Puppy Love

07 Tuesday May 2013

Tags

CityLine, getting a puppy, Havanese, HomeSense, Land's End, Pet Smart, Puppy, puppy love

We recently added a new family member to our home. His name is Murphy and he has filled our hearts with puppy love!

I recently did a segment on Cityline about what you need for a new puppy. Murphy made his TV debut during the segment and to say he was popular is an understatement! So, I thought that I would dedicate this post to our boy Murphy.

Murphy is a Havanese and will grow to be about 10-14 lbs. This is perfect for us as we travel quite a bit and he will be small enough to come on an airplane with us.

We are having lots of fun with him. But remember, if you are thinking of getting a puppy it is a huge responsibility. Definitely do your homework and give it serious thought before you get one! It has been said that a puppy/dog is like having a baby and then a 2 year old for the next 15 years…there are definite parallels!

Enjoy the pictures of Murphy and thank you to all who sent such kind emails about him!

~ Shoana

Spring has Sprung at HomeSense!

08 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by shoanajensen in Around Town

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

acrylic prints, Decorating, HomeSense, outdoor furniture, patio season, shopping, spring decor, style, summer decor

Colour, colour, colour! That’s what it is all about at HomeSense for the Spring/Summer season… and I love it!

I was recently at the HomeSense product preview. Here is a peek of the many goodies that will be hitting their stores this season. I have already spotted some of them at my local HomeSense. So, it won’t be long until they are all there!

Happy shopping!

~ Shoana

Colour…

More colour!

Don’t be afraid of a big piece in colour; if you love it!

I’m still not over chevrons!

Hello pretty entrance table.

Can’t go wrong with black & white photo art.

These are prints on acrylic. Equestrian is very in right now.

These are printed on acrylic. Equestrian is very in right now.

The bottom of this lamp is all shells!

For all the romantics out there.

I LOVE these for a patio or balcony! Yes, please!

2 mojitos, please!

Love all of the coloured glass.

The picture on the bottom right is by a great Canadian artist Lindsay Stephenson. Her company is The Penny Paper Co... co cute!

The picture on the bottom right is by a great Canadian artist, Lindsay Stephenson. Her company is The Penny Paper Co. So cute!

That little frog with the shopping bags belongs in my office. I am totally crushing on him!

The print of little frog with the shopping bags belongs in my office. I am totally crushing on him!

* Note that HomeSense did not pay me for this post. I am just looking to share the joy.

Cinna-bunnies!

27 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by shoanajensen in Entertaining, In the Kitchen, What's cooking *New

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

baking, breakfast, bunnies, bunny, bunny ears, children treat, cinna-bunnies, cinnamon, cinnamon roll, Cinnamon rolls, dessert, Easter, easter time, food, kid friendly, Pillsbury, treat

Want a fun, little treat around Easter time? How about making cinna-bunnies? They are super easy and will put a smile on the face of everyone; big or small.

Happy Easter and Happy Baking!

~Shoana

You will need a package of ready to bake cinnamon rolls, knife & cookie sheet.

After you separate each cinnamon roll, place half on the cookie sheet. With the help of a knife unroll another cinnamon roll.

After you separate each cinnamon roll, place half on the cookie sheet. With a knife, unroll the other half of cinnamon rolls.

You will have a straight line of dough once it is unrolled... like this.

Once unrolled, you will have a straight line of dough.

Cut the dough in half.

Put a small slit in the top of the intact cinnamon roll.

Fold each half of the straight dough in half to create the bunny ears and tuck them into the slit so they bake together.

Fold the smaller, cut pieces of straight dough in half to create the bunny ears and tuck them into the slit, so they bake together.

I added dried cherry pieces (you could use raisons) and almond slivers to give my bunnies eyes and teeth... That's it! Toss them into the oven and in minuets you will have a easter treat!

I added dried cherry pieces (or raisins) and almond slivers to give my bunnies eyes and teeth. Put them in the oven and cook according to the package baking instructions. In minutes, you will have a fun, tasty Easter treat!

Easter String Eggs

23 Saturday Mar 2013

Posted by shoanajensen in House & Home, Television

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

CityLine, craft, Decorate, DYI, Easter, easter eggs, Easy craft, holiday decor, paper mache, string eggs

Here is a super easy Easter decor craft you can do on your own or with the kids.

String eggs

You will need:

Sugar

Water

Embroidery string (or any other type of natural fibre string)

Balloons of different sizes (I used water balloons)

A bowl

Make a stiffener mixture:

In a medium pot, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water and heat until the sugar dissolves. Quick Tip: You can also boil water with a kettle.

Cool the sugar mixture, so you don’t burn your fingers when you dip the thread.

Slowly coil a string into the mixture and gently press it into the liquid.

Take an inflated balloon and wrap the sticky string around it making sure to wipe off the excess liquid.

Let dry for 24 hours.

Once it is completely dry pop the balloon. If any of the ballon sticks to the string pull them off with a pin or tweezers.

Paper-mâché Nest

Step 1: Tightly cover the outside of a small bowl with plastic wrap then flip it upside down onto wax paper. In another container, mix equal parts water and clear glue.

Step 2: Dip handfuls of shredded paper (I used paper lunch bags) into the glue mixture, then immediately lay them on the bowl; until covered.

Step 3: Let dry for 12 hours then carefully pull the wrap off the bowl and away from the nest.

Here is the link to the how to video.

http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/2228715950001.000000/diy-string-eggs-and-papier-mache-nest/

Happy crafting!

~ Shoana

Easy & Organized Grocery Shopping

19 Tuesday Mar 2013

Posted by shoanajensen in Around Town, Organizing

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

budgeting, groceries, Grocery list, grocery shopping, home show, meal planning, National Home Show, organizing

A big thank you to all those who attended my presentation, at the National Home Show, today! It was a lot of fun. As promised, here is the printable to help you organize your grocery shopping and keep you on budget.

If you didn’t make it to the Home Show… of course, feel free to use the printable, too.

Thanks again!

Happy meal planning and shopping!

~ Shoana

Click here to print it - Grocery Shopping List

National Home Show – Come on Down!

15 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by shoanajensen in Around Town

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Canada Blooms, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, CBCF, National Home Show, organizing, Toronto Home Show, yard sale for the cure

It’s official! I am thrilled to announce that I have been asked to present on the main stage at the National Home Show in Toronto on Tuesday, March 19^th, at 2pm. I will be giving my tips and advice on how to help organize your home and life. I will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

The National Home Show will also be celebrating the 4th anniversary of Yard Sale for the Cure on CBCF Day! Some of you may remember that last year I helped to promote the Yard Sale for the Cure, at their media event. It’s a great way to give back to the community and de-clutter your home.

So, on Tuesday, March 19th, come on down to the National Home Show. Get inspired by some unique ideas from great presenters and throw your own Yard Sale for the Cure!

See you this Tuesday!!

~ Shoana

There is a bonus for those who are feeling the itch to get into your gardens… Canada Blooms is on the same time!!

Here is the line up of all the amazing presenters that will be at the National Home Show all week http://www.nationalhomeshow.com/NHS/AtTheShow/3.aspx

Target is Here!

06 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by shoanajensen in Around Town

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Archer Farms, Gida, Housewares, Milton Mall, Nat Burkus, shopping, Target, Target Canada, Target Canada opening, Threshold

Today was the first day that Target opened stores in Canada (YAY!). Specifically, the Milton, Fergus & Guelph, Ontario locations. Although Target did a “soft opening” at these stores, it was no less exciting to walk through the doors.

To sum it up, I loved it! They have a fantastic selection of quality products. So, will you find prices to be like those in the U.S? Not so much. I found the prices to be fair and on par with other retailers selling comparable product in Canada. That being said and in typical Target fashion, your will find a clean, bright store, with helpful staff, wide aisles and unique selections; all the things that made us envious of our shoppers south of the border.

I took a ton of pictures for those of you who are curious, can’t bare to battle the crowds or aren’t near one of the “soft open” stores and are dying to see what they have. Bare with my photography, I had to take them quickly between people walking by.

Happy shopping!

~ Shoana

Tip – If you want to see the images larger, just click on one of them and then scroll though that way.

: Target Canada

: No problem! We are just happy you are letting us in!

: A full Starbucks

: Oh yes, Nate is here!

: Here he is again!

: His coveted Turtle Shell was in stock

: I really liked this red mirror

: Curtain Panels

: Curtain Panels

: Curtain Panels

: Pretty shower curtains

: What colour is your bathroom? They have it!

: Lots of bedding sets

: Pintuck bedspread sets in a handfull of pretty colours

: Nice ottoman

: I really liked this cabinet

: Here it is in black too

: This is a cool side table

: Loved these end tables $79.99 each

: X Bench for $79.99

: Lots of things to show your pride

: Even more to show your pride

: Archer Farms is their own brand

: Organic and free trade coffee for a great price!

: Soem of you might notice that is around the price we are use to

: There is a decent grocery section too.

: Lots of bins for lots of organizing

: I like how they aren’t boring

: Love this colour

: Baskets for everything!

: This great trunk was $119

: A feeder for little birdie friends!

: Lots of candles to choose from

: Pretty Candle holders

: These hurricanes are really classic

: I am crazy about these… I should have bought them

: Lamps, lamps and more lamps!

: This runner is $34.99

: I wish I had a space for this rug – $99.99

: Need a tech case?

: Summer is coming!

: Accessories

: Accessories

: I love these

: Pretty Mirror

: Colourful frames

: I could happily fill this cookie jar… then empty it!

: Can’t go wrong with white

: These are cute

: Root wood bowls

: Root wood serving platters

: Gida is here too!

: A big selection of natural cleaners! It was so good to see! My favourite and hard to find brand is here in full force!

: They are still stocking up!

: Page protectors at a great price… right up my ally!

: The stationary section

: Pretty laser cut cards

: Current patterns make for pretty cards

: There is always someone to thank!

: The accessories that were out looked great

: What a classic shoe for the warm weather

* Note that Target did not pay me for this post. I am just looking to share the joy.

Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Soup

25 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by shoanajensen in In the Kitchen, What's cooking *New

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

chickpeas, dairy free, easy dinner, easy recipe, healthy soup, martha stewart, one pot dinner, one pot meal, quick, quick dinner, soup, tomato soup, vegetable broth, vegetable soup, vegetarian, vegetarian dinner, vegetarian soup, weeknight dinner

Here is a favorite recipe of mine that is super filling, very healthy and tasty. How can you beat that combo?

I make it with chicken broth. But, to make it completely vegetarian use vegetable broth.

It has chickpeas in it. But trust me, you will never know they are in there. We are all health conscious, so be sure to rinse your chickpeas to remove excess sodium that is in the can. As well, rinse the red peppers to remove the oil that they are jared in.

I personally don’t bother with the sour cream; I prefer it to be dairy free. But, the option is there for those of you who would love a dollop on top.

Bon Appetite!

~ Shoana

If you would like to print this recipe to jeep here is the link to a printable page – Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Soup

I originally got this recipe from Martha Stewart. Here is the link to the original recipe if you prefer the Martha way. http://www.marthastewart.com/353560/spiced-chickpea-and-tomato-soup

Recipe – Shepherd’s Pie

08 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by shoanajensen in In the Kitchen, What's cooking *New

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

busy night, casserole, comfort food, cooking, dinner, food, make ahead, mushrooms, shepherd s pie, Shepherd's Pie

For me, Shepherd’s Pie is one of my ultimate comfort foods and is a must during the cooler months… like right now. This is my favourite recipe and I have been making it for so long. I have no idea where I got it from… but it is GOOD!

It isn’t the quickest meal to make, so don’t tackle it on a busy night. But, you can make it on the weekend to enjoy that night or put it in the fridge to bake it a day or two. Really, by baking it you are just warming it up as the dish is already cooked.

I like that this one has so many mushrooms. It cuts down on the amount of meat that you use; which is better for you and your wallet.

Enjoy!

~Shoana

*You can print the recipe from this link if you would like.

Shepherd’s Pie

Recipe – Penne with Shrimp, Feta, and Spring Vegetables

04 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by shoanajensen in In the Kitchen, What's cooking *New

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

asparagus, company, cooking, dinner, feta, food, one pot, penne, recipe, shrimp, snow peas, spring vegetables, week night

I love this recipe! It just might be one of my all-time favourites. For me, it covers all of the bases – easy, one pot (less dishes), quick & tastes great! It is also a great company pleaser. That’s a win in my books!

I know that the recipe name has “spring vegetables”, but I make this year round. In my area, I am lucky to be able to find the veggies all year.

I originally got the recipe, like many of my favourites, from Martha Stewart. But, no offence to Martha, I do tweak them a bit for my taste. I added the link along the bottom in case you would like to do it the Martha way

Enjoy!

~Shoana

*You can print the recipe from this link if you would like.

Penne with Shrimp, Feta, and Spring Vegetables

Shoana Jensen

~ Everyday extraordinary.

Puppy Love

Spring has Sprung at HomeSense!

Cinna-bunnies!

Easter String Eggs

Here is a super easy Easter decor craft you can do on your own or with the kids.

String eggs

Paper-mâché Nest

Easy & Organized Grocery Shopping

National Home Show – Come on Down!

Target is Here!

Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Soup

Recipe – Shepherd’s Pie

Recipe – Penne with Shrimp, Feta, and Spring Vegetables

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Here is a super easy Easter decor craft you can do on your own or with the kids.

String eggs

Paper-mâché Nest

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