MerryMaker

Good morning MerryMakers! What are you up to this weekend? Can you believe that we’re at month 4 of COVID here in NS? Some days it still feels like a bad dream. But it’s been important for me to keep busy. On top of working full time and being my son’s French immersion teacher, I dove into my love of cooking, and made more time for creativity. I’ve shared many of my culinary adventures with my MerryMakers in hopes of inspiring others to try some new things. Things like bread... and donuts were always intimidating to me. But while we were under isolation orders I figured I had nothing to lose...and lots of time to keep trying. I also did some knitting and after finding some painted rocks in my neighbourhood I decided I wanted to try doing some of my own to bring smiles to others while out walking and contemplating our new reality. Little did I know how addictive it would be. I hope you’ve found inspiration in some of my Making adventures. I’d love to see what you’ve been up to and hear how you’re doing. Although it’s true that this too shall pass, it’s been a scary time in the world and so much has changed. It’s important to find things that bring you joy, give you a mental break from the news, keep you engaged and spread a little joy. Stay safe and find ways to stay Merry. #MerryMaker #BeStrong

Happy Tuesday Merry Makers! I absolutely had to share this recipe! On Sunday I was making a pulled pork in my slow cooker and realized an hour before it would be ready that I had no buns. I had recently pinned a burger bun recipe to my baking board in Pinterest. So I found the recipe and gathered everything I’d need to whip them up. It claimed to only take 40 minutes, so the challenge was on! Well... these were The BEST hamburger buns I’ve ever had!! I will never buy store bo...ught buns again! Soft and sweet and absolute perfection! I highly recommend you make them for your next burger meal. You won’t be sorry! (Tip: if you make them don’t just form into balls and cook that way... if you want to avoid them being the size and shape of a softball like my first batch were, roll into balls then flatten them a bit before they rise. Then flatten a little again just before egg wash and putting them in the oven.) If you try the recipe let me know what you think! https://onesweetappetite.com/40-minute-hamburger-buns/ #HappyBaking #SmellOfFreshBread #MerryMaker See more

Happy Tuesday Merry Makers! As you know I’ve started painting rocks and hiding them in local neighbourhoods for others to find and hide (or keep if they want). It’s become such a relaxing activity for me. And my son loves hiding them. We’ve joined a couple of local Facebook groups that people post their finds to so that we can watch for people finding them. It brings me an immense amount of pride and happiness when my rocks are found and shared. I love that something I get so much enjoyment out of is putting a smile on someone else’s face. So if you’re out for a walk and notice a painted rock, share it on Facebook. People are watching and waiting to see them!! #SackvilleRocks #HalifaxRocks #MakeMerry #RockArt

Hi Merry Makers. I’m sorry it’s been so long since the last post... 2020 has certainly taken a turn. Like most everyone else, I’m staying home with my family. Working, trying to teach my son - with the added complexity of him being in French immersion and I don’t speak more than grade 9 French. But we’re making it work. I have been trying to find fun activities for us. We’ve done some rock painting, drawing, cooking and baking, mask making. All while trying to stay safe, and... stay calm. Being productive and creative is what helps me stay calm. Here are some of our creations over the last couple of months. I’d love to see what you’ve all been creating while staying safe at home. Please note that although it’s not pictured here... there have been lots of tears and breakdowns by everyone. It hasn’t been all calmness and crafting. But we’re getting through it one day at a time. Stay safe. #MerryMaker #Crafting #Baking #Calm #Zen #StayHome

We can do this. Please like this page and share. Everyone needs to #stayhome https://www.facebook.com/stepupnotout/