One of the Cupcakes

I Love Being A Tourist

2013-08-08T18:09:00.001-04:00

My parents are visiting for a month. So we thought it would be fun to stay downtown in a hotel. It gives the boys a chance to play in the pool and a chance to become a tourist in our own town.
Over the next few weeks I will be providing reviews of any restaurants or fun family events that we attend.
I have to tell you about the Mill St. Brew Pub.
This place has it all and is a MUST stop if you are in Ottawa.
It's difficult to say what is the best part about this place, because its all great.
The location is historic and picturesque.
The staff are so friendly and accommodating. Thanks to Jeff the bartender for making my favorite drink.
The food is fabulous. Large portions. Even the children menu items are huge.
Then theres the beer. That's my dads department, and he says they have some winners. Strong and flavourful, especially a pint of Palomar with hints of chipotle.
It's very family friendly and spacious enough for large crowds.
I can't say enough about this place. I was super impressed by everything and unfortunately that doesn't happen often.
Not that I am hard to please, but I am particular when it comes to a night out.
Stop by the next time you are in Ottawa.
I think you'll love it too!

http://ottawa.millstreetbrewpub.ca/

Summer Beauty Faves

2013-07-30T09:24:00.001-04:00

During the summer months I tend to go light on the makeup. Well I go light on the makeup all year round really. In the summer though I prefer quick simple makeup tricks that look like I have spent a lot of time and also take a few years off.
I have found a few products lately to be my favorites.

My absolute favorite product is by Juice Beauty and it's their CC cream in Natural Glow.   It is a 12 in 1 beauty product. It claims to repair damage, even tone, reduces fine lines, create radiance and and lots more and has SPF 30. I love this! I use it all over my face and I do feel radiant they were right!

Then I lightly dust MakeUp Forever's HD High Definition Power, just over my nose, eyelids and forehead.

Next is Nars blush. Love Nars products. Love!   The Nars blush I currently use is Deep Throat, but I also use Orgasm. Wouldn't be my first choice in names, but hey, works for them!

I use inexpensive eye pencils from the drugstore. I find if my lids are primed well the pencils stay in place. I am currently using Annabelle Kohl pencil #156 Rhone.

Eyebrow...I have never paid any attention to my eyebrows before. Now that I do, I realize what a mistake that was all those years. It is true what they say, that eyebrows really do frame your face.

My issue too is in the summer my hair, including eyebrows go very blonde. So I have found a great pencil just to enhance them a little.   It is also by Annabelle #010 taupe. I find it is a great blonde and I don't end up looking like Groucho Marx!

Nars lipgloss has to be my secret obsession. Love love love. I can't rave about it enough. My favorite for the summer is always Greek Holiday. Its light, with a bit of gold, it's shimmery, sparkly and yummy and full of gorgeousness!

As for eyelashes, I have short little stubby ones so I am always looking. I think I have tried them all from Dior to Covergirl. Right now, Covergirl wins with their Lashblast Volume mascara.

Seriously considering lash extensions but since they only last 2-4 weeks I am not sure I can justify the cost. Knowing I will soon become addicted!

Last but not least, High Beam by Benefit. This is a wonderful highlighter. Just brush on cheeks and brow bones and be prepared to be tranformed. They call it 'Supermodel in a bottle'. I would agree with this statement. You certainly end up a radiant, dewy glow.

I will post links for all products later, but for now I must run. My son needs to show me how great his Pokemon is doing.

Being a mom can be so hard!

Have a great day lovelies!

As promised, here are the links for my beauty "hits", as of today anyway. ;-)

http://www.murale.ca/1447-NARS_Lip-Gloss.aspx
www.murale.ca/9504-Juice-Beauty_Stem-Cellular-Repair-CC-Cream.aspx
www.murale.ca/5249-Nars_NARS-Blush.aspx
www.murale.ca/5732-Benefit-Cosmetics_high-beam.aspx
www.sephora.com/hd-microfinish-powder-P210400?skuId=1510247
www.covergirl.com/eye-makeup/mascara/lashblast-volumizing-mascara
www.annabelle.ca/en/kohl-eyeliner/
www.annabelle.ca/en/products/eyes/eyebrow-liner?gclid=CIew9v7K17gCFaZaMgodllEASw

What's a girl to do?

2013-07-28T10:31:00.000-04:00

So a few weeks back I found myself on my own. Probably the first time in, well, forever.
So I ask you...what's else was I supposed to do except eat all the things I shouldn't.

First because no one was around to ask me "mom, is that on your diet?"

Second, because I didn't have to share (coz mama didn't raise no fool!)

So I baked MYSELF a chocolate cake and I watched TV the entire weekend. It was fabulous.

For those who don't know me. I don't watch TV. Well, I watch about 3 shows, but that's it! This was a treat.

Me and the Lazyboy were well acquainted by Sunday.

So first on the list was the chocolate cake.

Since January I have been following a strict diet of no dairy, no sugar, no gluten, and no processed foods.

I found this recipe on Pinterest (of course) and it comes close to being perfect except the sugar in the chocolate ....but, oh well....into everyone's life a little sugar must fall!

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Recipe courtesy of http://eat-love-and-be-happy.com

8 eggs
11 oz chocolate (at least 50% cocoa, I used 75%)
1 tbsp vanilla/2 tbsp rum (I used rum)
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C (350 F)
Melt chocolate and salt over a bain marie
Separate egg whites from yolks. Beat yolks, then add slightly cooled melted chocolate, rum or vanilla and stir.
Beat egg whites then, carefully incorporate them in the chocolate mixture
Line a cake pan with baking paper (I used a spring form pan so not necessary, but did spray with cooking spray just in case)
Pour in mixture and bake for 10-15 minutes or until cake's surface is firm to touch but still soft.
After cooling, place in the fridge for several hours.

Serve drizzled with warm caramel and whipped coconut cream!

Perfect for a girl's night in.

Oh and I had my cake and ate it too as I sat and watched Under the Tuscan Sun. One of my favorites.

Dreaming of one day stumbling upon a Tuscan villa, while eating chocolate cake, what's not to love.

My first weekend without my kids turned out to be not so bad afterall.

Mom's need a little indulgence every once in awhile.

It's been so long...

2013-07-27T11:14:00.000-04:00

It's been so long, where do I start. How about I just skip the past 2 years and start today. Start fresh, start again. I like that idea. A sense of renewal, a new beginning. In fact that just about sums up my life completely at the moment...a new beginning.

Without getting deep, sentimental sad and perhaps a bit boring, I will just say that I have spent the last 2 years finding myself. Recreating myself and coming to a lot of decisions. Decisions that today, I can say I am very proud of and really happy with. I have found myself again and I couldn't be happier.

On that note, there a few things in life that just make me so happy, and one of those things is Coconut. The smell of coconut just make me think that I am on a beach, somewhere tropical.

The sun is shining in Ottawa right now, but I can't be on a beach somewhere tropical today, so I will bring the tropics here.

This is a wonderful recipe I found on Pinterest for Coconut Raspberry Ice Cream.

Go on, have it for breakfast, it's healthy and I won't tell a soul!

Coconut Raspberry Ice Cream
Recipe courtesy of http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/vegan-coconut-raspberry-ice-cream/

2 cans of chilled Coconut Milk
3/4 cup of sugar (I would use less next time)
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup of raspberries (fresh or frozen)

*Place the cans of coconut milk in the fridge the night before.

Place coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla in a blender. Blend until combined.

Churn in an ice cream maker.

In the last few minutes of churning add the raspberries.

Serve immediately or freeze the leftovers (ha!) for later.

P.S. It's good to be back!

P!nk - Glitter In The Air (GRAMMYs on CBS)

2011-03-29T21:16:00.002-04:00

I have posted this before, but felt inspired to do it again tonight.

Enjoy!

2011-03-14T15:40:00.000-04:00

I love this!!!

Get yours today.

It's a free download at Becky Higgins

3 colours to choose from and several sizes.

Too cute!

2011-03-11T08:31:00.002-05:00

Thinking of my West Coast friends today, and of course the people of Japan.

The images that we all woke up to this morning are so heartbreaking and terrifying.

I am not one for praying, but this just may call for a prayer or two today.

Stay safe, xoxo

Happy Belated Pancake Tuesday!!!

2011-03-09T09:47:00.000-05:00

I couldn't let the day go by without a little taste from my childhood.

Crepes with orange juice and sugar.....life is good (even on Weight Watchers)

"Nut-Free" Granola Bars

2011-03-09T09:43:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since I shared a recipe with you.

Things around here have been a little out of whack, to say the least.

I did want to share a recipe with you all today though.

My apologies in advance for not knowing where I found this recipe, so I am unable to give credit where credit is due.

This recipe is for a "nut-free" granola bar.

I would like to dedicate this to Patrik.

Patrik is the son of my new friend Gabi, who spent time in the hospital yesterday due to an allergic reaction to peanuts.

Someone in his class at school had a nut product in their lunch and it caused poor little Patrik a lot of grief.

So here is a really easy, great tasting, economical, "nut-free" granola bar that your kids will love!

They also make a great "sport" bar.

I made them in the height of hockey season, kept a bag of them in the freezer and my kids just grabbed one on their way to the rink.....perfect little energy bars!

Add chocolate chips if you like too for extra "energy".

Don't be a Nut Granola Bars

2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/4 cup whole flax seeds

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut

1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup raisins

1/4 cup dried cranberries

2 tbsp sunflower seeds

2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

3/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup honey

1 egg, beaten

1/3 cup melted butter

1/3 cup mashed banana

2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Grease 9 x 13 pan

Combine oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, flax seeds, cinnamon, flour, raisins, dried cranberries, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and salt. Mix and form a well in the middle.

In a medium bowl, whisk honey, egg, melted butter, banana and vanilla.

Pour honey mixture into the well, and mix well.

Pat granola dough into greased pan. You may need to grease your fingers a little, so you don't end up wearing most of it!

Bake for 24 mintues for chewy bars

Cool in the pan for 5 minutes and cut into bars while still warm.

Makes 16, granola bar sized bars

Enjoy!!!

Books

2011-02-22T09:36:00.001-05:00

So I told you last week I have become a book addict.

Well, I have read 3 books in the past 2 weeks, and just about to finish my fourth.

As my little guy has been laid up on the couch, I have been right beside him with book (ereader) in hand.

I have loved snuggling up with him and it's been a great chance for me to try to relax during this very stressful time.

The books:

Sarah's Key

This book is really well written, considering the difficult subject matter.

It takes place in Paris in 1942 during the German occupation.

It is an amazing, moving, and at times horrific and very disturbing, story about the strength of a young Jewish girl.

It is so touching, however I did have to put the book down, wipe the tears and try to find the courage to begin again.

It is so well written that you just have to find that courage to keep reading because you just have to know what happens next.

Even though it was hard to read at times, I really loved this book.

Next:

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

This one didn't pull me in as much as Sarah's Key, but nonetheless it was another good read.

Next:

Never Let Me Go

This one was a weird one for me, because it had a bit of a Sci-Fi type twist. I saw the trailer on TV for the movie. It left me wondering what it was all about, so I decided to read the book. It was another good one, but a strange concept.

Currently, I am reading

Secret Daughter

I am loving this book.

I can honestly say, for this month anyway, reading has become my passion.

Anyone want to do an online Book Club???

We can't meet at each others houses and discuss the monthly read over wine and cheese, but we could do it by email.

Let me know if you're interested.

All this reading has unfortunately, taken me away from scrapbooking and photography my other passions, but I am beginning to feel the urge for something crafty...perhaps recover that old chair in my hallway that begging for a new look.

Or perhaps I should just try to tidy up this house since my mom is arriving tomorrow.

She changed her flight to come here 2 weeks earlier to give me a hand.

See, we are never too old to need our mamas!

She's coming to look after her baby, so her baby (me) can look after mine.

Better get cracking....happy Tuesday (which feels like a Monday) everyone!

Project: Simplify

2011-02-21T12:39:00.003-05:00

I thought this looked like something I need.

Check out Simplemom.net, an new project that starts March 7.

It's all about simplifying and decluttering.

Since those two words describe my world to a T....I am jumping on board.

Each week a Hot Spot in your house will be posted and its your job throughout the week to declutter, simplify, in other words, tidy up the joint!

You can post your before and after photos on the link that is provided over at Simplemom.net.

You can click on the button on the side of my blog to learn more.

But since I might be moving in a few months, and will no doubt be down sizing, the time has come for me to get rid of some j~~unk~~ treasures!

I can't wait for this project to begin!

Now if only I could motivate myself just a little to get a head start....or is that cheating?

2011-02-20T10:52:00.001-05:00

It's been a long 2 weeks since my little guy was diagnosed with HSP.

But, today he woke up and jumped all over me. A far cry from each morning before when he woke up crying in pain.

He even walked to the bathroom on his own this morning.

Things are finally turning around I think. I hope!

It's still a long road ahead, but I think I can see the light!

As promised last week...The Beaver Tail.

This one has Nutella and powdered sugar.

However, my favorite is cinnamon and sugar with a squeeze of lemon. Heaven!!

Here's the recipe:

Beaver Tails

1/2 cup warm water

5 tsp active dry yeast

1 pinch of sugar

1 cup warm milk

1/3 cup of sugar

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1/3 vegetable oil

5 cups whole wheat flour

oil for frying

Toppings of your choice

Directions

In a large bowl, stir yeast, warm water and the pinch of sugar.

Let it stand until the yeast is nice and bubbly and happy!

Add the sugar, milk, vanilla, eggs, oil and salt.

Stir until smooth

Mix half of the flour, stir.

Gradually mix the rest of the flour.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes. Add a bit of flour if too sticky.

Place dough in an oiled bowl and cover.

Dough should double in size in approximately 35 minutes.

Lightly deflate the dough and pinch off a golf ball sized piece of dough.

Roll the dough into an oval shape on a floured surface.

Cover with a tea towel and continue with the rest of the dough.

You can freeze the beaver tails at this stage if you wish, or use the dough to make something else (like Monkey Bread).

Heat approximately 4 inches of oil in a heavy pan. A good temperature is 375 degrees.

Stretch the dough and flatten before placing in hot oil.

Fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side.

Fry one at a time to prevent the oil from dropping in temperature, which would result in soggy, greasy beaver tails, rather than crisp and tender.

Carefully, remove beaver tails from oil and place on a paper towel before topping with your favorite flavours.

I made about 6 beaver tails. 3 of which are still in the freezer ready to fry up for a quick treat.

With the left over dough, I made Monkey Bread....for my house full of monkeys!!

For the monkey bread, divide the remaining dough into small balls.

Roll each ball in melted butter, and then into a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

Place randomly in a greased bundt pan.

Let it raise again until the dough balls double in size.

Bake at 325 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.

Invert on a cooling rack and enjoy!

2011-02-12T11:00:00.001-05:00

It's Saturday and my big boys have gone skating on the canal.

For those of you that don't know, we live in Ottawa, home of the world's largest skating rink, The Rideau Canal.

Ottawa is also famous for the "Beaver Tail".

Not the Whale Tail, that's probably a whole other city!

The Beaver Tail!!!

What is a Beaver Tail you ask.

It's like a huge, flat doughnut that resembles the shape of a beaver tail.

It's a flattened piece of dough that is fried and then topped with all things wonderful, like cinnamon and sugar or nutella.

It's a "must" for anyone visiting Ottawa.

Since I am house bound with my sick little lamb, I feel the need to bake or make something.

Anything to avoid having to clean the house or do laundry!

My little lamb is heartbroken that he can't go skating, but I know, really it all about the Beaver Tail.

So, I have decided to make him a Beaver Tail (or 10), right here at home.

A whole batch just for him.

They are sure to make him feel better!

I will be sure to post photos and recipe later today.

Warning: this will not be a Weight Watchers recipe!

Here I go, wish me luck!

2011-02-10T09:16:00.001-05:00

Oh what a night!

I can honestly say there is no worse feeling in the world, than when a loved one is sick.

Especially, when that loved one is your 6 year old child.

Last night my little lamb was taken to hospital and diagnosed with HSP.

I know, I had never heard of it either.

HSP stands for Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura

Essentially, it's an inflammation in the blood vessels and/or capillaries.

It usually happens in children ages 2 to 11 and is more common in boys.

The cause is unknown and it's not contagious.

It is believed it's an abnormal response of the immune system.

On Tuesday evening after a lively game of mini-sticks (in my living room I might add), my little lamb complained of a sore foot. After my careful examination I noticed a small bruise and slight swelling on the arch of his foot.

After a little rest and some ice he seemed okay. Although limped a bit as he walked.

He then started saying his arm hurt and his wrist hurt, etc.

I just chalked it all up to the good old hockey game.

He woke up around 4am complaining of a sore throat and said his arms and legs hurt and he couldn't sleep because of the pain.

A dose of Advil did the trick, and we were all back to the land of nod.

The next morning he said "remember I am not going to school today". I then started to think something was a little fishy and honestly, sad to say, thought he was making everything up.

He stayed home and we cuddled on the couch all day.

He seemed fine, no fever, and ate normally.

This brings me to last night.

His brother had his final game of the season last night and we took him to the rink. My little guy was all set to play mini sticks with his buddies.

In the car on the way home, he began to cry, complaining how much his arms and legs hurt.

Once home my husband looked him over, said he was fine and we both, once again chalked it up to being tired after a grueling game of mini-sticks.

Then it was my turn, I went over to my little lamb as he lay on the couch and I looked at his legs. He had bright red bumpy dots all over the lower part of his legs. Then I noticed lumps protruding from under his skin.

I asked hubby if he had noticed this minutes earlier, but he hadn't.

Almost before my eyes lumps started appearing under his skin, the size of golf balls.

It was terrifying.

I began to panic, we all began to panic. I was crying, he was crying, we were all crying.

He was whisked away to hospital where he stayed until 130am. After a battery of blood and urine work he was able to come home, with nothing more than Advil.

He was so brave!

There is no treatment for this strange unheard of virus. It's a matter of waiting for the swelling of the joints to go down, so he can walk comfortably. We were told, as well, that once the symptoms disappear, it will likely reoccur within 3 months.

He will have to be closely monitored, with weekly visits to the doctor because the danger here is, that it affects the kidneys and bowels. It can actually cause kidney failure, intestinal bleeding or obstruction, and in rare cases, death if it attacks the central nervous system.

When I tucked him into bed last night, I leaned over to kiss him goodnight. My hair fell down over my face and his.

He looked up at and said "mom you look like Lady Ga Ga with your hair like that".

As I walked back to my bedroom I was left wondering if that was a good thing or bad.

At the end of a terrifying night I was nice to end it with a little giggle.

2011-02-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

Today was weigh in day.

The good news is, I lost 2 lbs this week.

This even included a piece of KFC on Superbowl Sunday, thanks to hubby (who likes me chubby), and a sliver of homemade apple pie with ice cream.

All in all, I think I did pretty well.

I think the key has been drinking lots of herbal tea.

I had read somewhere once that to curb your cravings, drink a cup of green tea and the cravings will subside.

It worked for me, this week anyway.

I have to share a wonderful website I found completely by accident.

I haven't tried the recipes yet, but they look delish!

You can find it here at www.skinnytaste.com

It's grocery day today so I do plan on making one or two of the recipes this week.

Perhaps the Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry.

I will be sure to let you know how it looks and tastes.

Have a great day everyone, thanks for stopping by!

2011-02-08T11:57:00.002-05:00

Just back from Physio and I must say I am finally seeing an improvement.

I have good days and bad, which they assure me is perfectly normal.

You see, I am nursing an injury from a car accident that occurred in 1993.

This chronic pain in my neck (literally) has been 18 years in the making.

Recently, this pain has pretty much consumed me in every way possible, so it was time to deal with it, again

Today we ventured into the world of Acupuncture.

Acupuncture rocks!

I am not afraid of needles, so that's the first hurdle over with.

However there is something a tad "off putting" about someone sticking them in your head.

Plus a "not" so great experience with this ancient technique has left me a little apprehensive.

However, desperate times called for desperate measures, and today was the day to suck it up!

Let me back track for a moment and tell you a little story from my past, because I know you're dying to know about my not so great experience right?

One weekend, while visiting my parents in Vancouver, back in 1998, I decided that it was time again to address this little issue of mine.

Me and my dad got in the car and drove to Vancouver's downtown east side (East Hastings to be exact).

He had heard from a friend of a highly recommended Acupuncturist, known to cure just about anything, even Cancer.

We arrived at the location and found the tiniest little store front.

It was like we had stepped back in time and found ourselves in ancient China.

We stepped in and were surrounded by bottles and jars from floor to ceiling containing leaves and roots and strange looking plants.

It was dark, and had a strange medicinal smell.

We slowly walked to the center of the store and were greeted by a little man wearing a white lab coat.

He pointed for me to enter a room at the back of the store which was separated by a curtain hanging in the doorway.

When I went into the room it was like I was back in 1998 again.

Everything was white and clean and sterile. Completely different from the other room.

My dad waited in the other room for me, I often wondered what he did in the there as he waited.

Before I knew it I had needles in my hands, my head, my neck and my shoulders.

Hundred's of them, thousands maybe.

Things were good, until the little man in the white lab coat decided to wiggle each needle, making sure they were hitting each trigger point just so.

I began to howl, and whine and just couldn't take it anymore.

My dad barged through the curtain to see what the little man was doing to me and told him to stop.

Before I knew it, the needles were out and I was laying on my back, eyes closed and feeling dizzy.

I opened my eyes to find the little man hands were hovering about a foot over my body, in circular motions.

The faster he moved, the dizzier I became.

This went on for several minutes and then he stopped.

He nodded and pointed me to the door.

My treatment was finished.

No more dizziness, no more neck, head or shoulder pain.

Like a miracle, I was cured.

I guess it really wasn't a bad experience, because the end result was relief and comfort.

Lets just call it a strange experience.

Anyway, I am back at it, since, in all my years, it really is the only thing that worked!

So there you have it, my long winded story of why I think Acupuncture rocks!

Amen!

2011-02-07T14:01:00.003-05:00

Black Heel to Tractor Wheels
by Ree Drummond (aka The Pioneer Woman)

I finished the book. It was so great!!!

I highly recommend it to anyone who believes in true love.

It just so happens that I am married to a guy who's childhood dreams were to play in the NHL or be a bullrider.

So I kinda have a cowboy of my own.

Although he never quite did either one of those things.

Perhaps I should write a book of my own!

For those of you who don't believe in true love, read it anyway.

I laughed out loud. I mean it, I really I did.

Out loud!

I cried.

I laughed again

I did not want this book to end, ever.

Please please please Ree, write another!

I have also just read that the book is being made into a movie....woohoo, with Reese Witherspoon cast as Ree.

Please don't tell me I was the last to know this.

Can't wait to see who gets to play the Marlboro Man!!!

2011-02-06T11:12:00.000-05:00

So, I am back on the coffee band wagon.

I blame my husband.

He keeps walking by me with a Starbucks and I just can no longer resist.

That sweet aroma drove me to the breaking point. From the coffee, not hubby!

The good news is, I can only handle one cup vs. the 4-5 that I was used to.

So tea is still my friend.

One other note, I joined Weight Watchers, again. I think this will be my 5th time over the course of 20 years.

This time I am doing it online and it's awesome.

They have a new program which allows you to eat way more than before and still lose weight.

One week in and I am down 4lbs. and really not minding the program at all.

My battle with the bulge has always been just that....a battle.

I always have that extra 10lbs just hanging around causing me grief.

Anyway, a couple of summers ago my mom introduced me to a great diet program, which we followed and I lost 34lbs. My mom did great too!

I felt so amazing. I could have conquered the world.

It still amazes me how I have always allowed my weight to restrict me. It's prevented me from living my life.

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't because of physical restrictions, but rather, mental restrictions.

I had no confidence.

Losing the weight gave me a sense of freedom and the ability to do anything I wanted to do.

Silly really that we, as woman or society in general, place these types of restrictions upon ourselves, based on how we look.

Obviously, back then I had more that just the 10lbs to lose.

I was still carrying baby weight.

Well that's what I told everyone anyway, even though my baby was 4.

Long story short I kept most of the weight off for almost 2 years. Slowly, it crept back on....ever so slowly my jeans got tighter and my muffin tops got bigger.

I blame this on being home and not working, baking, cooking, Christmas and lots of chocolate.

After complaining so much that my clothes were too tight, I had to go shopping.

At the mall, I wondered around and hated every minute.

It was so frustrating.

I went in there with a size 6-8 mentality, only to find my a size 10-12 reality.

Where? How?

What the $#@%????

Not a happy experience for me, but it was the kick in the big butt that I needed.

So my friends, this brings me to today.

Weight Watchers is my new reality, but it's not so bad.

It's actually, quite painless!

4 down, 10 to go!!!

Size 8 here I come!!!

Again!!!

2011-02-04T09:33:00.002-05:00

You will have to excuse me. I have been suffering from a major case of writers block.

I feel that days go by so fast, with little time to sit and write.

Today, it was my number one priority to sit and see what words spilled out.

I decided to share with you a couple of things that I am really loving right now.

The first one is my Sony eReader http://sonystyle.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=100803&storeId=20153&langId=200&productId=8198552921666257815

This is what Santa brought me for Christmas, I am such a lucky girl, sometimes!

I have all of a sudden I have become a bookworm.

The dangerous thing about this little beauty is that you don't even have to leave your house. You want a new book, you just download one.

It's very dangerous....be warned.

I suppose the downside is, that I am missing out on one of my favorite things to do, and that is wander around Chapters.

Suppose I could still do that, after all, there's still plenty of cookbooks to be had (wouldn't want those on the eReader).

The second thing is, after having the flu last week (keep reading, that's not the thing I love) I am totally "off" coffee.

It's not that coffee made me sick in the first place, it's just usually that's the first sign that I am not well.

I love my coffee....I would marry Starbucks if I could.....if I wasn't all ready spoken for that is....

But lately, my love for coffee has fallen by the wayside.

Instead, it's all about tea.

I found this great tasting tea at Winners.

It's Saffron Tea by Taja Tea.

Saffron Tea with Mango actually, and it's tastes really good.

Here's a link so you can see what it looks like. http://steepster.com/teas/taja-tea/12142-saffron-fusion-tea

Okay so here's the part that I get all preachy, but for the record, I am not a doctor or nutritionist (shocking, I know).

I am simply passing on what I have come to learn from doing a little surfing the web, oh and reading the box it came in.

Saffron is an all natural ancient herbal remedy and the most expensive spice in the world.

Saffron offers a variety of health benefits and has been used in ancient medicine over four millennia.

Saffron can be used for:

Antioxidant
Anti-depressant and relaxant
Promotes happiness
Better mood
Treat acne and skin diseases
Anti cancer and tumor agent
Curing respiratory problems such as asthma
Reduce inflammation
PMS
Insomnia
Stimulate circulation
Reduce cholesterol
Aphrodisiac for Impotency

DO NOT USE WHILE PREGNANT or nursing.

As I said before, I am not a doctor, so as like anything else, use at your own risk.

Maybe in a year from now I will start grow an extra arm or leg from all this Saffron Tea that I am drinking.

Who knows, but for now I am enjoying it's great taste and soothing quality.

Now, if you will excuse me it's back to my couch and my book.

I am just starting The Pioneer Woman's book "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels"

If you don't know who The Pioneer Woman is, you should check out her blog. Her link is just over there to the right, on my blog.

She's fabulous. Great giveaways, great recipes, funny stories. Just wonderful!! I love P-Dub!!!

One other note: Gabi.....can you hurry up and get moved in already....I am missing you!!! Hope it's all going well!! xoxo

2011-01-23T09:27:00.000-05:00

Good morning Winter......nice of you to join us.....now please go away!!!

Current Weather Updated: Sun, Jan. 23, 2011, 8:00 EST - Ottawa Airport

-25

°C

Clear

Feels Like: -39
Wind: NW 30km/h
Sunrise: 7:32
Sunset: 16:56

Relative Humidity: 57%
Pressure: 102.08 kPa
Visibility: 24.0 km
Ceiling: unlimited

Yours truly,

Wondering why I don't live in California

2011-01-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

So, Christmas is over, the New Year has begun, and all of my resolutions have already been forgotten.

Why do we do that to ourselves?

We wait for the New Year to start fresh.

We have great hopes, dreams and expectations for a new beginning.

And then BAM!

We set ourselves up for failure, adding a ton of pressure to our already hectic lives.

Then we punish ourselves for failing and we eat lots and lots of chocolate!

Perhaps I am just talking about myself here, this is probably why I haven't written in awhile.

I have been in a bit of a New Year slump.

I had great ideas of how I wanted to look and feel, and how I think my household will run smoother if I do this or that.

But the reality is, I feel exhausted from all this planning and life is passing me by.

3 weeks into the new year and I haven't done a thing.

So this morning I woke up and decided not to stress about my resolutions, but to enjoy the moments of each day.

Don't worry if your $200 Lulu Lemon outfit still has the tags on.

Don't worry if you have piles of clutter on your dining room table.

Don't worry that there's hockey equipment drying on your living floor.

Don't worry that your house smells like a locker room.

Don't worry if you haven't swept the floor, put the laundry away, emptied the dishwasher, or made the beds yet.

Stop, take a deep breath, and think about all the great, amazing moments that have happened today.

Here's are a few of those great, amazing moments of my day, so far:

Loving that I set the alarm for 10 minutes earlier so we weren't so rushed this morning.

Loving that I woke up with my 2 babies in my bed.

Loving that I watched them both sleep and took in every detail of their beautiful faces.

Loving that the extra 10 minutes allowed for lots of kisses and cuddles.

Loving that Connor pretended he was sleeping so I would kiss him more.

Loving that it snowed last night and everything looks sparkly and clean outside.

Loving that I have a steaming, hot, cup of Starbucks coffee, made from the beans I bought yesterday, and it tastes great and literally soothes my soul.

Loving that it's Friday and that means homemade pizza and a movie tonight.

Loving that the task for the first day of our Advent Calendar was to plant bulbs and that they have turned into this:

and this:

Enjoy the great, amazing moments of your day.

I am sure you will find it's full of them!

2010-12-22T09:18:00.000-05:00

Feeling frazzled, how about you?

Today, I am not doing a thing!! Well, maybe baking.....but that's it.

Well, maybe a little menu planning and grocery list making....but that's it!

Well, maybe doing a bit of laundry, cleaning the kitchen, cleaning out the fridge and wrapping presents.....but that's it!

See even when I try to do nothing, I just can't help myself.

Hope you are all having fun and into the holiday spirit!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Sugar Cookies

2010-12-12T10:31:00.002-05:00

Sugar Cookies for Santa

I am not a big fan of sugar cookies, because after all, if chocolate isn't involved, what's the point?

So, I really don't make them or eat them, and for that, my jeans are thankful!!!

However, I thought it might be fun to try to make them, and ice them, and let the boys do all the dirty work.

So we did it, we made the cookies and I just had to eat a couple.

I mean, who am I kidding, butter and sugar just calling my name like that!

Besides, I am weak and have no willpower.

I am a ~~firm~~ believer that willpower is for January, not December!

Here's a photo of how ours turned out.

One question, how much red food colouring does it take to get red icing?

Vanilla-Almond Sugar Cookies

3 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup sugar
2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter
1 egg
3/4 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine flour and baking powder in a bowl and set aside. Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and extracts and mix. Gradually add flour mixture and beat until just combined. Dough will be crumbly, so knead it together to form a ball, for rolling. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out shapes. Lay on a parchment lined baking sheet and put in the freezer for 5 minutes before baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes and cool completely before icing.

Royal Icing

4 tbsp merinque powder
scant 1/2 cup water
1 lb icing sugar
1/2 - 1 tsp light corn syrup
few drops of a clear extract

Whip together to form not quite stiff peaks, shouldn't take long. I had to add more water.

Divide icing into bowls for colouring. Then place some of the coloured icing in piping bags to outline your cookies.

Once the cookies have been outlined, thin the remaining icing with water for "flooding" or filling in your outlined cookies.

Decorate with sprinkles or coloured sugar

Enjoy (your jeans may not be happy, but you will)!

2010-12-09T10:11:00.000-05:00

I found this link this morning and thought it was really cute.

I think my boys will love it.

Perhaps even my 9 year old, non-believer, just might like it!!!

http://magicsanta.ca

Enjoy!

2010-12-06T09:54:00.002-05:00

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?

Mother Nature not helping you out?

Then give her a hand and create your own.

I am not sure where I found this idea, but I just wanted to share with you a fun and easy decorating project, that the kids will love to make.

Instead of making paper snowflakes for your windows, why not create snow flurries!

All you need is some strands of dental floss, sticky labels and a hole circle punch.

Punch circles from the sticky labels, peel the label halfway and insert the dental floss, press to stick.

Before you know it your strand of floss will be filled with little "snow" circles, ready to hang in your windows.

With the slightest breeze they will flutter and create a beautiful little snowy display.

Just in case you don't get enough of the real stuff that is!