset. Providence Bay is one of our favourite places to play. This is why...
Owners of the Auberge Inn in Providence Bay have added to the Auberge Inn family by including ice cream shop, Huron Island Time.
Enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk, or walk along the beach and enjoy the sunset. Providence Bay is one of our favourite places to play. This is why...
Owners of the Auberge Inn in Providence Bay have added to the Auberge Inn family by including ice cream shop, Huron Island Time.
What Huron Island Time has to offer:
Ice cream of course! Huron Island Time has a good selection of Farquhar’s and Nestle flavours served in regular cones, waffle cones, paper or waffle bowls.
All flavours can be made into a Milkshake or a sundae, to which you may add chocolate or caramel sauce, sprinkles, whipped cream and cherry.
The shop also offers smoothies, both vegan and non-vegan.
Coffee and Tea are organic and fair trade supplied by Old Rock Roastery in Sudbury. Huron Island Time has a French, dark roast named the Great Zamboni escape, a Vienna, medium roast named Café de l’Auberge and a simple decaf. They also have 5 varieties of teas.
The espresso blend is called Los Lobos and is very appreciated by coffee lovers. You can get Lattes, Cappucinos, hot chocolate, iced coffee and they can probably prepare what you need on demand. Also on tap is Vanilla, Hazelnut and caramel flavoring to add to your coffee. Huron Island Time also makse a good Chai Latte.
As if ice cream and beverages weren't enough, the shop also serves hot-dogs and sausages made on Manitoulin by Burt’s Farm, who uses sustainable and as natural as possible processes to raise the animals and process them.
You will find a variety of other local products such as an assortment of Garden’s Gate cookies, locally baked muffins, brownies and date squares, Nan’s Kettle Corn and apple chips. Huron Island Time also carries a selection of Aromaki’s body butter, face and body wash and mist.
Huron Island Time (HIT) also offers rentals of Kayaks, bicycles, beach chairs, umbrellas, tubs full of beach toys.
At HIT you will find various beach items to purchase. What's that? You went to the beach without a towel? Have no fear, HIT has items and necessities for beach goers!
Friendly service awaits you!
No Hurries, no worries, Huron Island Time!
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Pampered Pet Grooming #ManitoulinSpotlight
When I lived in Toronto, my canine baby was a pampered pooch. He got groomed twice yearly and had the royal treatment. He really was a spoiled boy.
Fast forward a few years and we're no longer living in the city. We're on an island in the middle of one of the Great Lakes and in Northern Ontario! How on earth did we get here?!
Chance seems to love rural living though. He gets to run around our farm and be free as a bird. He is one very happy puppy! Okay, he's ten years old, but he looks and acts like a pup!
The only drawback of country living is that this once well-groomed city dog is now always covered in gross things and doesn't smell great at all. I will not mention what he's covered in, but we live on a cattle farm. You get the picture, right?
There isn't a day that I don't thank my lucky stars for Patti McKenzie, Pampered Pet Grooming owner and dog groomer.
No word of a lie, Patti is the most amazing person ever. She is so good with the animals and has that magic touch. I say this because my dog won't let anyone touch his paws, and Patti is always able to get him to let her do whatever she wants and needs to do to get him groomed!
You see, when Chance was a pup, an elevator incident had his paw stuck and dewclaw bleeding. Since then, nobody has been able to touch his sensitive paw. Nobody except Patti, that is!
A few years ago, he was run over by a bus and almost died. For three months, he was pretty much in a vegetative state. Crushed organs, a crushed pelvis, and no mobility, had our canine baby out of commission for a long time. It was a miracle when he all of a sudden decided to get up and start running around again! He looks and acts just like a pup still.
I thought for sure that no groomer would ever be able to touch him without his protests, but Patti seems to have the magic touch. She always sends Chance back to us looking like a brand new pup. Coat clipped down for his "Summer look", smelling fresh (the good kind of fresh, and not the "ripe" kind), and clean! He's always so happy when he comes back from the groomer's and he looks a lot lighter too!
If you're on Manitoulin Island, I highly recommend Pampered Pet Grooming. For more info, check out their Facebook page!
Fast forward a few years and we're no longer living in the city. We're on an island in the middle of one of the Great Lakes and in Northern Ontario! How on earth did we get here?!
Chance seems to love rural living though. He gets to run around our farm and be free as a bird. He is one very happy puppy! Okay, he's ten years old, but he looks and acts like a pup!
The only drawback of country living is that this once well-groomed city dog is now always covered in gross things and doesn't smell great at all. I will not mention what he's covered in, but we live on a cattle farm. You get the picture, right?
There isn't a day that I don't thank my lucky stars for Patti McKenzie, Pampered Pet Grooming owner and dog groomer.
No word of a lie, Patti is the most amazing person ever. She is so good with the animals and has that magic touch. I say this because my dog won't let anyone touch his paws, and Patti is always able to get him to let her do whatever she wants and needs to do to get him groomed!
You see, when Chance was a pup, an elevator incident had his paw stuck and dewclaw bleeding. Since then, nobody has been able to touch his sensitive paw. Nobody except Patti, that is!
A few years ago, he was run over by a bus and almost died. For three months, he was pretty much in a vegetative state. Crushed organs, a crushed pelvis, and no mobility, had our canine baby out of commission for a long time. It was a miracle when he all of a sudden decided to get up and start running around again! He looks and acts just like a pup still.
I thought for sure that no groomer would ever be able to touch him without his protests, but Patti seems to have the magic touch. She always sends Chance back to us looking like a brand new pup. Coat clipped down for his "Summer look", smelling fresh (the good kind of fresh, and not the "ripe" kind), and clean! He's always so happy when he comes back from the groomer's and he looks a lot lighter too!
That's one very happy pup!
Tuesday, July 02, 2013
Superhero Birthday Party #WordlessWednesday
What do you get when you give a bunch of kids some paint and cardboard superhero shields? Couple that with water balloons and a hunt for asteroids and unfreezing Star Wars action heroes from actual ice and you've got yourself the best birthday party of the Summer!
Let's not forget the amazing Death Star pinata!
Can't forget about the awesome Captain America birthday cake either!
Even better when the hostess is dressed like Princess Leia!
My friends did a fab job on their son's Avengers/Star Wars birthday party. Gotta love Summer birthdays! Especially when you live by the lake!
Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts! Granted, mine wasn't so "wordless" today!
We'd love to check your WW posts out!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Bee-autiful! #WordlessWednesday w/ Linky
It's that time of the year! We've got lots of strawberries in our garden!
Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts! We'd love to check them out!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Manitoulin Botanicals ~ Natural Goodness for your Body #Manitoulin #ManitoulinSpotlight
When people think of Manitoulin Island, they think of the outdoors, untouched land, and nature at its best. Many associate Manitoulin with fresh and natural food too. Our island Farmers' Markets are popular with locals and visitors alike
I recently met up with Manitoulin Botanicals to chat about the products they offer. Manitoulin Botanicals is a Canadian cosmetics business that was founded and is based in Meldrum Bay, Ontario, Canada.
I had an interesting chat learning about the products and the story behind them. I also learned more about the ingredients used and the reasoning behind it.
"Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Anything that you put on your skin goes into your bloodstream and into your organs and tissues. At Manitoulin Botanicals we choose to put only healthy natural products in our bodies.
We make beauty products that actually are natural; 100% and completely natural. Not 99% or 99.9% natural. They contain no petrochemicals, no synthetics or heavy metals, no alcohol and they are cruelty free and 100% Vegan. We use essential oils containing natural anti-oxidants that are known to keep skin healthy and looking young & naturally sourced vitamin E.
We have our ingredients list, on our site, in English, for each item, so that you can see for yourself what our products contain. If the list of the ingredients is not in English then you might not really know what you are buying.
Some companies claim that their products are 90 or 99 percent natural, but even a small percentage of impurities can be a problem. 1 part per billion of some substances is enough to cause birth defects, cancer, liver problems, skin irritations and sensitivities, allergies, to change hormone functions effecting reproductive success." - Manitoulin Botanicals
I have tried the Lavender Liquid Soap and the Orange Lip Balm. Lavender just happens to be one of my favourite scents. I love fresh lavender and lavender dried and added to my tea.
What surprised me was the consistency of the liquid soap. It wasn't as "thick" as store-bought soaps. This was much runnier than anything I had tried. The ingredients are natural and safe on the skin and for your body. There are no harmful ingredients used. It took some getting used to to adjust to the consistency. My 4 year old always uses too much soap from the dispenser, but after some practice, we figured out that we only need just a little bit of product to do the job. A little goes a long way.
I'm very pleased with the liquid hand soap as well as the Orange Lip Balm. My lips feel so soft and smooth. Plus, I love anything and everything orange-flavoured!
Here are some other Manitoulin Botanicals products:
Get some bath salts for yourself or give some as a gift.
The lip balms are also great gift items! I guarantee you'll want to get some for yourself too!
Disclosure - This is not a sponsored post. Just promoting local businesses and the island we love.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Blue Jay Creek Art Farm #ManitoulinSpotlight
On Manitoulin Island, there is a place where friendly faces greet you as you stop off to pick up your eggs and vegetables. You'll likely find people working in the garden and cultivating produce -- food that nourishes the body. Real food...straight from the garden to your table. You'll no doubt hear singing coming from the garden too. It's a magical place.
This place is Blue Jay Creek Art Farm.
"Blue Jay Creek Art Farm grows and sells tomatoes, potatoes and other art! We are a work in progress, a living art-meets-survival experiment in organic community-building. In the 'High Season' our roadside stand carries honey, organic Loon Song oats and flours, delicious jams and jellies, and seasonal fruit and vegetables from our gardens. Throughout the year we produce or host unique and original events based in wonder and reverence for All Our Relations. The Blue Jay Creek runs through the farm and brings sheer magic to this farm experience."
Blue Jay Creek Art Farm is a beautiful 100 acre farm with a pristine creek that runs through it. Aside from their roadside stand, you can find outdoor galleries and a performance venue. You'll also find dogs, cats and chickens at Blue Jay Creek Art Farm. The one thing you will note upon your first visit is how positive and welcoming the energy is at the art farm.
If you're planning a visit to Manitoulin Island (or if you are a resident of Manitoulin), make sure to visit Blue Jay Creek Art Farm! The fabulous produce will draw you in, but the friendly people will keep you coming back!
For more information, visit Blue Jay Creek Art Farm's Facebook page or their link on the Manitoulin Chamber of Commerce website here.
*Photos are property of Blue Jay Creek Art Farm
"Blue Jay Creek Art Farm grows and sells tomatoes, potatoes and other art! We are a work in progress, a living art-meets-survival experiment in organic community-building. In the 'High Season' our roadside stand carries honey, organic Loon Song oats and flours, delicious jams and jellies, and seasonal fruit and vegetables from our gardens. Throughout the year we produce or host unique and original events based in wonder and reverence for All Our Relations. The Blue Jay Creek runs through the farm and brings sheer magic to this farm experience."
Blue Jay Creek Art Farm is a beautiful 100 acre farm with a pristine creek that runs through it. Aside from their roadside stand, you can find outdoor galleries and a performance venue. You'll also find dogs, cats and chickens at Blue Jay Creek Art Farm. The one thing you will note upon your first visit is how positive and welcoming the energy is at the art farm.
If you're planning a visit to Manitoulin Island (or if you are a resident of Manitoulin), make sure to visit Blue Jay Creek Art Farm! The fabulous produce will draw you in, but the friendly people will keep you coming back!
For more information, visit Blue Jay Creek Art Farm's Facebook page or their link on the Manitoulin Chamber of Commerce website here.
*Photos are property of Blue Jay Creek Art Farm
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Eat Locally ~ #WordlessWednesday with Linky
Have you ever stopped to really look at an egg before? They're so perfect and so beautiful. Each one is so unique.
We get our eggs from Hubby's sister, who as chickens. We also get eggs from Blue Jay Creek Art Farm. For the most part, we try to grow what we can and eat and buy locally as much as we can.
Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts! We'd love to check them out!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Experience Manitoulin Island - Bayside Resort Style! #ManitoulinSpotlight
With the school year coming to a close, and kids ready for Summer, you'll no doubt want to look into cottage rentals and vacation plans for the family! I may be a bit biased, but if you're planning a road trip, Manitoulin Island should be on your bucket list!
Open year-round, Bayside Resort is a great place to stay. Bayside Resort is located close to many amenities (a short drive to the grocery store, golf course, bank, restaurants), yet tucked away enough for you to enjoy peace and quiet so you can enjoy a restful vacation.
Experience Manitoulin Island
With its white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise water, incredible fishing, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, local artists and many points of interest (Bridal Veil Falls, Cup and Saucer hiking trail, the boardwalk and beach at Providence Bay, etc), there is something for everyone to enjoy on the Island.
Bayside Resort
Open year-round, Bayside Resort is a great place to stay. Bayside Resort is located close to many amenities (a short drive to the grocery store, golf course, bank, restaurants), yet tucked away enough for you to enjoy peace and quiet so you can enjoy a restful vacation.
If you want to go fishing, there are a few packages you can consider. Boating trips are available as well. There are many activities for you to enjoy and make the most out of your visit on Manitoulin Island.
Beauty and Comfort: The Cabins
Bayside Resort has three cabins available for rent. All cabins are newly structured, with comfort and beauty in mind. The log cabins are spacious and can sleep up to six people comfortably. Each cabin also comes fully equipped with all the necessities for your stay.
You can enjoy lounging around in one of the Adirondack chairs, take a walk on the sandy beach or go for a swim! You can also sit by the fire pit or use the canoes or paddle boat.
If you're thinking of visiting Manitoulin Island and are looking for a place to stay, you'll be pleased with Bayside Resort.
For more information, visit http://www.baysideresort.ca
Contact: Phone / Fax no. (705) 859-1070
* Photos courtesy of Bayside Resort
Friday, June 07, 2013
Filipino Bistek (Beef Steak) @CanadianBeef #LoveCDNBeef
With May being the month my Lola (grandmother) passed away last year, I've found myself making a lot of Filipino dishes. We're now into the beginning of June and I find I'm still cooking a lot of Filipino food. This has totally been done unintentionally. I think it's perhaps because I really, really miss my grandmother right now. I've also been missing her cooking and by me cooking up some of the food that remind me of her, it also brings me back to my roots.
My husband and four year old daughter certainly don't mind. We had Filipino Bistek for supper tonight and it was a hit.
This is a family recipe that has been tweaked. I didn't have *calamansi (citrus fruit native to the Philippines - looks like a little lime/lemon). Since I can't get calamansi where I live, I use regular lemons. It doesn't taste quite the same as the Bistek in the Philippines, but it does the trick!
My husband and four year old daughter certainly don't mind. We had Filipino Bistek for supper tonight and it was a hit.
This is a family recipe that has been tweaked. I didn't have *calamansi (citrus fruit native to the Philippines - looks like a little lime/lemon). Since I can't get calamansi where I live, I use regular lemons. It doesn't taste quite the same as the Bistek in the Philippines, but it does the trick!
Filipino Bistek
Ingredients:
1 lb of beef sirloin, sliced thinly (about a quarter inch in thickness)
*the juice of 1 lemon, freshly squeezed
2 tbsp minced garlic (I like a lot of garlic, so I actually put in 4-5 cloves, minced)
2 large onions, cut into rings
1/2 c soy sauce
black pepper, freshly ground
cooking oil
Instructions:
- Slice beef into thin strips. Season beef with freshly ground black pepper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
- Marinate meat in soy/garlic/lemon juice mixture. Overnight is best, but if you're short on time, at least 30 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat cooking oil (enough to cover the bottom of the skillet) and stir fry the onion 'rings' until slightly soft and slightly golden. Make sure not to overcook them. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Using the same skillet you cooked the onions in, pan fry the strips of beef. It's best to cook in small batches.
- Once all the meat has been cooked, return to skillet. Let cook for a few minutes in the sauce. If you need to add more soy or lemon juice, add according to your taste. I don't like my Bistek too salty and prefer it on the sour/lemony side.
- Place beef slices on a serving plate with onion rings arranged on top of meat.
- Pour remaining sauce over Bistek and serve with rice (and whatever vegetables you'd like on the side). In true Filipino style, spoon sauce over rice and eat!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Places to Stay & Things to Do on Manitoulin Island this Summer #ManitoulinSpotlight
With the MS Chi Cheemaun sailing again and the everyone celebrating the unofficial start of Summer, you're now ready to plan on your amazing Manitoulin Island Summer vacation. Right?
I'm not lying when I say that Mantioulin Island is truly a magical place. I left Toronto in 2004 and fell in love with the Island. I've been living here for almost 10 years and love living here. Plus, being close to so many stunning beaches and lakes is pretty sweet (especially in the Summer)!
Manitoulin Inn
Turtle Creek
Auberge Inn
Buckhorn Motel
Gordon's Park
Big Buck Cottages
Hutchinson's Cabins
Meldrum Bay Inn
Manitoulin Resort
Timberlane Rustic Cottages
Fred's Camp
Sunset Bay Resort
Black Rock Resort
Rock Garden Terrace Resort
Southbay Guest House
Paradise Motel
Tehkummah Tipis
For a complete list of accommodations, visit the Our Manitoulin site.
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Other sites to peruse for planning your Manitoulin vacation are: Manitoulin Tourism, Manitoulin Island, Manitoulin Island Cottage Rentals,
If you're planning on visiting beautiful Manitoulin Island, there are many things to see and do! Be prepared to be amazed by the white sand beach at Providence Bay and the crystal clear, turquoise water of the many lakes on the Island.
Manitoulin hospitality awaits!
Ferry information can be found here.
I'm not lying when I say that Mantioulin Island is truly a magical place. I left Toronto in 2004 and fell in love with the Island. I've been living here for almost 10 years and love living here. Plus, being close to so many stunning beaches and lakes is pretty sweet (especially in the Summer)!
Places to Stay & Things to Do on Manitoulin Island this Summer
Manitoulin Island is known as an outdoor haven for those who enjoy hiking, cycling, boating, canoeing, kayaking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The Island is also fabulous for those interested in visiting museums, art galleries, farmers' markets and local shops.
Accommodations
There are many places to stay on the Island. Here are but a few of the places my friends and family have stayed at:Manitoulin Inn
Turtle Creek
Auberge Inn
Buckhorn Motel
Gordon's Park
Big Buck Cottages
Hutchinson's Cabins
Meldrum Bay Inn
Manitoulin Resort
Timberlane Rustic Cottages
Fred's Camp
Sunset Bay Resort
Black Rock Resort
Rock Garden Terrace Resort
Southbay Guest House
Paradise Motel
Tehkummah Tipis
For a complete list of accommodations, visit the Our Manitoulin site.
Places to eat
Pizzeria in South Baymouth
The Roosteraunt
Ridge's
Ridge's
The Musky Widow
Carol and Earl's
Mum's
Many more places to eat - Head over to ourmanitoulin.com for more eateries!
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Attractions
Providence Bay beach
Bridal Veil Falls
Kagawong
Cup and Saucer hiking trails
Gordon's Park Eco-Resort (stargazing, interpretive centre, edible wilds tour, and more)
Kicking Mule Ranch
Rainbow Ridge Golf Course
Rainbow Ridge Golf Course
Farmer's Markets
South Baymouth
Other
You'll want to know where to get all your necessities while on vacation. You can find gas stations in Little Current, Sheguiandah, Manitowaning, South Baymouth, Tehkummah, Mindemoya, West Bay, Kagawong, Gore Bay, etc. When coming off the ferry, your first gas station is the Shell gas station/Carl's Trading Post. The gas station at the north end of the Island (not too far from the Swing Bridge) is in Little Current.
Need groceries? Little Current and Gore Bay have Valu-Mart. There's a Freshmart in Manitowaning, and Foodland in Mindemoya and Little Current. There are also smaller stores that carry basic groceries in many of the townships.
There are I.D.A. and Guardian locations if you need a stop at a pharmacy. The stores are fully stocked with everything you need from sunscreen, cosmetics, baby and feminine products, allergy meds, etc. The gift sections also have a great selection of items. Little Current, Manitowaning, Mindemoya, Gore Bay all have pharmacies should you need to purchase any necessities there.
For a complete list of Island Businesses, click here.
Websites/Resources:
My "Go-To" site for all things Manitoulin is Our Manitoulin. Local events, accommodations, business links, and everything you need to know are all listed on the website.Other sites to peruse for planning your Manitoulin vacation are: Manitoulin Tourism, Manitoulin Island, Manitoulin Island Cottage Rentals,
If you're planning on visiting beautiful Manitoulin Island, there are many things to see and do! Be prepared to be amazed by the white sand beach at Providence Bay and the crystal clear, turquoise water of the many lakes on the Island.
Manitoulin hospitality awaits!
Ferry information can be found here.
Watch for my #ManitoulinSpotlight posts. I'll be featuring a different Manitoulin business every Monday beginning next week!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Another Reason To Visit #Manitoulin Island! #WordlessWednesday @MCWChocolate
Another Reason To Visit Manitoulin Island
Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts! We'd love to check them out!
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City girl moves to the country, falls in love, and marries a farmer. She tries to incorporate her city ways with her new country lifestyle and blogs to keep in touch with friends, family & students who live far, far away :) Can this city girl go country? Watch as she learns all sorts of exciting things about life on the farm and in a small rural community. *UPDATE* We are now parents! Our baby girl was born on Nov. 11, 2008 (at 28 weeks gestation- 12 weeks premature, but she's quite the trooper)!!!
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