Saturday, April 30, 2011

Party party!!!

Wow what a day!  Two parties, amazing weather, great company and tons of fun!  Who can ask for more?  Here are the pictures of both parties.  The first was a fairy-Easter party at Shell park in Oakville.  It was so well done, my kids will be talking about it till next year.  Columbia you are an Angel sent down from heaven for my kids!  They are so in love with you and your energy :D 

The second party was a baby shower for my lovely friend Emily, Annaliese came with me (no boys allowed).  It was so adorable with all the games and Annaliese was in heaven- being the only kid- she had so much attention lavished on!  Perfect for her pre-birthday warm up!  (ie: Tomorrow Annaliese turns 5!!! - I can't beleive I had her five years ago... it flew by!)

Kids and me decorating the Easter baskets!

"Yay!" they are happy!

Annaliese and her friend Leila making their baskets!

All ready to hunt for eggs.

And they are off.....


Checking out the loot!

Not guilty... at all...


Face painting!  (I personally am totally creeped out by the look... but he loved it!)


Posing at the baby shower. 

Helping out Emily.  She was so happy to get so much attention at the party! 

One of the prizes.  This was full of chocolate and I managed to give away at least half.  Surprisingly Annaliese was happy to share the candy!  Hope for the future.

Friday, April 29, 2011

I Need a Break!

In case you are wondering I suck at being pregnant.  All day long the right lower part of my whole body has been hurting and aching and in pain.  Starts from my upper back and slices all the way down the side and back of my right leg, down my calf and ends (happily) in my Achilles heal! Also, I have been so ridiculously tiered that I've been falling asleep while reading the boys their nap and nighttime stories. It's stupid really, why can't I give myself a break! "Sure you're pregnant... put your feet up!  ***snort** HA HA!!!!***"

If I put my feet up, do you know what would happen around here? Any idea?  Well for starters, nothing to eat, no place to walk because of all the stuff the kids leave around, laundry will stay unfolded and un-put away, diapers wouldn't get changed, kids would fight and possibly maim themselves (multiple times over), counters would get gross, dishes piling up, table crummbly and sticky, floor disgusting... and you get the picture.  So all day long I have been on the go with this terrible pain in my butt!  har har... I'm sure I've looked really cute striking a bizarre stretch pose, but all this and still nothing.  I'm sitting in my bed now on my netbook and still I'm trying to stretch and I can't fix this.  See how much I complain... Not a good prego today!  And if I'm being totally honest I had two (not one!) two bowls of ice cream! 

Do you know what I fantasize about?  Being in a luxury hotel, by myself for a whole entire weekend.  Where I don't have to cook, clean or look after anyone.  I can marinate in the hot tub, lie around a sauna and swim in a pool.  I would take a long luxurious nap and read a book, or two.  And truly enjoy the peace and quiet.  That by the way is the "happy place" I go too while in relaxation.  I know I'll never get the real thing, but as long as I have a very vivid and rich imagination I can keep that happy place alive in me and recharge when I need too!

Like now...  see ya!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Last of the Amazons

It was such a random book for me to start reading, I snagged it at the St.Christopher's rummage sale (so it was basically free).  Based on the title and nothing else, I assumed it would be some type of historical fiction. Which I love to read, but haven't read in a really long time.  I've been reading so much "information" type books that it was a nice break for my brain to just -watch- a story unfold.  Steven Pressfield is the author, and I don't know anything about him, other than he has 2 more books (historical fiction) and I'm now going to look around and see if I can find them at the library. 

The book was amazing, twice I  found myself sniffing back tears (which is rare for me - however I guess I am pregnant)... and other times I was sitting on the edge of my seat.  I will say that if you read the reviews, people either love it or hate his writing style.  I didn't mind it very much.  My standards are pretty fair though, if the writing doesn't get in the way of the story (or the movie I'm watching in my mind)... than it's good writing.  I don't think I read much, and if I find myself reading the words than that means I'm "not that into the book".  Let me clarify that last statement "I don't read much".  I think reading means putting together sounds to make out words, I think that by this time in my life I more of less recognize words and they fly at me at super speeds.  Annaliese is learning to read.  I sort of "watch" the story unfold by recognizing a few letters and patterns in words.

I can't wait for my kids to experience this sort of "story telling".  They love reading books now and that is awesome. They look at the pictures and make up stories.  Annaliese is actually sounding out words now and finding patterns.  I'm not sure they are teaching her that at school (sheesh they haven't even made it through writing all the letters of the alphabet yet!  So I guess it's possible for a 5 year old to teach herself to read.  Apparently my brother did, so Annaliese is following in mon oncle Jay's footsteps.  I would be proud if she did!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Chi chi CHIA!!!

The chia seed is one of my favorite "super foods" I try to add it to just about anything I can think of.  It is just that, a seed!!!, and thus is a power house of nutrition. They are about the size of poppy seeds and can be found at just about any health food store (including bulk at Bulk barn).  However I originally bought it because I learned that it could decrease the glycymic index of anything I added it too, because it slows the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. (which is a bonus when you are trying to lose weight!) Now, however, I use it more for its protein, oil and fiber content.  It is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which I am always looking for ways to get into my kids (to promote healthy brain development).

Here is a list of vitamins and minerals this seed contrain: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B15, B17, C, D, E, K, choline, folic acid, inositol, boron, calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorous, potassium, silicon, sodium, strontium, sulphur, zinc, amylose (a slow-burning starch helpful in treating hypoglycemia), and electrolytes. (It is also a source of antioxidants)

Chia has a very good ratio of omega-3 oil to omega-6 oil; with 20-30% protein, 35% oil, 25% fiber.

Here are a list of "raw" recipe's I found on a chia website:  Check them out and if you fancy any- give it a try and let me know what you think.  I've made a few of these in the past.  However I tend to use chia as a "sprinkle" on foods.  The kids add it to their oatmeal and cereal every morning and I always add it to my smoothies! 

Basic Chia Seeds Gel
Chia
Water
Mix 1/3-cup chia seeds to 2 cups water. Stir. This is the 'basic gel' recipe that can be stored in your fridge and used as required.


Sweet Shortbread Chia
4-5 tbsps chia seeds2 cups fresh apple juice
2 tbsp lucuma powder
1/4 cup dried mulberries
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
Soak the chia seeds in the apple juice. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Leave to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming.


'Chia Fresca'
2 tsp chia seeds10oz pure water
juice of one lemon or lime
agave syrup or raw honey to taste
This is still a popular drink in modern-day Mexico. Simply stir the ingredients together and enjoy.


Fruity Chia
3 small or 2 big apples
8 dates, pits removed
4-5 tbsp chia seeds1/4 cup dried mulberries
Blend the apples and six of the dates together. Transfer that mixture into a bowl and stir in the chia seeds and mulberries. Chop down the remaining 2 dates into pieces and stir those in too. Leave to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming.


Bana-paya Chia
1 banana
3/4 cup papaya flesh
6 dried Turkish figs
4-5 tbsp chia seeds, ground
Blend the banana and papaya flesh together. Put the figs in this mixture and leave it to soak overnight. Blend the whole mixture, including the figs, the next day. Stir in the ground chia seeds. Serve.



Green Chia
8 dried prunes, soaked in 1 pint pure water
1 tbsp spirulina powder
1/3 cup chia seeds
Drain off most of the prune soak water and put the chia seeds to soak in the prune soak water. Blend together the prunes with the spirulina and a small amount of the soak water. Stir the spirulina/prune mixture into the soaked chia seeds. Leave the chia to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming.



Chia Gel 'Muesli'
1 cup of basic chia gel
2 bananas, mashed with a fork
1 tbsp lucuma powder
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
Mix together the ingredients in a bowl with a fork and eat.


Persi-nana Chia
4-5 tbsp chia seeds
1-2 bananas
1-2 persimmons
1tsp maca
1 tsp cinnamon
handful of goji berries
handful of pumpkin seeds
Blend together the bananas and persimmons. Pour out the mixture into a bowl. Stir in the chia seeds, maca, cinnamon, gojis and pumpkin seeds. Leave the chia to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming.


Raw 'Rice Pudding'
4-5 tbsp chia seeds
2 cups almond milk
raw honey or agave syrup to taste
Combine the ingredients to your taste. Leave the chia to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming. You can also add other flavours like vanilla, cinnamon or cardamom.



Cream Cheese
Flesh of three avocadoes
9 dates
juice of 1 or 2 lemons
big handful of dulse seaweed
Blend.



Banana-nut Bread
2 cups vegetable juice pulp (preferably at least half carrot)
8 tbsp ground chia seeds
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup raisins
5 bananas
Mix together

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Spinash Smoothy!

Every time I take out my magic bullet I add spinach to the bottom first and then add the rest of the ingredients next.  I've been doing it for a while now and would highly recommend it to all my friends and readers!  You really can't tastes the difference and the health benefits all add up!  (*I'll post a picture as soon as I can locate my camera)

Today's Spinash Smoothy

a giant handfull of baby spinash
kefir (1/4 cup)
chia seeds (2 tsp)
my liquid iron supplement
frozen strawberries and peaches (fill to the top of cup)
greek yogourt (about a 1/4 cup)

Monday, April 25, 2011

It's Spring... Go Green!

Today we took a 1 1/2 hour detour just so we could stop at Grassroots and pick up our laundry detergents.  Two 17 Kg boxes of our favorite laundry soap for cleaning cloth diapers to our clothes!  Plus while I was there I grabbed a big brown paper bag ( Bulk) of our powder dish washer soap (I saved 25% over the regular package price), some all natural bubble bath (which I might add- does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate - SLS) and two toothpastes which are fluroride and SLS free also - all made by nature clean. 

We have been using this brand "nature clean" for about 6 years.  Basically when I found out I was pregnant with my first was when we started to do research "toxin's in the home".  By chance we watched an episode of cbc's marketplace (here is the link to the video) and it changed our overall perspective.  How could we keep living the way we were armed with this knowledge. Sooo...out when all the toxic cleaner in our basement apartment.  Well most of it went out, but when we moved we just left behind all our old cleaning products and detergents.  And from then on we sourced out the most natural and affordable cleaning and household products.  Also anytime I needed any personal cleaning/care product it was also all natural (meaning it was all plant based and contained no toxic ingredients).  It was hard at first, who doesn't love the amazing smells of certain body products, but we knew better and stop purchasing these products.

It was also hard to explain to my parents why I wouldn't use the normal "baby" products on baby Annaliese.  Companies such as Johnson and Johnson were know to contain ingredients and preservatives akin to formaldehyde (they would just list the chemical names of these ingredients) and hormone mimicking compounds, it was also brought to my attention that certain products contained ingredients that were listed in "chemical terms" and when combined created formaldehyde and other very toxic ingredients.  I wasn't taking any chances!!!

So more than 5 years ago Mark and I swore that we would only use products on our kids and ourselves that we knew what the ingredients were. 

I must admit that I only recently started to do that with my food!  crazy isn't it... But at least now we are on the same page... We know what makes up our cleaning and household products (including all personal products) and we know what makes up our food! 

If you don't believe me about toxins, don't take my word for it!! Look it up! Make the responsible choice and go green! Spring is the perfect time of year for a spring clean up! 

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Happy Easter Birthday!

I had a lovely day.  The kids woke us up at 7am and ran around the house collecting the hidden (sort of) easter eggs.  We had breakfast, went to church, made cupcakes with the kids, had lunch, took family photo's and in the afternoon Mark and I went on a date!  We drove to town just to watch a movie.  It was a romantic/drama type movie, exactly perfect for what I was in the mood for! Plus I got frozen yogourt on the way home - my ubber favorite treat when I come visit my parents up North.  The kind of frozen yogourt with the real frozen fruit they add to that giant machine with the arm... gosh I love that stuff.  When I got home my mom had turkey diner prepared and ready to eat :)  I did have a great birthday this Easter :)  Here are some photo's from the day!

checking out the easter loot!



Baking Easter cup cakes with Annaliese.

Finished product! Luke helped decorate these.

Family Photo time...


Oops.

Yes we have a Bat Baby and Woody in our family! - I couldn't get them out of those pj's!!!
Checking out my dad's toy! 



Saturday, April 23, 2011

Day 40!!! The End... served with ice cream cake!

This is it folks. Tomorrow is my birthday and Easter. So let me reflect on how I did on my goals.  I just re-read the first couple blog posts just to make sure I remember what I actually wanted to give up.  And of course I wanted to give up caffeine, gluten was sort of a bonus.  Go figure that the one thing that I try to give up ends up being something that I needed to add back into my diet (sausage finger syndrome).  And the secondary addition to my lent fast -gluten- ends up being the one that I stick to!  I didn't do to bad with the caffeine, because in my heart I know that I would mentally be able to live on decaf (as long as it's good stuff) but really what else can I do? At least through all this I have learned that I can't eat gluten without a negative reaction to it!  I don't know if I have celiac or even if I have a gluten intolerance, it could just be wheat intolerance.  But at this point who cares.  I feel great when I don''t eat gluten! I feel like crap when I do!  It seems like a simple choice to me.

 Now changing the topic... You might be aware that I have been fantasizing about ice cream cakes for the last ... ummm 2 months.  Well today my mom threw me a party and I got not one ice cream cake ...but two!!!  Well ok sure, so one was for my daughter.  Point is, I enjoyed those two cakes so much more because I haven't given in to my temptation to date.  Here are some of the picture from our family gathering. 

The kids are getting spoiled by their great-aunts and uncles! 

They all got matching leather jackets.  So cute!

Tons and tons of gifts. It was like Christmas again!


Happy Birthday to two gorgeous girls. Me 30, Annaliese 5 :D 

Mine was a Stone Cold Strawberry short cake and Annaliese's was my mom's famous Drumstick cake!

My family rocks!

Opening some of my gifts.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Day 39: Up North!

Today was fantastic, the kids are so happy here at my parents house.  Here are some pictures of what we were up too!




Sun SHINE!!!!!  






Here is a short video of the kids playing in the hot tub. 

Day 38: Spontanious Travel

The plan was, as confirmed by me about 10 times... we were going to leave in the morning. Tomorrow morning!  I wanted to leave tonight, I wanted to have the van packed and pick Mark up at school and be on our way to Sudbury!  Mark informed me that this would be a terrible idea.  So I made my plans today according to the plan that we were going to leave in the morning (tomorrow!).  I took the kids out (the boys) in the morning, and even went so far as to pull Annaliese out of school to bring her back to the indoor play gym (Patrick fell asleep in the van).  So the result, as I had planned, would be 3 very tiered children ready for bed at 6:30.  Which would have been prefect for getting the packing done and going to the gym.

So everything is going perfectly as planned, the kids are wrecked by 3:30pm, I was going to tide them over with a movie, serve them diner and ship them off to bed!  But at 4pm Mark calls me and asks politely, but with some urgency, if we could leave tonight!!!  Now I don't know if this has ever happened to you!  It was what I had wanted in the first place, but I had caved and changed my mindset to deal with what my partner thought best (since he was the one that was going to be driving)!  But this sudden change hurled me into a tizzy! " Sure of course" I said, quickly followed by "why didn't you tell me sooner!!! I could have packed while the kids were napping instead of torturing everyone by keeping them awake through naps"... Grrrr... Not to mention I had just booked an emergency Dr. apt. because my sausage finger's have come back with a vengeance.

Side note: I wonder if it could be related to the sugar I have been craving?  Just a weekish ago it was the same right? I was craving junk food and then a couple of day's later I got fat fingers again.

Back to the story.  My apt is set for 5:45pm - it is 25 minutes away!  Mark called me at 4 and told me he had a few things to finish up and then he would be home to help pack.   Well 5pm comes and goes and Mark walks in the door at 5 after! (we have to leave the house in 15 minutes!!!) in that time I have packed - well truth be told I have stuffed and jammed: clothes, diapers, pillows, blankets, favorite toys, food that will spoil (in a separate box), ummm let me see tooth paste/brushes and everything else I could think of into 4 laundry baskets.  The suitcases are on the top of the garage... what was I supposed to do, pack in garbage bags? I put Annaliese in charge of Patrick to make sure he would try to escape the house as I was loading up the van. She took her job really seriously and it was really cute to watch how well she does with responsibility (it's like for the first time in day's she didn't cry or tattle or whine) :)  Luke was playing with the ipod, so by the time Mark walked in all he had to do was pack his clothes and run and sit in the van, everyone was strapped in and ready for take off!  

Ok so we make it the Dr's on time, nothing is wrong with my BP, I don't have protein in my urine (?) and he wants me to get a ton of blood work done to see if anything is wrong with my liver or other organs... GREAT!!!  Just what I need!

Oh well.  By the time we stopped for subs and coffee we hit the road at 7pm.  The kids were all asleep by 8:30, we stopped only once in Perry Sound and made it to Sudbury by 11:10 (well actually Skead!)

And now I'm here at my parents house, and you better believe that I'm planning on sleeping in tomorrow morning!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Day 37: A Random Rant

Don't bother to read this.. (it doesn't flow well and might not make much sense). It's more a therapeutic way for me to vent my frustrations about my lack of energy and wild mood swings. And hopefully it can only get better from here!

I wake up tired, I am tired by 8:30pm and I don't want to do much in between.  Is it this bloody weather? I can feel my body starved for some real sun and heat?  How many day's has it been cold and cloudy around here?

Also my kids have all spontaneously become slightly deaf? It's like someone pushed the volume button up and then lost the remote.  They are all just a tiny bit louder and it is so irritating.  I can't even tell anymore if they are having an argument or actually just having fun!

My daughter literally walks in front door from school and crumbles.  Luke just has to look at her the wrong way and BOOM! the water works are out and drama is abound.  She is so tiered that for the last few nights her bed time has been bumped up by almost an hour and half.

The other day I caught Luke stepping on Patrick's head to climb the couch!!! Yes his HEAD???? what is that. Have they lost their brains along with their hearing?

Now me... what is wrong with me???  My morning program was canceled and I was so flustered that I couldn't form a decent plan.  I basically showed up at two of my friends houses begging for a play date (but of course... and to be expected they have lives of their own... and had other plans)... Now I'm totally mopping and sad for the rest of the ride home.   Then I get home and I start crying for joy because someone (Thank you so much Janet!) dropped off some clothes for me and I am eternally grateful. And the next minute I'm so angry that the dishwasher won't clean properly that I am practically having an argument with the dishwasher - and it's was winning because I'm in tears again!. Another incident today I'm calmly waiting in the Dr.'s waiting room; sure it was for a hour and half, I got a a good two chapters of a new book read (nice and peaceful actually) - then I can barely control my rage when I have to pay 4$ for parking (when the receptionist had accidentally put my file in the wrong spot so the Dr didn't actually know I was there).  Then later tonight Mark and I sit down and watch some old photo's and reminisce happily about the past, and somehow we realize that I've double booked something for next month and I lose it!!!  Why didn't he write it on the family calendar!!!  aghhh that's what it's for!  And now I'm not angry or sad or happy!!! I'm just so tiered!  Mark thinks Annaliese and I have been about equally ridiculously tiered and that perhaps we are fighting the same bug?  (surely she's not pregnant so that won't explain her mood swings and massive fatigue)...

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Day 36: Stress Management

Tonight I'm exhausted and so instead of wracking my brain about something to write I'm going to share a really awesome email about stress management that someone sent me (ps. I do not know the original author - if you do, send it to me and I'll post it).


Stress      
   
A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an  audience,
Raised a glass of water and asked;
'How heavy is this glass of water?'

Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't  matter.
It depends on how long you try to hold it.
If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.
If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.
If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.
In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.'

He continued,
'And that's the way it is with stress management.
If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later,
As the burden becomes increasingly heavy,
We won't be able to carry on.

'As with the glass of water,
You  have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it  again.
When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the  burden.
So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of  work or whatever is bothering you down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you're carrying now,
Let them down for a moment if you can.
'So, my friend, put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.'

Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of  life:

*  Accept that some days you're the pigeon,
And some days you're the statue.

*  Always keep your words soft and sweet,
Just in case you have to eat them.

*  Always wear stuff that will make you look good
If you die in the middle of it..

*  If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be  vague.

*  If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again,
It was probably worth it.

*  It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others.

*  Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time,
Because then you won't have a leg to stand  on.

*  Nobody cares if you can't dance well.
Just get up and dance.

*  When everything's coming your way,
You're in the wrong lane.

*  Birthdays are good for you.
The more you have, the longer you live.

*  You may be only one person in the world,
But you may also be the world to one person.

*  Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

*    We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box. 

*A  truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.  

Monday, April 18, 2011

Day 35: Struggles Lead to Growth.

Today I struggled with food, I've wanted to eat sugar and gluten.  And three times today I caved and indulged.  The first culprit was a Portugese custard desert (called Natas), the second was a small bag of "chocolate oatmeal cookies - preventia brand" and the third was a protein bar from greens plus (it had only 7 gs of sugar but included gluten in the ingredients).  I did manage to workout at the gym tonight (thanks for motivating me Sherry).  I did a 1 hour weights class followed by a sports inspired cardio class (in goodlife lingo: I did pump then attack).

About half way through the attack class, I turned to Sherry, who said to me "I'm going to hate you in the morning" and I said to her "all I can think about right now is eating a piece of Dairy Queen ice cream cake".  Which was basically code for, I don't want to be here, I feel like crap and I hate feeling like this.  Thankfully she just looked at me and laughed.  So I stayed and finally for the last 20 minutes of the hour long class I felt like myself.  I had hit my wall (DQ cake), fought through it and came out the other side feeling amazing.  When I got home I had a sensible post workout meal (leftover homemade turkey,wild rice and veggie soup) and also my hot bowl of berries and yogourt. 

I had this plan that I was going to get home early enough to watch House and maybe fold some laundry.  But instead I chatted with Mark while I was chowing down.  As lame and cheesy as it sounds we talked about how and if we make the other feel valued enough.  Do we celebrate the others accomplishments?  From what I understand about making a relationship last the long haul, the partners needed to feel valued and that would give them to drive/motivation to keep making positive changes to better the relationship.  I have to say that I've been very focused on my relationships outside the home (my friends and my interactions with new mom's) as well as really really focused on my kids, I think I was forgetting about my marriage.  Funny how a week and half after the marriage prep course that would sink in!!! 

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Palm Sunday: Slow down Mama!!! No Chance!

Today was another one of those crazy busy day's that make me glad I don't have to go to work tomorrow.  Laundry is being done (tonight hopefully we will finish the 8th load - but all that will need to be folded), the house that was cleaned on Saturday morning is already trashed, and we totally forgot to do Annaliese's homework.  That is terrible actually because she has 1 show and tell a month and we forgot that her's is Monday. 

This morning we had big pancake breakfast, followed by a very long church service (Palm Sunday), then I made lunch for everyone, I dropped Annaliese off for her playdate with a school friend, and while I was doing that Mark put the boys to bed.  I took this opportunity to head over to a friends house for some tea, the visit was way to short only about an hour and half, then I was back out the door to pick up Annaliese.  I quickly came home, changed and packed a snack to bring with us.  We were heading to hot yoga (PYC), and thank goodness for that!  Annaliese was in the little pretzels class and I was forced to slow down and put my energy in the flow. 

After the luxurious hour, it was back to the rush.  We had to get home asap because I needed to feed people (including my dad).  So it was steak on the BBQ, sauteed onions and mushrooms, steamed asparagus and roasted rosemary mini potatoes! But supper was late getting on the table, so bedtime routine was later than usual, and of course half way through we realized that we had forgotten to get Annaliese's show and tell ready for tomorrow.

By this point my nerves are shot and I want to get Annaliese to bed and worry about this project tomorrow. I wanted to write the teacher an apology note; but, Mark who teaches doesn't want to be "one of those parent's" and wants her to stay up even later to do it.  After a very heated debated (at like 8:30PM - already 1 hour past bedtime) we decided that we would take care of the picture part of the project and she would have to practice over and over in the morning. So 15 minutes later, all the kids are tucked into bed and on their way to la-la land!  Thankfully!  It's at this point that I realize we don't have "marshmallows" -obviously... it's my house.  Annaliese and I had agreed that she could bring in "des guimauves" to the kids in her class.  Since I was already in my pink satin pj pants, Mark got voluntold to go out and buy them. 

That pretty much brings us to speed.  It's 10pm, I'm drinking my tea and reflecting on my day.  I have to say that I should actually be exhausted but I'm in pretty good shape!  I think hot yoga, drinking tea with a friend and playing in my kitchen was what gave me the energy I needed.  It may appear selfish of me to "take off" from my family to do stuff for me, but honestly think of it as recharging my batteries in a productive and healthy manner! 

What do you do to recharge when you are having a "go-go, non stop kind of day"?

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Day 34: A review on my GF meal from Milestones

Today my dad drove down from Sudbury and asked if he could take me and my brother out for lunch! Mark was cool with it and I suggested Milestones because it was right across from the costco, which we needed to go to anyway.

We got there around 1:00pm and were seated right way, as soon as I opened the menu I noticed that they had a little no wheat symbol.  I asked and was immediately given a gluten free menu.  Sure the menu was small, but I was really impressed.  It's just not something that I expected.  I ordered the Grilled Mediterranean Chicken and it was to die for! I loved the fact that I didn't fill up on mashed potatoes, they served the greens and chicken stuffed with goats cheese on warmed chickpeas.  I drank a tropical green tea with my meal and at the end felt pretty good about my choice.  Not to mention happy that I didn't have to pay (thanks Dad!)

I would highly recommend this restaurant and this meal to any GF or non-GF eater's out there.  It was a great experience, a great meal and the ambiance and set up was perfect for my mood (not too brightly lit, just a very classy contemporary look with soft lines and colors). 

Friday, April 15, 2011

Day 33: Today's lunch is brought to you by the letter "O"

Can I even say that? Ahhh but my thrown together leftover lunch is proving to be an orgasm for my taste buds and I was so thrilled that I had to share, I'm eating and typing! 

I packed the kids and our snack and we played at Lil'Monkey's this morning.  This is my snack time secret, take out the veggies first, then fruit and lastly the extra's.  Today was cuccumbers, celery (which by the way I'm' still eating en-mass), cut apples and some homemade sugar free muffins.
Ham #1.

Ham #2

Ham #3 (Luke thought it was only fair to take a picture of me eating since that's what I was doing to them!)

When I got home, I was so sad to see that Mark had taken the rest of the chilli in his lunch, so I was looking around for something that I could eat and it occurred to me that I hadn't had tuna in a while.  So I grabbed some low sodium and looked at the leftovers I had from our snack! and thought "hey sure, why not" Apple and tuna is actually pretty good together!

So this is what happened.

 Clean Apple Tuna Salad

1 can of low sodium tuna
leftover celery, cucumbers and apples (diced)
one whole green onion
2 tbsp on pressed cottage cheese
2 tbsp of greek yogourt
1 tsp of agave nectar
parsley and garlic powder to taste
freshly picked chives from my garden!

with honey garlic rice chips (from Lundberg)
*** for some reason the combo of the honey chips goes totally amazing with the tiny hit of sweetness in the salad- it is perfect!!!!

The first herb of the season!

My empty herb garden waiting for annuals to be planted and already the perennials are sprouting!