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About Me

Basic Information

Gender
Female
Hometown
Vancouver, BC
About me
Karen (aka Scattered Mom) has been passionate about food since the 1970s, when she created tasty treats from her Easy Bake oven. Literally thrown into the kitchen at the tender age of 21 when she became foster Mom to 4 teenagers, it was pretty much a do or die situation.

Her specialty? Cookies. Her real passion? Writing. Put them together with a marriage to a guy 20 years older, their own teenager, and life on the West Coast of Canada, and you have her blog, Notes from the Cookie Jar.
About my kid(s)
Kevin, our 15 year old, is dreaming of a future as a computer technician. He is known for designing websites for friends, writing software, and answering people's computer problems.

He's also bigger than me AND Hubs and is eating us out of house and home. Help!

Contact Information

State / Province
BC
City / Town
Vancouver
Country
Canada
Website
http://notesfromthecookiejar.com

Social

Twitter
http://twitter.com/scatteredmom
Scattered Mom
Scattered Mom
Out picking blackberries. YUM!
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  • Sunday, 14 October 2007 10:33
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1 month ago
gailslistawish and buckinghamnicks are now friends
Jan 03
littlemissmocha Comfort and joy. ; )
Dec 26
gailslistawish and triciamarie73 are now friends
Dec 20
littlemissmocha and triciamarie73 are now friends
Dec 20
littlemissmocha Getting so close to being done, but the days are going by as fast as I'm getting things done, lol! eek!
Dec 16
littlemissmocha WOW! So many new members! Hope to see you in the forum, say hello and jump in anywhere - nice to get to know everyone a little better!
Dec 15
2 months ago
gailslistawish and MelaBella28 are now friends
Nov 30
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3 months ago
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Oct 20
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littlemissmocha and forevertrust are now friends
Oct 19
littlemissmocha added a new wall post in the group, Blissdom Canada 2011
We loved coming out and seeing everyone in Toronto at Blissdom Canada! Wasn't it such an amazing thing to spend time together? Thanks to each of you
Oct 17
littlemissmocha Back from Blissdom Canada and in full recovery mode. Arms full of kiddies, head full of ideas, body full of exhaustion. ; )
Oct 17
kimbplatt It's been a while since I've logged on to Everything Mom! Have recently changed the name of my business from EverythingEco.ca to Jaxi 192 Gifts to better reflect my focus on selling funky gifts. Have listed my jewelry for sale on an e-commerce site called Bonanza (web address is: www.bonanza.com/booths/jaxi192gifts). Have lots of new scrabble necklaces in - including Justin Bieber and Bono.
Oct 13
littlemissmocha added a new wall post in the group, Blissdom Canada 2011
Have landed in Toronto a day early for Blissdom Canada! So excited to see the rest of the EverythingMom team - did you know we come from all over Can
Oct 12
4 months ago
littlemissmocha added a new wall post in the group, Blissdom Canada 2011
I'm getting so excited! In 48 hours I will be in Toronto, and ready to get things in gear for Blissdom Canada events starting Thursday! I've been
Oct 10

Wall

CA
CA,
But now that you know it's in NY, you have plenty of time to get someone to sponsor your travel! I really want to go, but I'm such an introvert I'm worried I'd spend most of my time hyperventilating!
Scattered MomScattered Mom on Monday, 27 July 2009 18:15

I think a group of Everything Mom-ers should go together. :P

Saturday, 25 July 2009 22:08
 
jenaferlm
oooh tell me the fix!!!
Sunday, 19 July 2009 23:09
 
Michelle
Scheduling posts is all set up now! :)
Scattered MomScattered Mom on Friday, 19 June 2009 03:03

Yay! Thanks, Michelle! :)

Friday, 19 June 2009 01:08
 
Scattered Mom
Oh I like this new wall...
Wednesday, 17 June 2009 22:19
 
giftof2
I can't seem to find you blog on Teacher's gifts. Can you post a link?
Sunday, 31 May 2009 08:44
 
CA
CA,
so mom influencer and mom central cdn blog tour. Are you following me or am I following you? LOL
Saturday, 30 May 2009 06:30
 
CA
CA,
nice new profile pic (not that the hamster picture wasn't cute..really) Happy rainy Wednesday.
Tuesday, 26 May 2009 22:15
 
CA
CA,
all I can say is, thank goodness for summer camp! LOL How's the trip planning going. Get to book my Disney dining meals tomorrow. Woohoo
Sunday, 24 May 2009 08:14
 
CA
CA,
Thanks. I don't know what my 2YO has but it's been at her off and on all week. I hope she feels better soon.
Saturday, 23 May 2009 02:03
 
bitofmomsense
Sorry you missed the giveaway! I hope to do more soon ;)
Friday, 08 May 2009 06:41
 
Scattered Mom
Yep, veggie in bed are a bad idea. :)
Friday, 24 April 2009 05:48
 
polkadotbliss
now THAT is a better idea...i couldn't make anything that looked near so yummy :) and btw...chocolate b4 bed = sweet dreams...nightmares are only caused by such things as carrots before bed. true story.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009 12:17
 
Scattered Mom
Hey you're always welcome to raid the cookie jar at MY house. :)
Monday, 20 April 2009 10:41
 
polkadotbliss
gee...thanks so much for the yummy-looking pics...now i find myself raiding the cupboards looking for a tasty treat. luckily i'm too lazy just now to whip something together...my hips are thankful:)i'll be all over your blog!
Sunday, 19 April 2009 11:39
 
Michelle
Welcome - great to see you here, looking forward to reading your blog! Thanks for your kind words and support. :)
Sunday, 19 April 2009 00:46
 

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Blog Title: Random Mommy Musings

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February 9th, 2012

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What’s Cooking? – Savory Oven Fries

February 8th, 2012

photo

Savory Oven Fries

Savory Oven Fries
Adapted from this recipe

3 large russet potatoes
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
Fresh ground pepper and salt to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Slice potatoes into fries and place them in a large ziploc bag. Add spices and olive oil. Squish around until all fries are covered in oil/spice mixture. Spread in a single layer on the parchment papered pan(s). Bake in the oven for around 30 – 40 minutes (depends on how big you cut the fries).

Serves 4.

Wednesday Wisdom : Organization

February 8th, 2012

Organization is not an option; it is a fundamental survival skill and distinct competitive advantage.

— Pam N. Woods

Michelle's Signature



Through the eyes of a two year old

February 8th, 2012

What’s Cooking Wednesdays: Mad About Macarons

February 8th, 2012

I recently became obsessed with learning how to make French Macarons after reading an article in the newspaper about how these delicate cookies are all the rage for 2012. The article featured a few local companies that make and sell macaroons including one woman who offers classes. I seriously considered taking the class but then I decided that the fees would be better spent elsewhere such as ingredients and supplies and who knows what else I could squeeze out of $100.

I consulted with my sister in law who has a passion for all things food related and happen to beat me to French Macaron Making 101. Already having taken a class last year, she happily dispensed advice and lent me a handy little how to book : Macarons – Authentic French Cookie Recipes from the MacarON Cafe by Cecile Cannone.

Thanks to Cannone’s detailed instructions and tips from my sister in law, my first attempt at making French Macarons was somewhat of a success.

Pretty cute looking cookies eh? Let me tell you, as good as they look and taste, French macarons are a lot of work and require patience! You have been warned.

Making the batter was fairly easy, especially if you’re using the French recipe that Cannone provides. If you have experience beating egg whites (eg. mastered the art of baking chiffon cake), you will not have trouble making the macaron batter. The Italian version is more difficult as it involves mixing hot, temperature sensitive sugar syrup into the egg whites. That just spells disaster in my book.

While not overly challenging, I did find it tedious cutting my parchment paper to fit my pans (so it stays flat) and tracing evenly spaced circles on a sheet  of paper to use as a template. Cannone suggests drawing 2 1/4 inch circles but that seemed large to me so I went with 2 inch circles spaced 1 inch apart.

I don’t have much experience with using pastry bags. Piping out the macaron batter is something I need to work on. I didn’t have a #8 tip (as suggested by Cannone) so I used a #12. As you can see, I have a problem with air bubbles.

After piping out the macarons, Cannone suggests letting them sit and rest for 15-30 minutes. Doing this helps the macarons develop high “feet” during the first few minutes of baking.

Once your macarons have “rested”, it’s time for baking. Apparently, gas stoves are macarons worst enemies but I did not find mine to be a problem. I know my stove runs on the hotter side, therefore I adjusted the baking time from 14 minutes to 12 minutes.

Because I was only able to throw in one batch of cookies at a time, the baking time alone was about 1 hour and 15 minutes! This is what I meant by needing patience. If you are a multi-tasker you can prepare the batter for the buttercream filling in between baking and checking on the macaron shells.

After the shells are cooled and the filling is prepared (which of course being buttercream requires time to chill), you can finally put your macarons together. Along with the two basic French and Italian macaron recipes, Cannone also provides several different filling recipes including chocolate ganache and variations of buttercream. I chose to make the more basic vanilla buttercream filling. From experience, my tip would be to make the filling one day ahead or before you start the macaron shells.

Despite spending hours preparing, baking and filling the macarons,  you won’t be able to indulge and taste them right away. Although it is extremely difficult, you should pack your cookies in an air tight container and place in the fridge overnight (minimum). Taste better that way? I can’t remember why but I did wait until the next day to sink my teeth into one of the cookies.

While I enjoyed my foray in baking French Macarons, it’s safe to say I won’t be making these again anytime soon. These are beautiful cookies and they certainly did not disappoint in taste but I must reiterate that they are a lot of work. My obsession about learning to make macarons is now out of my system (for the time being).

If you want to try your hand at making French Style macarons, I highly recommend purchasing Cannone’s book. Before my sister in law lent me the recipe book, I was planning to try Martha Stewart’s recipe which is available for online for free (always a good thing). While I can’t attest to the results of the MS recipe, it has received positive feedback by other bakeaholics.

Have fun!

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Ninja Paratroopers {Valentines For Boys}

February 8th, 2012

The Valentine’s Parties at school are Friday.  The rowdiest party of the year in elementary school and I’m not entirely certain we will be up for it.

Sadly, A.P. has been barking like a seal with croup all week, and has passed it on to Maybelle.  Absence does not exempt children from providing a fun little treat to their class though, so I need to be prepared.

I like to give something other than candy for Valentine’s Day; mainly so there is none left over in my house that I end up eating.

This year we found some 8 year old boy approved valentines, which is not always easy.  It involves ninjas.

Of course I saw it on Pinterest, and got all of the instructions from Supermom Moments.

Then I didn’t follow them.  The fact that I am thinking outside the box {of store bought Valentines} is impressive enough, I figure.

 

A.P. liked the ninja paratroopers from Kent Novelty better than the regular ones, so they’re a lot smaller.

I didn’t use cardstock, like she suggested, I just used regular paper.

They are going to be torn into like, well, Valentines on Valentine’s Day.  I also just used regular snack bags.  I experimented with other forms of fastening {stapling, taping, etc} and that was the best option given the materials available in my house.

They are still cute though.

What are your kids bringing for Valentine’s Day?

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Wordless Wednesday

February 8th, 2012

Home sick from school with a cold, relaxing in a Snuggie




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What's been happening over at Yummy Mummy Club?

-Should sugar be regulated like alcohol?  Some scientists think so.  I disagree.  Hop on over and weigh in!

-Since I started my new job that has me outside running around playing Frisbee golf, running and being active, I've had to pack myself a better lunch.  Find out my lunch tips for parents!

Exclusive recipes:


Guinness Beans


These Guinness Beans are a huge favourite in our house, with my teenager declaring them the best beans he's ever eaten.  The bonus is that they are cooked in the slowcooker, which makes things SO easy.


Chicken, Bacon, Arugula Sandwich


We're also big sandwich fans-I made these chicken and bacon sandwiches with arugula mayo over Christmas holidays, and they were declared the very best ever.  Lots of amazing flavour!  You could make your own mayo, or just buy some for a short cut.  Whatever you do, you have to make them!

If you are looking for a way to spice up your carrots for a side dish, you have to make these cumin and citrus roasted carrots.  Topped with lemon and clementines, they are a favourite in our house with roasted meats and in a delicious salad that will be up on Chasing Tomatoes this week.

Check out the new Becel Heart Healthy Prize Pack.  Make a pledge and you could win a prize pack worth $1800!

The winner for that gift certificate for Carderos or the Painted Boat has been chosen, I'm just waiting for an email back so I can confirm before I announce.  

Happy Wednesday!  Only a few more days and then Kevin and I are off to motorcycle school...and I'll be blogging the entire thing.
beach glass


I discovered the ocean on a sunny day in Whiterock when I was young. The surf crashed as I dipped my child's hands into the salty water and let it carry sand from my fingers, dripping and dropping like soft ice cream from the machine at Dairy Queen on a summer's day. Growing up in the Interior of BC, all I had known up until that point were freshwater lakes where we ice fished in the winter, or avoided the weeds while we swam in the summer. This was new-and I loved it.

Years later, I finally made my way back to the salty blue of the ocean I loved so much. On my honeymoon John and I slept in a tiny cabin on Fitzroy Island, so close to the water that we could hear the surf as it tossed the bits of dead coral on the beach.  At 22, I learned how to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef and among the colorful fish and feather tube worms reaching for their next meal, I learned how small I was in the expanse of our world's oceans.  I was hooked.

Ever since, I've lived by the ocean.  In Campbell River we were never far from sea wall where one can stand and watch orcas swimming through the Strait of Georgia on their yearly migration, or summer cruise ships float silently by on their way to Alaska.  Kevin grew up playing in tidal pools year round as we sought the sun and surf of Miracle Beach in the summer, and scoured the sand for unique shells in the winter.  On scorching hot days we sought the cool breezes near the docks where tugboats moored, sipping cold drinks and dipping our toes into the water.

Kevin grew, and life became more complicated.  Despite my love of the ocean and where we lived, I yearned to live in a place where I didn't have to fight so hard for Kevin to be understood.  Shortly before we left, I took Kevin back to the beach one last time to say goodbye.  As we wandered around a boat launch staring out into the blue and wondering if we'd ever be back, something caught my eye.  At first I wasn't sure they were real but as I turned them over in my hand, I realized that they were.  Tiny abalone shells, picked clean by scavengers with their mother of pearl interior glinting in the sun were at my feet, just waiting to be scooped up and carried home.  Silently, I bent and one by one, put them in my pocket.

"These are a sign," I thought.  "A sign that things will get better.  Even though I found Kevin curled in the corner of his room sobbing, and I don't think life can be much worse than right now, it's a sign."

The shells were tucked away in a box, brought to our new home on the Sunshine Coast, and forgotten.

In our new home, we can see the ocean from our kitchen, but it's not quite the same.  Finally safe from the drama that had wrought both Kevin and I so much stress, we found ourselves walking along yet another sea walk.  As I stopped to sit for a moment to enjoy the view, Kevin dug through the pebbles that surrounded us, smoothed by the ocean waves' constant motion.

"Hey Mom, look!"  In his hand were tiny bits of glass, smoothed at the edges.  Blue, amber, green, and white- the area was rife with tiny pieces here and there.  We dug for hours on that beach, picking up bits and exclaiming over each new treasure.  On one particular day when I was feeling down, I took those bits of glass and set them in a jar in my bathroom. The sun glinted through the glass, illuminating the colors and each time I looked at it, I reminded myself that it was a sign.

Each little piece of glass was a shard of hope.  Things will get better, I promised myself.  They already are better.

We've changed so much since those days, and so many wonderful things have happened.  I discovered blogging, and found myself.  My son has grown into an amazing young man who I'm fiercely proud of.  John and I are happier than ever.  I found an amazing soul that I have become very close friends with, who when I visit, we trek down the road from her house by the ocean.  We climb over rocks and logs, and of late, have heart to hearts about the future.  Cancer. How much time there is, and how many more walks by the ocean we will have. Conversations that you never dream you will have with your best friend, but there it is. Cancer has the tendency to steer friendships into waters you never dreamed you'd ever find yourselves in.

Recently we walked, and at one point I stopped briefly to look out at the expanse of blue before us, the waves crashing while the sunlight turned the water into a million sparkles. For a brief second I closed my eyes and listened.

Water lapped gently at the shore.  Seagulls screeched.  I could hear her footsteps as she trudged through the smooth pebbles on the shore.  As the salty wind whipped my hair, I made a wish for something I've never wished for before, but that has increasingly become more important to me as 2012 rolls by.  I wished for moments just like this one - a simple walk by the ocean with the friend I love, and time.  Oh, if only time were a tangible thing I could pick up off the beach. 

As I turned to go, something green caught my eye. A large piece of sea glass - rare to find, really, was right at my feet.  My fingers ran over the smooth surface as I tucked it into my pocket, and later into my wallet to carry with me through 2012, where ever I may be to remind me specifically, of that moment by the ocean.

Somehow, someone knew that this year I needed a really big shard of hope.
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